text
stringlengths 75
5.79k
| meta
dict |
|---|---|
The mutagenic potencies of plant extracts containing quercetin in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100.
Four commercial ethanolic plant extracts, Tinctura Alchemillae, Extractum Crataegi, Extractum Myrtilli and Tinctura Hyperici, were tested for their mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 with and without S9 mix obtained from rats pretreated with phenobarbital. The extracts studied differed greatly in their mutagenic potencies but exhibited a very similar mutation pattern in which the strongest effect was always seen in tester strain TA98 with S9 mix. Simultaneously we investigated the extracts for the presence of quercetin and kaempferol. Only quercetin was detected in small amounts by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The fractions containing quercetin were separated and collected using a Sephadex LH-20 column. Two different methods were employed to estimate the amount of quercetin in the extracts: a colorimetric assay developed by Christ and Müller, and a complexometric method by Belikov. The quercetin concentrations ranged between 2 mg (Tinctura Alchemilla) and 89 mg (Tinctura Hyperici) per 100 g of extract. We suggest that the mutagenicity of the 4 plant extracts is mainly due to the presence of quercetin for the following reasons: (1) all the plant extracts exhibit a mutation pattern which is very similar to that of quercetin, (2) the mutagenic potential of the extracts correlates well with their quercetin content, considering the fact that plant extracts are very complex mixtures often containing toxic or antimutagenic compounds.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Europe the continent with the lowest fertility.
Although fertility rates are falling in many countries, Europe is the continent with the lowest total fertility rate (TFR). This review assesses trends in fertility rates, explores possible health and social factors and reviews the impact of health and social interventions designed to increase fertility rates. Searches were done in medical and social science databases for the most recent evidence on relevant subject headings such as TFR, contraception, migration, employment policy and family benefits. Priorities, omissions and disagreements were resolved by discussion. The average TFR in Europe is down to 1.5 children per woman and the perceived ideal family size is also declining. This low fertility rate does not seem directly caused by contraception since in Northern and Western Europe the fertility decline started in the second half of the 1960s. Factors impacting on lower fertility include the instability of modern partnerships and value changes. Government support of assisted human reproduction is beneficial for families, but the effect on TFR is extremely small. Government policies that transfer cash to families for pregnancy and child support also have small effects on the TFR. Societal support for families and for couples trying to conceive improves the lives of families but makes no substantial contribution to increased fertility rates.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[Metabolic, enzymological and molecular assessment of mitochondrial cytopathies].
The most important function of mitochondria in all tissues is oxidative phosphorylation namely the oxidation of fuel molecules by the respiratory chain and the concomitant energy transduction into ATP. A disorder of the respiratory chain results in a dramatic increase of reducing equivalents both in the mitochondria and cytoplasm. The general consequence of this is the increase of ketone body molar ratio (3-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate) and lactate/pyruvate molar ratio in plasma. The determination of these ratios is useful deciding whether enzymological studies of the respiratory chain are required. The observation of an abnormal oxidoreduction status in patients with Pearson marrow-pancreas syndrome led us to identify this disease as a mitochondrial cytopathy. Moreover, we were able to show that rearrangements of the mitochondrial genome are consistent features of this disease.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Virus Spike and Membrane-Lytic Mimicking Nanoparticles for High Cell Binding and Superior Endosomal Escape.
Virus-inspired mimics for gene therapy have attracted increasing attention because viral vectors show robust efficacy owing to the highly infectious nature and efficient endosomal escape. Nonetheless, until now, synthetic materials have failed to achieve high "infectivity," and especially, the mimicking of virus spikes for "infection" is underappreciated. Herein, a virus spike mimic by a zinc (Zn) coordinative ligand that shows high affinity toward phosphate-rich cell membranes is reported. Surprisingly, this ligand also demonstrates superior functionality of destabilizing endosomes. Therefore, the Zn coordination is more likely to imitate the virus nature with high cell binding and endosomal membrane disruption. Following this, the Zn coordinative ligand is functionalized on a bioreducible cross-linked peptide with alkylation that imitates the viral lipoprotein shell. The ultimate virus-mimicking nanoparticle closely imitates the structures and functions of viruses, leading to robust transfection efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, apart from targeting ligand- and cell-penetrating peptide, the metal coordinative ligand may provide another option to functionalize diverse biomaterials for enhanced efficacy, demonstrating its broad referential significance to pursue nonviral vectors with high performance.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[A man with an anomaly in his ear].
A 65-year-old man presented with an anomaly in his left ear. He had no complaints, but was ashamed of the lesion. On physical examination a pigmented, pedunculated, polypoid tumour of approximately 2 x 2.5 cm was seen, which filled the whole cavum conchae. After excision, histopathological examination showed a verruca seborrhoica.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Butylidenephthalide abrogates the myofibroblasts activation and mesenchymal transdifferentiation in oral submucous fibrosis.
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a premalignant disorder in the oral cavity, and areca nut chewing habit has been implicated in the persistent activation of myofibroblasts and the subsequent fibrosis. Therefore, it is critical to ameliorate the excessive activities of myofibroblasts prior to the malignant transformation of OSF. In the current study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of butylidenephthalide (BP), a major phthalide ingredient of Angelica sinensis, in fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts (fBMFs) as well as various myofibroblast hallmarks, including the phenotypical characteristics and fibrosis-related markers. Our results demonstrated that myofibroblast activities, including collagen gel contraction, migration, invasion and wound healing abilities were inhibited in response to BP. The expression levels of myofibroblast marker, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin and type 1 collagen A1 were decreased after exposure of BP. Moreover, we found that the EMT-related markers, Twist, Snail and ZEB1 were all downregulated after BP treatment. Most importantly, our findings demonstrated that BP impeded the binding of Snail to the E-box region in the α-SMA promoter, which may lead to inhibition of the arecoline-induced myofibroblast activities. Collectively, our data indicated that BP reduced numerous myofibroblast features in fBMFs and hindered the binding of Snail to α-SMA, thereby may function as an effective and natural antifibrosis compound.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Studies on the epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis in Japan.
The epidemiology of mycobacterial disease in Japan changed considerably over the period 1971 to 1984. During this time, the incidence of pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis has steadily declined; disease caused by M. avium complex has remained stable; disease caused by M. kansasii has increased considerably; and, for the first time, substantial numbers of cases caused by M. szulgai, M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, and M. nonchromogenicum have been reported. From 1981 to 1984 the incidence of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterioses (NTM) was estimated at 1.73 +/- 0.25 cases per 100,000 population per year; of these, M. avium complex constituted 1.29 +/- 0.24 and M. kansasii 0.34 +/- 0.11 per 100,000 per year. The prevalence of the NTM was relatively high in southwestern Japan (industrialized, warm climate) and low in northern Japan (rural, cold).
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
A sensational illusion: vision-touch synaesthesia and the rubber hand paradigm.
For individuals with vision-touch synaesthesia, the sight of touch on another person elicits synaesthetic tactile sensation on the observer's own body. Here we used the traditional rubber hand paradigm (Botvinick and Cohen, 1998) and a no-touch rubber hand paradigm to investigate and to authenticate synaesthetic tactile sensation. In the traditional rubber hand paradigm, the participant views a prosthetic hand being touched by the Examiner while the participant's hand - hidden from view - is also touched by the Examiner. Synchronous stimulation of the prosthetic hand and the participant's hidden hand elicits the rubber hand illusion. It may seem to the participant that she is feeling touch at the location of the viewed prosthetic hand - visual capture of touch, and that the prosthetic hand is the participant's own hand - illusion of ownership. Thus, for participants who experience the traditional rubber hand illusion, tactile sensation on the participant's hidden hand is referred to the prosthetic hand. In our no-touch rubber hand paradigm, the participant views a prosthetic hand being touched by the Examiner but the participant's hand - hidden from view - is not touched by the Examiner. Questionnaire ratings indicated that only individuals with vision-touch synaesthesia experienced the no-touch rubber hand illusion. Thus, synaesthetic tactile sensation on the (untouched) hidden hand was referred to the prosthetic hand. These individuals also demonstrated proprioceptive drift (a change, from baseline, in proprioceptively perceived position) of the hidden hand towards the location of the prosthetic hand, and a pattern of increased proprioceptive drift with increased trial duration (60 sec, 180 sec, 300 sec). The no-touch rubber hand paradigm was an excellent method to authenticate vision-touch synaesthesia because participants were naïve about the rubber hand illusion, and they could not have known how they were expected to perform on either the traditional or the no-touch rubber hand paradigm.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Modulation of fate determinants Olig2 and Pax6 in resident glia evokes spiking neuroblasts in a model of mild brain ischemia.
Although in vitro studies suggest that non-neurogenic regions of the adult central nervous system potentially contain multipotent parenchymal progenitors, neurons are clearly not replaced in most brain regions after injury. Here, in a well-established model of mild transient brain ischemia, we explored Olig2 antagonism and Pax6 overexpression as potential avenues to redirect endogenous progenitors proliferating in situ toward a neuronal fate. Retroviral vectors containing either Pax6 or a strong activator form of the repressor Olig2 (Olig2VP16), ie, a functionally dominant negative form of Olig2, were stereotaxically injected into the lateral striatum at 48 hours after 30 minutes middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo)/reperfusion. Retroviral modulation of fate determinants resulted in a significant number of infected cells differentiating into Doublecortin (DCX)-expressing immature neurons that were not observed after injection of a control virus. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in acute brain slices showed that the percentage of virus-infected cells with Na(+) currents was increased by inhibition of the repressor function of Olig2 and by overexpression of Pax6. Furthermore, on retroviral transduction of fate determinants, we detected newly generated cells within the ischemic lesion that were capable of generating single action potentials and that received synaptic input. Taken together, these data show that resident glia in the striatum can be reprogrammed toward functional neuronal differentiation following brain injury.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
The training curriculum in hospital infection control.
Standardised training curricula for infection control nurses (ICNs) and recognition of the specialty exist in many European countries, but infection control physician (ICP) is not a specialty recognised by the UEMS. To gather information on curricula for ICPs, members of the ESCMID Study Group on Nosocomial Infections received a questionnaire. There is discussion about which 'professions' should be included in an infection control team. Within the 12 countries included, the average full-time equivalents (FTEs) for ICPs and ICNs per 1000 beds were 1.2 and 3.4, respectively. In addition to ICNs and ICPs, an infection control team should also include a data manager, an epidemiologist, secretarial/administrative support, and possibly, surveillance technicians. Overall, the composition of an ideal infection control team was estimated to be 9.3 FTE per 1000 beds. The background of ICPs can be clinical microbiology or infectious diseases. Among the participants, it was predominantly clinical microbiology. The ideal training curriculum for the ICP should include 6 years of postgraduate training. Of these, at least 2 years should be 'clinical training' (e.g., internal medicine) to acquire experience in the management of high-risk patients. Furthermore, training with regard to infection control and hospital epidemiology should be offered as a 'common trunk' for those being trained in clinical microbiology or infectious diseases. Important issues that remain are: implementation/standardisation of training curricula for doctors, recognition of ICP as a separate specialty or sub-specialty of clinical microbiology and/or infectious diseases, validation of on-the-job training facilities in terms of the number of doctors and nurses who can give training and the category of patients/problems present, and mandatory postgraduate education/continuing medical education specific for infection control for doctors and nurses in the field.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Simultaneous occurrence of diarrhetic and paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in Spanish mussels in 1993.
Mussel aquaculture is an important industry for the Galician Rias, located in northwestern Atlantic coast of Spain. Since 1976 this region has been seriously affected by incidents of paralytic and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (PSP and DSP). A particularly bad episode occurred in 1993, when the toxic event lasted for an unusually long period. Many people were stricken ill with unusual symptoms. In this paper we report on the chemical analysis of toxic 1993 mussel samples, using the techniques of liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry. These analyses revealed a very complex toxin profile, with both PSP and DSP toxins present. Two DSP toxins, okadaic acid and DTX2, were observed, while the primary PSP toxins were B1 and the decarbamoylated derivatives of saxitoxin, GTX2 and GTX3. Small amounts of saxitoxin and other as yet unidentified PSP toxins were observed.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Beta-cell growth and mass are preserved in long-term syngeneic islet transplantation in streptozocin-induced diabetic Lewis rats.
We determined beta-cell replication and mass in basal and stimulated conditions in long-term transplanted islets. Three groups of streptozocin-induced diabetic Lewis rats were transplanted with 1,000 islets (500 islets under left and right kidney capsules). At 2 (Tx-2), 5 (Tx-5), or 9 (Tx-9) months after transplantation, one of the two grafts (basal) was harvested; 14 days later, the contralateral graft (stimulated) was also harvested. Normoglycemia was achieved and maintained in all transplanted rats, although the capacity to respond to a glucose challenge deteriorated slightly 9 months after transplantation. Beta-cell replication remained stable in Tx-2, Tx-5, and Tx-9 basal grafts and was similar to replication in a control group of nontransplanted rats (0.28 +/- 0.06%); replication increased in Tx-2 (0.90 +/- 0.23%, P < 0.05) and Tx-9 (0.72 +/- 0.09%, P < 0.05) stimulated grafts. Beta-cell mass in basal grafts was similar to the initially transplanted mass (1.24 +/- 0.06 mg) and increased in stimulated grafts in Tx-2 (1.91 +/- 0.38 mg, P < 0.05) and Tx-5 (1.73 +/- 0.27 mg, P = 0.01) groups, compared with basal grafts, and in Tx-2 and Tx-9 groups (1.92 +/- 0.30 mg, P < 0.05), compared with initially transplanted mass. Therefore, beta-cell replication and mass were preserved up to 9 months after syngeneic transplantation, and beta-cells maintained the capacity to respond to increased metabolic demand, suggesting that replication is not a limiting factor in the survival of transplanted islets.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Plant Thaumatin-like Proteins: Function, Evolution and Biotechnological Applications.
Thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) regard a highly complex protein family associated with host defense and developmental processes in plants, animals, and fungi. They exhibit high diversity in angiosperms, where they have been classified as the PR-5 (Pathogenesis-Related-5) protein family. In plants, TLPs exhibit a variety of properties associated with their structural diversity, being mostly associated with responses to biotic stress, besides some predicted activity under drought and osmotic stresses. The present review covers aspects related to the structure, evolution, gene expression, and biotechnological potential of TLPs. The efficiency of the discovery of new TLPs is below its potential considering the availability of omics data. Furthermore, we present an exemplary bioinformatics annotation procedure that was applied to cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) transcriptome, including libraries of two tissues (root and leave), two stress types (biotic/abiotic) and generated using different sequencing approaches. Even without using genomic sequences, the pipeline uncovered 56 TLP candidates in both tissues and stresses. Interestingly, abiotic stress (root dehydration) was associated with a higher number of modulated TLP isoforms. The nomenclature used so far for TLPs was also evaluated, considering TLP structure and possible functions identified to date. It is clear that plant TLPs are promising candidates for breeding purposes and for plant transformation aiming at a better performance under biotic and abiotic stresses. The development of new therapeutic drugs in the fight against human fungal pathogens also deserves attention. Despite that, applications derived from TLP molecules are still beyond their potential, as it is evident in our review.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Definition and classification of abnormal vaginal flora.
Studying the vaginal microflora is not only fascinating, with many discoveries to be made, it is also a very practical way to help women get rid of bothersome and sometimes dangerous infections. Gram-stained vaginal preparations, Pap smears, specific cultures, and nucleic acid detection techniques can be used to diagnose the constituents of the vaginal flora, but in trained hands office-based microscopy of a fresh vaginal smear, preferably using a x400 magnification phase-contrast microscope, allows almost every diagnosis and combination of diagnoses imaginable. In this chapter I will address the pros and cons of the tools that are in use to study vaginal flora, and discuss the different types of bacterial flora and the difficulties encountered in reaching the correct diagnosis of pathological conditions. The 'intermediate flora' is addressed separately, and a new entity--'aerobic vaginitis'--is discussed. Future research should focus on the interaction between infecting microorganisms and host defence mechanisms, as both together generate the pathogenicity of these conditions.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Penile and sexual rehabilitation in a patient with lymphedema of the penis.
The aim of this study is to report on penile rehabilitation in lymphedema of the penis with a new compression mechanism and the implantation of a penile prosthesis for sexual rehabilitation. The case of a 72-year-old patient with a history of edema of the penis for 6 years is reported. The patient reported that he had had periods of edema and redness and that the swelling had worsened over time. A clinical diagnosis of lymphedema of unknown etiology was made; the hypotheses were that the etiology was late congenital lymphedema of the penis or lymphedema aggravated by inflammation and/or infection. A new compression mechanism made using a cotton-polyester fabric (low elasticity and ribbed) was employed. The continued use of compression therapy led to almost complete reduction of the edema and the patient tried to return to be sexually active. A specific medication was used for erectile dysfunction; however, it resulted in no improvement and so a penile prosthesis was implanted.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
A kinetic study of biohydrogen production from glucose, molasses and cheese whey by suspended and attached cells of Thermotoga neapolitana.
Batch tests of H2 production from glucose, molasses and cheese whey by suspended and immobilized cells of Thermotoga neapolitana were conducted to develop a kinetic model of the process. H2 production was inhibited by neither H2 (up to 0.7 mg L(-1)) nor O2 (up to 0.2 mg L(-1)). The H2 specific rates obtained at different substrate concentrations were successfully interpolated with Andrew's inhibition model. With glucose and molasses, biofilms performed better than suspended cells. The suspended-cell process was successfully scaled-up to a 19-L bioreactor. Assays co-fed with molasses and cheese whey led to higher H2 productivities and H2/substrate yields than the single-substrate tests. The simulation of the suspended-cell continuous-flow process indicated the potential attainment of H2 productivities higher than those of the batch tests (up to 3.6 mmol H2 h(-1) L(-1) for molasses and 0.67 mmol H2 h(-1) L(-1) for cheese whey) and allowed the identification of the optimal dilution rate.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Benefits of a prehospital stroke code system. Feasibility and efficacy in the first year of clinical practice in Barcelona, Spain.
Hospital admission delay is a main limiting factor for effective thrombolytic therapy in stroke patients. We developed a stroke code system for rapid request of emergency transportation to the hospital and a priority availability of the attending neurologist on the patient's arrival at the Emergency Department (ED). Over a 1-year period, a 24-hour telephone hotline between the attending neurologist and the Barcelona public emergency coordination service was established. Priority 1 (P1) was defined as a patient with symptoms suggestive of acute stroke with onset of less than 3 h, in which case immediate transportation service and rapid ED reception was organized. Data from patients in the P1 group (n = 39) and patients without activation of the stroke code (P0) (n = 181) were compared. There were significant differences between P1 and P0 groups in mean time from ED arrival to request for neurologic assessment (4.4 +/- 19.5 vs. 194.7 +/- 244.9 min, p < 0.001), from arrival to neurologic examination (12.6 +/- 21.1 vs. 225.3 +/- 258.2 min, p < 0.005), and from arrival to performance of brain CT scan (35.5 +/- 34.9 vs.120.3 +/- 143.2 min, p < 0.001), and also in the number of patients treated with thrombolytic agents (19 vs. 4.5%, p < 0.003). There were no differences between groups in the time elapsed from stroke onset to ED arrival. Activation of the stroke code was effective in increasing the percentage of patients treated with thrombolytic drugs and also in shortening the delay from ED arrival until neurologic assessment and from ED arrival until brain CT.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
A pharmacokinetic comparison of cefadroxil and cephalexin after administration of 250, 500 and 1000 mg solution doses.
The pharmacokinetics of cefadroxil and cephalexin were examined following single oral doses of either 250, 500 or 1000 mg to a total of 36 healthy volunteers. The volunteers were divided into groups of 12 per dose-group and solution doses of cefadroxil or cephalexin were administered after an overnight fast according to a crossover design for the cephalosporins but not for doses. Serial blood and urine samples were collected from each individual and were analyzed for cefadroxil or cephalexin using validated HPLC assays with UV detection. The individual subject plasma concentration-time data for each cephalosporin were analyzed using noncompartmental methods. Profiles for cephalexin in plasma showed sharper and higher peaks than those for cefadroxil. Although values for the peak concentrations (Cmax) for cefadroxil were lower than that of cephalexin, the levels of cefadroxil in plasma and urine remained above the reported minimum inhibitory concentrations of susceptible organisms for longer period of time than those of cefalexin. The elimination half-life (t1/2) of cefadroxil (about 2 h) was significantly longer than that of cephalexin (about 1 h). The values for Cmax and AUC0-infinity values for both these cephalosporins showed dose-proportional increase, whereas t1/2, renal clearance (CLR) remained independent of dose. These observations confirm that cefadroxil and cephalexin obey linear pharmacokinetics. The CLr of both the cephalosporins were significantly higher than the average glomerular filtration rate at each dose level. The urinary recovery (% Xu) of each cephalosporin, accounted for over 80 per cent of the administered dose, and no significant differences in % Xu were observed between the two cephalosporins. These data suggest that the systemic availability of cefadroxil and cephalexin is similar at each dose level.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Graded methylation in the promoter and body of the O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene correlates with MGMT expression in human glioma cells.
Expression of the O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene in human glioma cell lines is strongly associated with resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea. To examine the possibility that methylation of the body and promoter regions of the MGMT gene is associated with MGMT expression in a graded, rather than a completely on/off fashion, the present study analyzed the methylation status of the MGMT gene in human glioma cell lines exhibiting a wide range of MGMT expression. Methylation in the body of the gene was uniform within each cell line and correlated directly with MGMT expression. The level of MGMT promoter methylation was also graded across the cell lines, at 21 of 25 CpGs tested, but correlated inversely with MGMT expression. Two sites in the MGMT promoter were also much more accessible to restriction enzyme digestion, and thus in a more open chromatin conformation, in nuclei from high MGMT expressors relative to nuclei from cells with little or no MGMT expression. We conclude that the level of methylation, in both the body and promoter of the MGMT gene, is associated with MGMT expression in a graded fashion and may be important in setting the transcriptional state of the MGMT promoter through changes in chromatin structure.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Wegener's granulomatosis of the pediatric airway: a case demonstrating a conservative management approach.
Subglottic stenosis is found in 10% to 20% of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, and at times, it may be the only indication of disease. This is particularly a problem in childhood-onset Wegener's granulomatosis, which is complicated 5 times more by subglottic and tracheal stenosis than in adult-onset disease. Because this is a rare disease that is often misdiagnosed as reactive airway disease in childhood, the discovery of subglottic stenosis is delayed until much of the chronic damage has already been done. This report discusses the diagnosis and management of a 12-year-old male with a severe, actively inflamed subglottis and trachea because of Wegener's granulomatosis. This study uses a retrospective case review. The study shows a successful symptomatic medical treatment of subglottic stenosis with resolution of tracheal inflammation and subglottic stenosis. Treatment of an actively inflamed trachea with subglottic stenosis because of Wegener's granulomatosis should focus on medical therapy, including steroids, before making attempts at surgical intervention.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
The serine proteases CspA and CspC are essential for germination of spores of Clostridium perfringens SM101 through activating SleC and cortex hydrolysis.
Clostridium perfringens SM101 genome encodes three serine proteases (CspA, CspB, and CspC), and genetic evidence indicates that CspB is required for processing of pro-SleC into active SleC, an enzyme essential for degradation of the peptidoglycan cortex during spore germination. In this study, the expression of cspA and cspC, as well as the germination and colony formation by spores of cspAC and cspC mutants of strain SM101, were assessed. We demonstrated that 1) the cspA and cspC genes were expressed as a bicistronic operon only during sporulation in the mother cell compartment of SM101; 2) both cspAC and cspC mutant spores were unable to germinate significantly with either KCl, l-glutamine, brain heart infusion (BHI) broth, or a 1:1 chelate of Ca2+ and dipicolinic acid (DPA); 3) consistent with germination results, both cspAC and cspC mutant spores were defective in normal DPA release; 4) the colony formation by cspAC and cspC mutant spores was ~106-fold lower than that of wild-type spores, although decoated mutant spores yielded wild-type level colony formation on plates containing lysozyme; 5) no processing of inactive pro-SleC into active SleC was observed in cspAC and cspC mutant spores during germination; and finally, 6) the defects in germination, DPA release, colony formation and SleC processing in cspAC and cspC mutant spores were complemented by the wild-type cspA-cspC operon. Collectively, these results indicate that both CspA and CspC are essential for C. perfringens spore germination through activating SleC and inducing cortex hydrolysis.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Understanding quality of life and well-being for people living with advanced dementia.
To investigate the quality of life (QoL) and well-being of people living with advanced dementia in care homes. A mixed-methods approach was taken combining participant observations, interviews with the participants' families and carers, and quantitative measurements. The quantitative measures included AwareCare assessments, QoL in Late-Stage Dementia scale ratings and semi-structured interviews with relatives and staff members. Ryff's psychological well-being framework, the Fairness, Respect, Equality, Identity, Dignity, Autonomy principles, and Kitwood's indicators of well-being, were examined to attempt to identify contributors to QoL for people living with advanced dementia. Participants had limited verbal abilities, but used non-vocal behaviours to communicate. These behaviours influenced their QoL and well-being. The indicators of well-being in Kitwood's personhood model were helpful in describing how relatives and staff perceived the QoL of the person with dementia.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Structure-Based Design Identifies PROTAC Degraders of BAF Complex Subunits.
Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degraders of SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 have anticancer activity.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Reproducibility of digital subtraction fluoroscopic readings for coronary artery calcification.
Digital subtraction fluoroscopy, an inexpensive screening test for coronary atherosclerosis, is highly sensitive in detecting coronary calcifications. However, no previous study has reported interobserver agreement for this test. Six hundred and thirty-one subjects underwent digital subtraction fluoroscopy in the 60 degrees left anterior oblique projection. Images were acquired with pulsed fluoroscopy at 15 frames per second. An averaged mask was subtracted from successive images. These fluoroscopic images were stored on a digital disk and replayed in cine loop format. An observer, blinded to clinical information, read the fluoroscopic studies for the presence of calcium in the left main-left anterior descending artery, circumflex artery, and right coronary artery. The images were then stored on digital tape and reread by a second blinded observer. The percentages of interobserver agreement regarding the presence and absence of calcium in left main-left anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries, were 91.9%, 92.9%, and 92.2%, respectively. The overall kappa values, which are 0.85, 0.77, and 0.82 in left main-left anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries, respectively, show a highly significant level of agreement (P < .0001). Digital subtraction fluoroscopy is a reliable screening test for coronary calcifications.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[Risk and risk factors of suicide attempt after first onset of suicide ideation: findings from medical students in grades 1 and 2].
To examine transition probabilities from first onset of suicide ideation to attempt over time among medical students in grades 1 and 2 and risk factors in the transition. A total of 10 297 college students in grades 1 and 2 from three medical schools in Anhui province were invited to complete the questionnaires, which included history of suicidal behaviors, adverse childhood experiences, family history of suicide, sociodemographic characteristics, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the Aggressiveness Questionnaire, and the Social Support Rating Scale. Transitions were estimated using life-table analysis. Risk factors were examined using Cox regression models. Of the 10,297 participants, 16.52% (n = 1701) reported lifetime ideation and 1.47% (n = 151) attempt. Cumulative probabilities was 8.88% for the transition from first onset of suicide ideation to attempt. The riskest probabilites of transition occurred within 1 year after onset of ideation (7.02%). 76.16% (n = 115) first attempts occurred within 1 year after onset of ideation. Cox regression models analysis found that parents' divorce ( OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.28-4.21), physical abuse (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.20-2.37) , suicidal behavior history of first-degree relatives (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.25), impulsity (middle /lowest tertile: OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.15-3.06, highest/lowest tertile: OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.30 -3.36), and highest anxiety scores (highest/lowest tertile: OR = 1. 60, 95% CI 1.10-2.33)were significantly related to the transition from first onset of ideation to attempt. Adolescent suicidal ideation signals the recent rsik for suicide attempts. Parents' divorce, physical abuse, the suicidal behavior history of first-degree relatives, impulsity, and severe anxiety score are risk factors for the transition from first onset of suicide ideation to attempt.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Adenosine inhibits the rise in intracellular calcium and platelet aggregation produced by thrombin: evidence that both effects are coupled to adenylate cyclase.
Platelet aggregation and secretion are associated with a rise in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Adenosine has been postulated as an endogenous inhibitor of platelet aggregation. The antiaggregatory effects of adenosine are related to activation of adenylate cyclase. We studied the effect of adenosine on the rise in [Ca2+]i and platelet aggregation produced by thrombin. Human platelets were obtained from dextrose/citrate-treated plasma. [Ca2+]i was determined by fluorescence-dye techniques (fura-2). Adenosine inhibited the slope of the first phase of aggregation and the rise in [Ca2+]i produced by thrombin, in a dose-dependent manner. The dose that produced 50% inhibition of both aggregation and the rise in [Ca2+]i was approximately 500 nM. The effects of adenosine on [Ca2+]i were shared by its stable analogs, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine being approximately 10-fold more potent than (-)N6-phenylisopropyladenosine, suggesting that these effects were mediated through adenosine A2 receptors. Furthermore, caffeine antagonized the inhibitory effects of adenosine on platelet aggregation and [Ca2+]i. The effects of adenosine on [Ca2+]i appear to be mediated through a rise in intracellular cAMP, because they were prevented by the adenylate cyclase inhibitor 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (1 mM) and were potentiated by phosphodiesterase inhibition with papaverine (1 microM). Adenosine also inhibits the rise in [Ca2+]i produced by thrombin in a calcium-free medium, suggesting that adenosine inhibits both calcium influx and the release of calcium from intracellular stores.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[Superior semicircular canal dehiscence mimicking otosclerosis: usefulness of imaging].
To emphasize the role of computerized tomography (CT) in the etiologic work-up of stapes surgery failure. Helical high resolution CT scan of the temporal bone with axial and coronal views and multiplanar reconstructions was performed in a patient who had undergone unsuccessful stapedectomy. CT scan demonstrated a well located prosthesis, the absence of the radiological hallmarks of otosclerosis, and revealed a superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). The diagnosis of SSCD was retrospectively considered accountable for the preoperative clinical and audiometric presentation that had mimicked otosclerosis. CT is the diagnostic test of choice in elucidating stapes surgery failure (with persistent or recurrent conductive hearing loss), whereas SSCD should be systematically considered among its causes.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Synthesis of water-soluble, nonimmunogenic polyamide cross-linking agents.
Novel polyamides were developed that can be used as cross-linking agents for proteins such as hemoglobin. Water-soluble, nonimmunogenic polyamides containing oxygen and sulfur atoms in the backbone were prepared by the polycondensation of the diacids bis(carboxymethyloxyacetyl)-1,4-diaminobutane (1a) or 3, 3'-thiodipropionic acid (1b) with diethylene glycol bis(3-aminopropyl) ether (2). The resulting alpha,omega-diacids were converted to the corresponding activated esters using any of a variety of carboxylic acid activating reagents including the novel reagent diphenyl(1-methylimidazol-2-thiyl)phosphonate (9). The resulting polyamides could be activated with a broad spectrum of groups that allow for the cross-linking and surface modification of proteins.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Impairment of hair mechanical properties by sun exposure and bleaching treatments.
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sun exposure and bleaching treatments on hair mechanical properties. Tresses of virgin dark-brown hair were initially washed with lauryl sodium sulfate solution. Sun irradiation was simulated with xenon (full radiation) or mercury-vapor (full or UVB-filtered radiation) lamps. Hair was bleached using a commercial persulfate-peroxide solution. Stress/strain data were obtained from 20 fibers of each sample using a universal test machine. Breaking elongation and breaking strength were the main parameters affected by both treatments. Reduction in the breaking strength was observed for the photo-oxidized and bleached hair (compared to untreated samples). A reduction in the breaking elongation was also observed for the photo-oxidized samples. On the other hand, an increased tendency in this parameter was observed for the bleached hair. In relation to the radiation source, similar results were achieved with much less exposure time to a xenon lamp compared to a mercury-vapor lamp. When UVB radiation was filtered, no breaking strength reduction was observed, indicating that changes in hair mechanical properties are mainly related to that range of the solar spectrum.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Rat brain angiotensin II receptors: effects of intracerebroventricular angiotensin II infusion.
Angiotensin II (Ang II) was infused into a lateral cerebral ventricle of male Sprague-Dawley rats and its effects on blood pressure, water balance and specific [125I]Ang II binding to brain and adrenal tissues were studied. The infusion was maintained at a rate of 500 ng/microliter/h for 6 days using subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. A control group was infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with 0.9% saline at a rate of 1 microliter/h for 6 days. Angiotensin II treated rats showed a four-fold increase in water intake and urine volume and a moderate increase in blood pressure; these effects were not observed in rats given saline i.c.v. There was no significant difference in [125I]Ang II binding site density or binding affinity in either the hypothalamus-thalamus-septum-midbrain (HTSM) or the brainstem between Ang II-treated and saline-treated groups. In addition, [125I]Ang II binding sites in the adrenals were also unaffected by i.c.v. infusion of Ang II. The results suggest that brain Ang II receptors are unresponsive to increased Ang II levels in cerebrospinal fluid.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
SNP discovery and high-density genetic mapping in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) permits identification of QTLs for ascochyta blight resistance.
Ascochyta blight, caused by the fungus Ascochyta fabae Speg., is a common and destructive disease of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) on a global basis. Yield losses vary from typical values of 35-40% to 90% under specific environmental conditions. Several sources of resistance have been identified and used in breeding programs. However, introgression of the resistance gene determinants into commercial cultivars as a gene pyramiding approach is reliant on selection of closely linked genetic markers. A total of 14,552 base variants were identified from a faba bean expressed sequence tag (EST) database, and were further quality assessed to obtain a set of 822 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Sub-sets of 336 EST-derived simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 768 SNPs were further used for high-density genetic mapping of a biparental faba bean mapping population (Icarus×Ascot) that segregates for resistance to ascochyta blight. The linkage map spanned a total length of 1216.8 cM with 12 linkage groups (LGs) and an average marker interval distance of 2.3 cM. Comparison of map structure to the genomes of closely related legume species revealed a high degree of conserved macrosynteny, as well as some rearrangements. Based on glasshouse evaluation of ascochyta blight resistance performed over two years, four genomic regions controlling resistance were identified on Chr-II, Chr-VI and two regions on Chr-I.A. Of these, one (QTL-3) may be identical with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identified in prior studies, while the others (QTL-1, QTL-2 and QTL-4) may be novel. Markers in close linkage to ascochyta blight resistance genes identified in this study can be further validated and effectively implemented in faba bean breeding programs.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Optimizing surgical backup for multiple simultaneous percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures.
At busy interventional centers, it may be difficult to coordinate surgical backup for multiple simultaneous PTCA procedures. We sought to determine the actual risk of two simultaneous cases requiring surgery, and to identify a group in which multiple simultaneous PTCA procedures could be performed at low risk. We prospectively applied the ACC/AHA A/B/C lesion classification system and an empiric low/medium/high risk classification (based on patients' overall clinical picture) to 1,128 PTCA procedures over a 9 month period; 22 of these patients (1.9%) went directly from the catheterization laboratory to emergency CABG. The incidence of emergency CABG by groups was A-low 1/166, A-medium 1/71, A-high 0/22, B-low 1/116, B-medium 10/481, B-high 2/52, C-low 2/47, C-medium 3/88, and C-high 2/85. The patients were divided into two groups: minimal risk (A + B-low: 3/375 or 0.8%) and increased risk (B-med/high + C: 19/753 or 2.5%). The difference between the groups was significant using chi square with an alpha < 0.05. The risk of two cases requiring surgery at the same time was calculated as a function of the number of simultaneous PTCA procedures performed. Six or fewer minimal risk PTCA, one increased risk plus up to three minimal risk, and a maximum of two increased risk cases were found to have a risk of < 0.001. We conclude that it is possible to identify a group of patients with minimal risk, in whom multiple simultaneous procedures can be performed with a negligible probability of two cases requiring surgery at the same time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Study of rat neuronal genes with ordered differential display method.
Ordered differential display (ODD) was developed recently and has been applied to systematic comparison of expression profiles of genes. It was further improved with the specific complexing property between biotin and streptavidin by the authors. First, random primer and biotinylated oligo (dT) primer were used to make pools of double strand cDNA. Second, streptavidin-coated PCR tube is used to absorb 3'ESTs specifically to avoid the negative effect of other DNA fragments. In the case of 3'ESTs comparison patterns between embryonic brain and body of SD rat, more than forty differentially expressed genes were cloned and identified. The function of rZIC gene, one of the genes identified and cloned, was studied through ethological experiments. The result showed that rZIC gene was associated with locomotion activity of adult mice.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Biodegradable fixation of rabbit osteotomies.
Osteotomies of the tibial diaphysis were operatively fixed with biodegradable implants in 44 rabbits. Polyglycolic acid (PGA)/polylactic acid (PLA) copolymer implants reinforced with 7 per cent carbon fibre and overlaid with gold were used in 24 rabbits. Poly-beta-hydroxy butyric acid (PHBA) with carbon fibre reinforcement and gold surfacing were used in 20 rabbits. No external support was used. Unsatisfactory results were achieved with the PGA/PLA copolymer implants. Better results were achieved in 15 out of 20 rabbits whose osteotomies were fixed with carbon fibre-reinforced PHBA implants.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Identification of the dITP- and XTP-hydrolyzing protein from Escherichia coli.
A hypothetical 21.0 kDa protein (ORF O197) from Escherichia coli K-12 was cloned, purified, and characterized. The protein sequence of ORF O197 (termed EcO197) shares a 33.5% identity with that of a novel NTPase from Methanococcus jannaschii. The EcO197 protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, protease digestion, and gel filtration column. It hydrolyzed nucleoside triphosphates with an O6 atom-containing purine base to nucleoside monophosphate and pyrophosphate. The EcO197 protein had a strong preference for deoxyinosine triphosphate (dITP) and xanthosine triphosphate (XTP), while it had little activity in the standard nucleoside triphosphates (dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP). These aberrant nucleotides can be produced by oxidative deamination from purine nucleotides in cells; they are potentially mutagenic. The mutation protection mechanisms are caused by the incorporation into DNA of unwelcome nucleotides that are formed spontaneously. The EcO197 protein may function to eliminate specifically damaged purine nucleotide that contains the 6-keto group. This protein appears to be the first eubacterial dITP- and XTPhydrolyzing enzyme that has been identified.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Effect of postconditioning on infarct size in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.
Small studies suggest that postconditioning reperfusion interrupted by brief repetitive cycles of reocclusions, may protect the myocardium in the clinical setting. To test the hypothesis that postconditioning limits infarct size in relation to the area at risk in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). 76 patients (aged 37-87 years) eligible for primary percutaneous coronary intervention due to STEMI were randomised to standard percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 38) or postconditioning, consisting of four cycles of 60 s reperfusion and 60 s of reocclusion before permanent reperfusion (n = 38). The area at risk was determined from angiographic abnormally contracting segments. Infarct size was quantified from delayed enhancement MRI on days 6-9. Infarct size, expressed in relation to the area at risk, did not differ between the control group (44%; 30, 56) (median and quartiles) and the post-conditioned group (47%; 23, 63). The slope of the regression lines relating infarct size to the area at risk differed between the two groups. Infarct size was significantly (p = 0.001) reduced by postconditioning in patients with large areas at risk. The area under the curve and peak troponin T release and CKMB during 48 h did not differ between patients in the control and postconditioning groups. This prospective, randomised trial suggests that postconditioning does not reduce infarct size in patients with STEMI in the overall study group. The data indicate that postconditioning may be of value in patients with large areas at risk. Clinical trial registration information Karolinska Clinical Trial Registration (http://www.kctr.se). Unique identifier: CT20080014.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
The protective status of subtotal obliteration of arteriovenous malformations after radiosurgery: significance and risk of hemorrhage.
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated by radiosurgery with complete obliteration of the nidus but a persisting early draining vein on follow-up angiography can be termed subtotally obliterated. However, these are persistent circulating AVMs. The significance of these lesions, their hemorrhage rate, and their management are analyzed. In a series of 862 consecutive patients with AVMs treated by radiosurgery, 121 patients (14%) achieved subtotal obliteration (STO). The angiographic evolution and rate of obliteration were studied. The pretreatment angiographic features, dosimetric parameters, and postradiosurgery hemorrhage rate were compared with those in the rest of the treated population. Finally, the options for follow-up and treatment were analyzed. Of 121 subtotally obliterated AVMs, the bleeding rate was 0%; 53% of patients achieved complete obliteration. This occurred in 71% of those who had STO at 1 year. In the cases in which STO was detected at 2, 3, and 4 years, total obliteration eventually occurred in 43%, 28.5%, and 0%, respectively. Comparative analysis with AVMs in which a part of the nidus persisted showed a significant difference in the bleeding rate. Except for volume, no significant statistical difference in angiographic and dosimetric parameters was found between the STO group and the rest of the studied population with residual nidus. Six cases received further treatment, resulting in 2 cures and 2 treatment-related complications. Subtotally obliterated AVMs are different from other partially obliterated AVMs, with a 0% bleeding rate. Their complete obliteration is a function of delay of appearance on follow-up angiography. Invasive follow-up and further treatment of these AVMs do not seem warranted.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Proton-proton homonuclear dipolar decoupling in solid-state NMR using rotor-synchronized z-rotation pulse sequences.
We present a theoretical analysis of rotor-synchronized homonuclear dipolar decoupling schemes that cause a z-rotation of the spins. These pulse sequences applicable at high spinning rates (nu(r) > or = 30 kHz) yield high-resolution proton NMR spectra that are free of artifacts, such as zero lines and image peaks. We show that the scaled isotropic chemical-shift positions of proton lines can be calculated from the zero-order average Hamiltonian and that the scaling factor does not depend on offset. The effects of different adjustable parameters (rf field, spinning rate, pulse shape, offset) on the decoupling performance are analyzed by numerical simulations of proton spectra and by (1)H solid-state NMR experiments on NaH(2)PO(4) and glycine.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Evaluation of internal and external doses from 11C produced in the air in high energy proton accelerator tunnels.
Air has been irradiated with high energy protons at the 12 GeV proton synchrotron to obtain the following parameters essential for the internal dose evaluation from airborne 11C produced through nuclear spallation reactions: the abundance of gaseous and particulate 11C, chemical forms, and particle size distribution. It was found that more than 98% of 11C is present as gas and the rest is aerosol. The gaseous components were only 11CO and 11CO2, and their proportions were approximately 80% and 20%, respectively. The particulate 11C was found to be sulphate and/or nitrate aerosols having a log-normal size distribution; the measurement using a diffusion battery showed a geometric mean radius of 0.035 micron and a geometric standard deviation of 1.8 at a beam intensity of 6.8 x 10(11) proton.pulse-1 and an irradiation time of 9.6 min. By taking the chemical composition and particle size into account, effective doses both from internal and from external exposures per unit concentration of 11C were calculated for various room sizes. The values can be used to evaluate the effective dose from the airborne 11C produced in the accelerator tunnels.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Myenteric ganglionic 5-hydroxytryptamine(1P) signal transmission is mediated via Go protein.
The role of G proteins in mediating the signal transduction of the guinea pig myenteric ganglionic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1P receptors was examined. Stimulation of ganglionic membranes with 5-HT in the presence of [35S]GTPgammaS or [alpha 32P]GTP increased guanine nucleotide binding to G(alpha)o but not to G(alpha)s, G(alpha)i or G(alpha)q in a concentration-dependent fashion. Pertussis toxin pretreatment markedly reduce this 5-HT induced response. Similarly, the 5-HT1P receptor-mediated slowly developing and long-lasting depolarizing response is potentiated by GTPgammaS and is inhibited by GDPbetaS or pertussis toxin. The activation of G(alpha)o by 5-HT also was mimicked by the 5-HT1P agonist, 5-hydroxyindalpine and was blocked by the selective 5-HT1P antagonist, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide. These data provide compelling evidence to suggest that transmembrane signaling for the 5-HT1P receptors in isolated myenteric ganglia is transduced by the trimeric Go protein.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Non-atheroprotective effects of statins: a systematic review.
Since the introduction of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) for lowering lipids, a large amount of data has been published demonstrating their potential benefits in conditions as varied as cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's dementia. We reviewed the published literature on MEDLINE from articles between 1950 and 2008 on the non-atheroprotective effects of statins and noted consistent benefits of statin use in improving outcomes of ventricular arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, cardiac transplant rejection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sepsis. However, for these conditions, the level of evidence was inadequate to recommend statin use. The evidence for improving outcomes in atrial fibrillation, mortality in heart failure, contrast-induced nephropathy, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, osteoporosis, dementia, and cancer incidence was conflicting and inconclusive. Furthermore, we found that most of the literature consists of small observational studies and their conclusions are often not corroborated by results from larger or randomized studies. Pending large, well designed, randomized trials, we conclude that there is no definite evidence for the use of statins in any condition besides hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[Maternal perception of premature birth and the experience of pre-eclampsia pregnancy].
To analyze maternal experiences of preeclampsia pregnancy with premature birth at a neonatal intensive care unit. A qualitative study using the focus group technique was conducted with 28 women in a facility specialized in high-risk pregnancies in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, in 2004. Mothers included had had preeclampsia during pregnancy and a preterm delivery with consequent hospitalization of their baby at a neonatal intensive care unit. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis of three thematic nuclei subjects: information about preeclampsia during prenatal care; experiences with the preterm newborn, and their perception of neonatal intensive care unit professionals' attitudes. Maternal reports showed subjects' lack of knowledge with regard to preeclampsia and its association with prematurity. Difficulties inherent to the maternal role of caring for the child in the neonatal intensive care unit were identified, accentuated by communication flaws between health professionals and users. Some difficulties experienced by the mothers, in the context of preeclampsia and prematurity, were aggravated by lack or inadequacy of information provided to the users.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Exposure methodology and findings for dietary nitrate exposures in children of Transylvania, Romania.
The primary focus of this exposure assessment work involved developing an exposure model and determining a numerical point estimate of the amount of biologically relevant nitrate/nitrite exposure that occurred for each child in the study. This assessment was done in support of two epidemiological studies. The first study was an epidemiological cohort study (three cohorts based on nitrate/nitrite exposure) that explored the relationship between high nitrate/nitrite exposure and neuropsychological development. The second study was a nested case/control study (cases of methemoglobinemia versus disease-free controls) that sought to explore the relationship between MHG and various risk factors for the disease. This work uses both dietary survey and environmental sampling and modeling in order to develop two point estimates of nitrate exposure in milligrams per kilogram per day of nitrite (the biologically active form of the hemoglobin-oxidizing agent) for the first 6 months of the child's life (2-months-of-age and 6-months-of-age point estimates). Methodologies included proxy interviews of primary caregivers, review of existing medical and environmental sampling and analysis. Exposure to nitrate--nitrogen (with final calculations converted to the biologically active form of the toxin, nitrite) was categorized as high, medium, and low as determined from the distribution of the data derived from final exposure calculations at both the 2-months-of-age point estimate and at the 6-months-of-age point estimate. These tertiles correspond to greater-than-or-equal1.5 mg/kg/day nitrite-nitrogen for high-exposure individuals, <1.5-> or = 0.1 mg/kg/day for medium-exposure individuals, and <0.1 mg/kg/day for low-exposure individuals. Analyses illustrate that over 90% of the nitrate exposure occurred through the consumption of liquids (water) at the 2-months-of-age point estimate while at the 6-months-of-age point estimate, a 10-fold change in the amount of solid consumables occurred. Final exposure calculations were well differentiated into three tertiles based on a point estimate of average daily intake of nitrite in milligrams per kilogram body weight per day at roughly 2 and 6 months of age. These categories of exposure, based on the exposure model point estimate, correspond well with the exposure estimates as estimated only on the basis of cohort status and their corresponding nitrate/nitrite well water levels. Comparisons of these two sets of data illustrate that following the MHG incident, Cohort II shifted places with Cohort I to become the high-exposure cohort. Further, the predictive ability of the exposure assessment in regard to the outcome of MHG was estimated using a Likelihood Ratio and Pearson's Crosstab analysis. This was performed on the 2-month-of-age point estimate. Likelihood Ratio and Pearson's chi-square were 39.40 and 33.74, respectively, with a probability of achieving these fits by chance alone of <0.0001. This indicates clearly that the children who experienced MHG were also the children at the 2-month-of-age point estimate who had received the highest exposure to nitrate/nitrite through their diet.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Legionella pericarditis diagnosed by direct fluorescent antibody staining.
Legionella pericarditis is a rare and serious manifestation of Legionnaire's disease. A case is presented in which the diagnosis was established by direct fluorescent antibody staining on a pericardial tissue specimen. Video-assisted thoracoscopy was used safely and effectively in diagnosis and management in this case.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Regional excitatory and inhibitory amino acid levels in epileptic El mouse brain.
Inbred mutant El mice are highly susceptible to convulsive seizures upon "tossing" stimulation. The levels of excitatory (e.g. glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory amino acids [e.g. gamma-amino-butyrate (GABA)] were examined in discrete regions of stimulated El mice [El(+)], non-stimulated El mice [El(-)] and ddY mice, which do not have convulsive disposition. In comparison with ddY, a general increased levels of aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, and taurine were detected in brain regions of El(-). The levels of GABA and glycine were almost the same in ddY and El(-). Compared to El(+), the levels of aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, and GABA in El(-) were either the same or higher. In the case of taurine and glycine, the levels in El(-) were either the same or lower than El(+). Alanine is special in that El(-) have a higher level than El(+) in hippocampus but lower in cerebellum. Furthermore, while marked changes were registered in several brain regions, none of the amino acids investigated showed any significant differences in the hypothalamus of three different groups of mice.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Droplet sensing using small and compact high-Q planar resonator based on impedance matching technique.
In this paper, we demonstrate the sensing feasibility of the proposed high-Q resonator using a phosphate-buffered saline droplet at microwave frequencies. In the experimental results, the resonant frequency, signal level, and Q-factor of the S21-parameter with and without a 1-μl droplet were changed to about 230 MHz, 32 dB, and 1500, respectively. The resonator system was found to be suitable for droplet sensing with a small volume due to its small and compact scheme. This resonator system is expected to play an important role in droplet sensing with different dielectric constants.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
hnRNP U interacts with the c-Myc-Max complex on the E-box promoter region inducing the ornithine decarboxylase gene.
The promoter of the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) gene contains two E-boxes, which are critical sites for transcriptional activation by the binding of c-Myc-Max heterodimers. We have identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein U (hnRNP U) as a component of the complex formed on the E-box-containing promoter region of the ODC gene by using DNA-affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The N-terminal domain of hnRNP U was responsible for the association with c-Myc-Max complex. Down-regulation of hnRNP U with RNA interference blocked the induction of the ODC gene and cell growth by serum stimulation, suggesting that hnRNP U is a coactivator of the c-Myc-Max complex and essential for cell proliferation. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays revealed that the segment between the two E-boxes in the promoter is the primary binding site of hnRNP U. The putative binding sequence was narrowed-down to a 13-nucleotide segment by comparing the sequence between the E-boxes with the binding sites of hnRNP U, which were recently identified in the promoter of Bmal1, a core component of the circadian molecular oscillator. These findings increase our knowledge of how the c-Myc-Max complex exerts its transcriptional regulatory role and suggest that hnRNP U may be a coactivator of this transcriptional activator complex.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Effect of pterygium excision on induced corneal topographic abnormalities.
To determine the effect of successful pterygium surgery on astigmatism and other corneal topographic indices. Preoperative and postoperative refraction and corneal-topography analysis were performed on 16 consecutive eyes of 12 patients who underwent successful pterygium surgery, with statistical comparison of the pre- and postoperative visual acuity, refractive astigmatism, topographic astigmatism, Surface-Regularity Index, and Surface-Asymmetry Index. Successful pterygium surgery caused statistically significant improvements in visual acuity, refractive and topographic astigmatism, the Surface-Regularity Index, and the surface asymmetry index. Corneal-topography analysis is an important component of the evaluation of patients with pterygium, revealing significant abnormalities that are improved by successful removal of the pterygium.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Effect of HLA class I or class II incompatibility in pediatric marrow transplantation from unrelated and related donors.
The degree of histoincompatibility that can be tolerated, and the relative importance of matching at individual HLA class I and class II locus in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has not been established. We hypothesized that matching for HLA-DR may not be more important than matching for HLA-A or HLA-B in selection of a donor for successful BMT. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 248 consecutive pediatric patients who received allogeneic BMT from related donors (RD, n = 119) or unrelated donors (URD, n = 129). HLA-A and HLA-B were serologically matched, and HLA-DRB1 were identical by DNA typing in 69% of donor-recipient pairs. Most patients (89%) had hematologic malignancies; the rest had aplastic anemia or a congenital disorder. One HLA-A antigen mismatch was associated with a decrease in survival (p = 0.003) and a delay in granulocyte engraftment (p = 0.02) in recipients of RD marrow; as well as a decrease in survival (p = 0.02) and the development of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (p = 0.03) in recipients of URD marrow. One HLA-B antigen mismatch was associated with a decrease in the survival (p = 0.05) and the development of severe GVHD (p = 0.0007) in recipients of RD marrow. One HLA-DRB1 allele mismatch was associated only with a decrease in the survival (p = 0.0003) of recipients of RD marrow. Results of this study suggest that disparity in HLA-A and HLA-B antigens may not be better tolerated than disparity in HLA-DR allele in allogeneic BMT. Further studies are warranted to confirm our results.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Scopolamine in racing horses: trace identifications associated with dietary or environmental exposure.
Scopolamine (L-hyoscine) identifications, often in small-number clusters, have been reported worldwide in performance horses over the last 30 years. Scopolamine is an Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) class 3, penalty class B, substance with potential to affect performance. As such, scopolamine identification(s) in race or performance horses can result in significant penalties for the connections of the horse(s). Reviewed here is the worldwide distribution of scopolamine containing plants (primarily Datura spp.), with estimates of their potential toxicity to horses through dietary and/or environmental exposure. Also reviewed are the basic pharmacology of scopolamine and its precursor, urinary concentrations following feedstuff exposure, and the probable pharmacological/forensic significance of such findings. Based on an overview of the world literature on scopolamine, the expected characteristics of inadvertent environmental exposure are also presented with a view to making clear the potential of scopolamine identifications, with or without atropine, as a direct and expected outcome of both the worldwide distribution of scopolamine-containing plants and the sensitivity of modern equine drug testing. It is of particular interest that only 2/30 reported post-event equine identifications of scopolamine have been associated with atropine, suggesting that failure to identify atropine is not a biomarker of pharmaceutical administration of scopolamine. Available quantitative information associated with scopolamine identifications is consistent with the 75 ng/mL regulatory threshold for scopolamine currently used in Louisiana racing in the USA and the 30 ng/mL reporting threshold in effect in European racing.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Proteoglycan heterogeneity in the normal adult ovine intervertebral disc.
Proteoglycans (PGs) were isolated from 4 M GuHCl extracts of young adult ovine Intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues using sequential CsCl density gradient centrifugation, and a combination of gel-permeation and hydrophobic chromatography. A total of six PG sub-populations were identified in both the Annulus fibrosus (AF) and Nucleus pulposus (NP), i.e. two high buoyant density aggregatable PGs, two high buoyant density non-aggregatable PGs and two small, low-intermediate buoyant density, non-aggregatable, DS-rich PG species. These latter PGs were identified as biglycan and decorin on the basis of analyses of their core protein native size, and glycosaminoglycan composition. Additional low-intermediate buoyant density PG species were also evident in the non-aggregatable PG pool, particularly in extracts of NP tissues. These PGs did not bind to the octyl affinity matrix under the experimental conditions employed and thus were readily separated from the DS-PGs by hydrophobic chromatography, their constituent glycosaminoglycans (CS and KS) also differed and were of a smaller size to the CS and KS chains isolated from the large high buoyant density PGs, the small PGs which did not bind to octyl-sepharose may therefore represent distinct PG species in their own right. Differences were evident in the absolute size, and in the distribution of individual PG species in the respective IVD tissues but the NP always contained a larger proportion of high buoyant density non-aggregatable PGs of somewhat smaller size than those isolated from the AF. Decorin and biglycan, however, were generally more abundant in AF tissues.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Effects of dopants on the adhesion and electronic structure of a SnO2/Cu interface: a first-principles study.
Doping has been adopted as a versatile approach for tuning the adhesion of metal oxide/metal interfaces. Understanding the mechanism of doping at the interface adhesion on the atomic and electronic scale is crucial for the rational design and optimization of metal oxide/metal composites. In this work, we have investigated the effects of dopants on the adhesion of SnO2/Cu interfaces through first-principles calculations. Firstly, O-terminated a SnO2(110)/Cu(111) interface (denoted as I) was considered and the work of separation values of the interfaces with various dopants (Mo, Sb, Ti, Zn and Cu) were calculated to evaluate the interface adhesion strength. It was demonstrated that low-valence dopants (Zn2+ and Cu2+) enhance the adhesion strength of interface I, while high-valence dopants (Mo6+ and Sb5+) play the opposite role. Secondly, the strengthening effects of low-valence dopants were further verified in four candidate interfacial models with different atomic structures (denoted as II-V). The work of separation values indicated that the adhesion of all of the interfaces involved could be enhanced by low-valence doping. The electronic structure of the interface was demonstrated through density of states, charge density and charge density difference analyses. The results revealed that upon low-valence doping, the holes facilitate charge transfer between Cu and SnO2, which generates strong covalent bonds across the interface and thus significantly enhances the interface adhesion. This work not only provides insight into rational doping to enhance the adhesion of SnO2/Cu composites but can also be expanded upon for the design of other metal oxide/metal composites with strong interface adhesion.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Clopidogrel and Proximal Femoral Fractures: Does Timing of Surgery Affect Blood Loss and Length of Admission? A Preliminary Study Prior to Multicenter Trial.
Clopidogrel is a potent oral antiplatelet agent that is commonly prescribed to patients with cardiovascular disease. Patients presenting with proximal femoral fractures often have cardiovascular comorbidity, with many taking clopidogrel on admission. Scientific literature reports increased surgical bleeding in patients receiving clopidogrel, though not specifically hip surgery. This study looked at whether patients who had a seven-day delay prior to operative treatment had less bleeding than those who did not, and looked at the differences in length of admission between the two groups. A retrospective review was undertaken. Patients were identified from the in-patient pharmacy stock records from July 2005 to July 2006. Data was statistically analyzed using the chi-squared test. Of 21 patients identified, 20 met the inclusion criteria, nine had a seven-day delay before operation (Group A), and 11 had a mean one-day delay (Group B). Mean drop in postoperative hemoglobin was 1.8 g/l in Group A compared to 3.1 g/l in Group B (p < 0.05). Number of complications was similar (Group A = 8 vs. Group B = 9) as was mortality (Group A = 1 vs. Group B = 2). Admission length was longer in patients who had a seven-day delay in surgery (Group A = 32 vs. Group B = 22 days) (p < 0.05). Patients should be considered for early operation provided there are no additional bleeding risk factors, as although postoperative hemoglobin is lower, mortality and complication rates are similar, and length of admission is shorter.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Epidemiology and pathophysiology of minor traumatic brain injury.
This review article presents evidence from the current literature on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of concussion. The recent epidemiologic data for a variety of sports are presented relevant to the general population, and professional, college, and high school athletics. The evidence for the pathophysiology of head injury is presented using a mixture of current animal and human studies. A brief discussion on the benefits and limitations of the evidence is offered for the both the epidemiology and pathophysiology of concussion, and how it relates to current treatment options.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Prospective randomized trial comparing the outcome and cost of in vitro fertilization with that of a traditional treatment algorithm as first-line therapy for couples with infertility.
To determine whether IVF or a standard infertility treatment algorithm results in better outcome and/or lower cost when used as first-line therapy for couples with infertility. Prospective, randomized clinical study. University-affiliated infertility clinic. Couples with newly diagnosed infertility and no prior treatment. Couples were randomized to undergo either IVF (group 1, n = 46) or a standard infertility treatment algorithm (group 2, n = 50) as initial therapy for infertility. Pregnancy rates and costs per couple, per month of treatment, and per pregnancy. Pregnancy rates were higher in group 2 than in group 1. Costs per couple were not statistically different, although a trend toward higher costs was apparent in group 1, reflected by a higher median cost per clinical pregnancy established and a higher cost per month of treatment. Whereas cost differences between the groups diminished over time, pregnancy rates remained the same. In vitro fertilization currently does not represent an appropriate first-line treatment option for couples with infertility. The use of a standard infertility treatment algorithm results in a higher pregnancy rate and lower cost and therefore should be the preferred treatment approach.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Receptor-operated Ca2+ entry mediated by TRPC3/TRPC6 proteins in rat prostate smooth muscle (PS1) cell line.
Prostate smooth muscle cells predominantly express alpha1-adrenoceptors (alpha1-AR). alpha1-AR antagonists induce prostate smooth muscle relaxation and therefore they are useful therapeutic compounds for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. However, the Ca(2+) entry pathways associated with the activation of alpha1-AR in the prostate have yet to be elucidated. In many cell types, mammalian homologues of transient receptor potential (TRP) genes, first identified in Drosophila, encode TRPC (canonical TRP) proteins. They function as receptor-operated channels (ROCs) which are involved in various physiological processes such as contraction, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. To date, the expression and function of TRPC channels have not been studied in prostate smooth muscle. In fura-2 loaded PS1 (a prostate smooth muscle cell line) which express endogenous alpha1A-ARs, alpha-agonists epinephrine (EPI), and phenylephrine (PHE) induced Ca(2+) influx which depended on the extracellular Ca(2+) and PLC activation but was independent of PKC activation. Thus, we have tested two membrane-permeable analogues of diacylglycerol (DAG), oleoyl-acyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) and 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG). They initiated Ca(2+) influx whose properties were similar to those induced by the alpha-agonists. Sensitivity to 2-aminoethyl diphenylborate (2-APB), SKF-96365 and flufenamate implies that Ca(2+)-permeable channels mediated both alpha-agonist- and OAG-evoked Ca(2+) influx. Following the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) store depletion by thapsigargin (Tg), a SERCA inhibitor, OAG and PHE were both still able to activate Ca(2+) influx. However, OAG failed to enhance Ca(2+) influx when added in the presence of an alpha-agonist. RT-PCR and Western blotting performed on PS1 cells revealed the presence of mRNAs and the corresponding TRPC3 and TRPC6 proteins. Experiments using an antisense strategy showed that both alpha-agonist- and OAG-induced Ca(2+) influx required TRPC3 and TRPC6, whereas the Tg-activated ("capacitative") Ca(2+) entry involved only TRPC3 encoded protein. It may be thus concluded that PS1 cells express TRPC3 and TRPC6 proteins which function as receptor- and store-operated Ca(2+) entry pathways.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Daily Associations Between Kissing and Affect During the Transition From Adolescence to Young Adulthood.
Kissing during late adolescence and the transition to adulthood is prevalent, relatively frequent, and distinct from many sexual behaviors in that it affords positive consequences with minimal risk. In this study, we examined within-person associations between kissing and day-to-day variation in affect. A racially/ethnically diverse sample of college students (N = 560; 54.1% female) completed up to 14 daily surveys for seven consecutive semesters. On days when students kissed, they reported more positive and less negative affect than on other days, after controlling for a number of known correlates. Findings differed at the semester- and person levels. Findings contribute to a normative developmental understanding of sexual behaviors during adolescence and the transition to adulthood.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Electrostatic Stabilized InP Colloidal Quantum Dots with High Photoluminescence Efficiency.
Electrostatically stabilized InP quantum dots (QDs) showing a high luminescence yield of 16% without any long alkyl chain coordinating ligands on their surface are demonstrated. This is achieved by UV-etching the QDs in the presence of fluoric and sulfuric acids. Fluoric acid plays a critical role in selectively etching nonradiative sites during the ligand-exchange process and in relieving the acidity of the solution to prevent destruction of the QDs. Given that the InP QDs show high luminescence without any electrical barriers, such as long alkyl ligands or inorganic shells, this method can be applied for QD treatment for application to highly efficient QD-based optoelectronic devices.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and digitalis poisoning: management in the emergency room.
Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers intoxications account for up to 65% of deaths for cardiovascular drugs, causing severe clinical symptoms refractory to standard medications. The most serious poisonings are those resulting from verapamil and propanolol ingestion. Both support and antidotic therapy are necessary for these potentially unstable patients. Supportive measures and the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments are first line treatment for digitalis glycoside poisoning.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[Enzymes of the oral mucosa in rats with protein deficiency].
In rats receiving a protein-poor diet for 60 days (4% caloric share of casein) the activity of beta-galactosidase, beta-N-acetyl glucose aminidase, acid proteinases, acid phosphatase, acetyl estherase, catalase, glutathione reductase, monoamine oxidase (MAO), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and the content of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the oral cavity mucosa. The authors observed the significant increase in MAO activity, and decrease in activities of beta-N-acetyl glucose aminidase, acetyl estherase, catalase, glutathione reductase, increased MDA contents. The changes in enzymatic activities had, to a several extent, an adaptive nature and were related to their reduced biosynthesis.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Simultaneous and Independent Dual Site-Specific Self-Labeling of Recombinant Antibodies.
Antibody-based diagnostic and therapeutic reagents armed with effector molecules such as dyes and drugs offer hope in the battle against cancer. Several site-specific conjugation methods have been developed to equip antibodies with such effector molecules, but they tend to be expensive and involve multiple reaction steps. The conjugation of two different effector molecules to a single antibody also remains a major challenge. Here we describe a simple, controlled, and robust method for the dual site-specific conjugation of an antibody with two effector molecules in a single-pot reaction using the self-labeling SNAP and CLIP protein tags. We verified the principle of the method by labeling an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific single-chain antibody fragment (scFv-425) simultaneously with IRDye700 and Alexa-Fluor647. This dual-labeled antibody bound to EGFR+ ovarian cancer cell lines and tissue samples with high specificity, and its phototherapeutic efficacy was confirmed by the selective killing of EGFR+ cells in vitro.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
cDNA cloning, tissue distribution, and chromosomal localization of Ocp2, a gene encoding a putative transcription-associated factor predominantly expressed in the auditory organs.
We report the cloning of the Ocp2 gene encoding OCP-II from a guinea pig organ-of-Corti cDNA library. The predicted open reading frame encodes a protein of 163 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 18.6 kDa. A homology search revealed that Ocp2 shares significant sequence similarity with p15, a subunit of transcription factor SIII that regulates the activity of the RNA polymerase II elongation complex. The Ocp2 messenger RNA is expressed abundantly in the cochlea while not significantly in any other tissues examined, including brain, eye, heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, thigh muscle, and testis, demonstrating that the expression of this gene may be restricted to auditory organs. A polyclonal antiserum was raised against the N-terminal region of OCP-II. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded sections of the cochlea showed that OCP-II is localized abundantly in nonsensory cells in the organ of Corti; in addition, it was also detected, at a lower concentration, in vestibular sensory organs, as well as auditory and vestibular brain stem nuclei. The Ocp2 gene was mapped to mouse chromosome 4 as well as 11. Our results suggest that OCP-II may be involved in transcription regulation for the development or maintenance of specialized functions of the inner ear.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Urine of tobacco/areca nut chewers causes genomic damage in Chinese hamster ovary cells.
The chromosome-damaging effects of urine concentrates (UCs) from tobacco plus areca nut (T/AN) chewers (a highly popular habit and a major risk factor for oral cancer in India) were evaluated on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells employing two cytogenetic end-points, namely chromosome aberration (CA) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies. Urine creatinine levels were comparable between controls and T/AN chewers. CA and SCE frequencies in CHO cells were found to be elevated significantly (P < 0.001) following treatment with UCs prepared from T/AN chewers (UC-T/AN chewers) as well as with UCs of non-chewer controls (UC-control subjects). Moreover, elevation of these two parameters by UC-T/AN chewers was significantly higher in comparison to that of UC-controls. The results of the present study indicated that besides the oral cavity, which is a target organ for T/AN chewers, mutagens/carcinogens in tobacco and areca nut might be playing a causative role in cancer of the urinary bladder as well.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Electrocardiographic findings in primary systemic amyloidosis and biopsy-proven cardiac involvement.
The electrocardiograms of 127 patients with primary systemic amyloidosis and biopsy-proved cardiac involvement were analyzed. Low voltage (46%) and a pseudoinfarct pattern (47%) were the most common findings. Criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy were present in 16% of patients.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Children's reasoning about spatial relational similarity: the effect of alignment and relational complexity.
We investigated 4- and 5-year-old children's mapping strategies in a spatial task. Children were required to find a picture in an array of three identical cups after observing another picture being hidden in another array of three cups. The arrays were either aligned one behind the other in two rows or placed side by side forming one line. Moreover, children were rewarded for two different mapping strategies. Half of the children needed to choose a cup that held the same relative position as the rewarded cup in the other array; they needed to map left-left, middle-middle, and right-right cups together (aligned mapping), which required encoding and mapping of two relations (e.g., the cup left of the middle cup and left of the right cup). The other half needed to map together the cups that held the same relation to the table's spatial features-the cups at the edges, the middle cups, and the cups in the middle of the table (landmark mapping)-which required encoding and mapping of one relation (e.g., the cup at the table's edge). Results showed that children's success was constellation dependent; performance was higher when the arrays were aligned one behind the other in two rows than when they were placed side by side. Furthermore, children showed a preference for landmark mapping over aligned mapping.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Influence of Helicobacter pylori on gastric mucosal adaptation to naproxen in man.
Our objective was to determine whether H. pylori influences gastric mucosal injury and adaptation caused by naproxen. Twenty-four healthy volunteers, 12 H. pylori-positive and 12 H. pylori-negative, were given a 28-day course of naproxen 500 mg twice a day. They were each gastroscoped to assess gastric mucosal damage and mucosal blood flow before and at 1, 7, and 28 days during treatment. Maximal gastric mucosal damage (median grade + IQR) occurred during the first 24 hr in both groups and was of similar magnitude (H. pylori-positive: 2.5, 2.0-3.0 P < 0.01; H. pylori-negative: 2.0, 1.0-3.0 P < 0.01). This damage was associated with a fall in antral but not corpus mucosal blood flow. With continued NSAID administration, gastric damage resolved confirming adaptation (H. pylori-positive 1.0, 0-2.0, H. pylori-negative: 1.0, 0-1.0) and antral mucosal blood flow returned to baseline in both groups by day 28. These observations suggest that initial gastric mucosal injury is not influenced by H. pylori colonization and adaptation occurs regardless of its presence.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Isothermal titration calorimetry as a complementary method for investigating nanoparticle-protein interactions.
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a complementary technique that can be used for investigations of protein adsorption on nanomaterials, as it quantifies the thermodynamic parameters of intermolecular interactions in situ. As soon as nanomaterials enter biological media, a corona of proteins forms around the nanomaterials, which influences the surface properties and therefore the behavior of nanomaterials tremendously. ITC enhances our understanding of nanoparticle-protein interactions, as it provides information on binding affinity (in form of association constant Ka), interaction mechanism (in form of binding enthalpy ΔH, binding entropy ΔS and Gibbs free energy ΔG) and binding stoichiometry n. Therefore, as a complementary method, ITC enhances our mechanistic understanding of the protein corona. In this minireview, the information obtained from a multitude of ITC studies regarding different nanomaterials and proteins are gathered and relations between nanomaterials' properties and their resulting interactions undergone with proteins are deduced. Nanomaterials formed of a hydrophilic material without strongly charged surface and steric stabilization experience the weakest interactions with proteins. As a result, such nanomaterials undergo the least unspecific protein-interactions and are most promising for allowing an engineering of the protein corona.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Hydration of diglycyl tripeptides with non-polar side chains: a volumetric study.
We have determined the apparent molar volumes and the apparent molar adiabatic compressibilities at 25 degrees C of 10 X-Gly-Gly and Gly-Gly-X tripeptides in which X represents a residue with a non-polar side chain. We also have determined the changes in volume and compressibility which accompany neutralization of the amino and carboxyl termini in these tripeptides. The mutual influence of the non-polar side chain of the X residue and the terminal amino and carboxyl groups on the hydration of each other depends on the chemical nature of the side chain and the state of ionization of the termini. We interpret our data in terms of the hydration of the component aliphatic, aromatic, and charged atomic groups, as well as the mutual interactions between these groups.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Doxycycline attenuates chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced atrial fibrosis in rats.
Atrial structural remodeling in the form of fibrosis contributes to the arrhythmic substrate in atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of doxycycline on chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-induced atrial fibrosis and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying such changes. A total of 30 Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: control group, CIH group, and CIH with doxycycline treatment (CIH-D) group. CIH lasted 5 hours per day for 4 weeks. CIH-D rats were administrated doxycycline for 4 weeks, while they received CIH. Masson's trichrome staining was used to determine collagen deposit in the atrial myocardium. Protein and mRNA levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9), microRNA-21 (miR-21) and its downstream target Sprouty1 (Spry1), and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) were measured using Western blotting or real-time qRT-PCR, respectively. Compared to the control group, the CIH group showed higher interstitial collagen fraction, increased MMP-9, miR-21, and p-ERK1/2 levels, and decreased MMP-2 and Spry1 levels. Doxycycline treatment attenuated CIH-induced atrial fibrosis, reduced MMP-2, MMP-9, miR-21, and p-ERK1/2, and increased Spry1. CIH treatment induced significant atrial fibrosis in our rat model, which was attenuated by doxycycline. These changes can be explained by alterations in the MMP and miR-21/ERK signaling pathways.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Cisplatin cytotoxicity is increased by mifepristone in cervical carcinoma: an in vitro and in vivo study.
We investigated the ability of mifepristone, an anti-progestin drug, to modulate the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in two cervical cancer cell lines and in human xenograft cervical tumors. The effect of cisplatin alone or combined with mifepristone on cellular proliferation was studied with the XTT assay which use a tetrazolium dye {sodium3'-[1-(phenylamino-carbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium],XTT}. Before and after treatment with mifepristone, the intracellular accumulation of cisplatin in cancer cells and tumors of mice was evaluated by HPLC. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes was also assessed by a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. In addition, single agents and combination treatment in vivo studies were performed with the xenograft cervical model. Tumor measurements were carried out weekly. Analysis of the data by the isobologram method shows a synergistic antiproliferative effect produced by the combination of mifepristone with cisplatin only in the HeLa cervical cancer cell line but not in CaSki cells. The effect of mifepristone on cytotoxicity of cisplatin could be mediated, at least partially, by an increase of intracellular cisplatin accumulation, but not by changes in Bcl-2/Bax gene relation expression in these cells. In vivo studies showed that the combination of these agents has a significant antitumor activity against HeLa xenograft tumors. Our results suggest that mifepristone can improve the efficacy of the antiproliferative effect of cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. This anti-hormonal drug therapy may be a useful candidate for further evaluation in combination with other antineoplastic drugs in the treatment of cancer, particularly with cisplatin.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
MHC studies in nonmodel vertebrates: what have we learned about natural selection in 15 years?
Elucidating how natural selection promotes local adaptation in interaction with migration, genetic drift and mutation is a central aim of evolutionary biology. While several conceptual and practical limitations are still restraining our ability to study these processes at the DNA level, genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) offer several assets that make them unique candidates for this purpose. Yet, it is unclear what general conclusions can be drawn after 15 years of empirical research that documented MHC diversity in the wild. The general objective of this review is to complement earlier literature syntheses on this topic by focusing on MHC studies other than humans and mice. This review first revealed a strong taxonomic bias, whereby many more studies of MHC diversity in natural populations have dealt with mammals than all other vertebrate classes combined. Secondly, it confirmed that positive selection has a determinant role in shaping patterns of nucleotide diversity in MHC genes in all vertebrates studied. Yet, future tests of positive selection would greatly benefit from making better use of the increasing number of models potentially offering more statistical rigour and higher resolution in detecting the effect and form of selection. Thirdly, studies that compared patterns of MHC diversity within and among natural populations with neutral expectations have reported higher population differentiation at MHC than expected either under neutrality or simple models of balancing selection. Fourthly, several studies showed that MHC-dependent mate preference and kin recognition may provide selective factors maintaining polymorphism in wild outbred populations. However, they also showed that such reproductive mechanisms are complex and context-based. Fifthly, several studies provided evidence that MHC may significantly influence fitness, either by affecting reproductive success or progeny survival to pathogens infections. Overall, the evidence is compelling that the MHC currently represents the best system available in vertebrates to investigate how natural selection can promote local adaptation at the gene level despite the counteracting actions of migration and genetic drift. We conclude this review by proposing several directions where future research is needed.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Central penetrating keratoplasty with peripheral intrastromal tuck.
To report a new technique of central penetrating keratoplasty with peripheral intrastromal tuck in cases of chronic corneal decompensation. Central penetrating keratoplasty with peripheral intrastromal tuck was undertaken in 8 eyes with chronic corneal decompensation. An 8-mm donor tissue with a peripheral flange of 2 mm was fashioned and sutured into a 7.5-mm recipient bed having a 2-mm intralamellar pocket. Sixteen full-thickness interrupted sutures were passed. Suture removal was possible as early as 1 month, and all sutures were removed by 4 months. Postoperative BCVA improved to 20/40 to 20/80 in all eyes, and astigmatism was <4 diopters in all cases at the last follow-up, which ranged from 5 to 16 months. Central penetrating keratoplasty with peripheral intrastromal tuck is a useful technique because it allows early suture removal and visual rehabilitation.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Tandemly activated tRNAs as participants in protein synthesis.
While all studies of protein synthesis to date have employed monoaminoacylated transfer RNAs, there have been reports that bisphenylalanyl-tRNA is formed by Thermus thermophilus phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase. Such tandemly activated tRNAs have now been prepared by chemicoenzymatic techniques and are shown to function in both prokaryotic and mammalian protein synthesizing systems. They exhibit characteristics consistent with their possible utility under extreme conditions in natural systems and have important potential advantages for protein elaboration in cell free systems. Mechanistically, the bisaminoacylated tRNAs bind to the ribosomal A-site and utilize the aminoacyl moiety attached to the 3'-position of the terminal adenosine for addition to the growing polypeptide chain. Following translocation to the P-site and transfer of the formed peptidyl moiety, the donor tRNA dissociates from the ribosome as a monoaminoacylated tRNA capable of functioning in a subsequent polypeptide elongation step.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Relationship between local and total bone mineral content after gastric surgery.
We compared the total body bone mineral mass (TBBM), assessed by the dual-photon technique, with the local bone mineral mass (BMC), measured by single-photon absorptiometry, in 27 ulcus patients treated by either gastric resection or parietal cell vagotomy. Except for raised concentrations of serum alkaline phosphatase in the Billroth I resection group, the biochemical findings and the measurements of bone mass (local and total) were normal. A highly significant correlation between local and total body bone mineral mass was found in both patients (r = 0.84) and controls (r = 0.91). Since the relationship between these two measurements is identical in the patient population and in the age-matched control group, it is concluded that the local BMC may be useful to estimate total bone mass after gastric surgery.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
A multicenter evaluation of immunoassays for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone: concordance, imprecision and reference values.
Numerous laboratories in Italy use radioimmunoassay to determine concentrations of sex hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone). A comparison of assay methods is thus an important starting point for the achievement of universally accepted reference values. To carry out an external quality assessment for FSH, LH, and testosterone. Fifteen aliquots from 5 serum pools were assayed in multiple replicates by 16 Italian laboratories with 5 automated immunoassays (Abbott Architect, DiaSorin Liaison, Perkin-Elmer AutoDelfia, Roche Elecsys, Siemens Immulite 2000), and 1 radioimmunoassay (Adaltis). The variance was below 12% for FSH, between 11.61% and 14.76% for LH, and between 9.57% and 12.48% for testosterone. Assay precision was good, except for Elecsys at low concentrations of FSH and for Immulite at low concentrations of LH and testosterone. ARCHITECT showed a negative bias for FSH and LH and a positive bias for testosterone; Liaison a positive bias for LH; Elecsys a positive bias for FSH and a negative bias for testosterone; Immulite a positive bias for FSH; AutoDelfia a negative bias for FSH and a positive bias for testosterone. Reference ranges at the low end varied widely, even among laboratories using the same assay. The analytical performances of widely used immunoassays for FSH, LH, and testosterone show a fair to strong degree of consistency. A careful evaluation of reference ranges by clinical and laboratory experts needs to be carried out, in order to reach a consensus.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Biological and psychological predictors of visceral pain sensitivity in healthy premenopausal women.
Factors that are associated with pain perception remain incompletely understood, especially in the visceral pain field. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate possible psychological and biological predictors of visceral pain sensitivity in healthy subjects. In a sample of 59 healthy premenopausal female subjects on hormonal contraceptives, measures of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in daily life, trait and state anxiety, depression, serum cortisol concentrations and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were obtained, followed by assessment of rectal distension pain sensitivity measures (i.e., rectal distension sensory threshold, pain threshold and pain ratings for discrete rectal distension stimuli). Regression analyses showed that more GI symptoms in daily life predicted a lower pain threshold. Higher levels of state anxiety predicted a lower pain threshold. Higher cortisol concentrations predicted lower pain ratings. IL-6 was positively related to GI symptoms but was a non-significant predictor of pain threshold in the multiple regression analysis. Similar to findings in patients with functional GI symptoms, we showed that subclinical GI symptoms predict visceral pain sensitivity. In line with somatic pain findings, state but not trait anxiety was found to predict visceral pain sensitivity. Our finding on serum cortisol as positive predictor of pain sensitivity might be interpreted in light of immunosuppressive effects of cortisol. Our finding on the role of IL-6 in GI symptoms is promising for understanding GI complaints in patients and needs further investigation.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
High-quality sub-100-fs optical pulse generation by fiber-optic soliton compression of gain-switched distributed-feedback laser-diode pulses in conjunction with nonlinear optical fiber loops.
We report our investigations of a new and simpler femtosecond fiber-optic soliton compressor for chirp-compensated gain-switched diode-laser pulses and of pedestal suppression by a compound fiber loop mirror (CFLM) and nonlinear-optical loop mirrors (NOLM's), both of which are designed for sub-100-fs pulse generation of high quality. The soliton compressor, composed of a 21.1-m-long steplike dispersion profiled fiber, exhibited 44-fs pulses and a compression ratio of approximately 60. Pedestals of 100-fs soliton pulses were suppressed successfully (>20 dB) by the CFLM and the NOLM's. In particular, 63-fs pedestal-free sech(2) pulses were obtained by NOLM propagation.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Calcipotriol (Dovobet) ointment in combination with UVB therapy for psoriasis treatment.
Dovobet is a compounded combination of calcipotriol [also calcipotriene] and betamethasone diproprionate, and is used for psoriasis vulgaris once daily. For this photo case presentation, Dovobet was used once daily in combination with UVB phototherapy 3 times a week. Light therapy was increased by 10% increments at each visit or as tolerated by the patient. Results show the combination of light therapy plus Dovobet may be an effective and convenient option in the treatment of psoriasis.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Posaconazole: clinical pharmacology and potential for management of fungal infections.
Posaconazole is a novel lipophilic antifungal triazole that inhibits cytochrome P450-dependent 14-alpha demethylase in the biosynthetic pathway of ergosterol. Inhibition of this enzyme leads to an accumulation of toxic 14-alpha methylsterols and a depletion of ergosterol, resulting in a perturbation of the function of the fungal cell membrane and blockage of cell growth and division. In vitro, posaconazole has potent and broad-spectrum activity against opportunistic, endemic and dermatophytic fungi. This activity extends to organisms that are often refractory to existing triazoles, amphotericin B or echinocandins, such as Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium spp. and the Zygomycetes. A large variety of animal models of invasive fungal infections have provided consistent evidence of efficacy against these organisms in vivo, both in normal and immunocompromised animals. Posaconazole is available as an oral suspension and optimal exposure is achieved when the drug is administered in two to four divided doses along with food or a nutritional supplement. The compound has a large volume of distribution, in the order of 5 l/kg, and a half-life of approximately 20 h. Posaconazole is not metabolized to a significant extent through the cytochrome P450 enzyme system and is primarily excreted in an unchanged form in the feces. Although it is inhibitory, cytochrome P3A4 has no effect on 1A2, 2C8, 2C9, 2D6 and 2E1 isoenzymes, and therefore, a limited spectrum of drug-drug interactions can be expected. Pharmacokinetic studies in special populations revealed no necessity for dosage adjustment based on differences in age, gender, race, renal or hepatic function. Posaconazole has demonstrated strong antifungal efficacy in Phase II and III clinical trials in immunocompromised patients with oropharyngeal and esophageal candidiasis. Posaconazole also showed promising efficacy as salvage therapy in a large Phase II study including 330 patients with invasive fungal infections intolerant to or refractory to standard therapies. Posaconazole appears to be well tolerated in a manner comparable with that of fluconazole and it is currently under regulatory review in the USA and Europe for the treatment of refractory invasive fungal infections. This drug profile reviews the preclinical and clinical pharmacology of posaconazole and its potential role for prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[Invasion behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma cells correlates with their rheological properties].
We investigated the viscoelasticity, mechanics of adhesion to collagen I coated surfaces and mechanics of adhesin to liver sinosoidal endothelial cells(LECs) among primary culture human hepatocytes, hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells as well as HCC-Inv cells, namely HCC cells capable of invading the artificial basement membrane, Matrigel. The results showed that the above-mentioned rheological properties of HCC cells differed obviously from those of normal hepatocytes. HCC-Inv cells exhibited higher viscoelastic coefficients, higher adhesion forces to collagen I coated surfaces as well as higher adhesion forces to LECs than those of normal hepatocytes and HCC cells. Immunocytochemistry showed the differences in cell morphology and cytoskeleton structure between HCC cells and HCC-Inv cells. A brief discussion was presented in relation to the changes in cell rheological properties of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and their pathological significance.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Verapamil kinetics during maintenance hemodialysis.
The kinetics of verapamil during chronic oral therapy were evaluated in a maintenance hemodialysis patient. The elimination half-lives of verapamil and its major metabolite norverapamil were 3.8 and 15.2 h. The former is shorter, while the latter is similar to that in patients with normal renal function. Hemodialysis did not affect drug half-life, and neither drug could be detected in the dialysate. Our studies suggest that verapamil kinetics are altered in end-stage renal disease and that hemodialysis does not remove significant amounts of the drug or its metabolite.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Long term cardiovascular risk models' combination - a new approach.
This work addresses two major drawbacks of the current cardiovascular risk score systems: reduced number of risk factors considered by each individual tool and the inability of these tools to deal with incomplete information. To achieve this goal a two phase strategy was followed. In the first phase, a common representation procedure was considered, based on a Naïve-Bayes classifier methodology. Conditional probabilities parameters were initially evaluated through a frequency estimation method and after that optimized using a Genetic Algorithm approach. In a second phase, a combination scheme was proposed exploiting the particular features of Bayes probabilistic reasoning. This strategy was applied to describe and combine SCORE, ASSIGN and Framingham models. Validation results were obtained based on individual models, assuming their statistical correctness. The achieved results are very promising, showing the potential of the strategy to accomplish the desired goals.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
MicroRNA-31 Regulates Immunosuppression in Ang II (Angiotensin II)-induced Hypertension by Targeting Ppp6C (Protein Phosphatase 6c).
Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play important roles in hypertension and organ damages. MicroRNA-31 (miR-31) is a critical regulator for Treg cell generation. However, the role of miR-31 in hypertension has not been elucidated. We aim to study the functionality of miR-31 and the detailed mechanism in Ang II (Angiotensin II)-induced hypertensive mouse model. We found: In vitro, miR-31 expression was higher in T helper 17 cells and lower in Treg cells than that of naïve T cells. The genetic deficiency of miR-31 promoted Treg cell differentiation, whereas no impact on T helper 17 cells differentiation. Ang II-induced hypertension resulted in increased expression of miR-31 in the aorta, splenic CD4+ T cells, and kidney leukocytes. MiR-31 deficiency strikingly decreased systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure and attenuated renal and vascular damage. MiR-31 deletion altered the accumulation of Treg cells and macrophages and expression of inflammatory cytokines in kidneys in Ang II-induced hypertensive mice. Ang II treatment reduced the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and increased proinflammatory cytokines in plasma that were blunted by the miR-31 deletion. Ppp6C (protein phosphatase 6c; a direct target of miR-31) specific deletion in Treg cells led to marked impairment of Treg cell induction, increased Ang II-induced blood pressure elevation, and organ damage in mice. In conclusion, we provided novel evidence of miR-31 as an emerging key posttranscriptional regulator of hypertension-associated immunosuppression through targeting ppp6C which is a critical regulator in the differentiation of Treg cells. This study offers new perspectives on miRNA-based therapeutic approaches.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Surgical technique and results of endoscopic anterior spinal canal decompression.
Decompression of the spinal canal in the management of thoracolumbar trauma is controversial, but many authors have advocated decompression in patients with severe canal compromise and neurological deficits. Anterior decompression, corpectomy, and fusion have been shown to be more reliable for spinal canal reconstruction than posterior procedures; however, traditional anterior-access procedures, thoracotomy, and thoracoabdominal approaches are associated with significant complications. Endoscopy-guided spinal access avoids causing these morbidities, but it has not been shown to yield equivalent results in spinal canal clearance. This study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of endoscopic spinal canal decompression and reconstruction quantitatively by using pre- and postoperative computerized tomography (CT) scanning. Thirty patients with thoracolumbar canal compromise underwent endoscopic anterior spinal canal decompression, interbody reconstruction, and stabilization for fractures (27 cases), and tumor, infection, and severe degenerative disc disease (one case each). The mean follow-up period was 42 months (range 24 months-6 years). Neurological examinations, Frankel grades, radiological studies, and intraoperative findings were prospectively collected. Spinal canal clearance quantified on pre- and postoperative CT scans improved from 55 to 110%. A total of 25% of patients with complete paraplegia and 65% of those with incomplete neurological deficit improved neurologically. The complication rate was 16.7% and included one reintubation, two pleural effusions, one intercostal neuralgia, and one persistent lesion of the sympathetic chain. The authors describe the endoscopic technique of anterior spinal canal decompression in the thoracolumbar spine. The morbidities associated with an open procedure were avoided, and excellent spinal canal clearance was accomplished as was associated neurological improvement.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic anterior 180° partial versus posterior 270° partial fundoplication.
Previous trials show good outcomes following anterior and posterior partial versus Nissen fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux. However, it is unclear which partial fundoplication performs best. This study compared anterior 180° versus posterior 270° fundoplication. At three hospitals, patients were randomized to anterior 180° versus posterior 270° partial fundoplication, and clinical outcomes were determined using a structured questionnaire at 3, 6 and 12 months. Heartburn, dysphagia and satisfaction were assessed using 0-10 analoue scales, and adverse outcomes and side effects were determined. Endoscopy, manometry and pH monitoring were performed 6 months after surgery. Forty-seven patients were randomized to anterior (n = 23) versus posterior (n = 24) fundoplication. Clinical outcomes for 93-98% of patients were available at each follow-up point. At 12 months, the mean heartburn score was higher following anterior fundoplication (2.7 versus 0.8, P = 0.045), although differences were not significant at earlier follow-up. Conversely, following posterior fundoplication, patients were less able to belch at 3 (56% versus 16%, P = 0.013) and 6 months (43% versus 9%, P = 0.017). No significant differences were demonstrated for dysphagia. Both groups had high rates of satisfaction with the outcome - 85% versus 86% satisfied at 12 months follow-up. Both partial fundoplications are effective treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux. Posterior partial fundoplication is associated with less reflux symptoms offset by more side effects.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
The role of stretch reflex threshold regulation in normal and impaired motor control.
Some hypotheses suggest that stretch reflex threshold regulation may be an essential element of motor control. Disturbances in this mechanism may lead to motor dysfunction. We investigated this possibility by comparing stretch reflex threshold regulation in 11 spastic hemiparetic and 6 normal subjects. Subjects sat with their arms fully supported in a forearm and hand mold attached to a manipulandum mounted on and controlled by a torque motor. They remained completely passive while their elbow was extended from 30 degrees flexion through an arc of 100 degrees. Displacement and velocity of the forearm were measured as well as EMG signals from 2 elbow flexors and 2 elbow extensors, when the elbow flexors were stretched at each of 7 velocities. Velocities ranged from 8 to 160 degrees/s for hemiparetic subjects and from 32 to 300 degrees/s for normal subjects. Phase diagrams (velocity versus angle) were plotted and the threshold angles (lambda) for muscle activation at each velocity of stretch were used to determine the static stretch reflex threshold (lambda) and the slope (mu) of the relationship between the lambda s and velocity. Our main findings were that static and dynamic stretch reflex thresholds were decreased in spastic hemiparetic compared to normal subjects and that the thresholds depended on velocity. The static threshold value correlated with the severity of clinically measured spasticity. In addition, the range of regulation of lambda was decreased in the patients compared to normal. This may explain some of the problems of force and position regulation as well as hypertonus (and weakness) common to these patients.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[Gunshot brain injury--Rishon-le-Zion 1913].
Dr. Leon Pochovski (1869-1965), the first fully trained surgeon to settle in Eretz-Israel, was summoned in 1913 from Jaffa to Rishon-le-Zion to treat a patient who sustained a tangential gunshot injury of the brain from a bullet shot at nearly point blank range, in the right occipital region. As the patient's condition deteriorated intracranial bleeding was diagnosed. Dr. Pochovski did not hesitate to operate and successfully removed an intracerebral hematoma. At first there were no visual symptoms, but on the 11th day there was hemianopia due to dysfunction of the initially uninvolved left hemisphere. It became progressed and then cleared. The hemianopia was associated with diplopia and created hallucinations in the blind field. The mode of treatment and the learned discussion of the uncommon symptomatology demonstrate that the practicing physicians were providing clinical service that did not differ in the technical standards and academic level from that of their colleagues overseas.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Adrenergic reactivity after inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in the cerebral circulation of awake goats.
The interaction between nitric oxide (NO) and adrenergic reactivity in the cerebral circulation was studied using in vivo and in vitro preparations. Blood flow to one brain hemisphere (cerebral blood flow) was electromagnetically measured in conscious goats, and the effects of norepinephrine, tyramine and cervical sympathetic nerve stimulation were recorded before (control) and after inhibition of NO formation with Nw-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME). The responses to norepinephrine, tyramine and electrical field stimulation were also recorded in segments, 4 mm in length, from the goat's middle cerebral artery under control conditions and after l-NAME. In vivo, l-NAME (10 goats, 47 mg kg-1 administered i.v.) reduced resting cerebral blood flow by 37+/-2%, increased mean systemic arterial pressure by 24+/-3%, reduced heart rate by 35+/-2%, and decreased cerebrovascular conductance by 52+/-2% (all P<0.01). Norepinephrine (0.3-9 microgram), tyramine (50-500 microgram), and supramaximal electrical sympathetic cervical nerve stimulation (1. 5-6 Hz) decreased cerebrovascular conductance, and these decreases were significantly higher after l-NAME than under control conditions, remaining higher for about 48 h after this treatment. Norepinephrine (10-8-10-3 M), tyramine (10-6-10-3 M) and electrical field stimulation (1.5-6 Hz) contracted isolated cerebral arteries, and the maximal contraction, but not the sensitivity, was significantly higher in the arteries treated than in non-treated with l-NAME (10-4 M). Therefore, the reactivity of cerebral vasculature to exogenous and endogenous norepinephrine may be increased after inhibition of NO synthesis. This increase might be related, at least in part, to changes at postjunctional level in the adrenergic innervation of the vessel wall, and it might contribute to the observed decreases in resting cerebral blood flow after inhibition of NO synthesis.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Improved parenchymal liver enhancement with extended delay on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI in patients with parenchymal liver disease: associated clinical and imaging factors.
To establish the effect of prolonged hepatobiliary phase (HBP) delay time on hepatic enhancement in patients with parenchymal liver disease (PLD). Gadoxetate disodium (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations with HBP were obtained after 20- (HBP-20) and 30-minute (HBP-30) delays in patients with PLD. For each patient, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, total and direct bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), prothrombin time (PT), and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were recorded. Signal intensities of the liver, main portal vein, and spleen on pre-contrast, HBP-20, and HBP-30 were documented. Signal intensities were used to calculate liver relative enhancement (LRE), liver-spleen index (LSI), and liver-portal vein index (LPI) for HBP-20 and HBP-30. Improved hepatic enhancement was considered if two or more indices were higher on HBP-30 than HBP-20. A logistic regression model was constructed with improved hepatic enhancement as the outcome. One hundred and twenty-nine patients underwent 142 MRIs. Mean LRE, LSI, and LPI each increased from HBP-20 to HBP-30 (p = 0.004, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Seventy-two point five percent of cases demonstrated improved hepatic enhancement. The odds ratios for improved hepatic enhancement were 0.85 for MELD score (p = 0.02) and 3.2 for the 3 T scanner (p = 0.02), adjusted for age and sex. Increasing HBP delay to 30 minutes improves hepatic enhancement in patients with PLD, particularly if using a 3 T scanner. This effect is attenuated with higher MELD scores.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[Moyse Charas, a typical master apothecary and physician for his time (1619-1698)].
The life of Moyse Charas has been very stormy, especially after 1680. One can consider three main periods in his carrier : a first one from his birth in Uzès (France), in 1619, to 1680 ; his exile from 1680 to 1689 in various European countries ; and finally, his return to Paris in 1690 until his death in 1698. He decided his return to Paris and confirmed his conversion to Catholicism the 1st of July 1691, being received by Louis XIV and elected as a member of the French Academy of Sciences in 1692. Charas dictated his one’s will the 12th of January 1698, a few days before his death. All along his very active life, Charas was noteworthy by two major achievements : his interest and works on viper and, as a consequence, on theriac ; and his book that became a reference for all apothecaries and physicians at the time, the Pharmacopée Royale galénique et chimique (the Galenic and Chemical Royal Pharmacopoeia). The present study examines specifically the influence of Charas’ pharmacopoeia to the Universal Pharmacopeia of Lémery, and the conceptual visible differences between the two authors. He decided his return to Paris and confirmed his conversion to Catholicism the 1st of July 1691, being received by Louis XIV and elected as a member of the French Academy of Sciences in 1692. Charas dictated his one’s will the 12th of January 1698, a few days before his death. All along his very active life, Charas was noteworthy by two major achievements : his interest and works on viper and, as a consequence, on theriac ; and his book that became a reference for all apothecaries and physicians at the time, the Pharmacopée Royale galénique et chimique (the Galenic and Chemical Royal Pharmacopoeia). The present study examines specifically the influence of Charas’ pharmacopoeia to the Universal Pharmacopeia of Lémery, and the conceptual visible differences between the two authors.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Fluorometric determination of alpha-ketosuccinamic acid in rat tissues.
A method for the fluorometric determination of alpha-ketosuccinamic acid, the alpha-keto acid analog of asparagine, is described. The procedure involves the hydrolysis of alpha-ketosuccinamate to oxaloacetate by omega-amidase followed by NADH-dependent reduction of oxaloacetate to malate by malate dehydrogenase. A correction for endogenous oxaloacetate is made by using control samples lacking omega-amidase. Of the rat tissues investigated, liver contained the highest concentration, followed by kidney (53 +/- 6 (n = 11) and 18 +/- 3 (n = 3) mumol/kg wet wt, respectively). alpha-Ketosuccinamate was not detected in brain (less than 8 mumol/kg wet wt). Some chemical properties of alpha-ketosuccinamate were investigated. Concentrated solutions of sodium alpha-ketosuccinamate frozen for extended periods and the solid sodium salt of alpha-ketosuccinamate dimer heated to 130 degrees C are converted to at least 10 products by processes involving dimerization, dehydration, and decarboxylation. Isobutane chemical ionization mass spectral analysis (170-230 degrees C) of the free acid monomer yielded similar products. Many of the breakdown products were identified as di- and monoheterocyclic compounds, some of which are known to be of biological importance.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
[New therapeutic strategies in HIV infection-immune reconstitution and virus suppression].
In the last years, highly active antiretroviral therapy has decreased AIDS-associated mortality of patients dramatically. Due to this prolonged lifetime, the emergence of resistance against antiretroviral therapy has increased. Additionally, cross-resistance within the classes of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), and protease inhibitors (PI) complicates HIV therapy. Development of new classes of therapeutic agents can help avoiding cross-resistance. Fuzeon, the first agent in the new class of fusion inhibitors, should be combined with as many effective antiretroviral agents as possible. The course of a 106-week therapy in a patient infected with a multiresistant virus is described. Fusion inhibitor Fuzeon represents a new option for patients having multiple resistance against HAART.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Timing of the Acadian Orogeny in Northern New Hampshire.
New U-Pb geochronology constrains the timing of the Acadian orogeny in the Central Maine Terrane of northern New Hampshire. Sixteen fractions of one to six grains each of zircon or monazite have been analyzed from six samples: (1) an early syntectonic diorite that records the onset of the Acadian; (2) a schist, a migmatite, and two granites that together record the peak of the Acadian; and (3) a postkinematic pluton that records the end of the Acadian. Zircon from the syntectonic Wamsutta Diorite gives a 207Pb/206Pb age of circa 408 Ma, the time at which the boundary between the deforming orogenic wedge and the foreland basin was in the vicinity of the Presidential Range. This age agrees well with the Emsian position of the northwest migrating Acadian orogenic front and records the beginning of the Acadian in this part of the Central Maine Terrane. We propose a possible Acadian tectonic model that incorporates the geochronologic, structural, and stratigraphic data. Monazite from the schist, migmatite, Bigelow Lawn Granite, and Slide Peak Granite gives 207Pb/206U ages, suggesting the peak of Acadian metamorphism and intrusion of two-mica granites occurred at circa 402-405 Ma, the main pulse of Acadian orogenesis. Previously reported monazite ages from schists that likely record the peak metamorphism in the Central Maine Terrane of New Hampshire and western Maine range from circa 406-384 Ma, with younger ages in southeastern New Hampshire and progressively older ages to the west, north, and northeast. Acadian orogenesis in the Presidential Range had ended by circa 355 Ma, the 207Pb/235U age of monazite from the Peabody River Granite. From 408 to perhaps at least 394 Ma, Acadian orogenesis in the Presidential Range was typical of the tectonic style, dominated by synkinematic metamorphism, seen in central and southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. From no earlier than 394 Ma to as late as 355 Ma, the orogenesis was typical of the style in parts of Maine dominated by postkinematic metamorphism.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Patient-specific factors influencing the traction forces in hip arthroscopy.
The application of traction in hip arthroscopy is associated with peri-operative complications. Within a therapeutic case series, patient-related factors correlating with high-traction forces during hip arthroscopy and occurring complications should be identified. In 30 male and 38 female patients (mean age: 44.5 years), intra-operative traction forces were monitored continuously using a specialised measurement device. A multivariate analysis was employed to identify patient-related factors influencing the traction force. Peri-operative complications (follow-up: 12 weeks) were evaluated by performing a single-case analysis. The mean initial force prior to penetration of the capsule ("initial force") was 477 N (men: 517 N; women: 444 N), decreasing after capsulotomy by an average of 17 %. The male gender (p < 0.001), Kellgren and Lawrence radiographic stage (p = 0.037), low minimum joint-space width (p = 0.029) and high body height/weight (p = 0.003/0.037) correlated significantly with higher distraction forces. The patient age and type of anaesthesia (general versus spinal) were not relevant. Complications were observed in ten patients on the first post-operative day. In two of these patients a partial sensory deficit of the lateral cutaneous femoral nerve persisted after 12 weeks. All patients with complications required initial traction forces of >400 N. The study revealed several patient-specific risk factors correlating with high-traction forces during hip arthroscopy. With view to potential complications, these patient groups require special attention during surgical treatment as well as in future studies.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Correlation of tumor-cell growth in four semisolid systems.
The correlation of the colony growth of cells disaggregated from human melanoma, sarcoma, lung, and ovarian carcinomas were studied in four different semisolid tissue culture assays: (a) the soft agar assay of Pluznik and Sachs; (b) the soft agar assay of Hamburger and Salmon; (c) the soft agar-methyl cellulose assay of Buick et al.; and (d) the methyl cellulose assay of Ogawa et al. There was no colony growth of tumor cells achieved in 15 of 15 cases assayed in Ogawa's methyl cellulose assay. The plating efficiency of the above mentioned tumors was similar in the assays of Pluznik and Sachs, Hamburger and Salmon, and Buick et al. However, the tumor take rate differed among these three systems. The assay of Buick et al. appears potentially useful for analysis of the biology of human tumors.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Effect of exosome-carried miR-30a on myocardial apoptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury rats through regulating autophagy.
To explore the effect of exosome-carried micro-ribonucleic acid-30a (miR-30a) on myocardial apoptosis in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) and its possible regulatory mechanism. The MIRI rat model was established via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into Sham group, Model group, and miR-30a inhibitor group. The pathological changes in heart tissues in MIRI rats were detected via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in MIRI rats were detected using the biochemical method. The content of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, the apoptosis of heart tissues in MIRI rats was detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The protein levels of ULK1 and Beclin-1 were detected via Western blotting. Compared with those in the Sham group, the pathological injury of heart tissues was severe, the levels of serum AST and CPK were increased, the content of MDA was decreased, the content of SOD was increased, the apoptotic rate of heart tissues was significantly increased, and the protein levels of ULK1 and Beclin-1 in heart tissues were also significantly increased in Model group. Compared with those in the Model group, the pathological injury of the heart tissues was alleviated, the levels of serum AST and CPK were declined, the content of MDA was increased, the content of SOD was decreased, the apoptotic rate of heart tissues, and the protein levels of ULK1 and Beclin-1 in heart tissues also significantly declined. The exosome-carried miR-30a inhibitor can suppress the myocardial apoptosis in MIRI rats by reducing autophagy.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Niemann-Pick disease type B: first-trimester prenatal diagnosis on chorionic villi and biochemical study of a foetus at 12 weeks of development.
First-trimester prenatal diagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease type B was successfully achieved by sphingomyelinase assay on chorionic villi, performed directly and after 3 weeks' culture. Cultured chorionic cells were normally found to exhibit sphingomyelinase activities 3 times higher than seen in the solid biopsy, and showed a lower residual activity in the affected foetus. Their study may thus prove helpful in dubious cases. Enzyme activities and lipid patterns were studied in several organs of the aborted foetus. Lysosomal sphingomyelinase was deficient in all tissues. The lipid pattern of the brain was normal for the age, but a 4-fold sphingomyelin storage had already taken place in the liver (2.5-fold in the spleen) of this 12-gestational week foetus.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Intraradicular disc herniations in the lumbar spine and a new classification of intradural disc herniations.
A case report of intraradicular disc herniation. Intraradicular disc herniation is a special type of intradural disc herniations. In this report, we present the tenth case of intraradicular lumbar disc herniation and suggest a new classification for intradural disc herniations. A 32-year-old male was admitted to hospital having experienced pain in the lower back and right leg for 1 month prior to admission. Neurological examination revealed weakness of the extensor hallucis longus, positive Laségue's sign, decreased ankle reflex in his right lower extremity, and bilateral paravertebral muscle spasm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a disc herniation with a posterolateral extruded fragment on the right at the level of the L5-S1 space. He underwent L5 laminectomy. During the operation, the right S1 root was found to be swollen and immobile. A longitudinal incision was made in the dura of the right S1 root and an intradural free disc fragment was removed, and the S1 root was relieved. The patient was free of pain postoperatively. We suggest a new classification for intradural disc herniations with this unusual case presentation and review the literature for pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
The cellular environment controls the expression of engrailed-like protein in the cranial neuroepithelium of quail-chick chimeric embryos.
We have previously shown that one of two chicken engrailed-like genes, chick En-2, is expressed in a restricted region of the early chick embryo brain: the mes/metencephalon (Gardner et al. 1988). In this study, we examine the role of the cellular environment in regulation of engrailed-like (En) protein expression in quail-chick chimeric embryos. Two types of transplant surgery were performed at the 9-15 somite stage to produce chimeric embryos. In the first, the mid-mesencephalic vesicle or caudal mesencephalic vesicle alar plate (which is En protein-positive) was transplanted from a quail embryo into an En protein-negative region of chick neuroepithelium, the prosencephalon (mMP and cMP grafts, respectively). In the second reciprocal surgery, prosencephalic alar plate which is En protein-negative, was transplanted into the En protein-positive mesencephalic vesicle (PM grafts). A polyclonal antiserum, alpha Enhb-1, which recognizes chick En proteins (Davis et al. 1991) was used to identify En-positive cells 48 h after surgery. In mMP embryos, 71% of integrated grafts had lost En expression (n = 17). In contrast, in cMP grafts, 93% of integrated grafts continued to stain with the antiserum (n = 14). In addition, in 86% of these embryos, the graft induced adjacent chick host diencephalic cells to become En protein-positive as well. All PM grafts contained aEnhb-1-positive cells; such cells never expressed this protein in their normal environment. These early changes in En protein expression correlate well with the morphological changes observed in similar graft surgeries assayed later in development. Thus, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that En genes play a role in the regionalization of the early cranial neuroepithelium.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
The influence of the opinion of an infectious disease consultant on the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment in a general hospital.
The antibiotics chosen in hospitals are not always the most appropriate. A comparative prospective study with sequential analysis was designed to assess how the opinion of an infectious disease consultant affected the clinical efficacy of antimicrobial treatment in a general hospital. We studied 250 patients who had microbiologically documented infections according to Center for Disease Control criteria. The patients were divided in two groups with similar initial characteristics. Group G1 comprised 100 patients without infectious disease consultation, and group G2 contained 150 patients with infectious disease consultation. The influence of the consultant's opinion was assessed as the percentage of initially appropriate treatments, and by the number of inappropriate ones that were changed after the microbiological results were known. The appropriateness of initial treatment was significantly higher in group G2 (66% vs 55%), as were the number of treatments changed on the basis of the microbiological results (57.6% vs 33.3%). This lead to higher rates of cure, fewer deaths, and fewer cases of persistent infection in group G2. In 42.4% of G2 patients, antibiotic treatment was not changed in spite of the microbiological results and the opinion of an infectious disease consultant. We conclude that antibiotic treatment for the most clinically significant infections can be optimized if it is dispensed according to carefully developed guidelines.
|
{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.