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Generating conditional knockout mice.
Gene targeting in ES cells is extensively used to generate designed mouse mutants and to study gene function in vivo. Knockout mice that harbor a null allele in their germline provide appropriate genetic models of inherited diseases and often exhibit embryonic or early postnatal lethality. To study gene function in adult mice and in selected cell types, a refined strategy for conditional gene inactivation has been developed that relies on the DNA recombinase Cre and its recognition (loxP) sites. For conditional mutagenesis, a target gene is modified by the insertion of two loxP sites that enable to excise the flanked (floxed) gene segment through Cre-mediated recombination. Conditional mutant mice are obtained by crossing the floxed strain with a Cre transgenic line such that the target gene becomes inactivated in vivo within the expression domain of Cre. A large collection of Cre transgenic lines has been generated over time and can be used in a combinatorial manner to achieve gene inactivation in many different cell types. A growing number of CreER(T2) transgenic mice further allows for inducible inactivation of floxed alleles in adult mice upon administration of tamoxifen. This chapter covers the design and construction of loxP flanked alleles and refers to the vectors, ES cells, and mice generated by the European conditional mouse mutagenesis (EUCOMM) project. We further describe the design and use of Cre and CreER(T2) transgenic mice and a convenient breeding strategy to raise conditional mutants and controls for phenotype analysis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Preventing the accumulation of surplus controlled substances at long term care facilities. Final rule.
DEA is amending its regulations to allow, where State laws permit, for retail pharmacy installation of automated dispensing systems at long term care facilities. Automated dispensing systems would allow dispensing of single dosage units and mitigate the problem of excess stocks and disposal.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Meta-Analysis Comparing Usefulness of Beta Blockers to Preserve Left Ventricular Function During Anthracycline Therapy.
The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the cardioprotective benefit of β blockers in preventing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) in breast cancer patients. Anthracyclines are the cornerstone treatment for breast cancer. Yet, their use has declined in the last decade due to associated AIC. Although β blockers may protect left ventricular (LV) function, previous trials were underpowered with equivocal results. The authors systematically searched online databases through August 2018 for studies evaluating effectiveness of β blockers in preventing AIC in breast cancer patients. We analyzed 9 studies including 771 patients. Data on converting-enzyme inhibitors, trastuzumab, or other malignancies were excluded. The primary outcome was comparison of postchemotherapy LV ejection fraction (LVEF) between β blocker and placebo. Secondary outcomes were changes in global longitudinal strain, LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and diastolic function parameters, as assessed by 2D echocardiogram and MRI. The mean pre-chemotherapy LVEF was >60% in all studies. Our pooled analysis demonstrated significantly higher LVEF postchemotherapy in the β blocker group in comparison to placebo: mean difference -3.84 with 95% confidence interval [-(6.19 to 1.48) p = 0.001]. The absolute change in EF also favored β blockers: mean difference -3.66 with 95% confidence interval [-(6.20 to 1.12) p = 0.005]. Diastolic function, global longitudinal strain, and LVEDD were also preserved by β blockers, but only LVEDD reached statistical significance. In conclusion, this study suggests that β blockers during anthracycline chemotherapy may prevent cardiotoxicity by preserving LV function.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Bilateral fibrous pseudotumors of the tunica albuginea in a pediatric patient.
Fibrous pseudotumor, previously named nodular fibrous periorchitis, is a very rare disease entity in the pediatric patient. This is the first reported case of bilateral synchronous fibrous pseudotumors in the testes of a pediatric patient.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Building confidence in independent practice.
Never short of an opinion, Andrew Curwen is bullish about the future of independent vet businesses. The chief executive serving XLVets tells Adele Waters why it's time to start shouting about the benefits of collaboration.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A note on the estimation of relative risks of rare genetic susceptibility markers.
The comparison of an incident case series with an incident series of second primary cancers, using either a case-control or follow-up study design, is proposed as an efficient method for evaluating the relative risk of a rare genetic susceptibility marker and its prevalence in the population, and for evaluating gene-environment interactions. The relative efficiency of this design versus a conventional case-control study is highly dependent on the population prevalence of the marker and its relative risk. However, for relatively rare but highly penetrant genes, the relative efficiency can be very high. In an example presented regarding a planned study of the p16 gene and its role in melanoma, a conventional case-control study may require up to 70 times as many subjects to achieve equivalent precision to the study of second primaries. The use of second primary cancers in this way requires assumptions about the validity of the classification of a new tumor as a second primary, the extent to which risk of a second cancer is influenced by treatment of the first cancer, and the nature and extent of surveillance bias. However, the problems of ascertaining a valid series of population controls are avoided. The study of second cancers represents an important and underused tool in molecular and genetic epidemiology.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pulmonary emboli associated with coagulum pyelolithotomy.
Coagulum pyelolithotomy has become a popular means to extract renal calculi in selected circumstances. Serious complications with this procedure have not been previously reported. A case report of an operative death due to a pulmonary embolus is presented, because of which we designed a canine laboratory study to determine the relationship between coagulum injection into the renal pelvis and thrombo-embolic phenomena. Positive lung scans were detected in a large number of animals related to the volume of the coagulum used and the concentration of the thrombin injected. Judicious use of this procedure with suggested cautions is proposed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Spinal evoked potential in the cat: effects of asphyxia, strychnine, cord section and compression.
Averaged evoked potentials to sciatic nerve stimulation and to direct stimulation of the cervical spinal cord were recorded from the dura and skin over the spinal cord and cauda equina in bipolar and common reference leads in cats and compared. Response waveform and conduction characteristics are described. The effects of increasing stimulus intensity, asphyxia and strychnine on these potentials are related. Alterations in these potentials produced by spinal cord at one or two levels are also described. These potentials are compared to similar potentials which have been recorded in man and the possible clinical application of some of these methods is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Determination of ergosterol on mouldy building materials using isotope dilution and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Ergosterol content of building materials was quantified using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS) in an ion trap with external ionisation. Hydrolysing the samples by classic extraction at 85 degrees C for 90 min in vials was faster, more precise and safer than microwave assisted extraction. [4-2H2]ergosterol was synthesised and used as internal standard, giving method standard deviation of 5-10% from 10 to 30 ng to 10-15 microg ergosterol in the sample. The use of GC-MS-MS meant that no solid-phase extraction clean-up was needed, so one person could easily prepare 40-80 samples per day.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Roles of UGT, P450, and Gut Microbiota in the Metabolism of Epacadostat in Humans.
Epacadostat (EPA, INCB024360) is a first-in-class, orally active, investigational drug targeting the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). In Phase I studies, EPA has demonstrated promising clinical activity when used in combination with checkpoint modulators. When the metabolism of EPA was investigated in humans, three major, IDO1-inactive, circulating plasma metabolites were detected and characterized: M9, a direct O-glucuronide of EPA; M11, an amidine; and M12, N-dealkylated M11. Glucuronidation of EPA to form M9 is the dominant metabolic pathway, and in vitro, this metabolite is formed by UGT1A9. However, negligible quantities of M11 and M12 were detected when EPA was incubated with a panel of human microsomes from multiple tissues, hepatocytes, recombinant human cytochrome P450s (P450s), and non-P450 enzymatic systems. Given the reductive nature of M11 formation and the inability to define its source, the role of gut microbiota was investigated. Analysis of plasma from mice dosed with EPA following pretreatment with either antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) to inhibit gut bacteria or 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT) to systemically inhibit P450s demonstrated that gut microbiota is responsible for the formation of M11. Incubations of EPA in human feces confirmed the role of gut bacteria in the formation of M11. Further, incubations of M11 with recombinant P450s showed that M12 is formed via N-dealkylation of M11 by CYP3A4, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2. Thus, in humans three major plasma metabolites of EPA were characterized: two primary metabolites, M9 and M11, formed directly from EPA via UGT1A9 and gut microbiota, respectively, and M12 formed as a secondary metabolite via P450s from M11.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Development of an eco-friendly agar extraction technique from the red seaweed Gracilaria lemaneiformis.
The red seaweed, Gracilaria lemaneiformis growing as an aquaculture bioremediator along the coasts of Liaodong Peninsula, China, was investigated for the agar production. An eco-friendly method called agar photobleaching extraction process was developed for the benefit of workers' health and safety of the environment. The native agar (NA), alkali-modified agar (AA), chemical-bleached agar (CA) and photobleached agar (PA), which were extracted using different processes, were evaluated for their physical and chemical properties. The PA showed most desirable performances in terms of gel strength, gelling temperature, sulfate content and 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose content. Among the different processed agars, PA gel strength was 1913 g/cm2, the highest among the different processed agars, which increased 8.6% on the basis of the AA. Further we applied this new technique to extract agars from Gracilaria asiatica, and similar results were obtained with that of G. lemaneiformis. This indicates that the agar photobleaching extraction process is a feasible method for Gracilaria species and has a potential application. During the whole agar photobleaching extraction process the pigment content of G. lemaneiformis declined gradually and the TOC concentration in photobleaching solution increased along with the increase in the irradiation time. The mechanism of agar photobleaching could be elucidated by the photolysis theory.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) for subretinal neovascularization secondary to type 2A idiopathic juxtafoveal telangiectasia.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in the treatment of subretinal neovascularization (SRNV) secondary to type 2A idiopathic juxtafoveal telangiectasia (IJT). Intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) was injected as primary treatment into six eyes of six patients with SRNV due to IJT in this nonrandomized, interventional case series. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured and the optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) findings were examined before and after treatment. The patients were followed up for 3-6 months. Pre-injection BCVA measured 20/400 to 20/120 (mean 20/200). After a mean follow-up of 4.2 months, post-injection BCVA measured 20/200 to 20/50 (mean 20/100). At last visit BCVA improved two or more lines in five eyes (83%) and remained the same in one eye (17%). The mean central foveal thickness improved from 263 microm (range, 165 to 393 microm) to 201 microm (range, 126 to 351 microm), representing an average reduction of 62 mum. Only one eye received more than one (2) bevacizumab injections. No significant complications were observed. In this small series, intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be a safe and effective treatment for SRNV secondary to type 2A IJT.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Functional role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases in gastric acid secretion.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has acute inhibitory and chronic stimulatory effects on gastric acid secretion. Because a cascade of intracellular events culminating in the activation of a family of serine-threonine protein kinases called extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs) is known to mediate the actions of EGF, we undertook studies to explore the functional role of the ERKs in gastric acid secretion. ERK2 was immunoprecipitated from cell lysates of highly purified (> 95%) gastric canine parietal cells, and its activity was quantified using in-gel kinase assays. Of the primary gastric secretagogues, carbachol was the most potent inducer of ERK2 activity. Gastrin and EGF had weaker stimulatory effects, whereas no induction was noted in response to histamine. The effect of carbachol appeared to be independent of Ca2+ signaling. PD-98059, a selective inhibitor of the upstream ERK activator mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase, dose-dependently inhibited both carbachol- and EGF-stimulated ERK2 activity, with a maximal effect observed between 50 and 100 microM. ERKs activation is required for induction of the early gene c-fos via phosphorylation of the transcription factor Elk-1 which binds to the c-fos serum response element (SRE). Carbachol stimulated a two- to threefold induction of luciferase activity in cultured parietal cells transfected with either a SRE-luciferase reporter plasmid or with a chimeric GAL4-ElkC expression vector and the 5 x GAL-luciferase reporter plasmid. To examine the significance of ERK activation in gastric acid secretion, we tested the effect of PD-98059 on carbachol-stimulated uptake of 14C-labeled aminopyrine (AP). Acute inhibition of the ERKs by PD-98059 led to a small increase in AP uptake and a complete reversal of the acute inhibitory effect of EGF on AP uptake induced by either carbachol or histamine. In contrast, exposure of the cells to PD-98059 for 16 h led to a reversal of the chronic stimulatory effect of EGF on AP uptake induced by carbachol. Our data led us to conclude that carbachol induces a cascade of events in parietal cells that results in ERK activation. Although the acute effect of the ERKs on gastric acid secretion appears to be inhibitory, the activation of transcription factors and of early gene expression could be responsible for its chronic stimulatory effects.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Evaluation of effects of quality scale for removable partial dentures in clinical application].
To evaluate the effects of quality scale for removable partial dentures (RPD)in clinical application. Quality scale for removable partial dentures was designed. Twelve items were devised for visual survey and try-in in base, artificial teeth, clasp, rest, connector and adjustment. The assessments were divided into 3 grades A, B and C. Four commercial dental laboratories were divided into experimental group and control group randomly. All RPD made in two groups were given score with the quality scale by single-blind method. In the experimental group,the technicians were familiar with the quality scale. The assessments were periodically feedbacked to administrative staffs and exchanges were carried out between doctors and technicians by telephone. No feedback information was provided in the control group. The assessments were compared between the two groups. The data was analyzed with SPSS17.0 software package. The scores of assessments for base, artificial teeth, clasp, rest, connector and adjustment in the experimental group were greater than that in the control group. The difference was significant between the two groups by analysis of variance (P<0.01). The grade A and C for RPD used acrylic resin, flexible resin and cast framework in the experimental group was 27.2%,39.5%,40.6% and 9.2%, 7.9%,7.2%, respectively. The grade B was in the majority. In the control group, the grade A and C was 9.4%,15.6%,15% and 40.6%,23.6%,25%,respectively. The majority was grade B and the grade C was significantly higher than the experimental group(P<0.05). Applying the quality scale of RPD can improve the fabricating quality of prosthesis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Self-consistent scattering theory for the radiative transport equation.
We study light propagation in a random medium governed by the radiative transport equation. We present a theory for the transport equation with an inhomogeneous absorption coefficient. We obtain an analytical expression for the specific intensity in a uniform absorbing and scattering medium containing a point absorber. Using that result we derive a self-consistent system of integral equations to study a collection of point absorbers. We show numerical results that demonstrate the use of this theory.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effect of additives on the physicochemical properties of liquid suppository bases.
To investigate the effects of additives on the physicochemical properties of in situ gelling and mucoadhesive liquid suppository base, gelation temperature, gel strength and bioadhesive force of liquid suppository base, poloxamer 407 (P 407) and poloxamer 188 (P 188) (15/15%) were evaluated in the presence of following additives: solvent (ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerin), ionic strength-controlling agent (sodium chloride) and pH-controlling agent (hydrochloric acid, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate). Among the additives studied, sodium chloride, sodium monohydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate increased to a great extent the gel strength and the bioadhesive force of P 407/P 188 (15/15%) with a decrease in gelation temperature. Glycerin slightly decreased the gelation temperature and slightly increased the gel strength and bioadhesive force. However, the addition of 1% of sodium chloride, sodium monohydrogen phosphate or sodium dihydrogen phosphate caused a greater than 60-fold increase in gel strength and over a tenfold increase in bioadhesive force with 2-4 degrees C decrease of gelation temperature within optimal range, compared with P 407/P 188 (15/15%) alone. On the other hand, ethanol, propylene glycol and hydrochloric acid increased the gelation temperature and slightly decreased the gel strength and the bioadhesive force. Taken together, these findings indicate that the effect of additives on the physicochemical properties of liquid suppository bases depends on their bonding capacities, in that additives such as sodium chloride, sodium monohydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate having strong cross-linking bonds with the components of liquid suppository base increase the strength and bioadhesive force of a gel compared to liquid suppository base alone, while additives such as ethanol, propylene glycol and hydrochloric acid having weaker hydrogen bonding result in a weaker response. Thus, sodium chloride and sodium phosphates appear to be promising additives for in situ gelling and mucoadhesive liquid suppository base, if used in adequate amounts.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Establishment and maintenance of human embryonic stem cell lines on human feeder cells derived from uterine endometrium under serum-free condition.
Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are usually established and maintained on mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEFs) feeder layers. However, it is desirable to develop human feeder cells because animal feeder cells are associated with risks such as viral infection and/or pathogen transmission. In this study, we attempted to establish new hES cell lines using human uterine endometrial cells (hUECs) to prevent the risks associated with animal feeder cells and for their eventual application in cell-replacement therapy. Inner cell masses (ICMs) of cultured blastocysts were isolated by immunosurgery and then cultured on mitotically inactivated hUEC feeder layers. Cultured ICMs formed colonies by continuous proliferation and were allowed to proliferate continuously for 40, 50, and 55 passages. The established hES cell lines (Miz-hES-14, -15, and -9, respectively) exhibited typical hES cells characteristics, including continuous growth, expression of specific markers, normal karyotypes, and differentiation capacity. The hUEC feeders have the advantage that they can be used for many passages, whereas MEF feeder cells can only be used as feeder cells for a limited number of passages. The hUECs are available to establish and maintain hES cells, and the high expression of embryotrophic factors and extracellular matrices by hUECs may be important to the efficient growth of hES cells. Clinical applications require the establishment and expansion of hES cells under stable xeno-free culture systems.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Association between smoking cessation and post-hospitalization healthcare costs: a matched cohort analysis.
The potential economic benefit in terms of reduced healthcare costs when patients quit smoking after hospital discharge has not been directly measured. The aim of this study was to compare the costs for hospital admission and six-month follow-up for a cohort of patients who self-reported abstinence from cigarettes at 6 months after hospital discharge and a matched group of patients who reported continued smoking. This was a secondary analysis of a recent population-based clinical trial cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01575145), with cohort membership determined by self-reported 7 day point prevalence abstinence at 6 months after the index hospital discharge. Participants were admitted to Mayo Clinic Hospital, Rochester, MN, between May 5, 2012 and August 10, 2014 for any indication and lived in the areas covered by postal codes included in Olmsted County, MN. Propensity score matching was used to control for differences between groups other than smoking status, and any residual imbalance was adjusted through generalized linear model with gamma distribution for cost and log-link transformation. Of 600 patients enrolled in the clinical trial, 144 could be contacted and self-reported 7 day point prevalence abstinence at 6 months after hospital discharge. Of these patients, 99 were successfully matched for this analysis. The cost for the index hospitalization was significantly greater in patients who abstained compared to those that did not abstain (mean difference of $3042, higher for abstainers, 95% CI $170 to $5913, P = 0.038). However, there was no difference between mean 6-month follow-up costs, number of inpatient hospitalizations, or number of emergency room visits for abstainers versus non-abstainers. There was no evidence to support the hypothesis that abstinence at 6 months after hospital discharge is associated with a decrease in health care costs or utilization over the first 6 months after hospital discharge.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Who's in charge? The role of responsibility attribution in self-management among people with chronic illness.
To explore how responsibility attribution influences self-management regimens among people with chronic illness. This qualitative content analysis included 26 interviews with people living with chronic illness. The participants attributed responsibility to internal, external or a combination of these factors, meaning that they either assumed responsibility for self-management or considered other people or factors responsible. Internal responsibility was associated with a multifaceted self-management regimen, whereas external responsibility was related to "conventional" self-management such as taking medication, managing symptoms and lifestyle changes. How responsibility is attributed is vital for the way in which individuals perform self-management. In this study, those who attributed responsibility to external factors mainly performed recommended behaviours to control their illness. In contrast, to take charge of their illness and be an active participant in the care, individuals must take responsibility for themselves, i.e. internal responsibility. Health-care providers should acknowledge and support individuals' wishes about various levels of responsibility as well as different kinds of patient-provider relationships.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Electrochemiluminescence aptasensor of TiO2/CdS:Mn hybrids for ultrasensitive detection of cytochrome c.
A novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor was proposed for ultrasensitive detection of cytochrome c (cyt c) using CdS:Mn quantum dot-modified TiO2 nanowires (NWs) as electrode. The Mn-doped CdS was deposited on the TiO2 NWs by successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) as ECL emitter, on which thiol-modified aptamer of cyt c was attached via Cd-S bond. Due to the high photo-electrical transfer efficiency, the as-prepared aptasensor shows high selectivity and sensitivity towards cyt c with a detection limit of 9.5fM and a linear range from 50fM to 125pM.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Fracture of a metal-backed acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty. A case report.
Metal-backed acetabular components offer the advantage of a lower incidence of loosening. The case of a 33-year-old man emphasizes the potential problem of fracture of both the polyethylene and metal-backed structures. Although this case report may represent an unusual and infrequent occurrence, it emphasizes a potential failure mode for acetabular components with metal backing. While fracture of the polyethylene has been previously reported, little thought has been given to the further potential of fracture of metal-backed support. The clinical profile as well as the roentgenographic appearance of such a phenomenon is presented for further sophistication of the surgeon when dealing in the challenging area of hip arthroplasty.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Zinc in sickle cell disease.
Occurrence of zinc deficiency in adult sickle cell anemia subjects has been reported previously. Improvement in secondary sexual characteristics, normalization of plasma ammonia and serum testosterone levels, and reversal of dark adaptation abnormality and anergy following zinc supplementation in sickle cell anemia subjects have been observed. In this paper, we report the results of a controlled trial with zinc supplementation in 14- to 19-year-old sickle cell anemia subjects who were retarded in growth. Our data show that zinc supplementation significantly improved longitudinal growth and body weight in these subjects.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Clinical characteristics of hereditary ataxia].
Employing the clinical signs of diseases the authors compared characteristics of different hereditary ataxias (Friedreich's ataxia, familial spastic paraplegia, Marie's disease, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, Roussy-Levy syndrome, and Charcot-Marie neural amyotrophy). It is emphasized that clinico-genealogical examination is essential for the identification of the nosological form of the disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The effect of bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination at birth on tuberculin skin test reactivity in Ugandan children.
In Uganda, bacille-Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination coverage at birth is between 82 and 84%. To evaluate the effect of neonatal BCG vaccination on tuberculin skin test positivity in Ugandan children exposed to infectious cases. As part of an ongoing prevalence study of household contacts of new tuberculosis cases, 365 children were evaluated to determine if BCG vaccination at birth had an impact on tuberculin skin testing. The children were classified as contacts (179) and non-contacts (186) depending on the presence of a sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear-positive adult tuberculosis case in the household. Regardless of prior BCG vaccination, children exposed to a smear-positive adult were more likely to have a positive skin test (purified protein derivative >5mm) (68% versus 36%, P < 0.01). BCG-vaccinated children below 1 year of age without a known household contact with active tuberculosis had a lower frequency of tuberculin skin reactions (29%) compared to their counterparts in the contact households (65%, P = 0.031). BCG vaccination at birth had no important effect on the interpretation of the tuberculin skin test reactivity in this group of Ugandan children. The tuberculin skin test remains a valuable tool for the evaluation of household contacts and suspected cases of tuberculosis in BCG-vaccinated children.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Downregulation of nicotinic receptor function after chronic nicotine infusion.
Chronic nicotine treatment generally results in tolerance to several actions of nicotine and a paradoxical increase in brain nicotinic receptor numbers. Receptor upregulation, it has been argued, arises as a consequence of functional desensitization. In the studies reported here, mice were chronically infused with saline (control) or one of five doses of nicotine (0.25-4.0 mg/kg/hr) for 10 days. This treatment resulted in a dose-dependent tolerance to nicotine-induced decreases in body temperature as well as decreases in locomotor and rearing activities in a Y-maze. The anticipated increase in [3H]nicotine binding was also observed. To assess functional status of the nicotinic receptors, nicotine-stimulated release of [3H]dopamine from striatal synaptosomes and 86Rb+ efflux from cortical and midbrain synaptosomes were also measured. Chronic nicotine infusion resulted in an infusion dose-dependent decrease in [3H]dopamine release from striatum and 86Rb+ efflux from midbrain; cortical 86Rb+ efflux was not affected by chronic nicotine treatment. Dose-response analyses of the release and efflux assays demonstrated that chronic nicotine infusion evoked decreases in the maximal effects of nicotine on the functional assays; potency was not altered by chronic drug treatment. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that behavioral tolerance to nicotine is a consequence of down-regulation of brain nicotinic receptor function.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Partial regression of primary cutaneous melanoma: is there an association with sub-clinical sentinel lymph node metastasis?
Whether partial regression of a primary melanoma has an adverse impact on prognosis is controversial. As an indirect mechanism of addressing this question we drew a correlation between the histopathological characteristics of 107 cutaneous melanomas and the presence of sub-clinical metastasis in corresponding sentinel lymph nodes. Partial regression of the primary tumor, defined as focal replacement of the lesion by a scar, unrelated to a previous biopsy, was observed in 20 (19%) cases in the group as a whole. Excluding cases in which an accurate Breslow thickness of the primary melanoma could not be established and/or the presence of a capsular nevus was detected in the sentinel node, a total of 97 remained. Seventeen cases (Breslow thickness 0.63-9.7; mean 2.4 mm) showed partial regression and 80 (Breslow thickness 0.25-7.00; mean 1.8 mm) were devoid of regression. Of the 17 cases with regression 5 (29%) had nodal metastasis (by histopathology and/or molecular analysis) and of the 80 cases without regression 23 (29%) had nodal metastasis (by one or both evaluations). Our data reveals no association between partial regression of the primary melanoma and sentinel node involvement by the disease. The Breslow thickness proved to be the only significant independent variable related to nodal metastasis. Of interest, ulceration of the primary lesion was significantly associated with nodal disease on univariate, but not on multivariate, analysis. While acknowledging that the cohort size may lack the statistical power to demonstrate subtle associations, our data supports the known relevance of tumor thickness and ulceration to regional lymph node metastasis and thereby, to outcome of melanoma in its early stages, but fails to support a similar role for partial regression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The development of convulsive seizures in the grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus).
Open-field tests were administered to 29 male and 50 female southern grasshopper mice (Onychomys torridus) at 10-day intervals from 30-100 days of age. Convulsive seizures were observed to occur in 9 males and 23 females during at least 1 of the open-field tests. No significant differences appeared in the seizure characteristics of male and female subjects. The potential of O. torridus as an animal model of human epilepsy is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Confirmation of the Yemenite (Warburg) deaf-blind hypopigmentation syndrome.
The Yemenite deaf-blind hypopigmentation syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by severe early hearing loss, microcornea and colobomata, and cutaneous pigmentation abnormalities. A girl with similar skin symptoms and hearing loss, but no microcornea or colobomata is described and compared to other reported patients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cloning and sequence analyses of cDNAs encoding vasotocin and isotocin precursors of chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta: evolutionary relationships of neurohypophysial hormone precursors.
The nucleotide sequences of cloned cDNAs were used to determine the primary structures of the precursors of vasotocin (sVT) and isotocin (sIT) from the hypothalamus of the chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta. Two different cDNAs were obtained for each of sVT and sIT precursors (sVT-I and sVT-II; sIT-I and sIT-II). Both sVT and sIT precursors were found to contain a signal peptide and hormone that is connected to a neurophysin by a Gly-Lys-Arg sequence. Northern and Southern blot analyses showed that the sVT and sIT genes are expressed by the same chum salmon hypothalamus, but not by the liver and kidney. Microheterogeneity was found in the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of sVT precursors between our results and the previously reported data (Heierhorst et al. 1990). The conspicuous difference is the occurrence of a stop codon in the middle of sVT-II cDNA. The carboxyl termini of both sVT and sIT neurophysins are about 30 amino acids longer than neurophysins of toad and mammalian neurohypophysial hormone precursors. Although these extended regions do not contain a glycosylation site, they show striking similarity with the glycopeptide moiety (copeptin) of toad vasotocin and mammalian vasopressin precursors. The central portion of the neurophysins shows highest homology among corresponding regions of sVT and sIT precursors. Moreover, calculation of nucleotide substitution rates suggests that a recent gene conversion may have occurred which encompasses the exon that encodes the central segment of the sVT and sIT precursors. A possible pathway for the evolution of precursor molecules of neurohypophysial hormones is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Aloe vera Plant Extracted Green Synthesis, Structural and Opto-Magnetic Characterizations of Spinel Co(x)Zn₁₋xAl₂O₄Nano-Catalysts.
Spinel Co(x)Zn₁₋xAl₂O₄ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nano-catalysts were synthesized by a simple Aloe vera plant extracted green synthesis route. Powder XRD patterns and Rietveld analysis confirmed the formation of single phase, cubic spinel gahnite structure without other impurities. The lattice parameter increased from 8.089 to 8.125 A with increasing CO²⁺ content. The average crystallite sizes were estimated using Scherrer's method, and it was found to be in the range of 15.72 nm to 26.53 nm. FT-IR spectra showed vibrational stretching frequencies corresponding to the spinel structure. HR-SEM and HR-TEM images showed the features of well particle shaped crystals with nano-sized grains. The elemental compositions of Co, Zn, Al and O were quantitatively obtained from EDX analysis. The band gap energy estimated using Kubelka-Munk method by UV-Visible DRS method, and the values are decreased with increasing the Co²⁺ content (4.12 eV to 3.67 eV), due to the formation of sub bands in between the energy gap. PL spectra showed emission bands in UV as well as in the visible regions for ZnAl₂O₄ and Co-doped ZnAl₂O4, due to the defect centers acting as the trap levels. VSM measurements revealed that pure ZnAl₂O₄ has diamagnetic, while Co doped ZnAl₂O₄ samples (x = 0.2 to 0.8) have superparamagnetism, whereas the sample CoAl₂O₄ has ferromagnetic in nature. Catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde was found that the sample Co₀.₆Zn₀.₄Al₂O₄ showed 93.25% conversion with 99.56% selectivity, whereas for pure ZnAl₂O₄, the conversion was only 86.31% with 92.85% selectivity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Structure, Energies, and Vibrational Frequencies of Solvated Li(+) in Ionic Liquids: Role of Cation Type.
This study examines the structure of five ionic liquids all of them containing bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (TFSI) as the anion with five different cations: Dimethylammonium, N-propylammonium, N-methyl-1-propylpiperidinium, N-methyl-3-methylpyridinium, and N-methylpyrrolidinium. This study is based on quantum chemical calculations of structure, energetics, and vibrational spectroscopy associated with solutions of Li(+) in the five ionic liquids examined. We have shown that the Li-TFSI ion-pair stabilization is 2.5-4 fold larger than those of the ion pairs of five cations with TFSI. A large number of different species containing LikTFSInCtm (Ct represent one of five cations studied, k, n, m = 0-2) were examined in detail. The results suggest that Li-(TFSI)2 is a highly stable species and may be responsible for the transport of Li ions in these ionic liquids. The vibrational analysis suggests that the high stability of the Li-TFSI ion pair is mainly due to Coulomb interaction between the Li ion and two oxygen atoms bound to the two sulfur atoms in the TFSI anion. This O-Li-O bond exhibits stretching and bending modes that may allow monitoring of these ion pairs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Acid-base titrations by stepwise addition of equal volumes of titrant with special reference to automatic titrations-III Presentation of a fully automatic titration apparatus and of results supporting the theories given in the preceding parts.
This paper forms Part III of a series in which the first two parts describe methods for evaluating titrations performed by stepwise addition of equal volumes of titrant. The great advantage of these methods is that they do not require an accurate calibration of the electrode system. This property makes the methods very suitable for routine work. e.g., in automatic analysis. An apparatus for performing such titrations automatically is presented. Further, results of titrations of monoprotic acids, a diprotic acid, an ampholyte, a mixture of an acid with its conjugate base, and mixtures of two acids with a small difference between the stability constants are given. Most of these titrations cannot be evaluated by the Gran or Hofstee methods but yield results having errors of the order of 0.1% if the methods proposed in Parts I and II of this series are employed. The advantages of the method of stepwise addition of equal volumes of titrant combined with the proposed evaluation methods, in comparison with common methods such as titration to a preset pH, are that all the data are used in the evaluation, permitting a statistical treatment and giving better possibilities for tracing systematic errors.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The regulation of T cell-dependent antibody formation in vitro by CD40 ligand and IL-2.
Our study demonstrates the central role for the murine CD40 ligand and IL-2 in contact-dependent T cell help for Ag-specific primary antibody responses in vitro. Helper T cell clones were found to express CD40 ligand after activation with CD3 mAb. Membrane-bound recombinant CD40 ligand expressed on fixed CV1/EBNA cells had similar B cell-activating properties as T cell clones that had been activated and then fixed. These activities include the induction of B cell proliferation, induction of polyclonal secretion of multiple Ig isotypes in a cytokine-dependent manner, and induction of Ag-specific antibody responses by purified B cells. The induction of polyclonal Ig secretion by the recombinant CD40 ligand required IL-4 and IL-5 although optimal Ag-specific antibody formation required IL-2. Finally, soluble CD40.Fc inhibited the induction of Ag-specific antibody responses by fixed, activated Th cell clones. The requirement for both CD40 ligand and IL-2 for induction of Ag-specific antibody responses was mediated, in part, by the induction of B cell IL-2R expression by CD40 ligand. We conclude that the interaction of CD40 on B cells with its ligand on activated T cells is an integral event in the early activation of B cells to grow and differentiate to antibody formation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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In vitro effect of sodium arsenite on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces.
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the metacestodes of Echinococcus granulosus is an important cosmopolitan zoonosis. Surgery is the main treatment option for CE. Meanwhile, chemotherapy is used as an significant adjunct to surgery. However, the benzimidazole carbamate group and the existing scolicidal agents may not be as effective as hoped. In this study, we aimed to explore the in vitro effect of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces, the causative agents of CE. Protoscoleces of E. granulosus were incubated in vitro with 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20μM NaAsO2. Viability and changes in morphology were investigated by 0.1% eosin staining. The ultrastructural alterations were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, caspase-3 activity was measured by colorimetric assay. Obvious protoscolicidal effect was seen with NaAsO2 at concentrations of 16μM and 20μM. Protoscolex mortality was 83.24% (16μM) and 100% (20μM) after 6 days post-incubation. SEM showed that the primary site of drug damage was the tegument of the protoscoleces. TEM analysis demonstrated that the internal tissues were severely affected and revealed an increase in the number of lipid droplets and vacuoles after treatment with 16μM NaAsO2. Meanwhile, the caspase-3 activity significantly increased in protoscoleces after 24h of NaAsO2 incubation compared to the untreated controls. Our study demonstrated the clear in vitro scolicidal effect of NaAsO2 against E. granulosus protoscoleces. However, the in vivo efficacy, specific mechanism, and any possible side effects of NaAsO2 remain to be investigated.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Positional relationships of structures attached to long bones during growth. Cross-sectional studies.
The various soft structures attached to bones maintain relatively constant relationships during growth. The exact number of these relationships has, however, never been studied. As part of our ongoing research into the factors controlling muscle migration, we have determined these relationships for some structures. We studied the positions of 37 muscles from 24 New Zealand white rabbits ranging in age from birth to maturity. The muscles were selected to illustrate different kinds of attachments: fleshy and tendonous, restricted and extensive, and at both ends of a bone. The proximal and distal edges of attachments were carefully exposed and measured in a device that allowed us to measure the position relative to the ends of the bones without parallax distortion. We used the data to compute correlation coefficients and regression equations for position vs. length of bone. Results show that the correlation coefficient was above 0.9 for most cases and was significant at the 0.5 level for all but 4 cases. Slopes of the regression equations varied considerably, but in all cases they indicated that the closer to the end of a bone, the greater the distance migrated. The significance of these results is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Standardized use of simple criteria from case history improves selection of patients for cardiac-care unit (CCU) admission.
A simple algorithm, which improves the diagnostic performance in patients arriving with acute chest pain in the emergency room, has been developed. The algorithm is solely based on information immediately available to the physician and includes elements from ECG, clinical findings and case history. As postulated, a stepwise use of all these variables improved the diagnostic accuracy and reduced the false positive cardiac-care unit (CCU) referral rate in a prospective study of 1450 patients admitted with acute chest pain. Compared to previous hospital practice during a preceding control period, sensitivity in diagnosing patients with unstable ischaemic heart diseases increased from 86% to 94% (P < 0.01), and specificity increased from 44% to 56% (P < 0.001). Accordingly, accuracy increased from 67% to 81% (P < 0.001), and false positive CCU-admission rate decreased from 35% to 19%. The greatest improvement in physician's diagnostic decisions was observed among patients without clear-cut signs of acute ischaemic heart disease on admission.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Distinct multiple RET/PTC gene rearrangements in multifocal papillary thyroid neoplasia.
Rearrangements involving the RET protooncogene have been implicated in the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PC). Transgenic mice, expressing thyroid-targeted RET/PTC-1, develop PC; but the clinical significance of this oncogene remains uncertain. We examined the expression of RET/PTC-1, -2, and -3 in human thyroid microcarcinomas and clinically evident PC to determine its role in early stage vs. developed PC and to examine the diversity of RET/PTC in multifocal disease. RNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded microcarcinomas and clinically evident PCs; the results obtained from paraffin-embedded tissue were confirmed on RNA from corresponding snap-frozen tissue of clinically evident PCs. RT and PCR was performed using primers for RET/PTC-1, -2, and -3; PGK-1 (the housekeeping gene) analysis was used to ensure integrity of the RNA and efficiency of the RT reaction. PCR products were resolved by gel electrophoresis, and Southern hybridization was performed with RET/PTC-1, -2, and -3 probes. A polyclonal antibody to the carboxyterminus of RET was used for immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections. Thirty-nine occult papillary thyroid microcarcinomas from 21 patients were analyzed. Of the 30 tumors (77%) positive for RET/PTC rearrangements, 12 were positive for RET/PTC-1, 3 for RET/ PTC-2, 6 for RET/PTC-3, and 9 for multiple RET/PTC oncogenes. In clinically evident tumors, 47% had RET/PTC rearrangements. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated close correlation with RT-PCR-derived findings. RET/PTC expression is highly prevalent in microcarcinoma and occurs more frequently than in clinically evident PC (P < 0.005). Multifocal disease, identified in 17 of the 21 patients, exhibited identical RET/PTC rearrangements within multiple tumors in only 2 patients; the other 15 patients had diverse rearrangements in individual tumors. Our results indicate that RET/PTC oncogene rearrangements may play a role in early-stage papillary thyroid carcinogenesis, but they seem to be less important in determining progression to clinically-evident disease. In multifocal disease, the diversity of RET/PTC profiles, in the majority of cases, suggests that individual tumors arise independently in a background of genetic or environmental susceptibility.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Enteral feeding induces diet-dependent mucosal dysfunction, bacterial proliferation, and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm pigs on parenteral nutrition.
Preterm neonates have an immature gut and metabolism and may benefit from total parenteral nutrition (TPN) before enteral food is introduced. Conversely, delayed enteral feeding may inhibit gut maturation and sensitize to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Intestinal mass and NEC lesions were first recorded in preterm pigs fed enterally (porcine colostrum, bovine colostrum, or formula for 20-40 h), with or without a preceding 2- to 3-day TPN period (n = 435). Mucosal mass increased during TPN and further after enteral feeding to reach an intestinal mass similar to that in enterally fed pigs without TPN (+60-80% relative to birth). NEC developed only after enteral feeding but more often after a preceding TPN period for both sow's colostrum (26 vs. 5%) and formula (62 vs. 39%, both P < 0.001, n = 43-170). Further studies in 3-day-old TPN pigs fed enterally showed that formula feeding decreased villus height and nutrient digestive capacity and increased luminal lactic acid and NEC lesions, compared with colostrum (bovine or porcine, P < 0.05). Mucosal microbial diversity increased with enteral feeding, and Clostridium perfringens density was related to NEC severity. Formula feeding decreased plasma arginine, citrulline, ornithine, and tissue antioxidants, whereas tissue nitric oxide synthetase and gut permeability increased, relative to colostrum (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, enteral feeding is associated with gut dysfunction, microbial imbalance, and NEC in preterm pigs, especially in pigs fed formula after TPN. Conversely, colostrum milk diets improve gut maturation and NEC resistance in preterm pigs subjected to a few days of TPN after birth.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Comprehensive side-effect profile of anastrozole and tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer: long-term safety analysis of the ATAC trial.
The Arimidex (anastrozole), Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination (ATAC) trial was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of anastrozole with tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer. After an extended follow-up beyond the 5 years of treatment, we aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and risk-benefit indices of these compounds. We analysed postmenopausal women (mean age 64 years [SD 9]) with localised breast cancer randomly assigned to anastrozole (n=3125) or tamoxifen (n=3116). Efficacy measures, including death and risk-benefit indices, were analysed by intention to treat. Safety analyses were based on treatment first received (n=3092 for anastrozole and n=3094 tamoxifen). We calculated a risk-benefit analysis using the two global indices for the Women's Health Initiative and for Disease-Free Survival and Serious Adverse Events. This study is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ISRCTN18233230. At median follow-up of 68 months (range 1-93), treatment-related adverse events occurred significantly less often with anastrozole than with tamoxifen (1884 [61%] vs 2117 [68%]; p<0.0001), as did treatment-related serious adverse events (146 [5%] vs 277 [9%]; p<0.0001) and adverse events leading to withdrawal (344 [11%] vs 442 [14%]; p=0.0002). Patients given anastrozole had significantly fewer overall events for the Global Index of the Women's Health Initiative (744 [24%] vs 851 [27%]; hazard ratio 0.85 [95% CI 0.77-0.94], p=0.001) and the Global Index of Disease-Free Survival and Serious Adverse Events (1453 [46%] vs 1594 [51%]; 0.88 [0.82-0.94]; p=0.0004). Anastrozole is tolerated better than tamoxifen by postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer, and results in fewer serious adverse events. Furthermore, it has a more favourable overall risk-benefit profile and lower recurrence rate than tamoxifen.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Diastereoselective Ritter reactions of chiral cyclic N-acyliminium ions: synthesis of pyrido- and pyrrolo[2,3-d]oxazoles and 4-Hydroxy-5-N-acylaminopyrrolidines and 5-hydroxy-6-N-acylaminopiperidines.
Pyrido- and pyrrolo[2,3-d]oxazoles can be conveniently prepared in high yield from the Ritter reaction of nitriles and in situ generated chiral cyclic N-acyliminium ions. cis-4-Hydroxy-5-acylaminopyrrolidines and cis-5-hydroxy-6-acylaminopiperidines can be readily obtained by acid hydrolysis of these bicyclic heterocyclic compounds, respectively.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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MRI determination of conus medullaris level in an adult population in Turkey.
The level of the conus medullaris (CM) in adults has been described in many studies with cadavers and living people. T1-weighted sagittal spin-echo MR images of the lumbar spine were reviewed in 364 consecutive patients (207 women, 157 men) with a mean age of 45 years (range 18-80). The most common level of CM was the L1-L2 intervertebral disc level in females and the T12-L1 intervertebral disc level in males. The distribution of CM location in a large adult population was shown to range from the T11-T12 intervertebral disc level to L2-L3 intervertebral disc level.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents. Part 20(3): Optically active thienyl-biphenylyl-hydroxypropionic acids.
The optically active diastereometric erythro- and threo-3-thienyl-analogues 6a-d of 3-aryl-2-biphenylyl-3-hydroxy-propionic acids have been prepared. Some stereoisomers of 3-(3-thienyl)derivative 6b showed inhibition around 40% in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ageing effect on 18F-DOPA and 123I-MIBG uptake: a cross-sectional study.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age and uptake of fluorine-18-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (F-DOPA) in the brain and myocardial uptake of iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (I-MIBG) in normal adult participants. To this end, a total of 72 healthy participants were enroled. Of these, 37 individuals (male, 21; female, 16; mean age: 60±12 years; age range: 38-85 years) underwent F-DOPA PET/CT, whereas 35 individuals (male, 19; female, 16; mean age: 61±17 years; age range: 17-87 years) underwent I-MIBG scintigraphy. For F-DOPA PET/CT, regions of interest were placed on the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus and putamen by means of the WFU Pickatlas tool implemented in SPM8 and further analysed after a normalization process. For I-MIBG scintigraphy, regions of interest were set over the upper mediastinum and a heart-to-mediastinum count ratio was calculated. The relation between age and normalized F-DOPA values or heart-to-mediastinum ratio values was examined using correlation analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation coefficient. We did not find any significant relationship between age and F-DOPA and I-MIBG uptake, respectively. Our findings suggest that both brain F-DOPA PET/CT and cardiac I-MIBG scintigraphy represent age-independent biomarkers whose analyses of quantitative uptake may not require adjustment for patients' age.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Magneto-optical evidence for a gapped fermi surface in underdoped YBa2Cu3O6+x.
The infrared (900-1100 cm(-1)) Faraday rotation and circular dichroism are measured in the normal state of underdoped High T(c) superconductors and used to study the magnetotransport. YBa2Cu3O6+x thin films are investigated in the temperature range 10-300 K in magnetic fields up to 8 T and as a function of oxygen concentration. A dramatic increase of the Hall frequency is observed for underdoped samples, which is not consistent with the approach to a Mott transition but is consistent with a partial gapping of the Fermi surface as predicted in density wave models.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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An increased adjuvanticity of liposomes by the inclusion of phosphatidylserine in immunization with surface-coupled liposomal antigen.
Exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) on apoptotic cells is known to result in the enhanced recognition of apoptotic cells by phagocytes. By the inclusion of PS in the lipid component of liposomes, increased liposome immune adjuvant activity was expected. In the present study, two different liposome preparations containing either PS, i.e. PS-liposome, or phosphatidylcholine (PC), i.e. PC-liposome, were made, and macrophage recognition, processing, and antigen presentation of surface-coupled liposomal antigen were compared. When ovalbumin-liposome conjugates were added to a culture of macrophages, enhanced recognition and processing of ovalbumin by the macrophages were observed by the inclusion of PS in the liposomes. The results correlated well with those regarding macrophage antigen presentation of liposome-coupled ovalbumin. Furthermore, in vivo immunization in mice with ovalbumin-liposome conjugates made with PS-liposomes induced a significantly higher level of anti-ovalbumin IgG antibody production than was induced by ovalbumin-liposome conjugates made with PC-liposomes. IgE-selective unresponsiveness was induced by ovalbumin-liposome conjugates regardless of the lipid components of liposomes. These results suggest that the inclusion of PS in liposomes enhances recognition and processing of surface-coupled liposomal antigen by macrophages, and increases liposome immune adjuvant activity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Detection of circulating immune complexes by PEG precipitation combined with ELISA.
An assay to detect circulating immune complexes is described and exemplified with serum from SLE and RA patients. The method is based on selective precipitation of immune complexes with PEG followed by a specific ELISA assay to detect the immunoglobulins present in the precipitate. The immunoglobulins of the precipitate were then monitored by their capacity to bind protein A and dDNA. With the PEG-protein A-ELISA procedure immune complexes were detected in 46% of the sera from SLE patients compared with 68% when using the PEG-DNA-ELISA.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Receptor-purified, Bolton-Hunter radioiodinated, recombinant, human epidermal growth factor: an improved radioligand for receptor studies.
We report an assessment of the applicability of the Bolton-Hunter method to the radioiodination of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Recombinant human EGF (hEGF) could be radioiodinated successfully by this method, whereas murine EGF could not. Bolton-Hunter 125I-labeled hEGF was compared with commercial 125I-labeled hEGF prepared by the chloramine-T radioiodination method. Neither radioligand was sufficiently pure for a detailed characterization of the purportedly heterogeneous pattern of binding of EGF to its receptors. A procedure based on receptor adsorption was thus developed for repurification of the Bolton-Hunter 125I-labeled hEGF. This provided a much purer radioligand suitable for detailed studies of receptor-binding heterogeneity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Simultaneous presence in dogs of 2 zymodemes of the Leishmania infantum complex].
The concomitant presence of two zymodemes of the leishmania infantum complex. MON-1 and MON-77, is reported in a dog with diffuse leishmaniasis. The zymodemes were present in both the skin and lymph nodes. Possible explanations for the presence of the two zymodemes are discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Designing a wax phantom to simulate a flat tumor with diffuse edges.
A suitable was phantom was designed for evaluating various film techniques used in subtraction radiography. Holes are drilled in a slab of wax and filled with various concentrations of iodinated wax, producing disk-shaped regions with diffuse borders. The technical details of construction and a representative application are described.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pharmacological analysis of 125I-Bolton and Hunter labelled eledoisin binding sites in rat spinal cord by quantitative autoradiography.
Using the technique of quantitative autoradiography it has been possible to investigate and compare the pharmacological characteristics of 125I-Bolton-Hunter conjugated eledoisin (125I-BHE) binding sites in rat spinal cord with those in the rat cortex. 125I-BHE specific binding sites were discretely localised in the outer layers of the rat spinal cord. The rank order of affinity of unlabelled tachykinins in competing for 125I-BHE specific binding sites in rat spinal cord (NKB greater than ELE greater than NKA greater than SP) was identical to that found in the rat cortex suggesting the presence of 'NK-3 like' receptors in rat dorsal horn.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer as a Respiratory Nanocarrier: Insights from Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
Pulmonary drug delivery is superior to the systemic administration in treating lung diseases. An optimal respiratory nanocarrier should be able to efficiently and safely cross the pulmonary surfactant film, which serves as the first biological barrier for respiratory delivery and plays paramount roles in maintaining the proper mechanics of breathing. In this work, we focused on the interactions between poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and a model pulmonary surfactant. With combined Langmuir monolayer experiments and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we studied the effect of environmental temperature, size, and surface property of PAMAM dendrimers (G3-OH, G3-NH2, G5-OH, and G5-NH2) on the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) monolayer. Our simulations indicated that the environmental temperature could significantly affect the influence of PAMAM dendrimers on the DPPC monolayer. Therefore, results obtained at room temperature cannot be directly applied to elucidate interactions at body temperature. Simulations at body temperature found that all tested PAMAM dendrimers can easily penetrate the lipid monolayer during the monolayer expansion process (mimicking "inhalation"), and the cationic PAMAM dendrimers (-NH2) show promising penetration ability during the monolayer compression process (mimicking "expiration"). Larger PAMAM dendrimers (G5) adsorbed onto the lipid monolayer tend to induce structural collapse and inhibit normal phase transitions of the lipid monolayer. These adverse effects could be mitigated in the subsequent expansion-compression cycle. These findings suggest that the PAMAM dendrimer may be used as a potential respiratory drug nanocarrier.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Determination of the solubility of low volatility liquid organic compounds in water using volatile-tracer assisted headspace gas chromatography.
This study reports a new headspace gas chromatographic method (HS-GC) for the determination of water solubility of low volatility liquid organic compounds (LVLOs). The HS-GC analysis was performed on a set of aqueous solutions containing a range of concentrations of toluene-spiked (as a tracer) LVLOs, from under-saturation to over-saturation. A plot of the toluene tracer GC signal vs. the concentration of the LVLO results in two lines of different slopes that intersect at the concentration corresponding to the compound's solubility in water. The results showed that the HS-GC method has good precision (RSD <6.3%) and good accuracy, in which the relative deference between the data measured by the HS-GC method and the reference method were within 6.0%. The HS-GC method is simple and particularly suitable for measuring the solubility of LVLOs at elevated temperatures. This approach should be of special interest to those concerned about the impact of the presence of low-volatility organic liquids in waters of environmental and biological systems.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Tibial tubercle transfer on a medial periosteal pedicle--a report of a new technique.
Tibial tubercle transfer is still probably the most widely used procedure of the numerous operative procedures described to realign the patella and extensor mechanism and to prevent a recurrent dislocation. Although this procedure most likely disturbs the blood supply to the tibial tubercle and thus may lead to a delayed union. Tibial tubercle transfer is also considered to play a role in the incidence of a tibial tubercle delayed union. Furthermore, a fracture of the tibial metaphysis has been reported to occur in some cases. We therefore devised a new procedure in which the periosteum of the medial side of the proximal portion of the tibia was left intact when tibial tubercle transfer is performed. The current paper describes the results of new technique in 25 knees with patellar maltracking. Eighty-four percent of the patients had good or excellent results at a mean follow-up time of 49 months. All of the patients achieved complete healing radiographically within 2 months after the operation. Serious complications such as compartment syndrome, infection and skin slough were also completely avoided in all cases. This new procedure that the use of a protective maneuver for the periosteum of the medial side of the tibia may thus reduce the incidence of a delayed union and thereby promote early postoperative rehabilitation after tibial tubercle transfer.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Morphological and hormonal changes in the ventral and dorsolateral prostatic lobes of rats treated with finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.
In rats, the prostate is divided into three distinct lobes, and the lobes are dependent on androgens [testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)] as trophic hormones. However, the reasons for the difference in the incidence of proliferative changes reported are not well-understood. Administration of finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase (5alphaR) inhibitor which selectively inhibits the conversion of T to DHT, results in elevated intraprostatic T levels. However, long-term (2 years) administration of finasteride results in no increase in proliferative changes in the ventral lobes of the rat prostate. Therefore, studies were designed to determine the differences in intraprostatic hormonal levels, morphology, and 5alphaR activity in different lobes of the rat prostate. Sexually mature male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in all studies. Finasteride was administered orally to rats. The methodology included determination of intraprostatic T and DHT levels by radioimmunoassay, qualitative and quantitative evaluation of prostatic morphology, and in vitro determination of 5alphaR activities in rat prostatic lobes. A significant amount of 5alphaR activity was observed in the dorsal, ventral, and lateral lobes of the rat prostate. Both 5alphaR isozymes (types 1 and 2) were present in all lobes, based on 5alphaR activities observed at both acidic and neutral pH. Oral administration of finasteride (160 mg/kg/day) for 15 days resulted in significant (P < or = 0.001) decreases in intraprostatic DHT levels and increases in T levels; when compared to controls, the mean decrease in DHT levels in the ventral and the dorsolateral lobes was 86% and 94%, respectively, and the mean increase in T levels in the ventral and the dorsolateral lobes was approximately 3 times and 20 times, respectively, higher than in controls. Chronic administration of finasteride (80 mg/kg/day) for 6 months resulted in significant (P < or = 0.001) decreases in the weights of the prostatic lobes, which correlated with significant (P < or = 0.001) decreases in the total number of epithelial and stromal cells per gland in both the ventral and dorsolateral lobes of the prostate. There were no qualitative differences in prostatic morphology between the control and finasteride-treated groups. A short-term study in control rats exposed to bromodeoxyuridine (Brdu) showed that the number of Brdu-labeled cells in the dorsolateral lobe was significantly (P < or = 0.05) greater than in the ventral lobe. This first comparative study has highlighted some of the similarities and differences among the prostatic lobes of the rat. Inhibition of conversion of T to DHT with finasteride resulted in a significant increase in intraprostatic T levels and a significant decrease in DHT levels in rats; despite a significant increase in intraprostatic T levels, the prostate remained atrophic, indicating that DHT alone has a trophic effect on the prostate.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A method for freezing sheep lymphocytes prior to cytotoxicity testing.
The two stage freezing technique was adapted for use with sheep lymphocytes. Parameters investigated were lymphocyte concentration, composition of thawing medium and DMSO concentration. The main difference between this and earlier published techniques is the use of a high DMSO concentration (17%). The technique adopted was both simple and reliable. It consistently gave lymphocyte viabilities of 95% or more in thawed cell suspensions. The procedure is apparently without effect on lymphocyte antigen expression and thus appears very suitable for use in microlymphocytotoxicity tests.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of consumer food preparation on acrylamide formation.
Acrylamide is formed in high-carbohydrate foods during high temperature processes such as frying, baking, roasting and extrusion. Although acrylamide is known to form during industrial processing of food, high levels of the chemical have been found in home-cooked foods, mainly potato- and grain-based products. This chapter will focus on the effects of cooking conditions (e.g. time/temperature) on acrylamide formation in consumer-prepared foods, the use of surface color (browning) as an indicator of acrylamide levels in some foods, and methods for reducing acrylamide levels in home-prepared foods. As with commercially processed foods, acrylamide levels in home-prepared foods tend to increase with cooking time and temperature. In experiments conducted at the NCFST, we found that acrylamide levels in cooked food depended greatly on the cooking conditions and the degree of "doneness", as measured by the level of surface browning. For example, French fries fried at 150-190 degrees C for up to 10 min had acrylamide levels of 55 to 2130 microg/kg (wet weight), with the highest levels in the most processed (highest frying times/temperatures) and the most highly browned fries. Similarly, more acrylamide was formed in "dark" toasted bread slices (43.7-610.7 microg/kg wet weight), than "light" (8.27-217.5 microg/kg) or "medium" (10.9-213.7 microg/kg) toasted slices. Analysis of the surface color by colorimetry indicated that some components of surface color ("a" and "L" values) correlated highly with acrylamide levels. This indicates that the degree of surface browning could be used as an indicator of acrylamide formation during cooking. Soaking raw potato slices in water before frying was effective at reducing acrylamide levels in French fries. Additional studies are needed to develop practical methods for reducing acrylamide formation in home-prepared foods without changing the acceptability of these foods.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Development of the phagocytic and cidal capacity during maturation of myeloid cells: studies on cells from patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia.
Myeloid cells from peripheral blood of patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia were isolated and fractionated by density gradient centrifugation using Lymphoprep gradient followed by discontinuous Percoll gradients. Six fractions were obtained, each enriched in one of the morphologically identifiable types of myeloid cells from myeloblasts to polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Each of these cell types were functionally and biochemically characterized. The development of the capacities for phagocytosis and killing of yeast cells and the ability to generate a respiratory burst of phagocytosis correlated closely with the content of cytochrome b and vitamin B12-binding protein, a marker of specific granules. These results support the notion that the specific granules provide the developing neutrophil with components which are essential for its microbicidal activity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Nonfusion Intracorporeal Enhancement System for the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures-Preliminary Clinical Result of a Novel Technique.
This study sought to determine whether implantation of a newly designed nonfusion intracorporeal enhancement (NICE) system is an effective and safe way to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Thirteen patients with OVCF (10 women, 3 men; mean age 69 years, T11-L4) were included. From June 2014 to June 2016, all patients were treated with the NICE system. The clinical and radiologic results were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 24 months follow-up based on the visual analog scale and the Oswestry Disability Index, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography (height of fractured body and kyphosis Cobb angle). There was a significant improvement in pain intensity (visual analog scale score decreased from 8.3 preoperatively to 2.2 postoperatively, and decreased to 1.5 twenty-four months postoperatively). Also, a significant reduction was observed in that the mean Oswestry Disability Index decreased from 71.9% preoperatively to 17.6% after 24 months. The mean Cobb angle had a significant improvement, which decreased from 6.6° preoperatively to 1.3° postoperatively and then decreased to 1.2° after 24 months. Height of fractured body improved significantly from 66.4% to 86.5% and slightly decreased to 82.4% after 24 months. No specific complications were identified to be associated with this technique. With a low complication rate, the clinical midterm results are satisfactory. The treatment of symptomatic OVCF with the NICE system is a safe and effective procedure.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Immunoglobulin allotypes in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Gm, A2m, and Km allotypic markers were examined in 40 Caucasian patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Serum IgA levels, the A2m(1) allotypic marker, and antibodies against IgA1, A2m(1), and A2m(2) were measured quantitatively. The frequency of Km(1) was found to be significantly increased in patients with head and neck cancer as compared to the control population.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Vladislav Osipovich Merzheevskiĭ].
This paper describes many-sided activity of V.A. Merzheevsky, one of the founders of forensic gynecology in this country. It not only demonstrates an important contribution of V.A. Merzheevsky to forensic gynecology but also characterizes him as an expert in skopchestvo and an outstanding spa therapist. The paper is dedicated to the 130th anniversary of publication of V.A. Merzheevsky's main work entitled "Forensic gynecology. The manual for medical and legal professionals" (1878).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide in patients with relapsed and refractory Ewing sarcoma.
Patients with metastatic, progressive or recurrent Ewing sarcoma (ES) have a dismal outcome. The combination of irinotecan and temozolomide has been proposed as an effective salvage regimen for some pediatric malignancies. Thus, we sought to evaluate this combination with vincristine for patients with relapsed and refractory ES. Twenty-two patients with relapsed or refractory ES were treated with the combination of vincristine (1.5 mg/m(2) i.v. day 1), irinotecan (50 mg/m(2) /day i.v. days 1-5) and temozolomide (125 mg/m(2) /day p.o. days 1-5) (VIT) during the period 2008-2012. All toxicities were documented. A total of 91 cycles (median 4.1 cycles/patient) were administered. A complete response (CR) was achieved in five patients, partial response (PR) in seven patients, stable disease (SD) in three patients, and progression disease (PD) in seven patients, with an overall response rate of 68.1%. Median time to progression was 3.0 months (range 1.1-37.1 months). Five patients (22.7%) are alive with no evidence of disease with a median follow-up of 10.3 months (range 2.1-46.5); four of them received consolidation with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant after responding to VIT. Outcome was better for patients with relapsed ES compared with patients who progressed to initial therapy (estimated 2 year overall survival 36.4% vs. 0%, respectively). There were no significant toxicities. The shorter, 5-day VIT regimen is an active and well-tolerated regimen in refractory ES. This combination deserves further investigation in the upfront management of patients with metastatic disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Trypanosomiasis:goats as a possible reservoir of Trypanosoma congolense in the Republic of the Sudan.
Experimental Trypanosoma congolense infections of goats and calves were compared. Goats developed a chronic form of trypanosomiasis, often recovering spontaneously from a strain which caused an acute fatal disease in calves. Goats may be important in the maintenace of T. congolense in nature in the Sudan.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of ATP on rat renal haemodynamics and excretion: role of sodium intake, nitric oxide and cytochrome P450.
Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) affects intrarenal vascular tone and tubular transport via P2 receptors; however, the actual role of the system in regulation of renal perfusion and excretion remains unclear and is the subject of this whole-kidney study. Effects of suprarenal aortic ATP infusion, 0.6-1.2 mg kg(-1) h(-1), were examined in anaesthetised rats maintained on low- (LS) or high-sodium (HS) diet. Renal artery blood flow (RBF, transonic flow probe) and the perfusion (laser-Doppler flux) of the superficial cortex (CBF) and outer and inner medulla (OM-BF, IM-BF) were measured, together with sodium and water excretion and urine osmolality. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate did not change arterial pressure, RBF or CBF while the effects on medullary perfusion depended on sodium intake. In LS rats ATP increased IM-BF 19 +/- 6%, the effect was prevented by inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) with N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. In HS rats ATP decreased OM-BF 16 +/- 3% and IM-BF (7 +/- 4%, not significant); previous inhibition of cytochrome P450 with 1-aminobenzotriazol blunted the OM-BF decrease and reversed the previous decrease of IM-BF to a 13 +/- 8% increase. Inhibition of P2 receptors with pyridoxal derivative (PPADS) abolished medullary vascular responses to ATP. In HS rats pre-treated with PPADS, ATP increased tubular reabsorption, probably via adenosine formation and stimulation of P1 receptors. The data indicate a potential role of ATP in the selective control of renal medullary perfusion, different in sodium depleted and sodium replete rats. The action of ATP appears to be mediated by the NO system and the cytochrome P450 dependent vasoactive metabolites.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Facile synthesis of monodisperse microspheres and gigantic hollow shells of mesoporous silica in mixed water-ethanol solvents.
Mesoporous silica materials with a variety of morphologies, such as monodisperse microspheres, gigantic hollow structures comprising a thin shell with a hole, and gigantic hollow structures consisting of an outer thin shell and an inner layer composed of many small spheres, have been readily synthesized in mixed water-ethanol solvents at room temperature using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the template. The obtained mesoporous silica generally shows a disordered mesostructure with typical average pore sizes ranging from 3.1 to 3.8 nm. The effects of the water-to-ethanol volume ratio (r), the volume content of tetraethyl orthosilicate TEOS (x), and the CTAB concentration in the solution on the final morphology of the mesoporous silica products have been investigated. The growth process of gigantic hollow shells of mesoporous silica through templating emulsion droplets of TEOS in mixed water-ethanol solution has been monitored directly with optical microscopy. Generally, the morphology of mesoporous silica can be regulated from microspheres through gigantic hollow structures composed of small spheres to gigantic hollow structures with a thin shell by increasing the water-to-ethanol volume ratio, increasing the TEOS volume content, or decreasing the CTAB concentration. A plausible mechanism for the morphological regulation of mesoporous silica by adjusting various experimental parameters has been put forward by considering the existing state of the unhydrolyzed and partially hydrolyzed TEOS in the synthesis system.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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High variability in rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cell preparations.
The rabbit has been extensively used for preclinical models, especially in orthopedic applications. One of the more troubling features of this model is the high interindividual variability that is encountered and that requires a careful experimental design with sufficient sample size to make judgments valid. We have processed 241 individual preparations of rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) over the last 3 years and have kept detailed records of the performance of these cells in various assays. This communication details the lack of correlation between the analyzed parameters. Bone marrow was harvested from 4-month-old rabbits; the cells were centrifuged, resuspended, and cultured. When cells reached 80% of confluence, they were removed from the plates with trypsin and assayed for their osteo- and chondrogenic potential. The average yield of the 241 individual MPC preparations exhibited a coefficient of variation of 77. An in vivo implantation assay with porous calcium phosphate ceramic cubes exhibited scores with a coefficient of variation of 65. Lastly, an in vitro assay of alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity exhibited the most variability with a coefficient of variation of 132. All of the cell preparations tested in an in vitro aggregate culture assay underwent chondrogenic differentiation. No relationships between any of these parameters were found. The variability of the results within the different assays is interpreted to be the result of the heterogeneity of the preparations. The lack of correlation between the parameters studied shows the importance of the conditions intrinsic to the different assays. These results serve to emphasize that any experimental design involving rabbit progenitor cells must include a sufficiently large sample size to allow statistically significant and rigorous conclusions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The effects of 1-aminooxy-3-aminopropane and S-(5'-deoxy-5'-adenosyl)methylthioethylhydroxylamine on ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase from Escherichia coli.
1-Aminooxy-3-aminopropane (APA) was shown to be a potent competitive inhibitor (Ki = 1.0 nM) of partially purified Escherichia coli ornithine decarboxylase. APA did not inhibit S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase and spermidine from E. coli. S-(5'-Deoxy-5'-adenosyl)methylthioethylhydroxylamine (AMA), which is a structural analogue of decarboxylated S-adenosyl-L-methionine, was for the first time shown to be an irreversible inhibitor of bacterial S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase and a competitive inhibitor (Ki = 47 microM) of bacterial ornithine decarboxylase. AMA had no effect on spermidine synthase.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Physiological and clinical role of insulin in the neonate.
In the newborn infant, insulin secretion has to adjust in response to the switch from a regulated and continuous placental supply of glucose in utero to the delivery of intermittent oral feeds postnatally. Changes in insulin secretion must reflect its primary role for maintaining glucose homeostasis, but also its roles in promoting growth and anabolism and in the newborn disorders of insulin secretion or sensitivity, which present with hyperglycemia and impaired growth. Recent elucidation of the genetic basis of neonatal diabetes has helped to provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of β-cell function and the potential for treatment of some patients with oral hypoglycemic agents, although the majority require prolonged subcutaneous insulin treatment, which may prove challenging. The recent development of insulin pump therapy has significantly improved the clinical management of these infants. Although they do not have neonatal diabetes, the preterm or very-low-birthweight infant, subjected to the combined effects of insulin resistance owing to the impact of intensive care, and relative insulin deficiency related to prematurity, may have long periods of hyperglycemia and impaired growth, which have been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Although these infants often require insulin treatment, the optimal management of glucose control and use of insulin has not been determined and remains controversial.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The effect of rabeprazole on gastric pH in patients with gastric ulcer].
To evaluate the effect of a single dose of rebeprazole (RAB) versus omeprazole (OME) on acid suppression and symptom relief in patients with gastric ulcer. In this randomized, paralleled, double-blind, controlled study, 177 patients with active gastric ulcer confirmed by endoscopy received a single dose of either RAB 10 mg (n = 89) or OME 20 mg (n = 88). Using 24 h pH monitoring, the percentage of time with intragastric pH > 3 and pH > 4 was calculated for daytime (08:30-21:00), night-time (21:00-08:30) and total 24 h period. The symptoms improvement was analyzed before and after using RAB and OME. (1) There were no differences in improvement of symptoms between two groups (P > 0.05). (2) The percentage of time with pH > 3 and pH > 4 at night-time, and pH > 4 in the total 24 h period were significantly higher with RAB than with OME (P < 0.05). (3) The percentage of patients with pH > 3 over 30% of daytime, night-time and 24 h total period was significantly higher with RAB than with OME, also as intragastric pH > 4 over 30% of daytime and night-time. (4) Percentage of poor responders to acid suppression with RAB (pH > 3 for < 30% of the 24 h period) was significantly lower compared with OME (7.8% vs 16.4%, respectively, P < 0.05). One dose of RAB (10 mg) and OME (20 mg) could improve symptoms in patients with gastric ulcer, however RAB provides superior acid suppression compared with OME, especially on night-time period.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ebselen can Protect Male Reproductive Organs and Male Fertility from Manganese Toxicity: Structural and Bioanalytical Approach in a Rat Model.
Ebselen (EBS) is a versatile compound that can protect the cellular components from oxidative and free radical-mediated damage. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of EBS against manganese (Mn) toxicity on male reproductive organs. Thirty-two male rats were assigned into four groups, namely, negative control, EBS (15 mg/kg body weight (bw), as a single protective IP injection), MnCl2 (50 mg/kg bw, orally for 30 consecutive days), and EBS + MnCl2 (as mentioned before). The results showed that EBS ameliorated the alterations caused by MnCl2 in the testicular, epididymal, and seminal vesicle tissues. MnCl2 increased the sperm abnormalities, decreased gonadosomatic index (GSI), sperm motility, and sperm count. Further, it reduced the serum levels of testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and 8-OH-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and decreased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) upon exposure to MnCl2 indicated a disturbance in the activities of the testicular antioxidant enzymes and indices. Histologically, MnCl2 decreased the diameter of seminiferous tubules (ST), the height of germinal epithelium, number of spermatogonia/ST, spermatocytes/ST, spermatids/ST, and Leydig cells/intertubular area (IA). Chemoprotection with EBS successfully mitigated most of the above-mentioned parameters concluding that EBS could be used as a useful prophylactic therapy whenever Mn toxicity is involved.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Role of IgM & IgA rheumatoid factors in complement activation in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
We studied the relationship between the degree of complement activation in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) with the levels of circulating IgM and IgA rheumatoid factors (RF). Forty children with JRA and 25 matched controls were included in the study. Levels of C3d (a degradation product of complement component C3), circulating immune complexes (CICs), IgM RF and IgA RF were measured by ELISA. Levels of C3d, CICs, IgM RF and IgA RF were elevated in patients with JRA as compared to controls. Levels of C3d had a linear relationship with levels of CICs (P < 0.05) but not with levels of circulating IgM RF and IgA RF. Thus, complement activation occurs in children with JRA and is associated with raised levels of CICs but not with levels of circulating IgM and IgA RF. Circulating IgM and IgA RF have little, if any, role in complement activation observed in patients with JRA.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Control of a cluster of community-associated, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in neonatology.
To control an outbreak of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) in a neonatology unit, an investigation was conducted that involved screening neonates and parents, molecular analysis of MRSA isolates and long-term follow-up of cases. During a two-month period in the summer of 2000, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing CA-MRSA (strain ST5-MRSA-IV) was detected in five neonates. The mother of the index caseshowed signs of mastitis and wound infection and consequently tested positive for CA-MRSA. A small cluster of endemic, PVL-negative MRSA strains (ST228-MRSA-I) occurred in parallel. Enhanced hygiene measures, barrier precautions, topical decolonization of carriers, and cohorting of new admissions terminated the outbreak. Four months after the outbreak, the mother of another neonate developed furunculosis with the epidemic CA-MRSA strain. One infant had persistent CA-MRSA carriage resulting in skin infection in a sibling four years after the outbreak. In conclusion, an epidemic CA-MRSA strain was introduced by the mother of the index case. This spread among neonates and was subsequently transmitted to another mother and a sibling. This is the first report of a successfully controlled neonatology outbreak of genetically distinct PVL-producing CA-MRSA in Europe.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Environmental conscience, external incentives and social norms in rice farmers' adoption of pro-environmental agricultural practices in rural Hubei province, China.
This paper attempts to address a recurring theme in agricultural resources and environmental economics - the low adoption rates of pro-environmental agricultural practices in many developing countries. By improving the Norm-activation model, this paper incorporates external incentives and social norms into the framework and employs multivariate probit and ordered probit models to explore how environmental conscience, external incentives and social norms influence rice farmers' adoption behaviours and intensive use of pro-environmental agricultural practices. The case study, involving 954 household-level data of rice farmers from rural Hubei province, China, reveals that the adoption rates of certain practices are very low, and that only 6.5% rice farmers adopt three or more pro-environmental agricultural practices. Results show that straw returning and soil testing and fertilizer recommendation are complementaries, and that environmental conscience, external incentives and social norms all positively affect the adoption behaviours, while the adoption intensity is significantly influenced by awareness of consequences, perceived efficacy, external incentives and descriptive norm. These findings underscore that policy interventions to improve rice farmers' environmental conscience, to provide well-designed external incentives and to activate social norms are needed to enhance the adoption of pro-environmental agricultural practices in developing countries.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Case report of a suspected pheochromocytoma co-presenting with a glioblastoma multiforme: case report and review of the literature.
The combination of a pheochromocytoma with any brain neoplasm is a rare occurrence, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a glioblastoma multiforme co-presenting with undiagnosed pheochromocytoma.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Purging and haemopoietic progenitor cell selection by CD34+ cell separation.
Tumour cell contamination of autologous peripheral blood stem cell samples (PBSC) and bone marrow (BM) is frequent. Enrichment of CD34+ stem cells is a promising approach to purging tumour cells from autografts without damaging progenitor cells. Breast cancer cells were seeded (10(-3)-10(-7)) into mononuclear cells from G-CSF-mobilised PBSC and BM harvests from patients without breast cancer. CD34+ cells were enriched from mixtures either by immunomagnetic separation (Isolex-50, and MiniMACS) or by biotin-streptavidin immunoaffinity columns (Ceprate-LC). CD34+ cell fractions were determined by FACS, cancer cells were detected immunocytochemically with an anti-pancytokeratin antibody. The CD34+ cells were enriched with a median purity of 92.2% (43.5-96.1) (n = 17) (Isolex-50), 96.5% (66.6-99.2) (n = 17) (MiniMACS) and 77.9% (31.4-93.6) (n = 15) (Ceprate-LC) from PBSC and BM harvests. The percentages of median recovery of CD34+ cells were 30.8% (18.6-71.8) (Isolex-50), 69.9% (39.1-100) (MiniMACS) and 42.9% (23.7-100) (Ceprate-LC). The median tumour cell reductions in log steps were 3.7 (2.9-4.3) (n = 13) (Isolex-50), 3.5 (2.6-4.3) (n = 13) (MiniMACS) and 1.5 (0.9-2.9) (n = 17) (Ceprate-LC). Results were compared statistically by univariate analysis. Purity was significantly (P < 0.05) better after MiniMACS selection. Recovery rates were significantly different between all devices tested. Tumour cell purging was superior after immunomagnetic separation (P < 0.001). Tumour cell purging is a main objective of CD34+ selection in the autologous setting. Our in vitro data clearly indicate that immunomagnetic separation is more efficient in the prevention of accidental reinfusion of contaminating tumour cells compared to immunoaffinity. However, it is not yet known if the same results can be obtained with fresh contaminating tumour cells.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Circular RNA-100219 promotes breast cancer progression by binding to microRNA-485-3p.
To investigate whether circ-100219 could promote the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by upregulating NTRK3 after binding to microRNA-485-3p, thus participating in the development of breast cancer. Breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-549 and human mammary epithelial cells were cultured. The expression levels of circ-100219, microRNA-485-3p and NTRK3 in breast cancer and paracancer tissues were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The regulatory effects of circ-100219, microRNA-485-3p and NTRK3 on the proliferative and migratory capacities of breast cancer cells were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to determine the binding condition among circ-100219, microRNA-485-3p and NTRK3. Rescue experiments were performed in co-transfected breast cancer cells. RT-qPCR data showed that circ-100219 and NTRK3 were highly expressed, whereas microRNA-485-3p was lowly expressed in breast cancer tissues than those of paracancer tissues. Knockdown of circ-100219 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited their proliferative and migratory capacities. On the contrary, microRNA-485-3p knockdown improved the proliferative and migratory capacities. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that circ-100219 could bind to microRNA-485-3p and NTRK3 was the target gene of microRNA-485-3p. Western blot results elucidated that circ-100219 stabilized NTRK3 expression, whereas microRNA-485-3p degraded NTRK3 expression. Rescue experiments demonstrated that overexpression of NTRK3 could partially reverse the inhibited proliferative and migratory capacities induced by circ-100219 knockdown in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Overexpression of circ-10021 promotes the proliferative and migratory capacities of breast cancer cells by sponging microRNA-485-3p to upregulate the NTRK3 expression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The actions of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in animals as a model of Parkinson's disease.
The ability of MPTP to induce persistent parkinsonism in man may provide a vital clue to the cause of the idiopathic disease. However, the peripheral administration of MPTP to rodent species only produces losses in brain dopamine content and damage to the nigrostriatal system in high doses and no persistent motor deficits have been observed. In contrast, in primates, the administration of MPTP rapidly induces a persistent parkinsonian syndrome accompanied by evidence for selective damage to the nigro-striatal dopamine containing system. Other neurotransmitter systems appear unaffected by MPTP treatment. The MPTP-treated primate responds to the administration of L-DOPA and other antiparkinsonian drugs and may provide a useful test-bed for the development of novel antiparkinsonian medication. Administration of MPTP to primates causes an accumulation of MPP+ in a variety of brain areas. The accumulation of MPP+ and the neurotoxic actions of MPTP in primates can be prevented by the prior administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The ability of monoamine oxidase inhibitors to prevent MPTP toxicity is related to the metabolism of MPTP by monoamine oxidase B, probably extraneuronally in glia, to produce MPDP+ and subsequently MPP+. In rodent synaptosomal preparations MPP+ is a substrate for the dopamine uptake mechanism and so would be selectively accumulated in brain dopamine neurones. Administration of MPTP to animals results in the production of a partial model of idiopathic Parkinson's disease as it occurs in man. MPTP treatment produces the major symptoms of Parkinson's disease in primates but the pathology is limited to the nigro-striatal system, whereas in Parkinson's disease pathology is more widespread. Biochemical changes induced by MPTP again seem primarily limited to those induced by damage to the nigro-striatal dopamine containing system. MPP+ (or another metabolite of MPTP) may be responsible for the neurotoxicity of MPTP but not all neurones which accumulate products of MPTP metabolism are damaged. The nigro-striatal system may be peculiarly sensitive to the effects of MPTP.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Haloperidol increases the disruptive effect of alcohol on spatial working memory in rats: a dopaminergic modulation in the medial prefrontal cortex.
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been considered the anatomic site for working memory. The medial portion of the PFC (mPFC) is also part of a "brain reward circuit" as constituted by the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system. This study examined the effects of acute administration of alcohol (ETOH) in the mPFC or systemically on the performance of 5-s or 1-h delayed tasks in an eight-arm radial maze. Effects of haloperidol (HAL), a dopamine antagonist, combined with ETOH, were also examined in a 1-h delayed task. Male Wistar rats trained in the radial maze and with bilateral cannulae implanted in the mPFC received intraperitoneal (IP) or intracortical (IC) drug administration. As compared to saline (SAL) IC, ETOH IC in doses of 100 microg and 180 microg (5 min before session) increased significantly the number of errors in the 1-h and 5-s post-delay performance, respectively. HAL in doses with little or no effect alone IC (10 or 32 microg, 10 min before session) or IP (3.2 mg/kg, 35 min before session) increased the disruptive effect of ETOH IC (100 microg) on 1-h delayed task. These results showed that ETOH administered directly in the mPFC disrupts short- and long-term spatial working memory. The increase of the disruptive effect of ETOH produced by a dopaminergic blockage, particularly in the mPFC, suggests that the dopaminergic neurotransmission in this cortical area might modulate ETOH effects on spatial working memory.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Disorders of hemostasis in sepsis.
Sepsis is noted for producing disruptions in hemostasis. The patient-related risk factors, clinical presentation, and management strategies are dependent upon the presiding disorder. Platelet deficiency and dysfunction, hepatic protein disorders, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are the most common clinical problems. Nursing care focuses on prevention, early recognition, and supportive care for the thrombotic or bleeding patient. An overview of the disorders of hemostasis in sepsis and nursing care of these patients are described in this article.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Organic Light-Emitting Devices with Tandem Structure.
Tandem organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have attracted considerable attention for solid-state lighting and flat panel displays because their tandem architecture enables high efficiency and long operational lifetime simultaneously. In the tandem OLED structure, plural light-emitting units (LEUs) are stacked in series through a charge generation layer (CGL) and an electron injection layer (EIL). In this chapter, we focus on the key features of tandem OLEDs for high efficiency and long operational lifetimes. We also demonstrate the effect of the CGL comprising a Lewis acid, an n-type semiconductor metal oxide, and an organic electron-accepting material. We discuss the two types of EILs in tandem OLEDs: alkali metals containing n-type compounds and ultra-thin metals. Finally, we focus on the recent progress of the state-of-the-art solution-processed tandem OLEDs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Variation in acquisition of Fiji disease virus by Perkinsiella saccharicida (Hemiptera: Delphacidae).
Fiji leaf gall, caused the Fiji disease virus (genus Fijivirus, family Reoviridae, FDV), is a serious disease of sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum L., in Australia and several other Asia-Pacific countries. In Australia FDV is transmitted only by the planthopper Perkinsiella saccharicida Kirkaldy (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), in a propagative manner. Successful transmission of FDV by single planthoppers confined to individual virus free plants is highly variable, even under controlled conditions. The research reported here addresses two possible sources of this variation: (1) gender, wing form, and life stage of the planthopper; and (2) genotype of the source plant. The acquisition of FDV by macropterous males, macropterous females, brachypterous females, and nymphs of P. saccharicida from infected plants was investigated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to diagnose FDV infection in the vector. The proportion of individuals infected with FDV was not statistically related to life stage, gender, or adult wing form of the vector. The acquisition of FDV by P. saccharicida from four cultivars of sugarcane was compared to assess the influence of plant genotype on acquisition. Those planthopper populations reared on diseased 'NCo310' plants had twice as many infected planthoppers as those reared on 'Q110', 'WD1', and 'WD2'. Therefore, variation in FDV acquisition in this system is not the result of variation in the gender, wing form and life stage of the P. saccharicida vectors. The cultivar used as the source plant to rear vector populations does affect the proportion of infected planthoppers in a population.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Preventing fainting due to needles or blood].
A 29-year-old medical student suffered from vasovagal syncope triggered by blood and blood-related procedures, such as injections and injuries. Fainting was preceded by prodromal symptoms like light-headedness and altered vision. The patient consulted the Syncope Unit at the Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and received instructions on how to apply counterpressure manoeuvres. He was also successfully treated with psychological deconditioning, which consisted of desensitisation through exposure in vivo and cognitive behavioural therapy. Emotionally triggered vasovagal syncope is predominantly seen in young people and can lead to serious complications. It can be treated with simple interventions like drinking water and performing counterpressure manoeuvres. Psychological deconditioning is an effective additional therapy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The correlation of depressive and negative symptoms in the picture of post-schizophrenic depressions].
To analyze psychopathological and phenomenological post-schizophrenic depressions (PSD) (F20.4 according to ICD-10) 40 patients with shift-like schizophrenia were examined. 6 PSD types are described: apatho-adynamic with disorders of thinking, adynamic, melancholic-adynamic, asthenic-hypochondriac, psychoasthenic-phobic, dysphoric with heterogeneous elements. Dynamics and the degree of reversibility on the background of antidepressive therapy of both depressive and negative symptoms in clinical picture of typologic PSD variations were studied clinically using Hamilton's scale (HAM-D) and negative disorders' subscale (PANSS) estimation. There wasn't observed any correlation in reduction of depressive and negative symptoms in each type of PSD. It was found that the more atypical were clinical manifestations of PSD (as compared with endogenous depression), the more pronounced were negative signs conditioned by schizophrenic disease and the less was their reverse dynamics. Participation of the primary deficiency disorders in forming clinical picture of different types of PSD is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Use of a violence risk assessment tool in an acute care hospital: effectiveness in identifying violent patients.
This study examined the use and effectiveness of the Alert assessment form. The form is part of the Alert system, used by one large acute care hospital to identify patients with a propensity for violence. All reported incidents of patient violence from August 1, 2003, through December 31, 2004, were included in patient charts. One hundred seventeen violent patient charts were reviewed and compared with 161 non-violent patient charts, randomly chosen from the same time period. Overall use of the Alert assessment form for violent and non-violent patients was 75.7% and 35.4%, respectively. The assessment form was found to have moderate sensitivity (71%) and high specificity (94%). It is reasonably effective in identifying potentially violent or aggressive patients when it is used according to protocol. Efforts to improve the tool are warranted, as is evaluation of its benefit in settings with low prevalence of violence. Also, greater effort must be taken to prevent violence once an aggressive patient has been identified.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Application of the cycloSal-prodrug approach for improving the biological potential of phosphorylated biomolecules.
Pronucleotides represent a promising tool to improve the biological activity of nucleoside analogs in antiviral and cancer chemotherapy. The cycloSal-approach is one of several conceptually different pronucleotide systems. This approach can be applied to various nucleoside analogs. A salicyl alcohol as a cyclic bifunctional masking unit is used, and shown to afford a chemically driven release of the particular nucleotide from the lipophilic phosphate triester precursor molecule. A conceptual extension of the cycloSal-approach results in the design of "lock-in"-cycloSal-derivatives. The cycloSal-approach is not restricted to the delivery of bioactive nucleotides but also useful for the intracellular delivery of hexose-1-phosphates.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Role of master transcriptional factor Prox-1 in lymphatic endothelial differentiation of Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma].
Objective: To analyze the clinical and pathological features of Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE), and to investigate the role of master transcriptional factor Prox-1 in the regulation of lymphatic differentiation. Methods: Nine cases of KHE (during the period from October 2009 to June 2016) were collected with clinical and pathological data. H&E stained section review and immunohistochemietry using the Dako EnVision method were performed. Results: There were 6 female and 3 male patients with age ranging from 2 months to 8 years (median 3 years and 4 months). The patients presented with either single subcutaneous soft tissue mass, or bone tumors, with the duration of disease onset ranging from 1 month to 1 year. The sites of involvement included the skins of neck (2 cases), nose root (1 case), inguinal (1 case), thigh root (1 case), humerus (2 cases), lumbar vertebrae(1 case), and mesentery (1 case). These tumors were histologically composed of nodules of densely packed spindle or ovoid cells and deformed small blood vessels in an invasive growth pattern. The tumor cells were immunohistochemically positive for both blood vessels and lymphatic endothelial markers, including Prox-1, the master transcriptional factor, and VEGFR-3. With followed-up from 1 to 60 months (median 26 months), two patients died of the disease, while the remaining patients were alive without recurrence. Conclusions: KHE is a rare vascular tumor with at least partial lymphatic endothelial differentiation, in which Prox-1 may act as a master regulator for such differentiation. KHE is an aggressive tumor of intermediate malignant potential, with local invasion and recurrence tendency, and long term follow-up is required.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Gene Silencing Delivery Methods: Lipid-Mediated and Electroporation Transfection Protocols.
The RNA interference (RNAi) plays an important role in regulation of gene expression. It is a mechanism used by many organisms to silence the expression of genes that control different processes in the cell. The double strand (ds) RNA molecule inhibits gene expression of a targeted gene with high specificity and selectivity.Different types of small ribonucleic acid molecules, microRNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and the piwi RNA (piRNA) are involved in the RNA interference. RNAi is a relevant research tool in cell cultures and in vivo experiments because synthetic dsRNA introduced into cells can selectively silence specific target genes.Here, we describe a general guide for gene silencing mediated by siRNA, focusing on the most used delivery methods: lipid-mediated and electroporation transfection.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Properties of human hemoglobin immobilized on Sepharose 4B.
This paper reports the properties of human hemoglobin covalently bound to Sepharose 4B both in 'high-affinity' and 'low-affinity' conformations. The results suggest that the coupling reaction is strongly affected by the conformational changes linked to oxygenation of the protein. The rate and the extent of the reaction are different for the oxy and deoxyderivatives, probably due to the change in reactivity of the amino groups in the liganded and unliganded tetramer. The data on the equilibrium which is established between matrix-bound and soluble subunits, measured by the 'subunit-exchange chromatography', indicate that the system displays a minimal heterogeneity when hemoglobin is coupled to the gel in the deoxy state at intermediate protein concentration and pH 8. Maxtrix-bound hemoglobin is characterized by a higher oxygen affinity and by decreased homotropic and heterotropic interactions with respect to hemoglobin in solution, but the changes depend strongly on the conditions used in the coupling procedure.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Complexation chemistry for tuning release from polymer coatings.
The strategy of metal ion complexation is employed to design a delivery system for an antifouling agent (AFA) in marine paints. A poly(1-vinylimidazole-co-methyl methacrylate) copolymer (PVM), together with Cu2+ or Zn2+ formed a PVM-M2+ complex. The AFA, Medetomidine, was then coordinated into the complex. The coordination strength was investigated in solution by 1H NMR and on solid surfaces by using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring technique (QCM-D) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). From the 1H NMR experiments strong interactions were observed between Cu2+ and the PVM-polymer and between Medetomidine and the PVM-Cu2+ complex. From the QCM-D and SPR measurements it was shown that Cu2+, compared to Zn2+, exhibited a larger affinity for the PVM-copolymer surface that resulted in higher degree of swelling of the polymer film. Large amounts of Medetomidine were adsorbed to the PVM-Cu2+ complex resulting in low desorption rates. However, the adsorbed amount of Medetomidine was lower to the Zn2+ doped polymer and a higher desorption rate was observed. These results indicate the possibility of tuning the release of Medetomidine by altering the coordinating metal ion, which may prove to be favorable in a paint formulation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Encapsulation of liquid cores by layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes.
The aim of this work was to develop the method of preparation of loaded, submicron nanocapsules based on the liquid core encapsulation by polyelectrolyte (PE) multilayer adsorption. The procedure of PE adsorption on the emulsion droplets requires a specific selection of surfactants, which have good properties as emulsifiers and provide a stable surface charge for sequential adsorption of PE without losing stability of emulsion. Using AOT as emulsifier this study obtained droplets, stabilized by AOT/PDADMAC surface complexes. These positively charged liquid cores were then modified by sequential adsorption of polyelectrolytes to obtain nanocapsules with the average size of 200 nm, with various combinations of polyelectrolytes (PDADMAC, CHIT, PAH, PSS, ALG). This study demonstrated the formation of consecutive layers of PE shells by measuring zeta potential of capsules after adsorption of each layer. It visualized the cores by dissolving fluorescent dye Coumarine6 in oil phase and multilayer shells by using FITC labelled polycation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Comparison of laryngotracheal and ultrasonic nebulizer administration of lidocaine in local anaesthesia for bronchoscopy.
Inhalation of nebulized minute lidocaine droplets has been suggested to be a very safe and pleasant method to produce topical anaesthesia for bronchoscopy. We produced topical anaesthesia of the respiratory tract either by laryngotracheal spraying (LS) of lidocaine (439 +/- 85mg) or ultrasonic nebulizer administration (UNA) of lidocaine (462 +/- 81 mg) in 40 patients undergoing bronchoscopy. All patients also received an average of 15 mg of diazepam intravenously. Both modes of lidocaine administration produced adequate anaesthesia and were safe, but when rated on the visual analogue scale, both the efficacy of local anaesthesia and the cooperation of patients during bronchoscopy were better (P less than 0.05) after LS than those after UNA. The peak plasma concentrations of lidocaine (means +/- s.d.) were lower and occurred earlier after UNA (0.53 +/- 0.34 micrograms/ml at 5-15 min after administration) than those after LS (0.89 +/- 0.63 micrograms/ml at 15-25 min after spraying). The highest individual values measured (2.54 micrograms/ml after LS and 1.17 micrograms/ml after UNA) were much less than those reported toxic lidocaine plasma concentrations. It is concluded that bronchoscopy can be conducted under local anaesthesia as successfully and safely using inhalation of lidocaine droplets from an ultrasonic nebulizer as when using laryngotracheal spraying of lidocaine.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Ultrasonic diagnosis of acute suppurative appendicitis: a case report (author's transl)].
In a patient, 87 years of age, with typical symptoms and clinical signs of acute appendicitis we were able to demonstrate the swollen and fluid-filled appendix by sonography. The suspected diagnosis of a suppurative appendicitis was confirmed at operation. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of the use of sonography in establishing the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cardiac sports rehabilitation for patients with ischemic heart disease.
This paper summarizes data gathered from an 8 years sports cardiac rehabilitation program at Kyoto University and satellite hospital (Takeda Hospital). In total, 185 patients were rehabilitated under our original program with no serious cardiac accidents. Compliance was 58.2% after 6 months of this rehabilitation. In patients selected to evaluate the value of rehabilitation, exercise study with treadmill and 201Tl scintigraphic study showed improvement in exercise tolerance (in 58% of patients) and in perfusion on exercise (in 40%). Coronary angiographic study showed regression of arterial narrowing in 16% of the patients studied. We conclude that in addition to emotional and psychological support, our sports cardiac rehabilitation is safe and effective in improving exercise tolerance and cardiac perfusion.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Bovine muscle n-3 fatty acid content is increased with flaxseed feeding.
We examined the ability of n-3 FA in flaxseed-supplemented rations to increase the n-3 FA content of bovine muscle. Two groups of animals were used in each of two separate trials: (i) Hereford steers supplemented (or not) with ground flaxseed (907 g/d) for 71 d, and (ii) Angus steers supplemented (or not) with ground flaxseed (454 g/d for 3 d followed by 907 g/d for 110 d). For the Hereford group, flaxseed-supplemented rations increased 18:3n-3 (4.0-fold), 20:5n-3 (1.4-fold), and 22:5n-3 (1.3-fold) mass as compared with the control, and increased total n-3 mass about 1.7-fold. When these data were expressed as mol%, the increase in 18:3n-3 was 3.3-fold and in 20:5n-3 was 1.3-fold in the phospholipid fraction, and 18:3n-3 was increased 4-fold in the neutral lipid fraction. For the Angus group, flaxseed ingestion increased masses and composition of n-3 FA similarly to that for the Herefords and doubled the total n-3 FA mass. The effect of cooking to a common degree of doneness on FA composition was determined using steaks from a third group of cattle, which were Angus steers. We demonstrated no adverse effects on FA composition by grilling steaks to an internal temperature of 64 degrees C. Because n-3 FA may affect gene expression, we used quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to quantify the effect of feeding flaxseed on heart-FA binding protein, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and alpha (PPARalpha) gene expression in the muscle tissue. PPARgamma mRNA level was increased 2.7-fold in the flaxseed-fed Angus steers compared with the control. Thus, we demonstrate a significant increase in n-3 FA levels in bovine muscle from cattle fed rations supplemented with flaxseed and increased expression of genes that regulate lipid metabolism.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Developmental regulation of the laminin alpha5 chain suggests a role in epithelial and endothelial cell maturation.
We have previously shown that mouse and bovine endothelial cells express a novel 400-kDa laminin alpha chain complexed to beta1 and gamma1 laminin chains. We describe here purification of this laminin isoform from the conditioned medium of a mouse peripheral lymph node endothelial cell line, SVEC. The laminin alpha chain was isolated from the laminin complex, subjected to Edman digestion, and the amino acid sequences of the resulting peptides were determined. Amino acid sequence revealed 100% identity to the predicted amino acid sequence of the recently reported laminin alpha5 gene. A monoclonal antibody to the laminin alpha5 chain was raised (4G6), allowing investigation of its distribution in embryonic, newborn, and mature mouse tissues. The laminin alpha5 chain was expressed mainly by epithelial, endothelial, and myogenic cells: In both embryonic and mature tissues the laminin alpha5 chain was strongly expressed by epithelial cells, the bronchi of the lungs and the developing kidney tubules being the sites of strongest expression. However, laminin alpha5 was not associated with early stages of epithelial cell development, but rather with epithelial cell maturation. Widespread expression of laminin alpha5 in endothelial cells was apparent only in tissues of mature mice, its appearance correlating approximately with sexual maturity. During embryogenesis and in newborn tissues, laminin alpha5 occurred in basement membranes of larger blood vessels only, excluding a role in angiogenic processes. Smooth muscle and skeletal muscle cells were the only other cell types which showed considerable laminin alpha5 expression, with skeletal muscle exhibiting a developmentally regulated pattern of expression: The laminin alpha5 chain occurred in skeletal muscle fiber basement membranes early in embryogenesis (E13-E15) but decreased with development, remaining strongly expressed only at the neuromuscular junction. The data show that laminin alpha5 expression is associated with epithelial and endothelial cell maturation, implicating a role for this laminin chain in the maintenance of differentiated epithelial and endothelial cell phenotype.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The duration of hypomania in bipolar-II disorder in private practice: methodology and validation.
DSM-IV 4-day minimum hypomania duration is not evidence-based. Epidemiologic data suggest that briefer hypomanias are prevalent in the community. We sought to find out the relative prevalence of short (2-3 days) versus long (>/=4 days) hypomanias in private practice. 206 bipolar-II (BP-II) depressed outpatients (group B) and a group of 140 remitted BP-II (group R) were assessed with the DSM-IV Structured Clinical Interview, as modified by the authors. BP-II with short vs. longer hypomania were compared on such bipolar validators as early age at onset, depressive recurrence, atypical feature specifier, depressive mixed state and bipolar family history. In addition, to ascertain the bipolar status of depressed patients with brief hypomanias, we included a comparison group of 178 major depressive disorder (MDD) patients assessed when depressed. 27-30% of hypomanias (depending on whether assessment occurred when patients were depressed or in remission) had 2-3-day duration; 72% lasted less than 4 weeks. Except for the atypical feature specifier, BP-II with short vs. BP-II with longer hypomania were not significantly different on bipolar validators. Moreover, BP-II with short, like its longer hypomanic counterpart, was significantly different from the comparison MDD group on all bipolar indicators. Single interviewer and retrospective evaluation of duration of hypomania. As BP-II patients almost never present clinically in a hypomanic episode, the retrospective assessment of the duration of these episodes is clinically unavoidable. Most hypomanias last from 2 days to a few weeks. BP-II with shorter vs. longer hypomanias had significantly higher rates of females, comorbidity and atypical features, but were otherwise indistinguishable on crucial bipolar validators. Furthermore, such validators, including bipolar family history, robustly distinguished BP-II with short hypomanias from the MDD group. The conservative 4-day threshold would misclassify one out of three BP-II as MDD. Such misclassification has relevant implications for treatment and outcome, as well as clinical research methodology for depressive and bipolar disorders.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A soldier's champion.
Betsi Cadwaladr overcame huge obstacles to nurse the sick in the Crimea. Camaignes hope to create a lasting memorial to her achievements.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Retrovesical haematoma after anterior Prolift procedure for cystocele correction.
Retrovesical haematoma after anterior Prolift procedure was described. Primary conservative treatment was performed with the subsequent transvaginal emptying of the haematoma through the mesh incision without displacement. Prolift is not advocated as an ambulatory procedure.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Expression, purification, and characterization of deglycosylated human pro-prostate-specific antigen.
Wild-type and deglycosylated forms of human prostate-specific antigen were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells as zymogens. ProPSA was collected from conditioned medium and purified using a single cation-exchange chromatographic step for the deglycosylated form and cation-exchange followed by gel filtration chromatography for the wild-type form. Recombinant wild-type proPSA produced in CHO cells has an average MW of 34.5 kDa, whereas the deglycosylated proPSA has a MW of 32.4 kDa. Both forms of proPSA were activated in vitro and the kinetic properties measured for the deglycosylated PSA are very similar to those of the wild-type recombinant PSA and the native PSA isolated from seminal fluid. These results suggest that deglycosylated PSA is likely to be very similar to native PSA with respect to its three-dimensional structure and will provide a homogeneous protein preparation necessary for X-ray crystallographic analysis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Decreased expression of fos-related antigens (FRAs) in the hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons after immunoneutralization of endogenous prolactin.
In our previous studies we found that administration of exogenous prolactin increased dopamine turnover in the terminal areas of the hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons controlling prolactin secretion from pituitary lactotrophs. In this study we investigated the effect of immunoneutralization of endogenous prolactin on the expression of FRAs in the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA), tuberohypophysial dopaminergic (THDA), and periventricular hypothalamic dopaminergic (PHDA) subpopulations of the hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons. Female rats were ovariectomized on d 0 of the experiment. At 1000 h of d 10, all animals were injected with 20 microg of 17-beta-estradiol sc to induce a proestrous-like surge of prolactin at 1700 h the next day. At 1000 h on d 11, half of the animals were injected with 200 microL of rabbit anti-rat prolactin antiserum ip, while the controls received normal rabbit serum. Groups of animals were sacrificed for immunocytochemistry in 2 h intervals between 1300 and 2100 h. Double-label immunocytochemistry for FRAs and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was performed and the results are presented as percentage of TH-immunoreactive neurons expressing FRAs. In the control animals, expression of FRAs decreased at 1500 h, gradually increased by 1900 h, but was lower than the basal levels by 2100 h. Expression of FRAs was significantly lower at 1900 h in the PHDA, THDA and TIDA neurons of prolactin antiserum treated rats than in the controls. These results indicate that elimination of endogenous prolactin from the circulation lowers the activity and/or prevents the reactivation of neuroendocrine dopaminergic neurons at the beginning of the dark phase.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A method to enhance student teams in palliative care: piloting the McMaster-Ottawa Team Observed Structured Clinical Encounter.
The need for palliative and end-of-life care (PEOLC) education in prelicensure education has been identified. PEOLC requires effective collaborative teamwork. The competencies required for effective collaborative teamwork are only now emerging and methods to evaluate them must be developed. The adaptation of the traditional Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for assessment of a student team addressing palliative care issues was undertaken. The McMaster-Ottawa Team Observed Structured Clinical Encounter (TOSCE) is intended as a formative evaluation tool for both competencies in interprofessional collaboration for patient-centered practice and PEOLC. Three stations based on palliative care scenarios were developed. From January 2007 to January 2008, a total of 141 students and 38 observers participated in the evaluation of three stations, with 6-7 students per group and two observers per station. Observers completed checklists for both PEOLC and interprofessional collaborative competencies and, after completing the TOSCEs, students and observers completed questionnaires on their feasibility and acceptability. Eighty-nine percent of the students and 44% of the observers were from medicine. Students and observers found the TOSCE to be an acceptable and feasible assessment tool for both sets of competencies. Reliability and validity data show that the items in both the clinical and interprofessional checklists fit well together, and interrater reliability is readily achieved. The new formative evaluation TOSCE tool, adapted from the traditional OSCE, was acceptable and feasible to students and observers.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
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