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Asymmetrically contacted germanium photodiode using a metal-interlayer-semiconductor-metal structure for extremely large dark current suppression.
In this study, we proposed germanium (Ge) metal-interlayer-semiconductor-metal (MISM) photodiodes (PD), with an anode of a metal-interlayer-semiconductor (MIS) contact and a cathode of a metal-semiconductor (MS) contact, to efficiently suppress the dark current of Ge PD. We selected titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) as an interlayer material for the MIS contact, due to its large valence band offset and negative conduction band offset to Ge. We significantly suppress the dark current of Ge PD by introducing the MISM structure with a TiO<sub>2</sub> interlayer, as this enhances the hole Schottky barrier height, and thus acts as a large barrier for holes. In addition, it collects photo-generated carriers without degradation, due to its negative conduction band offset to Ge. This reduces the dark current of Ge MISM PDs by ×8000 for 7-nm-thick TiO<sub>2</sub> interlayer, while its photo current is still comparable to that of Ge metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) PDs. Furthermore, the proposed Ge PD shows ×6,600 improvement of the normalized photo-to-dark-current ratio (NPDR) at a wavelength of 1.55 μm. The proposed Ge MISM PD shows considerable promise for low power and high sensitivity Ge-based optoelectronic applications.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of wavelength, fluence, and dose on fragmentation pathways and photoproduct ion yield in 213 nm and 266 nm ultraviolet photodissociation experiments.
Ultraviolet photodissociation tandem mass spectrometry is a powerful tool to investigate the structure of biomolecules, due to its ability to generate rich fragmentation patterns or bond selective cleavage, as a function of used laser wavelength, laser fluence, dose (number of accumulated laser pulses), and available chromophores. Herein, we report first results obtained with a newly developed two-wavelength (266 nm and 213 nm) ultraviolet photodissociation setup coupled to a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Photoproduct yields for protonated 3-iodo-l-tyrosine were up to ∼75%. Dose and fluence dependent measurements for protonated 3-iodo-l-tyrosine, doubly charged protonated bradykinin and Fe(II) attached to 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine reveal that the ultraviolet photodissociation mechanism for photoproduct formation qualitatively differs between these model systems. Three derived photodissociation models were used to interpret the experimental results and show that while protonated 3-iodo-l-tyrosine and Fe(II) attached to 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine most likely dissociates via a single-photon process, fragmentation of doubly charged bradykinin ions was found to be most consistent with sequential two-photon dissociation (213 nm). The introduced dissociation models present an easy means to study the mechanism of ultraviolet photodissociation processes for a variety of analytes without prior knowledge of their photochemistry or to optimize experimental conditions by adjusting laser fluence or number of laser pulses.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Interaction between hepatitis C virus proteins and host cell factors.
Since the discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) as the causative agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis, significant effort has been devoted to understanding this important pathogen. Despite the difficulty in culturing this virus efficiently, much is known about the organization of the viral genome and the functions of many of the viral proteins. Through the use of surrogate expression systems combined with cellular fractionation, pull-down experiments and yeast two-hybrid screens, numerous interactions between hepatitis C virus proteins and cellular components have been identified. The relevance of many of these interactions to hepatitis C biology remains to be demonstrated. This review discusses recent developments in this area of HCV research.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A minimax approach to the single-point method of drug dosing.
The single-point dose prediction method is based on the observation that for drugs obeying single compartment elimination kinetics there is a nearly constant reciprocal relation between the plasma level at a fixed time following a single loading dose and the dose that is required to maintain the desired steady state plasma level of the drug. This paper describes an improved method for choosing a plasma sampling time and a proportionality constant. It applies to either drugs administered intravenously or to drugs whose rates of absorption from the site of administration are very rapid compared to their rates of elimination from the body. The sampling time and proportionality constant chosen are those that minimize the maximum relative deviation of the maintenance dose estimated by the single-point method from the dose that would be estimated if the individual's true elimination rate constant were known. The paper also supplies a method to determine the maximum error that may be introduced into the estimation of the maintenance dose by using the single-point method.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Lipothymia and syncope in adolescents].
Syncope is the transient loss of consciousness and postural tone resulting from inadequate cerebral perfusion. The most common type of syncope in healthy children and adolescents is the vasovagal syncope, which is a benign and transient condition. The evaluation of syncopal children or adolescents is on a detailed history and physical examination. ECG is mandatary, other laboratory tests must be guided by pertinent positives or negatives in the history and physical examination. The pathology of syncope seems to follow a common pathway with many inciting stimuli. Cerebral perfusion is compromised by a transient decrease in cardiac output caused by vasomotor changes decreasing venous return, primary dysrhythmia, or impairment of cerebral vascular tone. Tilt table testing can be useful in selecting therapy by demonstrating the physiologic response leading to syncope in an individual patient. Treatment is usually targeted to those in whom syncope is recurred or has been associated with physical injury. In others, treatment involves removal or avoidance of agents that predispose to hypotension or dehydration, including alcohol, vasodilating anti-hypertensive medications, and diuretics. However, when these measures fail to prevent the recurrence of symptoms, pharmacologic therapy is usually recommended. The efficacy of beta blockers, midodrine and SRIs have been confirmed in randomized, prospective clinical trials. In addition to these 3 agents, there is also considerable clinical experience suggesting the value of fludrocortisone.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Implementation of the risk and harm reduction strategy against unsafe abortion in Uruguay: From a university hospital to the entire country.
The history of the creation of the risk and harm reduction model applied to unsafe abortion is reviewed, from its initial implementation by a small group of gynecologists at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center in Uruguay to its spread to the rest of the country. Its ethical rationale, its successful application in the hospital, the decision to disseminate it with the cooperation of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), and the intervention procedures are explained. It was evaluated from the epidemiological and anthropological viewpoints, from the changes in professionals' and users' perception of the care offered and its impact on complications and maternal deaths. A very favorable change was seen in the number and quality of the services, the providers' attitude, and maternal morbidity and mortality were reduced. It also brought visibility to women with unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and an improved understanding of their problems, which contributed to the legislative changes that were made subsequently.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Total ankle replacement: medium-term results in 200 Scandinavian total ankle replacements.
We describe the medium-term results of a prospective study of 200 total ankle replacements at a single-centre using the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement. A total of 24 ankles (12%) have been revised, 20 by fusion and four by further replacement and 27 patients (33 ankles) have died. All the surviving patients were seen at a minimum of five years after operation. The five-year survival was 93.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89.8 to 96.8) and the ten-year survival 80.3% (95% CI 71.0 to 89.6). Anterior subluxation of the talus, often seen on the lateral radiograph in osteoarthritic ankles, was corrected and, in most instances, the anatomical alignment was restored by total ankle replacement. The orientation of the tibial component, as seen on the lateral radiograph, also affects the position of the talus and if not correct can hold the talus in an abnormal anterior position. Subtalar arthritis may continue to progress after total ankle replacement. Our results are similar to those published previously.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Population-related and individual prevention. Strategies and effectiveness].
In the German health system up to now prevention takes only a marginal position. To tap the full preventive potential in future population-based and risk group-strategies must be systematically extended, combined with individual strategies in clinical preventive medicine and integrated in health care. This report gives international and national examples for these strategies and shows that such preventive programmes could be effective as well cost-effective.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Role of germinal vesicle on protein synthesis in rat oocyte during in vitro maturation.
To investigate the role of the germinal vesicle (GV) on in vitro maturation (IVM) of rat oocytes, we examined protein synthesis during IVM by comparing polypeptide patterns in control and enucleated oocytes using one and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Separation of polypeptides extracted from the cytoplasm of GV by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE revealed that a 55 kDa polypeptide was present only in the GVs of rat oocytes. At 0, 12, 24, 36, and 44 hr after PMSG injection, prior to the initiation of maturation, enucleated oocytes synthesized the same major polypeptides as cumulus intact (CI) oocytes. During meiotic maturation, no major changes were detected in protein synthesis from prophase (GV stage) to prometaphase I (0-6 hr IVM). However, after entry into prometaphase I (7 hr IVM), striking changes were seen; a 24 kDa polypeptide disappeared and expression of a 34 kDa polypeptide became stronger. This pattern lasted until metaphase II. We detected no major differences in the pattern of protein synthesis between CI and enucleated oocytes using two-dimensional PAGE. These results indicate that protein synthesis in the maturing rat oocyte is controlled by cytoplasmic regulators rather than intrinsic nuclear components.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae: Has resistance to antibiotics decreased?
To determine the incidence and trends of pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) resistant to antibiotics, to describe clinical and microbiological features of pneumococcal CAP, and to ascertain prognostic risk factors in a third-level hospital. We performed a prospective study of all well-defined pneumococcal CAP hospitalizations in the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (Spain) over 2 years of follow-up, and results were compared with a previous study. One hundred twenty-five patients were included (mean age, 59.6 years; 71.2% male and 28.8% female). Mortality was 7% (n = 9). Twenty-four percent were HIV-1 seropositive (n = 30), and 53% had at least one comorbidity (n = 65). Nonsusceptibility to penicillin, ceftriaxone, and erythromycin accounted for 34%, 9%, and 33%, respectively. A decrease in penicillin (p = 0.01) and cephalosporin (p < 0.001) resistance was observed on comparison with a previous study, while macrolide resistance remained unchanged. Serotype 1 infection was overrepresented (8%, n = 10). A bad outcome was related to female gender (relative risk [RR], 9.1; confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 61.3), pleural effusion (RR, 13.35; CI, 1.9 to 93.1), and prior oral corticoid intake (RR, 10.59; CI, 1.2 to 91.2), whereas drug-resistant strains were not. We found a decrease in drug resistance compared with a previous report and a relatively high incidence of serotype 1 pneumococcal CAP. We also observed a high prevalence of HIV-1 infection among individuals with pneumococcal pneumonia. We confirm the lack of association of drug resistance with mortality and length of hospitalization. Mortality was associated with female gender, pleural effusion, and previous oral corticoid treatment. These results should be better ascertained in further studies.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Temporomandibular dysfunction can contribute to aggravation of tension-type headache: a case report.
A 15-year-old girl, who had had occasional tension-type headache, developed, rather suddenly and without any obvious reason, severe headache. She was admitted to hospital, where examination including CT and magnetic resonance scans did not show any abnormality. A visit to her own general practitioner 7 months later showed tenderness in the muscle of mastication. The patient was referred to a dentist, who diagnosed temporomandibular dysfunction and tension-type headache. After three acupuncture treatments, the patient was without headache and remained free of headache during the following 6 months.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A case of adult hepatic toxocariasis.
Background A 56-year-old female presented to the emergency room with a 2-week history of fevers, chills and right upper quadrant pain. She had no sick contacts, had not traveled recently and denied high-risk sexual behavior. The patient had adopted a stray cat 1 month before presentation. Investigations Physical examination; laboratory tests (including complete blood count with differential, complete metabolic panel including liver enzymes, and serum Toxocara serology); chest and abdominal CT scans; and percutaneous liver biopsy. Diagnosis Toxocariasis (visceral larva migrans). Management Supportive care and antihelmintic agents.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pseudobasophilia and the Advia 120.
Pseudobasophilia is an analyzer phenomenon whereby abnormal cells in the peripheral blood are counted as basophils. Previously described on the Technicon H-series hematology analyzers, pseudobasophilia is also a technical consideration on the Advia 120. Sometimes seen as a hindrance to inexperienced users, an understanding of the basophil (baso) method and baso cytogram produced by the Advia 120 can be utilized to alert the laboratory scientist and clinician to the possible presence of an abnormal cell population in the peripheral blood. Cytogram analysis should form part of routine laboratory practice and the present annotation aims to offer some assistance to users of the Advia 120 and Advia 2120.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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MutSα and MutLα immunoexpression analysis in diagnostic grading of oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma.
This study explored the expression of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins in a range of oral biopsies. We further evaluated the significance of MMR protein expression combined with basic demographic data in differentiating grades of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Immunohistochemical expression of MutSα (hMLH1 and hPMS2) and MutLα (hMSH2 and hMSH6) were compared in 98 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded oral biopsies: 21 normal, 24 mild-dysplasia (MD), 8 moderate-to-severe-dysplasia (SD), and 45 OSCC. Expression of hMLH1, hPMS2, and hMSH2 was reduced in MD, SD, and OSCC compared with the normal. Reduced hMSH2 immunoreactivity discriminated poorly differentiated OSCC from well-differentiated OSCC. The diagnostic model correctly classified 71.4% of cases and revealed that hPMS2-negative biopsies were more likely to be cancerous (odds ratio [OR], 0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000-0.813; P = .040). The results suggested a diagnostic role for MMR proteins in OED and OSCC.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Alzheimer's disease: from pathology to preventive methods?].
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent form of dementia and appears to be associated with increasing age and certain genetic and environmental factors. Some studies have recently been published on potential protective factors. Several genes appear to be involved; one of the most common is the ApoE4 allele on chromosome 19. The physiopathology is not elucidated, but recent studies have shown a protective effect for NSAIDs, estrogen, nutritional factors (vitamins E, B6 and B12) as well as some biochemical amino acids (homocysteine). Interventional studies are now in progress and some preventive approaches will soon be available.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Bacterial adhesion in oligotrophic habitats.
Oligotrophic and copiotrophic bacteria can act as primary colonizers of surfaces in low nutrient habitats. Adhesion in copiotrophs provides an opportunity to change from a starvation-survival existence in the aqueous phase to an active growth mode at the solid surface. Healthy daughter cells are released from the surface to colonize other surfaces or to resume starvation-survival in the aqueous phase. Non-adhesive copiotrophs scavenge nutrients at surfaces, a fact seldom recognized in studies on the partitioning of bacteria between particulates and the aqueous phase.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Mass Expulsion of Zooxanthellae from Jamaican Reef Communities after Hurricane Flora.
Very extensive bleaching of coral reef communities occurred after severe flood rains over eastern Jamaica. The loss of color was due to the mass expulsion of zooxanthellae from the tissues of Millepora, Scleractinia, Zoanthidea, and Actiniaria living in the shallow reef zones. The polyps of the bleached individuals continued to expand and feed in their normal fashion. It is believed that expulsion of the zooxanthellae was induced by contact with water of lowered osmotic pressure on the surface of the sea, rather than by sedimentation or fouling. Regeneration of the depleted zooxanthellar populations was very slow; many of the bleached colonies survived well despite the near total absence of zooxanthellae from their tissues for over 2 months.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Multiple sclerosis: association with the interleukin-1 gene family polymorphisms in the Turkish population.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease. It involves inflammation and demyelination. Since cytokines play an important role in the development of MS, genes encoding cytokines such as the Interleukin (IL)-1 family are candidate genes for MS susceptibility. To determine the relationship between IL-1 gene family and MS in the Turkish population. A total of 409 MS patients and 256 healthy controls were included in the study. IL-1A -889 (rs1800587), IL-1 RN variable number tandom repeat (VNTR), IL-1B -511 (rs 16944) and IL-1B +3953 (rs 1143634) polymorphisms were investigated from the genomic DNA, obtained via blood samples. No association was found between IL-1A and IL-1RN polymorphisms and susceptibility to MS. However, we have found significantly decreased frequency of IL-1B -511 genotype (p = 0.004) in MS patients compared to controls. In addition, there was a significant association between IL-1B -511 (1/2) genotype and early onset MS (EOMS) (p = 0.0001). Individuals with the 2/2 genotype of IL-1B -511 have significantly decreased incidence of MS, suggesting a protective role for this genotype in the Turkish population. Additionally, IL-1B -511 (1/2) genotype was determined as a possible risk factor for EOMS.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Hydrogen sulfide activates TRPA1 and releases 5-HT from epithelioid cells of the chicken thoracic aorta.
Epithelioid cells in the chicken thoracic aorta are chemoreceptor cells that release 5-HT in response to hypoxia. It is likely that these cells play a role in chemoreception similar to that of glomus cells in the carotid bodies of mammals. Recently, H2S was reported to be a key mediator of carotid glomus cell responses to hypoxia. The aim of the present study was to reveal the mechanism of action of H2S on 5-HT outflow from chemoreceptor cells in the chicken thoracic aorta. The 5-HT outflow induced by NaHS, an H2S donor, and Na2S3, a polysulfide, was measured by using a HPLC equipped with an electrochemical detector. NaHS (0.3-3mM) caused a concentration-dependent increase in 5-HT outflow, which was significantly inhibited by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+). 5-HT outflow induced by NaHS (0.3mM) was also significantly inhibited by voltage-dependent L- and N-type Ca(2+) channel blockers and a selective TRPA1 channel blocker. Cinnamaldehyde, a TRPA1 agonist, mimicked the secretory response to H2S. 5-HT outflow induced by Na2S3 (10μM) was also inhibited by the TRPA1 channel blocker. Furthermore, the expression of TRPA1 was localized to 5-HT-containing chemoreceptor cells in the aortic wall. These findings suggest that the activation of TRPA1 and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels is involved in H2S-evoked 5-HT release from chemoreceptor cells in the chicken aorta.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The role of sphingosine kinase in a murine model of allergic asthma.
Asthma is an allergic disease characterized by chronic airway eosinophilia and pulmonary infiltration of lymphocytes, particularly of the Th2 subtype, macrophages and mast cells. Previous studies have shown a pivotal role for sphingosine kinase (SphK) on various proinflammatory cells, such as lymphocyte and eosinophil migration and mast cell degranulation. We therefore examined the roles of SphK in a murine model of allergic asthma. In mice previously sensitized to OVA, i.p. administration of N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS), a potent SphK inhibitor, significantly reduced the total inflammatory cell infiltrate and eosinophilia and the IL-4, IL-5, and eotaxin levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in response to inhaled OVA challenge. In addition, DMS significantly suppressed OVA-induced inflammatory infiltrates and mucus production in the lungs, and airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in a dose-dependent manner. OVA-induced lymphocyte proliferation and IL-4 and IL-5 secretion were reduced in thoracic lymph node cultures from DMS-treated mice. Moreover, similar reduction in inflammatory infiltrates, bronchoalveolar lavage, IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, and serum OVA-specific IgE levels was observed in mice with SphK1 knock-down via small interfering RNA approach. Together, these data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of SphK modulation in allergic airways disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Early action of prolactin on ornithine decarboxylase activity is not essential for the subsequent actions of prolactin on casein and lipid biosynthesis.
The actions of prolactin (PRL) on casein and lipid biosynthesis in cultured mouse mammary gland explants require the ongoing synthesis of the polyamines. This is supported by the fact that (MGBG) methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone), a drug that inhibits the conversion of putrescine to spermidine, abolishes the effects of PRL on casein and lipid biosynthesis; the inhibitory effects of MGBG are reversed by the addition of spermidine to the culture medium. alpha-Difluoro methyl ornithine (DFMO), an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase activity, reduces the PRL-stimulated ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity by more than 95%, and yet does not suppress the effects of PRL on RNA, casein or lipid synthesis. These observations suggest that PRL's early action on ODC activity is not essential for the subsequent actions of PRL on the synthesis of certain of the components of milk.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Examination of needle surface corrosion in electroacupuncture.
Electroacupuncture (EA) is a modern form of acupuncture therapy where stainless steel acupuncture needles are used as percutaneous electrodes to apply electrical stimulation. The concern about electrolytic corrosion of needles during EA has not been conclusively addressed. To examine whether corrosion of stainless steel acupuncture needles occurs after EA to establish the safety profile of this therapy. The study comprised four EA sessions on healthy participants mimicking a common clinical practice, with needle surface examinations conducted immediately after each session. Used acupuncture needles that did not undergo electrical stimulation and unused needles taken from the original package were also examined as control comparisons. Two commonly used types of single-use, silicone-coated, stainless steel needles were selected for the experiment. The ES-160 digital acupunctoscope (a charge-balanced electric stimulator) was used to deliver electrical stimulation, and an oscilloscope was used to record the waveforms and electric currents. All needles were sterilised before examination by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), where images of needle tips and shafts were taken for further analysis. 32 needles were examined under the SEM. As the main findings, the SEM images showed the surface finish, burr attachments and surface characteristics of needle samples. No evidence of electrolytic corrosion was detected on any needle that underwent electrical stimulation for 30 min delivered by a charge-balanced acupunctoscope in healthy participants. The choice of a charge-balanced acupunctoscope is recommended to avoid any potential corrosion of needles in EA clinical practice.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ventilation and gaseous metabolism in infants born at high altitude, and their responses to hyperoxia.
Hyperventilation and decreased metabolic rate are commonly observed in newborns during acute hypoxia; whether these responses are also present during sustained hypoxia is not known. We asked whether infants at high altitude had higher ventilation and lower metabolism than lowlanders. Ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2), and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were measured in newborn (< 1 day old) full-term infants in La Paz (altitude 3,800 m; inspired oxygen pressure [PIO2], 92 mm Hg) and in Santa Cruz (altitude, 400 m; PIO2, 141 mm Hg), Bolivia. Each group consisted of 30 infants selected to have similar body weight. The mothers, Amerindians and mestizos, were born in the corresponding cities or at equivalent altitudes. Despite the lower inspired oxygen concentration in La Paz (0.107 ml STPD O2/ml BTPS air) than in Santa Cruz (0.164), neither VE nor VO2 or VCO2 differed between the two groups. The breathing pattern was deeper and slower at high altitude. From the values of VE and VO2 it was calculated that high-altitude infants extracted more O2 (+62%) from the inspired air than did the lowlanders. When given pure O2 to breathe, both groups of infants similarly increased VE and gaseous metabolism; even during hyperoxia, however, the ventilatory O2 extraction was higher (+50%) in the highlanders. We conclude that, contrary to what is observed in acute hypoxia, infants at high altitude maintain metabolic rate with no major alterations in VE. The ability to use a greater fraction of the inspired O2 at high altitude probably results from functional and structural alterations stimulated by fetal hypoxia.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Permanent impairments, disabilities and disability pensions related to accidents in Norway.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the burden of accidents in terms of new disability pensioners related to accidental injuries in Norway and to use this information to supplement the picture of the epidemiology of accidents in Norway. The basis of the study was 7,241 new disability pensioners due to accidents in the Disability Register of the National Insurance Administration in Norway for 1992-1997. Included in the analyses are some data from health surveys in USA and Norway. The rate of disability pensioners (16-66 years old) due to accidents increased 4% annually during 1992-1997, and in the age group 16-44 years 8% annually. The increase is found in all types of accidents, except for home and the group other accidents, where the rate is constant. 45% had been injured in traffic accidents, 33% in occupational accidents, 16% in leisure accidents, 4% in home accidents and 2% in other accidents. The rates of disability pensionings due to occupational accidents are three to four times higher among 'blue collar' workers than among 'white collar' workers. While disability pensioning rate in the age group 16-66 years due to accidents has increased 4% annually, the accident mortality for the age group 15-64 years has decreased 3% annually. The relationship between disability pensioning and mortality in the age group 15-64 years is found to be approximately 2:1 for all accidents. For occupational accidents the relationship is 5:1, for traffic accidents 2.5:1, for leisure and other accidents 1:1 and for home accidents 1:2.7. The complete epidemiologic picture due to accidents in Norway per 100,000 of population seems to be: medically treated, 10,000; hospitalised, 1,200; permanently impaired, 800 (of whom probably 50% are treated as out-patients); disabled (restricted activity), 400; fatalities, 40; and disability pensioned in the age group 16-66 years, 50. Medically treated and hospitalised patients due to accidents seem to show a slightly decreasing rate, fatalities a higher decreasing rate. This supplement to the epidemiological picture of rates and trends of impairments, disability and disability pensionings (the more serious consequences of accidents), points to the need to focus on the current trends for accident prevention.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Global stability with selection in integro-differential Lotka-Volterra systems modelling trait-structured populations.
We analyse the asymptotic behaviour of integro-differential equations modelling N populations in interaction, all structured by different traits. Interactions are modelled by non-local terms involving linear combinations of the total number of individuals in each population. These models have already been shown to be suitable for the modelling of drug resistance in cancer, and they generalize the usual Lotka-Volterra ordinary differential equations. Our aim is to give conditions under which there is persistence of all species. Through the analysis of a Lyapunov function, our first main result gives a simple and general condition on the matrix of interactions, together with a convergence rate. The second main result establishes another type of condition in the specific case of mutualistic interactions. When either of these conditions is met, we describe which traits are asymptotically selected.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Synthesis and photochemical reactions of photochromic terarylene having a leaving methoxy group.
Photochromic terarylene having a methoxy group and hydrogen as the leaving units at the photochemical reaction center carbon atoms has been synthesized. This molecule shows irreversible photochemical reaction affording a highly fluorescent condensed aromatic molecule.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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In vivo studies on alpha-adrenergic receptor subtypes in human veins.
We studied in vivo responsiveness of venous alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors, measuring the diameter changes in superficial veins in response to alpha-adrenergic agonists and antagonists in healthy human volunteers. The dorsal hand vein technique was used because it permits complete dose-response studies of venous constriction without confounding reflex alterations. Local infusions of all agonists studied induced dose-dependent contraction of the hand vein; the maximal effects (Emax) were: norepinephrine (88% +/- 10%), methoxamine (97% +/- 5%), phenylephrine (95% +/- 6%), clonidine 54% +/- 12%), and azepexole (68% +/- 26%). Clonidine reduced the norepinephrine-induced venoconstriction by 11% +/- 10%. Oral doses of 1 mg prazosin antagonized the venoconstriction induced by norepinephrine, methoxamine, and clonidine, but not by azepexole. Yohimbine-antagonism was observed against all agonists studied. Inhibition by yohimbine of clonidine-induced venoconstriction was irreversible over 60-180 min. Results show that the in vivo effects on veins of alpha-adrenergic agonists are in good agreement with results from in vitro experiments. Agonists with alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtype selectivity cause venoconstriction in vivo, but alpha 2-receptor mediated constriction is intrinsically weaker. Clonidine acts as a partial antagonist against norepinephrine, presumably on postsynaptic alpha 2-receptors. At high doses, alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtype selectivity of clonidine and yohimbine appear to be partially lost in vivo.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Respiratory Na+ pump and Na+-dependent energetics in Vibrio alginolyticus.
The marine bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus was found to possess the respiratory Na+ pump that generates an electrochemical potential of Na+, which plays a central role in bioenergetics of V. alginolyticus, as a direct result of respiration. Mutants defective in the Na+ pump revealed that one of the two kinds of NADH: quinone oxidoreductase requires Na+ for activity and functions as the Na+ pump. The Na+ pump composed of three subunits was purified and reconstituted into liposomes. Generation of membrane potential by the reconstituted proteoliposomes required Na+. The respiratory Na+ pump coupled to the NADH: quinone oxidoreductase was found in wide varieties of Gram-negative marine bacteria belonging to the genera Alcaligenes, Alteromonas, and Vibrio, and showed a striking similarity in the mode of electron transfer and enzymic properties. Na+ extrusion seemed to be coupled to a dismutation reaction, which leads to the formation of quinol and quinone from semiquinone radical.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Ultrastructure of induced yolk sac tumor in the pregnant rats].
By the administration of carcinogens to the fetal membrane of pregnant rats, yolk sac tumors producing AFP was induced. The process of production of such tumors and AFP was studied at the ultrastructural level. Electron microscopy revealed that the structure of the tumor induced extended radiately around the tubal cavity, and the cubical cells were arranged in rows. Microvilli were observed on the cellular surface toward the tubal cavity. The adjacent cells were relatively diffused and an interdigitation was partly observed, but formation of incomplete desmosome was also apparence. The nuclei were generally large, some being irregular in shape. Nucleoli with a thread-like nucleolonema were also observed. There was rich organella in the cytoplasm and mitochondria and r-ER was particularly noted. In the r-ER the intracavity was enlarged containing some substances with moderate density. Some granules with the same density as said substance were present in the cytoplasm. This substance was recognized to be AFP. As the source of the material, rich free-ribosome and glycogen granules were observed around the r-ER with an amorphous substance. Due to the effect of functional collaboration, AFP was produced and accumulated in the r-ER according to the same process as protein synthesis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Differential impact of acute bout of exercise on redox- and oxidative damage-related profiles between untrained subjects and amateur runners.
Despite the demonstrated exercise-induced increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, growing epidemiological evidence indicates that habitual, moderate physical activity reduces the incidence of several oxidative stress-based diseases. This apparent paradox can be explained taking into account that ROS produced during repeated exercise bouts may act as mild stressors able to trigger physiological and biomolecular hormetic responses through a number of redox-sensitive transcription pathways. Unfortunately, much more limited information is available from general population-based research, which could better reflect the condition of common people interested in achieving and maintaining good fitness levels. The present work aimed at investigating whether and how exercise-related habits in non-professional regular runners (n=33) can affect the systemic anti-oxidative capacity, and the resting serum levels of typical lipid peroxidation-related by-products and oxidatively-damaged proteins, in comparison with untrained sedentary individuals (n=25). We also analyzed in both groups the redox response elicited by a modified Bruce-based maximal exercise test on the same parameters. Our findings indicated that long-term regular and moderate practice of aerobic physical activity can increase antioxidant defense systems, lower the resting protein oxidation processes and reduce the immediate up-regulation of lipid-targeting oxidative stress in response to an acute bout of exercise.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Thermodynamic and structural properties of the high density Gaussian core model.
We numerically study thermodynamic and structural properties of the one-component Gaussian core model at very high densities. The solid-fluid phase boundary is carefully determined. We find that the density dependence of both the freezing and melting temperatures obey the asymptotic relation, log T(f), log T(m)∝-ρ(2/3), where ρ is the number density, which is consistent with Stillinger's conjecture. Thermodynamic quantities such as the energy and pressure and the structural functions such as the static structure factor are also investigated in the fluid phase for a wide range of temperature above the phase boundary. We compare the numerical results with the prediction of the liquid theory with the random phase approximation (RPA). At high temperatures, the results are in almost perfect agreement with RPA for a wide range of density, as it has already been shown in the previous studies. In the low temperature regime close to the phase boundary line, although RPA fails to describe the structure factors and the radial distribution functions at the length scales of the interparticle distance, it successfully predicts their behaviors at longer length scales. RPA also predicts thermodynamic quantities such as the energy, pressure, and the temperature at which the thermal expansion coefficient becomes negative, almost perfectly. Striking ability of RPA to predict thermodynamic quantities even at high densities and low temperatures is understood in terms of the decoupling of the length scales which dictate thermodynamic quantities from the interparticle distance which dominates the peak structures of the static structure factor due to the softness of the Gaussian core potential.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Opportunities and challenges for the discovery and validation of proteomic biomarkers for common arthritic diseases.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are most prevalent among all the rheumatic diseases, and currently, there are no reliable biochemical measures for early diagnosis or for predicting who is likely to progress. Early diagnosis is important for making decisions on treatment options and for better management of patients. This narrative review highlights the first-generation biomarkers identified over the last two decades and focuses on the discovery and validation of candidate OA biomarkers from recent mass-spectrometry-based proteomic studies for diagnosis and monitoring disease outcomes in human. It discusses the challenges and opportunities for discovery of novel biomarkers and progress in the development of techniques for measuring biomarkers, and provides directions for future discovery and validation of biomarkers for OA and rheumatoid arthritis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Australian Defence Force surgical support to peacekeeping operations in East Timor.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has provided surgical support to peacekeeping operations in East Timor since September 1999. The aim of the present paper is to document the wide range of surgical procedures performed by the ADF in East Timor from September 1999 to December 2002 on peacekeeping force personnel and the civilian population. Records of all surgical procedures performed by the ADF in East Timor from their arrival in September 1999 to December 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. Details of the type of procedures performed and anaesthetic administered, the age and sex of the patients and whether they were a member of peacekeeping forces or East Timorese civilian were recorded. There were 702 surgical procedures performed by the ADF in East Timor during this period, of which 401 (57%) were for peacekeeping force personnel and 301 (43%) were for East Timorese or other civilians. The most commonly performed procedures were for the management of non-battle wounds, accounting for 181 cases (26%). Battle-type wounds accounted for only 36 procedures (5%). Obstetric and gynaecology cases accounted for 30 procedures (4%). Fifty-six procedures (8%) were on children 12 years or younger. The wide range of surgical procedures performed by the ADF during peacekeeping operations in East Timor highlights the requirement for deployed surgeons to possess a broad range of clinical skills and has implications for their preparation and training. Battle-type wounds accounted for only a small proportion of procedures.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Outbreak of pertussis on a college campus.
Pertussis is increasing among adolescents and adults despite universal childhood vaccination. This investigation describes an outbreak of pertussis among undergraduate students and assesses the burden of cough illness on a college campus. Students presenting with prolonged cough were evaluated with culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serology. An e-mail survey was performed to determine the burden of cough illness on campus. Thirty-seven undergraduates were evaluated. Their mean duration of cough was 28 days. No student had cultures positive for B. pertussis; one was PCR positive. Ten (27%) had serologic values consistent with acute pertussis infection. The e-mail survey was returned by 225/500 (45%) students. Of these, 66 (29%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 23%-36%) reported a cough of 2 weeks or longer duration during the fall semester. A conservative estimate showed that the campus-wide incidence of a cough illness meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case definition for pertussis was 13% (95% CI, 10%-16%) during the fall semester. Adolescents and young adults are susceptible to pertussis infection. This study demonstrates that there was a substantial rate of pertussis infection during an outbreak on a college campus. Our findings support the routine use of the acellular pertussis vaccine in adolescents and adults.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Antioxidant supplements for liver diseases.
Several liver diseases have been associated with oxidative stress. Accordingly, antioxidants have been suggested as potential therapeutics for various liver diseases. The evidence supporting these suggestions is equivocal. To assess the benefits and harms of antioxidant supplements for patients with liver diseases. We searched The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the Science Citation Index Expanded, and Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science to January 2011. We scanned bibliographies of relevant publications and asked experts and pharmaceutical companies for additional trials. We considered for inclusion randomised trials that compared antioxidant supplements (beta-carotene, vitamin A, C, E, and selenium) versus placebo or no intervention for autoimmune liver diseases, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis (any aetiology). Four authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted data. Outcome measures were all-cause mortality, liver-related mortality, liver-related morbidity, biochemical indices at maximum follow-up in the individual trials as well as adverse events, quality-of-life measures, and cost-effectiveness. For patients with hepatitis B or C we also considered end of treatment and sustained virological response. We conducted random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. Results were presented as relative risks (RR) or mean differences (MD), both with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Twenty randomised trials with 1225 participants were included. The trials assessed beta-carotene (3 trials), vitamin A (2 trials), vitamin C (9 trials), vitamin E (15 trials), and selenium (8 trials). The majority of the trials had high risk of bias and showed heterogeneity. Overall, the assessed antioxidant supplements had no significant effect on all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60 to 1.19, I(2) = 0%), or liver-related mortality (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.05, I(2) = 37%). Stratification according to the type of liver disease did not affect noticeably the results. Antioxidant supplements significantly increased activity of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (MD 24.21 IU/l, 95% CI 6.67 to 41.75, I(2) = 0%). We found no evidence to support or refute antioxidant supplements in patients with liver disease. Antioxidant supplements may increase liver enzyme activity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Selective C-H Halogenation with a Highly Fluorinated Manganese Porphyrin.
The selective C-H functionalization of aliphatic molecules remains a challenge in organic synthesis. While radical chain halogenation reactions provide efficient access to many halogenated molecules, the use of typical protocols for the selective halogenation of electron-deficient and strained aliphatic molecules is rare. Herein, we report selective C-H chlorination and fluorination reactions promoted by an electron-deficient manganese pentafluorophenyl porphyrin catalyst, Mn(TPFPP)Cl. This catalyst displays superior properties for the aliphatic halogenation of recalcitrant, electron-deficient, and strained substrates with unique regio- and stereoselectivity. UV/Vis analysis during the course of the reaction indicated that an oxo-MnV species is responsible for hydrogen-atom abstraction. The observed stereoselectivity results from steric interactions between the bulky porphyrin ligand and the intermediate substrate radical in the halogen rebound step.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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In vivo imaging and characterization of [(18)F]DPA-714, a potential new TSPO ligand, in mouse brain and peripheral tissues using small-animal PET.
The translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), a biochemical marker of neuroinflammation, is highly expressed in the brain activated microglia and it is also expressed by peripheral inflammatory cells and normal peripheral tissues. Thus, development of radioligands for the TSPO may contribute to further understanding the in vivo TSPO function in central and peripheral inflammatory processes and other pathologies. Here, we report the biodistribution, the specific binding and the radiometabolites of [(18)F]DPA-714, a promising fluorinated PET radiotracer, in normal mice using a microPET/CT scanner. The in vivo biodistribution and kinetics of [(18)F]DPA-714 were measured in mice brain and peripheral tissues. Specific binding to TSPO sites was assessed using pharmacological competitive studies by means of saturation experiments performed by i.v. injection of 1mg/kg of unlabeled DPA-714 or 3mg/kg of unlabeled PK11195. A region of interest analysis was performed to generate time-activity curves in the brain, heart, lung, kidney, spleen and liver. Metabolites assay was performed in the plasma and peripheral organs by radio-HPLC. [(18)F]DPA-714 reached high concentration in lung, heart, kidney and spleen, tissues well known to be rich in TSPO sites. [(18)F]DPA-714 kinetics were faster in the lung and slower in the kidney. Pre-injection of unlabeled DPA-714 or PK11195 inhibited about 80% of [(18)F]DPA-714 uptake in the lung and heart (p<0.0005). The percentage of inhibition in the kidney was lower and achieved at later times only with DPA-714 (p<0.05) but not with PK11195. Sixty minutes after radiotracer injection only unmetabolized radioligand was found in the brain, lung, heart and spleen. These results suggest that [(18)F]DPA-714 is a suitable PET ligand for imaging in mice brain and peripheral tissues since it binds with high specificity TSPO binding sites and it is almost unchanged at 60 minutes after radiotracer injection in the brain and TSPO-rich regions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Long-term opioid therapy: assessment of consequences and risks.
Medical practice with respect to the use of opioids for the treatment of pain has been heavily influenced by societal perceptions of problems of addiction and by laws governing the use of opioids. To effectively use opioids for the treatment of chronic pain, physicians must recognize pervasive, but clinically often irrelevant societal and legal influences on prescribing, while at the same time respecting opioid properties which may lead to unwanted consequences in the course of opioid therapy. This paper reviews history and legislation that has shaped medical prescribing of opioids, examines the potential risks and consequences of long-term opioid therapy and assesses three models of long-term opioid therapy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Estrogen receptor alpha and risk for cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women.
The estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) gene has been implicated in the process of cognitive impairment in elderly women. In a paired case-control study, we tested whether two ESR1 gene polymorphisms (the XbaI and PvuII sites) are risk factors for cognitive impairment as measured by the six-item Orientation-Memory-Concentration test in postmenopausal Danish women. Hormone replacement therapy, age and executive cognitive ability were examined as covariates for ESR1 gene effects on cognitive impairment. The XbaI polymorphism showed a marginal effect on cognitive abilities (P=0.054) when adjusted for executive cognitive ability. Using a dominant genetic model for the X allele, we found an elevated risk (executive cognitive ability adjusted P=0.033) for cognitive impairment. Hormone replacement therapy also had a borderline effect on cognitive ability (P=0.049) and this effect was reflected in executive cognitive ability. These data support that the ESR1 gene variants affect cognitive functioning in postmenopausal women.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Growth pattern of intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) babies in first nine months of life.
Forty-one full term intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) babies of different maternal etiologies viz. maternal undernutrition (12), small maternal size (12), toxaemia of pregnancy (9) and idiopathic (8) were studied for growth pattern during first 9 months of life. Eighteen fullterm and 11 preterm who were appropriate for gestational age served as controls. These mothers were comparable for age, parity, socioeconomic status, weight and height (except in small size mothers), haemoglobin and plasma albumin (except in undernourished group). The various anthropometric parameters studied were weight, crown-heel length, head circumference, their velocities and ponderal index. The IUGR babies of undernourished mothers had lowest means for weight, crown-heel length and skull circumference. The babies of small sized mothers suffered most in crown-heel length followed by weight. The head growth was not affected in these babies. The IUGR babies of mothers with toxaemia of pregnancy demonstrated a catch up growth for all three parameters. The IUGR babies of idiopathic group showed a spurt in weight gain around 3 to 6 months and a similar spurt for crown heel length and head circumference was observed between 6 to 9 months of age. These babies were close to IUGR babies of mothers with toxaemia of pregnancy at 9 months. The preterm AGA babies also demonstrated a catch up growth for the weight, crown heel length and circumference.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Airway hyperresponsiveness in elite swimmers: is it a transient phenomenon?
Airway hyperresponsiveness is highly prevalent in competitive swimmers, but it is unknown whether this is transient or persistent. To document changes in airway responsiveness and airway inflammation in elite swimmers during intense training and rest. Nineteen swimmers and 16 healthy controls completed a standardized questionnaire, allergy skin prick tests, exhaled nitric oxide measurement, eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea testing, methacholine challenge, and induced sputum analysis. Testing was performed during intense swimming and after at least 2 weeks of rest. Sixteen swimmers and 13 controls were atopic. Airway responsiveness to methacholine and eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea was significantly higher in swimmers than in controls (P < .0001). A significant decrease in airway responsiveness was observed from training to rest in swimmers only (P < .005). This occurred with both methacholine challenge--with PC(20) values of 6.0 mg/mL and 12.8 mg/mL, respectively--and eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea testing--with a maximum fall in FEV(1) after voluntary testing of 14.1 L and 10.1 L, respectively. Eight of 12 swimmers with airway hyperresponsiveness during intense training had normal airway responsiveness during rest. No airway inflammation occurred, and no significant change in this parameter was observed from training to rest. Training may contribute to the development of airway hyperresponsiveness in elite swimmers, but this seems reversible in many athletes after training cessation for at least 2 weeks.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Differentiating risk factors for acute and chronic pouchitis.
Pouchitis is the most common complication of ileal pouch anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis. In some cases the inflammation becomes chronic and requires long-term medical therapy. The clinical course and medical therapy are different between acute pouchitis and chronic pouchitis. The aim of this study was to determine if there are predictors of risk for acute vs. chronic pouchitis. Patients with acute pouchitis (N = 40) and patients with chronic pouchitis (N = 40) were matched with a control group who never had pouchitis (N = 40). Data were collected for multiple pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors and follow-up telephone calls were performed. Case-control univariable analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used to measure the association between covariates and pouchitis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that extensive colonic disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.99; P = .045 for acute pouchitis; and OR, 4.61; P = .010 for chronic pouchitis) and extraintestinal manifestations (OR, 2.88; P = .037 for acute pouchitis; and OR, 2.69; P = .047 for chronic pouchitis) were associated with both acute and chronic pouchitis. Postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use was associated with chronic pouchitis, but less so with acute pouchitis. Patients with fulminant colitis as an indication for surgery had a decreased risk for developing chronic pouchitis (OR, 0.22; P = .036), but no such association was seen for acute pouchitis. Extensive colonic disease and preoperative extraintestinal manifestations are associated with increased risk for both acute and chronic pouchitis. Fulminant colitis leading to colectomy is protective from development of chronic pouchitis. Postoperative use of NSAIDS is a risk factor for chronic pouchitis and possibly for acute pouchitis, and thus should be discouraged for patients who undergo ileal pouch anal anastomosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Phase diagram and critical exponents of a dissipative Ising spin chain in a transverse magnetic field.
We consider a one-dimensional Ising model in a transverse magnetic field coupled to a dissipative heat bath. The phase diagram and the critical exponents are determined from extensive Monte Carlo simulations. It is shown that the character of the quantum phase transition is radically altered from the corresponding nondissipative model and the double well coupled to a dissipative heat bath with linear friction. Spatial couplings and the dissipative dynamics combine to form a new quantum criticality which is independent of dissipation strength.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Quality of life and stress level in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis subjected to conservative treatment.
Quality of life (QoL) and stress level of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis is under growing consideration by physicians, physiotherapists and other specialists (psychologist, nurses). The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life and stress level in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who are under brace treatment. It involved 45 adolescents, ages ranging between 10.0 and 15.0 years, all with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) with Cobb angle between 20-45 degrees. The adolescents were wearing the same kind of brace (Chêneau orthosis) for more than 3 months for at least 12h per day. Two questionnaires were used: the Brace Questionnaire (BrQ) and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQ). The analysis considered the type of treatment, curve location, correlation of the total score with age, Cobb angle and Bunnell rotation angle. The age was 13.6 ± 1.3 years. Cobb angle was 31.7 ± 7.6 degrees. The mean score for BrQ was 78.1 ± 11.3 points. Adolescents revealed higher score with BSSQ Deformity (median = 15) comparing to BSSQ Brace (median = 12). Conservative treatment does not severely impact on the quality of life of scoliotic adolescents. The adolescents who were under brace treatment suffered moderate level of stress from the deformity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Protein A reactivity of lymphocytes from some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia mediated by an interaction with the F(ab')2 region of surface immunoglobulin.
Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from 15 of 38 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) were capable of forming rosettes with human erythrocytes coated with staphylococcal protein A (SpA-HRBC). PBL from seven patients also showed a marked proliferative response after stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strain Cowan I (Cowan Staph). The SpA-rosetting of CLL cells was inhibited by incubation with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies. In addition, incubation with these fragments inhibited the proliferative response of leukaemic B cells to Cowan Staph. The Cowan-Staph induced proliferation of CLL cells was also impaired by the addition of normal human IgG and human IgG F(ab')2 fragments to the cultures, whereas non-immune rabbit IgG was not inhibitory. The inhibitory activity of human IgG F(ab')2 fragments was retained by a SpA-Sepharose column, and it was found in the material recovered from the same column by acid elution. These data indicate that an interaction between SpA and a structure located in the F(ab')2 region of surface Ig of different classes is responsible for either SpA-binding or the Cowan-Staph-induced proliferative response of PBL from some patients with CLL.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Legal principles for participation of medical service in vocational guidance and education].
Dealt with is the medical profession's legal status in the vocational education and vocational retraining centres. The legal basis for the medical doctor's activities in this type of facilities is clarified, drawing on the legislational history of various rehabilitation-related laws.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Replication-associated repair of adenine:8-oxoguanine mispairs by MYH.
Cellular DNA is constantly exposed to the risk of oxidation. 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) is one of the major DNA lesions generated by oxidation, which is primarily corrected by base excision repair. When it is not repaired prior to replication, replicative DNA polymerases yield misinsertion of an adenine (A) opposite the 8-oxoG on the template strand, generating an A:8-oxoG mispair. MYH, a mammalian homolog of Escherichia coli MutY, is a DNA glycosylase responsible for initiating base excision repair of such a mispair by excising the adenine opposite 8-oxoG. Here, using an in vivo repair system, we show that DNA replication enhances the repair of the A:8-oxoG mispair. Repair efficiency was lower in MYH-deficient murine cells than in MYH-proficient cells. Transfection of the MYH-deficient cells with a wild-type MYH expression vector increased the efficiency of A:8-oxoG repair, indicating that a significant part of this replication-associated repair depends on MYH. Expression of a mutant MYH in which the PCNA binding motif was disrupted did not increase the repair efficiency, thus suggesting that the interaction between PCNA and MYH is critical for MYH-initiated repair of A:8-oxoG.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Optimal use of polyethylene glycol for preparation of small bowel video capsule endoscopy: a network meta-analysis.
Standardized strategy of bowel preparation before video capsule endoscopy (VCE) remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the ideal dose of PEG, based on small bowel visualization quality (SBVQ), diagnostic yield (DY), and complete rate (CR) of VCE using a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This NMA included RCTs comparing any of the following bowel preparation interventions for VCE: fasting overnight ("Fast"), 1 liter PEG ("PEG 1L"), 2-liter PEG ("PEG 2L"), or 4-liter PEG ("PEG 4L"). The authors searched papers in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase as of June 2016. The cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities to rank different doses of PEG and Fast were used. The search engine provided 102 studies. Nine RCTs including 982 patients were incorporated into this analysis. All studies showed low risk of bias of blinding. SUCRA provided an initial ranking among these strategies, in which PEG 2 L showed the best score in SBVQ (PEG 2 L, 89.4%; PEG 1 L, 62.5%; PEG 4 L, 44.0%; Fast, 4.1%) and DY (PEG 2 L, 74.6%; PEG 1 L 28.1%; PEG 4 L 65.9%; Fast 31.4%) of VCE. No significant difference was shown in the analysis of CR. This study recommends PEG 2 L as the ideal dose, which may improve the SBVQ of VCE and, therefore, diagnostic accuracy. Multi-center randomized controlled trials are required to verify these findings.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Comparison of dosimetric characteristics of Siemens virtual and physical wedges.
Dosimetric properties of Virtual Wedge (VW) and physical wedge (PW) in 6 and 23 MV photon beams from a Siemens Primus linear accelerator, including wedge factors, depth doses, dose profiles, peripheral doses and surface doses, are compared. While there is a great difference in absolute values of wedge factors, VW factors (VWFs) and PW factors (PWFs) have a similar trend as a function of field size. PWFs have a stronger depth dependence than VWF due to beam hardening in PW fields. VW dose profiles in the wedge direction, in general, match very well with PW, except in the toe area of large wedge angles with large field sizes. Dose profiles in the nonwedge direction show a significant reduction in PW fields due to off-axis beam softening and oblique filtration. PW fields have significantly higher peripheral doses than open and VW fields. VW fields have similar surface doses as the open fields while PW fields have lower surface doses. Surface doses for both VW and PW increase with field size and slightly with wedge angle. For VW fields with wedge angles 45 degrees and less, the initial gap up to 3 cm is dosimetrically acceptable when compared to dose profiles of PW. VW fields in general use less monitor units than PW fields.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[A case of primary liver carcinoma of intermediate (hepatocyte-cholangiocyte) phenotype: comparison of hemodynamics and histopathology].
A 58-year-old man was followed up for HBV-associated chronic hepatitis. A low echoic hepatic nodule 1.6cm in diameter developed in segment 8 of the liver. The tumor was hypervascular and showed enhancement on CV during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) and a defect on CT during arterial portography (CTAP). Strong enhancement, which lasted for 30 seconds, was observed at the margin of the tumor on single-level dynamic CTHA. The resected tumor was whitish, had no capsule, and consisted mainly of intermediate immature cells together with HCC-like and CCC-like tumor cells. These findings led to the diagnosis of primary liver carcinoma of intermediate (hepatocyte-cholangiocyte) phenotype. Cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK8, CK19, EMA and vimentin were positive and HP-1 and c-kit tests were negative on immunohistochemical staining. Staining with CD34+alphaSMA showed more muscular arterial vessels and sinusoid-like vessels in the peripheral zone of the tumor than in the central zone. Six months after the resection of the tumor, swollen abdominal lymph nodes were observed on US and CT, which aspiration needle biopsy showed to be metastasis of a hepatic tumor.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Secondary Hodgkin's disease in polymyositis and type 1 diabetes mellitus after a long-term immunosuppressive treatment.
Immunological disorders can play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of malignant lymphogranuloma. The authors demonstrate a patient with autoimmune polymorbidity (polymyositis and type 1 diabetes mellitus) which underwent a long-term immunosuppressive and cytostatic therapy. After 7 years of that treatment, Hodgkin's disease of mixed cellularity type developed. The clinical findings of the case are described and the clinical particularities along with possible mutual links among these diseases are stressed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Counter current transfer and back transport of 3H-PGF2 alpha in the cow's broad ligament vasculature ipsilateral and contralateral to the corpus luteum.
Eight cows of similar age (5-7 years) were chosen for the experiment. Isolated reproductive tract was supplied with autologous oxygenated and heated (40 degrees C) blood through the uterine artery and ovarian artery. 3H-PGF2 alpha in total dose of 2 MBq (10(7) cpm) was injected into each of the uterine lumen of isolated organ. Blood samples were collected at 5 min intervals during 120 min of experiment using cannulae inserted into the branches of uterine arteries about 1 cm below the horns and from ovarian arteries inserted 0.5 cm below the ovaries. The concentration of 3H-PGF2 alpha found in blood plasma taken from uterine artery or from ovarian artery on the side with active corpus luteum (CL) was significantly lower (p less than 0.001) compare with contralateral side to active CL. Radioactive PGF2 alpha found in branches of uterine arteries on both ipsilateral and contralateral side to CL was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) compare to ovarian artery of the same side. It is concluded that absorption of 3H-PGF2 alpha from uterine lumen into venous blood as well as its counter current transfer in area of broad ligament vasculature were reduced on the side of uterine horn with active CL probably as an effect of estrogen:progesterone ratio on vascular constriction in area of uterine vasculature.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Management of neuroendocrine tumors of unknown primary.
Neuroendocrine neoplams (NENs) are mostly relatively indolent malignancies but a significant number have metastatic disease at diagnosis mainly to the liver. Although in the majority of such cases the primary origin of the tumor can be identified, in approximately 11-22% no primary tumor is found and such cases are designated as NENs of unknown primary origin (UPO). This has significant therapeutic implications with respect to potentially resectable hepatic disease and/or application of appropriate medical therapy, either chemotherapeutic agents or targeted treatment, as the response to various treatments varies according to the origin of the primary tumor. This lack of tumor specific orientated treatment may also account for the relatively poorer prognosis of NENs of UPO compared to metastatic NENs with a known primary site. In the majority of cases the primary tumors are located in the small bowel and the lung, but a number may still elude detection. Occasionally the presence of a functional syndrome may direct to the specific tissue of origin but in the majority of cases a number of biochemical, imaging, histopathological and molecular modalities are utilized to help identify the primary origin of the tumor and direct treatment accordingly. Several diagnostic algorithms have recently been developed to help localize an occult primary tumor; however, in a number of cases no lesion is identified even after prolonged follow-up. It is expected that the delineation of the molecular signature of the different NENs may help identify such cases and provide appropriate treatment.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Causes of exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: searching for consensus.
Exercise intolerance is one of the cardinal symptoms of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We review its mechanistic basis using evidence from exercise studies. One barrier to a consensus understanding of the pathophysiology is heterogeneity of the patient population. Therefore, we pay special attention to varying study definitions of the disease and their possible impact on the causal factors that are implicated. We then discuss the role of exercise testing and its potential to subtype HFpEF in to more homogeneous mechanism-based subclasses.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A case of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide secreting ganglioneuroma complicated by parasitic infestations.
A case of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide secreting ganglioneuroma associated with watery diarrhea and hypokalemia is presented. Diagnosis was delayed due to the presence of two parasitic infestations. After surgical removal of the tumor, the diarrhea resolved.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Highly efficient Mn-doped CsPb(Cl/Br)3 quantum dots for white light-emitting diodes.
White light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) based on all-inorganic perovskite CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) quantum dots (QDs) have attracted much attention and rely on mixing several colors of perovskites. However, this inevitably leads to a non-uniform light distribution and serious light loss. Here, a novel strategy was demonstrated to obtain white emission by combining the orange and blue emission from CsPb/Mn(Cl/Br)3 QDs. Notably, highly efficient white emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 94% was achieved by an anion exchange surface engineering (AESE) strategy. After AESE treatment the surface traps can be eliminated, resulting in improved exciton and Mn2+ emission. A prototype WLED device was fabricated and exhibited excellent optical stability, demonstrating great potential for perovskite QDs in the field of optoelectronics.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Technical standardization of laparoscopic splenectomy: experience with 105 cases.
Some reports have suggested that laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) can be successfully performed in adults. However, several aspects of this procedure remain as yet undefined; therefore, several attempts have been made to modify the standard technique to try to optimize the procedure. Herein we analyze our experience with 105 laparoscopic splenectomies. From 1993 to 2000, 105 patients underwent LS at our hospital. Twelve of these patients also underwent a concomitant cholecystectomy. There were 66 women and 39 men whose ages ranged between 4 and 78 years (median, 27.7). All patients underwent an elective laparoscopic splenectomy. Seventy five patients had thrombocytopenia (ITP), 14 had hereditary spherocytosis, eight were affected by b-thalassemia, two had splenic cysts, two had lymphoma, (two had myeloid chronic leukemia, one patient presented with a splenic abscess and one had incurred an iatrogenic spleen lesion during adrenalectomy. The first patients in this series were positioned in dorsal decubitus; however, as the team's experience increased, the right lateral decubitus became the position of choice because it provides better exposure of the splenic hilum. This procedure requires the use of only four trocars. Mean operating time was 95 min (range, 35-320). Hospital stay ranged from 2 to 21 days (median, 4.5). There was only one conversion to open surgery. One patient died in the postoperative period due to the evolution of a preexisting malignant disease. We recorded nine complications-four subphrenic abscesses, two cases of pleuritis, two episodes of postoperative bleeding, and one intestinal infarction 16 days after surgery. Only two patients needed redo surgery. We believe that the laparoscopic approach is a valid alternative to open splenectomy, but mastery of some of the technical details of this procedure could greatly help avoid its complications. On the basis of our experience, it seems that the lateral approach should be considered the position of choice because it provides exposure and easier dissection of the splenic hilar structures. We also found that a 30 degrees scope and an ultrasonic dissector allowed for perfect vision and optimal hemostasis during the procedure. At the end of procedure, the spleen should be fragmented and then extracted using an extraction bag.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Essential thrombocythemia in pregnancy].
A 30-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of thrombocythemia during pregnancy. Her leukocyte count was 10,000/microliters, Hb was 11.7 g/dl, and platelet count 181.9 x 10(4)/microliter. Bone marrow aspirate showed an increase in megakaryocytes (255/microliters). Both Ph1 chromosome and bcr rearrangement were negative. She was diagnosed as having essential thrombocythemia (ET) with pregnancy, and was treated with aspirin (150 mg/day). Her pregnancy was uneventful, but she was readmitted because of overterm pregnancy. A caesarean section was performed, and a healthy male infant weighing 3,672 g was delivered, with a platelet count of 25.5 x 10(4)/microliter. However, the uterine was atonic, and atonic hemorrhage occurred. Supravaginal hysterectomy was performed. Subsequently, intrabdominal gross hemorrhage occurred, but the bleeding was halved by platelet transfusion. Microscopic examination showed uterine infarction. We suggest that platelet count should be reduced by means of plateletpheresis or interferon-alpha throughout pregnancy with ET.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Enzyme immobilization on the dental enamel and its probable role in the physiology and pathology of the oral cavity].
Immobilized alkaline phosphatase was detected on the dental enamel surface of man by histochemical analysis for the first time. A heretofore unknown mechanism of the regulation of metabolic processes on the enamel-saliva border is discussed. Experimental findings confirm that irreversible absorption represent the immobilization mechanism. A new mechanism of enamel remineralization is suggested: that due to phosphatase-active proteins.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Herpetic stomatitis and acyclovir therapy in cyclosporin A treated renal graft recipients.
Out of 80 kidney graft recipients treated with cyclosporin A and low dose steroids 19 (23.8%) developed herpes virus infection and from these 15 (18.8%) herpetic stomatitis. Evaluation of enhancing factors for herpetic stomatitis suggested a role of cyclosporin A rather than of steroids and a probable relation to preceding CMV infection. Acyclovir treatment was effective on the course of stomatitis and pain in 12 of the 15 patients. No serious side effects were observed. Leukopenia as a possible hazard was discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Evaluation of the toxicological relevance of CYP3A4 induction.
CYP3A4 is the most abundant cytochrome P450 in human liver, comprising approximately 30% of the total liver P450 content. This enzyme has an important role in endogenous processes, most notably steroid catabolism, and also plays a fundamental role in the metabolism of more than half of the clinically used drugs currently prescribed. The majority of CYP3A substrates are also capable of upregulating CYP3A activity, mainly through transcriptional activation. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the transcriptional activation of CYP3A4 are complex, with many steroid hormone nuclear receptors, including GR, PXR, VDR and CAR, playing a role in these mechanisms. However, the net result of transcriptional activation is an increase in the metabolism of the inducing compounds and, therefore, increased clearance. An important side effect of this transcriptional activation is that co-administered chemicals metabolized by CYP3A may also have their pharmacokinetics altered. Such changes can result in reduced clinical efficacy of drugs, resulting in poor patient response, or the development of an adverse drug response. This review will examine examples of established interactions caused through transcriptional activation of CYP3A4, and speculate on whether such effects are clinically important and should be considered during the design of treatment regimes or, alternatively, are relatively minor and cause little physiological effects.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Gluconeogenesis and phosphoenergetics in rat liver during endotoxemia.
During endotoxemia, glucose and energy metabolism varies depending on the stage, severity, and other conditions. In this study, gluconeogenesis from 13C-labeled alanine and phosphoenergetic state in rat liver during the acute phase of endotoxemia were concurrently observed by in vivo 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopy in a noninvasive manner. Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli (10 mg/kg) was injected intravenously followed by infusion of [3-13C]alanine. In vivo 13C and 31P NMR spectra were alternately collected for 90 min with a 2.0 Tesla CSI Omega System. In our experimental model, endotoxin increased the pulse rate without decreasing the blood pressure and elevated the blood sugar level, which suggests the so-called hyperdynamic state. Even under such conditions, a slight, but significant, impairment of the phosphoenergetic state in the liver (a decrease in ATP and an increase in Pi) was detected with 31P NMR spectroscopy. The 13C peaks of glucose C6 and Glu/Gln C2 of the liver in endotoxemia were significantly lower than those of the control, despite hyperglycemia in endotoxemia. NMR spectroscopic studies suggest that the endotoxin caused the inhibition of gluconeogenic activity from the infused [3-13C]alanine and the TCA cycle accompanied by a deterioration in the phosphoenergetic state even in the hyperglycemic phase. Since the blood sugar level might be influenced by the systemic utilization of glucose, such direct measurements should prove important in the in vivo evaluation of glucose and energy metabolism in the liver.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone in nude mice bearing a human bronchogenic oat cell carcinoma.
A 58-year-old man with bronchogenic oat cell carcinoma developed a typical syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. The tumor tissue obtained at autopsy had been serially transplanted in nude mice for more than four years with 20 passages. The levels of vasopressin were remarkably increased in the plasma of nude mice bearing this tumor [24.4 +/- 18.3 (S.D.) pg/ml, n = 3] as well as in the tumor tissues ]134.3 +/- 72.2 ng/g, n = 3]. Furthermore, human nicotine-stimulated neurophysin was detected in both plasma and tumor tissues (7.4 +/- 3.7 ng/ml, n = 3, and 2.28 +/- 0.90 micrograms/g, n = 3, respectively). On ad libitum intake of water, nude mice bearing this tumor excreted significantly less urine with higher sodium concentration than did controls, but serum sodium concentrations did not differ from those of controls. When tumor-bearing mice were hydrated with 2 ml of water twice a day i.p., their diuretic response was found to be suppressed in parallel with the tumor size. However, these mice did not become hyponatremic because they drank less water. When a larger amount of water was loaded which could not be compensated by restriction of water drinking, serum sodium concentrations were markedly decreased. On the basis of these results, the lung cancer, when transplanted into nude mice, produced and secreted its own antidiuretic hormone, which induced inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone in the mice. These mice may provide a useful experimental model for the study of excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone and associated pathophysiological disorders.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Calcitonin gene-related peptide prevents blood-brain barrier injury and brain edema induced by focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion.
Cerebral ischemia is one of the diseases that most compromise the human species. Therapeutic recovery of blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption represents a novel promising approach to reduce brain injury after stroke. To determine the effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the BBB participate in stroke progression, rat cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury was induced by a 2-hour left transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using an intraluminal filament, followed by 46h of reperfusion. CGRP (1μg/ml) at the dose of 3μg/kg (i.p.) was administered at the beginning of reperfusion. Subsequently, 48h after MCAO, arterial blood pressure, infarct volume, water content, BBB permeability, BBB ultrastructure, levels of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and its mRNA were evaluated. CGRP could reduce arterial blood pressure (P<0.001), infarct volume (P<0.05), cerebral edema (P<0.01), BBB permeability (P<0.05), AQP4 mRNA expression (P<0.05) and AQP4 protein expression (P<0.01). Furthermore, CGRP treatment improved ultrastructural damage of capillary endothelium cells and decreased the loss of the tight junction observed by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) after 46h of reperfusion. Our findings show that CGRP significantly reduced postischemic increase of brain edema with a 2-hour therapeutic window in the transient model of focal cerebral ischemia. Moreover, it seems that at least part of the anti-edematous effects of CGRP is due to decrease of BBB disruption by improving ultrastructural damage of capillary endothelium cells, enhancing basal membrane, and inhibiting AQP4 and its mRNA over-expression. The data of the present study provide a new possible approach for acute stroke therapy by administration of CGRP.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Hepatitis C virus core protein induces apoptosis and impairs cell-cycle regulation in stably transformed Chinese hamster ovary cells.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Several lines of evidence suggest that the core protein of HCV may play a role in the development of this cancer. The authors examined regulation of the cell cycle in stable cell lines derived from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells that constitutively expressed one or more of the structural proteins of HCV. In media containing low concentrations of serum (serum starvation), cell lines expressing the core protein showed a significantly lower population of viable cells than noncore-expressing cells. The low viability of the core-expressing cells was a result of the increased population of cells undergoing apoptosis. Interestingly, the cell cycle analysis revealed that the arresting function at G(0) was impaired, and the cell cycle was accelerated in core-expressing cell lines even under serum starvation. Thus, the HCV core protein sensitizes the apoptosis to serum starvation, although it promotes the cell cycle in CHO-K1 cells. To explain these findings, the authors examined the expression of revival apoptosis and cell-cycle-related genes. Expression of the c-myc genes was significantly induced in core-expressing cells in response to serum starvation. Other apoptosis-inducing genes downstream of c-myc, p53, p21WAF1/CIP1 and Bax were significantly highly induced, although there was no induction of Bcl-2, which prevents apoptosis in core-expressing cells. Thus, the HCV core protein induced apoptosis and impaired the regulation of the cell cycle by activating c-myc expression, whereas the p53 and Bax pathways play a role in the induction of apoptosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of 386 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer].
To investigate the clinical characteristics, surgical treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. A retrospective review of the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University patients' database between January 2003 and June 2013 was conducted and a total of 386 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients' clinical and oncological information was collected and survival rates were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Prognostic factors were evaluated with multivariate Cox model survival analysis. Among the 386 patients 95.9% were males and 4.1% were females, with an average age of (58.4±9.4) years. The primary tumor sites were pyriform sinus (76.7%), posterior hypopharyngeal wall (17.3%) and postcricoid region (6.0%). There were 31(8.0%), 83(21.5%), 175(45.3%) and 97(25.1%) patients with stage T1 to T4, respectively, 99(25.6%), 74(19.2%), 181(46.9%) and 32(8.3%) patients with stage N0 to N3, respectively , and 3 patients with distant metastasis to lung on initial diagnosis. Second primary cancers were found in 28 cases (7.3%). The 5-year overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS) and disease free survival (DFS) were 45.8%, 48.1% and 46.0% respectively according to Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Multivariate Cox regression model showed significant association between 5-year overall survival rate and T stage (P<0.001), N stage (P=0.003) and second primary tumors (P=0.017). Advanced T stage and lymphovascular invasion were associated with a higher rate of recurrence (P<0.001). Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has a dismal prognosis, with high rates of submucosal infiltration, cervical lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Treatment choices should be made according to TNM stage and overall health conditions in order to achieve ideal oncologic and functional results. Surgery with postoperative chemoradiation therapy is the main treatment for advanced-stage hypopharyngeal cancer.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Not Available].
To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing inappropriate hospital use, identified with diagnosis-independent and explicit criteria methods. Systematic review of the literature to identify evaluative studies of interventions for reducing inappropriate hospìtal use, followed by a narrative synthesis of their characteristics and results. Works were included in English, French or Spanish languages, with experimental, quasi-experimental or observational designs, and with or without group control. We found 15 evaluative studies (2 randomised clinical trials, 8 quasi-experimental with control group and 5 with beforeafter without control group designs), the majority of them carried out in the United States (3 in Spain). The heterogeneity in hospital characteristics, hospitalisation units, patients characteristics, sampling unit, instruments, and presentation of results limited the quantitative synthesis. Feedback and administrative interventions were the most common. All the studies except 2 were positive, showing reductions in several outcomes (percentage of inappropriate stays, inappropriate admissions or inappropriate stays in the day previous to discharge, and in the length of stay). Intensive interventions that combined educational, feedback, self-assesment and administrative components showed the best results. The literature review suggests that several interventions are effective to reduce inappropriate hospital use, particularly if they are direct, active, reach the doctors and combine several components.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Stem cells and repair of the heart.
Stem-cell therapy provides the prospect of an exciting and powerful treatment to repair the heart. Although research has been undertaken in animals to analyse the safety and efficacy of this new approach, results have been inconclusive. The mechanism by which stem cells could improve cardiac function remains unclear. We describe the background to the concept of natural repair and the work that has been done to establish the role of stem cells in cardiac repair. Controversies have arisen in interpretation of experimental data. The important issues surrounding the application of stem-cell therapy to man are discussed critically. We discuss the future of this pioneering work in the setting of growing concerns about clinical studies in man without understanding the biological mechanisms involved, with the difficulties in funding this type of research.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The reporting of race and ethnicity information in the dental public health literature.
To document how race and ethnicity are identified, categorized, and utilized in contemporary dental public health literature. Two researchers independently performed a literature review of all articles in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology and the Journal of Public Health Dentistry over a 5-year period (2004-2009). Articles pertaining to the study of US-based populations with any mention of race or ethnicity were included. The following data were abstracted from each article:( a) how each article broadly described race and/or ethnicity; (b) the terms used to specifically define the races and/or ethnicities captured; (c) the location of any mention of the concept of race and/or ethnicity; (d) the stated purpose for including race and/or ethnicity concepts; (e) the stated analytic use of race and/or ethnicity concepts; and (f) the stated method used to assess race and/or ethnicity concepts. Overall, race and/or ethnicity concepts were most commonly referred to within the text of the results section. Fifty percent of articles did not state their purpose for including race and/or ethnicity concepts within their studies, while 34.3 percent omitted stating their analytic use of these concepts. When assessing these concepts, 41.4 percent relied upon subject self-report. These data showed that there was inconsistent documentation of how race and ethnicity was measured. While race and ethnicity are important measures for public health studies and are frequently reported in dental public health research, there is no clear system for classifying these measures.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Characterization of a sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) gene homolog to the brassinosteroid insensitive1-associated receptor kinase 1 that is associated to sugar content.
The present article reports on the characterization of ScBAK1, a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase from sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), expressed predominantly in bundle-sheath cells of the mature leaf and potentially involved in cellular signaling cascades mediated by high levels of sugar in this organ. In this report, it was shown that the ScBAK1 sequence was similar to the brassinosteroid insensitive1-associated receptor kinase1 (BAK1). The putative cytoplasmatic domain of ScBAK1 contains all the amino acids characteristic of protein kinases, and the extracellular domain contains five leucine-rich repeats and a putative leucine zipper. Transcripts of ScBAK1 were almost undetectable in sugarcane roots or in any other sink tissue, but accumulated abundantly in the mature leaves. The ScBAK1 expression was higher in the higher sugar content individuals from a population segregating for sugar content throughout the growing season. In situ hybridization in sugarcane leaves showed that the ScBAK1 mRNA accumulated at much higher levels in bundle-sheath cells than in mesophyll cells. In addition, using biolistic bombardment of onion epidermal cells, it was shown that ScBAK1-GFP fusions were localized in the plasma membrane as predicted for a receptor kinase. All together, the present data indicate that ScBAK1 might be a receptor involved in the regulation of specific processes in bundle-sheath cells and in sucrose synthesis in mature sugarcane leaves.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The decade 1989-1998 in Spanish psychology: an analysis of research in development and educational psychology.
In this study, we identified 67 research trends that meet the criteria of this special issue. In the following pages, all the research trends will be reviewed, grouped into five categories: personal and social development, cognitive and linguistic development, developmental and educational contexts, cognition and instruction, and development and learning disabilities. A general overview of the area is obtained by dividing each category into subcategories, thus arranging the identified research trends in a four-level hierarchical structure. Taking into account this analysis, in our Conclusions section, we note the regularities with regard to the issues that have been studied the most, the predominant type of works, and, more important, the most noteworthy imbalances. We reached six conclusions: (1) Research on educational changes predominates over the study of developmental changes; (2) the study of formal education is predominant over informal education; (3) cognitive-linguistic aspects predominate over personal and social aspects; (4) application of knowledge predominates over the generation of new knowledge; (5) new educational-practice proposals predominate over the study of these educational practices; and (6) the study of change is not related to the proposals that promote change.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cost-effective diffuse reflectance spectroscopy device for quantifying tissue absorption and scattering in vivo.
A hybrid optical device that uses a multimode fiber coupled to a tunable light source for illumination and a 2.4-mm photodiode for detection in contact with the tissue surface is developed as a first step toward our goal of developing a cost-effective, miniature spectral imaging device to map tissue optical properties in vivo. This device coupled with an inverse Monte Carlo model of reflectance is demonstrated to accurately quantify tissue absorption and scattering in tissue-like turbid synthetic phantoms with a wide range of optical properties. The overall errors for quantifying the absorption and scattering coefficients are 6.0+/-5.6 and 6.1+/-4.7%, respectively. Compared with fiber-based detection, having the detector right at the tissue surface can significantly improve light collection efficiency, thus reducing the requirement for sophisticated detectors with high sensitivity, and this design can be easily expanded into a quantitative spectral imaging system for mapping tissue optical properties in vivo.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Intestinal metallothionein and the mutual antagonism between copper and zinc in the rat.
A study has been made of the mechanism of the mutual antagonism between copper and zinc in rats. Dietary zinc concentrations of up to 450 mg/kg had no effect on intestinal 64Cu absorption but 900 mg/kg caused a 40% reduction. This was associated with an increase in the mucosal uptake of 64Cu in the small intestine. This occurred mainly in the form of metallothionein and it appeared that copper displaced zinc from the protein after its synthesis had been induced by zinc. Ths intestinal absorption of 65Zn was decreased by 20% when the dietary copper intake was increased from 3 to 24 mg/kg. Further increases in copper intake to 300 mg/kg did not cause any additional decrease in 65Zn absorption or any change in the association of intestinal 65Zn with metallothionein. Concentrations of this protein in the intestinal mucosa were not influenced by dietary copper intake.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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AIDS and the contact lens practice.
The probability of the ophthalmologist and office personnel coming into direct contact with a patient infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is extremely high. HIV has been recovered from the ocular tissues, tears, and soft contact lenses of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. All ophthalmic offices, especially those with a contact lens practice, must be aware of any potential risk of transmission of HIV to both the office staff and to other patients from HIV-infected patients through the use of trial contact lenses. To date, there has been no documented case of HIV transmission through human tears or contact lenses, and the risk of such a transmission is extremely low.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Influence of prior heat treatment on the effects of heat alone or combined with X-rays on mouse stromal tissue.
The tumour bed effect assay was used to study the sensitivity of mouse stromal tissue to heat applied alone or combined with irradiation. Prior heat treatment, 30 min at 43 degrees C, of the tumour bed led to thermotolerance. After priming, thermotolerance developed fully within 24 h and it had disappeared completely after about 10 days. The kinetics of development and decay of thermotolerance in this slowly dividing tissue is similar to that which we had observed previously in skin. When decay rates of several normal tissues with different proliferation characteristics are compared, it is obvious that there is not a clear relationship between proliferation rate of the presumed target cells in the tissue and thermotolerance decay rate.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Nurse practitioner's independent prescriptive authority and opioids abuse.
This paper investigates the impact of legislative changes allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe schedule II controlled substances independently. We find that this legal environment is associated with an increase in treatment admissions for opioid misuse and a decrease in opioid related mortality only when Mandatory Prescription Drugs Monitoring Programs are in place.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inflammatory corneal (lymph)angiogenesis is blocked by VEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZK 261991, resulting in improved graft survival after corneal transplantation.
To analyze whether tyrosine kinase inhibitors blocking VEGF receptors (PTK787/ZK222584 [PTK/ZK] and ZK261991 [ZK991]) can inhibit not only hemangiogenesis but also lymphangiogenesis and whether treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors after corneal transplantation can improve graft survival. Inflammatory corneal neovascularization was induced by corneal suture placement. One treatment group received PTK/ZK, and the other treatment group received ZK991. Corneas were analyzed histomorphometrically for pathologic corneal hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The inhibitory effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in vitro was analyzed with a colorimetric (BrdU) proliferation ELISA. Low-risk allogeneic (C57Bl/6 to BALB/c) corneal transplantations were performed; the treatment group received ZK991, and grafts were graded for rejection (for 8 weeks). Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors resulted in a significant reduction of hemangiogenesis (PTK/ZK by 30%, P < 0.001; ZK991 by 53%, P < 0.001) and lymphangiogenesis (PTK/ZK by 70%, P < 0.001; ZK991 by 71%, P < 0.001) in vivo. Inhibition of proliferation of LECs in vitro was also significant and dose dependent (PTK/ZK, P < 0.001; ZK991, P < 0.001). Comparing the survival proportions after corneal transplantation, treatment with ZK991 significantly improved graft survival (68% vs. 33%; P < 0.02). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors blocking VEGF receptors are potent inhibitors not only of inflammatory corneal hemangiogenesis but also lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors seem to have the ability to restrain the formation of the afferent and efferent arm of the immune reflex arc and are therefore able to promote graft survival after corneal transplantation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Principles of control over formation of structures responsible for respiratory functions of mitochondria.
Topogenesis of mitochondrial proteins includes their synthesis in cytosol and mitochondria, their translocation across the outer and inner membranes, sorting to various mitochondrial compartments, and assembly of different protein complexes. These complexes are involved in transport functions, electron transfer through the respiratory chain, generation of transmembrane electrochemical potential, oxidative phosphorylation of ADP into ATP, etc. To perform these functions, a special stringent control is required over formation of submitochondrial structures and the mitochondrion as a whole. Such control is expected to rigorously eliminate not only misfolded proteins but also incorrectly incorporated subunits and is realized in mitochondria by means of numerous proteases with different functions and localizations. In the case of more complicated protein formations, e.g. supercomplexes, the protein quality is assessed by their ability to realize the integral function of the respiratory chain and, thus, ensure the stability of the whole system. Considering supercomplexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, the present review clearly demonstrates that this control is realized by means of various (mainly vacuolar) proteases with different functions and localizations. The contemporary experimental data also confirm the author's original idea that the general mechanism of assembly of subcellular structures is based on the "selection by performance criterion" and "stabilization by functioning".
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[History of the development of screening tests for cervical cancer].
Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the best known malignancies. Currently, it is accepted that the etiological factor is persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Even before the identification of its etiological factors, methods such as Pap cytology and colposcopy were developed as tools for early diagnosis on CC and its precursor lesions. At the time when such tests were being developed, they were not fully accepted by the scientific community of the time; however, as time went by, the dissemination of knowledge, and more extensive application, these tests were finally included within the international guidelines. The implementation of programs with adequate coverage and quality allowed a significant reduction in the incidence and mortality of CC. However this did not occur widely, and CC is still a public health problem in developing countries. From the epidemiological and molecular viewpoint, knowledge on HPVs laid the foundations for the development of new prevention strategies based on vaccination and molecular detection of the causal agent, currently accepted as strategies for primary and secondary prevention. It is expected that the implementation of these strategies will have a greater impact on the control on CC and other malignancies associated with HPV infection.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Primary Care Women's Health Screening: A Case Study of a Community Engaged Human Centered Design Approach to Enhancing the Screening Process.
To apply a Human Centered Design (HCD) approach to co-designing a comprehensive women's health screening tool with community partners. Evidenced-based health screenings for behaviors and risks are important tools in primary health care and disease prevention, especially for women. However, numerous barriers limit the effective implementation of comprehensive health screenings, and often lead to excluding important risks such as intimate partner violence (IPV). Utilizing a human centered design approach (HCD), Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC, NC USA) developed a community co-designed 9-topic health screening for women. Key end-users were recruited to participate in the design process, including women who identified IPV as a health issue in their community, Spanish speaking women, domestic violence program organizers, and MAHEC staff. A total of 21 participants collaborated during three design sessions on two specific goals: 1) creating a comprehensive women's health screening tool from the existing tools that were in use in our clinics at the time, and 2) incorporating IPV screening. Through the HCD sessions, participants highlighted the impact of what they termed "Triple T: time, trust and talk" on the effectiveness of women's health screening. Our co-designed women's health screening tool is a first step towards addressing screening barriers from both primary care provider's and community women's perspectives. Future research will explore the facilitators of and barriers to implementing the tools in different primary care settings. Future work should also more systematically examine whether and how screening processes may reinforce or contribute to women's feelings of being stereotyped, and how screening processes can be designed to avoid stereotype threat, which has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of screenings intended to promote women's health.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Structural study of the catalytic domain of PKCzeta using infrared spectroscopy and two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy.
The secondary structure of the catalytic domain from protein kinase C zeta was studied using IR spectroscopy. In the presence of the substrate MgATP, there was a significant change in the secondary structure. After heating to 80 degrees C, a 14% decrease in the alpha-helix component was observed, accompanied by a 6% decrease in the beta-pleated sheet; no change was observed in the large loops or in 3(10)-helix plus associated loops. The maximum increase with heating was observed in the aggregated beta-sheet component, with an increase of 14%. In the presence of MgATP, and compared with the sample heated in its absence, there was a substantial decrease in the 3(10)-helix plus associated loops and an increase in alpha-helix. Synchronous 2D-IR correlation showed that the main changes occurred at 1617 cm(-1), which was assigned to changes in the intermolecular aggregated beta-sheet of the denaturated protein. This increase was mainly correlated with the change in alpha-helix. In the presence of MgATP, the main correlation was between aggregated beta-sheet and the large loops component. The asynchronous 2D-correlation spectrum indicated that a number of components are transformed in intermolecularly aggregated beta-sheet, especially the alpha-helix and beta-sheet components. It is interesting that changes in 3(10)-helix plus associated loops and in alpha-helix preceded changes in large loops, which suggests that the open loops structure exists as an intermediate state during denaturation. In summary, IR spectroscopy revealed an important effect of MgATP on the secondary structure and on the thermal unfolding process when this was induced, whereas 2D-IR correlation spectroscopy allowed us to show the establishment of the denaturation pathway of this protein.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The subspecialty of rhinology: a survey of otolaryngology chairmen.
The past decade has witnessed the emergence of rhinology as a distinct subspecialty within otolaryngology. A critical evaluation of this process is necessary to define the field and to determine the impact of subspecialization on residency education. An Internet-based survey of otolaryngology residency chairmen was performed to query attitudes about the importance of various aspects of rhinologic education including didactics, presence of rhinology faculty, exposure to research, office-based rhinology, and various surgical procedures. A 7-point Likert scale was used to rate responses. A 30.2% response rate was noted for the chairmen survey. From the chairmen's perspective, overall high levels of importance were ascribed to rhinology education and surgical training in otolaryngology residency. Lower scores for importance were noted for basic science research, exposure to office-based allergy care, and advanced surgical procedures. High scores were noted for the importance of fellowship training in the professional development of a resident interested in pursuing a career in rhinology. Overall high levels of importance were ascribed by the participating chairmen to the importance of rhinology education in residency. As the subspecialty of rhinology continues to develop, the role of the various educational, research and clinical activities will require continued evaluation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Accuracy of cephalometry in measurements of postoperative migration of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of cephalometry when point A is used to assess the migration of the maxilla following Le Fort I osteotomy. In 10 consecutive patients, postoperative migration of the maxilla was studied by means of cephalometry and x-ray stereometry. Because the precision and accuracy of the x-ray stereometric method are known to be high, this method was used as a norm against which the results obtained by cephalometry were compared. The values of postoperative migration obtained by cephalometric analysis exceeded the corresponding values obtained by x-ray stereometry in all but four recordings. In 16 of 40 recordings, migration in opposite directions was found. The differences were statistically significant. Cephalometric analysis may be an inaccurate tool for postoperative follow-up of minor segment migration such as that usually found after osteotomies.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Small incision preperiosteal midface lift for correction of lower eyelid retraction.
Postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction is often due to scarring of the middle lamellae and/or vertical shortening of the anterior lamellae. Traditional reconstructive techniques involve a transconjunctival incision combined with a spacer graft. Other techniques involve a subperiosteal midface dissection or limited preperiosteal dissection. Elevation of the midface reduces the gravitational effect of the cheek on the eyelid and recruits skin for the anterior lamella. This study evaluates a technique for correction of lower eyelid retraction using a preperiosteal midface lift via a lateral canthal incision in a series of patients. Twenty-eight patients (56 eyes) with postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction were evaluated. Preoperative evaluations for inferior scleral show, corneal staining, and epiphora were documented. The patients underwent bilateral preperiosteal midface lift and canthoplasty via a lateral canthal incision. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 18 months. Average preoperative inferior scleral show was 1.96 mm (range, 1-3 mm). Seventy-eight percent of patients had epiphora, and 54% had corneal staining. Average postoperative lower eyelid position was +0.07 mm (range, 0 to +1 mm) above the inferior limbus. Average change in lower eyelid position relative to the inferior limbus was 2.04 mm. In all eyes, the final lower eyelid position was either at the inferior limbus or above it. All eyes had resolution of epiphora and corneal staining. Two patients required revision of lateral canthus on one side to improve symmetry. Mobilizing the midface in the preperiosteal plane through a lateral canthal incision provides excellent elevation and support of the eyelid. The small incision allows easy access to adhesions along the inferior orbital rim and to the preperiosteal plane beneath the entire midface. Preperiosteal midface lift combined with canthoplasty provides significant improvement of postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Safety and efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid in endoscopic transurethral resections in urology: Prospective randomized trial].
Endoscopic urological procedures (transurethral resection of the prostate TURP/transurethral resection of bladder tumor TURBT) are not without risk of significant bleeding. This risk is due to the vascular nature of the tissues and their high levels of fibrinolytic enzymes in the tissues and urine. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss in patients undergoing TURP/TURBT and transfusion requirement. This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. One hundred and thirty-one patients of ASA physical status I or II, undergoing TURP (60 patients) or TURBT (71 patients) were randomly allocated to receive IV TXA: bolus of 10mg/kg at the induction of anesthesia followed by infusion of 1mg/kg/h intraoperatively and for 24h postoperatively or an equal volume of saline (control group). Blood loss was evaluated in terms of reduction in the serum hemoglobin level (delta Hb=Hb H24-Hb H0). There was no difference between two groups in terms of transfusion requirements and episodes of retention. TXA did not significantly reduce mean blood loss compared with placebo during TURP (1.37±0.69 vs. 1.72±1.23g/dL respectively, P=0.256) or TURBT (1.15±0.95 vs. 1.07±0.88g/dL; P=0.532). No thrombotic complications were noted in any patient. Tranexamic acid did not reduce transfusion requirements or perioperative blood loss in transurethral resection of the prostate or bladder tumor. 4.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Serum and follicular fluid insulin like growth factors I and II during growth hormone co-treatment for in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
We wished to assess the changes in serum IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations during gonadotrophin treatment alone or with additional GH treatment and to compare follicular fluid IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations in the two treatment groups. We performed an open study of co-treatment with GH and subsequently a randomized double blind comparison of addition of placebo or GH to clomiphene citrate and gonadotrophins. We studied previously poor responders to superovulation regimens for in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, six women in an open study, four of whom had ultrasound diagnosed polycystic ovaries, and 17 women in a double blind study, 12 of whom had polycystic ovaries. We measured serum IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations throughout treatment cycles. Follicular fluid concentrations were measured at the time of oocyte recovery. Neither serum IGF-I nor IGF-II concentrations were altered by gonadotrophin treatment alone. However, co-treatment with GH led to a significant rise in serum IGF-I concentrations in women with ultrasound diagnosed polycystic ovaries. Concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-II in follicular fluid were lower than in serum, although follicular fluid IGF-I concentrations were higher in women receiving GH than in those receiving placebo. Poor responders to superovulation regimens may have an abnormality of growth factor response. GH co-treatment leads to an increase in circulating IGF-I concentrations in women with polycystic ovaries but our results do not support the hypothesis that GH stimulates IGF-I production in the human ovary.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Significance of imaging biomarkers in exploratory clinical trials].
Brain imaging tools such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging have been successfully used to investigate in vivo human brain functions. In particular, PET has been widely used to visualize various molecules such as receptors, transporters, and amyloid proteins. Despite the fact that a considerable amount of time and money is invested in drug development, only a few drugs have been able to complete clinical trials; this can be partly attributed to the lack of appropriate information regarding the in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drugs. Therefore, currently, PET is being employed to determine the optimal clinical dose and the pharmacokinetic profile of psychotropics by investigating the index of drug occupancy at its action sites. Furthermore, recently, the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products and Food and Drug Administration have introduced microdose clinical trials and exploratory investigational new drug studies to screen candidate drugs using PET in the early phase of clinical trials. Subsequently, in 2008, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare also released certain guidelines for microdose clinical trials. Thus, imaging biomarkers have facilitated the collection of useful information on drugs at every stage of drug development.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Efficacy of low level laser therapy in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: A systematic review.
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain condition with indefinite cure, predominantly affecting post-menopausal women. The aim of this study was to systematically review the efficacy of low level laser therapy in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched from date of inception till and including October 2016 using various combinations of the following keywords: burning mouth syndrome, BMS, stomatodynia, laser therapy, laser treatment and phototherapy. The inclusion criteria were: Prospective, retrospective and case series studies. Letter to editors, reviews, experimental studies, studies that were not published in English, theses, monographs, and abstracts presented in scientific events were excluded. Due to heterogeneity of data no statistical analyses were performed. Ten clinical studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria, five of which were randomized clinical trials. In these studies, the laser wavelengths, power output and duration of irradiation ranged between 630-980nm, 20-300mW, 10s-15min, respectively. Most of studies reported laser to be an effective therapy strategy for management of BMS. Majority of the studies showed that laser therapy seemed to be effective in reducing pain in BMS patients. However, due to the varied methodologies and substantial variations in laser parameters among these studies, more clinical trials are required to ascertain the efficacy of laser for treating BMS.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Diagnosis and treatment of a chronic atlanto-occipital subluxation in a dog.
A 6-year-old Labrador retriever-cross was evaluated for an abnormal gait and head carriage 6 weeks after suffering trauma. The dog was presented with an ambulatory tetraparesis and was reluctant to move his head. Myelography and computed tomography demonstrated a subluxation of the atlanto-occipital joint with compression of the spinomedullary junction and the brain stem by the occipital bone. Removal of the compressive part of the occipital bone resulted in improvement of the clinical signs within 6 weeks, and resolution of clinical signs occurred 8 months after surgery.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Urinary 6 beta-hydroxycortisol and D-glucaric acid excretion rates are not affected by lansoprazole treatment.
Lansoprazole has been shown to induce cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) and CYP3A enzymes in human hepatocytes in vitro. In this study, urinary excretion of 6 beta-hydroxycortisol (6 beta-OHF) and D-glucaric acid (D-GA) were used to investigate the potential enzyme-inducing property of lansoprazole in vivo. Twenty-four healthy female volunteers (aged 19-35 years), who were taking oral contraceptives containing 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, were randomized in a cross-over design for the treatment with either 60 mg lansoprazole or placebo once daily during 2 subsequent menstrual cycles. Urinary excretion rates of 6 beta-OHF and D-GA were measured at days 14 and 21 of the menstrual cycles. Median pretreatment urinary excretion of 6 beta-OHF (212 and 218 micrograms/d, n = 24) and D-GA (20.1 and 32.7 mumol/d) did not significantly differ. Upon treatment median excretion of 6 beta-OHF was 255 and 241 micrograms/d (n = 23), and that of D-GA was 25.5 and 33.8 mumol/d, respectively. Thus, the relatively high dose of 60 mg/d lansoprazole failed to statistically significantly alter urinary excretion of 6 beta-OHF and D-GA, indicating that therapeutic doses of lansoprazole might not exhibit a phenobarbital-like induction in vivo.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Synthesis and biological activity evaluation of hydrazone derivatives based on a Tröger's base skeleton.
We report the design and synthesis of novel anticancer agents based on bis-hydrazones separated by a rigid Tröger's base skeleton. This novel approach combines a biologically active moiety (hydrazone) with this scaffold (Tröger's base) to construct DNA intercalators. Evaluation of the anticancer activity of these agents using seven cancer cell lines and two healthy cell lines found that several derivatives had potent anticancer activity and excellent selectivity indexes toward cancer cells. The antimicrobial activities were tested on a set of thirteen bacterial stains, but the prepared compounds were not active. Complexation studies using biologically important metal ions demonstrated that these compounds are able to bind Cu(2+), Fe(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+) and Zn(2+). DNA intercalation studies showed that the compounds themselves do not interact with DNA, but their metallocomplexes do interact, most likely via intercalation into DNA.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The proteasome inhibitor lactacystin exerts its therapeutic effects on glioma via apoptosis: an in vitro and in vivo study.
To examine the effect and underlying mechanism of action of the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin on glioma, in vitro and in vivo. Rat C6 glioma cells were cultured with or without lactacystin. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined. A glioma xenograft model was established in mice and animals were treated with 0, 1 or 5 µg/20 g body weight lactacystin for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed on day 17 after completion of treatment. Apoptosis in tumour tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. Levels of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) protein and mRNA, were determined in C6 cells and tumour tissues. Lactacystin significantly inhibited the proliferation of C6 cells, increased apoptosis and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in vitro, and suppressed tumour growth in vivo. Lactacystin increased the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 at the mRNA and protein levels, both in vitro and in vivo. The effects of lactacystin are associated with apoptosis induction. Proteasome inhibition may represent an effective treatment option for glioma.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Latent microvolt T-wave alternans in survivors of unexplained cardiac arrest unmasked by epinephrine challenge.
The arrhythmogenic substrate in survivors of unexplained cardiac arrest (UCA) has not been defined. To test the hypothesis that patients with UCA have latent repolarization abnormalities, in particular T-wave alternans (TWA), which may be unmasked with epinephrine (EPI) challenge. We prospectively studied 10 UCA survivors (46 ± 9 years) and 11 first-degree relatives (FDRs) of sudden death victims (37 ± 14 years). Patients with UCA underwent standard clinical testing, which was normal. FDRs had normal clinical history and testing. All subjects underwent an EPI infusion (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 μg/(kg·min), 5 minutes each dose) while recording continuous digital 12-lead electrocardiograms. Corrected QT interval and QT variability index were evaluated at each EPI dose. TWA magnitude (V(alt)) was assessed at each dose by using the spectral method. Positive (+) TWA at each dose was defined as V(alt) > 0 with k ≥ 3 in 1 or more 128-beat segment in ≥2 electrocardiogram leads. A novel metric, TWA burden, reflecting V(alt) integrated over time (s), was also evaluated for each EPI dose. There was no difference between UCA survivors and FDRs with respect to heart rate, QT, corrected QT interval, or QT variability index at baseline or during EPI. At baseline, +TWA was similar between UCA survivors and FDRs (10% vs 0%; P = NS). During EPI, +TWA was more prevalent in UCA survivors than in FDRs (80% vs 18%; P = .009). TWA burden was greater in UCA survivors than in FDRs during EPI 0.1 (P = .039) and EPI 0.2 μg/(kg·min) (P = .009). UCA survivors are more likely to demonstrate latent TWA compared with FDRs, which becomes manifest with EPI. This novel finding provides evidence for an arrhythmogenic substrate in UCA survivors.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Phenotypical characterization of circulating cell subsets in pyoderma gangrenosum patients: the experience of the Italian immuno-pathology group.
No data are available as to the phenotype of circulating lymphocyte subsets in pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). To analyse the expression of different chemokine receptors associated to T-helper (Th)1 (CCR5), Th2 (CCR4) and Th17 (CCR6), as well as the regulatory T-cell subset (Treg) and dendritic cell polarization in the blood of newly diagnosed untreated PG patients. Multi-parameter flow cytometry was performed on blood samples from 10 PG patients collected at first diagnosis among centres belonging to the Italian Immuno-pathology Group. Blood samples from 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were used as controls. PG patients are characterized by an over-expression in the blood of the CD4+CCR5+ and CD4+CCR6+ and a down-regulation of CD4+CCR4+ counts with respect to healthy subjects. Moreover, they show increased levels of myeloid derived dendritic cells type1 and reduced levels of the Treg CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ subset. The pattern of chemokine expression argues in favour of a Th1 (CCR5+) and Th17 (CCR6+) polarization with a down-regulation of Th2 (CCR4+).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inhalation of tobramycin in a patient with aspiration pneumonia as a result of medullary stroke.
A 78-year-old man suffered from refractory aspiration pneumonia as a result of a minor medullary stroke. The only neurological symptom observed in this patient was difficulty in swallowing. He was managed with i.v. hyperalimentation with termination of oral intake, including water. However, he still experienced several episodes of aspiration pneumonia. As he was considered to have a bacterial infection because of silent aspiration of colonized oropharyngeal material, inhalation of tobramycin was introduced and successful control of airway infection was attained.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Reagents for astatination of biomolecules. 2. Conjugation of anionic boron cage pendant groups to a protein provides a method for direct labeling that is stable to in vivo deastatination.
Cancer-targeting biomolecules labeled with 211At must be stable to in vivo deastatination, as control of the 211At distribution is critical due to the highly toxic nature of alpha-particle emission. Unfortunately, no astatinated aryl conjugates have shown in vivo stability toward deastatination when (relatively) rapidly metabolized proteins, such as monoclonal antibody Fab' fragments, are labeled. As a means of increasing the in vivo stability of 211At-labeled proteins, we have been investigating antibody conjugates of boron cage moieties. In this investigation, protein-reactive derivatives containing a nido-carborane (2), a bis-nido-carborane derivative (Venus Flytrap Complex, 3), and four 2-nonahydro-closo-decaborate(2-) derivatives (4-7) were prepared and conjugated with an antibody Fab' fragment such that subsequent astatination and in vivo tissue distributions could be obtained. To aid in determination of stability toward in vivo deastatination, the Fab'-borane conjugates were also labeled with 125I, and that material was coinjected with the 211At-labeled Fab'. For comparison, direct labeling of the Fab' with 125I and 211At was conducted. Direct labeling with Na[125I]I and Chloramine-T gave an 89% radiochemical yield. However, direct labeling of the Fab' with Na[211At]At and Chloramine-T resulted in a yield of <1% after quenching with NaS2O5. As another comparison, the same Fab' was conjugated with p-[211At]astatobenzoate NHS ester, [211At]1c-Fab', and (separately) with p-[125I]iodobenzoate NHS ester, [125I]1b-Fab'. An evaluation in athymic mice demonstrated that [211At]1c-Fab' underwent deastatination. In contrast, the high in vivo stability of [125I]1b-Fab' allowed it to be used as a tracer control for the natural distribution of Fab'. Although found to be much more stable in vivo than [211At]1c-Fab', the biodistributions of nido-carborane conjugated Fab' ([125I]2-Fab'/ [211At]2-Fab') and the bis-nido-carborane (VFC) ([125I]3-Fab'/[211At]3-Fab') had very different in vivo distributions than the control [125I]1b-Fab'. Biodistributions of closo-decaborate(2-) conjugates ([125I]4-Fab'/[211At]4-Fab', [125I]6-Fab'/[211At]6-Fab', and [125I]7-Fab'/[211At]7-Fab') demonstrated that they were stable to in vivo deastatination and had distributions similar to that of the control [125I]1b-Fab'. In contrast, a benzyl-modified closo-decaborate(2-) derivative evaluated in vivo ([125I]5-Fab'/[211At]5-Fab') had a very different tissue distribution from the control. This study has shown that astatinated protein conjugates of closo-decaborate(2-) are quite stable to in vivo deastatination and that some derivatives have little effect on the distribution of Fab'. Additionally, direct 211At labeling of Fab' conjugated with closo-decaborate(2-) derivatives provide very high (e.g., 58-75%) radiochemical yields. However, in vivo data also indicate that the closo-decaborate(2-) may cause some retention of radioactivity in the liver. Studies to optimize the closo-decaborate(2-) conjugates for protein labeling are underway.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Most common oral alterations in the elderly--a review.
The population of Brazil is experiencing a fast and progressive aging process. Oral mucosa, which has a function as a barrier, is compromised by the aging process, allowing the action of predisposing agents. The older the population, the greater is the prevalence of lesions in oral mucosa. The causes may be neoplastic, infectious, bone pathologies, oral manifestations of systemic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, dental prostheses, medicaments, and bullous diseases, among others. Examination of the oral cavity should be carried out as an annual routine, and as a preventive measure for the entire elderly population, in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality from these diseases.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Acute toxoplasmosis and antioxidant levels in the liver, kidney and brain of rats
Toxoplasma gondii is a common protozoan parasite which causes toxoplasmosis worldwide. There are limited treatment options against T. gondii infection. Once transmitted, T. gondii can spread to many organs in the body, including the brain, liver and kidneys. One of the most common signs of toxoplasmosis is a rise in oxidative stress. Therefore, our aim was to determine the antioxidant levels in the brain, liver and kidney of rats infected with this parasite. In the present study, 2–4-months old Wistar albino rats were infected intraperitoneally with 1 x 104 mL of RH strain of T. gondii dispersed in 0.9% NaCl. Post-infection after 30 days, the experiment was terminated, the rats were sacrified, and the blood, brain, liver and kidney tissues were collected for analyses. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined by ELISA assay. Increased SOD and GSH-Px levels were found in the liver of infected rats compared to controls; however, similar changes were not observed in other tested organs. These results suggest the increased oxidative stress caused by T. gondii infection can be efficiently alleviated, at least in the liver, by increased levels of antioxidant enzymes during post-infection. Further research will be required to determine the potential mechanisms of increasing antioxidant levels in the liver at 30 days post-infection, as well as the potential differences in antioxidant enzyme levels during the acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Cutaneous anthrax in the Artibonite Valley of Haiti: 1992-2002.
More cutaneous anthrax cases were noted at Hospital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) in the Artibonite Valley of Haiti. We examine the incidence of anthrax in the Artibonite between 1992 and 2002, describe the clinical presentation of cutaneous anthrax, and determine risk factors for anthrax. In 1992 HAS reported 1 case of anthrax for an incidence of 4 cases per million persons/year. In 2002, there were 20 cases of anthrax for an incidence of 72 cases per million persons/year. This is a 17-fold increase (P = 0.0002). Causes of death from anthrax included asphyxiation from edema of the neck with tracheal compression and concurrent gastrointestinal anthrax. Butchering cattle that had died of illness was identified as a risk factor. The incidence of human anthrax has increased in the Artibonite Valley and is a cause of significant mortality. Control of anthrax in humans depends on improved animal vaccination programs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Plasma orexin A, ghrelin, cholecystokinin, visfatin, leptin and agouti-related protein levels during 6-week olanzapine treatment in first-episode male patients with psychosis.
The objective of the study was to investigate the change of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, leptin, ghrelin, orexin, visfatin, agouti-related protein, and cholecystokinin levels during 6 weeks of olanzapine treatment in newly diagnosed first-episode drug naive, young adult, nonobese male patients with psychosis. Twenty male participants who were all first-episode drug naive psychotic patients without prominent affective signs and symptoms and 22 healthy male controls of similar age were included. BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and lipid profiles were measured, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores were obtained at baseline, during the second and sixth week of treatment, and the aforementioned neuropeptide levels were measured at baseline and during the sixth week of treatment. Treatment was associated with significant increases in BMI, waist circumference, serum triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels. BMI levels increased more than 7% in over 75% of the patients. Leptin increased, and ghrelin and orexin decreased significantly with olanzapine treatment, whereas cholecystokinin, visfatin, and agouti-related protein levels did not change significantly. In conclusion, consistent with previous studies, we found increased BMI, leptin and lipids during olanzapine treatment. Association of neuropeptide level changes with symptom improvement might be mediated by the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
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