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The history of the establishment and management philosophies of the Portuguese Protected Areas: combining written records and oral history.
The history of the establishment and management philosophies of the mainland Portuguese Protected Areas was reconstructed through the use of written records and oral history interviews. The objectives were to review the main philosophies in the creation and management of these areas, to assess the influence of international PA models, to compare the Portuguese case with other European and international literature concerning PAs and to discuss the value of the oral history in this research. As main results, it was found that the initial management model of "Wilderness (or Yellowstone)" was replaced by the "new paradigm" of PAs when the democracy was re-established. Changes in the management philosophies within this "new paradigm" were also identified, which resulted in the transition of a "Landscape" to a "Nature conservation" model. After the establishment of the Natura 2000 network, the "Biodiversity conservation" model prevailed. It was also found that the initiative for the establishment of most PAs came from the government, although there were few cases of creation due to the action of NGOs and municipalities. Finally, oral history interviews enabled the addition of information to the literature review, but also provided more insight and detail to this history.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pityriasis versicolor: quality of studies.
To evaluate the quality of the published literature on the treatment of pityriasis versicolor and to compare this evaluation with the number of times the work has been cited. A search was performed using MEDLINE (1966-2002) to find publications evaluating the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. Two reviewers evaluated each clinical trial according to a list of pre-determined criteria including randomization and blinding, prior sample size calculation, treatment regimen clearly explained, and well-defined efficacy parameters. A maximum score of 20 could be attained by each publication. A citation count was performed using the ISI Web of Science Database (http://www.isinet.com/isi/products/citation/wos/). A total of 94 studies were included in this analysis of quality. Studies with a score of 8 or more were considered to be high quality, and 61 studies were rated as high-quality studies (65%). There was no significant correlation between paper quality and citation count. It is important for investigators and clinicians to be aware of the design of a high-quality protocol, since such high-quality studies are more likely to reflect accurate efficacy rates. Also, it is important for the information on the design and conduct of the trial to be conveyed to the reader so that a meaningful comparison between the studies can be made.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Speech intelligibility in noise: effects of fluency and hearing protector type.
This research investigated the effect of car protectors on the intelligibility of speech in noise. Listeners with normal hearing, high-frequency, and flat loss were tested. Half the subjects in each group were fluent in English and half-poorly conversant. Taped lists of 25 words were presented free field under conditions defined by the speech-to-noise ratio, spectrum of noise background, and presence of ear protection. The results showed that intelligibility decreased with speech-to-noise ratio and was poorer in crowd noise than in white noise. The protector had no effect for the normal listener, but caused a substantial decrement in those with impairment. In all groups nonfluency contributed an additional loss of 10% to 20%. Significant differences in performance were noted for different muff and plug types.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Fibrous dysplasia: differential diagnosis from Paget's disease].
A 27-year-old woman presented with chronic diffuse bone pain and skeletal deformities. Since the age of 3 years she had occipital hyperostosis. Since aged 13 years she had symptoms indicating spinal root involvement due to hyperkyphosis. For the last 6 years there was evidence of destructive and hyperplastic changes in the region of the middle ribs. Alkaline phosphatase (APL) had been elevated (> 250 U/l) for several years. Three years before the present admission the patient had been hospitalized elsewhere because of bone pain and had received intermittent infusions of pamindronate to a total of 600 mg. Laboratory tests showed moderate rise in bone-specific APL and osteocalcin. Conventional x-ray examinations and computed tomography showed lesions in the occipital bone, sella turcica and ethmoid air cells. Several thoracic vertebral fractures were demonstrated. Skeletal scintigraphy indicated enrichment in the occipital and supraorbital regions, as well as in vertebrae and ribs. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) showed osteopenia. Bone biopsy from the occipital lesion revealed fibrous dysplasia. The diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia having been confirmed, cyclical treatment with i.v. pamidronate was given for 6 months. It was well tolerated and lessened the pain without changing the objective findings. In case of uncertain radiological and scintigraphic findings in the differential diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia, Paget's disease or bone tumor, it is essential to obtain a biopsy and, if available, perform gene analysis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cost allocations to meet the challenges of today & tomorrow.
Home care agencies need to plan their position in the industry carefully and consider all available options for organizing their operations and allocating costs. This article outlines some of the many options for cost allocations.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pharmacological interventions for acute spinal cord injury.
Acute spinal cord injury is a devastating condition typically affecting young people with a preponderance of males. Pharmacological treatment in the early hours of the injury is aimed at reducing the extent of permanent paralysis during the rest of the patient's life. To review randomized trials of pharmacological therapies for acute spinal cord injury. The review draws on the search strategy developed by the Cochrane Injuries Group. In addition, files of the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study have been reviewed. All published or unpublished randomized controlled trials of pharmacological treatment for acute spinal cord injury in any language. Data have been abstracted from original trial reports. For the NASCIS, Japanese and French trials, additional data (e.g. SDs) have been obtained from the original authors. There are few trials in this area of medical care. Only one therapy has been extensively studied, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, which has been shown to improve neurologic outcome up to one year post injury if administered within 8 hours of injury and in a dose regimen of: bolus 30mg/kg administered over 15 minutes with a maintenance infusion of 5.4 mg/kg per hour infused for 23 hours. The initial North American trial was replicated in a Japanese trial but not in the one from France. Data has been obtained from the latter study to permit appropriate meta-analysis of all three trials. This analysis indicates significant recovery in motor function after methylprednisolone therapy. A more recent trial indicates that if methylprednisolone therapy is given for an additional 24 hours (for a total of 48 hours), additional improvement in motor neurologic function and functional status is observed. This is particularly observed if treatment cannot be started until between 3 to 8 hours after injury. The same methylprednisolone therapy has been found effective in whiplash injuries and a modified regimen found to improve recovery after surgery for lumbar disc disease. High dose methylprednisolone steroid therapy is the only pharmacological therapy shown to have efficacy in a Phase Three randomized trial when it can be administered within 8 hours of injury. High dose methylprednisolone has been accepted as standard therapy in many countries. A recent trial indicates additional benefit by extending the maintenance dose from 24 to 48 hours if start of treatment must be delayed to between 3 and 8 hours after injury. There is an urgent need for more randomized trials of pharmacological therapy for acute spinal cord injury.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Computed tomography in intracranial supratentorial osteochondroma.
A case of a huge intracranial frontoparietal osteochondroma in a 20-year-old man is reported. The presenting symptoms were headache, vomiting, and blurred vision. Apart from papilledema, no other abnormal neurological signs were present. A specific preoperative diagnosis could not be reached from the information provided by plain skull films, angiography, and radionuclide scan. The findings on computed tomography were those of a high density mass interspersed with small foci of lower densities, producing a honeycomb appearance, and surrounded by deposits of nodular calcification. The postcontrast scan showed a moderate degree of enhancement with preservation of the precontrast honeycomb pattern. These particular features may enable a correct preoperative histological diagnosis to be offered with a high degree of probability.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Long-term functional outcome assessment of plate fixation and autogenous bone grafting for clavicular non-union.
The aim of our study was to assess the long-term functional and radiological outcome of clavicular non-union in patients treated with open reduction and bone grafting. A total of 24 non-unions treated between 1994 and 2001 were analysed using chart and radiological review and assessed with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) DASH questionnaire. There were 13 males and 10 females with a mean age of 37.95 (range 21-65) years. One patient had bilateral injuries. The average time from injury to operation was 10.3 (range 4-29) months and the average follow-up post-operatively was 42.1 (range 6-75) months. All patients were treated using a dynamic compression or reconstruction plate with autogenous bone grafting. Twenty-two of the 24 non-unions eventually healed. DASH assessment indicated a higher level of disability in the treated group than found in the normal population. This only proved significant in the sub-population of patients with associated co-morbidities. We conclude that the long-term outcome results of this procedure indicate it to be a well-tolerated and successful operation in treating the disability and pain associated with clavicular non-union. Most patients return to a daily level of function close to the general population. Patients with associated co-morbidities should have these treated pre-operatively for best results.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Recent advances in molecular pathogenesis of HIV infection].
Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) dramatically improves the prognosis of individuals infected with HIV, and changes the pathophysiology of HIV infection. However, the eradication of HIV has not been achieved by HAART due to presence of reservoir cells. More potent strategy of therapy against HIV is needed for further suppression of the replication and eradication of reservoirs. The recent advances about molecular pathogenesis of HIV infection are reviewed in this paper, that leads to discovery of the new molecular targets of anti-HIV drugs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Benzo(a)pyrene-induced cytochrome p4501A expression of four freshwater fishes (Oryzias latipes, Danio rerio, Cyprinus carpio, and Zacco platypus).
Oryzias latipes, Danio rerio, Cyprinus carpio, and Zacco platypus are useful indicator species for CYP1A biomarker studies; however, comparative studies have not been performed. To compare susceptibility, dose- and time-dependent CYP1A induction at the mRNA and protein levels in response to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) exposure was analyzed. At the mRNA level, a statistically significant difference was found among the four species; however, such was not observed at the protein level. C. carpio showed the highest CYP1A induction level and the steepest slope in the dose-response curve. To assess susceptibility, the difference in CYP1A mRNA induction among species must be considered, and C. carpio was the most sensitive species of the four evaluated in terms of CYP1A expression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Intravesical cidofovir--instillation therapy for polyomavirus-associated hemorrhagic cystitis after bone marrow transplantation].
Viral infections of the urogenital tract are a potential problem in patients taking immunosuppressive medication. We report a 14 year old male patient with hemorrhagic cystitis who had undergone bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Attempts at coagulation as well as instillation treatment and continuous bladder irrigation were not sufficient to stop bleeding. Sequential to these procedures, local instillation with cidofovir into the bladder was started to treat a suspected infection with polyomavirus and the gross hematuria stopped within a few days.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Atopy and alopecia areata in North Indians.
The study was undertaken with the aim of evaluating the effect of associated atopy on severity and age at onset of alopecia areata in north Indians. Presence of atopy was elicited by detailed history, examination and intracutaneous tests. Chi square test was carried out to evaluate statistical significance. One hundred patients (76 males and 24 females) with alopecia areata were evaluated. Historical evidence of atopy was present in 50 including patients alone (23), patients and first degree relatives (11) and first degree relatives alone (16). Intracutaneous tests were positive in 23 out of 50 patients tested randomly. There was a trend towards increasing frequency of severe alopecia as evidence of atopy became stronger e.g. both patient and first degree relatives with atopy or positive intracutaneous test but the results did not attain statistical significance. Similarly the age at onset and duration of alopecia areata was not significantly related to the presence of atopy. It is concluded that in north Indians with alopecia areata, the presence of atopy is not significantly associated with severe alopecia or onset at younger age.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Improved immunohistochemical detection of postsynaptically located PSD-95/SAP90 protein family by protease section pretreatment: a study in the adult mouse brain.
Postsynaptic density (PSD)-95, SAP102, and Chapsyn-110 are members of the PSD-95/SAP90 protein family, which interact with the C-terminus of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and shaker-type potassium channel subunits. Here we report that appropriate section pretreatment with pepsin has led to qualitative and quantitative changes in light microscopic immunohistochemical detection of the protein family. First, pepsin pretreatment lowered the concentration of affinity-purified primary antibodies, while it greatly increased the intensity of immunoreactions. Second, the resulting overall distributions of PSD-95, SAP102, and Chapsyn-110 in the adult mouse brain were consistent with their mRNA distributions. Third, instead of the reported patterns of somatodendritic labeling, tiny punctate staining in the neuropil became overwhelming. Fourth, many PSD-95-immunopositive puncta were apposed closely to synaptophysin-positive nerve terminals and overlapped with NMDA receptor subunits. By postembedding immunogold, the PSD-95 antibody was shown to label exclusively the postsynaptic density at asymmetrical synapses. Based on these results, we conclude that antibody access and binding to the postsynaptically located PSD-95/SAP90 protein family are hindered when conventional immunohistochemistry is adopted, and that pepsin pretreatment effectively unmasks the postsynaptic epitopes. On the other hand, PSD-95 in axon terminals of cerebellar basket cells, where high levels of potassium channels are present, was detectable irrespective of pepsin pretreatment, suggesting that PSD-95 antibody is readily accessible to the presynaptic epitopes. Consequently, the present immunohistochemical results have provided light microscopic evidence supporting the prevailing notion that the PSD-95/SAP90 protein family interacts with NMDA receptor subunits and potassium channel subunits.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Models of transitional care for young people with complex health needs: a scoping review.
Young people with complex healthcare needs (CHNs) face the challenge of transferring from child to adult health services. This study sought to identify successful models of transitional care for young people with CHNs. Three conditions were used as exemplars: cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders and diabetes. Scoping review: using search terms concerning transitional care, four databases were systematically searched for papers published in English between 1980 and April 2010. Additional informal search methods included recommendations from colleagues working with young people with each of the three conditions and making contact with clinical and research teams with expertise in transitional care. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to define the papers selected for review. A separate review of policy documents, adolescent health and transition literature was also undertaken; 10 common summary categories for the components of high-quality services were identified. All papers were coded using a framework analysis which evaluated the data in two ways using the 10 transition categories and four elements of Normalization Process Theory that are important for successful implementation and integration of healthcare interventions. Nineteen papers were selected for review. A very limited literature of models of service provision was identified for young people with cerebral palsy and diabetes. No models were identified for young people with autism spectrum disorders. Furthermore most publications were either descriptions of new service provision or time-limited pilot studies with little service evaluation or consideration of key elements of effective implementation. Despite agreement about the importance of effective transitional care, there is a paucity of evidence to inform best practice about both the process of and what constitutes effective transitional care. There is therefore an urgent need for research to evaluate current transitional care practices for young people with CHNs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Regional cerebral blood flow in severe developmental dyslexia.
Regional cerebral blood flow was measured under three task conditions in 14 men with severe developmental dyslexia and their control subjects using a xenon 133 inhalation technique. No group differences in overall level or in pattern of gray matter flow were seen under relatively undemanding cognitive conditions. Despite minimal group differences in performance, the dyslexic group showed an increased hemispheric asymmetry (left greater than right) on a semantic classification task and a reduced anteroposterior difference on a line orientation task relative to controls. The exaggerated asymmetry suggests the possibility of less efficient information processing or inadequate bihemispheric integration. The reduced anteroposterior gradient may reflect a deficit in the ability of frontal systems to respond adequately to cognitive demands.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Biophysical characterisation of thermal-induced precipitates of recombinant anthrax protective antigen: evidence for kinetically trapped unfolding domains in solid-state.
Insoluble aggregation or precipitation is one of the most common degradation pathways observed for biotherapeutics; despite this, the structural mechanisms by which this occurs remain poorly understood due to difficulties associated with biophysical characterisation of protein particulates. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a solid-state circular dichroism (CD) technique, which allows in situ measurements of the secondary and tertiary structural changes associated with the formation of visible therapeutic protein aggregates. We demonstrate how solid-state CD, in conjunction with other biophysical and computational methods can aid in gaining valuable insights into the mechanisms and pathways of thermal-induced precipitation of Bacillus anthracis recombinant protective antigen (rPA), the primary immunogen of anthrax subunit vaccine. Using these methods, we show the domains d3 and d4 are the most labile of the four structurally distinct domains of rPA and play the critical role in nucleating the cascade of unfolding and aggregation. During the assembly process, the domains d1 and d2 become kinetically trapped within the insoluble aggregate and reveal previously intractable distinct tertiary structural elements of the rPA native structure. These findings reveal a uniquely detailed insight into the role of rPA domains on protein stability and provide a mechanistic framework for thermal-induced unfolding and precipitation. It also shows that solid-state CD provides a novel approach in characterising protein precipitation that may facilitate rational improvements to the stability of biopharmaceuticals.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The phenylpropenamide derivative AT-130 blocks HBV replication at the level of viral RNA packaging.
Nucleos(t)ide analogue antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B has proven to be effective in the short term but the frequent development of resistance limits its clinical utility. Agents targeting other stages of viral replication are needed in order to develop improved combination therapies. The phenylpropenamide derivatives AT-61 and AT-130 have been shown to inhibit HBV replication in vitro, but the mechanism of action of these compounds remains undefined. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of action of AT-130, a non-nucleoside inhibitor of HBV in several in vitro models of replication. These studies found that AT-130 inhibited HBV DNA replication in hepatoma cells but had no effect on viral DNA polymerase activity or core protein translation. Total HBV RNA production was also unaffected in the presence of the drug whilst the amount of encapsidated RNA was significantly reduced, thereby inhibiting subsequent viral reverse transcription. These studies have established that the inhibition of HBV genome replication by a non-nucleoside analogue acting at the level of viral encapsidation and packaging is a potentially useful strategy for future therapeutic drug development in the management of chronic hepatitis B.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Productivity gains do not compensate for reduced calcification under near-future ocean acidification in the photosynthetic benthic foraminifer species Marginopora vertebralis.
Changes in the seawater carbonate chemistry (ocean acidification) from increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentrations negatively affect many marine calcifying organisms, but may benefit primary producers under dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) limitation. To improve predictions of the ecological effects of ocean acidification, the net gains and losses between the processes of photosynthesis and calcification need to be studied jointly on physiological and population levels. We studied productivity, respiration, and abundances of the symbiont-bearing foraminifer species Marginopora vertebralis on natural CO2 seeps in Papua New Guinea and conducted additional studies on production and calcification on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) using artificially enhanced pCO2 . Net oxygen production increased up to 90% with increasing pCO2 ; temperature, light, and pH together explaining 61% of the variance in production. Production increased with increasing light and increasing pCO2 and declined at higher temperatures. Respiration was also significantly elevated (~25%), whereas calcification was reduced (16-39%) at low pH/high pCO2 compared to present-day conditions. In the field, M. vertebralis was absent at three CO2 seep sites at pHTotal levels below ~7.9 (pCO2 ~700 μatm), but it was found in densities of over 1000 m(-2) at all three control sites. The study showed that endosymbiotic algae in foraminifera benefit from increased DIC availability and may be naturally carbon limited. The observed reduction in calcification may have been caused either by increased energy demands for proton pumping (measured as elevated rates of respiration) or by stronger competition for DIC from the more productive symbionts. The net outcome of these two competing processes is that M. vertebralis cannot maintain populations under pCO2 exceeding 700 μatm, thus are likely to be extinct in the next century.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Controllable size, shape and morphology of molybdic acid self-aggregated with rhodamine B to construct functional material.
Controllable size, shape and morphology of rhodamine B/molybdic acid (RBMA) aggregates were prepared from a self-aggregation reaction in a molybdic acid and rhodamine B (RhB) coexisting solution. Nanodisks, as well as microcrystal rods and polyhexagonal microcrystal rods, have been obtained in conventional bulk solutions at different temperatures. Large-sized network microcrystal rods and branched fractal aggregates constructed with nanosubunits after the nucleation duration of an ice-water-cooled process have also been achieved under the evaporation-enhanced conditions on glass substrates. The factors affecting the size, shape and morphology of RBMA aggregates including temperature, nucleation and growth, and processing conditions are discussed. The results show that photofunctional molecules (RhB) modified the surface of the molybdic acid particles and influenced their self-aggregation. The temperature and nucleation play key roles in the formation of RBMA aggregates. The structures of RBMA aggregates were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectra and elemental dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicate that the aggregates show the characteristics of RhB-mediated hydrated ammonium molybdenum bronze with the metastable hexagonal phase. Visible-light-induced electrons transfer reactions in the RBMA aggregates from rhodamine B molecules to MoO3 matrixes were measured by UV-vis spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra, and the fluorescent image was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Insights into sperm cell motility signaling through sNHE and the CatSpers.
Successful natural reproduction normally requires vigorously motile spermatozoa. Using a signal peptide trapping strategy, we identified two new genes, a putative sperm Na+/H+ exchanger (sNHE) and the putative cation channel CatSper2, with unique and essential roles in sperm motility. Disruption of the sNHE or CatSper2 genes in mice caused male infertility due to immotile spermatozoa or failed motility hyperactivation, respectively, without other apparent abnormalities. The immotility phenotype of the sNHE null spermatozoa appears to result from an intimate association of sNHE and the atypical adenylyl cyclase (sAC), while a failure of calcium entry requiring an apparent CatSper1 and -2 heteromeric ion channel correlates with a hyperactivation defect in these null animals. The specific expression of sNHE and the CatSpers in spermatozoa and their required function in cell motility make them excellent potential targets for the development of novel male contraceptives.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ten years' experience with enteral levodopa infusions for motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease.
We report our long-term experience using enteral levodopa infusions in 22 patients with Parkinson's disease and severe motor fluctuations. Amelioration of intractable dyskinesias was the most important factor that determined whether patients chose to continue using the infusion pump system. Mechanical and physical problems associated with enteral access were the most common reasons for which patients discontinued pump use. Nearly all patients continued to have dramatically increased on time for the duration of follow up, suggesting that technically less-cumbersome systems that provide continuous dopaminergic stimulation are worthwhile and should be developed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The influence of dexamethasone administered prenatally on cartilage of newborn spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus) offspring.
Considering the negative effects of glucocorticoid treatment, especially during fetal development it is important to investigate effectors decreasing such disadvantages. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prenatally administered dexamethasone (Dex), a synthetic glucocorticoid, on the histomorphometry of the femur in the offspring of spiny mice. The study was performed on 24 pregnant spiny mice. The time of the experiment included the prenatal period between the 20th day of gestation until birth (pregnancy lasts on average of 36-38 days). The mice from the experimental group received dexamethasone per os in a dose of 125 mg/kg birth weight daily. At the end, the newborns from the experimental and control group were weighted and euthanized. Maternal Dex treatment resulted in a 17% decrease in birth weight in newborns. Dex administration significantly reduced the thickness of the hypertrophy zone of the growth plate by 34% and total thickness by 8,7%. In addition, Dex decreased the number of cells in the articular cartilage by 27% and significantly decreased their diameter by 5%. Dex also affected the structure and spatial distribution of thick and thin collagen fibers, lowering the proportion of thin fibers compared with the control group. Moreover, Dex treatment considerably lowered the amount of proteoglycans in articular and growth cartilages. Exposure to glucocorticoids in pregnant spiny mice affects cartilage development by accelerating maturity of collagen fibers and growth plate, presumably along with further disruption of longitudinal growth of long bones.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Detection of glycosphingolipids of ABH and Le antigens on thin-layer plates using the PAP method].
Stroma from hemolyzed erythrocytes of blood groups 0, A1, B and A1B were obtained and subjected to butanol/phosphate buffer extraction. This extract was separated using HPTLC, and the ABH and Le substances were detected on the chromatogram using the PAP technique. The staining of the bands allowed specific demonstration of the serologically active glycosphingolipids present in the ABH and Le blood group substances. The antigens of the AB0 system showed a 3- to 12-band pattern. Each of the antigens Lea and Leb presented 3 bands. The slight differences in the levels of glycosphingolipids of equal chain lengths are probably due to differences in their chemical structures.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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p16 and p16 beta are potent growth suppressors of head and neck squamous carcinoma cells in vitro.
p16 (CDKN2/MTS1/p16INK4a) is frequently deleted, methylated, or mutated in many malignancies including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). p16 beta is an alternative transcript derived from a newly described exon (exon 1 beta) located more than 15 kb 5' to exon 1 of p16. Moreover, the p16 beta transcript theoretically encodes a protein distinct from p16 derived from a divergent reading frame putatively initiated in exon 1 beta. To test the contribution of both of these transcripts in carcinogenesis, full-length cDNA of p16 and p16 beta were cloned in separate vector constructs and then transfected into HNSCC cell lines characterized for p16 status (p16[+/+], p16[mut/-], and p16[methylated]). Transfection of either p16 or p16 beta resulted in marked growth inhibition in all three HNSCC lines tested, regardless of p16 status. However, p16 beta but not p16 inhibited the growth of HeLa cells, a cell line with inactive pRB due to expression of E7 papillomavirus protein. Moreover, transfection of all three HNSCC lines with either p16 or p16 beta resulted in a marked increase in cells in G0-G1 consistent with a cell cycle arrest in G1. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that p16 and p16 beta are growth-inhibitory genes active in HNSCC and that both act by blocking progression through the G1-S transition of the cell cycle. Furthermore, the suppressive effects of p16 beta on HeLa growth suggest that p16 beta mediates its effect independently from pRB.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Improvement on the modified Lowry method against interference of divalent cations in soluble protein measurement.
This paper systematically investigated the interference of calcium and magnesium in protein measurement with a modified Lowry method first proposed by Frølund et al. (Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 43:755-761, 1995). This interference has in the past been largely ignored resulting in variable and unreliable results when applied to natural water matrices. We discovered significant formation of calcium and magnesium precipitates that lead to a decline in light absorbance at 750 nm during protein determination. Underestimation of protein concentration (sometimes even yielding negative concentrations) and low experiment reproducibility were demonstrated at high concentrations of divalent cations (e.g., [Ca(2+)] over 1 mmol L(-1)). To eliminate interference from calcium and magnesium, two pretreatment strategies were established based on cation exchange and dialysis. These pretreatments were convenient and were found to be highly effective in removing calcium and magnesium in protein samples. By using the modified Lowry method with these pretreatments, proteins in standard solutions and in wastewater samples were successfully quantified with good reliability and reproducibility. In addition, we demonstrated that simultaneous quantification of humic substances with the modified Lowry method was not affected by the two pretreatments. These approaches are expected to be applicable to protein and humic substance determination in different research fields, in cases where the modified Lowry method is sensitive to divalent cation concentrations.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Problems in diagnosis and delineation of inherited disorders in highly inbred populations.
Two families were chosen as examples of the problems that may arise in the identification of inherited disorders in populations in which the rate of consanguineous marriages is high. In the first family, mentally retarded children of both sexes were born to 4 sisters married to close relative, and the possibility of an autosomal recessive disease was raised. The diagnosis of an X-linked disease, Martin Bell Syndrome, was made after the results of the chromosome analysis were at hand. In inbred communities, individuals affected with X-linked diseases are often born to parents who are related. In the second family two different autosomal recessive disorders were diagnosed among the children of a couple originating from a very inbred community. One of the children was affected with both disorders. The finding of two sibs with different symptoms may suggest that they have the same syndrome, and the differences in manifestations represent variability. The possibility that there may be more than one common abnormal gene in very inbred communities must be kept in mind, in particular when one is dealing with syndromes in which the diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms only. Another problem is that when the child has a complex unknown syndrome, the possibility that the child is affected simultaneously with 2 different genetic disorders should be raised.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Human estrogen sulfotransferase (hEST1) activities and its mRNA in various breast cancer cell lines. Effect of the progestin, promegestone (R-5020).
Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification it was possible to detect the presence of type 1 human estrogen sulfotransferase (hEST1) mRNA in the hormone-dependent: MCF-7 and T-47D, and hormone-independent: MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, human breast cancer cells. The expression of this mRNA is significantly higher in the MDA-MB-468 cells and a correlation of this mRNA expression with the enzymatic activity was observed. The progestin promegestone (R-5020) at a low concentration (5 x 10(-7) M) can significantly increase the estrogen sulfotransferase activity and its mRNA in the hormone-dependent MCF-7 and T-47D cells. As estrogen sulfates are biologically inactive, the stimulatory effect on sulfotransferase by promegestone may open attractive possibilities in the control of estradiol in human breast cancer.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Prediction of essential proteins in prokaryotes by incorporating various physico-chemical features into the general form of Chou's pseudo amino acid composition.
Prediction of essential proteins of a pathogenic organism is the key for the potential drug target identification, because inhibition of these would be fatal for the pathogen. Identification of these proteins requires the use of complex experimental techniques which are quite expensive and time consuming. We implemented Support Vector Machine algorithm to develop a classifier model for in silico prediction of prokaryotic essential proteins based on the physico-chemical properties of the amino acid sequences. This classifier was designed based on a set of 10 physico-chemical descriptor vectors (DVs) and 4 hybrid DVs calculated from amino acid sequences using PROFEAT and PseAAC servers. The classifier was trained using data sets consisting of 500 known essential and 500 non-essential proteins (n=1,000) and evaluated using an external validation set consisting of 3,462 essential proteins and 5,538 non-essential proteins (n=9,000). The performances of individual DV sets were evaluated. DV set 13, which is the combination of composition, transition and distribution descriptor set and hybrid autocorrelation descriptor set, provided accuracy of 91.2% in 10-fold cross-validation of the training set and an accuracy of 89.7% in external validation set and of 91.8% and 88.1% using a different yeast protein dataset. Our result indicates that this classification model can be used for identification of novel prokaryotic essential proteins.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Clostridium difficile presence in Spanish and Belgian hospitals.
Clostridium difficile is recognised worldwide as the main cause of infectious bacterial antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in hospitals and other healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to first survey C. difficile prevalence during the summer of 2014 at the Central University Hospital of Asturias (Spain). By typing the isolates obtained, it was then possible to compare the ribotype distribution at the Spanish hospital with results from the St Luc University Hospital in Belgium over the same period. The prevalence of positive cases reported in Spain and Belgium was 12.3% and 9.3% respectively. The main PCR-ribotypes previously described in Europe were found in both hospitals, including 078, 014, 012, 020 and 002. In the Spanish hospital, most of the C. difficile-positive samples were referred from oncology, acute care and general medicine services. In the Belgian hospital the majority of positive samples were referred from the paediatric service. However, a high percentage of isolates from this service were non-toxigenic. This study finds that the presence and detection of C. difficile in paediatric and oncology services requires further investigation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Use of mitochondrial COI gene for the identification of family Salticidae and Lycosidae of spiders.
In recent years, DNA barcoding has become quite popular for molecular identification of species because it is simple, quick and an affordable method. Present study was conducted to identify spiders of most abundant families, i.e. Salticidae and Lycosidae from citrus orchards in Sargodha district using DNA barcoding. A total of 160 specimens were subjected to DNA barcoding but, sequences up to 600 bp were recovered for 156 specimens. This molecular approach proved helpful to assign the exact taxon to those specimens which were misidentified through morphological characters in the study. We were succeeded to discriminate six species of Lycosidae and nine species of Salticidae through DNA barcoding. Results revealed the presence of clear barcode gap (discontinuity in intra- and inter-specific divergences) for members of both families. Furthermore, the maximum intra-specific divergence was less than NN (nearest neighbour) distance for all species. This suggested the reliability of DNA barcoding for spider's identification up to species level. We got 98% success in our study. It is concluded from present study that DNA barcoding is more reliable tool especially for immature spiders, when morphological characters are ambiguous.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Characterization of IS1541-like elements in Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
We characterized Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis insertion sequences related to insertion sequence 1541, recently identified in Yersinia pestis. For each of the two species, two insertion sequence copies were cloned and sequenced. Genetic elements from Y. pseudotuberculosis were almost identical to insertion sequence 1541, whereas these from Y. enterocolitica were less related. Phylogenetic analysis of the putative transposases encoded by insertion sequences from the three pathogenic members of the genus Yersinia showed that they clustered with those encoded by Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica elements belonging to the insertion sequence 200/insertion sequence 605 group. Insertion sequences originating from Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis constitute a monophyletic lineage distinct from that of Y. enterocolitica.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Social cognitive theory of posttraumatic recovery: the role of perceived self-efficacy.
The present article integrates findings from diverse studies on the generalized role of perceived coping self-efficacy in recovery from different types of traumatic experiences. They include natural disasters, technological catastrophes, terrorist attacks, military combat, and sexual and criminal assaults. The various studies apply multiple controls for diverse sets of potential contributors to posttraumatic recovery. In these different multivariate analyses, perceived coping self-efficacy emerges as a focal mediator of posttraumatic recovery. Verification of its independent contribution to posttraumatic recovery across a wide range of traumas lends support to the centrality of the enabling and protective function of belief in one's capability to exercise some measure of control over traumatic adversity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Erythrocyte enzymes in chronic kidney failure].
Forty four patients with various degrees of chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) were studied. The activity of both dehydrogenases and pentosephosphate pathway (PPhP) in erythrocyte--glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD), as well as the activity of the main generating ATP-enzyme of glycolysis--pyruvate kinase (PK) was studied. The activity of the erythrocyte enzymes studied grows with the intensification of renal insufficiency, particularly manifested in G6PD and PK.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A single nucleotide polymorphism panel for individual identification and ancestry assignment in Caucasians and four East and Southeast Asian populations using a machine learning classifier.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiling is an effective means of individual identification and ancestry inferences in forensic genetics. This study established a SNP panel for the simultaneous individual identification and ancestry assignment of Caucasian and four East and Southeast Asian populations. We analyzed 220 SNPs (125 autosomal, 17 X-chromosomal, 30 Y-chromosomal, and 48 mitochondrial SNPs) of the DNA samples from 563 unrelated individuals of five populations (89 Caucasian, 234 Taiwanese Han, 90 Filipino, 79 Indonesian and 71 Vietnamese) and 18 degraded DNA samples. Informativeness for assignment (In) was used to select ancestry informative SNPs (AISNPs). A machine learning classifier, support vector machine (SVM), was used for ancestry assignment. Of the 220 SNPs, 62 were individual identification SNPs (IISNPs) (51 autosomal and 11 X-chromosomal SNPs) and 191 were AISNPs (100 autosomal, 13 X-chromosomal, 30 Y-chromosomal, and 48 mitochondrial SNPs). The 51 autosomal IISNPs offered cumulative random match probabilities (cRMPs) ranging from 1.56 × 10-21 to 3.16 × 10-22 among these five populations. Using AISNPs with the SVM, the overall accuracy rate of ancestry inference achieved in the testing dataset between Caucasian, Taiwanese Han, and Filipino populations was 88.9%, whereas it was 70.0% between Caucasians and each of the four East and Southeast Asian populations. For the 18 degraded DNA samples with incomplete profiling, the accuracy rate of ancestry assignment was 94.4%. We have developed a 220-SNP panel for simultaneous individual identification and ethnic origin differentiation between Caucasian and the four East and Southeast Asian populations. This SNP panel may assist with DNA analysis of forensic casework.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Novel propanamides as fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors.
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has a key role in the control of the cannabinoid signaling, through the hydrolysis of the endocannabinoids anandamide and in some tissues 2-arachidonoylglycerol. FAAH inhibition represents a promising strategy to activate the cannabinoid system, since it does not result in the psychotropic and peripheral side effects characterizing the agonists of the cannabinoid receptors. Here we present the discovery of a novel class of profen derivatives, the N-(heteroaryl)-2-(4-((2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-4-yl)amino)phenyl)propanamides, as FAAH inhibitors. Enzymatic assays showed potencies toward FAAH ranging from nanomolar to micromolar range, and the most compounds lack activity toward the two isoforms of cyclooxygenase. Extensive structure-activity studies and the definition of the binding mode for the lead compound of the series are also presented. Kinetic assays in rat and mouse FAAH on selected compounds of the series demonstrated that slight modifications of the chemical structure could influence the binding mode and give rise to competitive (TPA1) or non-competitive (TPA14) inhibition modes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Investigation of the Ca2+ response of human hNT astrocytes to laser removal of cellular processes.
We demonstrate, for the first time, UV laser ablative microsurgery as a method for pruning astrocytic processes from live hNT astrocytic networks in vitro. Calcium fluorescence imaging was used to evaluate the cellular response to process ablation. The results showed that ablation of astrocyte processes induced an immediate increase in intracellular calcium level which propagated through the cells cytoplasm as a wave originating from the ablation site. The increased intracellular calcium dissipated from the body of the cell but remained high in the vicinity of the ablation site. Cell viability post ablation was confirmed by observing the integrity of the cell membrane. Ablation of astrocytic processes did not compromise cell viability whereas ablation of the cytoplasm using the same laser energy resulted in cell lysis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Modeling the role of genetic factors in characterizing extra-intestinal manifestations in Crohn's disease patients: does this improve outcome predictions?
To evaluate to what extent an inefficient statistical model affects the study of genetic factors in extra-intestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease (CD) and how clinical predictions can be improved using more adequate techniques. Extra-intestinal manifestations were studied in 152 CD patients. Three sets of variables were considered: (1) disease characteristics--presentation, behavior, location; (2) generic risk factors--age, gender, smoke and familiarity; and (3) genetic polymorphisms of the NOD2, CD14, TNF, IL12B, and IL1RN genes, whose involvement in CD is known or suspected. Six statistical classifiers and data mining models were applied: (1) logistic regression as a benchmark; (2) generalized additive model; (3) projection pursuit regression; (4) linear discriminant analysis, (5) quadratic discriminant analysis; (6) artificial neural networks one-layer feed forward. Models were selected using the Akaike Information criterion and their accuracy was compared with several indexes. Extra-intestinal manifestations occurred in 75 patients. The model with clinical variables only selected familiarity, gender, presentation, and behavior as significantly associated with extra-intestinal manifestations, whereas when the genetic factors were also included familiarity was no longer significant, being replaced by the NOD2, TNF, and IL12B single nucleotide polymorphisms. The projection pursuit regression performed best in predicting individual outcomes (Kappa statistics 0.078 [SE 0.09] without and 0.108 [SE 0.075] with genetic information). One-layer artificial neural networks did not show any particular improvement in terms of model accuracy over nonlinear techniques. The correct identification of factors associated with extra-intestinal symptoms in CD, in particular the genetic ones, is highly dependent on the model chosen for the analysis. By using the most sophisticated statistical models, the accuracy of prediction can be strengthened by 10-64%, compared with linear regression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Assessment of hip protectors and corresponding hip fracture risk using stress calculation in the femoral neck.
As in many countries, a significant increase in the number of hip fractures is predicted due to the demographic changes in the population. To reduce the consequences for the patients and the social costs, hip protectors are considered to be effective in reducing the impact force on the hip and so to reduce the risk of hip fractures. The effectiveness of hip protectors has been investigated as well in experimental impact tests as in clinical studies, but there is still an uncertainty about their mechanical protection effect. Therefore, laboratory tests are an effective way to investigate the mechanical behaviour of hip protectors. A fracture is initiated by exceeding an ultimate compressive or tensile stress. In our model, stresses in the femoral neck are estimated by using the Euler beam formula. A standard femur was defined consisting of all mechanical parameters that have been identified to influence the mechanical resistance to external loads, such as the effective cross-sectional area (CSA), cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), femoral neck width (FNW), centre of mass and other geometric parameters of the femur. In this study the necessary formulae as well as first results of assessing hip protectors on the basis of stresses in the femoral neck are presented. The results show that the methodology facilitates assessment and improvement of hip protectors, as the biomechanical parameters of real femora are the basis of the model.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Zileuton added to low-dose inhaled beclomethasone for the treatment of moderate to severe persistent asthma.
To assess the therapeutic effects of oral zileuton tablets combined with low-dose beclomethasone compared to doubling the dose of beclomethasone, in improving lung function and reducing asthma symptoms. Randomized, active-control, double-blind, parallel, multi-center study of zileuton (400 or 600 mg QID)+200 microg beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) BID versus placebo+BDP 400 microg BID in asthmatics with baseline FEV(1) percent predicted values between 40% and 80% following a single-blind ICS (BDP 200 microg BID) 2-week run-in. During the 3-month double-blind treatment period, assessments included safety, daytime and nighttime symptoms, acute asthma exacerbations, beta(2)-agonist use, AM and PM peak expiratory flow (PEF) and FEV(1). The addition of a 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor added to a low-dose of BDP showed no significant difference in FEV(1) compared to doubling the dose of BDP. FEV(1) improved in all 3 treatment groups, with mean increases of 10% with zileuton 600 mg QID+BDP 200 microg BID, 12% with zileuton 400mg QID+BDP 200 microg BID, and 11% with BDP 400 microg BID by study end. Within each treatment group, there were significant improvements in asthma symptoms and AM and PM PEF compared to baseline. No significant differences were observed between groups with regards to salbutamol use, acute asthma exacerbations, the requirement for oral/parenteral corticosteroids and adverse clinical events. The addition of a 5-LO inhibitor added to low-dose beclomethasone may be an alternative to higher-doses of ICS in patients unable to achieve sufficient asthma control on low-dose ICS therapy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Lentiviral vector-mediated rescue of motor behavior in spontaneously occurring hereditary ataxic mice.
Hotfoot5J mice are spontaneously occurring ataxic mice that lack delta2 glutamate receptor (GluRdelta2) protein in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Here we aimed to rescue the ataxic phenotype of hotfoot5J mice by lentiviral vector-mediated expression of recombinant GluRdelta2 in Purkinje cells. Lentiviral vectors expressing GluRdelta2 were injected into the cerebellar cortex of hotfoot5J mice 6 or 7 days after birth, and the effects were studied on postnatal day 30. The motor behavior of hotfoot5J mice treated with vectors expressing GluRdelta2 was markedly rescued, whereas the ataxia of hotfoot5J mice treated with vectors expressing GFP was comparable to that of non-injected hotfoot5J littermates. Furthermore, the impaired release probability of glutamate from parallel fiber terminals and the failure of developmental elimination of surplus climbing fibers from Purkinje cells in hotfoot5J mice were completely rescued by GluRdelta2 expression. These results indicate the therapeutic potential of viral vector-based gene therapy for hereditary cerebellar ataxia and other neuronal disorders.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Comparison of splinting and Kinesio taping in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective randomized study.
The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effectiveness of splinting and Kinesio taping (KT) as forms of treatment for patients with mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) by evaluating the symptoms and measuring the range of function and electrophysiological findings. This single-blind, randomized, prospective study included 44 patients (58 hands) suffering mild to moderate idiopathic CTS according to nerve conduction studies (NCS). The patients were randomized into two groups and evaluated before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment by means of physical examination findings, NCS, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) functional status and symptom severity scale scores. When the differences in both groups before and after treatment were compared, a significant improvement was observed in the KT group compared to the splint group in terms of electrophysiological changes, provocative test responses, BCTQ symptom severity, and functional status scores. KT may help prevent the disease from progressing further in mild and moderate idiopathic CTS when applied in time using the appropriate technique and be a good alternative to neutral splinting in terms of patient compliance.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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On the determination of 99Tc in environmental waters.
In this paper we propose a search for 99Tc in flocs from water treatment plants. We show that preconcentration of 99Tc from environmental waters is a very advantageous method because of the high volumes involved. A radiochemical method is adapted in these kinds of samples, and 99Tc is identified in them by a previously published method. A typical value found is 0.56 +/- 0.26 mBq/g, where 1 g dry floc should be related to many liters of water.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Modeling the impact of sterile males on an Aedes aegypti population with optimal control.
We use partial differential equations to describe the dynamics of an Aedes aegypti mosquito population on an island, and the effects of a sterile male release. The model includes mosquito movement and an Allee effect to capture extinction events. We apply optimal control theory to identify the release strategy that eliminates the mosquitoes most rapidly, conditional on a limited availability of sterile males. The optimal solution for a single location is to initially release a substantial number of mosquitoes and to subsequently release fewer sterile males proportionally to the decreasing female population. The optimal solution for the whole island is intractable given a constraint on the total daily release of sterile males. The best approximation to the spatial optimal control strategy is to focus on the high mosquito density areas first and then move outwards (in both directions along the periphery of the island), until all areas have been covered, retaining throughout sufficient release intensity to prevent reintroduction in the already cleared areas.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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You see, the ends don't justify the means: visual imagery and moral judgment.
We conducted three experiments indicating that characteristically deontological judgments--here, disapproving of sacrificing one person for the greater good of others--are preferentially supported by visual imagery. Experiment 1 used two matched working memory tasks-one visual, one verbal-to identify individuals with relatively visual cognitive styles and individuals with relatively verbal cognitive styles. Individuals with more visual cognitive styles made more deontological judgments. Experiment 2 showed that visual interference, relative to verbal interference and no interference, decreases deontological judgment. Experiment 3 indicated that these effects are due to people's tendency to visualize the harmful means (sacrificing one person) more than the beneficial end (saving others). These results suggest a specific role for visual imagery in moral judgment: When people consider sacrificing someone as a means to an end, visual imagery preferentially supports the judgment that the ends do not justify the means. These results suggest an integration of the dual-process theory of moral judgment with construal-level theory.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The dermal and naso-pharyngo-oral leishmaniasis (author's transl)].
The naso-pharyngo-oral leishmaniasis is not limited to South America. Cases have been reported in Africa showing that its prevalence in this area has been underrated. Its diagnosis is easy and early treatment will prevent facial lesions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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NMR and molecular modeling studies of the interaction of artificial AP lyases with a DNA duplex containing an apurinic abasic site model.
Tailor-made molecules, DTAc and ATAc, that incorporate a nucleic base (adenine or 2,6-diaminopurine) linked by a diamino chain to an intercalator (9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine) selectively recognize and efficiently cleave abasic sites in DNA via a beta-elimination reaction. The three-dimensional structure of the complexes of DTAc and ATAc bound to a DNA undecamer, the 5'd(C1G2C3A4C5X6C7A8C9G10C11)3' x 3'd(G22C21G20T19G18T17G16T15G14C13G12)5' duplex in which the X residue is a stable abasic site [3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran], has been studied by combined NMR-energy minimization methods. Analysis of the NMR spectra reveals that DTAc and ATAc interact with a very similar fashion and form two different complexes with DNA, present in a ratio of 70/30 (+/-10). In both complexes, the acridine ring intercalates exclusively between the C3 x G20 and A4 x T19 base pairs, the linker is located in the minor groove, and the base moiety docks in the abasic site. The principal difference between the major and the minor complexes consists of a 180 degrees rotation of the acridine ring around the Acr-C-N bond within the same intercalation site. Molecular modeling studies with few intermolecular ligand-DNA restraints were used to investigate the geometry of the base pair formed between the diaminopurine of DTAc and the T17 ring. The most energetically favored complex has the 2,6-diaminopurine of DTAc base paired with the T17 ring in a Hoogsteen conformation. The models DTAc and ATAc are also discussed as nuclease mimics and cleaving agents at abasic sites.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Experimental tooth movement into bone induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.
The development of biomaterials for secondary bone grafting to the alveolar cleft, recombinant human morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) may have great potential to promote osseous regeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the osteoinductive activity of low-dose rhBMP-2 (10 microg/100 microL) and the biological response of newly generated bone to orthodontic stimulation, compared with previous results using high-dose rhBMP-2 (40 microg/100 microL). After extraction of the maxillary first premolars, bone defects were surgically created in eight adult beagle dogs using a 5-mm-diameter trepan bar. The rhBMP-2 with a PLGA/gelatin sponge complex (PGS) made of gelatin and polylactic acid polyglycolic acid copolymer was immediately implanted. The osteoinductive activity of rhBMP-2 and tooth movement into the newly generated bone was evaluated based on histological and morphometric examination. Dramatic histological and morphometric differences were found in the time course of bone remodeling between low- and high-dose rhBMP-2. The onset of bone remodeling occurred significantly earlier in low-dose rhBMP-2. During experimental tooth movement, in contrast to high-dose rhBMP-2, with which root resorption occurred, only partial cementum resorption occurred on the pressure side with low-dose rhBMP-2. These results indicated that the proper dosage of rhBMP-2 should be determined for successful clinical application.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Zeolite/Fe3O4 as a new sorbent in magnetic solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography for determining phthalates in aqueous samples.
In the present study, for the first time, we successfully employed zeolite/Fe3O4 as a new magnetic nanoparticle sorbent in magnetic solid-phase extraction for determining phthalates in aqueous samples. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection was used to detect the target analytes as a powerful instrumental analysis. Affecting parameters in the extraction process, including the amount of adsorbent, adsorption and desorption time, and volume of desorption solvent, were optimized using a response surface methodology based on central composite design. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range for dibutyl phthalate and bis(2-ethylhexyl phthalate) was varied in the interval of 10-1700 and 10-1200 μg/L, respectively. Limits of detection were 2.80 μg/L for dibutyl phthalate and 3.20 μg/L for bis(2-ethylhexyl phthalate). The recovery value for the extraction of target analytes was between 97 and 111%. The repeatability and reproducibility of the new proposed method were obtained: 10-13% and 13-13.5%, respectively. The increased sensitivity in using the proposed method has been demonstrated. Compared with previous methods, the new proposed method is an accurate, rapid, and reliable sample-pretreatment method.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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No release of histamine and substance P in capsaicin-induced neurogenic inflammation in intact human skin in vivo: a microdialysis study.
Studies in rodents' skin have indicated substance P to be the main inflammatory mediator involved in neurogenic inflammation, acting partly by release of histamine from skin mast cells. The mediators released in neurogenic inflammation in human skin remain to be determined. To determine the effects of intradermally injected and topically applied capsaicin on the release of histamine and substance P and skin responses in intact human skin in vivo. Extracellular skin levels of histamine and substance P were measured by microdialysis technique and assayed by enzyme and radio immunoassays. Two kinds of dialysis fibres (210 microm, 2 kDa, and 500 microm, 20 kDa) were inserted intradermally into forearm skin for studies of histamine release to topically administered capsaicin and intradermally injected capsaicin and substance P. Baseline histamine skin levels were 8.0 +/- 0.7 nM. Intradermally injected capsaicin (0.3-30 microM, 7.5-750 pmol) caused significantly and dose-related flare and pain reactions, but no significant histamine release or weals. Intradermally injected substance P (1 and 3 microM, 25 and 75 pmol) released significant amounts of histamine (peak levels being 90 and 475 nM), evoked weal-and-flare reactions, but did not cause pain. Capsaicin 2% ointment, applied on the skin for 2.5 h, increased skin blood flow by 300-400% as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, elicited a longstanding burning sensation, but did not release histamine. Substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) was below the 1.8 pM detection limit following insertion of 20 kDa dialysis fibre and after intradermal injection of capsaicin 3 microM. Intradermal injection of injection of 1 microM of substance P increased SP-LI levels to values greater than 4500 pM, confirming the ability of the dialysis fibre to recover this peptide. Capsaicin-induced neurogenic activation does not involve the release of histamine from mast cells or detectable amounts of substance P release from sensory nerves in normal human skin in vivo.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Catenation and Aggregation of Multi-Cavity Coordination Cages.
A series of metal-mediated cages, having multiple cavities, was synthesized from PdII cations and tris- or tetrakis-monodentate bridging ligands and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray methods. The peanut-shaped [Pd3 L1 4 ] cage deriving from the tris-monodentate ligand L1 could be quantitatively converted into its interpenetrated [5Cl@Pd6 L1 8 ] dimer featuring a linear {[Pd-Cl-]5 Pd} stack as an unprecedented structural motif upon addition of chloride anions. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments showed that the cigar-shaped assembly with a length of 3.7 nm aggregates into mono-layered discs of 14 nm diameter via solvophobic interactions between the hexyl sidechains. The hepta-cationic [5Cl@Pd6 L1 8 ] cage was found to interact with polyanionic oligonucleotide double-strands under dissolution of the aggregates in water, rendering the compound class interesting for applications based on non-covalent DNA binding.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Chromosome aberration test for the insecticide, dichlorvos, on fish chromosomes.
Chromosome aberration test was applied for an organophosphorus insecticide, dichlorvos, using fish as model. Channa punctatus, an ophiocephalid, having a small number (2n = 32) and a rather large size of chromosomes, was used for the purpose. Dichlorvos, with O,O-dimethyl-2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate as the active component, was dissolved in the aquarium water at concentration level equal to that found in drainage from agricultural fields (0.01 ppm). The chromosomal preparations were made from the kidney cells of the fish after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h intervals. Controls were kept in ordinary water. The aberrations observed were chromatid gaps, sub-chromatid gaps, centromeric gaps, precocious separation of chromatids and polyploidy. These were found to be significantly higher as compared to that of the controls. This test proved its efficacy in the fish model without the administration of the chemical by injection.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Examination of Chinese and U.S.S.R. cereals for the Fusarium mycotoxins, nivalenol, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone.
Cereals, foods and feeds sampled in Taiwan, China and the U.S.S.R. were contaminated with nivalenol, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. The frequencies and levels of contamination are similar to those observed in the cereals of Japan and Korea. This is the first report on the natural occurrence of nivalenol, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in Chinese and U.S.S.R. cereals, foods and feeds.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Gene transfer by biolistic process.
Gene transfer into somatic tissues is a tool for both the study of gene function in the basic science laboratory and for gene therapy and genetic immunization in the clinic. Biolistic processes can be used to deliver both viral and nonviral vectors into somatic tissues. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of three biolistic processes: jet injection, microparticle bombardment, and needle and syringe injection. Jet injection and needle and syringe injection can be used to deliver both viral and nonviral vectors. Both jet injection and microparticle bombardment can be used to target a broad range of tissues. Needle and syringe injection has been most widely used in muscle tissue. The choice of which biolistic process to use is dependent on the specific application.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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DNA tracking within a nanochannel: device fabrication and experiments.
Fabrication of nanochannels is drawing considerable interest due to its broad applications in nanobiotechnology (e.g. biomolecular sensing and single DNA manipulation). Nanochannels offer distinct advantages in allowing a slower translocation and multiple sensing spots along the channel, both of which improve the read-out resolution. However, implementing electrodes inside the nanochannel has rarely been demonstrated to our knowledge. The device described in this work is a Si-Glass anodically bonded Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) device of a few millimetres in size capable of performing DNA manipulation. The LOC device structure is based on two mainstream microchannels interconnected by nanochannels. DNA, once trapped within the nanochannel, has been tracked throughout the length of the channel and the data have been recorded and analysed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Megakaryocyte-related interleukins in reactive thrombocytosis versus autonomous thrombocythemia.
The primary thrombocytosis (thrombocythemia) associated with myeloproliferative disorders is believed to be due to autonomous platelet production. Secondary or reactive thrombocytosis can be observed in a number of clinical circumstances, and may be related to persistent overproduction of some thrombocytopoietic factors acting on megakaryocytes. Several cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1 and IL-4 have been shown to act alone or in concert, to affect various cellular stages of megakaryocytopoiesis in humans. The aim of this study is to assess the serum concentrations of these cytokines in myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) with thrombocythemia and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with marked reactive thrombocytosis. Twenty-two patients (14 men, 8 women) with MPD and thrombocythemia (platelet counts > 500 x 10(9)/1; range 507-996 x 10(9)/1), 33 RA patients (28 women, 5 men) with marked thrombocytosis (platelet counts > 500 x 10(9)/1; range 500-745 x 10(9)/ 1), 27 RA patients (24 women, 3 men) with normal platelet counts (range 168-399 x 10(9)/1) and 15 healthy volunteers (8 women, 7 men) with normal platelet counts (range 161-385 x 10(9)/1) enrolled in the study. Serum IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-4 and IL-6 concentrations were measured in these four groups. Of the 22 patients with MPD, 10 had chronic myelogenous leukemia, 5 had polycythemia vera, 6 had essential thrombocytosis and 1 had osteomyelofibrosis. Serum interleukin concentrations in patients with MPD and thrombocythemia were either suppressed or similar to those of normal subjects, whereas IL-6, IL-1 beta and IL-4 levels were increased in RA patients with reactive thrombocytosis. We conclude that thrombocythemia associated with MPD is an autonomous phenomenon, and is not regulated by cytokines which affect megakaryocytopoiesis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A simple and reproducible method for analysis of chromatin condensation.
A method for examination of chromatin condensation with the help of gel electrophoresis in low-density agarose gels was suggested. This method provides a way for the degree of chromatin condensation to be estimated at different ionic conditions of the medium. It led to results which are in close agreement with the results of other traditional methods. Thus it was inferred that this method offers an alternative to the method of density-gradient ultracentrifugation for chromatin condensation study.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Efficacy of New Measures Saving Time in Acute Stroke Management: A Quantified Analysis.
Time to treatment remains the most important factor in acute ischemic stroke prognosis. We quantified the effect of new interventions reducing in-hospital delays in acute stroke management and assessed its repercussion on door-to-imaging (DTI), imaging-to-needle (ITN), and door-to-needle (DTN) times. Prospective registry of consecutive stroke patients who were candidates for reperfusion therapy attended in a tertiary care hospital from February 1 to December 31, 2014. A series of measures aimed at reducing in-hospital delays were implemented. We compared DTI, ITN, and DTN times between patients who underwent the interventions and those who did not. 231 patients. DTI time was lower when personal history was reviewed and tests were ordered before patient arrival (2.5 minutes saved, P = .016) and when electrocardiogram was not made (5.4 minutes saved, P < .001). Not performing a computed tomography angiography and not waiting for coagulation results from laboratory before intravenous thrombolysis (25.5%) reduced ITN time significantly (14 and 12 minutes saved, respectively, P < .001). These interventions remained as independent predictors of a shorter ITN and DTN time. Completing all steps resulted in the lowest DTI and ITN times (13 and 19 minutes, respectively). Every measure is an important part of a chain focused on saving time in acute stroke: the lowest DTI and ITN times were obtained when all steps were completed. Measures shortening ITN time produced a greater impact on DTN time reduction; therefore, ITN interventions should be considered a critical part of new protocols and guidelines.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Phosphorylation of glutamate receptors: a potential mechanism for the regulation of receptor function and psychostimulant action.
Ionotropic glutamate receptors, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptors (AMPARs), are densely distributed in the mammalian brain and actively regulate a variety of cellular activities. Expression and function of these receptors are also under a tight regulation by many molecular mechanisms. Protein phosphorylation represents one of the important mechanisms for the posttranslational modulation of these receptors. Constitutive and regulatory phosphorylation occurs at distinct sites (serine, threonine, or tyrosine) on the intracellular C-terminal domain of almost all subunits capable of assembling a functional channel. Several key protein kinases, such as protein kinase A, protein kinase C, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, and tyrosine kinases are involved in the site-specific catalyzation and regulation of NMDAR and AMPAR phosphorylation. Through the phosphorylation mechanism, these protein kinases as well as protein phosphatases control biochemical properties (biosynthesis, delivery, and subunit assembling), subcellular distribution, and interactions of these receptors with various synaptic proteins, which ultimately modify the efficacy and strength of excitatory synapses containing NMDARs and AMPARs and many forms of synaptic plasticity. Emerging evidence shows that psychostimulants (cocaine and amphetamine) are among effective agents that profoundly alter the phosphorylation status of both receptors in striatal neurons in vivo. Thus, psychostimulants may modulate NMDAR and AMPAR function through the phosphorylation mechanism to shape the excitatory synaptic plasticity related to additive properties of drugs of abuse.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Multi objective optimization of the setup of a surfactant-enhanced DNAPL remediation.
Surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation (SEAR) is widely considered a promising technique to remediate dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) contaminations in-situ. The costs of a SEAR remediation are important and depend mostly on the setup of the remediation. Costs can be associated with the installation of injection and extraction wells, the required time of the remediation (and thus labor costs, lease of installations, and energy), the extracted water volume (the purification of the extracted water), and the injected surfactant amount. A cost-effective design of the remediation setup allows an optimal use of resources. In this work, a SEAR remediation was simulated for a hypothetical typical DNAPL contamination. A constrained multi-objective optimization of the model was applied to obtain a Pareto set of optimal remediation strategies with different weights for the two objectives of the remediation: (i) the maximal removal of DNAPL mass (ii) with a minimal total cost. A relatively sharp Pareto front was found, showing a considerable tradeoff between DNAPL removal and total remediation costs. These Pareto curves can help decision makers select an optimal remediation strategy in terms of cost and remediation efficiency depending on external constraints such as the available budget and obligatory remediation goals.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Novel agents to inhibit microbial virulence and pathogenicity.
The rising levels of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic microorganisms create an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents that are not affected by resistance mechanisms already present in the bacterial population. Targeting virulence is one of the alternative approaches to find new molecules to treat infections due to resistant bacteria. Novel strategies to identify these new antimicrobial agents have been reported. A variety of virulence factors are now the target for inhibition mainly in the antibacterial field. This review focuses exclusively on the new virulence inhibitors published in patents (worldwide collection of patents filed) or in the literature since 2006. New efficacy in vitro assays have been developed allowing screening of large numbers of molecules. These inhibitors are mainly antibacterial molecules, a few natural products, peptides and antibodies. A growing number of these published studies provide results showing a proof of concept with antivirulence compounds that were able to prevent or treat an infection in vivo. Moreover, some new antivirulence agents could inhibit virulence mechanisms that are common to different related pathogenic species, extending the potential spectrum of antivirulence compounds. The progress reported recently for antivirulence molecules at the preclinical stages should allow new classes of molecules to enter into development as new antimicrobial agents with new mechanisms of action.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inter-rater reliability of the EEG reading in patients with childhood idiopathic epilepsy.
The level of agreement in the interpretation of EEG records by different experienced readers working in three child neurology tertiary centers has been evaluated. EEG recordings randomly chosen from patients with idiopathic epilepsy were included. Optimal or suboptimal agreement was found for presence of ictal and interictal discharges. Contrary to ictal discharges, the distribution and location of interictal discharges was not unanimously interpreted and agreement was unsatisfactory when assessing the background activity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Evaluation of the time-stability of an alternative research model based on isolated rat gastrointestinal strips.
Experiments were performed on rat isolated gastrointestinal (GI) strips. The study was carried out in isotonic conditions during a long-term (5-8 h) incubation in modified Krebs-Henseleit solution, (M K-HS) at 37 degrees C. The reaction of GI muscle strips to acetylcholine (ACh) and histological images of the tissues strips were studied. Additionally, spontaneous motor activity of the jejunum strips was evaluated. The obtained results indicate that as well the spontaneous motility as the response of jejunum muscle strips to acetylcholine and the histological structure of the preparations changed throughout the incubation time. It suggests low time-stability of jejunum strips model during long-term experiment. In contrast, the response of stomach (corpus and fundus) strips to ACh application did not change significantly during 6 h incubation. Moreover, the histological structure of the stomach preparations was maintained unaffected for a long incubation time. Thus, the isolated stomach strips can be described as an alternative experimental model of high time-stability during long-term experiments.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Strengthening teamwork capability in allied health: implementation of a team development program in a metropolitan health service.
ObjectiveCollaborative practice is critical to optimising patient outcomes in contemporary healthcare settings. Evidence suggests interprofessional learning is an effective way to develop teamwork capabilities, yet these skills are traditionally developed in professional silos, or not at all. This study evaluated the implementation of a team development program, the Team Management Systems (TMS) program, for allied health staff within a large metropolitan health service.MethodsA mixed-methods audit-quality improvement study was conducted, using Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation model to structure evaluation of the program. Semistructured questionnaire and workforce survey data were retrieved immediately, 6 months and 1-2 years after training and applied to each level of the model (Reaction, Learning, Behaviour, Results).ResultsIn all, 886 staff participated in the TMS program from 2014 to 2018. High satisfaction with the program was observed. Knowledge of what constitutes effective teamwork improved significantly (P=0.008) in TMS participants compared with a matched untrained cohort. Participants reported positive behaviour change and continued engagement with TMS principles 6 months after training. Perceived impact of the program on patient and/or organisational outcomes was evident, although less compelling than the changes to knowledge and behaviour.ConclusionsThe TMS program yielded positive effects on staff satisfaction, knowledge, team dynamics and team behaviours. These findings demonstrate the significant value of such initiatives to enhance the capability and effectiveness of interdisciplinary healthcare teams.What is known about the topic?Complex conditions, increasing comorbidities, specialisation and scarcity of resources mean healthcare workers need to work effectively in teams to achieve quality, safe, person centred patient care. There is some evidence of the effect of teamwork initiatives on knowledge or behaviour in specific clinical specialities, single services or single professions, but limited research is available regarding the effects of teamwork programs across multiple professions, including allied health professions, and on patient and organisational outcomes.What does this paper add?This paper describes the effect of a large-scale teamwork program implemented across multiple professions, including enablers and barriers. It presents outcomes at all four levels of Kirkpatrick's evaluation model, including the less studied behaviour and results levels.What are the implications for practitioners?This paper supports health service leaders to consider developing and implementing interprofessional teamwork programs to foster essential teamwork capabilities. Learning together about teamwork, across professional silos, will lead to collaborative, patient-centred care, which leads to safe, quality patient outcomes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ethambutol toxicity manifesting as acute onset psychosis.
Ethambutol is commonly used for the treatment of tuberculous and atypical mycobacterial infection. Central nervous system (CNS) toxicity other than optic neuropathy is not widely reported. A 40-year-old man with advanced HIV infection and Mycobacterium avium complex infection experienced rapid cognitive decline after commencement of ethambutol, and symptoms fully resolved with cessation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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MicroRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic drugs in human cancer.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, endogenous, noncoding small RNAs that act as post-transcriptional gene regulators. Experimental evidence has shown that miRNAs can play roles as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, suggesting their contribution to cancer development and progression. Expression profiles of human miRNAs demonstrated that many miRNAs are deregulated in cancers and are differentially expressed in normal tissues and cancers. Therefore, miRNA profiling is used to create signatures for a variety of cancers, indicating that the profile will help further establish molecular diagnosis, prognosis and therapy using miRNAs. This paper introduces the aberrant expression of miRNAs in human cancer, and discusses the potential of these miRNAs as biomarkers and targets/molecules for molecular therapy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Flavor quality and ethanol concentration affect ethanol-conditioned flavor preferences.
A previous report showed that outbred rats acquired preferences for a sweetened conditioned stimulus (CS) flavor paired with intragastric ethanol. To evaluate the role of sweet taste in ethanol conditioning, this study compared training with sweetened and unsweetened flavors. In Experiment 1, nondeprived rats were trained to drink one flavored solution (CS+, e.g., grape) paired with intragastric infusion of 5% ethanol and another (CS-, e.g., cherry) paired with intragastric water on alternate days. The volume of ethanol solution infused was matched to the volume of flavored solution the rats consumed. The sweet group's flavors initially contained 0.2% saccharin, reduced to 0.1%, 0.05%, and 0% over days; the plain group's flavors were unsweetened. The sweet group drank more and self-infused more ethanol during training and its preference for the CS+ over the CS- (without saccharin) exceeded that of the plain group (75% versus 62%). Experiment 2 equated total ethanol intake in rats trained with two combinations of flavor quality and ethanol concentration. The Sweet5 group drank flavors with 0.2% saccharin throughout training and tests and received 5% ethanol when they drank CS+, while the Plain10 group drank unsweetened flavors and the CS+ was paired with 10% ethanol. Despite equal daily ethanol doses, the Sweet5 group strongly preferred the CS+ (89%) while the Plain10 group avoided it (31%). The two groups continued to show opposite CS+ preference profiles even when both were tested with sweet CS flavors and 10% ethanol infusions. Thus, sweet taste contributes to the development of ethanol-conditioned flavor preferences, and this effect is not explained by a simple enhancement of ethanol intake.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Residential context, walking and obesity: two African-American neighborhoods compared.
We compare walking and obesity rates in two African-American neighborhoods that are similar in urban form but different in level of neighborhood disadvantage. We find higher rates of utilitarian walking in the neighborhood with higher density and disadvantage and more destinations within walking distance. However levels of leisure walking and physical activity were not higher, and rates of obesity were not lower in the non-poor neighborhood with better maintenance, more sidewalks and recreational facilities. Different types of barriers to physical activity reported in the two neighborhoods and the high rates of overweight and obesity in both may explain the findings.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ovarian pregnancy diagnosed in the third trimester: a case report.
We observed a patient with a primary ovarian pregnancy complicated by severe preeclampsia and a presumed fetal anomaly. Diagnosis was made at cesarean section at 30 weeks of gestation. Etoposide, given intravenously at a dose of 100 mg daily for 5 days, prevented massive bleeding during the procedure that was subsequently performed to separate the placenta.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The church and paediatric HIV care in rural South Africa: a qualitative study.
Religion has substantial - positive and negative - influence on South Africa's HIV context. This qualitative study explored possibilities for positive church engagement in paediatric HIV care in a rural district in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Opinions, attitudes and experiences of various stakeholders including religious leaders, healthcare workers and people infected/affected with/by HIV were investigated through participant observation, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. During the research the original focus on paediatric HIV care shifted to HIV care in general in reaction to participant responses. Participants identified three main barriers to positive church engagement in HIV care: (a) stigma and disclosure; (b) sexual associations with HIV and (c) religious beliefs and practices. All participant groups appreciated the opportunity and relevance of strengthening church involvement in HIV care. Opportunities for positive church engagement in HIV care that participants identified included: (a) comprehensive and holistic HIV care when churches and clinics collaborate; (b) the wide social reach of churches and (c) the safety and acceptance in churches. Findings indicate that despite barriers great potential exists for increased positive church engagement in HIV care in rural South Africa. Recommendations include increased medical knowledge and dialogue on HIV/AIDS within church settings, and increased collaboration between churches and the medical sector.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Nanoscale tubular vessels for storage of methane at ambient temperatures.
Novel carbon nanostructures can serve as effective storage media for methane, a source of "clean energy" for the future. We have used Grand Canonical Monte Carlo Simulation for the modeling of methane storage at 293 K and pressures up to 80 MPa in idealized bundles of (10,10) armchair-type single-walled carbon nanotubes and wormlike carbon pores. We have found that these carbon nanomaterials can be treated as the world's smallest high-capacity methane storage vessels. Our simulation results indicate that such novel carbon nanostructures can reach a high volumetric energy storage, exceeding the US FreedomCAR Partnership target of 2010 (5.4 MJ dm(-3)), at low to moderate pressures ranging from 1 to 7 MPa at 293 K. On the contrary, in the absence of these nanomaterials, methane needs to be compressed to approximately 13 MPa at 293 K to achieve the same target. The light carbon membranes composed of bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes or wormlike pores efficiently physisorb methane at low to moderate pressures at 293 K, which we believe should be particularly important for automobiles and stationary devices. However, above 15-20 MPa at 293 K, all investigated samples of novel carbon nanomaterials are not as effective when compared with compression alone since the stored volumetric energy and power saturate at values below those of the bulk, compressed fluid.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Adjuvant therapy in biliary atresia: hopelessly optimistic or potential for change?
Given that the aetiology of biliary atresia (BA) is complex and that there is a multiplicity of possible pathogenic mechanisms then it is perhaps not surprising that the evidence for effect of a number of different agents is contradictory. Post-operative cholangitis for instance is common, bacterial in origin and various antibiotic regimens have been tested (although none in a randomized trial) but continuation beyond the early post-operative period does not appear to offer any greater protection. There is an inflammatory reaction in about 25-35% of cases of BA illustrated by abnormal expression of class II antigen and upregulation of ICAM, VCAM and E-selectin with an infiltrate of immune-activated T cells (predominantly CD4 + Th1 and Th17) and NK cells and a systemic surge in inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α, IL-2, IL-12). This has potential as a therapeutic target and is the main hypothesis behind the rationale use of steroids. The first report of steroids was published in 1985 by Karrer and Lilly as "blast" therapy to treat recalcitrant cholangitis, followed by a multiplicity of small-scale uncontrolled studies suggesting benefit. To date there has been one randomized placebo-controlled study with a low-dose (prednisolone 2 mg/kg/day) regimen (2007); one with a high-dose (IV prednisolone 4 mg/kg/day regimen) (2014); two prospective high-dose open-label studies (2013); a prospective comparison of low- and high-dose regimen and a large (380 infants) retrospective comparison. The most recent meta-analysis (2016) identified a significant difference in clearance of jaundice at 6 months (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.03-2.45, P = 0.04), in patients treated with high-dose steroids, particularly if < 70 days at surgery. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) may increase choleresis or change the ratio of endogenous bile acids to a less hydrophobic and, therefore, less toxic millieu. UDCA may protect cholangiocyte membranes against damage and perhaps reduce the tendency to fibrogenesis. Biochemical benefit has been shown in a single crossover trial in older BA children who had cleared their jaundice. Other potential adjuvant therapies include immunoglobulin therapy, anti-viral agents and Chinese herbs although real evidence of benefit is lacking.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Lead distributions and risks in New Orleans following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
During the last four years, significant effort has been devoted to understanding the effects that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita had on contaminant distribution and redistribution in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, and the surrounding Gulf Coast area. Elevated concentrations were found for inorganic contaminants (including As, Fe, Pb, and V), several organic pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and volatiles) and high concentration of bioaerosols, particularly Aeromonas and Vibrio. Data from different research groups confirm that some contaminant concentrations are elevated, that existing concentrations are similar to historical data, and that contaminants such as Pb and As may pose human health risks. Two data sets have been compiled in this article to serve as the foundation for preliminary risk assessments within greater New Orleans. Research from the present study suggests that children in highly contaminated areas of New Orleans may experience Pb exposure from soil ranging from 1.37 microg/d to 102 microg/d. These data are critical in the evaluation of children's health.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Quantitative sensory testing of dentinal sensitivity in healthy humans.
The study was to provide information on quantitative sensory testing (QST) of normal teeth to establish a sensory profile and investigate the possible gender and regional differences. A modified QST protocol was applied on both left and right upper-jaw incisors and pre-molar sof 14 healthy men and 14 age-matched healthy women (18-25 years). Mechanical stimulus sensitivity (MSS), cold detection threshold (CDT), cold pain threshold (CPT), warm detection threshold (WDT), heat pain threshold (HPT), electrical detection threshold (EDT) and electrical pain threshold (EPT) were determined from the four teeth (labial side of incisor and buccal side of the first premolar). The QST parameters were analysed by ANOVA. The applied mechanical or thermal stimuli did not evoke any pain sensation. A normal tooth did not seem to be able to distinguish between the warm or cold stimuli applied. No significant differences were found between genders (p > 0.099) or teeth (p > 0.053) regarding mechanical and thermal stimuli. The EDT and EPT were significantly higher in the pre-molar compared with incisor (p < 0.002) without gender differences (p > 0.573). The established methods and results provided important information on diagnosis and treatment evaluation of dentinal hypersensitivity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Compartmentalized Self-Tagging for In Vitro-Directed Evolution of XNA Polymerases.
Template-dependent synthesis of xenobiotic nucleic acids (XNAs) is an essential step for the development of functional XNA molecules, as it enables Darwinian evolution to be carried out with novel genetic polymers. The extraordinary substrate specificity of natural DNA polymerases greatly restricts the spectrum of XNAs available, thus making it necessary to identify DNA polymerase variants capable of incorporating a wider range of substrates. This unit summarizes compartmentalized self-tagging (CST), a directed evolution strategy developed for the selection of DNA polymerase variants capable of XNA synthesis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Structure, proteome and genome of Sinorhizobium meliloti phage ΦM5: A virus with LUZ24-like morphology and a highly mosaic genome.
Bacteriophages of nitrogen-fixing rhizobial bacteria are revealing a wealth of novel structures, diverse enzyme combinations and genomic features. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of the phage capsid at 4.9-5.7Å-resolution, the phage particle proteome, and the genome of the Sinorhizobium meliloti-infecting Podovirus ΦM5. This is the first structure of a phage with a capsid and capsid-associated structural proteins related to those of the LUZ24-like viruses that infect Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Like many other Podoviruses, ΦM5 is a T=7 icosahedron with a smooth capsid and short, relatively featureless tail. Nonetheless, this group is phylogenetically quite distinct from Podoviruses of the well-characterized T7, P22, and epsilon 15 supergroups. Structurally, a distinct bridge of density that appears unique to ΦM5 reaches down the body of the coat protein to the extended loop that interacts with the next monomer in a hexamer, perhaps stabilizing the mature capsid. Further, the predicted tail fibers of ΦM5 are quite different from those of enteric bacteria phages, but have domains in common with other rhizophages. Genomically, ΦM5 is highly mosaic. The ΦM5 genome is 44,005bp with 357bp direct terminal repeats (DTRs) and 58 unique ORFs. Surprisingly, the capsid structural module, the tail module, the DNA-packaging terminase, the DNA replication module and the integrase each appear to be from a different lineage. One of the most unusual features of ΦM5 is its terminase whose large subunit is quite different from previously-described short-DTR-generating packaging machines and does not fit into any of the established phylogenetic groups.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The effect of fluorescent humic substances existing in the well water of Blackfoot disease endemic areas in Taiwan on prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in vitro.
Fluorescent humic substances (FHS) in well water of Blackfoot disease endemic areas were purified and fractionated by Sephadex G-25 column chromatography. Four fractions of the purified FHS were isolated. The purified FHS and their fractions were then added to normal human pool plasma in vitro separately to detect the abilities of the effects on prothrombin time (PT) and activated thromboplastin time (APTT). Results showed that all of the four fractions of the purified FHS prolonged both PT and APTT in the higher concentration ranges (10 mg/ml - 20 mg/ml), but shortened both PT and APTT in the lower concentration ranges (0.5 mg/ml - 5 mg/ml). Among the four fractions of the FHS, the fraction 1, the humic substance with the highest molecular weight among all the four FHS, showed the most obvious effects. Owing to the effects of the FHS on PT and APTT values, we supposed that there is a close relationship between the FHS and the cause of Blackfoot disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Fluid-induced lung injury-role of TRPV4 channels.
Administration of bolus intravenous fluid is associated with respiratory dysfunction and increased mortality, findings with no clear mechanistic explanation. The objective of this study was to examine whether bolus intravenous (i.v.) fluid administration results in acute lung injury in a rat model and further, to examine whether this injury is associated with transient receptor potential vallinoid (TRPV)4 channel function and endothelial inflammatory response. Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 60 ml/kg 0.9% saline i.v. over 30 min. Manifestation of acute lung injury was assessed by lung physiology, morphology, and markers of inflammation. The role of TRPV4 channels in fluid-induced lung injury was subsequently examined by the administration of ruthenium red (RR) in this established rat model and again in TRPV4 KO mice. In endothelial cell culture, permeability and P-selectin expression were measured following TRPV4 agonist with and without antagonist; 0.9% saline resulted in an increase in lung water, lavage protein and phospholipase A2, and plasma angiopoietin-2, with worsening in arterial blood oxygen (PaO2), lung elastance, surfactant activity, and lung histological injury score. These effects were ameliorated following i.v. fluid in rats receiving RR. TRPV4 KO mice did not develop lung edema. Expression of P-selectin increased in endothelial cells following administration of a TRPV4 agonist, which was ameliorated by simultaneous addition of RR. Bolus i.v. 0.9% saline resulted in permeability pulmonary edema. Data from ruthenium red, TRPV4 KO mice, and endothelial cell culture suggest activation of TRPV4 and release of angiopoietin 2 and P-selectin as the central mechanism.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cyclin D1 Pro241Pro (CCND1-G870A) polymorphism is associated with increased cancer risk in human populations: a meta-analysis.
The G870A polymorphism in the CCND1 gene may influence cancer risk. However, data from published studies with individual low statistical power have been controversial. To evaluate whether combined evidence shows an association between this polymorphism and cancer, we considered all available studies in a meta-analysis. Sixty studies were combined representing data for 18,411 cases and 22,209 controls. In our meta-analysis, we investigated overall sample and two ethnic populations (Caucasians and Asians) as well as nine cancer subtypes. Individuals who are homozygous for A allele (AA) were found to be associated with significantly increased cancer risk in overall sample [odds ratio (OR), 1.23; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.13-1.33; P <or= 0.0001], Caucasians (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.07-1.26; P=0.0002), and Asians (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.39; P <or= 0.001). Among the nine cancer subtypes investigated, modestly significant risk (ORs, 1.08 to 1.51; P=0.02 to 0.04) was detected in breast, colorectal, head and neck, and other cancers. Highly significant and increased risk was found to be associated with genitourinary (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.20-1.89; P=0.0004) and blood-related cancers (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.28-2.05; P <or= 0.0001). Individuals who are heterozygous for AG were found to be at increased risk in overall, ethnic groups, as well as breast and colorectal cancers. Significant dominant effects seem to prevail in the majority of the categories investigated, where some recessive effects were also detected. Overall, the risk effects associated with this polymorphism were small; however, due its common occurrence, it affects a large portion of the human population (AA, 25%; AG, 50%). Although the independent small risk associated with CCND1-A870G polymorphism is not clinically useful, its interaction with other genetic variants and environmental factors has been shown to be associated with further increase in cancer risk (OR, 1.6-7.1). In conclusion, our study strongly supports the increased cancer risk associated with CCND1-A870G polymorphism in the human population.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The effects of three different exercise modalities on markers of male reproduction in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled trial.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity continuous training (HICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on markers of male reproduction including seminal markers of oxidative stress and inflammation as well as semen quality and sperm DNA integrity in healthy human subjects. A total of 397 healthy male volunteers were screened and 280 were randomly assigned to one of the MICT (n = 70), HICT (n = 70), HIIT (n = 70) and non-exercise (NON-EX, n = 70) groups. Subjects had inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), oxidants (ROS, MDA and 8-isoprostane), antioxidants (SOD, catalase and TAC), semen parameters and sperm DNA damage measured at baseline (T1), the end of week 12 (T2), the end of week 24 (T3), and 7 (T4) and 30 days (T5) after training. Chronic MICT, HICT and HIIT attenuated seminal markers of oxidative stress and inflammation with different kinetics for the three types of exercise (P < 0.05), and these changes were correlated with favorable improvements in semen quality parameters and sperm DNA integrity (P < 0.05). MICT was superior to HICT and HIIT in the improvements of markers of male reproductive function (P < 0.05). In conclusion, different exercise modalities favorably affect markers of male reproduction with different kinetics, suggesting intensity-, duration- and type-dependent adaptations to exercise training in healthy human subjects.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Empirical rules facilitate the search for binding sites on protein surfaces.
Computational surface screening of 3D protein structures is a valuable means of finding possible docking sites for substrates, effectors and similar molecules. It can be improved by considering properties of molecules which are known to bind to protein surfaces, and thus reflect the required properties of binding sites. In-depth studies are available on drugs and lead compounds as binding partners with statistically assured properties. Here we present a simple strategy for finding binding sites, which is based on the empirical rule-of-five by Lipinski et al. for oral drugs and the rule-of-three by Congreve et al. for leads. The fast automated search with the new C-code TRIDOCK yields a preliminary set of sites, thus facilitating further investigation by visual, comparative and quantitative work. Possible binding sites are tagged by pseudo-atoms added to the structure file for molecular graphical evaluation. Usually, the strategy yields not just a few single sites, but an accumulation of several sites in known substrate binding pockets. Clusters are also found at known or putative protein-protein docking interfaces. A comparison of the activated and inactivated form of the GTPase Ras reveals clear differences and identifies a niche, which is possibly a suitable new target for compounds that bind specifically to activated Ras.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Progress of Researches on Relationship between Acu-moxibustion Induced Modulation of Small Intestinal Motility and Autonomic Nervous Activity ].
A large body of evidence of clinical and experimental outcomes showed that acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively treat disorders of small intestinal motility. The present articJe collected related literatures and made an analysis on the correlation between the effect of acupuncture-moxibustion intervention and needle-manipulation techniques, stimulating quantities, acupoint recipes, and the body functional states, as well as the corresponding mechanisms. Results indicate that acupuncture stimulation of acupoints of the limbs mainly enhance the motility of the small intestine, while acupuncture stimulation of acupoints in the abdominal region predominately suppress it, which may be closely associated with its effects on activities of the autonomic nervous system. This conclusion tells us that in clinical treatment of small intestinal hypodynamia, acupoints of the limbs should be selected first while in treating intestinal hyperdynamia, those acupoints in the abdominal region should be taken preferably. In ad- dition, at present, non-invaded detection techniques of the small intestinal motility are definitely and urgently needed and will greatly promote the progress of researches of acu-moxibustion on the mechanism underlying modulation of small intestinal motility.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Biological invasion: Long term monitoring of the macroalgal flora of a major European harbor complex.
The marine macroflora of the ports of Le Havre and Antifer have been studied by citizen scientists since the late 1970s. In addition to analysis of the previous results, the field study was extended from 2010 to 2018. A total of 97 and 62 macroalgae were identified, respectively, including 14 NIS (non-indigenous species), the latter number being certainly an underestimate since microscopic species were not exhaustively sought and given the high number of cryptogenic species encountered. No new primary introduction of NIS for the NE Atlantic has been detected since the late 1970s. The origin of NIS and vector(s) of introduction were investigated. For all NIS, the donor region is the Indo-Pacific. Two likely vectors have been identified: maritime traffic for earlier introductions, and shellfish imports for more recent ones. The role of these ports and maritime traffic in the processes of introduction is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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EEG as an Indicator of Cerebral Functioning in Postanoxic Coma.
Postanoxic coma after cardiac arrest is one of the most serious acute cerebral conditions and a frequent cause of admission to critical care units. Given substantial improvement of outcome over the recent years, a reliable and timely assessment of clinical evolution and prognosis is essential in this context, but may be challenging. In addition to the classic neurologic examination, EEG is increasingly emerging as an important tool to assess cerebral functions noninvasively. Although targeted temperature management and related sedation may delay clinical assessment, EEG provides accurate prognostic information in the early phase of coma. Here, the most frequently encountered EEG patterns in postanoxic coma are summarized and their relations with outcome prediction are discussed. This article also addresses the influence of targeted temperature management on brain signals and the implication of the evolution of EEG patterns over time. Finally, the article ends with a view of the future prospects for EEG in postanoxic management and prognostication.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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X-ray micronalysis of copper and sulphur-containing granules in the fat body cells of homopteran insects.
Regions of the fat body of larvae of Chaetophyes compacta and Pectinariophyes sp. (Machaerotidae, Homoptera) which are closely associated with mycetomes have been analysed by electron probe X-ray microanalysis. It is shown that cells in these regions contain electron probe X-ray microanalysis. It is shown that cells in these regions contain electron dense granules which are rich in copper and sulphur. These two elements occur in the atomic ratio of 3:2 respectively. It is conjectured that copper may be bound to a sulphur containing metallothionein and that the granules represent either the end products of copper detoxification or serve as copper stores for synthesis of enzymes and macromolecules by the mycetomal symbionts.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Beliefs of mothers in Asian countries and among Hmong in the United States about the causes, treatments, and outcomes of acute illnesses: an integrated review of the literature.
An understanding of mothers' beliefs regarding the causes of illness, treatment, and outcome is an important component of culturally competent care. However, little is known about the beliefs of Asian parents related to acute illnesses. The purpose of our article is to synthesize what is known about the beliefs of mothers regarding the causes, treatment, and outcome of acute illnesses in Asian countries and Hmong in the United States. The literature review covers the period from 1990-2000. The electronic bibliographic databases explored included Pub Med, MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Keywords used were beliefs, health beliefs, mothers or parents, cause of illness or etiology, treatment, diarrhea, acute respiratory infection, measles, Asia, and Hmong. A total of 15 articles were retrieved and examined. Using the matrix method, each article was evaluated according to five frames of reference: journal, purpose, sample, method, and findings. Content analysis was used to generate themes. Expressions of belief related to the causes of illnesses among mothers from Asian countries and Hmong who have emigrated from Laos to the United States of America were found to be quite similar. Beliefs about practices were primarily related to feeding and home care. The majority of mothers first provided treatment for their children using traditional practices. When the child did not recover, the mother sought medical advice.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Experimental renal candidiasis in mice and guinea pigs.
As a part of an experimental study of the spread of urogenital infections, male guinea pigs and mice were intravenously injected with a sublethal dose of Candida albicans in a long-time experiment. The kidney was the organ of maximum infection. Spread in the kidney was observed from the cortical and glomerular capillaries, where the injected yeast cells first lodged, but after pseudomycelial transformation penetrated into the Bowman's space and into the lumen of the tubuli. Guinea pigs recovered from the infection. In mice the renal candidiasis progressed and two types of the disease could be distinguished: an acute type with cortical abscesses and a chronic type with partly necrotic tips of the pyramids and adhering fungal masses in the pelves. A similar picture has been observed in man. The pathogenesis of renal candidiasis seems to resemble that of renal tuberculosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Kinetics of the complement subcomponent C1q production of peritoneal macrophages in NZB/W F1 female mice].
To clarify the role of local production (exohepatic) of complement on primary host defense mechanisms against microbial infections in the host who decreased the amount of complement in serum, the kinetics of the complement production by the complement-producing cells in exohepatic tissue was examined by measuring the amount of C1q, subcomponent of the first complement component, in cultured supernatant of the monolayer of peritoneal macrophages (PM phi) collected from 5, 15, 35, and 48 weeks-old female mice of NZB/W F1 (B/W F1). The C1q production of PM phi in B/W F1 mice showed remarkable decrease at 15 weeks-old. After that, however, the C1q producibility of PM phi recovered gradually and, at mice 48 weeks old, the complement produced finally exceeded the amount observed in mice 5 weeks-old, contrariwise the C1q values in serum were significantly lowering in the same aged mice. The increased production of C1q of PM phi was observed in both 35 and 48 weeks-old mice, of which the value corresponded with increase of anti-nuclear antibody titer in serum and of the amount of protein in urine. On female mice of ddY (control), the amount of C1q production of PM phi in 5 weeks-old mice was two-fold higher than that of 5 weeks-old B/WF1 mice. But at 15 weeks, the production showed a 1/2 decrease in that of mice 5 weeks-old and the decreased values were kept to 35 weeks-old.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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In situ vesicle-template-interface reaction to self-encapsulated microsphere CdS.
An in situ vesicle-template-interface reaction route was introduced to prepare self-encapsulated CdS microspheres, which can be obtained by heating an ethanol solution after ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of Cd(NO3)2, CS2, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The products were characterized by various techniques of XRD, TEM, UV-Vis spectrum, and PL spectrum.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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GABA-like immunoreactivity of an identified nonspiking local interneurone in the crayfish terminal abdominal ganglion
Using an antiserum directed against -aminobutyric acid (GABA) to label neurones with GABA-like immunoreactivity, approximately 70 central neurones (68±9; mean ± s.e.m., N=9) were labelled in the terminal abdominal ganglion of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii. This mean number of neurones with GABA-like immunoreactivity represents approximately 10 % of the total number of neurones in the terminal ganglion. A combination of intracellular staining using Lucifer Yellow and immunocytochemical staining revealed that an identified nonspiking local interneurone (the local directionally selective interneurone, LDS) showed GABA-like immunoreactivity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Selective expansion of T cells expressing V beta 2 in peanut allergy.
Peanuts are the most common cause of fatal and near-fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. The immune basis for susceptibility to peanut allergy is poorly understood. The current study examined the possibility that patients with peanut allergy, as compared to normals, use different T cell receptor variable beta regions (V beta) in the recognition of peanuts. The results demonstrate that stimulation of T cells from patients with peanut allergy results in the selective expansion of V beta 2+ T cells.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Non-pharmacological treatment for neuropathic pain in children with cancer.
Neuropathic pain (NP) associated with childhood cancer is currently a difficult problem to control. It is treated with drugs that not only fail to provide the expected improvements, but which also have side effects. Therefore, the main aim of this pilot study is to assess whether non-pharmacological treatments, Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) and Neural Mobilization (NM), have a positive effect on this pain, thus improving the associated comorbid factors and, consequently, the quality of life of the children. In an n = 6, the results after 4 weeks of treatment show a 10-point improvement in the pain threshold and a 3.1-point improvement in the perception of pain.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Lifetime direct costs of stroke for indigenous patients adjusted for comorbidities.
To estimate the lifetime health costs of stroke by comorbidity and indigenous status in Australia's Northern Territory (NT), where a large indigenous population resides. Incidence-based cohort study using linked hospital, primary care, and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data to estimate lifetime direct costs for hemorrhagic stroke (HS), ischemic stroke (IS) and undetermined stroke (UND). Inverse probability-weighted survival analysis was adapted to adjust for loss to follow-up. Log-linear modeling was used to analyze the net stroke costs and marginal comorbidity costs by indigenous status. Between 1992 and 2013, there were 3,733 patients admitted with stroke in the NT (74% were incident strokes, 38% indigenous, 56% male, 56% IS). In 2012/2013 Australian dollars, the estimated lifetime cost for an incident stroke in NT was $302,538 AUD ($207,218 USD) per patient. The net lifetime cost per non-indigenous female HS patient aged <45 years without comorbidity (reference category) was $72,773 AUD ($49,844 USD); IS cost 54% and UND 9% more than HS (p < 0.01). Stroke cost was greater for indigenous patients (∆ 44%) and patients with renal disease (∆ 71%), coronary heart disease (∆ 44%), hypertension (∆ 30%), and diabetes (∆ 28%) in comparison with the reference category (all p < 0.01). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, depression, and cancer were negatively associated with lifetime stroke costs. The costs of stroke for indigenous people and patients with different comorbidities are substantial and an integrated prevention strategy is needed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Bronchoconstriction provoked by exercise in a high-particulate-matter environment is attenuated by montelukast.
Airborne ultrafine and fine particulate matter (PM1 from fossil-fueled internal combustion engines may cause abnormal airway narrowing. Because of high PM1 exposure from ice resurfacing machines, the ice-rink athlete is especially vulnerable to PM1 toxicity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate protection by a single dose of montelukast in college ice hockey players following PM1 exposure exercise. Nine male ice hockey players (age 19.3+/-1.22 yr) performed 4 randomized, double-blinded, high-intensity, 6-min cycle ergometer trials in low [PM1] (2260+/-500 particles/cm3) and high [PM1] (348,600+/-121,600 particles/cm3) after placebo or montelukast. Pre- and postspirometry showed similar peak FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) falls between placebo and montelukast after low [PM1] trials (14.5+/-18.06 vs. 9.5+/-11.75% of baseline, respectively). Peak FEV1 falls after high [PM1] trials were greater for placebo than for montelukast (17.3+/-9.79% vs. 1.7+/-5.77% of baseline; p<.0001). High [PM1] FEV1 fall after exercise following montelukast ingestion was less than after exercise following placebo ingestion under high and low [PM1] conditions and after exercise following montelukast ingestion under low [PM1] conditions at 5, 10, and 15 min postchallenge (p<.004, .0006, .009, respectively). Montelukast provided greater protection against bronchoconstriction after exercise during high [PM1] than low [PM1] exposure (approximately 90% vs. approximately 35%), suggesting that bronchoconstriction from PM1 exposure is predominately leukotriene mediated. The precise mechanism of airborne PM1-induced leukotriene-mediated airway narrowing remains unclear.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Measurement of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase activity in whole and fractionated human bone marrow: effect of myeloid cell lysis by monoclonal antibody.
A sensitive radiochemical assay for the measurement of bone marrow and erythroblast 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthase (EC 2.3.1.37) was developed and optimized with respect to sample preparation and reagent concentration. Succinylacetone (4,6-dioxoheptanoic acid) was used to prevent ALA utilization during the incubation period. Sample purification on a Sep-Pak cartridge (Waters Associates) followed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) allowed rapid isolation of pure ALA-pyrrole, free from radioactive succinate and other contaminants. ALA synthase activity was measured in unfractionated bone marrow and in samples from which myeloid cells had been removed by monoclonal antibody-mediated cell lysis. Myeloid-derived ALA synthase was calculated and found to contribute approximately half of the total unfractionated marrow enzyme activity. This suggests that results from previous studies using unfractionated bone marrow which have assumed that myeloid cells are an insignificant source of ALA synthase require reappraisal.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Neuropsychological assessment in clinical trials of Alzheimer disease.
A fundamental problem in research aimed at developing and testing new treatments for Alzheimer disease (AD) is determining drug efficacy. At the present time, while there are no biological markers for diagnosing or assessing this disease, investigators must rely on clinical judgment and neuropsychological outcome measures to determine if and when a new treatment may be beneficial. The following article provides an overview of the issues involved in conducting a clinical trial in AD when measures of cognitive and behavioral changes are used. It is based on the proceedings from an international workshop on this topic that was convened by the National Institute on Aging in January 1990.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Expression of GRP and its receptor in well-differentiated colon cancer cells correlates with the presence of focal adhesion kinase phosphorylated at tyrosines 397 and 407.
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor (GRP-R) are not normally expressed by epithelial cells lining the colon but are aberrantly expressed in cancer, where they act as morphogens and regulate tumor cell differentiation. Studies of colon cancer formation in mice genetically incapable of synthesizing GRP-R suggested that this receptor's morphogenic properties were mediated via focal adhesion kinase (FAK). We therefore set out to determine the presence of both total and phosphorylated forms of FAK in human colon cancer specimens as a function of tumor cell differentiation and GRP/GRP-R co-expression. Ten colon cancers containing 25 regions of distinct differentiation were randomly selected from our GI Cancer Tumor Bank. All specimens were immunohistochemically probed using antibodies recognizing GRP, GRP-R, total FAK, and FAK specifically phosphorylated at tyrosine (Y) 397, 407, 576, 577, 861, and 925. Antibody-specific chromogen was determined by quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) for each region of defined differentiation. Here we confirm that GRP/GRP-R co-expression is a function of differentiation, with highest levels observed in well-differentiated tumor cells. We also show that the amount of total FAK and of FAK phosphorylated at Y397 and Y407 tightly correlates with differentiation and with the amount of GRP/GRP-R co-expression. These findings are consistent with GRP/GRP-R acting as a morphogen by activating FAK, and suggest that this occurs via phosphorylation of this enzyme at two specific tyrosine residues.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Chlorogenic acid moderately decreases the quality of whey proteins in rats.
During processing and storage, phenolic compounds (PCs) may react with food protein bound amino acids (AAs). Such reactions have been reported to change physicochemical and to decrease in vitro digestion properties of proteins. A rat growth and nitrogen (N) balance study was conducted to prove whether derivatization with chlorogenic acid (CA) affects the nutritional quality of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG). Test diets (10% protein level) contained nonderivatized beta-LG (LG, treated under omission of CA), low derivatization level beta-LG (LGL), high derivatization level beta-LG (LGH), or casein supplemented with l-methionine (0.3% of diet; C+met) as an internal standard. An additional group received untreated beta-LG supplemented with pure CA (1.03% of diet; LG+CA). The AA composition of test proteins, plasma AAs, and liver glutathione (GSH) concentrations were determined. Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) was calculated using human or rat AA requirement patterns and rat fecal digestibility values. N excretion was significantly higher in feces and lower in urine of rats fed with LGH as compared to LG and LGL. Consequently, true N digestibility (TND) was significantly lower with LGH as compared to LG and LGL. The lower content of methionine, cysteine, lysine, and tryptophan in LGH corresponded to a reduced TND. Net protein utilization (NPU) was not different between treated beta-LG fed diet groups but was lower than in LG+CA and C+met fed groups. Only at a relatively high level of derivatization with CA, the otherwise good nutritional quality of beta-LG is affected so that TND is reduced, while NPU still remains unaffected. Derivatization of beta-LG with CA does not seem to lead to an additional deficiency in a specific indispensable AA in growing rats fed with 10% protein.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Evaluation of the mechanisms responsible for the reduction in erythrocyte complement receptors when immune complexes form in vivo in primates.
Patients with immune complex-(IC) mediated diseases frequently have low levels of CR1 on E. The present study was undertaken to determine the role of circulating IC in causing low E-CR1 levels. E-CR1 were enumerated by measuring the binding of anti-CR1 mAb (E11) and rabbit anti-CR1 antibodies (RbaCR1) to E. In addition, the distribution of CR1 among E was assessed by flow cytometry of E stained with E11 and RbaCR1 and by evaluating the binding of E11-coated fluorescent beads (E11-beads) to E. E11-beads bind to clusters of CR1 on E. Five cynomolgus monkeys (CYN) were preimmunized to bovine gamma-globulin (BGG). E-CR1 changes in these animals were assessed: 1) acutely, during the first 60 min after an infusion of BGG and 2) chronically, during daily administration of BGG infusions over 2 wk. Acutely, there was a decrease in the number of E-CR1 as measured by E11 binding to E (E11/CR1). This decrease was not attributable to occupancy of CR1 by IC because the decrease in E11/CR1 number persisted after the IC had been cleared from E. By comparing the E11/CR1 levels in arterial blood to hepatic vein blood (n = 5), or in pulmonary artery blood (n = 1), we determined that the acute decrease in E11/CR1 number did not occur whereas E circulated through liver, spleen, or lung. The decrease in E11/CR1 number required the binding of IC to E because it did not occur after BGG was infused into nonimmunized CYN (n = 2) or into a preimmunized complement-depleted CYN. The decrease in E11/CR1 number was not due to loss of CR1 from E because E11/CR1 number recovered 24 h after infusion of BGG and in addition, enumeration of E-CR1 with RbaCR1 and E11-beads did not reflect a decrease in E-CR1 number. After several daily BGG infusions there was a persistent decrease in E-CR1 levels and that decrease appeared to be mainly the result of loss of CR1 from E because the decrease was confirmed with all methods of E-CR1 measurement and because E-CR1 levels recovered only slowly after BGG infusions were discontinued. Both in vitro and in vivo IC bound preferentially to subpopulations of E, identified by their ability to bind multiple E11-beads and by their high intensity staining with the anti-CR1 antibodies E11 and RbaCR1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Risk Factors for Apical Periodontitis Sub-Urban Adult Population.
To assess the risk factors of apical periodontitis (AP) in a Nigerian sub-urban adult population and to compare the findings with those previously reported for various population groups. The study was based on a full mouth radiographic survey of 285 patients. Patients' age ranged from 18-60 years. All teeth were assessed individually and data recorded for caries, fractured / cracked teeth, root fillings, and tooth restorations. The gender, smoking habit, and frequency of dental visit were also recorded. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of AP in the individual. The prevalence of AP was 74.4%. The average number of teeth with AP per patient was 2.8 (range 1-5). AP was found to be more prevalent among people 40- 49 years old (87.2%). Primary carious lesions, fractured / cracked teeth, root fillings and coronal fillings were associated with the incidence of AP in the individual. Fractured teeth had a higher risk of developing AP than carious teeth. The presence of root fillings and coronal restorations were also associated with the development of AP. Smoking (OR=3.82; CI=2.17-6.75) and irregular dental visit (OR=6.73; CI=3.75-12.06) were statistically significant risk factors for developing AP. Gender was not a risk factor for AP (OR=0.86; CI=0.50-1.46). The prevalence of AP among adult Nigerians is slightly higher than reported figures for many Western societies. Fractured/cracked teeth had a higher risk of developing AP than carious teeth; hence patients with fractured / cracked teeth should seek treatment early to prevent the development of AP.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Clinical picture of Hartnup disease. Without urine amino acids or any other identified metabolic disorder (a new entity)].
Harthnup disease clinical picture without aminoaciduria or other identified metabolic disturb (New entity?). The authors present a patient with clinical picture superposed to the Hartnup disease's, a rare, autosomic and recessive metabolic disturbance, characterized by typical aminoaciduria consequent to tryptophan and other neutral aminoacids defective transport by jejunal mucous membrane and renal tubules, clinically expressed by photosensitive pellagra-like dermatitis, mental retardation and intermittent cerebellar ataxia. The laboratorial results did not confirm Hartnup aminoaciduria nor other identified metabolic change that justify his clinical manifestations.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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