title stringlengths 0 1.13k | abstract stringlengths 1 15.7k | PMID int64 22 36.5M |
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Giant, congenital folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma: a case against a pathogenetic relationship with trichofolliculoma. | Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma (FSCH) is a rare cutaneous hamartoma consisting of dilated folliculosebaceous units invested in mesenchymal elements. These solitary lesions typically affect adults, have a predilection for the central face or scalp, and remain less than 1.5 cm in greatest dimension. Although giant FSCH variants have been documented, the congenital presentation of a giant FSCH stands in contrast to earlier views of its histogenetic relationship with trichofolliculoma. We describe a giant pedunculated FSCH arising from the posterior neck of a 9-month-old Hispanic male and discuss various aspects of this highly unusual case. | 18,806,500 |
The clinical value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in predicting nocturnal low back pain in patients with concurrent lumbar spinal stenosis and cardiopulmonary dysfunction (Vesper's Curse): a clinical case series. | To test the hypothesis that B-type natriuretic peptide is elevated in patients with both lumbar spinal stenosis and cardiopulmonary dysfunction who reported sleep-interrupting low back pain, the "symptomatic group," as compared with an analogous cohort not experiencing nocturnal low back pain, i.e., the "control group." B-type natriuretic peptide is a hormonal product of the myocardium, which increases with an elevation in blood volume. Even without clinical symptoms, the more the myocardial stretch, the higher the B-type natriuretic peptide. In both groups, all of the patients were identified as having lumbar spinal stenosis and a history of cardiopulmonary dysfunction. However, all of the symptomatic group reported initially falling asleep and then experiencing sleep interrupting low back pain. However, in both groups, their cardiac status remained clinically stable. Main outcome measures included both the B-type natriuretic peptide titer and lumbar spinal magnetic resonance imaging. There were 10 patients with nocturnal pain and eight who were pain-free at night. The magnetic resonance imaging in both cohorts demonstrated a spectrum of moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis. Their previous cardiac history varied from the presence of arrhythmias to that of congestive heart failure. Other risk factors including age, among others, were similar in both cohorts. The mean B-type natriuretic peptide titer in the control group was 67.88 +/- 46.58 pg/ml. In the symptomatic group it was significantly elevated to 136.90 +/- 62.14 pg/ml. In this clinical care series, the B-type natriuretic peptide titer was significantly increased in the symptomatic group as compared with the control group. The standard error of the mean was 19.65 in this group and 16.47 in the control group. An elevated B-type natriuretic peptide reflects a decrement in cardiac efficiency which may not be clinically evident. It also has a profound hypotensive effect because of its diuretic, natriuretic, and vascular dilatory properties. As a direct consequence of the increased right heart filling pressure, retrograde engorgement of the paravertebral plexus of veins surrounding the spinal neural elements may occur. Dilation of these valveless veins within an already stenotic spinal canal may induce the symptoms of Vesper's Curse, i.e., sleep-disrupting lumbar pain as a symptom of spinal stenosis in patients with a history of cardiopulmonary disease. | 18,806,508 |
Blood pressure reference values in adolescents: methodological aspects and suggestions for Northern Europe tables based on the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study II. | The secular weight increase in European and US adolescents and the increasing use of oscillometric devices pose a problem to decide on normative blood pressure levels. We studied how biological and statistical aspects influence standards, and suggest new Northern Europe reference tables. All adolescents of Nord-Trøndelag county, Norway, aged 13-18 years were invited to the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study II (1995-1997), and the participation rate was 90% (n = 7682 after excluding 278 chronically ill patients). Blood pressure was measured with an oscillometric device (Criticare 507N, Criticare Systems Inc., Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA). We found that overweight introduced a systematic bias in blood pressure results (+3-5 mmHg). In addition to the well known differences with age and sex, we found evident 95th percentile differences in systolic blood pressure between the tallest and shortest individuals, ranging from 3-17 mmHg, and postpubertal status increased systolic blood pressure by 2-4 mmHg. We also found that a polynomial regression model with ln(blood pressure) as the dependent variable better accounted for the higher variation in blood pressure in subgroups with higher mean blood pressure. The suggested reference tables have a similar 50th percentile to British oscillometric data (1-4 mmHg above), whereas our 95th percentiles were 4-7 mmHg above. Compared with US sphygmomanometric data, our values range 5-12 and 10-16 mmHg above, respectively. We conclude that all blood pressure reference tables for adolescents should be region specific and based on normal-weight individuals. In addition to age and sex, height, puberty, type of measurement device and different variances in different age groups should also be accounted for. | 18,806,614 |
Ouabain treatment increases nitric oxide bioavailability and decreases superoxide anion production in cerebral vessels. | Chronic administration of ouabain induces hypertension and increases the contribution of nitric oxide to vasoconstrictor responses in peripheral arteries. The aim of this study was to analyse whether ouabain treatment alters the nitric oxide bioavailability in cerebral arteries. Basilar arteries from control and ouabain-treated rats ( approximately 8.0 microg/day, 5 weeks) were used. Vascular reactivity was analysed by isometric tension recording, protein expression by western blot, nitric oxide levels by diaminofluorescein-induced fluorescence, superoxide anion (O2) production by ethidium fluorescence and lucigenin chemiluminescence and plasma total antioxidant status by a commercial kit. The relaxations induced by bradykinin (1 nmol/l-10 micromol/l) and L-arginine (0.01-300 micromol/l) and the contractile responses induced by both N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (0.1-100 micromol/l) and oxyhaemoglobin (0.01-10 micromol/l) were greater in arteries from ouabain-treated than control rats. However, the relaxation to diethylamine NONOate-nitric oxide (0.1 nmol/l-10 micromol/l) and the contractions to KCl (7.5-120 mmol/l) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (0.01-10 micromol/l) were similar in arteries from both groups. Ouabain treatment increased basal nitric oxide levels but did not modify endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase protein expression. O2 production was lower in cerebral arteries from ouabain-treated rats; however, plasma total antioxidant status and vascular protein expression of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, Mn-superoxide dismutase and extracellular superoxide dismutase were similar in both groups. Chronic ouabain treatment increased nitric oxide basal levels in basilar arteries probably due to the decreased O2 levels. This might be an adaptive mechanism of the cerebral vasculature to the increase in blood pressure. | 18,806,618 |
Impaired angiotensin II-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in failing human ventricular myocytes. | Angiotensin II was reported to induce insulin-like growth factor-I and endothelin-1 gene expression and peptide release by ventricular cardiomyocytes. However, the progression from cardiac hypertrophy to failure in humans is characterized by a reduced myocyte expression of insulin-like growth factor-I and endothelin-1, notwithstanding the enhanced cardiac generation of angiotensin II. In the present study we investigated the functional status of the signaling pathways responsible for angiotensin II-induced endothelin-1 and insulin-like growth factor-I formation in human ventricular myocytes isolated from patients with dilated (n = 19) or ischemic (n = 14) cardiomyopathy and nonfailing donor hearts (n = 6).In human nonfailing ventricular myocytes, angiotensin II (100 nmol/l) induced insulin-like growth factor-I and endothelin-1 gene expression, and peptide release was mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and inhibited by extracellular signal-regulated kinase antagonism (PD98059, 30 micromol/l), endothelin-1 formation being partially reduced also by c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibition (SP600125, 10 micromol/l); insulin-like growth factor-I and endothelin-1 formations were unaffected by the inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (SB203580, 10 micromol/l) and Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (AG490, 10 micromol/l). In failing myocytes, angiotensin II failed to induce insulin-like growth factor-I and endothelin-1 formation; angiotensin II-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation was significantly impaired (-88% vs. controls) although c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation was preserved. The impaired extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in failing myocytes was associated with increased myocyte levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases.Therefore, the altered growth factor production in failing myocytes is associated with a significant derangement in intracellular signaling. | 18,806,628 |
Reconstruction of the tarsus-conjunctival layer using a venous wall graft. | The repair of full-thickness defects of the eyelids poses a challenge, because the reconstruction of the tarsus-conjunctival layer often results in aesthetically and functionally unsatisfactory outcomes. The authors' aim was to create a new method to repair large tarsus-conjunctival losses and to examine the outcomes of its use. Seven patients with invasive carcinoma of the eyelids underwent a venous wall graft. All patients had good to outstanding results and no complications. This new reconstruction of the deeper layer of the eyelid provides a useful alternative to traditional methods (composite grafts and full-thickness flaps). Our new surgical technique is easy to execute and has good functional and aesthetic results. | 18,806,653 |
Orbital hyperostosis following exenteration. | To report the development of unilateral, diffuse hyperostosis of orbital bones in 3 postexenteration patients. Three advanced cases of periorbital and orbital malignancies are presented, and their clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic features are reviewed. Postexenteration CT showed thickened orbital walls in all 3 cases. The histopathology revealed necrotic destruction of the trabeculae mixed with randomly distributed chronic inflammatory cells and fibrosis and inflamed overlying granulation tissue. The delayed healing of the granulation tissue during secondary intention in these cases is quite likely the cause of chronic osteitis of the underlying orbital bone that, in turn, led to postoperative diffuse hyperostosis. | 18,806,659 |
The levator aponeurosis exposed. | A case of bilateral upper eyelid ptosis in an HIV-infected patient with severe antiretroviral-associated facial lipodystrophy is presented. The features, treatment, and outcome are discussed. Dehiscence of the levator aponeurosis may be directly associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy-induced lipodystrophy. | 18,806,677 |
Population pharmacokinetics of atazanavir in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. | The aim of this study was to determine the population pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of atazanavir in adult human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients to build up a Bayesian strategy for dosage regimen individualization. This was an observational study of patients treated with the once-daily regimen atazanavir associated with 100 mg of ritonavir. Blood samples were drawn at steady state at various times ranging from 1 to 26 hours postdose. Atazanavir plasma concentrations were determined by a validated reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method. PK analysis of the atazanavir population was performed using a nonlinear mixed-effects model (NONMEM version 6). One hundred eighty-seven patients were included in the study. The atazanavir doses prescribed were 300 mg (n = 169), 400 mg (n = 12), 200 mg (n = 1), and 150 mg (n = 5). The atazanavir population PK was described using a 1-compartment model with first-order absorption. Mean PK parameter estimations (95% confidence interval, coefficients of variation %) were as follows: oral clearance (CL) = 7.6 L/h (6.9-8.3; 34%), volume of distribution (V) = 80.8 L (67.4-94; 37%), and absorption constant rate (Ka) = 1.05 hours (0.01-2.09; 156%). The mean estimated half-life (T-half) was 7.5 hours (95% confidence interval: 7.2 -7.8 hours). The estimated T-half of atazanavir was in agreement with that previously reported of 8.6 and 8.8 hours. We observed a wide interpatient variability for the PK parameters, especially for Ka. This population approach allowed us to determine atazanavir PK parameters in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in a real-life context and to perform Bayesian analysis to predict Ctrough from samples collected at any moment during the dosing interval. This could therefore improve therapeutic drug monitoring interpretations and provide an interesting tool for correlation with virologic data. | 18,806,695 |
Clinical significance of a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer--a patient with schizophrenia on risperidone treatment. | A case of a 46-year-old woman with schizophrenia who was treated with risperidone and followed up for 1 year is reported. She was genotyped as a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer (PM): CYP2D6-4*/*6, which was confirmed by a dextromethorphan (DM) test (metabolic ratio = 5.8). Genotypes of ABCB1 (MDR1) were 2677TT and 3435TT. Because risperidone is CYP2D6 and P-glycoprotein substrate, the patient might have been expected to accumulate risperidone and suffer from significant side effects. However, the patient tolerated the drug extremely well. Plasma concentration of risperidone was 73.2 nmol/L and of 9-OH-risperidone was below the limit of quantitation (6.1 nmol/L). Target range of risperidone plus 9-hydroxyrisperidone is 50-150 nmol/L. During the follow-up, patient was continuously taking 3 mg/day of risperidone. Plasma levels of risperidone and 9-OH-risperidone were 70.2 and 18.1 nmol/L, respectively. We repeated a DM test, metabolic ratio was 3.6, thus confirming that the patient remained a PM. Psychopathology was assessed with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and stable remission of illness was achieved over the stated period. No adverse effects were observed or reported by the patient. We conclude that PM phenotype for CYP2D6 does not necessarily have clinical significance in regard to risperidone treatment. DM and risperidone are both CYP2D6 and P-glycoprotein substrates and significant interactions might occur with both drugs, in parallel with the possible impact of ABCB1 and CYP2D6 polymorphic gene variants. | 18,806,696 |
Pharmacodynamics of mycophenolic acid in CD4+ cells: a single-dose study of IMPDH and purine nucleotide responses in healthy individuals. | Mycophenolate mofetil is used in rejection prophylaxis after allograft transplantation. The highly variable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PD) of the active moiety mycophenolic acid (MPA) render this drug attractive for therapeutic monitoring. The aim of this study was to characterize the exposure-response relationship for MPA to guide future strategies for individualized therapy based on PD monitoring. A single-dose (100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg mycophenolate mofetil) crossover exposure-response study of MPA PD in CD4 cells was performed in 5 healthy individuals. The activity of inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) at time 0 ranged from 1.2 to 7.2 pmol per 10 cells/min. IMPDH was strongly inhibited by MPA; MPA EC50 (concentration required for 50% inhibition) of 2.3 mg/L was determined by a pooled data analysis. Decreased IMPDH gene expression was associated with the exposure to MPA. There were no immediate reductions of guanine nucleotides. On the contrary, a trend toward increased guanosine triphosphate was observed. IMPDH activity AUC0-12h approached maximum reduction at MPA AUC0-12h 22 mg x h/L (corresponding to the 500 mg dose), whereas plasma concentrations exceeding approximately 6 mg/L did not further increase the IMPDH inhibition. The results suggest that guanine nucleotides in circulating lymphocytes may not serve as immediate response biomarkers to MPA. Strategies for preventing over- or underexposure to MPA may be developed by means of IMPDH activity combined with MPA concentration measurement. | 18,806,697 |
Lessons learned from studies of the natural history of diabetic nephropathy in young type 1 diabetic patients. | Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) remains the leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the Western world, responsible for nearly half of all new ESRD cases in the USA (1). DN develops in 20-25% of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) (2) and, although risk of DN is clearly related to glycemic control (3,4), other variables including genetic propensity (5) are needed to explain why only a minority T1 DN patients progress to ESRD. The clinical manifestations of DN including increasing levels of urinary albumin excretion (AER), rising blood pressure (BP) and falling glomerular filtration rates (GFR) are closely related to renal structural abnormalities of DN (5,6). These glomerular, tubular, vascular and interstitial lesions are strongly correlated with these functional abnormalities especially when non-linear analysis models are used (6,7). This is because DN's natural history is one of clinical silence for years to decades during which time serious underlying renal lesions may be developing. Once the clinical manifestations, including the development of persistent microalbuminuria [(MA); (AER 20-200 microg/min)] are present, the structural injury is often far advanced (8). Moreover the nature of the renal lesions changes following the development of overt proteinuria so that the further decline in GFR is now associated with focal and global glomerular sclerosis and tubulo-interstitial injury which probably accelerates the GFR decline towards ESRD (7). Since interventions at these late stages of disease may only slow but not completely arrest the inexorable progression towards renal failure (9), understanding early natural history becomes important. Since DN structurally and functionally is a progressive disease; it is reasonable to presume that patients that either do not develop the earlier lesions of DN or develop them very slowly will not progress within their lifetime to stages of advanced renal structural injury and ESRD. We therefore considered it important to understand the early natural history of diabetic nephropathy and formed the International Diabetic Nephropathy Study Group (IDNSG) in order to investigate the early stages of DN in young T1DM volunteers. The design of the Natural History Study (NHS) (9) has been reported. The IDNSG participating institutions included 3 university centers (McGill University, Montreal, Canada with affiliations with the University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada, the Ottawa Civic Hospital, and the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario; the Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School with affiliations at St Paul Children's Hospital and the International Diabetes Center in Minneapolis; the Robert Debré Höpital in Paris with affiliations with Höpital Saint Louis). The data coordinating center for the NHS was in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McGill University and light microscopy readings were carried out at INSERM Unité 192 at the Höpital Necker-Enfants Malades in Paris. Patients could be included if they had type 1 diabetes for 2-20 years, had onset of diabetes before age 31, had AER less than 100 mug/min and GFR > or = 90 ml/min/ 1.73m2 (9). Patients also had to be normotensive for their age and sex and have no other significant renal or systemic disease. Quarterly studies included measurements of blood pressure, (BP), urinary albumin excretion rate (AER), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), GFR, and renal plasma flow (RPF). Renal biopsies were performed at baseline and after 5 years in the study. The primary goal of the study was to determine the clinical predictors of the baseline biopsy and baseline clinical and renal structural predictors of the changes between the baseline and the 5 year biopsy. The longitudinal structural studies are still in analysis and this paper will mainly review the cross sectional studies that have been completed to date. | 18,806,710 |
Prevention of type 2 DM: implications for adolescents and young adults. | Type 2 Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions among adults in the USA and worldwide. With the rising epidemic of obesity among children and adolescents, a parallel epidemic of type 2 diabetes is also observed in this patient population. Control of diabetes and its complications, mainly cardiovascular disease has been sub-optimal at best. Therefore, effort trials have been conducted and others are ongoing to assess various modalities for diabetes prevention among adults, ranging from diet and exercise to pharmacological agents of various classes. Recently, concerted efforts have been made for prevention of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents. In this paper we discuss the diabetes prevention rationale and methods among adults and the implications of these efforts for children and adolescents. We also highlight the ongoing efforts for diabetes prevention in trials specifically designed to address the adolescent population. | 18,806,714 |
Celiac disease in African American children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in inner city Brooklyn. | There is a strong evidence for association between type 1 diabetes and Celiac Disease. Up to 8% of patients with type1 diabetes have characteristic features of CD on small intestinal biopsy. Type 1 diabetics who have HLA DQ2 or DQ8 are at risk for CD. However most of this data is from studies conducted in Europe, with mostly Caucasian population. This study aims to identify the prevalence of celiac disease in African American children with Type1 diabetes in inner city Brooklyn, New York. IgA and IgG Antigliadin antibodies, IgA tissue transglutaminase and HLA typing was measured in blood collected from 34 children with type1 diabetes mellitus. Patients with positive anti tissue transglutaminase antibody underwent small intestinal biopsy. 17 patients had elevated IgG AGA, none showed elevated IgA AGA. Only one patient had elevated IgA and anti tTG levels, and a normal small intestinal biopsy. 28 patients had HLA DQ2 or DQ8 present. 94% of the African American children with type1 diabetes were serology negative for celiac disease inspite of having the predisposing HLA haplotype. Only one patient was positive for anti tTG antibody, with a negative small intestinal biopsy, the prevalence of celiac disease in this population may not be similar to the other populations. Pediatric Endocrinology in review 990,2008. | 18,806,716 |
Early detection and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. | Renal involvement in diabetes, known as diabetic nephropathy (DN), is a progressive disease and occurs as a result of direct and indirect effects of hyperglycemia. DN is a serious public health concern because it is the leading cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in most developed countries and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. DN is characterized by an initial period of glomerular hyperfiltration, associated with progressively increasing proteinuria, followed by a gradual decline in glomerular filtration rate, resulting in ESRD. Prevention of DN depends on awareness of risk factors for DN, screening for microalbuminuria and hypertension, monitoring glycemic control, and initiating or modifying treatment as needed. Risk factors for development of DN include hyperglycemia, hypertension, positive family history of nephropathy and hypertension, and smoking. Significant advances have been made in recent years in understanding the pathogenesis of DN, raising the possibility that newer therapies may prevent or slow the progression of DN. | 18,806,717 |
Effects of PDT with 5-aminolevulinic acid and chitosan on Walker carcinosarcoma. | Porphyrins and new chitosan hydrogels based composites with porphyrins are used as active cytotoxic antitumor agents in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The present study evaluates the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and 5-ALA associated with chitosan (CS) using Walker carcinosarcoma in rats as experimental model. The animals were irradiated with red light ( lambda = 685 nm, D = 50 J/cm(2), 15 min) 3 h after i.p. administration of 5-ALA (250 mg/kg b.w.) or a mixture of 5-ALA (250 mg/kg b.w.) and CS (1.5 mg/kg b.w.). The animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6, 24 h and 14 days after the treatment. The effects of PDT were investigated by morphological studies, monitoring the 5-ALA induced protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX) level in tumor tissue and serum, MMP 2 and 9 (gelatinases) activity in tumor and malondialdehyde level (MDA), marker of the lipoperoxidation process, in tumor and serum. Zymography revealed an increased activity of MMP 2 in tumors from animals treated with 5-ALA PDT. PDT with 5-ALA induced a higher lipid peroxidation in tumor tissue compared with 5-ALA-CS. CS associated to 5 ALA PDT enhanced the accumulation of PS in tumors inducing earlier necrotic changes. In the same time CS reduced MMP 2 activity. Our results suggest that MMPs activation and oxygen reactive species are involved in PDT effects. | 18,806,744 |
Alterations of constitutive pericentromeric heterochromatin in lymphocytes of cancer patients and lymphocytes exposed to 5-azacytidine is associated with DNA-hypomethylation. | DNA hypomethylation plays a key role in carcinogenesis. The malignant transformation of cells as well as tumor progression is accompanied with increasing DNA hypomethylation in cancer cells. Nevertheless, the evolution of dis-epigenetic genomic alteration in the somatic cellular malignant transformation has not yet been clear. To study the relationship between the pattern of genomic DNA hypomethylation and DNA hyperploidy. The model of 5-azacytidine demethylating DNA treatment of the mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes in parallel with patients with solid cancer has been explored. DNA content was measured by quantitative DAPI and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence in situ hybridization on interphase nuclei. The conventional mitogen-stimulated blood lymphocyte culture development was performed in metaphase chromosomes and interphase nuclei assay. The light and fluorescent cytomorphological microscopy was performed. The model 5-azacytidine induced DNA demethylation results in increased DNA hyperploidy accompanying major pericentromeric heterochromatin (Alu) DNA repeats amplification similar to those during DNA hypomethylation-associated cancer events, and both contributed to nuclear heteropycnosis development. The constitutive pericentromeric heterochromatin consequent morphological disturbance to the latent polytene chromomerization and heteropycnosis development both in cancer patients and in model 5-azacytidine exposured lymphocytes are associated with DNA hypomethylation. We have observed that the induced global DNA hypomethylation triggers dis-epigenetic morphological reprogramming of constitutive pericentromeric heterochromatin on the extrachromosomal organization pathway as seen during the heterochromatin latent polytene features development, which is of importance as one of the mechanism involving DNA hypomethylation in initiation and progression of cancer. | 18,806,747 |
No association between the Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln polymorphisms of the XRCC1 gene and colorectal cancer risk and progression in a Polish population. | The risk of sporadic colorectal cancer can be associated with environmental and lifestyle factors that may be sources of physical and chemical carcinogens, modulated by products of many low penetrance genes. Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes may influence variation in individual DNA repair capacity, which is crucial for preventing genomic instability, which, in turn, may be associated with risk of cancer. XRCC1 is an essential protein for the base excision repair pathway which primarily deals with DNA base modifications, arisen spontaneously or as a consequence of the action of environmental factors. To perform a case-control study and test the association between two polymorphisms in the XRCC1 gene: Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln and colorectal cancer risk and progression. Genotypes were determined in DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes of 100 colorectal cancer patients and 100 age, sex and ethnic-matched cancer-free controls by PCR RFLP. We found that both polymorphisms of the XRCC1 gene were not associated with risk and progession of colorectal cancer in a Polish population. Moreover, there was not such association form the Arg194Trp/Arg399Gln haplotypes. The Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln polymorphisms of the XRCC1 gene may not be associated with colorectal cancer in Polish population. | 18,806,752 |
Bcl-2 inhibitors: small molecules with a big impact on cancer therapy. | Despite tremendous advances over the last 15 years in understanding fundamental mechanisms of apoptosis, this has failed to translate into improved cancer therapy for patients. However, there may now be light at the end of this long tunnel. Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members may be divided into two subclasses, one comprising Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L) and Bcl-w and the other Mcl-1 and Bcl2A1. Neutralization of both subclasses is required for apoptosis induction. Solution of the structure of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins has led to the design of novel small molecule inhibitors. Although many such molecules have been synthesized, rigorous verification of their specificity has often been lacking. Further studies have revealed that many putative Bcl-2 inhibitors are not specific and have other cellular targets, resulting in non-mechanism based toxicity. Two notable exceptions are ABT-737 and a related orally active derivative, ABT-263, which bind with high affinity to Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L) and Bcl-w and may prove to be useful tools for mechanistic studies. ABT-263 is in early clinical trials in lymphoid malignancies, small-cell lung cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and some patients have shown promising results. In in vitro studies, primary cells from patients with various B-cell malignancies are exquisitely sensitive to ABT-737, exhibiting novel morphological features of apoptosis including marked outer mitochondrial membrane rupture. | 18,806,758 |
Ocular air gun injuries: a one-year surveillance study in the UK and Eire (BOSU). 2001-2002. | The vulnerability of the eye means that ocular air gun injuries figure prominently in the medical literature. This Study reports the results of the first ocular air gun injury surveillance study. Ocular air gun injuries were reported to the British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit (BOSU; United Kingdom and Eire) for the period November 2001-December 2002 (13 months). Two questionnaires were used to collect demographic details, circumstances of injury, details of injuries, medical management and outcome. A total of 105 initial and 99 follow-up questionnaires were returned. Eighty-six ocular air gun injuries occurred during the last 12 months of surveillance yielding a corrected, estimated incidence of 91-115 injuries/year. Injuries were most frequent in August/September, and 90% (95/105) of victims were men with mean age of 17.5 years (74% under 18 years). In all, 40% (32/81) of injuries occurred at home and 53% (43/81) in a public place. 23% (19/84) of injuries were deliberate, 66% (69/104) of injuries were severe and 20% (21/105) resulted in ruptured globes. In all, 54% (48/89) required hospital admission and 41 required surgery. A total of 11% (12/105) of eyes were either enucleated or eviscerated. Final visual acuity was <or=counting fingers in 29% (26/91) but >6/12 (Snellen) in 65% (59/91). Moderate/significant cosmetic deformities were recorded in 10% (8/77) and restricted ocular movements in 5% (4/72). Ocular air gun injuries damage sight and leave lasting morbidity. The demographics and circumstances of injury are well documented with access to, and unsupervised use of, air guns, appearing the principal risks for injury. | 18,806,762 |
Conjugated action of two species-specific invasion proteins for fetoplacental listeriosis. | The ability to cross host barriers is an essential virulence determinant of invasive microbial pathogens. Listeria monocytogenes is a model microorganism that crosses human intestinal and placental barriers, and causes severe maternofetal infections by an unknown mechanism. Several studies have helped to characterize the bacterial invasion proteins InlA and InlB. However, their respective species specificity has complicated investigations on their in vivo role. Here we describe two novel and complementary animal models for human listeriosis: the gerbil, a natural host for L. monocytogenes, and a knock-in mouse line ubiquitously expressing humanized E-cadherin. Using these two models, we uncover the essential and interdependent roles of InlA and InlB in fetoplacental listeriosis, and thereby decipher the molecular mechanism underlying the ability of a microbe to target and cross the placental barrier. | 18,806,773 |
MicroRNAs to Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2 coding regions modulate embryonic stem cell differentiation. | MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNAs that direct messenger RNA degradation or disrupt mRNA translation in a sequence-dependent manner. For more than a decade, attempts to study the interaction of miRNAs with their targets were confined to the 3' untranslated regions of mRNAs, fuelling an underlying assumption that these regions are the principal recipients of miRNA activity. Here we focus on the mouse Nanog, Oct4 (also known as Pou5f1) and Sox2 genes and demonstrate the existence of many naturally occurring miRNA targets in their amino acid coding sequence (CDS). Some of the mouse targets analysed do not contain the miRNA seed, whereas others span exon-exon junctions or are not conserved in the human and rhesus genomes. miR-134, miR-296 and miR-470, upregulated on retinoic-acid-induced differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells, target the CDS of each transcription factor in various combinations, leading to transcriptional and morphological changes characteristic of differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells, and resulting in a new phenotype. Silent mutations at the predicted targets abolish miRNA activity, prevent the downregulation of the corresponding genes and delay the induced phenotype. Our findings demonstrate the abundance of CDS-located miRNA targets, some of which can be species-specific, and support an augmented model whereby animal miRNAs exercise their control on mRNAs through targets that can reside beyond the 3' untranslated region. | 18,806,776 |
Insights from retinitis pigmentosa into the roles of isocitrate dehydrogenases in the Krebs cycle. | Here we describe two families with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary neurodegeneration of rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina. Affected family members were homozygous for loss-of-function mutations in IDH3B, encoding the beta-subunit of NAD-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (NAD-IDH, or IDH3), which is believed to catalyze the oxidation of isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate in the citric acid cycle. Cells from affected individuals had a substantial reduction of NAD-IDH activity, with about a 300-fold increase in the K(m) for NAD. NADP-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-IDH, or IDH2), an enzyme that catalyzes the same reaction, was normal in affected individuals, and they had no health problems associated with the enzyme deficiency except for retinitis pigmentosa. These findings support the hypothesis that mitochondrial NADP-IDH, rather than NAD-IDH, serves as the main catalyst for this reaction in the citric acid cycle outside the retina, and that the retina has a particular requirement for NAD-IDH. | 18,806,796 |
Inhibition of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 reduces complex coronary atherosclerotic plaque development. | Increased lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) activity is associated with increased risk of cardiac events, but it is not known whether Lp-PLA(2) is a causative agent. Here we show that selective inhibition of Lp-PLA(2) with darapladib reduced development of advanced coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic swine. Darapladib markedly inhibited plasma and lesion Lp-PLA(2) activity and reduced lesion lysophosphatidylcholine content. Analysis of coronary gene expression showed that darapladib exerted a general anti-inflammatory action, substantially reducing the expression of 24 genes associated with macrophage and T lymphocyte functioning. Darapladib treatment resulted in a considerable decrease in plaque area and, notably, a markedly reduced necrotic core area and reduced medial destruction, resulting in fewer lesions with an unstable phenotype. These data show that selective inhibition of Lp-PLA(2) inhibits progression to advanced coronary atherosclerotic lesions and confirms a crucial role of vascular inflammation independent from hypercholesterolemia in the development of lesions implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction and stroke. | 18,806,801 |
On contemporaneous controls, unlikely outcomes, boxes and replacing the 'Student': good statistical practice in pharmacology, problem 3. | This paper is intended to assist pharmacologists to make the most of statistical analysis and avoid common errors. A scenario, in which an experimenter performed an experiment in two separate stages, combined the control groups for analysis and found some surprising results, is presented. The consequences of combined controls are discussed, appropriate display and analysis of the data are described, and an analysis of the likelihood of erroneous conclusions is made. Comparisons between data from separately conducted experimental series are hazardous when there is any possibility that the properties of the experimental units have changed between the series. Experiments that have been performed independently should be analyzed independently. Unlikely or surprising results should be treated with caution and a high standard of evidence should be required, and verification by repeated experiments should be performed and reported. Box and whisker plots contain more information than plots more commonly used to display for qualitative variables and should be used where the sample size is large enough (say, n > or = 5). In most biomedical experiments the observations are not random samples from large populations as assumed by conventional parametric analyses such as Student's t-test, and so permutation tests, which do not lose their validity when a sampled population is non-normal or when the data are not random samples, should frequently be used instead of Student's t-tests. | 18,806,810 |
Identification of alpha 1L-adrenoceptor in mice and its abolition by alpha 1A-adrenoceptor gene knockout. | The alpha(1L)-adrenoceptor has pharmacological properties that distinguish it from three classical alpha(1)-adrenoceptors (alpha(1A), alpha(1B) and alpha(1D)). The purpose of this was to identify alpha(1L)-adrenoceptors in mice and to examine their relationship to classical alpha(1)-adrenoceptors. Radioligand binding and functional bioassay experiments were performed on the cerebral cortex, vas deferens and prostate of wild-type (WT) and alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor gene knockout (AKO, BKO and DKO) mice. The radioligand [(3)H]-silodosin bound to intact segments of the cerebral cortex, vas deferens and prostate of WT, BKO and DKO but not of AKO mice. The binding sites were composed of two components with high and low affinities for prazosin or RS-17053, indicating the pharmacological profiles of alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors and alpha(1L)-adrenoceptors. In membrane preparations of WT mouse cortex, however, [(3)H]-silodosin bound to a single population of prazosin high-affinity sites, suggesting the presence of alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors alone. In contrast, [(3)H]-prazosin bound to two components having alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor and alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor profiles in intact segments of WT and DKO mouse cortices, but AKO mice lacked alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor profiles and BKO mice lacked alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor profiles. Noradrenaline produced contractions through alpha(1L)-adrenoceptors with low affinity for prazosin in the vas deferens and prostate of WT, BKO and DKO mice. However, the contractions were abolished or markedly attenuated in AKO mice. alpha(1L)-Adrenoceptors were identified as binding and functional entities in WT, BKO and DKO mice but not in AKO mice, suggesting that the alpha(1L)-adrenoceptor is one phenotype derived from the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor gene. | 18,806,813 |
Use of atorvastatin as an anti-inflammatory treatment in Crohn's disease. | Experimental and clinical investigations have revealed that statins can downregulate both acute and chronic inflammatory processes. Whether statins express anti-inflammatory activities in the treatment of Crohn's disease is unknown. Ten patients were given 80 mg atorvastatin once daily for 13 weeks and then followed up for 8 weeks after the treatment. The anti-inflammatory effects of statin were assessed by measuring levels of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble (s) CD14, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, sTNFRI and II, CCL2 and 8 and the mucosal inflammation by faecal calprotectin. Circulating monocytes were subgrouped and their chemokine receptor expression of CCR2 and CX(3)CR1 were analysed. In 8 of 10 patients, atorvastatin treatment reduced CRP (P=0.008) and sTNFRII (P=0.064). A slight decrease in plasma levels of sCD14, TNF-alpha and sTNFRI was observed in 7/10 patients and faecal calprotectin was reduced in 8/10 patients. We also observed that the treatment diminished expression of CCR2 and CX(3)CR1 on monocyte populations (P=0.014). At the follow-up visit, 8 weeks after the atorvastatin treatment was terminated, CRP levels had returned to those seen before the treatment. Our findings imply that atorvastatin therapy reduces inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease and, therefore, encourage further investigations of statin-mediated protective effects in inflammatory bowel diseases. | 18,806,816 |
Outcome following unrelated cord blood transplant in 136 patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases: a report from the Australian and New Zealand children's haematology and oncology group. | Unrelated umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an alternative stem cell source for paediatric patients lacking a matched related or unrelated marrow donor. We report the results of all paediatric unrelated UCB transplants performed in Australia and New Zealand over a 10-year period. A total of 135 patients were transplanted, 100 for malignant disease (74%) and 35 for non-malignant disorders. The majority (88%) of patients received an HLA-mismatched graft. The median infused total nucleated cell dose was 4.7 x 10(7)/kg and CD34+ count 1.9 x 10(5)/kg. Neutrophil engraftment occurred in 83% of patients by day 42 (median 23 days) and platelet engraftment in 55% by day 60 (median 56 days). Grades II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD occurred in 41 and 18% of patients, respectively. TRM and overall survival 1-year post transplant were 32 and 61%, respectively. A higher probability of neutrophil recovery (P=0.004) and faster time to recovery (median 18 days vs 26 days, P=0.008) were observed in recipients of a cord unit with a CD34 cell dose >or=1.7 x 10(5)/kg. Our results support selection of cord units with CD34 cell doses >or=1.7 x 10(5)/kg to promote faster engraftment, improve survival and lower TRM. | 18,806,837 |
Simultaneous measurement of multiparameters using a Sagnac interferometer with polarization maintaining side-hole fiber. | A Sagnac interferometer with a section of a polarization maintaining side-hole fiber for multiparameter measurement is proposed. The sensor was experimentally demonstrated to be sensitive to torsion, temperature, and longitudinal strain, simultaneously. The birefringence in the investigated side-hole fiber is induced simultaneously by the elliptical shape of a germanium-doped core and by field overlap with the air holes surrounding the core. The latter effect is purely geometrical and causes high chromatic dispersion of the group birefringence in the long wavelength range, which results in a different period of spectral interference fringes. A different wavelength response is obtained for each interference fringe peak when the fiber is subjected to torsion, temperature, or longitudinal strain. A matrix equation for simultaneous measurement of the three parameters--torsion, temperature, and longitudinal strain--is also proposed. | 18,806,840 |
Refractive index and extinction coefficient determination of an absorbing thin film by using the continuous wavelet transform method. | We present the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) method for determining the dispersion curves of the refractive index and extinction coefficient of absorbing thin films by using the transmittance spectrum in the visible and near infrared regions at room temperature. The CWT method is performed on the transmittance spectrum of an a - Si(1-x)C(x):H film, and the refractive index and extinction coefficient of the film are continuously determined and compared with the results of the envelope and fringe counting methods. Also the noise filter property of the method is depicted on a theoretically generated noisy signal. Finally, the error analyses of the CWT, envelope, and fringe counting methods are performed. | 18,806,848 |
Thin-type integral imaging method with an organic light emitting diode panel. | A thin and lensless two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) convertible display based on integral imaging using an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel as a direct emissive light source is proposed with improved optical efficiency. A point light source array for 2D-3D convertible display is formed on the surface light source, i.e., the OLED panel. However, a blurring effect and color separation result from the finite (nonzero) size of point light sources since each point light source is generated by a pixel of the OLED panel. Simulation results for a blurring effect and color separation in terms of rays from a light source with finite size is presented. The proposed system has a thin structure and simple convertibility because it does not need any additional optical element to provide 2D-3D convertibility. | 18,806,853 |
Comparative evaluation of two simple diffuse reflectance models for biological tissue applications. | We present a comparative evaluation of two simple diffuse reflectance models for biological tissue applications. One model is based on a widely accepted and used in biomedical optics implementation of diffusion theory, and the other one is based on a semiempirical approach derived from basic physical principles. We test the models on tissue phantoms and on human skin, utilizing a standard six-around-one optical fiber probe for light delivery and collection. We show that both models are suitable for use with an optical fiber probe and illustrate the potential, applicability, and validity range of the models. | 18,806,859 |
Proteomic detection of changes in protein expression induced by cordycepin in human hepatocellular carcinoma BEL-7402 cells. | The nucleoside analogue cordycepin (3 '-deoxyadenosine, 3 '-dA), one of the components of Cordyceps militaris, has been shown to inhibit the growth of various tumor cells. However, the probable mechanism is still obscure. In this study, the inhibition of cell growth and changes in protein expression induced by cordycepin were investigated in BEL-7402 cells. Using the MTT assay and flow cytometry, we found that cordycepin inhibits cell viability and induces apoptosis in BEL-7402 cells. Additionally, the proteins were separated using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and eight proteins were found to be significantly affected by cordycepin compared to untreated control; among them, two were downregulated and six were upregulated. Of the eight proteins, six were identified with peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) after in-gel trypsin digestion. These proteins are involved in various aspects of cellular metabolism. It is suggested that the effect of cordycepin on the growth of tumor cells is significantly related to the metabolism-associated protein expression induced by cordycepin. | 18,806,893 |
Antifungal prophylaxis in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. | Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a frequent, costly and potentially life-threatening complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Most prevalent among the causative pathogens are Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Risk factors that further increase the risk of IFIs in this patient population include allogeneic transplant and acute graft versus host disease. Among strategies to improve outcomes is the administration of antifungal prophylaxis. However, optimal administration requires the identification of patients who are at the highest risk of developing a fungal infection, thus restricting concerns of drug cost, toxicity and resistance to those most likely to benefit. Currently, there are several antifungal agents recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network for the prophylaxis of IFIs. These include fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and micafungin. Fluconazole was widely considered the standard agent for prophylaxis in patients at lower risk of mold infections. New data support the efficacy of the newer triazole posaconazole and the echinocandin micafungin in this patient population.. | 18,806,902 |
Constriction of the levator hiatus during instruction of pelvic floor or transversus abdominis contraction: a 4D ultrasound study. | A new theory claims that the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) can be trained via the transversus abdominis (TrA). The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of instruction of PFM and TrA contraction on constriction of the levator hiatus, using 4D perineal ultrasonography. Thirteen women with pelvic organ prolapse participated in the study. Perineal ultrasound in standing position was used to assess constriction of the levator hiatus. Analyses were conducted off-line with measurements in the axial plane of minimal hiatal dimensions. The reduction of all the hiatal dimensions was significantly greater during PFM than TrA contraction. All patients had a reduction of the levator hiatus area during PFM contraction (mean reduction 24.0%; range 6.1-49.2%). In two patients, there was an increase of the levator hiatus area during TrA contraction. Instruction of PFM contraction is more effective than TrA contraction. | 18,806,912 |
Factors associated with choice of psychotropic drugs used for intentional drug overdose. | Knowledge of the factors influencing the choice of drugs used for intentional drug overdose (IDO) may allow the reduction of IDO lethality. To assess with which frequency subjects with intentional overdose of psychotropic drugs ingest their own psychotropic drug treatment, and whether prescription of a drug may be a factor influencing the choice of drugs used for the IDO. Demographic characteristics, psychiatric history, and currently prescribed psychotropic drug treatment were collected for all the patients (n = 1,654) admitted to an emergency department (ED) for IDO with psychotropic drugs (anxiolytics, hypnotics, antidepressants, neuroleptics and mood stabilizers) over a period of 18 months. Drugs ingested for the IDO were compared in subjects who had ingested at least one psychotropic drug that was prescribed for them and subjects who had ingested psychotropic drugs not prescribed for them using multivariate logistic regression. Two-thirds of the patients ingested during the IDO at least one of their own prescribed psychotropic drugs. Compared with the subjects who had ingested psychotropic drugs not prescribed for them, they were more likely to have a history of psychiatric hospitalization (OR 4.2; 95%CI 3.1-5.5), of being a psychiatric outpatient (OR 3.9; 95%CI 3.0-5.1), of parasuicide (OR 2.5; 95%CI 1.9-3.3) and a serious IDO (OR 2; 95%CI 1.4-2.9). Independently from age and psychiatric hospitalization history, they ingested during the IDO more often antidepressants (OR 4.4; 95%CI 3.0-6.4), antipsychotics (OR 2.9; 95%CI 1.7-4.8) and mood stabilizers (OR 4.1; 95%CI 1.6-10.7). No association was found with prescription for overdose of hypnotic (OR 1.1; 95%CI 0.8-1.5), anxiolytic (OR 1.2; 95%CI 0.9-1.7) or paracetamol (OR 1.0; 95%CI 0.5-2.1). Prescription of the psychotropic drugs plays an important role in the choice of the drugs ingested for the IDO. It might make potentially "dangerous" drugs available for the patient. Physicians have always to balance the benefit of the treatment against the risk of drug overdose. | 18,806,918 |
Autoreactive T-cell responses to myeloperoxidase in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and in healthy individuals. | The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of autoreactive T cells to myeloperoxidase (MPO) in patients with MPO-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Peripheral blood T cells from 15 patients with MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis and 14 healthy individuals were cultured with three recombinant proteins that together comprised the entire MPO sequence (L, all 112 amino acids (AA) of the light chain; HI, AA 1-227 of the heavy chain; HII, AA 212-467 of the heavy chain), and the antigen-specific T-cell proliferative response was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation. T-cell responses to MPO-L and HI were both detected in four patients and three healthy donors, and responses to MPO-HII were detected in four patients and seven healthy donors. These findings indicate that at least three independent T-cell epitopes exist on the MPO molecule. Interestingly, the patients whose T cells showed these MPO-induced responses were mainly in remission. Peripheral blood T cells reactive with MPO were primarily of the HLA-DR-restricted CD4+ phenotype. In summary, we successfully used recombinant MPO fragments to detect autoreactive CD4+ T cells to multiple MPO epitopes in blood samples from patients with MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis and healthy individuals. | 18,806,928 |
Morin protects acute liver damage by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) in rat. | The purpose of this study was to investigate possible beneficial effects of morin on CCl(4)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats received a single dose of CCl(4) (150 microL/100 g 1:1 in corn oil). Morin treatment (20 mg/kg) was given at 48, 24, and 2 h before CCl(4) administration. CCl(4) challenge elevated serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, but these effects were prevented by the pretreatment of rats with morin. To identify the mechanism of protective activity of morin in CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, we investigated expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS). The expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and iNOS were increased by CCl(4) treatment and increased expressions of those were decreased by morin. These findings suggest that morin prevents acute liver damage by inhibiting the production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and iNOS. | 18,806,959 |
Determination of enantiomeric impurity of etodolac by capillary electrophoresis using (2-hydroxypropyl)-beta-cyclodextrin. | A capillary electrophoresis method was developed to determine the impurity of etodolac enantiomers. (2-Hydroxypropyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) was used as a chiral selector and ketoprofen as an internal standard to improve the peak area precision. The seperation of the etodolac enantiomers was achived within 35 min at 15 degrees C and its highest resolution was about 4.0 using phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 6.0) with 15 mM HP-beta-CD and UV detection at 225 nm with a reference wavelength at 360 nm. This method allowed determination of 0.2% of (R)-(-)-etodolac in (S)-(+)-etodolac and method validation showed adequate linearity over the required range. | 18,806,967 |
[Reticular erythematous plaques]. | Reticular erythematous mucinosis (REM) syndrome primarily affects young women; the skin lesions usually appear on the chest and upper back. REM is diagnosed on the basis of the clinical picture and histological findings. REM syndrome is often associated with lupus erythematosus tumidus. Both diseases respond well to treatment with chloroquin. Topical tacrolimus and the use of a pulsed dye laser have fewer side effects and have also proved to be effective. | 18,806,970 |
[Forced sterilisation of the hereditary deaf in the Third Reich : Its reflection in the scientific ENT literature.] | BACKGROUND: The Law for the Prevention of Genetically Diseased Offspring (enacted in Germany in 1934 and in Austria in 1940) allowed the forced sterilisation of people with hereditary disorders, including hereditary deafness. Doctors were required to register their patients who qualified under the Law and to cooperate in establishing the diagnosis. METHOD: This study investigated how the questions and problems related to this topic were discussed in three German-language scientific ENT journals published between 1934 and 1944. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A few ENT specialists appeared as "protagonists" of the eugenics programme and supported its implementation. Others seemed to be "sceptics" of the programme who, though not overtly objecting to it, warned against its uncritical application. The scientific discussion was nevertheless objective and not distorted by ideological motives. Apparently, the "sceptics" were influential enough to widely establish a restrictive practice of diagnosing hereditary deafness. Nevertheless, the physicians failed to comply with their professional obligation to advocate the welfare of the patient rather than that of "the nation". | 18,806,972 |
Separation and characterization of aluminium malate species by ion chromatography. | Aluminium malate complexes have a high relevance in biological systems. The anionic species present in an aqueous aluminium malate mixture can be investigated by ion chromatography coupled online with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. As malic acid is a chiral ligand, the experiments were carried out using the racemic and the enantiopure forms. In both systems four anionic complexes are observable in the model solutions. One of two crystallized and well-characterized anions, [Al(4)Malate(6)](6-) and [Al(4)Malate(4)](2-), serves as a reference anion for the assignment of one of the species occurring in the model solutions. The main species in the enantiopure aluminium malate model with biological relevance over a wide pH range is the [Al(4)Malate(4)](2-) anion. The [Al(4)Malate(6)](6-) anion is not present in the racemic model solution. This anion suffers complete species disintegration after dissolution. The kinetics of the decay is first order and the activation energy of the decomposition is 74 kJ/mol. A retention model for ion chromatography was used for the determination of the effective charges of the species. The effective charge obtained by the retention model was calibrated in relation to nominal charges of the anions by using several well-defined and differently charged anions and anionic aluminium species. | 18,807,016 |
Abciximab for thrombolysis during intracranial aneurysm coiling. | Thrombotic events are a common and severe complication of endovascular aneurysm treatment with significant impact on patients' outcome. This study evaluates risk factors for thrombus formation and assesses the efficacy and safety of abciximab for clot dissolution. All patients treated with abciximab during (41 patients) or shortly after (22 patients) intracranial aneurysm coil embolisation were retrieved from the institutional database (2000 to 2007, 1,250 patients). Sixty-three patients (mean age, 55.3 years, +/- 12.8) had received either intra-arterial or intravenous abciximab. Risk factors for clot formation were assessed and the angiographic and clinical outcome evaluated. No aneurysm rupture occurred during or after abciximab application. The intra-procedural rate of total recanalisation was 68.3%. Thromboembolic complications were frequently found in aneurysms of the Acom complex and of the basilar artery, whilst internal carotid artery aneurysms were underrepresented. Two patients died of treatment-related intracranial haemorrhages into preexisting cerebral infarcts. Two patients developed a symptomatic groin haematoma. Abciximab is efficacious and safe for thrombolysis during and after endovascular intracranial aneurysm treatment in the absence of preexisting ischaemic stroke. | 18,807,025 |
Modic changes in vertebral endplates: a comparison of MR imaging and multislice CT. | This paper aims to evaluate the presence of endplate sclerosis in different types of Modic changes and to assess the capability of MRI in detecting endplate sclerosis within these changes. The lumbar spines (L3-S1) of 70 patients were retrospectively reviewed to determine Modic changes and disc degeneration from MRI and endplate sclerosis from CT. T1- and T2-weighted signal intensity and Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements of type I and II Modic changes were recorded and the association of both Modic types I and II with endplate sclerosis was analyzed with a Mann-Whitney test. Altogether 82 Modic changes in 36 subjects were recorded: 13% were type I, 12% mixed type I/II, 65% type II, 9% mixed type II/III, and 1% type III. Thirty-eight percent of the endplates with Modic changes had sclerosis in CT. Of specific Modic types, mixed I/II and II/III associated significantly with endplate sclerosis. Endplate sclerosis was not detected in MRI in a quantitative analysis. Endplate sclerosis exists in all types of Modic changes, especially in mixed Modic types, and not only in type III changes, as previously assumed. Endplate sclerosis was not detected in MRI, which may depend on the amount of mineralization of the bone marrow. | 18,807,028 |
[Early loss of heterozygosity on chromosome arm 16q in flat epithelial atypia of the breast. Detection by microsatellite analyses]. | With the improvement of breast carcinoma screening, pre-malignant cell lesions such as flat epithelial atypia (FEA) are detected more frequently. Several studies have demonstrated that FEA show features of a ductal neoplasia, but is it really a precursor lesion? We have started a comparative genetic analysis of a panel of nine microsatellite markers on six different chromosomal regions to investigate whether FEAs show the same characteristic genetic alterations as ductal carcinomas in situ (DCISs) and invasive carcinoma of the breast. FEAs, DCISs and invasive carcinomas of the same patients were microdissected using PALM micro laser technology. DNA was isolated using the QIAamp DNA Micro Kit (QIAGEN). We have investigated a set of the polymorphic microsatellite markers D7S522, D8S522, NEFL, D10S541 (PTEN), D13S153 (RB1), D16S400, D16S402, D16S422 and D17S855 (BRCA1) using multiplex PCR for the detection of allelic imbalances. Most of the investigated FEAs showed a lower frequency of loss of heterozygosity than associated DCISs or invasive carcinomas. However, we were able to detect the same alterations in FEAs as in DCISs or invasive carcinomas in a number of cases. Notably, the microsatellite marker on 16q showed more prevalent allelic imbalances in FEAs than the other investigated markers. One of the hallmarks in the pathogenesis of a large subgroup of invasive breast carcinomas is the early loss of chromosome arm 16q. In this study, we were able to detect frequent genetic alterations on chromosome 16q in FEAs, associated DCISs and invasive carcinomas. This suggests that FEA is a precursor lesion in the low-grade pathway. | 18,807,038 |
Spiny versus stubby: 3D reconstruction of human myenteric (type I) neurons. | We have compared the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of stubby and spiny neurons derived from the human small intestine. After immunohistochemical triple staining for leu-enkephalin (ENK), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neurofilament (NF), neurons were selected and scanned based on their immunoreactivity, whether ENK (stubby) or VIP (spiny). For the 3D reconstruction, we focused on confocal data pre-processing with intensity drop correction, non-blind deconvolution, an additional compression procedure in z-direction, and optimizing segmentation reliability. 3D Slicer software enabled a semi-automated segmentation based on an objective threshold (interrater and intrarater reliability, both 0.99). We found that most dendrites of stubby neurons emerged only from the somal circumference, whereas in spiny neurons, they also emerged from the luminal somal surface. In most neurons, the nucleus was positioned abluminally in its soma. The volumes of spiny neurons were significantly larger than those of stubby neurons (total mean of stubbies 806 +/- 128 mum(3), of spinies 2,316 +/- 545 mum(3)), and spiny neurons had more dendrites (26.3 vs. 11.3). The ratios of somal versus dendritic volumes were 1:1.2 in spiny and 1:0.3 in stubby neurons. In conclusion, 3D reconstruction revealed new differences between stubby and spiny neurons and allowed estimations of volumetric data of these neuron populations. | 18,807,064 |
Compartment model of neuropeptide synaptic transport with impulse control. | In this paper a mathematical description of a presynaptic episode of slow synaptic neuropeptide transport is proposed. Two interrelated mathematical models, one based on a system of reaction diffusion partial differential equations and another one, a compartment type, based on a system of ordinary differential equations (ODE) are formulated. Processes of inflow, calcium triggered activation, diffusion and release of neuropeptide from large dense core vesicles (LDCV) as well as inflow and diffusion of ionic calcium are represented. The models assume the space constraints on the motion of inactive LDCVs and free diffusion of activated ones and ions of calcium. Numerical simulations for the ODE model are presented as well. Additionally, an electronic circuit, reflecting the functional properties of the mathematically modelled presynaptic slow transport processes, is introduced. | 18,807,067 |
The signal molecule lysophosphatidylcholine in Eschscholzia californica is rapidly metabolized by reacylation. | In cultured cells of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) triggers a signal path that finally induces alkaloid biosynthesis. LPC is transiently generated by elicitor-activated phospholipase A(2) of the plasma membrane. Externally added LPC is rapidly acylated by a membrane-bound enzyme that shows the highest specific activity in the purified plasma membrane. The fatty acid incorporated into the sn-2 position of LPC is preferentially linoleic (18:2), which is the most abundant acyl component in the PC species of Eschscholzia cells, but a minor component of the pool of free fatty acids. The fatty acid at the sn-1 position of LPC is less important for substrate specificity. The capacity of LPC acylation by intact cells or isolated plasma membranes by far exceeds the rate of LPC generation by activated phospholipase A(2) and is not limited by the availability of acyl donors. Metabolites other than phosphatidylcholine (PC) were not significantly produced from labeled LPC within 20 min, indicating that lysophospholipases are not significantly contributing to the short-time metabolism of LPC. It is concluded that reacylation to PC is the dominating process in the detoxication of LPC and ensures the transient character of its steady state concentrations, even at maximum phospholipase A(2) activities. | 18,807,068 |
Our evolving knowledge of the transcriptional landscape. | The development of a genome-scale approach to identification of the 5' ends of capped mRNAs (CAGE) has given new insights into many aspects of mammalian RNApolII transcription control. They include the identification of the minimal initiator motif, the different types of proximal promoter architecture, the promoters of noncoding RNAs, the transcription of retrotransposons, and the extensive impact of alternative promoters on the proteome. CAGE also offers applications as a form of expression profiling that measures promoter use, allowing more precise development of transcriptional network models. | 18,807,086 |
End-of-skin grafts in syndactyly release: description of a new flap for web space resurfacing and primary closure of finger defects. | Treatment of syndactyly necessitates creation of neo-web space and separation of fingers. Traditionally, this has been done by use of flaps taken from the dorsum; the resultant raw areas thus created have been managed by use of skin grafts. The classical teaching has been that the separated fingers will need skin graft as primary closure is not possible. The skin grafts have a tendency to contract and lead to finger flexion contractures and "creep" of the web space. We describe a flap based upon subcutaneous tissue in the web that is moved in a V-Y fashion to resurface the neo-web. The flap donor site can easily be closed primarily. The fingers are then separated; the subcutaneous fat is carefully removed from the finger flaps under magnification to allow primary closure of the finger defects. It has been possible to primarily close the donor site and fingers in all the patients. The procedure has been used in seven patients with 14 web releases. The age varied between 10 months to 3 years. The V-Y advancement flap based upon the subcutaneous pedicle in the region of the web allows adequate creation of a new web space. The careful de-fattening of skin flaps allows the separated fingers to be closed primarily. | 18,807,092 |
Oxidative stress-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells is ameliorated by gamma-tocopherol treatment. | Oxidative stress-induced reactive oxygen species are associated with the clinical manifestation of insulin resistance. Evidence suggests that antioxidant treatment may reduce this incidence. This study determined whether glucose oxidase (GO)-induced insulin resistance in cultured skeletal muscle cells could be ameliorated by pre-treatment with gamma-tocopherol (GT). Insulin sensitivity in L6 myotubes was assessed by 2-deoxy-D: -[(3)H]-glucose uptake. The phosphorylation of distal insulin signaling proteins Akt and the Akt substrate AS160 were determined by western blot. One hour treatment with 100 mU/ml GO decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (P < 0.001). Pre-treatment with GT either partially (100 microM) or completely (200 microM) restored insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in cells after GO-induced insulin resistance. GO-induced oxidative stress did not impair insulin stimulated phosphorylation of Akt or AS160, but 200 microM GT increased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of these key signaling proteins (P < 0.05). High-dose (200 microM) GT treatment ameliorated oxidative stress-induced insulin resistance in cultured rat L6 skeletal muscle cells. | 18,807,106 |
Associations between maternal closeness, suicidal ideation, and risk behaviors in Cape Town. | Health compromising behaviors, such as smoking and other risk behaviors tend to co-occur, and contribute to the leading causes of preventable death, disease, and disability among adolescents and young adults worldwide. The present study assesses a model of the direct and indirect effects of maternal closeness with suicidal ideation on smoking and risky behaviors. The sample consisted of 657 South African youth assessed over two time points with comparison of effects between males and females. Maternal closeness had a significant effect on suicidal ideation among females. Suicidal ideation had a significant effect on risky behaviors among males and lifetime smoking among females. A significant indirect effect was observed from maternal closeness to lifetime smoking among females. These results indicate that suicidal ideation is associated with lifetime smoking and risky behaviors separately among male and female adolescents and highlight the need to focus on the development of mental health preventive interventions for both genders. | 18,807,110 |
Isolation, characterization and genome sequencing of phage MZTP02 from Bacillus thuringiensis MZ1. | A lysogenic phage, MZTP02, was produced via induction by mitomycin C from Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) strain MZ1. Plaques were about 3 mm in diameter with a small inner zone consisting of new B. thuringiensis colonies. Electron microscopic analysis showed that MZTP02 had a long tail (220 nm x 18 nm) and an icosahedral head (82 nm x 85 nm). MZTP02 was insensitive to organic solvents such as chloroform, and infected six B. thuringiensis strains. Its complete genome contained 15,717 base pairs (bp) with 37.55% G + C content. Two inverted terminal repeats consisting of 40 bp were 65% identical. Twenty putative open reading frames (ORFs) were found in the MZTP02 genome, and nine predicted proteins, including two terminase subunits, portal protein, minor head protein, scaffold protein, two putative membrane proteins, tail component, and minor structural protein, showed similarity to other phage proteins. But six ORFs were unique. The presence of a terminal protein at the 5'-terminus was demonstrated using proteinase K, lambda exonuclease and E. coli exonuclease III to digest the genome DNA. A TMP phylogenetic tree was constructed based on amino acid sequences from ten phages. | 18,807,113 |
The role of nuclear factor-kappaB in the effect of angiotensin II in the paraventricular nucleus in protecting the gastric mucosa from ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. | The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the development of gastric ischemia-reperfusion (GI-R) injury and in mediating the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on GI-R injury. GI-R injury was induced in rats by clamping the celiac artery for 30 min and then reperfusing for 1 h. A cannula was inserted into the unilateral PVN for microinjection of Ang II. The expressions and levels of NF-kappaB (p65), IkappaB-alpha, and phosphorylated IkappaB-alpha in rat gastric mucosa were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. A laser Doppler flowmeter was used to assess gastric blood flow (GBF). Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase method. Microinjection of Ang II (3, 30, and 300 ng) into the PVN dose-dependently inhibited GI-R injury. The levels and expressions of NF-kappaB (p65) and phosphospecific IkappaB-alpha protein increased 1 h after GI-R and were markedly reduced by microinjection of Ang II into the PVN. In contrast, the level and expression of IkappaB-alpha protein decreased 1 h after ischemia-reperfusion and recovered to the normal level by microinjection of Ang II into the PVN. The effects of Ang II were prevented by pretreatment with the Ang II AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (5 microg) microinjected into the lateral cerebral ventricle. Inhibition of NF-kappaB activity by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, 200 mg/kg) produced similar effects in rats subjected to ischemia-reperfusion with or without microinjection of Ang II into the PVN. Administration of PDTC attenuated gastric mucosal injury and suppressed the activation of NF-kappaB (p65). Ang II microinjection into the PVN increased GBF and decreased the MDA content but did not alter SOD activity in the gastric mucosa following ischemia-reperfusion. NF-kappaB plays a role in PVN Ang II-mediated protection against GI-R injury. These central effects of Ang II are mediated by AT1 receptors. | 18,807,130 |
Efficacy of combination therapy of antiviral and immunosuppressive drugs for the treatment of severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B. | Patients with severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B, sometimes developing into fulminant liver failure, are at high risk for mortality even with antiviral therapy. The efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in clinically severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B has not been well demonstrated. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the early introduction of immunosuppressive therapy in combination with antiviral therapy in such patients. Forty-two patients, 29 men and 13 women, were defined as having severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B based on our uniform criteria, and were enrolled in this study. Sixteen patients between 1982 and 1996 were analyzed retrospectively. We defined the criteria of severe disease in 1997, and then began to introduce sufficient doses of corticosteroids prospectively. Nucleoside analogs were administered in combination with corticosteroids after 1999. Twenty-six patients between 1997 and 2007 were analyzed prospectively. In the retrospective study between 1982 and 1996, four of 16 (25%) patients recovered. In the prospective study between 1997 and 2007, 17 of 26 (65%) patients recovered; 15 of 17 patients treated with corticosteroids with or without antiviral drugs within 10 days after the diagnosis of severe disease recovered, none of five treated similarly but later than 10 days after the diagnosis recovered, and two of three treated with antiviral drugs recovered. The early introduction of sufficient doses of corticosteroids and nucleoside analogs could be one option for reversing the potential deterioration of patients with clinically severe, life-threatening exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B. | 18,807,133 |
Reduction of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression and production in estrogen-induced prolactinoma of rat. | Retinoic acid (RA) plays a critical role in normal development and tissue maintenance and is also a regulatory factor of anterior pituitary cells. We previously demonstrated that a retinoic acid-synthesizing enzyme, retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (RALDH1), is expressed in prolactin cells of adult rats and that estrogen suppressed RALDH1 expression. It is suggested that RA plays a role as a paracrine and/or autocrine signaling molecule in the anterior pituitary gland. However, the presence of RALDH1 in pituitary tumors has not been demonstrated. In this study, we examined the expression of RALDH1 in diethylstilbestrol-induced prolactinoma of LEXF RI rats. Quantitative analysis of mRNA levels by real-time PCR demonstrated drastic reduction of RALDH1 expression in the prolactinoma. We have also detected both mRNA expression and production by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Both mRNA-expressing cells and immunopositive cells remarkably decreased after 4 weeks of treatment with diethylstilbestrol. Fluorescence double immunohistochemistry of RALDH1 and prolactin revealed that prolactin-immunopositive cells do not colocalize with RALDH1 in the prolactinoma. These results suggest that the reduction of local RA generation relates to cell proliferation and tumorigenesis of lactotrophs. | 18,807,137 |
Early childhood adversities and trajectories of psychiatric problems in adoptees: evidence for long lasting effects. | The aim of the present study is to investigate whether early childhood adversities determine the longitudinal course of psychiatric problems from childhood to adulthood; in particular if the impact of early maltreatment on psychopathology decreases as time passes. A sample of 1,984 international adoptees was followed (955 males and 1029 females; adopted at the mean age of 29 months). Parents provided information about abuse, neglect and number of placements prior to adoption at baseline and completed the Child Behavior Checklist or the Young Adult Behavior Checklist three times when their children were between 10 and 30 years of age. Multilevel analyses were performed to determine trajectories of psychiatric problems. Experience of early childhood adversity prior to adoption substantially increased the level of psychiatric problems, especially when maltreatment was severe. Moreover, the impact of early adversities on psychiatric problems remained markedly stable. This suggests that vulnerability of early-maltreated children persists even if they are taken out of their problematic environments and are raised in enriched circumstances. | 18,807,165 |
New directions in measuring reactive and proactive aggression: validation of a teacher questionnaire. | The well-known distinction between reactive and proactive aggression is theoretically important but empirically controversial. Recently, aggression researchers have argued that we should separate the form and function of aggression to make a clearer distinction between reactive and proactive aggression. This article describes the validation of a new teacher-report Instrument for Reactive and Proactive Aggression (IRPA) that assesses the form separate from the function of aggression. We demonstrated good discriminant, convergent, and construct validity of the IRPA in a sample of 427 children aged 10 to 13. Reactive and proactive functions of aggression were independent constructs (r = 0.03) which indicates excellent discriminant validity. Convergent validity was satisfactory; scores from the IRPA were moderately to highly related to scores from the widely used Teacher Rating Instrument, TRI (Dodge and Coie in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 53:1146-1158, 1987). Additionally, reactive and proactive aggression showed unique correlations with most a priori hypothesized theoretically relevant variables, which indicates construct validity. (150 words). | 18,807,166 |
Novel SNPs of the bovine LEPR gene and their association with growth traits. | In this study, polymorphism in the bovine LEPR gene exon 4 was detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods in 653 individuals from five Chinese cattle breeds. Two haplotypes (M and N), three observed genotypes (MM, MN, and NN), and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (NC_007301:g.26767T>C, NC_007301:g.26805C>T, NC_007301:g.27050A>G, NC_007301:g.27063G>A, NC_007301:g.27079G>A) were detected. The frequencies of haplotypes M and N in the five breeds were 0.661-0.747 and 0.253-0.339, respectively. The SNP locus was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in Nanyang, Jiaxian red, Angus, and Jinnan cattle (P > 0.05) and was in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium in Qinchuan cattle (P < 0.05). Polymorphism of the LEPR gene was shown to be associated with growth traits in the Nanyang breed. The SNP in the bovine LEPR gene had significant effects on body height, body length, body weight, heart girth, and average daily gain at 6 and 12 months old (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Therefore, these results suggest that the LEPR gene is a strong candidate gene that affects growth traits in cattle. | 18,807,168 |
Alteration of DBP levels in CSF of patients with MS by proteomics analysis. | The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still challenging recently due to the lack of a specific diagnostic test. Proteomics analysis was applied to biomarkers discovery and their pathways study. First, the proteins of CSF from MS patients and control group were analyzed individually with 2D-DIGE technology (two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis). Then, protein spots were found out with DeCyder6.0 software which showed different expression levels in the gel images between the two groups. The information regarding these proteins was collected based on MALDI-TOF/MS and related database searches. Lastly, interaction between these proteins was further analyzed by using Metacore software. There were 13 proteins that showed more than 1.5-fold difference in expression levels between the two groups. Furthermore, the identification made by MALDI-TOF/MS revealed that one of the most significant differential proteins was DBP (vitamin D-binding protein), which decreased in the experimental group. This result was confirmed by ELISA (P < 0.01). Moreover, network between the 13 proteins were partially got, which showed some biological interactions. These results support a correlation between the level of DBP and MS. DBP may be a potential useful biomarker for diagnosis or a medicine target for treatment of MS. | 18,807,170 |
p75NTR antagonistic cyclic peptide decreases the size of beta amyloid-induced brain inflammation. | Amyloid beta (Abeta) was shown to bind the 75 kD neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) to induce neuronal death. We synthesized a p75(NTR) antagonistic peptide (CATDIKGAEC) that contains the KGA motif that is present in the toxic part of Abeta and closely resembles the binding site of NGF for p75(NTR). In vivo injections of Abeta into the cerebral cortex of B57BL/6 mice together with the peptide produced significantly less inflammation than simultaneous injections of Abeta and a control (CKETIADGAC, scrambled) peptide injected into the contralateral cortex. These data suggest that blocking the binding of Abeta to p75(NTR) may reduce neuronal loss in Alzheimer's disease. | 18,807,174 |
A pilot study on the effects of heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with depression and in healthy subjects. | Decreased vagal activity and increased sympathetic arousal have been proposed as major contributors to the increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with depression. It was aim of the present study to assess the feasibility of using heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback to treat moderate to severe depression. This was an open-label study in which 14 patients with different degrees of depression (13 f, 1 m) aged 30 years (18-47; median; range) and 12 healthy volunteers attended 6 sessions of HRV biofeedback over two weeks. Another 12 healthy subjects were observed under an active control condition. At follow up BDI was found significantly decreased (BDI 6; 2-20; median 25%-75% quartile) as compared to baseline conditions (BDI 22;15-29) in patients with depression. In addition, depressed patients had reduced anxiety, decreased heart rate and increased HRV after conduction of biofeedback (p < 0.05). By contrast, no changes were noted in healthy subjects receiving biofeedback nor in normal controls. In conclusion, HRV biofeedback appears to be a useful adjunct for the treatment of depression, associated with increases in HRV. | 18,807,175 |
A proposed set of ethical practice guidelines in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. | The treatment of pelvic floor disorders using biofeedback, behavioral therapies, and other applied psychophysiological treatments has been well documented as effective. Practitioners must take due care to ensure that they practice within the boundaries of what is common practice for their discipline and within the scope of practice allowed by their professional license as outlined by the appropriate state licensing law(s), the ethical principles and practice guidelines and standards for their discipline, and those of the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback if using a biofeedback assessment or treatment. Being competent to provide a particular treatment does not necessarily make it legal and/or ethical. This paper provides a set of recommended practice guidelines for use in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. Please note that they have not at this time been endorsed as an official position of the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback or any other professional organization. | 18,807,176 |
Pacific Islands families study: intimate partner violence and postnatal depression. | The present study examined the association between maternal intimate partner violence (IPV) and postnatal depression (PND) 6 weeks after giving birth. Data were gathered from the Pacific Islands Families Study. Mothers of a cohort of Pacific infants born in Auckland, New Zealand during 2000 were interviewed 6 weeks after giving birth. There were 1,085 mothers cohabiting in married or de-facto partnerships who completed measures of IPV and PND at the 6-week assessment point. Women who were victims of physical violence were more likely to report postnatal depressive symptoms than those who were not (29.6% vs. 10.9%, OR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.42, 4.97). The adjusted odds remained statistically significant (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.52, 3.60). Findings suggest that being the victim of physical violence more than doubles the risk of PND. The results of the study may help to develop culturally appropriate social services and policies for Pacific women. | 18,807,186 |
Recursive estimation of transient inhomogeneous zeta potential in microchannel turns using velocity measurements. | In the various biomedical microfluidic devices the target biomolecules are delivered by activating electroosmotic flows. The zeta potential of a microchannel wall, which determines the strength of the electroosmotic flow, is apt to change due to the adhesion of biomolecules such as DNA or protein especially around the microchannel turns. The resulting transient inhomogeneous profile of zeta potential alters flow pattern, volumetric flow rate and the band broading of solutes. In the present work, we have developed a method for the recursive estimation of transient inhomogeneous zeta potential in microchannel turns using velocity measurements. For the real time implementation of the present method, a compact and accurate reduced-order model is derived using the Karhunen-Loève Galerkin method and the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski slip velocity. The present scheme of recursive estimation is an important prerequisite to the real time control of microfluidic devices. | 18,807,196 |
The effects of prolonged deep freezing on the biomechanical properties of osteochondral allografts. | Musculo-skeletal allografts sterilized and deep frozen are among the most common human tissue to be preserved and utilized in modern medicine. The effects of a long deep freezing period on cortical bone has already been evaluated and found to be insignificant. However, there are no reports about the influences of a protracted deep freezing period on osteochondral allografts. One hundred osteochondral cylinders were taken from a fresh specimen and humeral heads of 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 4 year old bones. Twenty chips from each period, with a minimum of 3 chips per humeral head. Each was mechanically tested by 3 point compression. The fresh osteochondral allografts were significantly mechanically better than the deep frozen osteochondral allografts. There was no statistical significant time dependent difference between the deep frozen groups in relation to the freezing period. Therefore, we conclude that, from the mechanical point of view deep freezing of osteochondral allografts over a period of 4 years, is safe without further deterioration of the biomechanical properties of the osteochondral allografts. | 18,807,210 |
Posttraumatic vasospasm detected by continuous brain tissue oxygen monitoring: treatment with intraarterial verapamil and balloon angioplasty. | Posttraumatic vasospasm (PTV) is a relatively common event following traumatic brain injury (TBI) that has been strongly correlated with worse neurological outcome in many studies. However, vasospasm continues to be an under-recognized source of secondary injury following TBI, and currently published guidelines do not address screening or management strategies for PTV. Brain tissue oxygen (P(bt)O(2)) monitoring probes allow for continuous screening for cerebral hypoxia following TBI, but their use as a monitor for PTV has not been previously described. Case report and literature review. We present a case of PTV identified by persistent low P(bt)O(2) despite aggressive medical therapy. Computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography confirmed severe cerebral arterial vasospasm involving both anterior and posterior circulations. The patient was successfully treated with serial intraarterial therapy including balloon angioplasty and verapamil infusion. Posttraumatic vasospasm should be included in the differential diagnosis of cerebral hypoxia (e.g., low P(bt)O(2)) following TBI. Management strategies for PTV may include early, aggressive intraarterial therapies including drug infusion and balloon angioplasty. | 18,807,219 |
Use of dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI (DSC-MRI) to assess perfusion changes in the ipsilateral brain parenchyma from glioblastoma. | We investigated the effect of increased tumor perfusion using dynamic susceptibility-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) in glioblastoma (GBM) patients on the surrounding ipsilateral brain tissue with respect to perfusion of the normal, unaffected contralateral brain and of the tumor. DSC-MRI was performed in 11 patients with glioblastoma using a multislice T2*-weighed EPI sequence (TR/TE = 2,000/62 ms; FOV 240 mm; matrix 128 x 128; slice thickness 6 mm) on a standard clinical 1.5 Tesla scanner during intravenous injection of 40 cc Gadolinium-DTPA at a flow rate of 5 cc/s. Maps for relative regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and relative regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were created and relative values analyzed in relation to the arterial input. Relative CBV and CBF were significantly higher in gray matter than in the respective white matter (paired t-test; P < 0.001) with a high correlation for both perfusion parameters between the gray and the white matter in both ipsilateral and contralateral brain (P < 0.001). The highest values for rCBV and rCBF were found in solid tumor tissue with a significant positive correlation between tumor and the adjacent gray matter (for both rCBV and rCBF; P < 0.001). In GBM patients there is increased metabolism and thus increased rCBV and rCBF within the tumor. This increased perfusion of the tumor is not at the expense of perfusion of the ipsilateral normal brain parenchyma and in fact, the rCBV and rCBF values are linked to tumor-induced changes in rCBV and rCBF. | 18,807,224 |
[Tablet splitting: do discount contracts influence prescribing quality?]. | In Germany, about one fourth of all tablets are split before ingestion. Since April 2007, by German law, pharmacists are legally obligated to substitute a prescribed drug for a generic drug, provided the patients' health insurance company has made corresponding contracts with pharmaceutical companies (discount contracts). However, generic drugs may differ substantially in their splitting properties. Until now it is unknown how generic substitutions due to discount contracts will influence the prescribing quality with regard to tablet splitting. The prescription data of 425 ambulatory patients with polymedication insured at the Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse (AOK) were analyzed and their drugs switched according to current discount contracts. Altogether 24% of all tablets were split before ingestion. For 54% of these split tablets (182 of 335) existing discount contracts mandated generic substitution. In about 10% of the substitutions there was a chance of substituting a scored tablet for a dosage form not suitable for splitting (unscored tablet or capsule). Therefore, current legislation should not only aim at reducing medication cost but also safeguard both effectiveness of the drugs and handling by the patients. | 18,807,231 |
[Chemical restraints in nursing homes in the federal state Vorarlberg, Austria--an analysis of nursing home documentation according to legal obligation and suggestions for future improvement]. | High prevalence of chemical restraints in nursing homes is being criticised as suboptimal care. According to a new legal act, the Austrian "Heimaufenthaltsgesetz" 2005, nursing homes are obliged to report not only physical restraints but also chemical restraints. Using the Beers criteria we analysed all 78 notifications of chemical restraints registered during 18 months. Pronounced deficits concerning the selection of reporting criteria and the quality of doctors' documentation of prescription were observed. National guidelines defining chemical restraints and providing valid assessment instruments are urgently warranted. | 18,807,239 |
[Sudden cardiac death 43 months after fulminant myocarditis and two-peaked myositis in non-typhoid salmonellosis]. | A previously healthy 29-year-old male was hospitalized due to acute myalgia and high temperature following an uncomplicated gastroenteritis. Within 24 hours, he developed life-threatening hemodynamic shock with the need for inotropic support and sustained ventricular tachycardia. Echocardiography and electrocardiogram as well as lab tests were consistent with the diagnosis of fulminant myocarditis and acute myositis. Serological and bacteriological analysis yielded an acute infection with salmonella D. The patient's condition stabilized under conservative supportive care within a few days. Apart from a histologically confirmed recurrent myositis four weeks later, no further complications occurred and the patient was clinically and echocardiographically considered to be in complete functional remission. Three and a half years later, however, the patient unexpectedly and suddenly died. Although fulminant myocarditis is a life-threatening condition in its initial phase, the prognosis after recovery is considered to be good. However, this case study suggests that sudden cardiac death as a late complication of fulminant myocarditis may occur. | 18,807,242 |
CD41 Western blotting: a new method to detect platelet adhesion to artificial surfaces used in extracorporeal circulation procedures. | Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery is associated with platelet activation and reduced platelet counts due to artificial surface activation of blood elements and non-physiological flow-patterns. As shown in former studies, coating of medical devices can improve hemocompatibility in extracorporeal circulation systems. In this study, we demonstrate a new method to determine platelet adhesion on 18 coated and non-coated membrane oxygenators in a simulated CPB model with CD41 Western blot. Platelet loss and the release of beta-TG (platelet activation marker) were determined during a 120 min recirculation phase. At the end of the run the membrane oxygenators (with tubing system) were rinsed and the amount of adsorbed proteins on the surface was analyzed by using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting technique. Uncoated devices showed significantly higher concentrations of CD41 and of fibrinogen adsorption compared to the coated membrane oxygenators. These results correspond with the release of beta-TG and platelet loss indicating less platelet adhesion on the coated oxygenators compared with the uncoated group. This new method may be useful in choosing less platelet activating materials for all kind of blood contacting devices to improve thrombogenicity including platelet functionality. | 18,807,263 |
Bioactive borosilicate glass scaffolds: improvement on the strength of glass-based scaffolds for tissue engineering. | Three-dimensional macroporous scaffolds with the pore size of 200-500 mum were fabricated by replication method using bioactive borosilicate glass from Na(2)O-K(2)O-MgO-CaO-SiO(2)-P(2)O(5)-B(2)O(3) system. The effects of the strength of the strut in reticulated scaffold, as well as the geometrical parameter of the scaffold on the strength of reticulated scaffold were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the solidified glass struts in the reticulated scaffold could be obtained through a sufficient vicious flow of glass, during the fabrication. By increasing the solid content in slurries, from which the scaffold was made, the load-bearing units of the reticulated scaffold switch from struts to the walls between the pores, and the compressive strength dramatically climbs higher than the theoretical strength calculated by Gibson model. In particular, the compressive strength of the reticulated scaffold, as high as approximately 10 MPa with the porosity of approximately 70%, is close to the reported compressive values of human cancellous bone. This indicates the bioactive borosilicate glass-based scaffold is a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering. | 18,807,266 |
The organophosphorous pesticide, fenitrothion, acts as an anti-androgen and alters reproductive behavior of the male three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus. | Fenitrothion (FN) is a widely used organophosphorous pesticide that has structural similarities with the clinical anti-androgen flutamide. The potential for FN to act as an anti-androgen (at exposures of 1, 50, and 200 microg FN/l over a 26-day period) was assessed in male three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, by measuring kidney spiggin concentration, nest-building, and courtship behavior. Spiggin is the glue protein that male sticklebacks use to build their nests and is directly controlled by androgens. FN exposure significantly reduced spiggin production as well as nest-building activity. It also adversely affected courtship--especially the 'zigzag dance' and biting behavior of the males. FN thus appears to have anti-androgenic effects on both the physiology and behavior of the male stickleback. | 18,807,270 |
Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix associated with muscular and neuromatous hyperplasia: report of a case. | Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix is a type of appendiceal mucocele and a rather rare condition usually found incidentally in the course of other abdominal surgery. A previous evaluation of 73 appendiceal mucoceles showed that this disease was often associated with adenocarcinoma and other epithelial atypia. This observation suggested that patients with mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix also have some underlying disorders. However, non-epithelial changes associated with appendiceal mucocele have not been reported so far. In this study, we presented for the first time a mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix associated with muscular and neuromatous hyperplasia. | 18,807,294 |
Audit of provincial gastroenterology services in the Western Cape. | While disorders such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and inflammatory bowel disease are prevalent among all racial groups in the Western Cape, there is little knowledge of local GI service provision. The state of equipment, facilities and staffing is largely unrecorded and to date unknown. The aim of this study was to audit the availability of GI facilities in the provincial sector, which provides care for the majority of people in the Western Cape. All hospitals in the Western Cape providing endoscopy were evaluated by means of a hands-on audit, to identify available organisational infrastructure. Data including staffing, details and utilisation of existing equipment, maintenance and disinfection techniques and delays in service provision were collected. Over a period of 12 months, 17 Western Cape hospitals were visited: 3 tertiary, 5 regional and 9 district-level institutions. There are currently 89 GI endoscopes in state service, with an average age of 6.1 years (range 1-23 years). While most institutions utilise video endoscopy, in many instances equipment is near the end of its economic life. A total of 26,434 endoscopic procedures were performed over a 12-month period. Overall at least 60% of all adult endoscopy was undertaken at tertiary institutions. The mean delay from consultation until gastroscopy or colonoscopy was 9.25 weeks (range 0.5-28 weeks) and 8 weeks (range 1-20 weeks), respectively. Only 1 tertiary and 1 regional hospital employed fully trained, registered nurses, and the majority of institutions did not conform to internationally accepted standards for the maintenance and disinfection of endoscopic equipment. While endoscopy equipment is widely distributed throughout the province, it is evident from this study that services in the Western Cape fall short of international standards, with delays in endoscopic provision, lack of adequate equipment, inadequate scope maintenance and disinfection and a shortage of trained staff. As such, much of the population reliant on state facilities has poor access to GI health care. These deficiencies need to be addressed. | 18,807,301 |
[Local treatment for persistent inflammatory arthritis of the knee: intra-articular injection of glucocorticoids and bed rest]. | Two studies evaluating treatment options for persistent mono-arthritis are discussed. In one study arthroscopic lavage plus intra-articular glucocorticoids was compared with arthroscopic lavage without glucocorticoids, and with joint aspiration plus glucocorticoids. Both intra-articular glucocorticoids and lavage have their merits, but glucocorticoids appear to be slightly more effective. In the second study radioactive Yttrium plus intra-articular glucocorticoids was compared with glucocorticoids alone. Yttrium provided little additional value. There are some indications that a period of strict bed rest after treatment is beneficial. Intra-articular glucocorticoids should not be administered more frequently than three times per year in the same joint. | 18,807,330 |
Transmission dynamics of Simulium damnosum in rural communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. | Onchocerciasis is endemic in some parts of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This study describes the entomological parameters of transmission in three rural communities of Akwa Ibom State, prior to ivermectin intervention in 2004. Blackflies were caught using human bait and 90% of the flies were dissected for parity. All parous flies were further dissected for the presence of filaria larvae. Monthly and annual biting rate, and transmission potential were calculated using standard methods. A total of 4296 adult Simulium damnosum were caught on human bait, 4119 were dissected of which 208 (5.1%) were infected with Onchocerca volvulus larvae. Transmission parameters varied significantly (p < 0.05) in the three villages. Annual biting rates, ranged from 9490 to 11,218 bites per person per year. The annual transmission potential ranged from 131 to 189 infective larvae per person per year, monthly biting rate and monthly transmission potential varied significantly (p < 0.05) in the three villages. Transmission was highly seasonal occurring during the peak of rainy season from August to October. There was no transmission during the dry periods--November to March, and the early rainy periods--April to May. The diurnal biting activity of the fly exhibited a bimodal pattern with a morning peak (0900-1000 hrs) and a more marked evening peak (1600-1700 hrs). The results indicate that there is a temporal and spatial variation in the transmission dynamics of S. damnosum in the study area. | 18,807,379 |
Majority of emergency patients don't understand discharge instructions. | ED managers, responding to a study that showed more than 75% of patients do not understand their discharge instructions, list several options for improving communications. They include: Have several providers discuss with the patient their condition, treatment, and follow-up instructions. Make sure discharge instructions are written at a fourth-grade reading level or lower. Initiate a project in your department to shorten your discharge instruction forms. | 18,807,395 |
Professionalism and coordination: allies or enemies? | Professionalism arose concurrently with coordination policies among service providers and between parents and service providers in deaf education practices. The author examines the effects of professionalism on coordination among service providers from different disciplines (deaf education, speech-language pathology, elementary education, secondary education, audiology, otolaryngology, and pediatrics), as well as coordination between parents and these service providers in multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary teams in the light of her own experience as a teacher of children who are deaf and hard of hearing in Cyprus. The author concludes that professionalism and coordination can coexist, and that the key issue in this relationship is the personal attitudes of those involved. | 18,807,405 |
College and university requirements for teachers of the deaf at the undergraduate level: a twenty-year comparison. | College and university requirements for undergraduate deaf education teacher preparation programs from 1986 and 2006 were compared. Thirty percent fewer undergraduate programs were in existence in 2006 than in 1986. Compared to programs in the 1986-1987 academic year, programs in 2006-2007 placed less emphasis on course work related to speech and hearing and more emphasis on the development of sign language skills. These findings are discussed in relation to the increasing probability that future employment for program graduates will be in itinerant and resource placements within public schools with children whose hearing losses are less severe than those of children in the past. | 18,807,407 |
Music as a nursing intervention for preterm infants in the NICU. | Although there is general agreement that noise in the neonatal intensive care unit should be reduced, there is controversy about the use of music as a developmental care strategy with prererm infants. Much literature supports using music with preterm infants, indicating that it enhances physiologic and neurobehavioral functioning, but some experts worry that music is overstimulating. This article presents evidence supporting the use of music with preterm infants as well as criticism of same. Recommendations for music interventions with preterm infants are discussed, although fUrther research is needed before specific guidelines can he established. | 18,807,412 |
Predicting attendance at peer-assisted study sessions for statistics: role identity and the theory of planned behavior. | Using a prospective study of 77 1st-year psychology students' voluntary attendance at peer-assisted study sessions for statistics, the authors tested the addition of role identity to the theory of planned behavior. The authors used a revised set of role-identity items to capture the personal and social aspects of role identity within a specific behavioral context. At the commencement of the semester, the authors assessed the students' attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, role identity, and intention. The authors examined the students' class attendance records 3 months later. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control predicted intention, with intention as the sole predictor of attendance. Role identity also predicted intention, reflecting the importance of the student role identity in influencing decision making related to supplementary academic activities. | 18,807,422 |
[Mumps in Poland in 2006]. | In 2006, 15,115 cases of mumps were reported in Poland. The incidence (39.6 per 100,000) was considerably lower compared to 2005 (188.5) and to the median incidence in 2000-2004 (104.6). The decrease of mumps incidence in 2006 is related to high coverage of routine two-dose immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella, maintained since its implementation in 2003. Children 5-9 year old were the most affected age group (incidence 328.7 per 100,000). Since the immunisation schedule during 2003-2006 involved administration of MMR doses at the ages of 2 and 10 years, a stable decrease of mumps incidence is expected after routine immunisation will cover the school age birth cohorts (6-14 year olds). Of 15,115 cases, 656 (4.3%) were hospitalized and no deaths attributed to mumps were reported. | 18,807,461 |
[The pathogenesis of uterine hemorrhages in the so-called placental polyps]. | On the basis of histological and immunohistochemical studies of 50 uterine scrapes after abortions and labor due to late bleedings, the authors identified three major types of the so-called placental polyps: (a) preserved villi (56%); (b) clusters of destructive villi (38%); (c) isolated viable cotyledons (6%). Two pathogenetic mechanisms of uterine hemorrhages have been substantiated: firstly, preservation of the brush border of a syncytiotrophoblast (including the presence of placental phosphatase) maintains the anticoagulative properties of villi; this appears in cases of postabortion hemorrhages and at the most in preserved cotyledons. Secondly, the thromboplastic properties of the preserved villi play a leading role in the pathogenesis of uterine hemorrhage in the scrapes where necrotic villi with epithelial remains are prevalent, i.e. the situation is similar to the hypocoagulative phase of isolated chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation. | 18,807,525 |
[Papillary glioneuronal tumor is a new nosological entity in the WHO classification of central nervous system tumors (2007)]. | The paper describes a case of cystic papillary glioneuronal tumor of the temporal lobe in an 18-year-old girl. It is shown that in addition to the characteristic histological pattern, the diagnosis of this rare neoplasm recently included into the WHO classification text s should be verified by the immunohistological evidence suggesting the coexpression of glial and neuronal markers. | 18,807,528 |
[Administration of monoclonal antibodies to B-lymphocytes (rituximab) in rheumatoid arthritis in Russia]. | To assess efficacy and tolerance to anti-B-cell drug rituximab in therapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by the data of RF register of this drug. Rituximab was studied in 42 patients with high RA activity. 37 patients received rituximab according to a conventional scheme: 2 intravenous 1000 mg infusions with a 2-week interval. The rest patients received 2 intravenous 500 mg infusions. The response was evaluated by DAS28 index. Rituximab administration resulted in almost complete elimination of B-cells from peripheral blood. This produced a significant positive effect manifesting with reduction in the number of inflamed and painful joints. This trend was evident to observation week 8 reaching maximum to week 24. Clinical response correlated with decline of inflammation as shown by ESR and CRP. According to DAS28 index, good and satisfactory results were registered in 8 weeks in 62% patients, in 16 weeks--in 86%, in 24 weeks--in 100%. Rituximab tolerance was good. Effective treatment with rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis opened a new perspective in antirheumatic biological therapy and demonstrated an important role of B-cells in the disease development. This drug is recommended for wide use in the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis resistant to prior therapy including TNF-alpha blockers. | 18,807,543 |
Abutment screw loosening in single-implant restorations: a systematic review. | The purpose of this study was to systematically review clinical studies on the incidence of abutment screw loosening in single-implant restorations with different implant-abutment connection geometries. The literature search was conducted using several electronic databases. Specific terms were used for the database search, which spanned the years 1990 to 2006. The search was augmented by using the option of "related articles" as well as hand searching of references and relevant journals. Relevant studies were selected according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Agreement between reviewers was determined by using Cohen's kappa coefficients. Three-year complication-free rates (survival proportions) were calculated with the aid of a survival function, assuming constant failure rates. Summary estimates per group for complication-free rate after 3 years (M-estimator) were calculated using Tukey's biweight estimator. The initial database search yielded 1,526 relevant titles. After the subsequent filtering process, 27 studies were finally selected. Interexaminer agreement ranged from good to perfect. The external-connection group comprised 12 studies following 586 single-implant restorations for a mean follow-up time that ranged from 3 to 5 years. The estimated percent of complication-free single-implant restorations after 3 years was 97.3% (95% CI: 95.6-98.3). The internal connection group comprised 15 studies following 1,113 single-implant restorations for a mean follow-up time that ranged from 3 to 10 years. The estimated percentage of complication-free single-implant restorations after 3 years was 97.6% (95% CI: 96.5-98.3). The results show that abutment screw loosening is a rare event in single-implant restorations regardless of the geometry of implant-abutment connection, provided that proper antirotational features and torque are employed. | 18,807,565 |
Impact of ilio-inguinal nerve excision on sexual function in open inguinal hernia mesh repair: a prospective follow-up study. | The aim of this study was to prospectively compare sexual function in patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgical repair with or without excision of the ilio-inguinal nerve. Eighty-four patients (76 males and 8 females) with a unilateral inguinal hernia were enrolled in the study. They underwent an open tension free repair with mesh implantation ("plug and patch" technique). The ilio-inguinal nerve was identified and was either preserved (Preservation group, n = 42) or divided (Excision group, n = 42). Patients were asked to answer an anonymous standardised questionnaire about their sexual function pre-operatively, 3 months postoperatively and every 6 months afterwards during the followup. Thirty-two patients (excision group: n = 17 ; preservation group: n = 15 ; p > 0.05) reported pre-operative sexual dysfunction related to the groin hernia. Three months after surgery 19 patients referred a clear improvement of their preoperative complaints. Eleven patients reported new functional problems. About 20% of the patients in both groups reported an improvement of their pre-operative sexual disorders. New sexual functional symptoms were reported significantly more in the preservation group compared to the excision group (21% vs. 7%, p < 0.05). Twenty-four months after surgery the number of patients with functional sexual symptoms was lower in both groups but yet significantly higher in the preservation group. In conclusion, neurectomy of the ilio-inguinal nerve during surgical repair of inguinal hernia could have a favourable influence on sexual function without relevant complications. It causes significantly less sexual problems compared to preservation of the nerve and it is recommended especially for patients with pre-operative sexual dysfunction due to the groin hernia. | 18,807,591 |
Sister Joseph's nodule umbilical manifestation of intraperitoneal carcinomatosis. | An umbilical metastasis is universally referred to as a sister Joseph's nodule if it is caused by extensive intraabdominal neoplastic disease. The presence of an umbilical metastasis usually indicates advanced disease, with poor prognosis. We report on a 64-year old women with a umbilical nodule that was at first not recognised as a metastatic lesion, so the diagnosis and treatment were delayed. Knowledge of this eponym can help to avoid delay in diagnosis by alerting the clinician and prompting investigations with CT scan and a histological examination. | 18,807,599 |
Anastomotic leakage of a colorectal anastomosis treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery. | To report a minimal invasive technique for repairing an anastomotic leakage with Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (T.E.M.) without creating a protective ostomy. There are a large number of techniques for the management of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. Depending on the size and location of the disruption, a protective ileostomy, a permanent colostomy or even reintervention for drainage or closure of the leak may be indicated. In most cases the patient faces the morbidity associated with a new intervention, a prolonged hospital stay and a future operation for closure of the stoma. In the present case a 56-year-old man underwent a laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection after two episodes of diverticulitis in six months. An end-to-end circular stapled anastomosis was constructed. Unfortunately 8-days postoperatively an anastomotic leak occurred. Attempts to close the tear non-surgically with colonoscopy and clipping failed. A minimally invasive reintervention with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (T.E.M.) was performed without creation of an ileostomy. One week postoperatively a gastrografin bowel study showed no leakage. To our knowledge, this technique has not yet been reported without the simultaneous construction of a stoma. We describe a possible minimally invasive technique to avoid laparotomy and/or the creation of a derivative stoma in the management of anastomotic leakage. Hospital stay is not significantly prolonged, future reïntervention for closure of stoma is avoided and sphincter function is preserved. | 18,807,609 |
[Rupture of the ventral serrate muscles (Flying Scapulas) as a symptom of muscular dystrophy in Holstein-Friesian heifers on a Dutch dairy farm]. | Within a week of being turned out to pasture, 3 of 30 heifers displayed a symptom described in the literature as "Flying Scapulas". The cause of this symptom is severe muscular dystrophy, with subsequent rupture of the ventral serrate muscles. Blood analysis revealed a deficiency of both vitamin E and selenium in all three heifers. No new clinical cases of muscular dystrophy were observed after the animals were housed and given vitamin E and selenium supplements. As far as is known, this is the first report in which a deficiency of both vitamin E and selenium was found in animals with the clinical symptoms of Flying Scapulas. This is the first description of Flying Scapulas in cattle in The Netherlands. | 18,807,612 |
[Observation on the central afferent pathway of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) under normal and pathological states and the influence of electroacupuncture]. | To investigate the afferent pathways of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) under normal and pathological states and to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on them. Twenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC), NC + EA, ovariectomy (OVX) and OVX + EA groups, with 6 cases in each. Four weeks after OVX, Pseudorabies Virus (PRV, 10 microl liquid containing 10(8) plaque-forming units) was injected into CV4. Thirty minutes after PRV injection, EA (2 Hz, 2-3 mA) was applied to CV4 for 30 minutes, once daily for 3 days. Six hours after the third EA treatment, all the rats were perfused transcardially with 4% paraformaldehyde under anesthesia, followed by sampling the brain and spinal cord and cutting into sections (35 microm). Immunohistochemical method (rabbit anti-rat beta-galactosidase) was used to display PRV immunoreactive (PRV-IR) positive neurons. 1) After injection of PRV, PRV-IR positive cells widely distributed in the spinal cord (cervical, thoracic and lumbar segments), brain stem (nucleus of solitary tract, cuneate nucleus, gigantocellular reticular nucleus, nucleus of spinal tract of trigeminal nerve, nucleus raphe magnus, locus caeruleus, etc), hypothalamus and cerebral cortex in each group. 2) After OVX, apparently fewer PRV-IR positive cells were found in some nuclei as medial septum nucleus (MSN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), diagonal band nucleus (DBN), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) which have close relation with endocrine activity (P<0.05); and rarely seen in ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and lateral preoptic area (LPO) (P<0.01). But in OVX + EA group, PRV-IR positive cells in above regions or nuclei increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No obvious difference was found between NC and NC+ EA groups in the number of PRV-IR positive cells (P>0.05). Following OVX, PRV-IR positive cells in neuroendocrine-related nuclei of hypothalamus reduced significantly in number; EA of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) can promote the recovery of these neurons in above mentioned nuclei. | 18,807,714 |
[Utilizing modern technology to promote spread and development of acu-moxibustion learning]. | Nowadays, modern information technology (IT) has been gained great development. How to use the advanced IT to protect, spread and develop Chinese traditional culture of acupuncture is an important topic at the moment. Based on expounding characteristics of modern IT, the present article analyzed its advantages in digitalizing, exhibiting and sharing the rich resources of acu-moxibustion. Particularly, through introduction of concrete examples of "Digital Museum (Gallery) of Acu-moxibustion", this paper may provide a useful enlightenment for digitalizing construction of acu-moxibustion resources and promoting the further spread and development of acu-moxibustion learning by utilizing modern IT. | 18,807,724 |
[Comparison of therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture treatment of insomnia at different time]. | To compare the therapeutic effects of evening-electroacupuncture (EA) and morning-EA for insomnia. Sixty cases of simple insomnia patients were randomly divided into evening-EA group and morning-EA group, with 30 cases in each. EA (2/100 Hz, 1-3 mA) was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Touwei (ST 8), Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. in the evening (8:00-9:00 pm) and in the morning (8:00-11:00 am) respectively in two groups, once daily for 10 times. Changes of mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sleep rate, frequency of hypnotic-taking, etc were observed before and after the treatment. In comparison with pre-treatment, mean PSQI scores in evening-EA and morning-EA groups, and hypnotic-taking frequency in evening-EA group decreased evidently during two weeks after the treatment, and sleep rates of two groups increased significantly from the 1st day on after the treatment in evening-EA group and from the 1st week on in morning-EA group (P<0.01). Comparison between two groups showed that the mean PSQI scores at the 1st and 2nd week in evening-EA group were significantly lower, and the sleep rate in evening-EA group on the 2nd week after the treatment was considerably higher than that in morning-EA group (P<0.05). Evening-EA can significantly lower insomnia patients' PSQI score, raise sleep rate, and reduce the hypnotic-taking frequency. Evening-EA is superior to morning-EA in the treatment of insomnia. | 18,807,726 |
Is the quality of life different in patients with active and inactive tuberculosis? | The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) in outpatients with active and inactive tuberculosis, and to study the relations between QOL and demographic and socio-cultural chracteristics and variables concerning the disease and depression. Included in the present study were 196 active and 108 inactive cases who attended Dispensary for Tuberculosis within a one year period, plus 196 healthy controls. In this study, questionnaire form, SF 36 quality of life scale and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. It was determined that in all fields of QOL, scores of the control group were higher than those of the patient groups. QOL scores in physical and social functionality dimensions of inactive cases were higher than in active cases (p < 0.001 ). As BDI scores increased in active and inactive cases, physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) decreased. As the treatment period increased in active cases, MCS increased. In active and inactive cases, marital status and accompanying diseases have an effect on the decrease of PCS scores (p < 0.05). In patients with tuberculosis, the QOL of men, single, patients with a high level of education and those not having a disease that accompanies tuberculosis were found to be high (p < 0.05). The QOL was negatively correlated with age and BDI, while being positively correlated with monthly income, daily sleep period and treatment period (p < 0.05). It is stated that in inactive tuberculosis cases, as in active cases, QOL is deformed and demographic-socio cultural chracteristics, depression, daily sleep period, treatment period and accompanying diseases are factors that affect quality of life. | 18,807,744 |
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of tubers of Momordica tuberosa Cogn. against CCl4 induced liver injury in rats. | Hydro alcoholic extract of tubers of M. tuberosa was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver damage in rats. Pretreatment with 70% ethanolic extract of M. tuberosa reversed CCl4 induced elevation of levels of serum biomarkers to near normal levels, suggesting that the tubers of M. tuberosa possess hepatoprotective property and this property may be attributed to the antioxidant property of the plant. | 18,807,754 |
Effect of Bacopa monniera (Linn.) on lipid peroxidation and lipofuscinogenesis in prostate gland of D-galactose induced aging mice, Mus musculus. | The levels of malondialdehyde and lipofuscin pigments were increased in the prostate of D-galactose (0.5 ml/day, sc, for 20 days) induced aging mice. After B. monniera (40 mg/kg body weight for 20 days) ethanol leaf extract administration levels of both the parameters were reduced significantly. The results suggest that B. monniera prevents formation of malondialdehyde and lipofuscin pigments which are the indicators of aging. | 18,807,760 |
Timing of birth related to obstetric practice and neonatal outcome. | Several studies have reported time of birth is associated with differences in obstetric practice. We investigated the relationship between timing of birth and obstetric and neonatal outcomes, to help plan working patterns under European Working Time Directive (EWTD) legislation. This was a retrospective observational study undertaken in a tertiary-level university teaching hospital. Data were derived from the labour ward register of births for all women who delivered after 24weeks gestation in 2004. Births during on-call hours refer to those that occurred at weekends and after 1630 and before 0830 on weekdays. The majority of infants, 67.3%, were born in on-call hours. Infants were more likely to be delivered by ventouse(p<0.0001), but there was no difference in caesarean section(CS) rates. 83.0% of operative deliveries performed for failure to advance in the second stage of labour took place in on-call hours, as did 77.5% of emergency CS for fetal distress. 38.9% of infants born during on-call hours on weekdays followed induced labours, compared to 24.7% of births at weekends and 17.7% of births in non on-call hours(p<0.001), while 80.0% of deliveries by emergency CS after induction occurred during on-call hours. The majority of perinatal deaths occurred among infants born during on-call hours, even when excluding congenital malformations, and most infants with low Apgar scores were born during on-call hours. Complicated deliveries were more likely to occur in on-call hours. This study confirms previous reports that time of birth impacts on neonatal outcome. Increased demands on staff working out-of-hours have implications for healthcare, staffing and implementation of new working hours under EWTD legislation. | 18,807,809 |
Assessment of the value of pelvic ultrasonography in pre-menopausal women with right iliac fossa pain. | The aim of this study was to determine whether ultrasound examination performed in the acute setting can avoid the need for diagnostic laparoscopy in pre-menopausal women presenting with right iliac fossa pain in whom the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is suspected. All female patients aged fifty or under, who presented to the Emergency Department with right iliac fossa pain over an eighteen-month period, and who went on to have a diagnostic laparoscopy performed, were included in the study. Ultrasound and operative findings were recorded. 147 patients fulfilling the study criteria were identified. 38 (26%) had pre-operative ultrasound performed. 15 of these had normal findings, 10 had gynaecological pathology identified, 8 had non-specific findings. Of the 38 patients who had pelvic ultrasound pre-operatively, 26 (68%) had acute appendicitis at laparoscopy, only 5 of whom had a sonographic diagnosis of acute appendicitis made pre-operatively. We conclude that while positive ultrasound findings in cases of acute appendicitis are helpful, negative studies do not exclude the diagnosis. Patients in whom there is a strong clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis should proceed directly to laparoscopy while patients in whom the diagnosis is less certain, should be admitted for a period of observation facilitating repeated clinical evaluation. In this subgroup of patients, further imaging studies such as computed tomography may be indicated. | 18,807,813 |
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