title stringlengths 0 1.13k | abstract stringlengths 1 15.7k | PMID int64 22 36.5M |
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The BMC ACCESS project: the development of a medically enhanced safe haven shelter. | This paper describes the development and implementation of the Boston Medical Center (BMC) Advanced Clinical Capacity for Engagement, Safety, and Services Project. In October 2002, the BMC Division of Psychiatry became the first such entity to open a Safe Haven shelter for people who are chronically homeless, struggling with severe mental illness, and actively substance abusing. The low-demand Safe Haven model targets the most difficult to reach population and serves as a "portal of entry" to the mental health and addiction service systems. In this paper, the process by which this blended funded, multi-level collaboration, consisting of a medical center, state, city, local, and community-based consumer organizations, was created and is maintained, as well as the clinical model of care is described. Lessons learned from creating the Safe Haven Shelter and the development and implementation of the consumer-informed evaluation are discussed as well as implications for future work with this population. | 18,830,697 |
Persistence of Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen excretion after pneumococcal pneumonia. | The aim of this study was to determine the duration of Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen excretion in urine after pneumococcal pneumonia. Urinary antigen detection remained positive in nonconcentrated urine in 18 (52.9%) of the 34 patients in the first month after pneumonia diagnosis. In 12 of these positive cases, the test was still positive in the second month, in six patients after 4 months, and in two cases 6 months after the diagnosis of pneumonia. Using concentrated urine, antigenuria remained positive in all patients for at least 3 months, with antigen detected in three cases more than one year later. We did not observe a relation between age, gender, immunosuppression, underlying diseases, pneumonia severity, positive blood culture, or X-ray presentation and longer-term antigenuria excretion. However, the small number of patients evaluated is a limitation for statistical analysis. In order to correctly analyse a positive urinary antigen test result in patients with pneumonia, it is necessary to know which patients have recently had a previous episode of pneumonia. | 18,830,727 |
Hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy after 60 cases: comparison with open partial nephrectomy. | Partial nephrectomy is the surgical standard of care for favorably located, small renal tumors. As the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and detection of small kidney masses have increased over the past 20 years, minimally invasive management of these lesions has become more common. We report our single-institution experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (HALPN) compared with open partial nephrectomy (OPN). Relevant outcome and demographic information was collected prospectively for HALPNs (N = 60) and retrospectively for OPNs (N = 40). A p-value of < 0.05 denotes statistical significance. Average tumor size (2.6 cm HALPN versus 2.6 cm OPN, p = 0.97) was similar. Mean operative times were shorter for HALPN compared with OPN (161 versus 191 min, p = 0.027). HALPN was also associated with less blood loss (mean 120 cc versus 353 cc, p = 0.0003). Warm ischemia time was shorter for HALPN (mean 27.0 min versus 33.0 min, p = 0.035), as was hospital stay (mean 4.9 days versus 6.9 days, p = 0.007). Although four HALPN renal tumors required intraoperative margin re-excision (based on immediate gross evaluation by a pathologist), the final positive margin rate was 0%. A 5% final positive margin rate was observed in the OPN group. There were two conversions from HALPN to HAL radical nephrectomy and no conversions to an open technique. The HALPN minor complication rate was 18.3% versus 32.5% for OPN (p = 0.10). Complications included delayed bleeding (1, 2.5% OPN), urine leak (2, 5% OPN; 2, 3.3% HALPN), hypoxia, and nausea or fever lasting >3 days. Tumor pathology was as follows: 80.7% and 80% RCC, 12.3% and 8% oncocytoma, and 7% and 12% angiomyolipoma, for HALPN and OPN, respectively in each case. HALPN is associated with diminished blood loss, operating time, warm ischemia time, positive margin rates, and length of stay compared with OPN. In our institution, HALPN is the standard approach for patients with small, surgically accessible renal tumors. | 18,830,753 |
Establishment and characterization of porcine aortic endothelial cell cultures with prolonged replicative lifespan by a non-enzymatic method. | The aim of this work was the establishment and characterization of porcine aortic endothelial cell cultures with prolonged lifespan. Endothelial cells where isolated from porcine thoracic aorta and established in primary culture; after sub cultivation, the cells showed typical morphology of endothelial phenotype with cobblestone appearance and growth in monolayer; they were positive against anti-CD31 and anti-CD54 immunostaining and Ac-LDL-Dil uptake. The cells were able to migrate in culture and showed a normal growth curve. The phenotype of our in vitro model of endothelial cells was stable through subcultivation; so, it should be a valuable tool for diverse studies of the endothelial response against physiological and pathological stimulus, particularly it could be useful to study interactions of endothelium with pathogenic bacteria causing diseases in pigs, as they are difficult to study in vivo. | 18,830,773 |
Perforation of an adjustable gastric banding connecting tube into distal transverse colon with intra-luminal migration. | Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is one of the most common bariatric procedures performed in Europe and Australia. Major post-operative complications are limited but once they occur, prompt diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. LAGB complications are related either to the port and the connecting tube, such as infection or tubing disconnection and migration, or to the band, such as slippage, pouch dilatation, or intra-gastric migration. We report a case of intra-colonic migration of the connecting tube occurring 4 years after gastric banding placement in a patient otherwise asymptomatic. | 18,830,778 |
Sleeve gastrectomy leads to Helicobacter pylori eradication. | The role of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in patients scheduled and undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has not been previously evaluated. Included were obese patients presenting to our institution for LSG over 24 months. All patients had presurgical HP breath test, and the symptomatic ones received triple therapy with symptom follow-up. Post surgery, all excluded stomachs were evaluated for HP, and those that were positive performed a second 13C-urea breath test (UBT) 3 months later. Forty patients underwent LSG. Male to female sex ratio was 1:3; mean age-42 years; mean weight-122 kg; and mean BMI of 43.4 kg/m2. Presurgical HP was positive in 15 (37.5%) patients (11 symptomatic and four asymptomatic). Only these 11 patients were given HP eradication therapy and all experienced complete subsequent symptom resolution. HP was detected in 17 out of the 40 (42.5%) cases of excluded stomachs. All performed a 13C-UBT 3 months post operation and only three (17.6%) tested positive. HP infection is frequent in biopsies from patients with previous LSG and the majority of follow-up 13C-UBT were negative. In our small initial sample, we treated only symptomatic patients preoperatively. Routine screening for HP for all LSG patients and/or treatment for all positive ones would subject patients to expensive and unnecessary investigations. We propose that this stomach-reducing, pylorus-preserving surgery might even lead to HP eradication. The clinical implications of HP and this gastrectomy for a non-neoplastic, non-peptic indication deserve further study. | 18,830,786 |
Effects of the balanced gap technique on femoral component rotation in TKA. | Femoral component rotation from a total knee prosthesis can be determined by either a measured resection technique or a balanced gap technique. With the balanced gap implantation technique, femoral component rotation can vary freely within the restrictions produced by soft tissue structures. Because internal rotation might cause patella problems, the effect of ligament releases on femoral component rotation in a prospective clinical study was studied. Femoral component rotation was measured intraoperatively with a tensor applied in flexion at 150 N in 87 knees. Great interpatient variability was found; femoral component rotation, reference from the posterior condyles, ranged from -4 degrees to 13 degrees . There was no difference in femoral component rotation of knees with or without ligament releases in extension. However, knees with major medial release had less external femoral component rotation than knees with minor lateral releases. Preoperative alignment had no influence on femoral component rotation. The use of the balanced gap implantation technique theoretically will result in a balanced flexion gap, but the amount of femoral component rotation will be variable owing to patient variability and variation in ligament releases. Level II, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. | 18,830,793 |
Activation tagging, an efficient tool for functional analysis of the rice genome. | Over the past 6 years, we have generated about 50,000 individual transgenic rice plants by an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation approach with the pER38 activation tagging vector. The vector contains tandemly arranged double 35S enhancers next to the right border of T-DNA. Expression analysis by reverse transcription-PCR indicates that the activation efficiency is high if the genes are located within 7 kb of the inserted double 35S enhancers. Comparative field phenotyping of part of the activation tagging and enhancer trapping populations in two generations (6,000 and 6,400 lines, respectively, in the T(0) generation, and 36,000 and 32,000 lines, respectively, in the T(1) generation) identified about four hundred dominant mutants. Characterization of a dominant mutant with a large leaf angle (M107) suggests that this mutant phenotype is caused by enhanced expression of CYP724B1/D11. The activation tagging pool described in this paper is a valuable alternative tool for functional analysis of the rice genome. | 18,830,797 |
Spatial variation in soil carbon in the organic layer of managed boreal forest soil--implications for sampling design. | We studied within-site spatial variation of the carbon stock in the organic layer of boreal forest soil. A total of 1,006 soil samples were taken in ten forest stands (five Scots pine stands and five Norway spruce stands). Our results indicate that the spatial autocorrelation disappears at a distance of 75-225 cm. This spatial autocorrelation should be taken into account in the sampling design by locating the sampling points at adequate intervals. With a sample size of over 20-30 samples per site, additional soil samples do not notably improve the precision of the site mean estimate. An adequate sample size is dependent on the purpose of sampling and on the site-specific soil variation. Our results on the dependence between sample size and precision of the mean estimates can be applied in designing efficient soil monitoring in boreal coniferous forests. | 18,830,800 |
Temporal change in bimanual interkeypress intervals and self-reported symptoms during continuous typing. | Continuous typing is likely to induce mental and/or muscular fatigue, which contributes to musculoskeletal discomfort. Our goals were to describe the temporal changes in symptoms and interkeypress intervals (IKIs) of each hand during continuous typing. The effects of demographic characteristics and time on the IKI were examined. Twenty-four healthy and skilled typists volunteered to participate in this repeated-measurement study. All the subjects typed an English text for 90 min in the laboratory. The outcomes included self-reported pain and fatigue, average typing speed, accuracy rate, finger tapping speed, and IKIs as recorded by electronic activity monitoring software (VDTlog). The changes in self-reported symptoms, average typing speed and accuracy rate after 90 min of typing were compared with baseline data by paired testing. The effects of demographic characteristics and time on IKIs of both hands were explored by generalized estimate equation (GEE) analysis. The pain and fatigue ratings of the study subjects were significantly higher after 60 and 90 min of typing, but the average typing speed of every 30 min remained similar. The most common complaints were associated with the eyes, upper back and wrists. The IKIs as recorded by VDTlog was associated with typing speed. Furthermore, GEE analysis showed that the IKI of the right hand was the shortest in the last 10 min throughout the experiment, while left-hand typing exhibited the longest IKI during the last 10 min of each 30-min typing session. Time has different effect on the temporal changes of IKI during continuous typing for the left and right hands. Right-hand IKI tends to be shorter by time, especially at the last 10 min of typing, while left-hand IKI prolongs as typing continues for 30 min. Perceived pain and fatigue is apparent after continuous typing, though no change in average typing speed is observed. | 18,830,806 |
Hazard of recurrence and adjuvant treatment effects over time in lymph node-negative breast cancer. | For patients with axillary lymph node-negative breast cancer, benefits from adjuvant therapy are smaller than in node-positive disease and thus more selective use is warranted, prompting development of risk profiling to identify those most likely to benefit. Examination of the magnitude and changes in the hazard of failure over time in node-negative breast cancer may also be informative in this regard. Among 9,444 participants from five randomized trials (accrual 1982-1998) investigating chemotherapy and tamoxifen for node-negative breast cancer, we estimated recurrence hazards over time by tumor estrogen receptor (ER) status and adjuvant treatment. In patients treated by surgery only, we observed the previously noted larger hazard peak followed by a rapid decrease in ER-negative patients and smaller but more persistent hazard in ER-positive patients. After approximately 48 months, the ER-positive hazard is greater. For adjuvant treatment, while tamoxifen decreases the early hazard in ER-positive patients to that of the chemotherapy-treated ER-negative group, in later follow-up (beyond 5 years) the hazard for ER-positive patients again exceeds that of ER-negative patients. Adding chemotherapy to tamoxifen in ER-positive patients results in large early hazard reduction, but in later follow-up the hazard converges with those of patients treated by surgery only or tamoxifen. Recurrence hazards over time reveal changes in risk that may have biologic and therapeutic strategy relevance. In ER-negative tumors, a large early chemotherapy benefit is followed by a consistently low recurrence hazard over time. In ER-positive patients, the chemotherapy benefit appears concentrated mostly in earlier follow-up, and a greater recurrence risk remains. | 18,830,816 |
A novel reversible pH-triggered release immobilized enzyme system. | A novel immobilized enzyme system supported by poly(acrylic acid/N,N'-methylene-bisacryl-amide) hydrogel microspheres was prepared. This system exhibited characteristics of reversible pH-triggered release. The morphology, size, and chemical structure were examined through optical microscopy, particle size analyzer, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Immobilization and release features were further investigated under different conditions, including pH, time, and microsphere quantity. Results showed the microspheres were regularly spherical with 3.8 approximately 6.6 microm diameter. Loading efficiencies of bovine serum albumin immobilized by gel entrapment and adsorption methods were 93.9% and 56.2%, respectively. The pH-triggered protein release of the system occurred when medium pH was above 6.0, while it was hardly detected when medium pH was below 6.0. Release efficiencies of entrapped and adsorbed protein were 6.38% and 95.0%, respectively. Hence, adsorption method was used to immobilize trypsin. Loading efficiency of 77.2% was achieved at pH 4.0 in 1 h. Release efficiency of 91.6% was obtained under optimum pH catalysis condition set at 8.0 and trypsin was free in solutions with retention activity of 63.3%. And 51.5% of released trypsin could be reloaded in 10 min. The results indicate this kind of immobilized enzyme system offers a promising alternative for enzyme recovery in biotechnology. | 18,830,822 |
Anatomy correlations: introducing clinical skills to improve performance in anatomy. | Gross anatomy is one of the preclinical cornerstones of medical education, but many practitioners feel that medical students' knowledge of anatomy is inadequate. To help students understand the clinical relevance of anatomy studies, Ohio State University faculty developed a course called "Anatomy Correlations." This course introduces students to basic physical examination techniques correlated to gross anatomy dissections and allows them to practice techniques learned. Anatomy grades prior to the introduction of the course were compared with anatomy grades after the introduction of the course to see if the course improved knowledge of gross anatomy. Analysis controlled for initial differences in academic aptitude. Students taking the course in its new form scored higher in anatomy than did students taking anatomy before the course was offered. Introducing physical examination skills that correlate with anatomy studies can lead to improvement in anatomy scores. | 18,830,838 |
Hair removal on dark-skinned patients with pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) and a high-energy Nd:YAG laser. | Permanent laser hair removal is normally performed with high-energy densities and associated with acute pain. Pneumatic skin flattening (PSF) is a new technology, which helps to control the pain during laser aesthetic treatments. Based on the gate theory of pain transmission, it activates tactile and pressure skin receptors just before the laser shot to naturally block the transmission of pain to the brain while the laser is activated. To test the safety, pain reduction, as well as the efficacy of PSF in hair removal on patients with dark skin (mainly skin types IV, V and VI) with a high-energy Nd:YAG laser and without skin chilling. Patients were treated for hair removal with a 1064-nm laser (GentleYAG, Candela) at energy densities of 40-44 J/cm(2). Each patient was treated on both axillae: PSF on one side and without PSF (but with a chiller) on control sites. Pain was evaluated on a 1-10 scale. Hair re-growth was counted after 12 weeks. A second treatment was delivered at that time for additional evaluation of pain and further efficacy evaluation. Post-treatment erythema and adverse effects were also noted. Pain reduction was demonstrated in all 28 patients: the average was 2.6 with PSF and 4.5 without PSF. Hair removal efficacy with and without PSF was identical: 78-79% hair reduction after 12 weeks (standard deviation 14% and 10% respectively, t-test: 0.78). There were no cases of adverse effects and post-treatment erythema was consistently lower with PSF. All patients preferred PSF over non-PSF treatment. The PSF technology considerably reduces pain in hair removal with high-energy Nd:YAG lasers on dark skins without side effects, while preserving efficacy. Analgesic creams and skin chilling are not required. | 18,830,870 |
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II mediates apoptosis of P19 cells expressing human tau during neural differentiation with retinoic acid treatment. | The involvement of tau phosphorylation in apoptosis resembling Alzheimer's disease (AD) was investigated using a cell model of P19 cells stably expressing human tau441 (tau/P19 cells). Apoptotic cell death was observed specifically in tau/P19 cells during neural differentiation with retinoic acid (RA) treatment. A CaM kinase II inhibitor, KN-93, protected tau/P19 cells from apoptosis, although it stimulated the cell death of wild-type P19 cells (wt/P19 cells). W-7 and calmidazolium, calmodulin antagonists, also specifically inhibited the apoptosis of tau/P19 cells. LiCl, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase 3, a tau kinase, was effective in protecting tau/P19 cells from apoptosis, but the protective effect was less than that of CaM kinase II inhibitor and calmodulin antagonists. Tau in the nuclei of tau/P19 cells was phosphorylated at the sites for CaM kinase II detected by an antibody recognizing a phosphorylated form of tau. These results indicated that CaM kinase II was involved in the apoptosis of tau/P19 cells induced by RA treatment. | 18,830,878 |
The humoral immune response of mice exposed to simulated road paving-like asphalt fumes. | Asphalt is a complex mixture of organic molecules, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which have been reported to cause serious adverse health effects in humans. Workers in manufacturing and construction trades exposed to asphalt are potentially at risk for being exposed to asphalt fumes and PAHs. Epidemiological investigations have collected mounting evidence that chemicals found in asphalt fumes present carcinogenic and possibly immunotoxic hazards. Studies evaluating the immunotoxic effects of asphalt fume are limited due to the large number of variables associated with asphalt fume exposures. This work investigates the immuno-toxic effects of road paving-like asphalt fume by analyzing the in vivo IgM response to a T-dependent antigen after exposure to whole, vapor, and particulate phase road paving-like asphalt fumes and asphalt fume condensate. Systemic exposures via intraperitoneal injection of asphalt fume condensate (at 0.625 mg/kg) and the particulate phase (at 5 mg/kg) resulted in significant reductions in the specific spleen IgM response to SRBC. Pharyngeal aspiration of the asphalt fume condensate (at 5 mg/kg) also resulted in significant suppression of the IgM response to SRBC. A significant reduction in the specific spleen IgM activity was observed after inhalation exposure to whole asphalt fumes (35 mg/m(3)) and the vapor components (11 mg/m(3)). Dermal exposures to the asphalt fume condensate resulted in significant reductions in the total (at 50 mg/kg) and specific (at 250 mg/kg) spleen IgM response to SRBC. These results demonstrate that exposure to road paving-like asphalt fumes is immunosuppressive through systemic, respiratory, and dermal routes of exposure in a murine model and raise concerns regarding the potential for adverse immunological effects. | 18,830,891 |
Curcumin reverses attenuated carbachol-induced contraction of the colon in a rat model of colitis. | Curcumin ameliorates colitis whether it reverses colitis-induced reduction in colonic contractility remains to be investigated. To investigate the effect of curcumin on colitis-induced reduction of carbachol-induced contraction in colon segments from rats treated with trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid. Colitis was induced in rats by intra rectal administration of trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid and followed for 5 days. A group of animals which received trinitobenzene sulphonic acids was treated with curcumin (100 mg/Kg and 200 mg/kg body weight) 2 hrs prior to induction of colitis. The controls received phosphate buffered saline in a similar fashion. Markers of inflammation and contractility of colon were assayed using standard procedures. Induction of colitis was associated with increased myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels, gross histological changes characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells. All these changes were prevented by treatment with curcumin (100 mg/kg). Treatment with curcumin also reduced the histological scores from 3.34+/-0.40 to 1.75+/-0.30 confirming an anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin in this experimental model of colitis. Colonic reactivity to carbachol was decreased in colitis affecting the maximum response but not sensitivity. Treatment with curcumin had no effect on sensitivity of the colon to carbachol in any of the preparations. Curcumin however reversed the decrease in carbachol-induced contraction associated with trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid treatment. The same dose of curcumin had no effect on either the potency of or the maximum response to carbachol in control rats. Tissue expression of NF-kB was increased in colon segments from trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid -treated rats and this was inhibited in rats treated with curcumin. Based on these findings it is concluded that curcumin prevented the reduction in carbachol-induced contraction in trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid -treated rats by modulating NF-kB signaling pathway. | 18,830,899 |
Molecular mechanisms of cleft lip formation in CL/Fr mice. | CL/Fr mice have a high incidence of cleft lip and the cleft lip is the result of incomplete fusion between the medial and lateral nasal prominences and the maxillary prominence at about day 11.5 of gestation. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the incomplete fusion. We made a molecular pathological investigation using 11.5-day CL/Fr embryos. Five embryos were each examined for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. During the first palatal formation in normal development, an epithelial seam is formed when the medial and lateral nasal prominences first make contact. Some epithelial cells of the epithelial seam then undergo apoptosis, with remaining cells transforming into a mesenchymal phenotype (epithelial-mesenchymal transition, EMT). Mesenchymal cells of the medial and lateral nasal prominences then merge across the previous boundary of separation. In CL/Fr mice with cleft lip, neither apoptosis nor EMT occurs in the epithelial cells. Increased expression of claudin 6 mRNA is seen in epithelial cells of epithelial seam in cleft lip compared with that in normal embryos. Slug mRNA expression was also significantly reduced whereas noggin was increased in CL/Fr embryos with cleft lip. We suggest that EMT is prevented in CL/Fr mice with cleft lip by increased expression of claudin 6 and coexistent downregulation of slug in cells of the epithelial seam, and these altered concentrations of transcription factors/repressors prevent fusion of the medial and lateral nasal prominences, leading to clefts of the lip. | 18,830,900 |
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activities of some mixed ligand complexes of Co(II) with thiosemicarbazones and N-protected amino acids. | The reaction of cobalt(II) chloride with a new class of thiosemicarbazones viz; cis-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienthiosemicarbazone(CDOTSC; L(1)H) and 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenethiosemicarbazone (DOTSC; L(2)H) and N-phthaloyl derivative of DL-glycine(A(1)H), L-alanine(A(2)H) or L-valine(A(3)H) in 1:1:1 molar ratio in dry refluxing ethanol have been studied. All the isolated complexes have the general composition [Co(L)(A)]. Tentative structures are proposed for these complexes based upon elemental analysis, electrical conductances, magnetic moment, molecular weight determination and spectral (IR, electronic) studies.The ligands and Co(II) complexes have been tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against three bacterial strains S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and two fungal strains F. moniliformae and M. phaseolina. Attempts have been made to establish a correlation between the antibacterial and antifungal activity and the structures of products. | 18,830,914 |
Use of Raman spectroscopy as an in situ tool to obtain kinetic data for organic transformations. | Raman spectroscopy has been used as an in situ tool to obtain kinetic data for an organic transformation. The model reaction studied was the synthesis of 3-acetylcoumarin from the condensation between salicylaldehyde and ethyl acetoacetate with piperidine as a catalyst. The study shows that precise kinetic data can be obtained quickly and reproducibly, allowing for the facile determination of both overall reaction order and reaction order with respect to each component of the reaction. Additionally, Arrhenius parameters such as activation energy for a reaction can be readily obtained. In conjunction with computational modeling, this data-rich analysis technique also allows for in-depth probing of mechanistic aspects of reactions. Microwave heating proves to be an ideal tool for aiding in kinetic studies. It offers reproducible noncontact heating as well as precise temperature monitoring and data recording. | 18,830,985 |
Structural characteristics of hydrogenated carbon and boron nitride nanotubes: impact of H-H interactions. | The structural characteristics of perhydrogenated carbon and boron nitride nanotubes are determined by means of quantum chemical calculations. Two families of nanotubes are systematically studied for both carbon and boron nitride, the nanotubes being derived from the perhydrogenated (110) and (111) sheets of diamond and cubic boron nitride. Single-walled perhydrogenated carbon nanotubes prefer structures analogous to the (111) sheet. In clear contrast, the single-walled perhydrogenated boron nitride nanotubes prefer structures analogous to the (110) sheet. The significantly different structural characteristics are due to the polarization of hydrogen atoms in the perhydrogenated boron nitride nanotubes. The presence of attractive electrostatic H--H interactions leads to a strong preference for multilayering of the boron nitride sheets and nanotubes. The results are expected to provide new insights into the structural characteristics of main-group binary hydrides. | 18,830,994 |
C1q, the recognition subcomponent of the classical pathway of complement, drives microglial activation. | Microglia, central nervous system (CNS) resident phagocytic cells, persistently police the integrity of CNS tissue and respond to any kind of damage or pathophysiological changes. These cells sense and rapidly respond to danger and inflammatory signals by changing their cell morphology; by release of cytokines, chemokines, or nitric oxide; and by changing their MHC expression profile. We have shown previously that microglial biosynthesis of the complement subcomponent C1q may serve as a reliable marker of microglial activation ranging from undetectable levels of C1q biosynthesis in resting microglia to abundant C1q expression in activated, nonramified microglia. In this study, we demonstrate that cultured microglial cells respond to extrinsic C1q with a marked intracellular Ca(2+) increase. A shift toward proinflammatory microglial activation is indicated by the release of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nitric oxide and the oxidative burst in rat primary microglial cells, an activation and differentiation process similar to the proinflammatory response of microglia to exposure to lipopolysaccharide. Our findings indicate 1) that extrinsic plasma C1q is involved in the initiation of microglial activation in the course of CNS diseases with blood-brain barrier impairment and 2) that C1q synthesized and released by activated microglia is likely to contribute in an autocrine/paracrine way to maintain and balance microglial activation in the diseased CNS tissue. | 18,831,010 |
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: a historical overview. | Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe, inexpensive and accurate technique for the diagnosis of benign and malignant conditions. Its increase in popularity in the present days has made it a technique used on daily basis in the majority of medical centers in United States and around the world. However, the situation was not always like this. In its beginnings the procedure suffered from all kinds of criticism and attacks. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview about the development of this technique from its birth to our days. | 18,831,026 |
Computational insights into the interaction of the anthrax lethal factor with the N-terminal region of its substrates. | The anthrax lethal factor is a zinc metalloprotease toxin secreted by Bacillus anthracis which cleaves at the N-terminal region of six mitogen activated protein kinase kinases (MEKs) in the cell. Additionally, it is known to cleave a nine residue peptide "LF10," 50-fold more efficiently than nine residues of MEK1. There is very little sequence similarity between the MEK N-termini, thus, it is unclear how the lethal factor can accommodate and cleave the diverse N-termini of the MEKs and whether there is a hierarchy in this interaction, as there is between LF10 and MEK1. To investigate this problem, we carried out multiple molecular dynamics simulations of the lethal factor with nine residues of each of the substrates. Our simulations reveal that like LF10, certain MEK substrates have residue compositions that favor beta-sheet formation with the lethal factor over others. The formation of this secondary structure maintains a catalytic conformation. Binding energetics using the MM-PBSA method was used to rank-order the substrates for their affinity to LF (K(M)). On the basis of the results, we conclude that the LF does not equally accommodate the MEK substrates and further predict that there will be differences between rates of cleavage among the nine residue MEK N-termini. | 18,831,046 |
Coevolution in defining the functional specificity. | Covariation between sites can arise due to a common evolutionary history. At the same time, structure and function of proteins play significant role in evolvability of different sites that are not directly connected with the common ancestry. The nature of forces which cause residues to coevolve is still not thoroughly understood, it is especially not clear how coevolutionary processes are related to functional diversification within protein families. We analyzed both functional and structural factors that might cause covariation of specificity determinants and showed that they more often participate in coevolutionary relationships with each other and other sites compared with functional sites and those sites that are not under strong functional constraints. We also found that protein sites with higher number of coevolutionary connections with other sites have a tendency to evolve slower. Our results indicate that in some cases coevolutionary connections exist between specificity sites that are located far away in space but are under similar functional constraints. Such correlated changes and compensations can be realized through the stepwise coevolutionary processes which in turn can shed light on the mechanisms of functional diversification. | 18,831,050 |
All in the family: disclosure of "unwanted" information to an adolescent to benefit a relative. | Ethical assessments of clinical decisions are typically based on the preferences and interests of the individual patient. However, some clinical interventions, such as genetic testing or organ donation, may involve multiple family members. In these cases, one family member may have the potential to benefit, while another family member is exposed to potential physical or psychological risk. In the research setting, the balancing of benefits and risks between family members may be further complicated by uncertainty about their magnitude and likelihood. In addition, when the individual facing these apparently uncompensated risks is a child, the situation becomes particularly ethically complicated, as we appreciated in a recent case. Investigators at the National Cancer Institute were faced with a decision about whether it would be appropriate to disclose apparently "unwanted" research test results (length of telomeres in leukocyte subsets) to an adolescent about risk of future disease (dyskeratosis congenita), possibly causing psychological harm and an ethical wrong. These issues were not expected at the outset of the family's study participation but rather emerged with new data about the research tests. Disclosure of the research finding was an important consideration in order to avoid using the adolescent as a stem-cell donor for his sister. Disclosure to the adolescent could not be justified by merely considering the immediate interests and preferences of the adolescent. However, an expanded ethical analysis that considers the adolescent's familial context offers a more complete picture of the adolescent's interests and preferences which provides justification for disclosure. | 18,831,063 |
Restructuring municipal government: labor-management relations and worker mental health. | This study is a mixed-method investigation of the association between labor-management relations and employees' mental health in a municipal sector undergoing New Public Management-style restructuring. Analysis of the survey data (N = 902) demonstrates a relatively strong and persistent relationship between management practices and employee psychological health. Interviews with a subsample of 54 workers reveal that management's excessive control, incompetence, and unresponsiveness, combined with minimal rewards for workers' efforts, left staff feeling devalued. Our findings suggest that workers' mental health was harmed by the undermining of their sense of self-worth and the loss of avenues to improve their working conditions. | 18,831,113 |
Death in birth. | The number of women in poor countries who die in childbirth has barely changed in two decades--and this despite a host of medical breakthroughs. How can the incidence of this devastating human tragedy be reduced? | 18,831,114 |
A history of James Craig's hall for the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. | The architectural history of the College's George Street hall, completed in 1781, has commonly been overlooked because it was demolished and deemed to have been a disappointment to both its owners and its architect, James Craig. This article reassesses the College's ambitions and Craig's efforts to match them, by accounting for the number of drawings which were made for the site and building, Craig's sources of inspiration and the building's appearance and influence. The paper reveals that the hall was actually intended to be part of a larger complex of buildings and rival Register House as the New Town's most impressive public edifice. The building has not been examined in this way before, and Craig's use of his library, drawing equipment and knowledge of London's architects and architecture are discussed to offer insight into his personal vision for the hall's appearance and meaning. | 18,831,117 |
Enacting cultural boundaries in French and German diphtheria serum research. | The experimental development of a therapeutic serum against diphtheria between 1891 and 1894 was characterized by a scientific competition that pitted Emil Behring from the Institute for Infectious Diseases in Berlin against Emile Roux and Elie Metschnikoff from the Pasteur Institute in Paris. In general, their competition can be regarded as an extension of the fundamental differences that separated the research schools of Robert Koch and Louis Pasteur. However, to characterize the competition for a diphtheria-serum as "national rivalry" fails to account adequately for the mutual adoption of experimental practices by the Berlin and Parisian protagonists, whose contributions to the development of a therapeutic serum were intertwined in complex ways. Nor can it be characterized as "cooperation," given their fierce public disputes over scientific concepts and the fact that these disputes also shaped the peculiarities of the experimental procedures in Berlin and Paris. A close analysis reveals a complex picture of the dynamic interaction between the conceptual and experimental activities of Behring, Roux, and Metschnikoff- interaction that defined as well as bridged the "French" and "Prussian" experimental systems of diphtheria-serum research. | 18,831,135 |
Nitrogen effects on decomposition: a five-year experiment in eight temperate sites. | The influence of inorganic nitrogen (N) inputs on decomposition is poorly understood. Some prior studies suggest that N may reduce the decomposition of substrates with high concentrations of lignin via inhibitory effects on the activity of lignin-degrading enzymes, although such inhibition has not always been demonstrated. I studied the effects of N addition on decomposition of seven substrates ranging in initial lignin concentrations (from 7.4% to 25.6%) over five years in eight different grassland and forest sites in central Minnesota, USA. I predicted that N would stimulate the decomposition of lignin-poor substrates but retard the decomposition of lignin-rich substrates. Across these sites, N had neutral or negative effects on decomposition rates. However, in contrast to my hypothesis, effects of N on decomposition were independent of substrate initial lignin concentrations, and decomposition of the lignin fraction was unaffected by N fertilization. Rather, substrate-site combinations that exhibited more rapid decomposition rates in the control treatment were affected more negatively by addition of N fertilization. Taken together, these results suggest that decreased decomposition with added N did not result from inhibition of lignin-degrading enzyme activity, but may have resulted from abiotic interactions between N fertilizer and products of microbial degradation or synthesis or from N effects on the decomposer community. Low initial substrate N concentrations and N fertilization both stimulated N immobilization, but the differences among substrates were generally much larger than the effects of fertilization. This study suggests that atmospheric N addition could stimulate ecosystem carbon sequestration in some ecosystems as a result of reduced rates of forest floor decomposition. | 18,831,184 |
Increasing litter species richness reduces variability in a terrestrial decomposer system. | Debate on the relationship between diversity and stability has been driven by the recognition that species loss may influence ecosystem properties and processes. We conducted a litterbag experiment in the Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom, to examine the effects of altering plant litter diversity on decomposition, microbial biomass, and microfaunal abundance. The design of treatments was fully factorial and included five species from an upland plant community (silver birch, Betula pendula; Scots' pine, Pinus sylvestris; heather, Calluna vulgaris; bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus; wavy-hair grass, Deschampsia flexuosa); species richness ranged from one to five species. We tested the effects of litter species richness and composition on variable means, whether increasing litter species richness reduced variability in the decomposer system, and whether any richness-variability relationships were maintained over time (196 vs. 564 days). While litter species composition effects controlled variable means, we revealed reductions in variability with increasing litter species richness, even after accounting for differences between litter types. These findings suggest that higher plant species richness per se may result in more stable ecosystem processes (e.g., decomposition) and decomposer communities. Negative richness-variation relationships generally relaxed over time, presumably because properties of litter mixtures became more homogeneous. However, given that plant litter inputs continue to enter the belowground system over time, we conclude that variation in ecosystem properties may be buffered by greater litter species richness. | 18,831,186 |
[Study on dynamic accumulation of flavone in various Chrysanthemum morifolium for medicine]. | To study the dynamic accumulation of flavonoids in Chrysanthemum morifolium in order to chose the optimal harvest time. The flavonoid content was determined in various C. morifolium and in different periods. The accumulation of flavonoid in various Chrysanthemum reached a high level when lingulate flowers were in 50% blossom and tube ones in 30% or lingulate flowers were in 70% blossom and tube ones in 50%. Only few of C. morifolium reached a high level of flavonoid, when 1 both ingulate and tube flowers blossomed fully. | 18,831,193 |
The immunocompromised adult patient and surgery. | The perioperative management of immunosuppressed patients remains relatively unsophisticated. Rational management involves understanding the normal immune response to injury as modified by the preexisting or imposed abnormalities that immunosuppressed patients manifest on the basis of their disease and/or treatment. Patients with cancer, infected with human immunodeficiency virus, and having had an organ transplant are extreme examples of disordered immunity and it is important to understand the effects of their diseases and treatments. In the future, however, more appropriate management will require anticipation and appreciation of frequent preoperative immunotherapy, a more complete understanding of the immunological response to anesthesia and surgery, the ability to assess immune reserve and stratify risk within the context of that profile, and a better knowledge of the immunological effect of anesthetic agents. | 18,831,305 |
Introduction: Intelligentsia science inside and outside Russia. | The concept of "intelligentsia" has had a long life both as an actors' category and as a tool of historical analysis to understand the role of the educated elite in Russia and the Soviet Union. For a variety of reasons, this term has not achieved much prominence in exploring the assimilation of science and technology into Russian culture. This essay examines the term's convoluted historiography and makes a case for the utility of its revival--understanding "intelligentsia" not as a single concept or group but as a heterogeneous and evolving social institution. The entire volume is then introduced with these features in mind. | 18,831,316 |
Molecular markers of heavy metal toxicity--a new paradigm for health risk assessment. | Last decade has witnessed increased interest in studies dealing with molecular markers of health and disease expression of genes. Specific toxicant "signatures" have been detected using genome base technologies such as microarrays. Further toxins have been classified on the basis of these signatures. Knowledge on these signatures has helped in the identification of novel drug candidates. This review discusses the gene expression studies recently made on arsenic, cadmium, mercury, chromium, lead, copper, nickel, manganese, and other essential elements. Toxicogenomics standards and their organizations have also been briefly described. Although this information can not be considered as complete, recent reports from different laboratories on bacteria, fish, laboratory animals and humans have been summarized. It is expected that toxicogenomics data presented in this review will be helpful in planning and excretion of human health risk assessment programs. | 18,831,325 |
Influence of ambient ultraviolet radiation on Bufo calamita egg development in a semiarid zone (Catalonia, Spain). | Several experiments have shown that ambient ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) has negative effects on the development of amphibians' embryos. We studied the effects of UV-B radiation on development, survival and frequency of deformity during egg development in the Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita) from a semiarid region of Lleida (Catalonia, Spain). Eggs exposed to ambient levels of UV-B and those protected from UV-B with a filter exhibited similar developmental rate, mortality rate and frequency of developmental anomalies. These experiments show that eggs of Bufo calamita of the studied population are able to develop normally during embryonic period when exposed to current high levels of UV-B observed in Catalonia. These results will be used as reference for future studies on geographic variation in UV-B tolerance in this species. | 18,831,346 |
Circadian rhythm of peak expiratory flow rate in healthy north Indian men. | Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) variability follows a specific pattern in asthmatics as well as in healthy individuals. There is scarcity of data for Indian healthy subjects. The PEFR (L/min.) was measured with Wright's portable peak flow meter at 05:00, 8:00, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00 and 23:00 hours in 42 healthy, non-smoking adults of age group between 18-26 years. The variability of PEFR revealed a circadian pattern. PEFR levels tend to increase from morning at 5:00 hours till evening at 17:00 hours, with peak PEFR in evening at 17:00 hours, after which there was a progressive fall in PEFR levels, till morning 5:00 hours. This study provides the preliminary reference data of circadian pattern of PEFR in healthy individuals. | 18,831,353 |
Reproduction and growth of the freshwater prawn, Palaemon paucidens (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) in a lake of Korea. | This study analyzed the reproduction and growth of freshwater prawn, Palaemon paucidens De Haan 1844 from Suk-dang lake(Korea). The analysis of the sex ratio showed a higher proportion of males than that of females. The average size of the eggs was 6.12 (+/-0.55) mm3 in the non-eyed stage (stageA) and 7.20 (+/-0.86)mm3 in the eyed stage (stage B). The reproductive output (RO) calculated with the dried-body weight of an incubating female and the weight of the eggs in dried condition was 26.97% (n = 17) of the average females weight. Incubating prawn appeared in April, and the gonadosomatic indices(GSI) showed the highest value during three months from January to March. Based on the month when there was a high proportion of incubating females with a high GSI, the estimated spawning season of P. paucidens was April. The maturity of the female was evaluated by the development of the ovaries and the existence of eggs. The average body length when 50% of the females in the group reached maturity was 8.55 (+/-2.74) mm. The analysis of the length-frequency distribution showed that the life span of P. paucidens ranged from 12 to 13 months. Females mature faster than males. | 18,831,367 |
Devicyprin induced gonadal impairment in a freshwater food fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch). | Synthetic pyrethroids are the recent major class of broad spectrum, photostable, organic insecticides used in agricultural, domestic and veterinary applications and now account for more than 30% of global insecticide use. Cypermethrin is metabolized and eliminated significantly more slowly by fish than by mammals or birds, which may explain this compound's high toxicity in fish compared to other organisms. The present communication deals with histoanatomical alterations in the gonads of a local fresh water food fish, Channa punctatus exposed to 0.033 ppm (96 hr LC50 X 1/10) concentration of a synthetic pyrethroid, devicyprin (cypermethrin 25%) in aquatic medium of aged tap water for 15, 30 and 45 days respectively. In testis, exposure dependent histological damage has been observed in terms of vacuolization, condensation of spermatogonic cells, distortion of tubular epithelium, shrinkage of interstitial cells and general inflammatory responses. Longest exposure of 45 days has resulted in peculiar starry-sky appearance of the testicular tissue. Gross histo-anatomy of ovarian tissue reveals epithelial lesions, inflammatory responses, stromal hemorrhage, increased interstitium and shrinkage of yolk vesicles towards periphery These findings are quite suggestive of reproductive impairments leading to delayed gonadal maturity and adversely affecting processes of sperm production and ovulation and thus, the fish production. | 18,831,372 |
Seed germination of Cistus creticus L. and Cistus laurifolius L. as influenced by dry-heat, soaking in distilled water and gibberellic acid. | The effects of dry-heat and seed soaking in distilled water or in gibberellic acid on germination performance of Cistus creticus L. and C. laurifolius L. were studied in the present study Germination percentages of two Cistus species were low due to dormancy Soaking in distilled water for 24 hr resulted in 28% germination in C. creticus and 43% in C. laurifolius. Gibberellic acid applications (20, 100 and 250 mg l(-1)) for 24 hr gave 32, 30 and 23% germination, respectively in Cistus creticus and 33, 37 and 28% germination, respectively in C. laurifolius. Dry-heat pretreatments at 50, 80 and 100 degrees C for several times (1-60 min) also significantly increased germination percentage in two species. The highest germination in C. creticus was obtained with dry-heat at 100 degrees C for 1 or 5 min (80% and 83%, respectively) and in C. laurifolius at 100 degrees C for 5 min (87%). A significant increase in germination rate was also achieved under different pretreatments. The physiological dormancy caused by an impermeable seed coat can be overcome by dry-heat pretreatments in two Cistus species. | 18,831,373 |
Histoenzymological study on the toxicity of copper sulphate in the digestive glands of Lymnaea luteola. | During 24 and 48 hr of exposure, the digestive glands of Lymnaea treated with a lethal concentration of 0.038 mgl(-1) CuSO4 revealed intense activity of acid phosphatase in perilobular margin. On the other hand, same area of the gland showed moderate activity of ATPase during 24 and 48 hr of exposure. However, alkaline phosphatase showed average activity in perialveolar region and perilobular margin during 24 and 48, and 72 hr of exposure respectively The changes in the activity of these enzymes were nonsignificant in alveolar margin and perialveolar region of the gland. It is interesting to note moderate activity of acid phosphatase in perialveolar region during 24 hr of exposure. | 18,831,375 |
Pollution level in distillery effluent and its phytotoxic effect on seed germination and early growth of maize and rice. | The effluent from a Lucknow- based distillery (Mohan Meakin Distillery) was analyzed for physico-chemical and biological parameters of pollution and concentration of potentially toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) and the effect of the distillery effluent, as such and on 50% dilution with tap water was studied on seed germination and seedling growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). The effluent was wine red in colour and highly acidic (pH approximately 55) and possessed decaying alcoholic smell. The effluent contained high values of different pollution parameters, particularly total solids, 3450 mgl(-1) (soluble plus suspended solids), alkalinity 1500 mgl(-1), biological oxygen demand (BOD, 1649 mgl(-1)) and chemical oxygen demand (COD, 2036 mgl(-1)). It had very low values of dissolved oxygen (DO, 0.34 mgl(-1)). The heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) content, particularly the nickel concentration (0.029 mg l(-1)) was high. Use of the distillery effluent, even on 1:1 dilution with tap water inhibited germination and early seedling growth of maize and rice. In both maize and rice, more so in the former germination % of seeds, length of radicle and plumule and the fresh and dry weight of the seedlings were significantly reduced. The emerging leaves of the seedlings also developed visible effects of toxicity some of which resembled the symptoms of nickel toxicity. Our observations suggest that the effluent, as discharged from the distillery carry a heavy load of pollutants. Its discharge into the river Gomti poses a potential threat to the aquatic life, perticularly during the summer months when the water flow in the river is drastically reduced. The distillery effluentis also harmful for irrigating crops grown along the drain carrying it. | 18,831,388 |
[Biliary, pancreatic and systemic diseases associated with IgG4]. | Whereas autoimmune pancreatitis is an established entity characterized by high serum concentrations of IgG4, IgG4 cholangitis is a quite new entity characterized by a massive infiltration of bile ducts by IgG4 positive lymphoplasmocytic cells. IgG4 cholangitis should therefore be differentiated from primary sclerosing cholangitis based on clinics, radiological and biological markers. This paper is aimed at reviewing all new aspects of diseases associated with high levels of IgG4. | 18,831,404 |
Multiple ocular abnormalities associated with trisomy 4p. | Ocular features associated with trisomy 4p have rarely been described. The authors have experienced multiple ocular abnormalities (bilateral cataracts, posterior synechiae, and posterior segment changes) associated with this chromosomal abnormality. It was presumed that these intraocular findings might be associated with the previous inflammatory process. In the current case, the patient recovered some useful vision after surgical removal of cataracts and intraocular lens implantations in both eyes. A detailed ophthalmic examination for patients with the autosomal imbalance is recom-mended. | 18,831,427 |
The use of intraoperative fluoroscopy as an aid for removal of radiopaque intraorbital foreign bodies. | Two patients with orbital trauma and intraorbital foreign bodies, as seen on a computed tomography scan, were taken to the operating room to rule out occult ruptured globe with possible foreign body removal. The C-arm fluoroscopic unit was employed to obtain real-time images of the foreign body's location in relation to the surgeon's dissection tools and the foreign body was extracted with minimal dissection and operating time. When removal of a foreign body is warranted, intraoperative fluoroscopy can help reduce surgical time and orbital manipulation. | 18,831,434 |
Pressure ulcer development in infants: state of the science. | The science of pressure ulcer development in infants is underdeveloped. Although recent conceptual frameworks have been applied to younger populations, this article focuses on the unique attributes of full-term and preterm newborns that have an impact on pressure ulcer development. A proposed schema identifies the theoretical elements associated with pressure ulcer development in infants. | 18,831,475 |
An analysis of critical care staff's attitudes to donation in a country with presumed-consent legislation. | Lack of knowledge and confidence among critical care staff in identifying potential donors and communicating with donor families may explain missed organ and tissue donations. To elucidate attitudes of critical care staff toward donation and their knowledge, involvement, and self-reported skills and confidence levels with donation-related tasks. Between January 2004 and May 2006, Donor Action Foundation's Hospital Attitude Survey was used to collect data from staff members in critical care units in our university hospital (study group) and 2 other Belgian university hospitals (control group). In total, 92 physicians, 433 nurses, and 26 other staff members participated. The 2 groups did not differ significantly with regard to donation-related attitudes. The study group had a significantly lower perception of the public's approval of organ donation than did the control group (P < .001). Nurses reported significantly less involvement than did physicians (P < .001) in caring for potential donors, communicating severe brain damage, explaining brain death, requesting donation, and contacting procurement staff. Probably because of previous training, physicians in the study group reported less need for additional training on donation-related issues than did control physicians. However, compared with physicians, nurses in the study group requested significantly more training on a number of donation tasks. Nurses with more than 5 years of critical care experience were consistently more confident with donation-related tasks. Support rates for donation are high overall, and previous training is associated with improved attitudes and decreased educational needs. Educational efforts tailor-made for nurses should increase nurses' confidence levels when confronted with potential donors and their next of kin. | 18,831,482 |
Does family disagreement affect donation decisions by next of kin? | Information about the relationship between family disagreement and donation decisions may facilitate development of strategies to help families resolve conflict and possibly increase donation consent rates. To assess how family interactions influence next-of-kin decisions about organ donation. Semistructured survey. Next of kin of potential donors (147 donors, 138 non-donors) from 1 organ procurement organization participated in a semistructured telephone interview, answering questions about the presence and influence of others during decision making related to organ donation. When others were actively involved in the donation decision (68%), disagreement about the donation decision occurred in 32% of cases. Compared with families initially in agreement, families not in agreement were less likely to donate (P < .001), took longer to make a decision (P < .001), and were less likely to make the same decision now (P < .001). Family disagreement was significantly associated with having more family members involved in the discussion, characteristics of the deceased (younger age, not married, nonwhite race, fewer days in the hospital, trauma-related death), next-of-kin characteristics (less education, less favorable organ donation beliefs), not knowing the deceased's donation intentions, less satisfaction with the health care team, and perceptions of a less compassionate donation requester. Family disagreement occurred in one-third of donation approaches when other family members were present. Such disagreement is most likely to contribute to donation refusal when the deceased's donation intentions are unknown. Recognizing and assessing the nature of family disagreement may increase donation consent. | 18,831,483 |
The impact of QC frequency on patient results. | The expected number of unacceptable patient results due to an undetected, malfunction--E(Nu)--can be set as a patient-based quality goal. Using the number of patients tested between QC specimens as a design parameter allows one to design QC strategies that meet specified patient-based quality goals. The QC utilization rate can be minimized in a QC design for a given E(Nu). The QC-utilization rate achievable depends on how close analytical imprecision is to the total allowable error. | 18,831,492 |
Robotically assisted lobectomy: learning curve and complications. | The past two decades have witnessed a revolutionary transition in surgical technique and technology with the development of minimally invasive approaches. Many advantages were obtained by using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: less surgical trauma and pain, shorter hospital stay, and satisfactory cosmetic results. Limitations still remain, however, because of impaired vision, restricted instrument-maneuverability, unstable camera platform, and poor ergonomics for the surgeon. Some of the more prominent limitations involve the technical and mechanical nature of the equipment. This article describes technical aspects, learning curve, and complications in the field of robotic lobectomy. | 18,831,505 |
Expression of the embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like protein HuR in human mesothelioma: association with cyclooxygenase-2 and prognosis. | The human embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAV)-like protein HuR is a messenger RNA (mRNA)-binding protein that controls the stability of certain transcripts, including cyclooxygenase2 (COX-2). To investigate a possible contribution of dysregulation of mRNA stability to the progression of cancer and to COX-2 over expression in mesothelioma, the authors studied expression of COX-2 and HuR in 5 mesothelioma cell lines (MSTO, NCI, Ist-Mes1, Ist-Mes2, and MPP89) and in a group of 29 human mesothelioma specimens that were characterized previously for COX-2 expression. All 5 cell lines expressed HuR, whereas COX-2 was not detectable in MSTO or NCI cells. Treatment with cytokines induced a shift in systolic HuR protein levels in MPP89 and Ist-Mes2 cells that was accompanied by an increase in the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein. In Ist-Mes1 cells, cytokine stimulation did not cause the passage of HuR from nucleus to cytoplasm, and the synthesis of COX-2 did not increase. In tumor tissues, immunohistochemistry revealed a positive, statistically significant correlation between high COX-2 expression and cytoplasmic localization of HuR (P = .016). Moreover, on univariate analysis, overall survival was found to be influenced strongly by cytoplasmic HuR localization (P = .004). The current results suggested that HuR plays a role in tumor progression in mesothelioma and that COX-2 may be a target of its activity in neoplastic cells. Together, these observations indicate that strategies aiming toward the modulation of HuR may have a potential clinical benefit in mesothelioma. | 18,831,511 |
Effecting science, affecting medicine: homosexuality, the Kinsey reports, and the contested boundaries of psychopathology in the United States, 1948-1965. | Despite the well-documented intensive battle between Alfred Kinsey and American psychiatrists around the mid-twentieth century, this paper argues that Kinsey's work, in fact, played a significant role in transforming mental health experts' view of homosexuality starting as far back as the late 1940s and extending all the way through the mid-1960s. After analyzing the way in which Kinsey's work pushed American psychiatrists to re-evaluate their understanding of homosexuality indirectly through the effort of clinical psychologists, I then focus to a greater extent on examples that illustrate how the Kinsey reports directly influenced members of the psychiatric community. In the conclusion, using a Foucauldian conception of "discourse," I propose that in order to approach the struggle around the pathological status of homosexuality in the 1950s and the 1960s, thinking in terms of a "politics of knowledge" is more promising than simply in terms of a "politics of diagnosis." Central to the struggle was not merely the matter of medical diagnosis, but larger issues regarding the production of knowledge at an intersection of science and medicine where the parameters of psychopathology were disputed in the context of mid-twentieth-century United States. | 18,831,516 |
A comparison of the choice of monoclonal antibodies for recovery of fetal cells from maternal blood using FACS for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. | Isolation of adequate numbers of fetal cells circulating in the maternal circulation is the major hurdle in developing noninvasive prenatal diagnostic procedures. We used flow cytometry and a combination of different monoclonal antibodies to compare the yield and purity of the fetal nucleated red blood cells at different periods of gestation. Using a Percoll discontinuous gradient, the fetal nucleated erythrocytes were enriched from 7 ml maternal blood. In 100 samples, the enriched cells were stained with CD45, anti-fetal hemoglobin, and glycophorin A antibodies and in 30 samples they were stained with CD45, anti-fetal hemoglobin, and CD71 and then sorted and used for fetal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. Using the first set of antibodies, although we were able to obtain a higher percentage of fetal nucleated red cells (0.07% +/- 0.2%) as compared to the second set which yielded comparatively smaller numbers (0.025% +/- 0.03%), there was some compromise in purity. Using CD45, anti-fetal hemoglobin and CD71 would be preferred as minimizing maternal contamination is more important than yield for prenatal diagnosis. | 18,831,520 |
Psychogenic tremor: long-term prognosis in patients with electrophysiologically confirmed disease. | We describe the presenting features and long-term outcomes of patients with electrophysiologically-confirmed psychogenic tremor. Clinical information for all patients with psychogenic tremor confirmed by our Movement Disorders Neurophysiology Laboratory (2003-2004) was reviewed. A follow-up questionnaire was administered to all included patients in 2007. Psychogenic tremor was documented in 62 patients; 33 responded to the questionnaire (53%). Median onset-age was 50 years (range, 15-71); 23 were female (70%). Clinical certainty of psychogenic etiology was: definite, 8 (24%); probable, 16 (49%), and possible, 9 (27%). Characteristic electrodiagnostic features of psychogenic tremor were documented in all. All but two patients were ultimately given a definite diagnosis of psychogenic tremor; recommended psychiatric consultation was only done by 12 (36%). Twenty-one patients (64%) rated tremor disability as moderate or severe after a median follow-up of 5.1 years (range, 3.3-19). Improvement occurred spontaneously in 5 (15%), and after a specific intervention in 4 (12%), whereas 3 (9%) had mild but unchanged symptoms. The mean duration of symptoms, prior to diagnosis with psychogenic tremor, was significantly shorter for patients with mild or no tremor at follow-up (P = 0.037). Physiologically-confirmed psychogenic tremor carries a poor prognosis, with unremitting or worse tremor persisting 3-years after diagnosis in most. | 18,831,532 |
Role of the Zn1 and Zn2 sites in metallo-beta-lactamase L1. | In an effort to probe the role of the Zn(II) sites in metallo-beta-lactamase L1, mononuclear metal ion containing and heterobimetallic analogues of the enzyme were generated and characterized using kinetic and spectroscopic studies. Mononuclear Zn(II)-containing L1, which binds Zn(II) in the consensus Zn1 site, was shown to be slightly active; however, this enzyme did not stabilize a nitrocefin-derived reaction intermediate that had been previously detected. Mononuclear Co(II)- and Fe(III)-containing L1 were essentially inactive, and NMR and EPR studies suggest that these metal ions bind to the consensus Zn2 site in L1. Heterobimetallic analogues (ZnCo and ZnFe) analogues of L1 were generated, and stopped-flow kinetic studies revealed that these enzymes rapidly hydrolyze nitrocefin and that there are large amounts of the reaction intermediate formed during the reaction. The heterobimetallic analogues were reacted with nitrocefin, and the reactions were rapidly freeze quenched. EPR studies on these samples demonstrate that Co(II) is 5-coordinate in the resting state, proceeds through a 4-coordinate species during the reaction, and is 5-coordinate in the enzyme-product complex. These studies demonstrate that the metal ion in the Zn1 site is essential for catalysis in L1 and that the metal ion in the Zn2 site is crucial for stabilization of the nitrocefin-derived reaction intermediate. | 18,831,550 |
Ratiometric sensing of Hg2+ based on the calix[4]arene of partial cone conformation possessing a dansyl moiety. | A new fluorescent chemosensor based on the calix[4]arene of partial cone conformation possessing a dansyl moiety has been synthesized. The chemosensor demonstrates selective optical recognition of Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) in two contrasting modes. The receptor exhibited ratiometric sensing of Hg(2+) and "ON-OFF" type of fluorescence behavior in the presence of Cu(2+). The compound behaves as a fluorescent molecular switch upon chemical inputs of Hg(2+) and Cu(2+) ions. | 18,831,557 |
Structures and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins in many accessions of eggplant and its related species. | Anthocyanins were detected in extracts from the peels of 123 accessions of eggplant (Solanum melongena) and its related species. Their anthocyanin profiles were classified into four types, including known Japanese eggplant type (type 1) and non-Japanese eggplant type (type 2). Although most of the eggplant accessions had one of the two known profiles, one accession had a novel profile (type 3). Two accessions of related species showed another novel profile (type 4). The major anthocyanins were identified as delphinidin 3-(p-coumaroylrutinoside)-5-glucoside (nasunin) (type 1), delphinidin 3-rutinoside (type 2), delphinidin 3-glucoside (type 3), and petunidin 3-(p-coumaroylrutinoside)-5-glucoside (petunidin 3RGc5G) (type 4). Delphinidin 3-caffeoylrutinoside-5-glucoside (delphinidin 3RGcaf5G) was isolated from the hybrid (F1) plants of a type 1 cultivar and a type 3 germplasm. Among the five purified anthocyanins, delphinidin 3RGcaf5G showed the highest radical-scavenging activities toward both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and linoleic acid radical, followed in order by nasunin and petunidin 3RGc5G. | 18,831,559 |
Unique cellular interaction of silver nanoparticles: size-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species. | The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has created a vast array of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) which have unique physical (size, shape, crystallinity, surface charge) and chemical (surface coating, elemental composition and solubility) attributes. These physicochemical properties of ENMs can produce chemical conditions to induce a pro-oxidant environment in the cells, causing an imbalanced cellular energy system dependent on redox potential and thereby leading to adverse biological consequences, ranging from the initiation of inflammatory pathways through to cell death. The present study was designed to evaluate size-dependent cellular interactions of known biologically active silver nanoparticles (NPs, Ag-15 nm, Ag-30 nm, and Ag-55 nm). Alveolar macrophages provide the first defense and were studied for their potential role in initiating oxidative stress. Cell exposure produced morphologically abnormal sizes and adherence characteristics with significant NP uptake at high doses after 24 h. Toxicity evaluations using mitochondrial and cell membrane viability along with reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed. After 24 h of exposure, viability metrics significantly decreased with increasing dose (10-75 microg/mL) of Ag-15 nm and Ag-30 nm NPs. A more than 10-fold increase of ROS levels in cells exposed to 50 microg/mL Ag-15 nm suggests that the cytotoxicity of Ag-15 nm is likely to be mediated through oxidative stress. In addition, activation of the release of traditional inflammatory mediators were examined by measuring levels of cytokines/chemokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), macrophage inhibitory protein (MIP-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), released into the culture media. After 24 h of exposure to Ag-15 nm nanoparticles, a significant inflammatory response was observed by the release of TNF-alpha, MIP-2, and IL-1beta. However, there was no detectable level of IL-6 upon exposure to silver nanoparticles. In summary, a size-dependent toxicity was produced by silver nanoparticles, and one predominant mechanism of toxicity was found to be largely mediated through oxidative stress. | 18,831,567 |
The temporal decay of eye gaze adaptation effects. | Recent findings demonstrate that the perception of other people's eye gaze direction can be dramatically biased by previous adaptation to that gaze direction. Here, we further investigated this aftereffect by examining its development over time, with particular attention to the potential role of the ambiguity of the test stimulus. Following adaptation to gaze to one direction, participants' ability to correctly classify gaze to the adapted direction was severely impaired, both for ambiguous and relatively unambiguous test stimuli. Of particular importance, this aftereffect decreased over time but remained measurable up to 7 minutes post adaptation, with its decline following an exponential decay function. The implications of the present findings are discussed with respect to both coding mechanisms involved in gaze perception and a potential role of adaptation effects in real life situations. | 18,831,598 |
Development of visually driven postural reactivity: a fully immersive virtual reality study. | The objective of this study was to investigate the development of visually driven postural regulation in typically developing children of different ages. Thirty-two typically developing participants from 5 age groups (5-7 years, 8-11 years, 12-15 years, 16-19 years, or 20-25 years) were asked to stand within a virtual tunnel that oscillated in an anterior-posterior fashion at three different frequencies (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 Hz). Body sway (BS) and postural perturbations (as measured by velocity root mean squared or vRMS) were measured. Most of the 5- to 7-year-old participants (67%) were unable to remain standing during the dynamic conditions. For older participants, BS decreased significantly with age for all frequencies. Moreover, vRMS decreased significantly from the 8- to 11- through 16- to 19-years age groups (greatest decreases for 0.5 Hz, followed by 0.25-Hz and 0.125-Hz conditions). No difference of frequency or instability was found between the 16- to 19- and 20- to 25-year-old groups for most conditions. Results suggest an over-reliance on visual input relative to proprioceptive and vestibular inputs on postural regulation at young ages (5-7 years). The finding that vRMS decreased significantly with age before stabilizing between 16 and 19 years suggests an important transitory period for sensorimotor development within this age range. | 18,831,609 |
Faces in the cloud: Fourier power spectrum biases ultrarapid face detection. | Recent results show that humans can respond with a saccadic eye movement toward faces much faster and with less error than toward other objects. What feature information does your visual cortex need to distinguish between different objects so rapidly? In a first step, we replicated the "fast saccadic bias" toward faces. We simultaneously presented one vehicle and one face image with different contrasts and asked our subjects to saccade as fast as possible to the image with higher contrast. This was considerably easier when the target was the face. In a second step, we scrambled both images to the same extent. For one subject group, we scrambled the orientations of wavelet components (local orientations) while preserving their location. This manipulation completely abolished the face bias for the fastest saccades. For a second group, we scrambled the phases (i.e., the location) of Fourier components while preserving their orientation (i.e., the 2-D amplitude spectrum). Even when no face was visible (100% scrambling), the fastest saccades were still strongly biased toward the scrambled face image! These results suggest that the ability to rapidly saccade to faces in natural scenes depends, at least in part, on low-level information contained in the Fourier 2-D amplitude spectrum. | 18,831,622 |
The contribution of different facial regions to the recognition of conversational expressions. | The human face is an important and complex communication channel. Humans can, however, easily read in a face not only identity information but also facial expressions with high accuracy. Here, we present the results of four psychophysical experiments in which we systematically manipulated certain facial areas in video sequences of nine conversational expressions to investigate recognition performance and its dependency on the motions of different facial parts. The results help to demonstrate what information is perceptually necessary and sufficient to recognize the different facial expressions. Subsequent analyses of the facial movements and correlation with recognition performance show that, for some expressions, one individual facial region can represent the whole expression. In other cases, the interaction of more than one facial area is needed to clarify the expression. The full set of results is used to develop a systematic description of the roles of different facial parts in the visual perception of conversational facial expressions. | 18,831,624 |
Maximum differentiation (MAD) competition: a methodology for comparing computational models of perceptual quantities. | We propose an efficient methodology for comparing computational models of a perceptually discriminable quantity. Rather than comparing model responses to subjective responses on a set of pre-selected stimuli, the stimuli are computer-synthesized so as to optimally distinguish the models. Specifically, given two computational models that take a stimulus as an input and predict a perceptually discriminable quantity, we first synthesize a pair of stimuli that maximize/minimize the response of one model while holding the other fixed. We then repeat this procedure, but with the roles of the two models reversed. Subjective testing on pairs of such synthesized stimuli provides a strong indication of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two models. Specifically, the model whose extremal stimulus pairs are easier for subjects to discriminate is the better model. Moreover, careful study of the synthesized stimuli may suggest potential ways to improve a model or to combine aspects of multiple models. We demonstrate the methodology for two example perceptual quantities: contrast and image quality. | 18,831,621 |
Scan patterns during the processing of facial expression versus identity: an exploration of task-driven and stimulus-driven effects. | Perceptual studies suggest that processing facial identity emphasizes upper-face information, whereas processing expressions of anger or happiness emphasizes the lower-face. The two goals of the present study were to determine (a) if the distributions of eye fixations reflect these upper/lower-face biases, and (b) whether this bias is task- or stimulus-driven. We presented a target face followed by a probe pair of morphed faces, neither of which was identical to the target. Subjects judged which of the pair was more similar to the target face while eye movements were recorded. In Experiment 1 the probe pair always differed from each other in both identity and expression on each trial. In one block subjects judged which probe face was more similar to the target face in identity, and in a second block subjects judged which probe face was more similar to the target face in expression. In Experiment 2 the two probe faces differed in either expression or identity, but not both. Subjects were not informed which dimension differed, but simply asked to judge which probe face was more similar to the target face. We found that subjects scanned the upper-face more than the lower-face during the identity task but the lower-face more than the upper-face during the expression task in Experiment 1 (task-driven effects), with significantly less variation in bias in Experiment 2 (stimulus-driven effects). We conclude that fixations correlate with regional variations of diagnostic information in different processing tasks, but that these reflect top-down task-driven guidance of information acquisition more than stimulus-driven effects. | 18,831,625 |
Sensitivity to luminance and chromaticity gradients in a complex scene. | Image gradients--smooth changes in color and luminance--may be caused by intrinsic surface reflectance properties or extrinsic illumination phenomena, including shading, shadowing, and inter-reflections. In turn, image gradients may provide the visual system with information concerning the origin of these factors, such as the orientation of surfaces with respect to the light source. Color gradients induced by mutual illumination (MI) may play a similar role to that of luminance gradients in shape-from-shading algorithms; it has been shown that 3D shape perception modulates the influence of MI on surface color perception (M. G. Bloj, D. Kersten, & A. C. Hurlbert, 1999). In this study, we assess human sensitivity to changes in color and luminance gradients that arise from changes in the light source position, within a complex scene. In Experiment 1, we tested whether observers were able to discriminate between gradients due to different light source positions. We found that observers reliably detected a change in the gradient information when the light source position differed by only 4 deg from the reference scene. This sensitivity was mainly based on the luminance information in the gradient (Experiments 2 and 3). Some observers make use of the spatial distribution of chromaticity and luminance values within gradients when discriminating between them (Experiment 4). The high sensitivity to gradient differences supports the notion that gradients contain information that may assist in the recovery of 3D shape and scene configuration properties. | 18,831,639 |
Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with severe traumatic brain injury and elevated intracranial pressure. | The management strategies and outcomes in pediatric patients with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are examined in this study. This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively acquired pediatric trauma database. More than 750 pediatric patients with brain injury were seen over a 10-year period. Records were retrospectively reviewed to determine interventions for correcting ICP, and surviving patients were contacted prospectively to determine functional status and quality of life. Only patients with 2 years of follow-up were included in the study. Ninety-six pediatric patients (age range 3-18 years) were identified with a Glasgow Coma Scale score<8 and elevated ICP>20 mm Hg on presentation. The mean injury severity score was 65 (range 30-100). All patients were treated using a standardized head injury protocol. The mean time course until peak ICP was 69 hours postinjury (range 2-196 hours). Intracranial pressure control was achieved in 82 patients (85%). Methods employed to achieve ICP control included maximal medical therapy (sedation, hyperosmolar therapy, and paralysis) in 34 patients (35%), ventriculostomy in 23 patients (24%), and surgery in 39 patients (41%). Fourteen patients (15%) had refractory ICP despite all interventions, and all of these patients died. Seventy-two patients (75%) were discharged from the hospital, whereas 24 (25%) died during hospitalization. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of vascular injury, refractory ICP, and cisternal effacement at presentation had the highest correlation with subsequent death (p<0.05). Mean follow-up was 53 months (range 11-126 months). Three patients died during the follow-up period (2 due to infections and 1 committed suicide). The mean 2-year Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4 (median 4, range 1-5). The mean patient competency rating at follow-up was 4.13 out of 5 (median 4.5, range 1-4.8). Univariate analysis revealed that the extent of intracranial and systemic injuries had the highest correlation with long-term quality of life (p<0.05). Controlling elevated ICP is an important factor in patient survival following severe pediatric TBI. The modality used for ICP control appears to be less important. Long-term follow-up is essential to determine neurocognitive sequelae associated with TBI. | 18,831,656 |
Thrombosis associated with ventriculoatrial shunts. | In this single-center study, the authors examined the clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment strategies, and outcomes in patients with thrombosis associated with ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts. Inpatient and outpatient charts of patients who underwent treatment and follow-up in the Hematology-Oncology Division at the authors' institution and in whom thrombosis developed secondary to a VA shunt placement were reviewed. A complete thrombophilia work-up was performed in each patient, and these records were also reviewed. Treatment including medical and surgical management was noted and outcome data were recorded. Resolution of thrombosis was seen after anticoagulation therapy in all patients; this may be an alternative to surgical therapy. Patients with VA shunts represent a unique group at risk for thrombosis. The duration of anticoagulation therapy must be individualized. However, larger studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of screening for asymptomatic thrombosis and to investigate the role of prophylactic anticoagulation. | 18,831,666 |
Oxidative stress, lens gap junctions, and cataracts. | The eye lens is constantly subjected to oxidative stress from radiation and other sources. The lens has several mechanisms to protect its components from oxidative stress and to maintain its redox state, including enzymatic pathways and high concentrations of ascorbate and reduced glutathione. With aging, accumulation of oxidized lens components and decreased efficiency of repair mechanisms can contribute to the development of lens opacities or cataracts. Maintenance of transparency and homeostasis of the avascular lens depend on an extensive network of gap junctions. Communication through gap junction channels allows intercellular passage of molecules (up to 1 kDa) including antioxidants. Lens gap junctions and their constituent proteins, connexins (Cx43, Cx46, and Cx50), are also subject to the effects of oxidative stress. These observations suggest that oxidative stress-induced damage to connexins (and consequent altered intercellular communication) may contribute to cataract formation. | 18,831,679 |
Effects of pravastatin on functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary hypertension. | PH (pulmonary hypertension) often complicates the disease course of patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and is an indication of a worse prognosis. In the present study, we assessed whether pravastatin administration was effective in improving PH and exercise capacity in COPD patients with PH, and whether the pulmonary protection was mediated by inhibiting ET-1 (endothelin-1) production. In a double-blind parallel design, 53 COPD patients with PH were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or pravastatin (40 mg/day) over a period of 6 months at a medical centre. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The exercise time remained stable throughout the study in the placebo group. After 6 months, the exercise time significantly increased 52% from 660+/-352 to 1006+/-316 s (P<0.0001) in pravastatin-treated patients. With pravastatin, echocardiographically derived systolic PAP (pulmonary artery pressure) decreased significantly from 47+/-8 to 40+/-6 mmHg. There was significant improvement in the Borg dyspnoea score after administering pravastatin. Despite unchanged plasma ET-1 levels throughout the study, urinary excretion of the peptide was decreased and significantly correlated with an improvement in exercise time in pravastatin-treated patients (r=-0.47, P=0.01). In conclusion, pravastatin significantly improved exercise tolerance, and decreased PH and dyspnoea during exercise in COPD patients with PH, probably by inhibiting ET-1 synthesis. | 18,831,711 |
Archaea at St Andrews. | A report of the Biochemical Society meeting 'The Molecular Biology of Archaea', St Andrews, UK, 19-21 August 2008. | 18,831,724 |
Obesity and osteoarthritis in knee, hip and/or hand: an epidemiological study in the general population with 10 years follow-up. | Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA) in knee(s). However, the relationship between obesity and OA in hand(s) and hip(s) remains controversial and needs further investigation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity on incident osteoarthritis (OA) in hip, knee, and hand in a general population followed in 10 years. A total of 1854 people aged 24-76 years in 1994 participated in a Norwegian study on musculoskeletal pain in both 1994 and 2004. Participants with OA or rheumatoid arthritis in 1994 and those above 74 years in 1994 were excluded, leaving n = 1675 for the analyses. The main outcome measure was OA diagnosis at follow-up based on self-report. Obesity was defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above. At 10-years follow-up the incidence rates were 5.8% (CI 4.3-7.3) for hip OA, 7.3% (CI 5.7-9.0) for knee OA, and 5.6% (CI 4.2-7.1) for hand OA. When adjusting for age, gender, work status and leisure time activities, a high BMI (> 30) was significantly associated with knee OA (OR 2.81; 95%CI 1.32-5.96), and a dose-response relationship was found for this association. Obesity was also significantly associated with hand OA (OR 2.59; 1.08-6.19), but not with hip OA (OR 1.11; 0.41-2.97). There was no statistically significant interaction effect between BMI and gender, age or any of the other confounding variables. A high BMI was significantly associated with knee OA and hand OA, but not with hip OA. | 18,831,740 |
Success with antiretroviral treatment for children in Kigali, Rwanda: experience with health center/nurse-based care. | Although a number of studies have shown good results in treating children with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in hospital settings, there is limited published information on results in pediatric programs that are nurse-centered and based in health centers, in particular on the psychosocial aspects of care. Program treatment and outcome data were reported from two government-run health centers that were supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Kigali, Rwanda between October 2003 and June 2007. Interviews were held with health center staff and MSF program records were reviewed to describe the organization of the program. Important aspects included adequate training and supervision of nurses to manage ARV treatment. The program also emphasized family-centered care addressing the psychosocial needs of both caregivers and children to encourage early diagnosis, good adherence and follow-up. A total of 315 children (< 15 years) were started on ARVs, at a median age of 7.2 years (range: 0.7-14.9). Sixty percent were in WHO clinical stage I/II, with a median CD4% of 14%. Eighty-nine percent (n = 281) started a stavudine-containing regimen, mainly using the adult fixed-dose combination. The median follow-up time after ARV initiation was 2 years (interquartile range 1.2-2.6). Eighty-four percent (n = 265) of children were still on treatment in the program. Thirty (9.5%) were transferred out, eight (2.6%) died and 12 (3.8%) were lost to follow-up. An important feature of the study was that viral loads were done at a median time period of 18 months after starting ARVs and were available for 87% of the children. Of the 174 samples, VL was < 400 copies/ml in 82.8% (n = 144). Two children were started on second-line ARVs. Treatment was changed due to toxicity for 26 children (8.3%), mainly related to nevirapine. This report suggests that providing ARVs to children in a health center/nurse-based program is both feasible and very effective. Adequate numbers and training of nursing staff and an emphasis on the psychosocial needs of caregivers and children have been key elements for the successful scaling-up of ARVs at this level of the health system. | 18,831,747 |
Unassigned MURF1 of kinetoplastids codes for NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2. | In a previous study, we conducted a large-scale similarity-free function prediction of mitochondrion-encoded hypothetical proteins, by which the hypothetical gene murf1 (maxicircle unidentified reading frame 1) was assigned as nad2, encoding subunit 2 of NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I of the respiratory chain). This hypothetical gene occurs in the mitochondrial genome of kinetoplastids, a group of unicellular eukaryotes including the causative agents of African sleeping sickness and leishmaniasis. In the present study, we test this assignment by using bioinformatics methods that are highly sensitive in identifying remote homologs and confront the prediction with available biological knowledge. Comparison of MURF1 profile Hidden Markov Model (HMM) against function-known profile HMMs in Pfam, Panther and TIGR shows that MURF1 is a Complex I protein, but without specifying the exact subunit. Therefore, we constructed profile HMMs for each individual subunit, using all available sequences clustered at various identity thresholds. HMM-HMM comparison of these individual NADH subunits against MURF1 clearly identifies this hypothetical protein as NAD2. Further, we collected the relevant experimental information about kinetoplastids, which provides additional evidence in support of this prediction. Our in silico analyses provide convincing evidence for MURF1 being a highly divergent member of NAD2. | 18,831,753 |
Alpha-2 adrenergic-induced changes in rectal temperature in adult and 13-day old rats following acute and repeated desipramine administration. | The effects of acute and repeated treatment with desipramine on the functional response of alpha2-adrenoceptors were tested in adult and 13-day old rats. The functional response measured was hypothermia that was induced by brimonidine, an alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist. The change in the extent of the brimonidine-induced hypothermia following pretreatment with either single or 4 twice-daily injections of desipramine was compared in 13-day old and adult (65-75 days old) male rats. Brimonidine, alone, lowered rectal temperature to a greater extent in juvenile than in adult rats, and this response was dose-dependently blocked by the selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX821002, in both groups of rats. Single desipramine administration lowered rectal temperature in the absence of brimonidine in adult but not in juvenile rats. The adult rats developed tolerance to this hypothermic effect after 4 days of desipramine treatment (10 mg/kg twice daily). Repeated desipramine treatment of adult rats also resulted in an enhancement in the brimonidine-induced hypothermic effect 24 h after the last dose, a time when above 90% of desipramine and its metabolite, desmethyldesipramine, had cleared the brain, but not at 14, 48 or 96 h after the last dose. In juvenile rats repeated injections of desipramine (3 mg/kg twice daily for 4 days) had no effect on the alpha2-agonist-induced hypothermia when brimonidine was given 14, 24, 63 and 96 h after the last dose of desipramine. The results suggest that juvenile rats response differently than adult rats to agonist stimulation of alpha2-adrenoceptors with and without pretreatment with the antidepressant desipramine. In the absence of desipramine pretreatment, the alpha2-adrenoceptor-induced hypothermic effect in juvenile rats is greater than in adult rats. Acute injections of desipramine, in the absence of agonist produced a hypothermic effect in adult but not juvenile rats. In addition, the increased alpha2-agonist-induced hypothermic effect following repeated injections of desipramine that is seen in adult rats is not seen in juvenile rats. | 18,831,759 |
ILOOP--a web application for two-channel microarray interwoven loop design. | Microarray technology is widely applied to address complex scientific questions. However, there remain fundamental issues on how to design experiments to ensure that the resulting data enables robust statistical analysis. Interwoven loop design has several advantages over other designs. However it suffers in the complexity of design. We have implemented an online web application which allows users to find optimal loop designs for two-color microarray experiments. Given a number of conditions (such as treatments or time points) and replicates, the application will find the best possible design of the experiment and output experimental parameters. It is freely available from http://mcbc.usm.edu/iloop. | 18,831,776 |
A stable iterative method for refining discriminative gene clusters. | Microarray technology is often used to identify the genes that are differentially expressed between two biological conditions. On the other hand, since microarray datasets contain a small number of samples and a large number of genes, it is usually desirable to identify small gene subsets with distinct pattern between sample classes. Such gene subsets are highly discriminative in phenotype classification because of their tightly coupling features. Unfortunately, such identified classifiers usually tend to have poor generalization properties on the test samples due to overfitting problem. We propose a novel approach combining both supervised learning with unsupervised learning techniques to generate increasingly discriminative gene clusters in an iterative manner. Our experiments on both simulated and real datasets show that our method can produce a series of robust gene clusters with good classification performance compared with existing approaches. This backward approach for refining a series of highly discriminative gene clusters for classification purpose proves to be very consistent and stable when applied to various types of training samples. | 18,831,783 |
Selecting subsets of newly extracted features from PCA and PLS in microarray data analysis. | Dimension reduction is a critical issue in the analysis of microarray data, because the high dimensionality of gene expression microarray data set hurts generalization performance of classifiers. It consists of two types of methods, i.e. feature selection and feature extraction. Principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) are two frequently used feature extraction methods, and in the previous works, the top several components of PCA or PLS are selected for modeling according to the descending order of eigenvalues. While in this paper, we prove that not all the top features are useful, but features should be selected from all the components by feature selection methods. We demonstrate a framework for selecting feature subsets from all the newly extracted components, leading to reduced classification error rates on the gene expression microarray data. Here we have considered both an unsupervised method PCA and a supervised method PLS for extracting new components, genetic algorithms for feature selection, and support vector machines and k nearest neighbor for classification. Experimental results illustrate that our proposed framework is effective to select feature subsets and to reduce classification error rates. Not only the top features newly extracted by PCA or PLS are important, therefore, feature selection should be performed to select subsets from new features to improve generalization performance of classifiers. | 18,831,790 |
In silico comparison of transcript abundances during Arabidopsis thaliana and Glycine max resistance to Fusarium virguliforme. | Sudden death syndrome (SDS) of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is an economically important disease, caused by the semi-biotrophic fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines, recently renamed Fusarium virguliforme (Fv). Due to the complexity and length of the soybean-Fusarium interaction, the molecular mechanisms underlying plant resistance and susceptibility to the pathogen are not fully understood. F. virguliforme has a very wide host range for the ability to cause root rot and a very narrow host range for the ability to cause a leaf scorch. Arabidopsis thaliana is a host for many types of phytopathogens including bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes. Deciphering the variations among transcript abundances (TAs) of functional orthologous genes of soybean and A. thaliana involved in the interaction will provide insights into plant resistance to F. viguliforme. In this study, we reported the analyses of microarrays measuring TA in whole plants after A. thaliana cv 'Columbia' was challenged with fungal pathogen F. virguliforme. Infection caused significant variations in TAs. The total number of increased transcripts was nearly four times more than that of decreased transcripts in abundance. A putative resistance pathway involved in responding to the pathogen infection in A. thaliana was identified and compared to that reported in soybean. Microarray experiments allow the interrogation of tens of thousands of transcripts simultaneously and thus, the identification of plant pathways is likely to be involved in plant resistance to Fusarial pathogens. Dissection of the set functional orthologous genes between soybean and A. thaliana enabled a broad view of the functional relationships and molecular interactions among plant genes involved in F. virguliforme resistance. | 18,831,797 |
Biomarker discovery across annotated and unannotated microarray datasets using semi-supervised learning. | The growing body of DNA microarray data has the potential to advance our understanding of the molecular basis of disease. However annotating microarray datasets with clinically useful information is not always possible, as this often requires access to detailed patient records. In this study we introduce GLAD, a new Semi-Supervised Learning (SSL) method for combining independent annotated datasets and unannotated datasets with the aim of identifying more robust sample classifiers. In our method, independent models are developed using subsets of genes for the annotated and unannotated datasets. These models are evaluated according to a scoring function that incorporates terms for classification accuracy on annotated data, and relative cluster separation in unannotated data. Improved models are iteratively generated using a genetic algorithm feature selection technique. Our results show that the addition of unannotated data into training, significantly improves classifier robustness. | 18,831,798 |
Tubular ectasia of the rete testis: a diagnostic dilemma. | Tubular ectasia of the rete testis is a pathologically benign process with complex and varied aetiology. It must be differentiated from neoplastic disease of the testis clinically with patient age, mode of presentation, tumour marker status and the characteristic ultrasound and Doppler study findings. Awareness and diagnosis of this clinical entity can prevent unnecessary surgical intervention in these patients. | 18,831,860 |
The cost of shoulder arthroscopy: a comparison with national tariff. | 'Payment by results' was introduced with the aim of providing each trust with a transparent and fair remuneration for the work done. Hospitals are paid a tariff for each Healthcare Resource Group (HRG). The tariff is calculated at a national level, by means of a complex manipulation of historic financial data. However, the financial viability of a hospital relies on these payments and so accuracy is vital. We conducted a cost analysis of shoulder arthroscopic procedures carried out at an elective orthopaedic unit. This unit is self contained and well audited, providing an unique opportunity to make a more accurate cost analysis. We calculated the cost of the facility, consumables/implants, anaesthetics and staff pay. This was then compared with the amount paid to the trust. All arthroscopic operations performed at our institution attract a tariff of pound 1780. Our cost of a subacromial decompression was pound 1307, a profit of pound 473. A rotator cuff repair was pound 2672, a loss of pound 892. The tariff is inaccurate. The arthroscopic HRG is too general and fails to address the extra time and expense of equipment some procedures utilise. We found cost was very sensitive to length of operation. Delays and even teaching can make a 'profitable operation' lose money for the trust. | 18,831,868 |
Tramadol as a local anaesthetic in tendon repair surgery of the hand. | This double-blind pilot study compared the local anaesthetic effects of tramadol plus adrenaline with lidocaine plus adrenaline during surgery to repair hand tendons. Twenty patients were randomly allocated to receive either 5% tramadol plus adrenaline (n = 10) or 2% lidocaine plus adrenaline (n = 10). Injection site pain and local skin reactions were recorded. At 1-min intervals after injection of the anaesthetic agent, the degree of sensory blockade was assessed by the patient reporting the extent to which they felt a pinprick, light touch and a cold sensation. Pain felt during surgical incision was also recorded. There was no difference in the quality of sensory blockade or the incidence of side effects between the two groups. Only patients treated with tramadol did not require additional post-operative analgesia. A combination of tramadol plus adrenaline provided a local anaesthetic effect similar to that of lidocaine plus adrenaline. | 18,831,890 |
Effects of celecoxib and nimesulide on the proliferation of ectopic endometrial stromal cells in vitro. | The effects of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors on the proliferation of ectopic endometrial stromal cells in vitro were investigated. Ectopic endometrial stromal cells were treated with either celecoxib or nimesulide for 24 and 48 h. The results showed that (i) both celecoxib and nimesulide inhibited the proliferation of ectopic endometrial stromal cells in vitro in a time- and dose-dependent manner; (ii) the expression of prostaglandin E(2) was significantly inhibited by both celecoxib and nimesulide in a dose-dependent manner; (iii) the percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher for cells treated with celecoxib or nimesulide than for untreated cells; and (iv) the percentage of the cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase increased after the cells were treated with either agent in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that celecoxib and nimesulide inhibited proliferation of ectopic endometrial stromal cells by inducing apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle at the G(0)/G(1) phase. | 18,831,898 |
The Angio-Seal arterial closure device for early ambulation after elective percutaneous coronary intervention in patients receiving low-dose enoxaparin. | This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of use of the Angio-Seal vascular closure device deployment for early ambulation (2 h) after elective percutaneous coronary intervention in 143 consecutive patients receiving either intravenous low-dose enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg) or unfractionated heparin (UFH). The initial success rate of Angio-Seal(trade mark) deployment was 98.6%, with no significant difference between the UFH group (98.9%) and the enoxaparin group (98.0%). In-hospital and clinic outcomes were evaluated in the 141 patients with successful Angio-Seal deployment. During hospitalization, there were no deaths, myocardial infarction, urgent target vessel revascularization or bleeding events in either group; three patients in the UFH group and none in the enoxaparin group had minor vascular complications (differences not significant). In clinic follow-up, two patients in the UFH group and none in the enoxaparin group had major vascular complications (differences not significant). Routine use of the Angio-Seal(trade mark) for early ambulation in patients receiving intravenous low-dose enoxaparin compared with UFH provides promising efficacy and safety for daily practice. | 18,831,904 |
Clinical usefulness of a bolus calculator in maintaining normoglycaemia in active professional patients with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. | This observational study assessed metabolic control in young, active professionals with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with or without the use of a bolus calculator. Eighteen patients aged 19 - 51 years with diabetes duration of 6 - 22 years were included; eight patients used a bolus calculator and 10 did not. Metabolic control was assessed by glycosylated haemoglobin (Hb(A1c)) measurements and blood glucose profiles. A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) was also used by three patients from each group. Mean Hb(A1c) and fasting blood glucose levels were not significantly different between the two groups, but mean post-prandial blood glucose was significantly lower in bolus calculator users than non-users. The CGMS showed more blood glucose levels within the target range in bolus calculator users than non-users, but statistical significance was not achieved. In conclusion, a bolus calculator may help to improve postprandial blood glucose levels in active professional type 1 diabetes patients treated with CSII, but does not have a major impact on Hb(A1c) levels. | 18,831,908 |
Immunohistochemical evaluation of global DNA methylation and histone acetylation in papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential. | A preceding study has shown that karyometry detected subvisual differences in chromatin organization status between non-recurrent and recurrent papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP). The status of chromatin organization depends on epigenetic events, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation. The aim of this study is to explore global DNA methylation and global histone acetylation in non-recurrent and recurrent PUNLMP. 5-methylcytosine (5MeC) and acetylated histone H3 lysine 9 (AcH3K9) were investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 20 PUNLMP cases (10 non-recurrent and 10 recurrent), in 5 cases of normal urothelium (NU) and in 5 cases of muscle invasive pT2 urothelial carcinoma (UC). For global DNA methylation, the mean percentage of positive nuclei in the cells adjacent to the stroma increased from NU (79%) through non-recurrent and recurrent PUNLMP (86% and 93%, respectively) to UC (97%). The percentages of positive nuclei in the intermediate cell layers and in the superficial cells in the four groups were similar to those adjacent to the stroma. The proportion of nuclei with weak-to-moderate intensity was far greater than that of those strongly stained and increased steadily from NU to UC. For global histone acetylation, the mean percentage of positive nuclei was highest in non-recurrent PUNLMP (i.e. 90%) and lowest in recurrent PUNLMP (i.e. 81%). In NU and UC the mean percentages of positive nuclei were 84% and 86%, respectively. The percentage of positive nuclei decreased from the cell layer adjacent to the stroma to the superficial cell layer. The proportion of nuclei with weak-to-moderate intensity was slightly greater than that of those strongly stained. In comparison with global DNA methylation, the proportion of strongly stained nuclei was much higher. In conclusion, there are differences in global DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns between non-recurrent and recurrent PUNLMP. Further studies are needed to elucidate the complex interplay between chromatin structure, its modifications and recurrence of PUNLMP. | 18,831,929 |
Antibodies to carbonic anhydrase in patients with connective tissue diseases: relationship with lung involvement. | The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of antibodies to carbonic anhydrase I and/or II (ACAI and ACAII) in patients affected by connective tissue diseases (CTD) and to investigate their association with lung involvement evaluated by High resolution CT scan (HRCT). Ninety-six patients affected by CTD were studied, i.e. 33 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 8 psoriatic arthritis (PA), 8 ankylosing spondilitis (AS), 23 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), 10 Sjogren Syndrome (SS), and 14 Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). ACA were detected by ELISA. The lung involvement was evaluated by means of a previously described HRCT score. According to a receiver operator characteristic curve, patients were divided into those with HRCT score > or = 10 and those with HRCT score < 10, where HRCT score > or = 10 was predictive of interstitial lung disease. ACAI and/or ACAII were detected in 30/96 patients (31.2%) (P < 0.0001 in comparison with controls). In particular, the prevalence of ACAI and/or ACAII was significantly higher in patients with RA (P = 0.002), PA (P < 0.0001), SLE (P = 0.0003) and SSc (P < 0.0001). A positive correlation was found between HRCT scores and CRP or ACAI levels (P = < 0.0001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Thirty-nine of 96 patients (40.6%) showed a HRCT score > or = 10 and both their CRP and ACAI levels were significantly higher when compared with patients showing a HRCT score less than 10 (P < 0.0006 and P = 0.0009, respectively). Moreover, C3 and C4 complement fractions inversely correlated with HRCT scores (P = 0.0004 and P < 0.0001, respectively) and lower values of C3 and C4 complement fractions were found in patients with HRCT score > or = 10 than in those with HRCT score less than 10 (P = 0.014 and P = 0.007, respectively). Due to the lower levels of complement fractions detected in patients with HRCT score > or = 10, a possible immune-complex-mediated pathogenic mechanism of lung involvement could be suggested. | 18,831,934 |
Increase in hepatitis A cases in the Czech Republic in 2008--preliminary report. | The public health protection authorities in the Czech Republic report a rise in cases of viral hepatitis A (HAV) since the end of May 2008. In total, as many as 602 HAV cases have been reported in 2008 until the end of calendar week 39 (28 September). | 18,831,951 |
Characterization of a Staphylococcus aureus strain showing high levels of biofilm formation isolated from a vascular graft: case report. | A methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain, SA-DZ1, was isolated from an infected bypass crossover graft. Its general microbiological features were reminiscent of those previously described for the wound Wiley strain. Removal of the prosthetic device was necessary to resolve the infection. SA-DZ1 grown under different conditions showed a very strong and distinctive biofilm-producing phenotype, which was also visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The biofilm extracellular matrix was essentially polysaccharidic, as determined by differential growth and physicochemical tests. By Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), SA-DZ1 was classified as st94, a single locus variant of st8. Several other genetic traits assayed by PCR, such as agr-type and the presence of gene encoding proteins involved in adhesion and virulence (e.g. ica operon), confirmed the identifying features of this clinical isolate. | 18,831,945 |
Brazilian studies on the genetics of Schistosoma mansoni. | The parasite Schistosoma is known to exhibit variations among species, strains and genera, such as, the levels of infectivity, pathogenicity and immunogenicity. These factors may differ among parasite populations according to the local epidemiological conditions. Diversity observed in Schistosoma mansoni from different geographical regions or within individuals of the same region can be determined by differences in the genotype of each parasite strain. However, until recently, finding adequate genetic markers to investigate infectivity or other epidemiological characteristics of a transmission area proved difficult. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the genetic variability of S. mansoni, using different techniques. Intraspecific variability was observed in morphological characters, isoenzyme studies, mtDNA, ribosomal gene probes, random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and microsatellites. The sequencing of the S. mansoni genome was the most important achievement concerning genetic approaches to the study of this parasite and may improve the development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics of schistosomiasis. The knowledge of the genetic structure of schistosome populations in relation to epidemiological data and host variability is essential for the understanding of the epidemiology of the disease and the design of control strategies. | 18,831,955 |
Hindbrain-derived Wnt and Fgf signals cooperate to specify the otic placode in Xenopus. | Induction of the otic placode, the rudiment of the inner ear, is believed to depend on signals derived from surrounding tissues, the head mesoderm and the prospective hindbrain. Here we report the first attempt to define the specific contribution of the neuroectoderm to this inductive process in Xenopus. To this end we tested the ability of segments of the neural plate (NP), isolated from different axial levels, to induce the otic marker Pax8 when recombined with blastula stage animal caps. We found that one single domain of the NP, corresponding to the prospective anterior hindbrain, had Pax8-inducing activity in this assay. Surprisingly, more than half of these recombinants formed otic vesicle-like structures. Lineage tracing experiments indicate that these vesicle-like structures are entirely derived from the animal cap and express several pan-otic markers. Pax8 activation in these recombinants requires active Fgf and canonical Wnt signaling, as interference with either pathway blocks Pax8 induction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Fgf and canonical Wnt signaling cooperate to activate Pax8 expression in isolated animal caps. We propose that in the absence of mesoderm cues the combined activity of hindbrain-derived Wnt and Fgf signals specifies the otic placode in Xenopus, and promotes its morphogenesis into an otocyst. | 18,831,968 |
Genetic diversity among isolates of Paenibacillus larvae from Austria. | Genetic diversity of 214 Paenibacillus larvae strains from Austria was studied. Genotyping of isolates was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers corresponding to enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC), BOX repetitive and extragenic palindromic (REP) elements (collectively known as rep-PCR) using ERIC primers, BOX A1R and MBO REP1 primers. Using ERIC-PCR technique two genotypes could be differentiated (ERIC I and II), whereas using combined typing by BOX- and REP-PCR, five different genotypes were detected (ab, aB, Ab, AB and alphab). Genotypes aB and alphab are new and have not been reported in other studies using the same techniques. | 18,831,978 |
Influence of target and distractor contrast on the remote distractor effect. | In the absence of distractors, saccadic latencies are influenced by target characteristics such as contrast. The same characteristics were expected to influence the remote distractor effect (RDE) when varied in the distractor. We conducted three experiments in which we varied target and distractor contrast orthogonally. The results show that the RDE is not so much modulated by distractor contrast per se. Rather it strongly depended on the overall saccadic latencies afforded by the target: typically, shorter latencies resulted in stronger RDEs. We argue that average saccadic latencies to a target determine whether distractor-related activity temporally coincides with target-related activity. The temporal overlap is necessary for the respective neuronal signals to inhibit each other, thus evoking the RDE. | 18,831,984 |
A TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assay for selective detection of atypical bovine pestiviruses in clinical samples and biological products. | Novel 'atypical' pestiviruses have been detected recently in biological products, e.g. fetal calf serum (FCS) batches, and in cattle infected naturally. Due to genetic and antigenic variation in pestiviruses, the current diagnostic assays have limitations for the detection of atypical bovine pestiviruses described recently. This paper describes a new one-step real-time RT-PCR assay for the specific detection of atypical bovine pestiviruses, including D32/00_'HoBi', Brz buf 9, CH-KaHo/cont, and Th/04_KhonKaen viruses. The assay detects around 200 copies of synthetic viral RNA molecules per reaction. Coefficient variation (CV) values ranged from 0.13 to 2.11% in three tests performed within 5 weeks, showing that this assay is highly reproducible. To evaluate the suitability for specific detection and identification of the atypical bovine pestiviruses, the assay was evaluated on 46 clinical samples, five batches of FCS and one live Theileria annulata vaccine. Five clinical samples and four batches of commercial FCS were positive for atypical pestiviruses. This new assay provides a useful tool for highly sensitive and specific detection of atypical bovine pestiviruses in clinical samples and can be applied in combination with other diagnostic methods to ensure that biological products, including FCS and vaccines, are free from contamination with pestiviruses. | 18,831,989 |
Effects of ageing on spinal motor and autonomic pain responses. | The course of ageing leads to various changes in the nervous system, which can affect pain processing in the elderly. However, the affection of different components of the nociceptive system remains unclear. To investigate basic nocifensive responses, we compared age-related changes of autonomic and motor reflex responses to noxious electrical stimulation. In 39 healthy young subjects (mean +/- S.D.; 24.1 +/- 3.3 years) and 52 healthy elderly subjects (mean +/- S.D.; 71.9 +/- 5.3 years) the nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) and the sympathetic skin response (SSR) were determined using noxious electrical stimulation of the sural nerve. Verbal pain ratings were assessed in addition. No ageing effects on the NFR and on verbal pain ratings were found, whereas the SSR amplitude declined significantly with ageing. Since both SSR and NFR share comparable primary afferent pathways and the motor as well as the subjective responses to noxious stimulation were preserved, our data seem to suggest that central or peripheral efferent sympathetic functions are altered by age. | 18,832,010 |
Increased production of mitochondrial superoxide in the spinal cord induces pain behaviors in mice: the effect of mitochondrial electron transport complex inhibitors. | Scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to produce a strong antinociceptive effect on persistent pain, and mitochondria are suggested to be the main source of ROS in the spinal dorsal horn. To explore whether excessive generation of mitochondrial superoxide alone can induce pain, the effect of mitochondrial electron transport complex inhibitors on the development of mechanical hyperalgesia was examined in mice. Intrathecal injection of an electron transport complex inhibitor, antimycin A or rotenone, in normal mice resulted in a slowly developing but long-lasting and dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia. The levels of mechanical hyperalgesia after antimycin A, a complex III inhibitor, were higher than that with rotenone, a complex I inhibitor. A large increase of mitochondrial superoxide in the spinal dorsal horn and a strong antinociceptive effect of ROS scavengers, phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) and 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPOL) were observed in antimycin A-treated mice. The study indicates that the enhanced production of spinal mitochondrial superoxide alone without nerve injury can produce mechanical hyperalgesia. | 18,832,013 |
Species difference exists in the effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and its analogue 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (2MD) on osteoblastic cells. | The direct effect of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) on osteoblasts remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and its analogue, 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (2MD), on osteoblasts from three different species, i.e. bone marrow stromal cells from the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat, from the C57BL/6 mouse, as well as human osteoblast NHOst cells and human osteosarcoma derived MG-63 cells. We found that in rat cells, both compounds increased cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In mouse cells, however, both compounds initiated cell apoptosis and inhibited ALP activity. In human cells, although cell proliferation was inhibited by both compounds, cell apoptosis was inhibited and ALP activity was enhanced. In each species, 2MD was much more potent than 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). To summarize, species differences should be taken into account in studies of vitamin D effects. However, in all tested species - rat, mouse and human - 2MD is considerably more potent in its effects on osteoblastic cells in vitro than 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). | 18,832,035 |
Depletion of the MobB and CotA complex in Aspergillus nidulans causes defects in polarity maintenance that can be suppressed by the environment stress. | Polarized growth is a central feature in eukaryotes. Establishment and maintenance of cell polarity are coordinated by signaling pathways. In this study, we have identified MobB is required for the regulation of cell polarity in Aspergillus nidulans. Depletion of MobB by alcA (p) promoter repression or deletion of MobB abolished conidiation completely, and induced severe growth defects. mobB mutants showed abnormal nuclear segregation with increased number of nuclei in spores, but the formation of septa occurred among dividing cells. The phenotype of mobB in A. nidulans is similar to that of cotA. Furthermore, we verified that MobB interacted with CotA to function as a complex. Interestingly, both mobB and cotA deletion mutants clearly exhibited filament elongation by using environmental osmotic stress in the media. However, calcium channel blocker or chelator inhibited phenotype suppression of mobB or cotA mutants. These results suggest that Ca2+ is potentially involved in the response to the suppression coupled with osmotic stabilizer. This is the first report of the function of MobB in A. nidulans. We propose that the MobB/CotA complex, a component in the conserved RAM-signaling pathway, serves an important role in cell morphogenesis. | 18,832,040 |
Toxicity of dissolved Cu, Zn, Ni and Cd to developing embryos of the blue mussel (Mytilus trossolus) and the protective effect of dissolved organic carbon. | Marine water quality criteria for metals are largely driven by the extremely sensitive embryo-larval toxicity of Mytilus sp. Here we assess the toxicity of four dissolved metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd) in the mussel Mytilus trossolus, at various salinity levels while also examining the modifying effects of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on metal toxicity. In 48 h embryo development tests in natural seawater, measured EC50 values were 6.9-9.6 microg L(-1) (95% C.I.=5.5-10.8 microg L(-1)) for Cu, 99 microg L(-1) (86-101) for Zn, 150 microg L(-1) (73-156) for Ni, and 502 microg L(-1) (364-847) for Cd. A salinity threshold of >20 ppt (approximately 60% full strength seawater) was required for normal control development. Salinity in the 60-100% range did not alter Cu toxicity. Experimental addition of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from three sources reduced Cu toxicity; for example the EC50 of embryos developing in seawater with 20 mg C L(-1) was 39 microg Cu L(-1) (35.2-47.2) a 4-fold increase in Cu EC50. The protective effects of DOC were influenced by their distinct physicochemical properties. Protection appears to be related to higher fulvic acid and lower humic acid content as operationally defined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fact that DOC from freshwater sources provides protection against Cu toxicity in seawater suggests that extrapolation from freshwater toxicity testing may be possible for saltwater criteria development, including development of a saltwater Biotic Ligand Model for prediction of Cu toxicity. | 18,832,046 |
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