title stringlengths 0 901 | abstract stringlengths 3 9.89k | PMID int64 22 25.3M | embedding listlengths 768 768 |
|---|---|---|---|
[Characterization of Marburg virus morphology]. | Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) belong to the family Filoviridae. Filoviruses cause severe filovirus hemorrhagic fever (FHF) in humans, with high case fatality rates, and represent potential agents for bioterrorism and biological weapons. It is necessary to keep surveillance of filoviruses, even though there is no report of their isolation and patients in China so far. To characterize MARV morphology, the Lake Victoria marburgvirus--Leiden was stained negatively and observed under a transmission electron microscope which is one of important detection methods for filoviruses in emergencies and bioterrorism. MARV showed pleomorphism, with filamentous, rod-shaped, cobra-like, spherical, and branch-shaped particles of uniform diameter but different lengths. Pleomorphism of negatively stained MARV is summarized in this article, so as to provide useful information for possible electron microscopic identification of filoviruses in China. | 25,118,385 | [
-0.1598135,
0.3543134,
0.04498059,
0.003021379,
0.03498977,
0.05521976,
0.1599305,
-0.02003754,
-0.08067789,
0.01266035,
0.106455,
-0.1427113,
0.361309,
0.1324402,
0.1003441,
-0.1439161,
-0.04580422,
0.2779533,
0.2873115,
-0.01800153,
0.3046573,
0.2028967,
-0.2220901,
0... |
Effect of diet quality on survival and reproduction of adult Paederus fuscipes (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). | The survival and reproduction of the beetle Paederus fuscipes Curtis on diets that differed in macronutrient composition were investigated in the laboratory. The sex organs of females fed each test diet were dissected to evaluate the ovarian development over time. Adults fed on a carbohydrate-rich diet lived longer than adults fed the other diets, but this diet provided insufficient nutrients for reproduction. Females fed on a protein-rich diet had high fecundity; however, the mean longevity of reproductive adult P. fuscipes significantly was shortened by 20-30 d compared with longevity of 60-70 d for adults fed a carbohydrate-rich diet. In contrast, adults that were provided lipid-rich diet had low survival and fecundity. Overall, the development ofprevitellogenic follicles was significantly affected by diet regime and days since starting a particular diet. The follicle size of females given protein-rich diet increased 0.5-fold 2 wk after beginning the diet. In contrast, the development of the follicles was slow in females given the carbohydrate-rich diet and the follicles degenerated in females given the lipid-rich diet. In terms of ovarian maturation, females fed on a protein-rich diet contained mostly vitellogenic and chorionated follicles. In contrast, the ovarioles of females on the carbohydrate-rich diet were largely occupied with previtellogenic and vitellogenic follicles, whereas for a lipid-rich diet, the follicles remained at the previtellogenic stage throughout the experiment. | 25,118,406 | [
0.2272519,
-0.1645135,
-0.1294029,
0.05556154,
-0.1014968,
-0.299777,
0.2814122,
0.1737753,
-0.1492701,
-0.06278645,
-0.1109357,
0.0666719,
0.03686593,
-0.04595978,
-0.3228759,
-0.4900463,
-0.1975479,
0.05816358,
0.2009063,
-0.02958835,
0.101983,
0.4923694,
-0.2020757,
... |
Chemical composition, larvicidal, and biting deterrent activity of essential oils of two subspecies of Tanacetum argenteum (Asterales: Asteraceae) and individual constituents against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). | Water-distilled essential oils from dried aerial parts of Tanacetum argenteum (Lam.) Willd. subsp. argenteum (Lam.) and T. argenteum (Lam.) Willd. subsp. canum (C. Koch) Grierson were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In total, 27 and 32 components were identified representing 97.2 and 98.7% of essential oils of subsp. argenteum and canum, respectively. Main compounds of T. argenteum subsp. argenteum were alpha-pinene (67.9%) and beta-pinene (4.8%), whereas alpha-pinene (53.6%), 1, 8-cineole (14.8%), and camphor (4.7%) were the major constituents of subsp. canum. Essential oil of T. argenteum subsp. canum at 10 microg/cm2 with Biting Deterrent Index (BDI) value of 0.73 showed activity similar to N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) at 25 mol/cm2, whereas the activity of essential oil of subsp. argenteum was lower (BDI = 0.47) than subsp. canum and DEET. Based on 95% CIs, activity of beta-caryophyllene (BDI value = 0.54) and caryophyllene oxide (BDI = 0.66) were significantly lower than DEET. In larval bioassays, essential oil of T. argenteum subsp. argenteum showed LC50 value of 93.34 ppm, whereas T. argenteum subsp. canum killed only 40% of the larvae at the highest dose of 125 ppm. Among the pure compounds, beta-caryophyllene (LC50 = 26 ppm) was the most potent compound followed by caryophyllene oxide (LC50 = 29 ppm), which was also similar to (-)-beta-pinene (LC50 = 35.9 ppm) against 1-d-old Ae. aegypti larvae at 24-h post treatment. Compounds (-)-alpha-pinene and (+)-beta-pinene showed similar larvicidal activity. Activity of (+)-alpha-pinene with LC50 value of was similar to the essential oil of T. argenteum subsp. argenteum. | 25,118,415 | [
-0.2551808,
0.282517,
-0.01083085,
-0.1463986,
0.02146608,
-0.2245592,
-0.5732144,
-0.1027636,
0.2198596,
-0.07076803,
0.003341681,
0.1021662,
-0.1158013,
0.1142597,
-0.4440811,
-0.1250624,
-0.1415111,
0.6072897,
-0.05017787,
0.5793493,
-0.2127162,
0.2067912,
-0.05672238,... |
Feeding host range of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) demonstrates its opportunistic host-seeking behavior in rural Singapore. | Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is a competent vector of arboviruses of public health importance, including dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus viruses. Ae. albopictus is the primary vector of chikungunya virus in Singapore. However, despite being ubiquitous, it plays a secondary role in DENV transmission. The vectorial capacity of Ae. albopictus for DENV in field settings appears to be weak because dengue primarily occurs in Aedes aegypti (L.)-dominated, urban settings of the country. As host-seeking behavior is one of the determinants of vectorial capacity, we screened 6,762 female Ae. albopictus from rural, semiurban, and urban locations in Singapore for avian and nonavian bloodmeals using two polymerase chain reaction-sequencing assays developed in-house. The majority (83.2%, n = 79) of bloodmeals from rural and semiurban areas were from humans. However, Ae. albopictus was also found to feed on shrews, swine, dogs, cats, turtles, and multiple hosts in rural settings. In urban areas, all positive bloodmeals were from humans. There were no avian bloodmeals. Our findings testify that Ae. albopictus is highly anthropophagic even in rural settings, but become opportunistic in extremely low human abundance. This opportunistic feeding behavior warrants further investigations into the vectorial capacity of Ae. albopictus to assess its role in arbovirus transmission in endemic habitats. | 25,118,424 | [
-0.1761677,
0.2330406,
0.1028829,
-0.1050613,
-0.04642506,
-0.1691902,
-0.06263937,
0.09860146,
-0.1437726,
-0.2114014,
0.3001204,
-0.2662004,
0.1481049,
0.02806031,
-0.181451,
0.008503367,
-0.6307654,
0.5720353,
-0.1104216,
-0.3869928,
-0.4524957,
0.05591285,
0.05235026,... |
The Wisconsin immunization registry experience: comparing real-time and batched file submissions from health care providers. | The Wisconsin Immunization Registry is a confidential, web-based system used since 1999 as a centralized repository of immunization information for Wisconsin residents. Provide evidence based on Registry experiences with electronic data exchange, comparing the benefits and drawbacks of using the Health Level 7 standard, including the option for real time data exchange vs the flat file method. For data regarding vaccinations received by children aged 4 months through 6 years with Wisconsin addresses that were submitted to the Registry during 2010 and 2011, data timeliness (days from vaccine administration to date information was received) and completeness (percentage of records received that include core data elements for electronic storage) were compared by file submission method. Data submitted using Health Level 7 were substantially more timely than data submitted using the flat file method. Additionally, data submitted using Health Level 7 were substantially more complete for each of the core elements compared to flat file submission. Health care organizations that submit electronic data to immunization information systems should be aware that the technical decision to use the Health Level 7 format, particularly if real-time data exchange is employed, can result in more timely and accurate data. This will assist clinicians in adhering to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices schedule and reducing over-immunization. | 25,118,438 | [
-0.2984699,
0.002636409,
-0.4666962,
-0.1991439,
0.122322,
-0.3345957,
0.2466649,
-0.0172864,
-0.4243877,
-0.1298746,
0.1474013,
0.3367753,
0.2516046,
0.0320931,
-0.6404395,
-0.2774065,
0.1787066,
0.02186366,
0.1369841,
-0.3243716,
0.3174222,
0.26047,
-0.16856,
-0.03368... |
A clinical, diagnostic, and ecologic perspective on human anaplasmosis in the Upper Midwest. | Human anaplasmosis caused by the bacterial pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum was first discovered in the Upper Midwest in 1990. Since that time the number of cases in the region has steadily increased, such that today, the pathogen rivals that of Lyme disease in causing human tick-borne-related illness. We provide an overview of the biology, clinical characteristics, and epidemiology of the disease in the Upper Midwest and discuss currently available diagnostic methods. Rapid differentiation of anaplasmosis from other acute febrile illnesses and targeted treatment are important for preventing severe disease and potentially fatal outcomes in infected individuals. Beyond blood smear analysis and serology, the development of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for clinical use holds promise in improving our ability to make rapid diagnoses and to differentiate A phagocytophilum infections from those produced by closely related Ehrlichia pathogens, which are also present in the region. Continuing expansion of the range of the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapuloris), the principal vector of the disease, into areas heavily populated or visited by humans in the region likely will result in this pathogen becoming an even greater burden on human health. Efforts are needed to better characterize the current geographic distribution of human Anaplasma and Ehrlichia cases to identify emerging foci and to better understand the enzootic cycles that maintain the pathogens in the region. Improved diagnostics may assist with such efforts. | 25,118,439 | [
-0.2629051,
0.2511289,
-0.1836088,
-0.09137496,
-0.4771472,
-0.1928531,
-0.1868292,
-0.01375179,
0.02783538,
-0.09932513,
0.1384231,
-0.02926053,
0.02359151,
0.01105761,
-0.280635,
-0.1836855,
-0.02053721,
0.06609035,
0.0748295,
-0.2717651,
0.3055213,
0.1919343,
-0.005374... |
The importance of alpha/beta (alpha/13) interferon receptors and signaling pathways for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias. | Immunotherapies have been effective in treating various forms of cancer, including cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs) predominantly caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). To establish persistent infections in stratified epithelia, HPV induces proliferative lesions. Viral gene products are able to change gene expression and cellular proteins. Interferons (IFNs) are inducible glycoproteins that have immunomodulatory, antiviral, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic effects. In particular, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has been shown to inhibit the development and progression of cervical cancer. In this review, actions of interferons alpha/beta (alpha/beta), including their receptors and signaling pathways, are described, as well as their clinical importance in the immune response against cervical lesions. The interaction of IFN-alpha/beta with its receptor results in a series of phosphorylation events. These mechanisms can be ineffective in IFN response, then it can also compromise the therapeutic effects of immunotherapy. | 25,118,475 | [
-0.1404647,
-0.09632282,
-0.216094,
-0.1919625,
0.1043604,
-0.4064217,
-0.1643559,
0.1862171,
0.2101465,
0.2684481,
0.07611061,
0.1785184,
-0.2396201,
-0.433769,
-0.4292626,
-0.2932747,
-0.00248175,
-0.1250295,
0.08688584,
0.02988394,
0.08052091,
0.3680204,
-0.2991247,
... |
Apparent diffusion coefficient on 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and prognostic factors in breast cancer. | The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) provided by 3.0 Tesla diffusion-weighted imaging (3T DWI) varies with the prognostic factors Ki67 and grading in invasive breast cancer. Seventy-three patients with 75 invasive breast cancer lesions who had undergone 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local staging were enrolled. All lesions were confirmed by histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. MRI included both dynamic contrast-enhanced and DWI sequences. ADC value was obtained for each lesion. Histologic tumor grade was established according to the Nottingham Grading System (NGS), while Ki67 expression was evaluated by MM1 clone IgG1 mouse anti-human monoclonal antibody. Patients were divided into the following groups: grade 1 (G1), grade 2 (G2), grade 1 plus grade 2 (G1+G2) and grade 3 (G3), and low Ki67 (< or = 14%), intermediate Ki67 (15%-30%), and high Ki67 (> or = 30%). ADC values were compared with the G and Ki67 groups. Statistical comparison was carried out using the Mann-Whitney U and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. ADC values were significantly higher in G3 than in G1+G2 tumors; no significant difference was observed when G1, G2, and G3 were compared. There was no statistically significant correlation between ADC values and Ki67 percentage (p > 0.05). ADC values obtained on 3T DWI correlate with low (G1+G2) and high-grade (G3) invasive breast carcinomas. ADC may be a helpful tool for identifying high-grade invasive breast carcinoma. | 25,118,482 | [
-0.0544957,
0.1161969,
0.06724477,
-0.2862452,
0.01071224,
-0.2944504,
0.3277138,
0.01519006,
-0.3978217,
0.1069817,
0.05254166,
0.4570665,
-0.04629112,
-0.05126127,
-0.6107137,
-0.6055499,
-0.1000899,
0.1606683,
-0.1666084,
-0.102582,
0.1604088,
-0.02022741,
-0.1781828,
... |
Comparison of pelvic masses score (PMS) and Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI 3) in the evaluation of pelvic masses. | Ovarian cancer is the fourth cause of death from cancer in women worldwide and the majority of its diagnoses is made in an advanced stage of the disease. Several sonographic scoring systems have been created for a better preoperative discrimination between benign and malignant pelvic masses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of the Risk of the Malignancy Index 3 (RMI 3) and the Pelvic Masses Score (PMS). This retrospective study was performed in 55 women admitted to the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of University of Udine for surgical exploration of pelvic masses between 2009 and 2012. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for both the scores. PMS showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 93.8%, a PPV of 70%, and a NPV of 100%, while RMI 3 yielded a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 91%, a PPV of 60%, and a NPV of 97.8%. The authors found that, in discriminating between benign and malignant pelvic disease, the PMS method was more reliable than RMI3. PMS is a simple scoring system which can be used in clinical practice. | 25,118,484 | [
-0.01722159,
-0.2760514,
-0.06491827,
-0.3290698,
-0.09382013,
-0.2217724,
0.3241681,
-0.1803709,
0.05062783,
-0.01701469,
-0.04914312,
0.1852971,
-0.1434497,
-0.2137355,
-0.4574465,
-0.3335738,
-0.511211,
0.1875549,
0.04357288,
-0.1700507,
0.3209927,
0.3093343,
-0.036873... |
[Assisted reproductive medicine in Poland, 2011--SPiN PTG report]. | The aim of this report is to present data concerning results and complications related to infertility treatment using assisted reproductive technology (ART) and insemination (IUI) in Poland in 2011. The report was prepared by the Fertility and Sterility Special Interest Group of the Polish Gynaecological Society (SPiN PTG), based on individual data provided by fertility clinics in Poland. Reporting was voluntary and the provided data was not subject to external control. The report presents the availability and the structure of infertility treatment services, the number of procedures performed, their effectiveness and the most common complications. In 2013, 33 Polish fertility clinics provided information to the SPiN PTG report, presenting data from the year 2011. The total number of reported treatment cycles using ART was 15,340 (incl. 10,011 IVF/ICSI procedures) and 15,627 IUI procedures. The rate of clinical pregnancies in terms of a cycle was 34.2% in case of IVF/ ICSI procedures and 13.4% in case of IUI. The prevalence of multiple births was 20.2% and 8.3% respectively in case of IVF/ICSI and IUI methods. The most frequent complication in the course of treatment using ART was ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The SPiN PTG report allows to find out the average effectiveness and safety of assisted reproduction technologies and is currently the only proof of responsibility and due diligence of fertility centres in Poland. However due to the lack of a central register of fertility clinics, facultative participation in the report as well as incomplete information on pregnancy and delivery the collected data does not reflect the full spectrum of the Polish reproductive medicine. | 25,118,510 | [
0.08752775,
0.002802757,
0.2560892,
0.06485056,
0.4383687,
-0.1404577,
0.08690114,
-0.05605725,
0.2877058,
0.1668939,
0.09752713,
0.01788591,
-0.3675831,
-0.1784133,
-0.2373866,
-0.3513149,
-0.1622771,
-0.003795968,
-0.04372722,
-0.03379737,
0.2380292,
0.3999986,
-0.25311... |
The safety of osteoporosis medication. | Osteoporosis is a common, costly and serious disease, which is still too often regarded as an inevitable part of the normal ageing process and therefore sub-optimally treated, especially in the elderly--in fact, only two out of every 10 patients who sustain a hip fracture receive any form of assessment or prophylactic therapy for osteoporosis. One out of five patients die within 1 year after a hip fracture, and < 50% are capable of leading an independent life. Yet very effective anti-fracture therapy, capable of reducing fracture risk by 35 - 60%, is available. A number of publications have recently questioned the safety of drugs routinely used to treat patients with osteoporosis. This paper attempts to put the situation into perspective and expresses the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa's view on the safety of these drugs. Their efficacy in preventing skeletal fractures and their cost-effectiveness are not addressed in any detail. The paper emphasises the fact that all osteoporosis medications have side-effects, some of which are potentially life-threatening. | 25,118,550 | [
0.003976749,
0.2024212,
0.1275569,
-0.08466205,
-0.03519496,
-0.0224193,
0.01043584,
0.180794,
0.08678881,
-0.09413259,
-0.1091859,
0.1510407,
-0.05057473,
-0.05098704,
-0.4653736,
-0.310533,
0.03304835,
0.2971051,
-0.04407677,
0.1889398,
0.3178413,
0.3392316,
-0.1595834,... |
Acute intermittent porphyria presenting as progressive muscular atrophy in a young black man. | Acute intermittent porphyria, the most common porphyria affecting the nervous system, typically presents with neurovisceral crises followed by a motor neuropathy. We describe a 23-year-old black South African man presenting with a progressive stuttering, lower motor neuron syndrome developing over months. He had not experienced pain or neuropsychiatric symptoms. One year after symptom onset he was bed-bound with a flaccid quadriparesis. There was marked amyotrophy, but without fasciculations. Sensation was intact apart from a hypo-aesthetic patch over the thigh. Electrophysiological investigations showed an active motor axonopathy. Urinary porphyrins, delta-aminolaevulinic acid and porphobilinogen were elevated. Mutation analysis revealed the c445C>T (R149X) mutation in the porphobilinogen deaminase gene. The patient responded dramatically to haem arginate and could walk with assistance 2 weeks later. We identified the first molecularly confirmed acute intermittent porphyria in a black South African. The clinical presentation mimicked a progressive lower motor neuron syndrome. | 25,118,551 | [
-0.003293874,
-0.193723,
-0.2156732,
-0.1853724,
-0.2039851,
-0.06698051,
-0.2601359,
-0.3176078,
0.2106035,
-0.1016071,
0.04825617,
0.2711546,
-0.2727934,
-0.1763584,
0.4704038,
-0.05272493,
-0.3495932,
-0.00859053,
-0.07792717,
-0.2922411,
-0.1114954,
0.5203919,
-0.1265... |
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors v. angiotensin receptor blockers in the management of hypertension: a funder's perspective. | Hypertension poses a huge financial risk to any funder/medical aid, including the risk-mitigating strategies provided by the managed care organisations that are required to manage patients with hypertension. The South African Hypertension Guideline states that the choice of therapy--an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)--should be based on cost and tolerability. To assess the costs of ACEIs v. ARBs in the management of hypertensive patients and the prevention of cardiovascular complications for a private medical aid scheme in South Africa. A Phase IV observational, retrospective cohort study of over 480 000 beneficiaries between 2010 and 2011 was undertaken. Hypertensive patients were identified by their chronic medication authorisation and were categorised into three groups: ACEI, ARB and combined groups. A cost-benefit analysis was performed on the claims data, comparing the input costs in rand against the downstream costs using analysis of variance. Data from 28 165 patients were included in the study. Based on the health economic analysis that was performed, there was no statistically significant difference in the input costs between the ACEI and the ARB groups. However, a statistically significant reduction in the downstream costs was observed in the ACEI group v. the ARB and combined groups (p < 0.0001). It is more cost beneficial to treat chronic hypertensive patients with an ACEI than ARBs in preventing cardiovascular-related complications. It is recommended that managed care companies continue recommending ACEIs rather than ARBs in the treatment of hypertensive patients. | 25,118,555 | [
-0.124421,
0.3860279,
-0.2376629,
0.1094618,
0.1853219,
-0.2479728,
-0.04165597,
0.1906183,
0.1336498,
-0.09449438,
0.07008313,
0.1571231,
-0.1291778,
-0.1824681,
-0.2299055,
0.191133,
0.01102137,
0.06410684,
-0.1878155,
0.0674564,
-0.4089225,
0.1672748,
-0.4021823,
0.2... |
Pulmonary hypertension due to acute respiratory distress syndrome. | Our aims were to describe the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), to characterize their hemodynamic cardiopulmonary profiles, and to correlate these parameters with outcome. All consecutive patients over 16 years of age who were in the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of ARDS and an in situ pulmonary artery catheter for hemodynamic monitoring were studied. Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed when the mean pulmonary artery pressure was >25 mmHg at rest with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure or left atrial pressure <15 mmHg. During the study period, 30 of 402 critically ill patients (7.46%) who were admitted to the ICU fulfilled the criteria for ARDS. Of the 30 patients with ARDS, 14 met the criteria for pulmonary hypertension, a prevalence of 46.6% (95% CI; 28-66%). The most common cause of ARDS was pneumonia (56.3%). The overall mortality was 36.6% and was similar in patients with and without pulmonary hypertension. Differences in patients' hemodynamic profiles were influenced by the presence of pulmonary hypertension. The levels of positive end-expiratory pressure and peak pressure were higher in patients with pulmonary hypertension, and the PaCO2 was higher in those who died. The level of airway pressure seemed to influence the onset of pulmonary hypertension. Survival was determined by the severity of organ failure at admission to the intensive care unit. | 25,118,626 | [
0.3099824,
0.05830186,
-0.05668081,
-0.1160225,
-0.1246342,
0.1236153,
0.04514667,
-0.1101583,
-0.03254313,
-0.06089351,
0.04692646,
-0.3452565,
-0.2183366,
-0.09823815,
-0.02764965,
-0.3202975,
-0.2107846,
0.4902124,
0.4768576,
-0.07816292,
0.0830095,
-0.2448106,
-0.0128... |
Hypnosis for induction of labour. | Induction of labour using pharmacological and mechanical methods can increase complications. Complementary and alternative medicine methods including hypnosis may have the potential to provide a safe alternative option for the induction of labour. However, the effectiveness of hypnosis for inducing labour has not yet been fully evaluated. To assess the effect of hypnosis for induction of labour compared with no intervention or any other interventions. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2014), handsearched relevant conference proceedings, contacted key personnel and organisations in the field for published and unpublished references. All published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs of acceptable quality comparing hypnosis with no intervention or any other interventions, in which the primary outcome is to assess whether labour was induced. Two review authors assessed the one trial report that was identified (but was subsequently excluded). No RCTs or cluster-RCTs were identified from the search strategy. There was no evidence available from RCTs to assess the effect of hypnosis for induction of labour. Evidence from RCTs is required to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this intervention for labour induction. As hypnosis may delay standard care (in case standard care is withheld during hypnosis), its use in induction of labour should be considered on a case-by-case basis.Future RCTs are required to examine the effectiveness and safety of hypnotic relaxation for induction of labour among pregnant women who have anxiety above a certain level. The length and timing of the intervention, as well as the staff training required, should be taken into consideration. Moreover, the views and experiences of women and staff should also be included in future RCTs. | 25,118,632 | [
-0.2156868,
0.06554227,
0.01601893,
0.2234465,
0.2214393,
-0.2882777,
-0.3200845,
-0.3960636,
0.06279889,
-0.06783017,
-0.2289525,
0.006928558,
-0.08933752,
-0.1355084,
0.1297447,
-0.05374845,
-0.4379301,
0.1231305,
-0.4862204,
-0.4434409,
0.05916047,
0.4763259,
-0.107367... |
Effects of bridge functions on radial distribution functions of liquid water. | In this report the radial distribution functions (RDFs) of liquid water are calculated on the basis of the classical density functional theory combined with the reference interaction site model for molecular liquids. The bridge functions, which are neglected in the hypernetted-chain (HNC) approximation, are taken into account through the density expansion for the Helmholtz free energy functional up to the third order. A factorization approximation to the ternary direct correlation functions in terms of the site-site pair correlation functions is then employed in the expression of the bridge functions, thus leading to a closed set of integral equations for the determination of the RDFs. It is confirmed through numerical calculations that incorporation of the oxygen-oxygen bridge function substantially improves the poor descriptions by the HNC approximation at room temperature, e.g., for the second peak of the oxygen-oxygen RDF. | 25,118,654 | [
0.07010139,
0.1622593,
0.006237466,
0.2701259,
0.04413326,
-0.2367061,
0.05201017,
-0.2519259,
0.1573212,
0.1982354,
-0.133597,
-0.1784439,
-0.1656788,
0.3206713,
-0.4869733,
-0.3982219,
-0.05108232,
-0.01115569,
-0.1668098,
0.06452794,
0.3660521,
0.0385882,
-0.1058153,
... |
Does guideline knowledge affect treatment compliance among emergency doctors? | The insufficient adoption of internationally accepted clinical guidelines may lead to less than adequate patient care of patients with asthma. To evaluate the knowledge and treatment compliance with Global Initiative of Asthma (GINA, 2011) asthma treatment guidelines among emergency physicians (EPs) at a referral hospital in northern Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was designed in the territory-level referral hospital in northern Malaysia. Twenty-seven EPs were asked to complete an asthma guideline questionnaire to assess their knowledge regarding GINA 2011 asthma treatment guidelines. A total of 810 patients were enrolled, and 30 patients were selected per physician. The authors evaluated the physicians' compliance with GINA 2011 asthma treatment guidelines. Of 27 EPs, 20 (74.1%) had adequate knowledge of GINA 2011 asthma treatment guidelines. A total of 615 (75.9%) patients received guideline-recommended emergency treatment. Shortness of breath (n = 436, 53.8%) was the most frequently reported chief complaint. Furthermore, there was a significant but weak association between knowledge of the guideline and treatment compliance among emergency doctors (P = 0.003, φ = 0.110). Moreover, there was no significant change in therapy for patients with comorbid conditions. The mean age of respondents was 27.3 years. Overall, a fair level of guideline knowledge and treatment compliance was noted among EPs. Doctors with adequate guideline knowledge were more likely to comply with GINA 2011 asthma treatment guidelines. | 25,118,657 | [
0.1332503,
0.03388876,
0.02725716,
-0.3668588,
0.1302066,
0.1473543,
-0.1449721,
-0.4576475,
0.0234424,
-0.1943591,
-0.02408909,
0.2261091,
-0.1885333,
0.1851142,
0.04280226,
0.1623173,
-0.4602341,
0.1806972,
-0.1977086,
-0.1321775,
-0.1399686,
-0.2072038,
-0.1509977,
-... |
Permeability analysis of neuroactive drugs through a dynamic microfluidic in vitro blood-brain barrier model. | This paper presents the permeability analysis of neuroactive drugs and correlation with in vivo brain/plasma ratios in a dynamic microfluidic blood-brain barrier (BBB) model. Permeability of seven neuroactive drugs (Ethosuximide, Gabapentin, Sertraline, Sunitinib, Traxoprodil, Varenicline, PF-304014) and trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) were quantified in both dynamic (microfluidic) and static (transwell) BBB models, either with brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3) in monoculture, or in co-culture with glial cells (C6). Dynamic cultures were exposed to 15 dyn/cm(2) shear stress to mimic the in vivo environment. Dynamic models resulted in significantly higher average TEER (respective 5.9-fold and 8.9-fold increase for co-culture and monoculture models) and lower drug permeabilities (average respective decrease of 0.050 and 0.052 log(cm/s) for co-culture and monoculture) than static models; and co-culture models demonstrated higher average TEER (respective 90 and 25% increase for static and dynamic models) and lower drug permeability (average respective decrease of 0.063 and 0.061 log(cm/s) for static and dynamic models) than monoculture models. Correlation of the resultant logP e values [ranging from -4.06 to -3.63 log(cm/s)] with in vivo brain/plasma ratios (ranging from 0.42 to 26.8) showed highly linear correlation (R (2) > 0.85) for all model conditions, indicating the feasibility of the dynamic microfluidic BBB model for prediction of BBB clearance of pharmaceuticals. | 25,118,670 | [
0.08669218,
0.02108353,
-0.1146291,
-0.3294513,
0.03984063,
-0.2210058,
-0.08842786,
0.1860022,
-0.06764612,
0.04908112,
-0.1845225,
-0.03108918,
0.01028229,
0.2023329,
-0.4349237,
-0.08433873,
-0.5067329,
0.3388981,
-0.2026675,
0.3816836,
-0.1336904,
0.2614322,
0.111421,... |
Primary extrauterine endometrial stromal sarcoma: Located in pelvic and abdominal tissue and arising in endometriosis. | Primary extrauterine endometrial stromal sarcoma is a rare tumor and it is infrequently associated with endometriosis. We are reporting a case of this unusual tumor in a 42-year-old female who presented with multiple nodules of tumor in the abdomen and pelvis and with metastases in para-aortic lymph nodes. The right parametrium, in addition, had a focus of endometriosis, which was contiguous with the tumor, confirming its origin. | 25,118,742 | [
-0.2164497,
-0.1081843,
-0.2032405,
-0.03442648,
-0.1859438,
-0.1800716,
-0.119244,
-0.08036441,
0.06262171,
0.234942,
-0.01645543,
0.07920614,
-0.07675363,
-0.1364081,
-0.3658447,
-0.2745879,
-0.4589342,
-0.1009772,
0.001324418,
-0.2209682,
-0.138792,
0.2194785,
-0.16791... |
Hospital acquired urinary tract infection by multidrug-resistant Brevundimonas vesicularis. | Infections caused by Brevundimonas vesicularis, a nonfermenting Gram-negative bacterium, are very rare. Here, we report the first case of multidrug-resistant hospital acquired urinary tract infection by B. vesicularis. Patient was successfully treated with antimicrobial therapy with piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin. | 25,118,754 | [
-0.2478031,
-0.06220798,
-0.3527342,
-0.02622658,
0.2910369,
-0.1892625,
-0.6594974,
-0.09406792,
-0.200382,
-0.04805142,
0.3085549,
0.3482009,
-0.037031,
0.1335577,
0.08613229,
-0.5085814,
-0.5877343,
0.2587084,
-0.1211427,
-0.7924727,
0.01801749,
-0.06326309,
0.02121221... |
Vaccination management and vaccination errors: a representative online-survey among primary care physicians. | Effective immunizations require a thorough, multi-step process, yet few studies comprehensively addressed issues around vaccination management. To assess variations in vaccination management and vaccination errors in primary care. A cross sectional, web-based questionnaire survey was performed among 1157 primary physicians from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany: a representative 10% random sample of general practitioners (n = 946) and all teaching physicians from the University Duisburg-Essen (n = 211). Four quality aspects with three items each were included: patient-related quality (patient information, patient consent, strategies to increase immunization rates), vaccine-related quality (practice vaccine spectrum, vaccine pre-selection, vaccination documentation), personnel-related quality (recommendation of vaccinations, vaccine application, personnel qualification) and storage-related quality (storage device, temperature log, vaccine storage control). For each of the four quality aspects, "good quality" was reached if all three criteria per quality aspect were fulfilled. Good vaccination management was defined as fulfilling all twelve items. Additionally, physicians' experiences with errors and nearby-errors in vaccination management were obtained. More than 20% of the physicians participated in the survey. Good vaccination management was reached by 19% of the practices. Patient-related quality was good in 69% of the practices, vaccine-related quality in 73%, personnel-related quality in 59% and storage-related quality in 41% of the practices. No predictors for error reporting and good vaccination management were identified. We identified good results for vaccine- and patient-related quality but need to improve issues that revolve around vaccine storage. | 25,118,779 | [
-0.2258272,
0.2301994,
-0.1007301,
-0.1731684,
0.05706213,
-0.532045,
-0.03601617,
-0.03223109,
-0.2437025,
-0.05791324,
0.3835181,
-0.003840252,
0.2135208,
-0.5059748,
-0.4725987,
-0.05120761,
0.06950898,
0.03308225,
0.04144809,
0.1230685,
0.2310594,
0.1393478,
-0.159397... |
The potential of transcription factor-based genetic engineering in improving crop tolerance to drought. | Drought is one of the major constraints in crop production and has an effect on a global scale. In order to improve crop production, it is necessary to understand how plants respond to stress. A good understanding of regulatory mechanisms involved in plant responses during drought will enable researchers to explore and manipulate key regulatory points in order to enhance stress tolerance in crops. Transcription factors (TFs) have played an important role in crop improvement from the dawn of agriculture. TFs are therefore good candidates for genetic engineering to improve crop tolerance to drought because of their role as master regulators of clusters of genes. Many families of TFs, such as CCAAT, homeodomain, bHLH, NAC, AP2/ERF, bZIP, and WRKY have members that may have the potential to be tools for improving crop tolerance to drought. In this review, the roles of TFs as tools to improve drought tolerance in crops are discussed. The review also focuses on current strategies in the use of TFs, with emphasis on several major TF families in improving drought tolerance of major crops. Finally, many promising transgenic lines that may have improved drought responses have been poorly characterized and consequently their usefulness in the field is uncertain. New advances in high-throughput phenotyping, both greenhouse and field based, should facilitate improved phenomics of transgenic lines. Systems biology approaches should then define the underlying changes that result in higher yields under water stress conditions. These new technologies should help show whether manipulating TFs can have effects on yield under field conditions. | 25,118,806 | [
0.3748255,
0.03140464,
0.08229557,
-0.07916311,
-0.01511477,
-0.01175238,
-0.1172545,
-0.1226259,
-0.0002134834,
-0.09823659,
-0.1355875,
0.1836673,
-0.3033132,
0.08460006,
-0.3465847,
-0.1207266,
-0.003367694,
0.3253337,
0.262334,
-0.1261044,
0.03317486,
0.291398,
-0.378... |
Quantitative comparison and metabolite profiling of saponins in different parts of the root of Panax notoginseng. | Although both rhizome and root of Panax notoginseng are officially utilized as notoginseng in "Chinese Pharmacopoeia", individual parts of the root were differently used in practice. To provide chemical evidence for the differentiated usage, quantitative comparison and metabolite profiling of different portions derived from the whole root, as well as commercial samples, were carried out, showing an overall higher content of saponins in rhizome, followed by main root, branch root, and fibrous root. Ginsenoside Rb2 was proposed as a potential marker with a content of 0.5 mg/g as a threshold value for differentiating rhizome from other parts. Multivariate analysis of the metabolite profile further suggested 32 saponins as potential markers for the discrimination of different parts of notoginseng. Collectively, the study provided comprehensive chemical evidence for the distinct usage of different parts of notoginseng and, hence, is of great importance for the rational application and exploitation of individual parts of notoginseng. | 25,118,819 | [
0.138379,
0.5733463,
0.04827125,
0.2053589,
0.1623596,
-0.1586027,
-0.03914206,
0.2117676,
0.333327,
0.2877693,
0.1455149,
-0.2794603,
0.03931016,
-0.1447556,
-0.1647584,
-0.05863498,
-0.216489,
0.1944592,
0.2080666,
0.1012694,
0.1966047,
0.2846561,
-0.03766886,
-0.2868... |
Evaluation of visual acuity, macular status, and subfoveal choroidal thickness changes after cataract surgery in eyes with diabetic retinopathy. | Progression of diabetic macular edema has been reported as a common cause of poor visual acuity recovery after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes. Despite being responsible for the blood supply to the outer retina, the role of the choroidal layer in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is not yet understood. Our objective is to characterize macular and subfoveal choroidal thickness changes after cataract surgery in eyes with DR. Thirty-five eyes with clinically significant cataract of patients with DR were divided into three groups based on clinical and optical coherence tomography findings: patients with DR without macular edema, patients with DR and macular thickening detected on optical coherence tomography, and finally patients with clinically significant macular edema. All cases were submitted to ophthalmologic examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography 1 week before cataract surgery and repeated 1 month after surgery. Patients with preoperative clinically significant macular edema were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab at the time of surgery. All groups showed a significant increase in visual acuity 1 month after surgery (P < 0.001). Mean foveal thickness increased significantly in all groups, including controls (P = 0.013), except in patients who were simultaneously treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (P = 0.933). An increase of maximum macular thickness of at least 11% was found in 25.7% of the DR eyes, but no such increase occurred in the control eyes. No significant change was verified for subfoveal choroidal thickness in any of the studied groups. Surgical inflammation associated with cataract surgery caused a significant increase of macular thickness in control and DR eyes that were not treated with intravitreous bevacizumab. Such macular changes were not accompanied by subfoveal choroidal thickness changes in any of the study groups, suggesting that the changes in macular thickness associated with the surgery are not related to changes in choroidal thickness and that there is no relation between inner blood-retinal barrier status and diabetic choroidal angiopathy. | 25,118,827 | [
0.0248004,
0.09322363,
0.08312479,
-0.3306202,
-0.1383959,
-0.3418694,
0.1414299,
0.2421155,
0.08362006,
0.1284397,
0.2867693,
0.004601944,
-0.4061314,
-0.2699821,
0.0794685,
-0.09363075,
-0.1477561,
0.2083522,
0.03785617,
0.03145005,
-0.2162662,
0.002511129,
0.002897212,... |
Efficacies and pregnant outcomes of fertility-sparing treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate for endometrioid adenocarcinoma and complex atypical hyperplasia: our experience and a review of the literature. | We retrospectively analyzed oncologic and reproductive outcomes of fertility-seeking premenopausal women with complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) or Grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma (G1EA) who underwent medical management with high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) therapy. Patients were given a dose of 400-600 mg of MPA orally on a daily basis. They had histologically confirmed CAH or G1EA at presumed stage IA and wished to preserve fertility. Endometrial tissue sampling was carried out by dilation and curettage before and after the treatment and the pathologic response to MPA treatment was assessed. A total of 27 premenopausal patients received MPA therapy. The median follow-up time was 39.2 months (3.4-153.8 months). Complete response was achieved in 81.8 % (9/11) of CAH cases and 68.8 % (11/16) of G1EA. Although no recurrences were found in CAH patients, nine G1EA patients (81.8 %) eventually recurred and underwent total hysterectomy. Neither therapeutic death nor irreversible toxicities were observed during the follow-up periods. Five patients (4 CAH and 1 G1EA) became pregnant and had nine live births. The high efficacy of fertility-sparing treatment with MPA was shown demonstrated. MPA therapy can be considered acceptable for the purpose of enabling patients to preserve their fertility. However, the rate of recurrence was high in patients with G1EA. Even in responders, close follow-up is required and a total hysterectomy needs to be considered without delay. Patients should be aware of the risks and limitations of this conservative treatment. | 25,118,836 | [
-0.1963868,
-0.2422889,
0.03077816,
-0.1571749,
0.1144975,
-0.4313372,
0.0339923,
-0.117775,
0.07213829,
0.02664494,
-0.07362406,
0.3057079,
0.05635566,
-0.1136406,
-0.4233677,
0.02246554,
-0.1152285,
0.07781926,
0.238973,
-0.2496385,
0.3795079,
0.3001913,
-0.3245701,
-... |
Optimizing urology group partnerships: collaboration strategies and compensation best practices. | Market forces in health care have created substantial regulatory, legislative, and reimbursement changes that have had a significant impact on urology group practices. To maintain viability, many urology groups have merged into larger integrated entities. Although group operations vary considerably, the majority of groups have struggled with the development of a strong culture, effective decision-making, and consensus-building around shared resources, income, and expense. Creating a sustainable business model requires urology group leaders to allocate appropriate time and resources to address these issues in a proactive manner. This article outlines collaboration strategies for creating an effective culture, governance, and leadership, and provides practical suggestions for optimizing the performance of the urology group practice. | 25,118,851 | [
-0.09007342,
0.2358456,
-0.09675215,
-0.09714457,
0.206883,
-0.2808087,
-0.2602852,
0.2082242,
0.005149652,
0.04083301,
0.1631606,
-0.03149158,
-0.2204422,
0.04551792,
-0.4617896,
-0.169425,
0.2784883,
0.01977973,
-0.07298604,
-0.2315232,
0.261553,
0.1703431,
-0.02182569,... |
Randomized controlled trial comparing gastric cancer screening by gastrointestinal X-ray with serology for Helicobacter pylori and pepsinogens followed by gastrointestinal endoscopy. | Based on the results of several case-control and cohort studies gastrointestinal X-ray (GI X-ray) has been recommended for use in the nationwide screening program for gastric cancer.. Although this was the only effective screening program when almost all of the Japanese population were Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) positive, there has been concern whether an alternative effective screening system should be established for the future H. pylori-negative generation. We therefore conducted the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing GI X-ray and gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) scheduled according to results of serological testing (ST); this was done to determine the potential for an alternative screening method. Subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were residents between the ages of 30 and 74 and who were able to receive gastric cancer screening in the Yurihonjo area. Participants were assigned to the GI X-ray group or the GIE-ST group by computer randomization. Subjects in each group were further subdivided into 4 categories according to their different risks for gastric cancer. The feasibility of stratified randomization was serologically assessed and detection rates of gastric cancer at entry by the different screening methods were also compared. Of the 2,962 subjects invited, 1,206 individuals (41 percent) were included in the first stage of this stratified RCT, and 604 and 602 individuals were assigned to the GI X-ray group and the GIE-ST group, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in sex, age, height, body weight, smoking, alcohol intake and family history of cancer between the 2 groups. During ST the GI X-ray group showed a distribution that was not statistically different from that of the GIE-ST group. Although 3 cases of gastric cancer were detected in the GIE-ST group, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. One complication found was barium aspiration during the examination in the X-ray group. We confirmed that baseline demographic features of the 2 groups were well balanced. We are now organizing the first RCT to compare the existing screening method and the alternative method (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000005962). | 25,118,857 | [
-0.001520285,
-0.2207942,
0.2163028,
-0.1909108,
-0.07954999,
-0.344108,
-0.08447851,
-0.007304634,
0.2036704,
0.2291983,
0.1340393,
-0.02325741,
-0.2187871,
0.0137117,
-0.4047438,
0.0391496,
-0.004129391,
0.152689,
0.07935168,
0.02721241,
0.1502703,
0.129097,
-0.1936951,... |
Anaplastic transformation of low-grade gliomas (WHO II) on magnetic resonance imaging. | Malignant transformation among gliomas WHO II ranges between 35% and 89%. However, according to some reports, all gliomas WHO II undergo such transformation over time. The aim of the study was to analyse MRI parameters indicating anaplastic transformation of gliomas WHO II. Forty-six consecutive patients were enrolled in the study (20 females and 26 males; range of age 36 ± 9 years) with supratentorial glioma WHO II. Multiparametric MR examination included morphological imaging, perfusion-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Group division depended on the course of disease (ST - stable group, AT - anaplastic transformation group). Subtotal tumour resection was achieved in the whole AT group, whereas in the ST group, total tumour resection was achieved in 10/29 (34%) patients. The size of the residual tumour after surgery was statistically significantly higher in the AT group compared to the ST group (AT: 51.5 cm³ ± 37.7 vs. ST: 29.0 cm³ ± 37.9; p = 0.011). Contrast enhancement in the AT group occurred in 5/11 (45%) of tumours and in none of the patients' areas of contrast enhancement were resected during surgery/biopsy. However, the initial MR showed contrast enhancement in 10/29 (34%) of patients in the ST group. The areas of contrast enhancement were totally resected in all patients. Compared to the ST group tumours that underwent anaplastic transformation had statistically significantly higher values of mean nrCBV and max nrCBV on the initial MR, the follow-up and final MR examinations. However, statistically significant differences between the groups in ADC values were observed on the follow-up and final MR whereas mean Cho/Cr and mean Cho/NAA were observed as late as on the final MR examination. Multiparametric MR examination allows the detection of LGGs with high probability of rapid anaplastic transformation and the detection of transformation prior to the occurrence of contrast enhancement. The value of nrCBV is the most useful in the diagnosis of anaplastic transformation. The resection of contrast enhancement area of the tumour significantly increases time to anaplastic transformation of LGGs. | 25,118,898 | [
0.04292349,
-0.0009564448,
-0.1673507,
-0.3528262,
0.03253973,
-0.4130429,
0.1042474,
-0.1532103,
-0.1068967,
0.3625042,
0.005280991,
0.2477888,
-0.222097,
0.01034502,
-0.5031041,
-0.09278316,
-0.1725577,
0.4073581,
0.01921298,
0.05486727,
-0.07468248,
0.3163918,
0.176054... |
Targeting Plasmodium falciparum transmission with primaquine: same efficacy, improved safety with a lower dose? | Malaria transmission is declining worldwide, leading to a growing interest in strategies to reach elimination and eradication. Insecticide and drug resistance threaten these efforts, driving an interest in the use of gametocytocidal drugs to curb the spread of artemisinin resistance and accelerate the path to malaria elimination. Primaquine is the only marketed drug that can kill mature Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes, which can otherwise contribute to ongoing transmission for long periods of time. While primaquine has been widely used in Asia and the Americas, African countries have little experience with this drug and are reluctant to use primaquine due to a fear of hemolytic side effects. We discuss the underlying knowledge base and motivation to use primaquine as a P. falciparum transmission blocker, revealing that while primaquine implementation can benefit from further study, there remains an overall need for improved transmission-blocking drugs. | 25,118,908 | [
-0.1268436,
0.06465539,
-0.1719097,
-0.2805604,
-0.0332872,
-0.08720111,
0.1624868,
0.008326972,
0.0003637034,
-0.1507161,
0.0465665,
0.5112621,
-0.0373308,
-0.06327233,
-0.2887834,
-0.3473314,
-0.5291111,
0.193797,
0.0501767,
0.07836829,
0.1334992,
0.1394844,
-0.1896973,... |
Intervention program efficacy for spelling difficulties. | To develop an intervention procedure for spelling difficulties and to verify the effectiveness of the intervention program in students with lower spelling performance. We developed an intervention program for spelling difficulties, according to the semiology of the errors. The program consisted of three modules totaling 16 sessions. The study included 40 students of the third to fifth grade of public elementary education of the city of Marilia (SP), of both genders, in aged of eight to 12 years old, being distributed in the following groups: GI (20 students with lower spelling performance) and GII (20 students with higher spelling performance). In situation of pre and post-testing, all groups were submitted to the Pro-Orthography. The results statistically analyzed showed that, in general, all groups had average of right that has higher in post-testing, reducing the types of errors second semiologycal classification, mainly related to natural spelling errors. However, the results also showed that the groups submitted to the intervention program showed better performance on spelling tests in relation to not submitted. The intervention program developed was effective once the groups submitted showed better performance on spelling tests in relation to not submitted. Therefore, the intervention program can help professionals in the Health and Education to minimize the problems related to spelling, giving students an intervention that is effective for the development of the spelling knowledge. | 25,118,913 | [
-0.172206,
0.286508,
0.2142435,
0.1411447,
0.3504715,
-0.08282907,
-0.2362408,
-0.6479086,
-0.0326205,
-0.1898198,
0.1935354,
0.06824845,
-0.5014081,
-0.2254587,
-0.6705936,
0.2514369,
0.09740882,
0.1268575,
-0.2987463,
-0.03749514,
0.1351696,
0.4172734,
-0.04258469,
-0... |
Otoacoustic emissions and biomarkers of oxidative stress in students of a tobacco-producing region. | To verify the association between the amplitude of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS) in resident students of the tobacco-producing region. Participated in the study group (SG) 21 normal-hearing students from the tobacco-producing region, and in the control group (CG) 25 normal-hearing students who did not live in the countryside. The auditory system was assessed by DPOAE and the following biomarkers: dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and micronucleus test (MN). Both groups showed DPOAE present in both ears. Significant difference was detected between groups--in the right ear in the frequency of 4.000 Hz and in the left ear in the frequency of 2.000 Hz--with the mean amplitude of the DPOAE of the SG lower than the one found in the CG. Considering both ears, the SG presented lower mean across all frequencies and it was found a significant difference in the frequencies of 2.000 and 4.000 Hz. The overall mean of DPOAE, by ear, no significant differences were observed. In relation to the rate of production of free radicals, the mean of the SG was significantly higher than that of the mean of the CG. For the frequency of abnormal cells in the MN test, the mean of the SG was also considerate significantly higher than the mean of the CG. The SG showed a lower response level of DPOAE at all frequencies and high levels of biomarkers of EO, however there was no association between assessments. | 25,118,918 | [
-0.03041325,
-0.1071029,
0.277651,
0.131899,
0.006939944,
-0.5810246,
-0.2706251,
0.07843425,
0.0221386,
-0.2036789,
-0.1082248,
0.1803657,
0.08410393,
0.005051828,
-0.1475475,
-0.3073337,
-0.5078608,
0.2216008,
0.05602852,
-0.1213478,
0.249442,
0.1020536,
-0.06927535,
... |
Association between pharyngeal residue and posterior oral spillage with penetration and aspiration in stroke. | This study aimed at showing association between the posterior oral spillage and pharyngeal residue with tracheal aspiration and/or laryngeal penetration in stroke. Clinical cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study. The study included 63 videofluoroscopic tests of post-ischemic stroke individuals and oropharyngeal dysphagia data of the three reference centers providing care for patients with dysphagia (43 men and 20 women; age range: from 40 to 90 years). These individuals were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 35 participants with the presence of penetration and/or laryngotracheal aspiration, and Group II consisted of 28 individuals with no penetration and/or aspiration. Videofluoroscopic swallowing test results were analyzed to divide the groups, and the presence of posterior oral spillage and pharyngeal residue was observed. No association was found between the groups with posterior oral spillage (χ²=1.65; p=0.30; φ²=0.02), but there was statistical difference for the association between pharyngeal residue (χ²=12.86; p=0.003; φ²=0.20) and the groups. There is an association between pharyngeal residue and penetration with tracheal aspiration in post-stroke individuals. | 25,118,920 | [
-0.1461387,
-0.2416293,
-0.02629553,
-0.2166319,
-0.0004494512,
-0.3205962,
-0.005393319,
-0.05072305,
-0.1227924,
0.03274465,
0.1481116,
0.4710294,
-0.1249457,
-0.7353302,
0.06517088,
-0.2543413,
-0.2536988,
0.03927638,
-0.1421217,
-0.2124676,
0.2460114,
0.07355348,
-0.0... |
Stabilization of apoptotic cells: generation of zombie cells. | Apoptosis is characterized by degradation of cell components but plasma membrane remains intact. Apoptotic microtubule network (AMN) is organized during apoptosis forming a cortical structure beneath plasma membrane that maintains plasma membrane integrity. Apoptotic cells are also characterized by high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that can be potentially harmful for the cell. The aim of this study was to develop a method that allows stabilizing apoptotic cells for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. By using a cocktail composed of taxol (a microtubule stabilizer), Zn(2+) (a caspase inhibitor) and coenzyme Q10 (a lipid antioxidant), we were able to stabilize H460 apoptotic cells in cell cultures for at least 72 h, preventing secondary necrosis. Stabilized apoptotic cells maintain many apoptotic cell characteristics such as the presence of apoptotic microtubules, plasma membrane integrity, low intracellular calcium levels and mitochondrial polarization. Apoptotic cell stabilization may open new avenues in apoptosis detection and therapy. | 25,118,929 | [
-0.1043365,
0.008389363,
0.2384906,
-0.01686659,
-0.009948922,
0.02726339,
-0.07958169,
0.1575916,
0.2051213,
-0.08556388,
-0.01588003,
0.09984697,
0.0304733,
0.3530433,
-0.4578997,
0.002208886,
-0.1920442,
0.1640112,
-0.3164025,
0.06363047,
0.4775808,
0.4623311,
0.271241... |
Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor inhibits interleukin-1β-induced catabolic and inflammatory responses in murine chondrocytes. | Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) is a newly identified member of the adipocytokine family, whose precise role in chondrocyte metabolism remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of vaspin on chondrocytes. The cell viability and the cytotoxicity of vaspin in chondrocytes were examined. Furthermore, the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 and 5 and cathepsin D was also examined, as well as the protein production of cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2 and inducible nitrous oxide synthase following treatment with different concentrations of vaspin in the absence or presence of interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β). In addition, the protein levels of the inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (IκB-α) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‑κB) were investigated. Vaspin was not able to stimulate the proliferation of chondrocytes and demonstrated no significant cytotoxic effect at concentrations of 10-500 ng/ml following coincubation for 24 and 48 h. However, vaspin inhibited IL-1β‑induced production of catabolic factors and inflammatory mediators in chondrocytes, and also suppressed the phosphorylation of NF‑κB and the degradation of IκB‑α. The data from the present study suggested that vaspin has a protective effect in chondrocyte metabolism and is an important factor in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. | 25,118,941 | [
-0.1550134,
0.1771791,
-0.1981883,
0.1021459,
0.1852557,
-0.1326732,
0.0931915,
0.1403681,
0.07545755,
-0.05730495,
-0.2010753,
-0.02138865,
-0.07439012,
-0.1780767,
-0.09303617,
0.2052844,
-0.1900636,
0.0547336,
0.06094975,
0.4986515,
0.003174413,
0.3590936,
-0.3175393,
... |
Perinatal protein malnutrition affects mitochondrial function in adult and results in a resistance to high fat diet-induced obesity. | Epidemiological findings indicate that transient environmental influences during perinatal life, especially nutrition, may have deleterious heritable health effects lasting for the entire life. Indeed, the fetal organism develops specific adaptations that permanently change its physiology/metabolism and that persist even in the absence of the stimulus that initiated them. This process is termed "nutritional programming". We previously demonstrated that mothers fed a Low-Protein-Diet (LPD) during gestation and lactation give birth to F1-LPD animals presenting metabolic consequences that are different from those observed when the nutritional stress is applied during gestation only. Compared to control mice, adult F1-LPD animals have a lower body weight and exhibit a higher food intake suggesting that maternal protein under-nutrition during gestation and lactation affects the energy metabolism of F1-LPD offspring. In this study, we investigated the origin of this apparent energy wasting process in F1-LPD and demonstrated that minimal energy expenditure is increased, due to both an increased mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle and an increased mitochondrial density in White Adipose Tissue. Importantly, F1-LPD mice are protected against high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Clearly, different paradigms of exposure to malnutrition may be associated with differences in energy expenditure, food intake, weight and different susceptibilities to various symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome. Taken together these results demonstrate that intra-uterine environment is a major contributor to the future of individuals and disturbance at a critical period of development may compromise their health. Consequently, understanding the molecular mechanisms may give access to useful knowledge regarding the onset of metabolic diseases. | 25,118,945 | [
-0.003199912,
-0.4273555,
0.1462289,
0.09910746,
0.2106424,
-0.09531178,
0.1567456,
-0.1683041,
0.3524487,
0.06971484,
-0.1023381,
-0.2358117,
0.07084906,
-0.1357496,
-0.6032095,
-0.3437915,
-0.2915052,
-0.02505042,
-0.2222522,
-0.2133198,
-0.26639,
0.454677,
-0.2257963,
... |
Modulation of gene expression in endothelial cells in response to high LET nickel ion irradiation. | Ionizing radiation can elicit harmful effects on the cardiovascular system at high doses. Endothelial cells are critical targets in radiation-induced cardiovascular damage. Astronauts performing a long-term deep space mission are exposed to consistently higher fluences of ionizing radiation that may accumulate to reach high effective doses. In addition, cosmic radiation contains high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation that is known to produce high values of relative biological effectiveness (RBE). The aim of this study was to broaden the understanding of the molecular response to high LET radiation by investigating the changes in gene expression in endothelial cells. For this purpose, a human endothelial cell line (EA.hy926) was irradiated with accelerated nickel ions (Ni) (LET, 183 keV/µm) at doses of 0.5, 2 and 5 Gy. DNA damage was measured 2 and 24 h following irradiation by γ-H2AX foci detection by fluorescence microscopy and gene expression changes were measured by microarrays at 8 and 24 h following irradiation. We found that exposure to accelerated nickel particles induced a persistent DNA damage response up to 24 h after treatment. This was accompanied by a downregulation in the expression of a multitude of genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle and an upregulation in the expression of genes involved in cell cycle checkpoints. In addition, genes involved in DNA damage response, oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell-cell signaling (cytokines) were found to be upregulated. An in silico analysis of the involved genes suggested that the transcription factors, E2F and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, may be involved in these cellular responses. | 25,118,949 | [
-0.2575945,
-0.01297719,
-0.1388271,
0.3348207,
-0.0117769,
-0.1462035,
0.158085,
-0.03638276,
0.1578573,
0.2951976,
0.1132925,
-0.1416942,
-0.08266988,
-0.3921753,
-0.6924375,
-0.05262969,
-0.08097094,
0.1706618,
-0.1747759,
0.07886547,
0.4026597,
0.5792779,
-0.01780931,... |
Effects of two Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of moderate to severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. | The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of stable COPD. A multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, and randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. All groups were treated with additional conventional medicines. There were a 6-month treatment and a 12-month follow-up for 5 times. Primary outcomes included lung function test, exacerbation frequency, score of SGRQ. Second outcomes consisted of 6MWD, BODE index, psychological field score, inflammatory factors and cortisol. A total of 331 patients were randomly divided into two active treatment groups (Bushen Yiqi (BY) granule group, n = 109; Bushen Fangchuan (BF) tablet group, n = 109) and a placebo group (n = 113). Finally 262 patients completed the study. BY granule & BF tablet increased the values of VC, FEV1 (%) and FEV1/FVC (%), compared with placebo. BY granule improved PEF. Both treatments reduced acute exacerbation frequency (P = 0.067), BODE index and psychological field score, while improved 6MWD. In terms of descent rang of SGRQ score, both treatments increased (P = 0.01). Both treatments decreased inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8, and IL-17(P = 0.0219). BY granule obviously descended IL-17(P<0.05), IL-1β (P = 0.05), IL-6, compared with placebo. They improved the level of IL-10 and cortisol. BY granule raised cortisol (P = 0.07) and decreased TNF-α. Both treatments slightly descended TGF-β1. In terms of safety, subject compliance and drug combination, there were no differences (P>0.05) among three groups. BY granule and BF tablet were positively effective for the treatment of COPD, and the former performed better in general. Chinese Clinical Trial Register center ChiCTR-TRC-09000530. | 25,118,962 | [
0.001493817,
0.2409956,
0.2004246,
0.002065246,
-0.06076171,
-0.05083638,
-0.2356962,
0.04908334,
0.02540854,
-0.1784689,
0.03140152,
0.04999475,
0.008670014,
0.1286991,
-0.2260679,
-0.1209048,
-0.03901315,
0.08413114,
0.002751647,
0.7402022,
-0.1644929,
0.1561514,
-0.149... |
Through a glass darkly: economics and personalised medicine. | Personalised medicine and pharmacogenetic-test-guided treatment strategies will be of increasing importance in the future, both in terms of healthcare provision and evaluation. It is well recognised that significant variability exists in the response of patients to drugs resulting from genetic or biological variations; however, we are only now gradually becoming aware of the complexities involved. Enormous variability occurs in the risk-benefit ratio that will be experienced by each individual patient as a consequence of their overall genetic make-up. Although not a panacea, enhanced scientific knowledge of the genetic basis for such variability offers the potential for a more 'tailored' approach to prescribing in the future, making it more closely attuned to the needs of the individual patient. Such 'personalised' medicine has the potential to revolutionise care provision in a manner that provides a range of challenges to current structures and processes of 'conventional' healthcare delivery. The aim of this paper is to outline such challenges and analyse potential ways in which they may be addressed in the future. It provides non-expert readers with a non-technical case study of the complexities inherent in the evaluation of a pharmacogenetic-test-guided treatment strategy from a health economic perspective. Wherever possible, technical issues have been minimised; however, references are provided for readers who wish to enhance their knowledge of the pharmacological basis of the case study of cytochrome P450 test-guided treatment. The case study aims simply to illustrate the approach and difficulties encountered in the health economic evaluation of complex pharmacogenetic technologies. Such technologies present a range of new and complex issues which have crucial implications for health economists attempting to obtain an accurate assessment of the 'value' of the technology in clinical practice in an array of patient subgroups. Personalised medicine is the future and this paper highlights how pharmaceutical manufacturers, clinicians, regulators and other stakeholders must all play their part in the inevitable and accelerating move into this complex and uncertain future. | 25,118,988 | [
-0.1605376,
0.3914642,
-0.1180658,
0.09528311,
0.05806961,
-0.1427347,
0.04272269,
0.1257357,
0.06906556,
-0.1491494,
0.1921423,
0.2169708,
0.01451285,
-0.2244571,
-0.560901,
0.1808186,
-0.3576119,
0.3206661,
-0.03457501,
-0.04155562,
0.2946643,
0.2297156,
-0.1184332,
0... |
A review of approaches for the management of specialty pharmaceuticals in the United States. | With increased innovation and development of specialty pharmaceuticals, the US and global healthcare industries are looking to implement appropriate management strategies to control both utilization and costs. Specialty pharmaceuticals are high-cost medications that treat complex, chronic, rare, and difficult-to-manage conditions. These drugs require special drug handling, appropriate clinical outcomes monitoring, and effective cost controls. The primary scope of this article is to discuss various strategies being implemented for specialty pharmaceutical utilization and cost management and correlated outcomes in the USA; these outcomes include enhanced health insurance plan benefit designs with formulary modifications and greater patient cost burden. Additional methods to manage specialty pharmaceuticals include the use of specialty pharmacies for drug distribution, increased emphasis on coordination of care and evidence-based medicine, as well as healthcare reform and regulations. Healthcare spending, both in the US and globally, continues to increase, with a rising proportion of drug spend towards specialty pharmaceuticals. Continued specialty pharmaceutical innovation and introduction of biosimilar products will evolve the currently utilized management strategies for these drugs. | 25,118,989 | [
-0.3443634,
0.06439265,
-0.0914215,
0.1344274,
-0.1422765,
-0.06233443,
0.03005386,
0.366069,
0.0171866,
-0.1195884,
-0.1855142,
-0.1193548,
-0.04662836,
-0.02455269,
-0.1113782,
0.0406176,
-0.03819174,
-0.1981883,
0.1060191,
-0.1680609,
-0.1820643,
0.0796786,
-0.09374357... |
Identification of the conserved and novel miRNAs in Mulberry by high-throughput sequencing. | miRNAs are a class of non-coding endogenous small RNAs. They play vital roles in plant growth, development, and response to biotic and abiotic stress by negatively regulating genes. Mulberry trees are economically important species with multiple uses. However, to date, little is known about mulberry miRNAs and their target genes. In the present study, three small mulberry RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology. Results showed 85 conserved miRNAs belonging to 31 miRNA families and 262 novel miRNAs at 371 loci. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis confirmed the expression pattern of 9 conserved and 5 novel miRNAs in leaves, bark, and male flowers. A total of 332 potential target genes were predicted to be associated with these 113 novel miRNAs. These results provide a basis for further understanding of mulberry miRNAs and the biological processes in which they are involved. | 25,118,991 | [
-0.2784283,
0.4867402,
0.3496477,
-0.01833407,
0.3712033,
0.09949131,
-0.1042606,
0.03855922,
-0.01512412,
-0.1323455,
0.1893714,
0.1376501,
0.07696241,
0.060072,
-0.1777974,
0.05553658,
0.2235576,
0.3996715,
0.14309,
-0.2487348,
0.3118119,
0.2902002,
-0.2845732,
-0.207... |
Downregulated CXCL12 expression in mesenchymal stem cells associated with severe aplastic anemia in children. | The mechanisms of idiopathic severe aplastic anemia (SAA) in children are not completely understood. Insufficiency of the bone marrow microenvironment, in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an important element, can be a potential factor associated with hematopoietic impairment. In the current study, we studied whether aberrant gene expression could be found in MSCs from children with SAA. Using microarray analysis, two different patterns of global gene expression were detected in the SAA MSCs. Fourteen genes (POLE2, HGF, KIF20A, TK1, IL18R1, KITLG, FGF18, RRM2, TTK, CXCL12, DLG7, TOP2A, NUF2, and TYMS), which are related to DNA synthesis, cytokines, or growth factors, were significantly downregulated. Further, knockdown of gene expression was performed using the small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-containing lentivirus method. We found that knockdown of CXCL12, HGF, IL-18R1, FGF18, or RRM2 expression compelled MSCs from the controls to behave like those from the SAA children, with decreased survival and differentiation potential. Among them, inhibition of CXCL12 gene expression had the most profound effects on the behavior of MSCs. Further experiments regarding re-introduction of the CXCL12 gene could largely recover the survival and differentiation potential in MSCs with inhibition of CXCL12 expression. Our findings suggest that MSCs from children with SAA exhibit aberrant gene expression profiles and downregulation of CXCL12 gene may be associated with alterations in the bone marrow microenvironment. | 25,118,993 | [
0.2107098,
-0.05838572,
-0.1900274,
-0.2719688,
-0.01920738,
0.2055437,
0.1629337,
0.2903867,
0.05970532,
0.007054483,
0.1665266,
-0.04932314,
-0.01388542,
0.2135536,
-0.2410817,
-0.2316835,
0.008252022,
-0.3694161,
-0.3488209,
0.3905925,
-0.03147181,
0.1117061,
-0.131015... |
Study of nano-hydroxyapatite/zirconia stabilized with yttria in bone healing: histopathological study in rabbit model. | Acceleration of bone healing has always been a major challenge in orthopedic surgery, the aim of this study was an evaluation of the biological effects of zirconia-stabilized yttria on bone healing, using an in vivo model. Nano-hydroxyapatite powder with zirconia-stabilized yttria were inserted in rabbit tibia and then histologically analyzed and compared with non-treated controls so thirty six. New Zealand white male rabbits randomly divided into two groups of 18 rabbits each. A cortical hole of 4 mm diameter and 8 mm depth in each tibia was drilled. In group I, the defect was left empty, whereas in group II, the bone defect was packed with nano-hydroxyapatite/5% zirconia stabilized with yttria. Histological evaluations were performed at two, four and six weeks after the implantation. Microscopic changes on two groups along with the time course were scored and statistical analysis showed that the average scores in group II were significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Histological analysis was shown to be significantly improved by the nano-hydroxyapatite/5% zirconia stabilized with yttria compared with the control group, suggesting that this biomaterial promote the healing of cortical bone, presumably by acting as an osteoconductive. | 25,119,008 | [
0.1362064,
0.1104366,
-0.05177185,
0.1375324,
-0.3040572,
-0.1642913,
-0.175445,
0.1413889,
0.139666,
-0.1439376,
0.1883772,
-0.2392945,
-0.2767382,
-0.5425617,
-0.633746,
-0.1203279,
0.03945538,
0.01749835,
0.3357149,
-0.412221,
0.2074001,
0.1803879,
0.2139274,
0.04220... |
Interacting supernovae from photoionization-confined shells around red supergiant stars. | Betelgeuse, a nearby red supergiant, is a fast-moving star with a powerful stellar wind that drives a bow shock into its surroundings. This picture has been challenged by the discovery of a dense and almost static shell that is three times closer to the star than the bow shock and has been decelerated by some external force. The two physically distinct structures cannot both be formed by the hydrodynamic interaction of the wind with the interstellar medium. Here we report that a model in which Betelgeuse's wind is photoionized by radiation from external sources can explain the static shell without requiring a new understanding of the bow shock. Pressure from the photoionized wind generates a standing shock in the neutral part of the wind and forms an almost static, photoionization-confined shell. Other red supergiants should have much more massive shells than Betelgeuse, because the photoionization-confined shell traps up to 35 per cent of all mass lost during the red supergiant phase, confining this gas close to the star until it explodes. After the supernova explosion, massive shells dramatically affect the supernova light curve, providing a natural explanation for the many supernovae that have signatures of circumstellar interaction. | 25,119,040 | [
-0.07318655,
0.1560115,
-0.1633974,
-0.009707606,
0.103519,
-0.2101675,
-0.3848693,
-0.0833009,
0.4355746,
-0.1367215,
-0.2671554,
-0.2833083,
-0.2595288,
0.0506539,
-0.4924299,
-0.06890085,
-0.05272521,
0.1212729,
0.2011937,
0.01189472,
0.4153176,
-0.05039729,
-0.166155,... |
PRC2 loss amplifies Ras-driven transcription and confers sensitivity to BRD4-based therapies. | The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) exerts oncogenic effects in many tumour types. However, loss-of-function mutations in PRC2 components occur in a subset of haematopoietic malignancies, suggesting that this complex plays a dichotomous and poorly understood role in cancer. Here we provide genomic, cellular, and mouse modelling data demonstrating that the polycomb group gene SUZ12 functions as tumour suppressor in PNS tumours, high-grade gliomas and melanomas by cooperating with mutations in NF1. NF1 encodes a Ras GTPase-activating protein (RasGAP) and its loss drives cancer by activating Ras. We show that SUZ12 loss potentiates the effects of NF1 mutations by amplifying Ras-driven transcription through effects on chromatin. Importantly, however, SUZ12 inactivation also triggers an epigenetic switch that sensitizes these cancers to bromodomain inhibitors. Collectively, these studies not only reveal an unexpected connection between the PRC2 complex, NF1 and Ras, but also identify a promising epigenetic-based therapeutic strategy that may be exploited for a variety of cancers. | 25,119,042 | [
0.1751684,
0.2408186,
-0.3599683,
-0.3928929,
-0.04873155,
-0.1108641,
-0.07690427,
0.2139013,
0.3161672,
0.07795522,
0.009592202,
0.326124,
-0.1479991,
-0.3450713,
-0.5141953,
-0.02106228,
-0.1206193,
0.08720832,
-0.1025173,
0.07141472,
0.0757397,
0.03466779,
-0.2527146,... |
CRISPR-mediated direct mutation of cancer genes in the mouse liver. | The study of cancer genes in mouse models has traditionally relied on genetically-engineered strains made via transgenesis or gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. Here we describe a new method of cancer model generation using the CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins) system in vivo in wild-type mice. We used hydrodynamic injection to deliver a CRISPR plasmid DNA expressing Cas9 and single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to the liver that directly target the tumour suppressor genes Pten (ref. 5) and p53 (also known as TP53 and Trp53) (ref. 6), alone and in combination. CRISPR-mediated Pten mutation led to elevated Akt phosphorylation and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, phenocopying the effects of deletion of the gene using Cre-LoxP technology. Simultaneous targeting of Pten and p53 induced liver tumours that mimicked those caused by Cre-loxP-mediated deletion of Pten and p53. DNA sequencing of liver and tumour tissue revealed insertion or deletion mutations of the tumour suppressor genes, including bi-allelic mutations of both Pten and p53 in tumours. Furthermore, co-injection of Cas9 plasmids harbouring sgRNAs targeting the β-catenin gene and a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide donor carrying activating point mutations led to the generation of hepatocytes with nuclear localization of β-catenin. This study demonstrates the feasibility of direct mutation of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes in the liver using the CRISPR/Cas system, which presents a new avenue for rapid development of liver cancer models and functional genomics. | 25,119,044 | [
0.112069,
-0.1409727,
-0.2265194,
0.03280737,
0.09601178,
-0.3387592,
-0.2206459,
0.2461187,
0.1480197,
0.1958152,
0.02840474,
0.221656,
-0.1988455,
0.1189145,
-0.3187647,
-0.1166588,
-0.2081807,
-0.241166,
0.06040753,
-0.2387595,
-0.1257823,
0.3966364,
-0.06721938,
0.1... |
Development of a brief substance use sensation seeking scale: validation and prediction of injection-related behaviors. | Sensation seeking, a personality trait, has been shown to predict engagement in high-risk behaviors. However, little is known regarding the impact of sensation seeking on substance use among street youth. We therefore sought to modify a sensation seeking scale (SSS) for use among this population. Street youth from the Vancouver-based At-Risk Youth Study (n = 226) completed the modified SSS. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA/CFA) were undertaken to establish the scale's dimensionality and internal validity. The association between SSS score and injection-related behaviors was tested using generalized estimating equation analysis. EFA results indicated scale unidimensionality. The comparative fit index (CFI) suggested acceptable fit (CFI = 0.914). In multivariate analysis, sensation seeking was independently associated with injection drug use, crystal methamphetamine use, polysubstance use, and binge drug use (all p < 0.05). Our findings provide preliminary support for the use of the modified SSS among street youth. | 25,119,056 | [
-0.1270533,
0.1906895,
-0.1488258,
-0.07912418,
0.3836778,
-0.2205536,
-0.3902554,
0.1318874,
-0.2269911,
-0.1407759,
0.2109959,
-0.1467241,
-0.3731344,
0.003155606,
0.03824989,
-0.1726369,
-0.108023,
0.03025105,
-0.09094379,
0.2932724,
-0.1502585,
0.04002591,
-0.1223956,... |
Integrating metalloporphycenes into p-type NiO-based dye-sensitized solar cells. | In the current work, we have explored a novel synthetic route towards metalated porphycenes and their use in p-type NiO-based dye-sensitized solar cells. Particular emphasis is placed on the influence that the relative positioning of the anchoring group exerts on the DSSC performance. | 25,119,111 | [
-0.1581592,
-0.2822502,
-0.0803501,
0.0461092,
0.03655218,
0.009451836,
-0.346437,
0.03605109,
0.1971891,
0.08078732,
-0.07763769,
-0.06443727,
-0.01233613,
-0.001424553,
-0.7324939,
-0.2592597,
-0.5510866,
0.2082011,
-0.2501446,
0.3143757,
0.2573573,
0.1399411,
-0.009920... |
Electrochemical behavior of the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand on a multiwalled carbon nanotube surface and its relevant electrochemistry for selective recognition of copper ion and hydrogen peroxide sensing. | 1,10-Phenanthroline (Phen) is a well-known benchmark ligand and has often been used in the coordination chemistry for the complexation of transition metal ions, such as Fe(2+), Ni(2+), and Co(2+). Because the electro-oxidation potential of Phen is much higher (>2 V versus Ag/AgCl) than the water decomposition potential, i.e., ∼1.5 V versus Ag/AgCl, in pH 7, it is practically difficult to electro-oxidize Phen in aqueous medium using any conventional electrodes, such as glassy carbon electrode (GCE), gold, and platinum. Interestingly, herein, we report an unexpected oxidation of Phen to a highly redox active 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (Phen-dione) and its confinement on a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/MWCNT@Phen-dione) surface by potential cycling of Phen-adsorbed GCE/MWCNT (GCE/MWCNT@Phen) from -1 to 1 V versus Ag/AgCl in pH 7 phosphate buffer solution. GCE/MWCNT@Phen-dione showed selective recognition of copper ion (GCE/MWCNT@Phen-dione-Cu(2+)) by catalyzing the hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction in a neutral pH solution. The precise structure of the Phen electro-oxidized product has been identified after characterizing the electrode and/or ethanolic extract of the product by various techniques, such as Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) (for copper complex), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) (for copper complex), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and in situ electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and comparing electrochemical behavior of several control compounds, such as phenanthrene and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone. It is concluded that the product formed is 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, wherein the dione position is ortho to each other and the copper ion is complexed with nitrogen of the phenanthroline ring. With extended electrochemical oxidation of a structurally similar ligand, 2,2'-bipyridine failed to show any such electrochemical dynamics. Finally, applicability of GCE/MWCNT@Phen-dione-Cu(2+) for electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide in a couple of real samples is successfully demonstrated. | 25,119,115 | [
-0.2127468,
0.07452318,
-0.112234,
-0.03225648,
-0.1089813,
0.2121447,
-0.2687906,
-0.1923033,
0.02247877,
0.2002465,
0.01183061,
0.1235425,
0.1378745,
-0.05236256,
-0.655993,
-0.08641043,
-0.3351015,
0.4090892,
0.09774033,
0.2570763,
0.1426799,
0.1322394,
0.03815158,
-... |
Comparison of two non-mydriatic fundus cameras to obtain retinal arterio-venous ratio. | To analyze device-dependent variability of two non-mydriatic fundus cameras to obtain arterio-venous ratio (AVR), central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE), and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) in static vessel analysis (SVA). We examined 53 participants (29 men, 24 women; median age 46 years) of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). We took 45° optic-disc-centered fundus images of the right eye with two different non-mydriatic fundus cameras. The first photograph was obtained from the TRC-NW 200, the second from the OCT 2000 (both Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). One experienced grader graded image quality from 1 "ideal quality" to 5 "not analyzable" and determined AVR, CRAE, and CRVE with the software Vesselmap3 (Imedos, Jena, Germany). Average image quality was 1.8 for the TRC-NW 200 and 1.6 for the OCT 2000. AVR could not be determined in 5 images of the TRC-NW 200 due to low image quality, while six images of the OCT 2000 were not analyzable. The difference between AVR taken from two different non-mydriatic cameras was 0.01 ± 0.03 in Bland-Altman plots. The difference between CRAE was 0.17 ± 10.15 and between CRVE was -2.32 ± 11.76. The two different non-mydriatic cameras showed good agreement with respect to image quality. When using the same reading software, AVR, CRAE, and CRVE agreed well. Thus, funduscopy and SVA seem to be robust against inter-device variability. As a result, device dependency can remain unconsidered in follow-up examinations with different technical equipment. However, variability might impact more with devices from different manufacturers. | 25,119,116 | [
-0.0770019,
-0.002955182,
-0.3555279,
-0.4141324,
-0.03329181,
-0.1808676,
0.121229,
0.00557257,
0.02396419,
-0.2710028,
-0.02326337,
-0.3418357,
-0.3422073,
-0.3933416,
-0.7346957,
-0.3751802,
-0.8711488,
0.3299268,
0.04072166,
-0.1481565,
0.3208013,
0.0927293,
-0.065327... |
National assessment of early biliary complications after liver transplantation: economic implications. | Despite improvement in surgical technique and medical management of liver transplant recipients, biliary complications remain a frequent cause of posttransplant morbidity and graft loss. Biliary complications require potentially expensive interventions including radiologic procedures and surgical revisions. A national data set linking transplant registry and Medicare claims data for 12,803 liver transplant recipients was developed to capture information on complications, treatments, and associated direct medical costs up to 3 years after transplantation. Biliary complications were more common in recipients of donation after cardiac death compared to donation after brain death allografts (23% vs. 19% P<0.001). Among donation after brain death recipients, biliary complications were associated with $54,699 (95% confidence interval [CI], $49,102 to $60,295) of incremental spending in the first year after transplantation and $7,327 in years 2 and 3 (95% CI, $4,419-$10,236). Biliary complications in donation after cardiac death recipients independently increased spending by $94,093 (95% CI, $64,643-$124,542) in the first year and $12,012 (95% CI, $-1,991 to $26,016) in years 2 and 3. This national study of biliary complications demonstrates the significant economic impact of this common perioperative complication and suggests a potential target for quality of care improvements. | 25,119,126 | [
-0.1971848,
-0.07709738,
-0.1355619,
-0.2258542,
0.2642061,
-0.1535964,
0.1702395,
-0.07966669,
-0.08147865,
0.146037,
-0.04059374,
0.2274484,
-0.1247985,
-0.2968016,
-0.1534042,
-0.1596299,
0.1269508,
0.1563507,
0.2429556,
-0.1182896,
-0.09507754,
0.4659479,
-0.1559295,
... |
Time-to-referral, use, and efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation after heart transplantation. | Timely access, adherence, and efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) are important given the potential to mitigate or reverse the side effects of immunosuppressive medications, weight gain, and cardiovascular deconditioning that place heart transplant (HT) recipients at increased cardiovascular risk. However, there is a dearth of information on use and efficacy of CRPs. Therefore, we examined process indicators (time to referral and correlates, program adherence) and clinical outcome indicators (functional capacity (VO(2peak)), anthropometrics) of CR post-HT compared to post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Baseline, 6-month exercise stress test results, and anthropometrics were examined retrospectively among consecutively enrolled post-HT and age-matched and sex-matched CABG patients. Time to referral and program entry, attendance, and completion rates were also measured. Heart transplant (n=43) and CABG patients were referred 24.9 ± 48.9 and 2.1 ± 3.6 months, respectively, after surgery (P=0.003). Once referred, there was no difference in elapsed-time to program entry (P=0.2). There was a positive relationship between time to referral and baseline waist circumference (r=0.5, P=0.001), body mass index (r=0.5, P=0.002), hip circumference (r=0.4, P=0.008), and body fat percentage (r=0.4, P=0.03) in HT. Heart transplant and CABG patients had similar rates of CRP dropout (27.9% vs. 37.2% respectively, P=0.4). There was improvement in VO(2peak) for HT (2.4 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min; P=0.02) and CABG (5.5 ± 5.4 mL/kg/min, P<0.001), but was greater for CABG (P=0.04). Anthropometric measures remained stable for both cohorts (P>0.05). There is a lengthy delay in time from HT to CRP referral, though once referred, gain significant benefit in functional capacity. The appropriateness of this wait needs to be elucidated; however, it appears that longer wait times are associated with adverse effects on body composition. | 25,119,127 | [
0.03084091,
0.008306404,
-0.3338951,
-0.4850144,
0.02502221,
-0.3702337,
0.4241625,
0.08806415,
-0.1555535,
0.3411143,
0.1903521,
0.03253858,
-0.1325789,
-0.2573423,
-0.1994983,
-0.04950256,
-0.02181371,
0.01762916,
0.2054918,
0.1867082,
-0.3860446,
0.1902447,
-0.1804885,... |
The outcomes of simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation using donation after cardiac death organs. | There has been a remarkable increase in simultaneous liver and kidney transplantations (SLK). As organ demand has increased, so has the use of donation after cardiac death (DCD). However, little is known about the outcomes of DCD in SLK. We performed a retrospective analysis using the United Network for Organ Sharing database to compare the outcomes of DCD SLK to donation after brain death (DBD) and determine the impact of donor and recipient factors on allograft and patient survival. Between 2002 and 2011, a total of 3,026 subjects received SLK from DBD and 98 from DCD. Kidney, liver, and patient survival from DCD donors were inferior to DBD at 1, 3, and 5 years (P=0.0056, P=0.0035, and P=0.0205, respectively). With the use of the Cox model, DCD was a significant risk factor for kidney and liver allograft failure and patient mortality. Recipient factors that were associated with worse allograft and patient outcomes included black race, diabetes, being on a ventilator, hospitalization, delayed graft function, hepatocellular carcinoma, and intensive care unit stay. Older age of the donor was also associated with worse outcomes. Despite the decreased allograft and patient survival compared with DBD, DCD SLK provides an acceptable option for SLK, with a survival probability of more than 50% at 5 years. | 25,119,134 | [
-0.007651421,
-0.127136,
-0.1817526,
-0.03351701,
0.4854826,
-0.07699659,
0.1036243,
0.1572327,
-0.07317188,
-0.1384248,
-0.09782323,
0.162095,
-0.09626838,
-0.2308405,
0.2279445,
-0.2231785,
-0.1986054,
0.01393316,
0.3858662,
-0.1426285,
0.02541697,
0.5460637,
-0.1278608... |
Multiscale modeling of the electrostatic impact of self-assembled monolayers used as gate dielectric treatment in organic thin-film transistors. | This study sheds light on the microscopic mechanisms by which self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) determine the onset voltage in organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). Experiments and modeling are combined to investigate the self-assembly and electrostatic interaction processes in prototypical OTFT structures (SiO2/SAM/pentacene), where alkylated and fluoroalkylated silane SAMs are compared. The results highlight the coverage-dependent impact of the SAM on the density of semiconductor states and enable the rationalization and the control of the OTFT characteristics. | 25,119,143 | [
-0.02224597,
-0.08506443,
0.05956938,
-0.07119381,
0.2128738,
-0.1641197,
-0.3841863,
0.002817311,
0.2424517,
-0.0319958,
-0.1843555,
-0.1425415,
0.02829449,
0.009896999,
-0.5054396,
0.1110449,
-0.608181,
-0.003639011,
-0.1966411,
0.1127326,
0.3126332,
0.1448919,
-0.27005... |
Selected immunohistochemical features of conventional renal cell carcinomas coexpressing P53 and MDM2. | Renal clear cell carcinoma (CCRCC) is an aggressive tumor for which new prognostic factors are needed. It has been suggested that CCRCCs co-expressing P53 and MDM2 could represent a special subgroup; therefore the aim of this study was to explore their immunohistochemical features. The material studied consisted of 470 cases of CCRCC. Immunohistochemistry for MDM2, P53, Ki-67, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, GLUT1, CA9, and CK 7 was performed on tissue microarrays and assessed semi-quantitatively. On average, 6.6% or 5.3% of cases were P53+/MDM2+, depending on the P53 antibody used. The mean percentage of Ki-67 positive cells was 0.6% and p53-positive MDM2-positive cases showed significantly higher expression of Ki-67. The other immunohistochemical parameters studied did not differ between p53-positive MDM2-positive cases and the rest of the subtypes studied. Expression of almost all immunohistochemical markers differed with respect to pT stage; only for CA9 was the difference not significant. Furthermore, almost all immunohistochemical markers studied differed with respect to differences in grade; only for GLUT1 was the difference not significant. Our results suggest that with the exception of Ki-67, there are no significant associations between analyzed markers and the double P53+/MDM2+ phenotype. | 25,119,170 | [
0.08542631,
0.125505,
-0.1617573,
-0.02226524,
0.2396779,
-0.2143641,
-0.169163,
0.1855811,
-0.05874662,
0.381564,
0.09776429,
0.3665323,
0.02136612,
-0.06144623,
-0.3221523,
-0.5159275,
-0.2827386,
0.1196646,
0.01984698,
0.3180403,
0.40431,
0.125581,
-0.2238406,
0.2956... |
Melanotic oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx. | We report a rare case of melanotic oncocytic metaplasia of the nasopharynx in a 63-year-old man, presenting as several black nodules up to several millimeters at the nasopharynx. It is a benign mimicker of malignant melanoma. | 25,119,180 | [
-0.4197106,
-0.2114806,
-0.2840512,
-0.2835547,
-0.08867525,
-0.2949156,
-0.6323372,
-0.01202917,
0.1284427,
-0.1217624,
0.2508807,
0.2831397,
0.06353596,
-0.3054636,
-0.311929,
-0.05374162,
-0.1412148,
-0.07426919,
0.2016038,
-0.5764703,
0.2237141,
0.02781398,
-0.2507995... |
Modeling the inflammatory response in the hypothalamus ensuing heat stroke: iterative cycle of model calibration, identifiability analysis, experimental design and data collection. | Heat Stroke (HS) is a life-threatening illness caused by prolonged exposure to heat that causes severe hyperthermia and nervous system abnormalities. The long term consequences of HS are poorly understood and deeper insight is required to find possible treatment strategies. Elevated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines during HS recovery suggest to play a major role in the immune response. In this study, we developed a mathematical model to understand the interactions and dynamics of cytokines in the hypothalamus, the main thermoregulatory center in the brain. Uncertainty and identifiability analysis of the calibrated model parameters revealed non-identifiable parameters due to the limited amount of data. To overcome the lack of identifiability of the parameters, an iterative cycle of optimal experimental design, data collection, re-calibration and model reduction was applied and further informative experiments were suggested. Additionally, a new method of approximating the prior distribution of the parameters for Bayesian optimal experimental design based on the profile likelihood is presented. | 25,119,202 | [
-0.0696292,
-0.06083189,
-0.2419664,
0.04786856,
0.214636,
-0.2705015,
0.008083426,
0.1907926,
0.09852692,
-0.1568823,
-0.1264792,
0.02581138,
-0.1320753,
-0.1798558,
-0.09307587,
0.09503905,
-0.03776502,
0.2289529,
-0.3169505,
0.3324529,
-0.0330661,
0.1982464,
-0.1873198... |
Heterogeneous reactions of particulate matter-bound PAHs and NPAHs with NO3/N2O5, OH radicals, and O3 under simulated long-range atmospheric transport conditions: reactivity and mutagenicity. | The heterogeneous reactions of ambient particulate matter (PM)-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) with NO3/N2O5, OH radicals, and O3 were studied in a laboratory photochemical chamber. Ambient PM2.5 and PM10 samples were collected from Beijing, China, and Riverside, California, and exposed under simulated atmospheric long-range transport conditions for O3 and OH and NO3 radicals. Changes in the masses of 23 PAHs and 20 NPAHs, as well as the direct and indirect-acting mutagenicity of the PM (determined using the Salmonella mutagenicity assay with TA98 strain), were measured prior to and after exposure to NO3/N2O5, OH radicals, and O3. In general, O3 exposure resulted in the highest relative degradation of PM-bound PAHs with more than four rings (benzo[a]pyrene was degraded equally well by O3 and NO3/N2O5). However, NPAHs were most effectively formed during the Beijing PM exposure to NO3/N2O5. In ambient air, 2-nitrofluoranthene (2-NF) is formed from the gas-phase NO3 radical- and OH radical-initiated reactions of fluoranthene, and 2-nitropyrene (2-NP) is formed from the gas-phase OH radical-initiated reaction of pyrene. There was no formation of 2-NF or 2-NP in any of the heterogeneous exposures, suggesting that gas-phase formation of NPAHs did not play an important role during chamber exposures. Exposure of Beijing PM to NO3/N2O5 resulted in an increase in direct-acting mutagenic activity which was associated with the formation of mutagenic NPAHs. No NPAH formation was observed in any of the exposures of the Riverside PM. This was likely due to the accumulation of atmospheric degradation products from gas-phase reactions of volatile species onto the surface of PM collected in Riverside prior to exposure in the chamber, thus decreasing the availability of PAHs for reaction. | 25,119,270 | [
-0.3756692,
-0.1875658,
-0.0002421998,
-0.1783952,
0.1712174,
0.01609438,
-0.2508287,
0.1791029,
0.1560674,
0.2906803,
0.04472528,
-0.0718847,
-0.1197181,
-0.2276127,
-0.00638847,
-0.23278,
-0.6040776,
0.4226002,
0.02692181,
0.211082,
0.2723127,
0.4567377,
0.09527278,
0... |
Longitudinal hemodynamic measurements in swine heart failure using a fully implantable telemetry system. | Chronic monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and flow in conscious free-roaming large animals can offer considerable opportunity to understand the progression of cardiovascular diseases and can test new diagnostics and therapeutics. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of chronic, simultaneous measurement of several hemodynamic parameters (left ventricular pressure, systemic pressure, blood flow velocity, and heart rate) using a totally implantable multichannel telemetry system in swine heart failure models. Two solid-state blood pressure sensors were inserted in the left ventricle and the descending aorta for pressure measurements. Two Doppler probes were placed around the left anterior descending (LAD) and the brachiocephalic arteries for blood flow velocity measurements. Electrocardiographic (ECG) electrodes were attached to the surface of the left ventricle to monitor heart rate. The telemeter body was implanted in the right side of the abdomen under the skin for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. The animals were subjected to various heart failure models, including volume overload (A-V fistula, n = 3), pressure overload (aortic banding, n = 2) and dilated cardiomyopathy (pacing-induced tachycardia, n = 3). Longitudinal changes in hemodynamics were monitored during the progression of the disease. In the pacing-induced tachycardia animals, the systemic blood pressure progressively decreased within the first 2 weeks and returned to baseline levels thereafter. In the aortic banding animals, the pressure progressively increased during the development of the disease. The pressure in the A-V fistula animals only showed a small increase during the first week and remained stable thereafter. The results demonstrated the ability of this telemetry system of long-term, simultaneous monitoring of blood flow, pressure and heart rate in heart failure models, which may offer significant utility for understanding cardiovascular disease progression and treatment. | 25,119,289 | [
-0.009252798,
0.09314436,
-0.1142265,
0.07191296,
0.1290133,
-0.4248238,
0.18926,
-0.2831467,
-0.08061717,
-0.2843864,
0.2718562,
-0.1984431,
-0.05610288,
0.008628493,
-0.4438417,
0.02400839,
-0.7808509,
0.1926464,
0.1151938,
-0.3725029,
-0.00704188,
-0.07492106,
-0.41470... |
A small molecule restores function to TRPML1 mutant isoforms responsible for mucolipidosis type IV. | Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder often characterized by severe neurodevelopmental abnormalities and neuro-retinal degeneration. Mutations in the TRPML1 gene are causative for MLIV. We used lead optimization strategies to identify--and MLIV patient fibroblasts to test--small-molecule activators for their potential to restore TRPML1 mutant channel function. Using the whole-lysosome planar patch-clamp technique, we found that activation of MLIV mutant isoforms by the endogenous ligand PI(3,5)P2 is strongly reduced, while activity can be increased using synthetic ligands. We also found that the F465L mutation renders TRPML1 pH insensitive, while F408Δ impacts synthetic ligand binding. Trafficking defects and accumulation of zinc in lysosomes of MLIV mutant fibroblasts can be rescued by the small molecule treatment. Collectively, our data demonstrate that small molecules can be used to restore channel function and rescue disease associated abnormalities in patient cells expressing specific MLIV point mutations. | 25,119,295 | [
-0.1076292,
-0.3221819,
-0.3601788,
-0.2023337,
0.01973055,
-0.1323316,
-0.3349327,
0.3146171,
-0.0402948,
-0.1495594,
0.05631786,
0.2088342,
-0.2578634,
-0.1279951,
-0.2338121,
0.05542871,
-0.5028841,
0.02257645,
-0.4757653,
0.1671876,
0.136765,
0.3667997,
-0.205428,
-... |
Quantum dynamics study of H + DBr and D + HBr reaction. | Time-dependent quantum wave packet calculations have been performed for the H + DBr and D + HBr reaction using the recent diabatic potential energy surfaces. Reaction probabilities, integral cross sections, and rate constants are obtained. The results show that the isotopic effects have an influence on the nonadiabatic effect which is generally inversely proportional to the atom mass. The calculated rate constants are in good overall agreement with experimental values, indicating that the ab initio surfaces are accurate to describe the isotopic effects. | 25,119,318 | [
-0.1173298,
-0.3144133,
-0.1148821,
0.2320349,
0.3159349,
-0.2744683,
-0.2809369,
0.06588192,
0.1221864,
0.06387972,
-0.1219628,
0.01436989,
0.07162362,
0.003674279,
-0.5266766,
-0.3865476,
-0.2904848,
0.3142428,
0.09047034,
-0.1783265,
0.3622211,
-0.02029577,
-0.1213842,... |
Decontamination methods for flexible nasal endoscopes. | A national survey was carried out to investigate the current UK practice for decontaminating flexible nasal endoscopes. A postal questionnaire was sent to Sisters in Charge of 200 ear, nose and throat (ENT) outpatient departments in the UK, with an overall response rate of 60.5%. Decontamination with chlorine dioxide wipes was the most favoured method, used in 58% of the hospitals that participated in this survey. Automated machines were also used in many places (34%). Only a few hospitals used flexible sheaths (7%). Many departments do not use a separate protocol for high-risk patients. | 25,119,327 | [
-0.2226219,
0.3283595,
-0.05205406,
-0.01156036,
-0.1389281,
-0.4398132,
-0.4017962,
-0.3861451,
0.2521349,
0.05737211,
0.282427,
-0.01195388,
0.3215417,
0.4925607,
0.5452948,
-0.1441322,
-0.4121452,
0.1718251,
-0.179712,
-0.3248791,
-0.2123354,
-0.1113462,
-0.2008181,
... |
Effects of iron supplements and perinatal factors on fetal hemoglobin disappearance in LBW infants. | The homeostatic mechanisms of iron metabolism and erythropoiesis in infants are unclear. Infants synthesize both fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and adult hemoglobin (HbA), and it is not known how the hemoglobin switch is regulated. We hypothesized that iron supplements to infants affect the disappearance of HbF. We randomized 285 low-birth-weight infants (2,000-2,500 g) into three intervention groups receiving 0, 1, or 2 mg/kg/d of iron supplements from 6 wk to 6 mo of age. In the present secondary analysis, we analyzed iron status, total hemoglobin (Hb), and HbF fraction at 6 wk, 12 wk, and at 6 mo and calculated absolute levels of HbF. We observed dose-dependent increased levels of Hb in iron-supplemented groups at 6 mo of age. However, for absolute HbF concentration, there was no similar effect of intervention. Mean (SD) HbF was 81.2 (16.8), 37.0 (13.8), and 8.1 (5.6) g/l at 6 wk, 12 wk, and 6 mo, respectively, similar in all groups. In linear regression analyses, postconceptional age turned out as the major predictor of HbF, independent of gestational age at birth. Our hypothesis was rejected. Instead, we confirmed a close correlation to postconceptional age, supporting a genetically programmed switch, insensitive to most environmental factors including birth. | 25,119,339 | [
-0.01192531,
-0.07147828,
-0.1679268,
0.141504,
0.3897484,
-0.3449362,
0.078203,
-0.1194952,
0.2075112,
-0.06716432,
0.05600064,
0.423736,
-0.06335355,
-0.1614387,
-0.2866309,
-0.427698,
-0.3489784,
-0.09863864,
-0.3158034,
0.1240292,
-0.04352379,
0.4110692,
-0.294993,
... |
Combination of intrauterine growth restriction and a high-fat diet impairs cholesterol elimination in rats. | Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of adult-onset hypercholesterolemia. High-fat diet (HFD) consumption potentiates IUGR-induced increased cholesterol. Cholesterol is converted to bile acids by Cyp7a1 in preparation for excretion. We hypothesized that IUGR rats fed a HFD will have increased cholesterol, decreased Cyp7a1 protein levels, and decreased bile acids compared to control rats fed a HFD. At day 21, IUGR and control pups were placed on one of three diets: a regular chow or one of two HFDs containing 1% or 2% cholesterol. Cholesterol levels and hepatic Cyp7a1 protein levels were quantified a postnatal week 28. Both HFDs increased serum cholesterol levels in control rats, and HFD fed IUGR rats had further increased serum cholesterol up to 35-fold. Both HFDs increased hepatic cholesterol levels, and IUGR further increased hepatic cholesterol levels up to fivefold. IUGR decreased hepatic Cyp7a1 protein up to 75%, and hepatic bile acids up to 54%. IUGR increased cholesterol and bile acids and decreased Cyp7a1 protein in rats fed a HFD without changing food intake. These findings suggest that IUGR increases the vulnerability of HFD fed rats to hypercholesterolemia via decreased cholesterol conversion to bile acids. | 25,119,340 | [
0.1397662,
-0.01627833,
-0.1973674,
0.2036918,
0.4089525,
-0.1999272,
0.01599558,
-0.1011472,
-0.003993806,
0.1564964,
0.1960823,
0.07316954,
-0.1335801,
0.1557408,
-0.2340954,
0.01834079,
-0.5175533,
0.1149748,
-0.1451299,
-0.2186368,
-0.3021739,
0.3636355,
0.2443276,
... |
Thermophilic potentially pathogenic amoebae isolated from natural water bodies in Poland and their molecular characterization. | The free-living amoebae (FLA) may live in the environment and also within other organisms as parasites and then they are called amphizoic. They are potentially pathogenic for humans and animals and are found in water that is a source of infection. The aim of this study was molecular detection and identification of these FLA in natural water bodies in North-Western Poland to evaluate the risk of the pathogenic amoebae infections. We examined surface water samples collected from 50 sites and first, the tolerance thermic test was performed in order to select thermophilic, potentially pathogenic strains. For molecular identification of FLA, regions of 18S rDNA, 16S rDNA and intergenic spacers were amplified. Acanthamoeba T4 and T16 genotypes of 18S rDNA gene and 18S rDNA of H. vermiformis were detected. We identified two variants of Acanthamoeba T4 genotype, two variants of Acanthamoeba T16 genotype and one variant of H. vermiformis. Identification of the T16 genotype and H. vermiformis in water was for the first time in Poland. Additionally, we made attempts to adapt the RLB method for detection and differentiation of FLA species and strains. PCR seems to be more sensitive than RLB hybridization, though. | 25,119,357 | [
-0.2651931,
-0.2284401,
-0.1665905,
0.1716085,
0.01383708,
-0.06382237,
-0.05806929,
-0.2270733,
0.1134894,
-0.2642929,
0.3020973,
0.02118046,
-0.1606691,
-0.2454928,
-0.01851753,
0.01709249,
-0.6115851,
0.2823426,
-0.445863,
-0.09691609,
0.3223622,
0.3219751,
-0.2694072,... |
A new brachycladiid species (Digenea) from Gervais' beaked whale Mesoplodon europaeus in north-western Atlantic waters. | A new species of the digenean family Brachycladiidae Odhner, 1905 is described from the bile ducts of a Gervais' beaked whale Mesoplodon europaeus Gervais (Ziphiidae) stranded on the North Atlantic coast of Florida. These parasites were assigned to Brachycladium Looss, 1899 and differed from other species of the genus in the relative size of the oral and ventral suckers, the form and size of the eggs and their extremely small body size. A canonical discriminant analysis was used to examine differences between these specimens and the smallest available individuals of B. atlanticum (Abril, Balbuena and Raga, 1991) Gibson, 2005, considered the morphologically closest species. The overall results exhibited significant differences between the two samples and a jack-knife classification showed that 96.2% of the specimens were correctly classified to their group. In view of evidence from morphological data, the specimens from M. europaeus are considered as new to science and are designated as Brachycladium parvulum n. sp. | 25,119,367 | [
-0.06817858,
0.01159909,
0.20013,
-0.1802385,
0.130594,
-0.5210924,
-0.3155393,
-0.2353521,
0.1413939,
0.0100996,
0.1210908,
0.16314,
0.004092353,
0.0009864015,
-0.1540255,
-0.2074961,
-0.5536109,
0.2334469,
0.1464315,
0.06624167,
0.07428056,
-0.1074624,
-0.06896214,
0.... |
A new species of Rhinonastes (Monogenoidea, Dactylogyridae), nasal parasite of Prochilodus argenteus (Actinopterygii, Characiformes) from Brazil. | A new species of Rhinonastes, hitherto monotypic, is described and illustrated from the nasal cavity of 'curimat', Prochilodus argenteus from São Francisco River, Brazil. Rhinonastes curimatae n. sp. presents a male copulatory organ with more than five rings while the type species of the genus is characterized by male copulatory organ with less than two rings. This is the first record of a nasal parasite in P. argenteus. | 25,119,370 | [
-0.1308376,
-0.1015057,
0.2237564,
-0.1080313,
-0.1765468,
-0.3171583,
-0.2376052,
-0.1086922,
0.2964145,
-0.05923753,
0.06304438,
-0.2303949,
-0.1202388,
0.005638165,
-0.09676807,
0.05224741,
-0.4561413,
-0.06410661,
0.2086842,
-0.04692323,
0.06036213,
-0.03211546,
-0.12... |
SR-A and SREC-I binding peptides increase HDAd-mediated liver transduction. | Helper-dependent adenoviral (HDAd) vectors can mediate long-term, high-level transgene expression from transduced hepatocytes without inducing chronic toxicity. However, vector therapeutic index is narrow because of a toxic acute response with potentially lethal consequences elicited by high vector doses. Kupffer cells (KCs) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are major barriers to efficient hepatocyte transduction. We investigated two small peptides (PP1 and PP2) developed by phage display to block scavenger receptor type A (SR-A) and scavenger receptor expressed on endothelial cells type I (SREC-I), respectively, for enhancement of HDAd-mediated hepatocyte transduction efficiency. Pre-incubation of J774A.1 macrophages with either PP1 or PP2 prior to HDAd infection significantly reduced viral vector uptake. In vivo, fluorochrome-conjugated PP1 and PP2 injected intravenously into mice co-localized with both CD68 and CD31 on KCs and LSECs, respectively. Compared with saline pre-treated animals, intravenous injections of both peptides prior to the injection of an HDAd resulted in up to 3.7- and 2.9-fold increase of hepatic transgene expression with PP1 and PP2, respectively. In addition to greater hepatocyte transduction, compared with control saline injected mice, pre-treatment with either peptide resulted in no increased levels of serum interleukin-6, the major marker of adenoviral vector acute toxicity. In summary, we developed small peptides that significantly increase hepatocyte transduction efficacy and improve HDAd therapeutic index with potential for clinical applications. | 25,119,377 | [
0.1987655,
-0.01951303,
-0.297436,
0.2083538,
0.1528691,
-0.3372395,
0.1411749,
0.2827227,
-0.1538917,
-0.01230302,
-0.1853948,
-0.1738324,
0.06760368,
0.1485669,
-0.6684146,
-0.01883247,
-0.339797,
-0.235276,
0.2659268,
0.001446476,
-0.3653157,
0.1112667,
0.1939729,
-0... |
Mesenteric inflammatory pseudotumor: a case report and comprehensive literature review. | This study aims to provide an overview of the literature on mesenteric/omental inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs). We present a new case of mesenteric IPT. We also conducted a systematic search of the English-language medical literature using PubMed, Medline, Google, and Google Scholar related to mesenteric or omental IPTs. The following search terms were used in various combinations: inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, IPT, mesentery, and omentum. The search included articles published in the English language between January, 1978 and April, 2014. Studies were excluded if the full text was unavailable or missing information prohibited comparisons. A total of 30 reports concerning 36 patients with inflammatory pseudotumors meeting the aforementioned criteria were included. The patients were aged from 10 months to 68 years (mean, 19.98 ± 20.5 years); 12 were female (16.75 ± 16.97 years; range, 10 months to 68 years) and 24 were male (21.6 ± 21.9 years; range, 18 months to 63 years). Detailed clinical and pathologic characteristics of 36 patients with IPTs are provided in Table 1. IPTs may be definitively diagnosed only by histopathological examination and are most effectively treated by resection with negative surgical borders. No consensus has yet been reached regarding when nonsurgical treatment options are most appropriate in management of these lesions. IPTs often recur locally, while distant metastases are very rare. Postoperative close surveillance is essential to detect recurrences early. | 25,119,386 | [
-0.1421637,
-0.1015156,
-0.2371727,
-0.4772277,
0.122524,
-0.1749945,
0.08766359,
0.08750967,
0.1604238,
-0.2127678,
0.1166534,
-0.0590861,
-0.04609381,
-0.04207237,
-0.6414103,
-0.1248596,
-0.06839179,
0.1553687,
0.02419315,
0.02669201,
0.01573026,
0.09703554,
-0.209949,... |
Somatotopic organization of trigeminal ganglion: three-dimensional reconstruction of three divisions. | Clearing the somatotopic organization of trigeminal ganglion can help us to improve the precision of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. The distribution of primary afferent perikarya of 3 branches of trigeminal nerve in the trigeminal ganglion was investigated in the rabbit, and 3D model was reconstructed then. After application of wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase and DiI to the cut endings of the 3 branches of trigeminal nerve, ophthalmic cells were found in the anteromedial part of the trigeminal ganglion, mandibular cells in the posterolateral part, and maxillary cells in the middle part. The results suggest that the somatotopic organization of the ganglion in rabbits is a mediolateral direction reflecting the mediolateral order of the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves. | 25,119,405 | [
0.07677251,
-0.0269749,
-0.07637018,
0.1276773,
-0.1484096,
-0.3683729,
-0.1165708,
0.3372992,
0.03293557,
-0.1357798,
0.2450628,
-0.1212918,
-0.1800379,
-0.2735983,
-0.3070575,
0.2695347,
-0.6461697,
0.2682614,
-0.05779019,
0.05767106,
0.2282846,
0.370582,
-0.08320544,
... |
Evidence of three-level trophic transfer of quantum dots in an aquatic food chain by using bioimaging. | In this study, we demonstrated the three-level trophic transfer of quantum dots (QDs) within the aquatic food chain. Using bioimaging, we observed QD transfer from protozoa (Astasia longa) to zooplankton (Moina macrocopa) to fish (Danio rerio). Bioimaging is an effective tool that can improve our understanding of the delivery of nanomaterials in vivo. Measurement with an intravital multiphoton laser scanning microscope visually proved the transfer of QDs from the first to the second and the second to the third levels. As QDs may be passed from lower organisms to humans via the food chain, our findings have implications for the safety of their use. | 25,119,416 | [
-0.1694548,
-0.2940814,
0.01908577,
-0.1227733,
-0.004635193,
0.03941537,
-0.2177748,
0.1373918,
0.003516732,
-0.1834604,
-0.03104274,
-0.2157874,
-0.02965149,
-0.2505081,
-0.5467703,
-0.1140508,
-0.5965511,
0.1268696,
-0.0306072,
-0.06806788,
0.1066869,
0.34228,
0.095182... |
Utility of models of the gastrointestinal tract for assessment of the digestion and absorption of engineered nanomaterials released from food matrices. | Engineered metal/mineral, lipid and biochemical macromolecule nanomaterials (NMs) have potential applications in food. Methodologies for the assessment of NM digestion and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract are nascent and require refinement. A working group was tasked by the International Life Sciences Institute NanoRelease Food Additive project to review existing models of the gastrointestinal tract in health and disease, and the utility of these models for the assessment of the uptake of NMs intended for food. Gastrointestinal digestion and absorption could be addressed in a tiered approach using in silico computational models, in vitro non-cellular fluid systems and in vitro cell culture models, after which the necessity of ex vivo organ culture and in vivo animal studies can be considered. Examples of NM quantification in gastrointestinal tract fluids and tissues are emerging; however, few standardized analytical techniques are available. Coupling of these techniques to gastrointestinal models, along with further standardization, will further strengthen methodologies for risk assessment. | 25,119,418 | [
-0.3434086,
-0.4603446,
-0.3471411,
-0.2015116,
-0.1524478,
-0.1287353,
-0.3268872,
0.270303,
0.2151294,
-0.1669703,
0.03990306,
-0.3352802,
0.1405931,
-0.1635291,
-0.5201421,
0.2464191,
-0.5797416,
-0.06709564,
-0.05178479,
0.01645649,
0.04368146,
0.1234681,
-0.2408893,
... |
Structure, stability and photocatalytic H2 production by Cr-, Mn-, Fe-, Co-, and Ni-substituted decaniobate clusters. | Here we report synthesis and characterization of early transition-metal(TM)-substituted decaniobates as a continuation of our previous report of tetramethylammonium (TMA) salt of FeNb9 and NiNb9: TMA6[H2Cr(III)Nb9O28]·14H2O (1, CrNb9), TMA8[Mn(III)Nb9O28]·29H2O (2, MnNb9) and TMA7[H2Co(II)Nb9O28]·25H2O (3, CoNb9). Among the TM-substituted decaniobates, CoNb9 or NiNb9 exhibit a higher photocatalytic H2 evolution activity in methanol-water mixtures than others. | 25,119,426 | [
-0.2377216,
0.02845124,
-0.2126763,
-0.2433944,
0.009259193,
-0.2180709,
-0.3708353,
0.03981471,
-0.0375403,
-0.2206158,
-0.1323757,
0.1238724,
0.1939143,
-0.04696052,
-0.4606895,
-0.2387353,
-0.1594024,
0.3514449,
0.1474933,
0.1939559,
-0.130382,
0.158262,
-0.08560818,
... |
GATA6 loss-of-function mutations contribute to familial dilated cardiomyopathy. | Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the most prevalent form of primary heart muscle disease, is the third most common cause of heart failure and the most frequent reason for cardiac transplantation. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that genetic risk factors are crucial in the pathogenesis of DCM. However, DCM is genetically heterogeneous, and the genetic basis of DCM in a large majority of cases remains unclear. In the current study, the coding exons and flanking introns of the GATA6 gene, which encodes a zinc‑finger transcription factor essential for cardiogenesis, was sequenced in 140 unrelated patients with DCM, and two novel heterozygous mutations, p.C447Y and p.H475R, were identified in two index patients with DCM, respectively. Analysis of the pedigrees showed that in each family the mutation co-segregated with DCM transmitted in an autosomal-dominant pattern, with complete penetrance. The missense mutations were absent in 400 control chromosomes and predicted to be disease-causing by MutationTaster or probably damaging by PolyPhen-2. The alignment of multiple GATA6 proteins across species revealed that the altered amino acids were completely conserved evolutionarily. The functional assays showed that the mutated GATA6 proteins were associated with significantly reduced transcriptional activation in comparison with their wild-type counterpart. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the association of GATA6 loss-of-function mutations with enhanced susceptibility to familial DCM, which provides novel insight into the molecular mechanism of DCM and suggests potential implications for the antenatal prophylaxis and allele-specific treatment of DCM. | 25,119,427 | [
-0.05962434,
0.0560982,
-0.03657851,
-0.1682136,
0.114873,
0.1522959,
0.1437513,
0.08785184,
0.2116152,
0.03741401,
0.2583322,
0.581679,
-0.1218383,
-0.1165374,
-0.4929344,
0.1038869,
-0.2081306,
-0.1501402,
-0.3851687,
-0.0601239,
0.05095922,
0.4959788,
-0.2160739,
-0.... |
Radical scavenging ability of gallic acid toward OH and OOH radicals. Reaction mechanism and rate constants from the density functional theory. | Gallic acid is a ubiquitous compound, widely distributed in the vegetal kingdom and frequently found in the human diet. In the present work, its primary antioxidant activity has been investigated using the density functional theory (DFT), and the quantum mechanics-based test for overall free radical scavenging activity (QM-ORSA) protocol. It was found that gallic acid is a better antioxidant than the reference compound, Trolox, regardless of the polarity of the environment. In addition, gallic acid is predicted to be among the best peroxyl radical scavengers identified so far in nonpolar (lipid) media. This compound is capable of scavenging hydroxyl radicals at diffusion-limited rates, and hydroperoxyl radicals with rate constants in the order of 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). The deprotonation of gallic acid, in aqueous solution, is predicted to increase the protective action of this compound against oxidative stress. Gallic acid was also identified as a versatile scavenger, capable of rapidly deactivating a wide variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) via electron transfer at physiological pH. | 25,119,432 | [
-0.05160829,
0.1664145,
-0.1961512,
0.2187842,
0.0978679,
0.1393557,
-0.07018788,
-0.1464601,
0.09994863,
0.002969728,
0.0565122,
0.374938,
0.1162219,
0.3391429,
-0.482162,
-0.02095006,
-0.6941766,
0.2555458,
0.07055047,
0.1419587,
-0.09823039,
0.3655936,
-0.1460805,
-0... |
Spleen enlargement is a common finding in acute Puumala hantavirus infection and it does not associate with thrombocytopenia. | The pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) infection is probably multifactorial. We aimed to evaluate the possible spleen enlargement during acute PUUV infection, and to determine its association with thrombocytopenia and disease severity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spleen was performed in 20 patients with acute PUUV infection. MRI was repeated 5-8 months later. The change in spleen length was compared with markers describing the severity of the disease. In all patients, the spleen length was increased in the acute phase compared with the control phase (median 129 mm vs 111 mm, p < 0.001). The change correlated with maximum C-reactive protein value (r = 0.513, p = 0.021) and inversely with maximum leukocyte count (r = -0.471, p = 0.036), but not with maximum serum creatinine level or minimum platelet count. Enlarged spleen, evaluated by MRI, was shown to be a common finding during acute PUUV infection. However, it does not associate with thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. | 25,119,440 | [
0.1027509,
-0.0381844,
0.02652388,
-0.09454874,
0.06158257,
-0.489838,
0.03925238,
0.184417,
-0.3272588,
0.1123962,
0.02572387,
-0.469936,
-0.03151674,
0.02423691,
-0.4784832,
-0.2485944,
0.03794366,
-0.07910275,
0.2449511,
0.04333495,
-0.1957663,
-0.09321427,
-0.4933815,... |
Cancer screenee cohort study of the National Cancer Center in South Korea. | The Cancer Screenee Cohort Study was first established in 2002 by the National Cancer Center in South Korea to investigate all possible risk factors related to cancers and to expand biological specimen banking for the development of effective methodologies for cancer detection, diagnosis, and prevention. As of July in 2014, total 41,105 participants were enrolled in this cohort. Data were collected via questionnaire, clinical examination, cancer screening, and biological specimen testing including blood, urine, and exfoliated cervical cells. The highest incidence was found to be thyroid cancer, according to a nested case-control study that was linked to the National Cancer Registry information as of December 31, 2011. Case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies have been published using these data since 2009. Diet and nutrition was the most published topic, followed by genetics, hepatitis B virus and liver cancer screening, methodologies, physical activity, obesity, metabolic syndrome, smoking and alcohol consumption, and blood type. Evidence from the Cancer Screenee Cohort Study is highly anticipated to reduce the burden of cancer in the Korean population and aid in the detection, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. | 25,119,453 | [
-0.01491542,
0.1871803,
-0.135256,
0.1520255,
-0.2025281,
-0.3966624,
-0.2069566,
0.2304068,
0.276043,
0.2794492,
0.175001,
0.1839207,
0.05290836,
-0.03055271,
-0.08479974,
0.1251879,
0.1386828,
0.08678171,
0.2242026,
-0.1580886,
0.01821503,
0.3025313,
-0.4324069,
0.332... |
In vitro conversion of vinyl to formyl groups in naturally occurring chlorophylls. | The chemical structural differences distinguishing chlorophylls in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms are either formyl substitution (chlorophyll b, d, and f) or the degree of unsaturation (8-vinyl chlorophyll a and b) of a side chain of the macrocycle compared with chlorophyll a. We conducted an investigation of the conversion of vinyl to formyl groups among naturally occurring chlorophylls. We demonstrated the in vitro oxidative cleavage of vinyl side groups to yield formyl groups through the aid of a thiol-containing compound in aqueous reaction mixture at room temperature. Heme is required as a catalyst in aqueous solution but is not required in methanolic reaction mixture. The conversion of vinyl- to formyl- groups is independent of their position on the macrocycle, as we observed oxidative cleavages of both 3-vinyl and 8-vinyl side chains to yield formyl groups. Three new chlorophyll derivatives were synthesised using 8-vinyl chlorophyll a as substrate: 8-vinyl chlorophyll d, [8-formyl]-chlorophyll a, and [3,8-diformyl]-chlorophyll a. The structural and spectral properties will provide a signature that may aid in identification of the novel chlorophyll derivatives in natural systems. The ease of conversion of vinyl- to formyl- in chlorophylls demonstrated here has implications regarding the biosynthetic mechanism of chlorophyll d in vivo. | 25,119,484 | [
-0.3869444,
0.1534032,
-0.1505855,
0.1306114,
0.118955,
0.08101103,
-0.01686068,
0.06567188,
0.2501331,
-0.002066875,
0.2156579,
0.0003159698,
-0.004595677,
-0.1990872,
0.0149257,
-0.023523,
-0.530655,
0.2334194,
0.0865894,
0.2975828,
0.1937899,
0.4348769,
-0.3731188,
0... |
On the nature of non-covalent interactions in isomers of 2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone dimers - ground- and excited-state properties. | The competition between non-covalent interactions (NCIs), such as C-H∙∙∙O, C-H∙∙∙Cl, C-Cl∙∙∙O, C-Cl∙∙∙Cl-C, C-O∙∙∙C, C-Cl∙∙∙C and C-O∙∙∙π, in the isomers of the 2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) dimer were investigated by quantum chemical calculations to study the properties of the ground and excited states. All the interactions were identified through bond critical points (BCP) with an atoms in molecule (AIM) study. Isomer 1 (IH) and isomer 6 (IP) were surprisingly very stable, and the largest stabilization energies of 4.16 and 5.39 kcal mol(-1), respectively, were observed for the ground state and 5.67 and 6.07 kcal mol(-1), respectively, were observed for the excited state at the MP2/6-31++G(d,p) level of theory. The orientations of the excited-state isomers were similar to those of the ground-state except for isomer 5 (IX) and isomer 9 (IM), which disturbed the relative energy stability order. The calculated absorption spectra have shown two absorption splits for isomers 5, 7, 8 and 9 through the acute angle between the transition dipole moment of the monomers. The circular dichroism (CD) couplet of the CD spectrum and the value of optical rotation (OR) have indicated that isomers 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9 have chiral characteristics. The study of the absorption and CD spectra has revealed the impact of intermolecular NCIs on chirality. | 25,119,497 | [
-0.2886565,
0.2746762,
0.09601029,
-0.18425,
-0.01490998,
0.04899561,
-0.4315312,
-0.004011656,
0.1014213,
-0.0642041,
0.05087781,
0.06873909,
-0.16688,
0.1746326,
-0.4770372,
-0.3231621,
-0.4583665,
0.1269743,
-0.07652915,
0.1926841,
0.2818938,
0.1773245,
-0.165856,
-0... |
Homogeneous photochemical water oxidation by biuret-modified Fe-TAML: evidence of Fe(V)(O) intermediate. | Water splitting, leading to hydrogen and oxygen in a process that mimics natural photosynthesis, is extremely important for devising a sustainable solar energy conversion system. Development of earth-abundant, transition metal-based catalysts that mimic the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II, which is involved in oxidation of water to O2 during natural photosynthesis, represents a major challenge. Further, understanding the exact mechanism, including elucidation of the role of active metal-oxo intermediates during water oxidation (WO), is critical to the development of more efficient catalysts. Herein, we report Fe(III) complexes of biuret-modified tetra-amidomacrocyclic ligands (Fe-TAML; 1a and 1b) that catalyze fast, homogeneous, photochemical WO to give O2, with moderate efficiency (maximum TON = 220, TOF = 0.76 s(-1)). Previous studies on photochemical WO using iron complexes resulted in demetalation of the iron complexes with concomitant formation of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) that were responsible for WO. Herein, we show for the first time that a high valent Fe(V)(O) intermediate species is photochemically generated as the active intermediate for the oxidation of water to O2. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first example of a molecular iron complex catalyzing photochemical WO through a Fe(V)(O) intermediate. | 25,119,524 | [
-0.070484,
0.06494626,
-0.1558659,
-0.04743262,
0.1643353,
-0.2990573,
-0.2015073,
0.03899844,
0.07832243,
-0.0002136524,
-0.1532919,
0.1374808,
-0.1527176,
-0.1521944,
-0.4426287,
-0.1445787,
-0.507253,
0.3172699,
-0.001396305,
-0.1105902,
0.2106725,
0.4029323,
-0.375512... |
Development of optimal medium content for bioelements accumulation in Bacopa monnieri (L.) in vitro culture. | Bacopa monnieri is one of the most interesting plants from the Ayurveda system. The aims of present research were, basing on in vitro shoot culture of B. monnieri, to determine content and to evaluate the influence of physiologically important metabolites on the selected bioelements accumulation in biomass. The most significant increase in biomass production was observed in the culture medium enriched with 0.5 mg/L of anthranilic acid. In this medium also, the highest accumulation of Mg was noted. The highest concentration of iron was determined in B. monnieri in vitro culture enriched with 0.25 g/L of serine. The addition of L-tryptophan, magnesium sulfate, and zinc hydroaspartate caused only a small increase in the accumulation of copper in B. monnieri. Increase in Zn accumulation was obtained in biomass from in vitro culture of B. monnieri with the addition of magnesium sulfate and zinc hydroaspartate. In the case of Na, the maximum level of this element was in biomass from medium enriched with zinc hydroaspartate. Twofold increase in K concentration was obtained in biomass from cultures on medium with addition of serine and magnesium sulfate. The concentrations of Ca in biomass of all studied media were at the similar level. | 25,119,546 | [
-0.09688634,
-0.2558349,
-0.166214,
0.1563175,
-0.2271703,
-0.1139344,
-0.3940291,
0.1103454,
-0.08885173,
-0.4297906,
-0.08371876,
0.2016651,
0.1191165,
0.2705784,
-0.6495452,
0.0840586,
0.07684176,
0.2247103,
-0.24119,
-0.1251545,
0.6020708,
0.4917008,
-0.009487743,
0... |
Effect of electroporation on bioconversion of isoflavones and probiotic properties of parents and subsequent passages of Bifidobacterium longum. | This study aimed to evaluate the effects of electroporation on growth, bioconversion of isoflavones, and probiotic properties of parent organisms and subsequent passages of Bifidobacterium longum FTDC 8643. Electroporation with the strength of electric field at 7.5 kV cm(-1) for 3.5 ms was applied on B. longum FTDC 8643. The viability of B. longum FTDC 8643 increased significantly upon treatment with electroporation. Such treatment also enhanced the intracellular and extracellular β-glucosidase activity, leading to enhanced production of bioactive isoflavone aglycones in mannitol-soymilk (P < 0.05). In addition, these treated cells also exhibited better tolerance toward acidic (pH 2 and pH 3) and intestinal bile salt condition compared to the control (P < 0.05). The electroporated cell also possessed better adhesion ability and antimicrobial activity (P < 0.05). However, all these positive effects were only prevalent in the parent cells and were not observed in their subsequent passages of electroporated cells. Our results suggested that electroporation could enhance the bioactive and probiotic potentials of parent cells of B. longum FTDC 8643 and could be used in the production of probiotic foods with enhanced bioactivity. | 25,119,552 | [
0.0642913,
-0.01389799,
0.02301589,
0.3026171,
0.01674131,
-0.2162056,
-0.04882476,
-0.1222585,
0.08377601,
-0.2465073,
-0.2275868,
-0.2660643,
-0.3227347,
0.0158746,
-0.5417981,
-0.2290096,
-0.4533112,
0.1937197,
-0.2177182,
0.1833016,
0.2579956,
0.5134589,
0.06262718,
... |
Factors affecting utilization of dental services during pregnancy. | The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate factors affecting utilization of dental services during pregnancy. Participants in this cross-sectional study were mothers visiting a community health center for their infants'/toddlers' immunization. Data were collected through a questionnaire about demographics, oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices, as well as barriers to dental visits during pregnancy. Mean (SD) and frequencies were used for data description. Different factors were analyzed as predictors for utilization of dental services using multiple logistic regression analysis. In total, 423 mothers completed the study. Mean (SD) age at delivery was 29.5 (5.3) years. Almost all participants brushed their teeth at least once daily with toothpaste. During pregnancy, 19.2% of mothers reported difficulties with brushing, and 25% had dental/periodontal problems. Half of the participants had a dental visit during pregnancy; 93% were for dental checkups, 80.5% received preventive care, and 28.8% received dental/periodontal treatments. Canadian-born women were 48% more likely to visit the dentist during pregnancy compared with non-Canadian counterparts (P = 0.048). Level of education, dental insurance, and household income were also positively associated with usage (P <0.001). Mothers with more knowledge about possible connections between oral health and pregnancy and those who visited the dentist every 6 months had better odds of visiting the dentist during pregnancy (P <0.001). Three major factors predicting the utilization of dental services during pregnancy were: 1) perceived need, 2) habit of regular dental visits, and 3) access to dental services. | 25,119,559 | [
0.1776043,
0.09790438,
-0.08236136,
0.2414377,
0.1009868,
-0.4139022,
-0.2082438,
-0.0415492,
-0.01240086,
0.2535116,
0.1347593,
0.0423903,
-0.01794275,
-0.206569,
0.01180098,
-0.2255926,
-0.6240971,
0.03708547,
-0.1589306,
-0.04071129,
0.3208518,
0.06528503,
-0.1479051,
... |
Therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment related peripheral neuropathies. | Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common toxicity associated with multiple chemotherapeutic agents. CIPN may have a detrimental impact on patients' quality of life and functional ability, as well as result in chemotherapy dose reductions. Although symptoms of CIPN can improve with treatment completion, symptoms may persist. Currently, the treatment options for CIPN are quite limited. Duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has the most evidence supporting its use in the treatment of CIPN. Other agents with potential benefit for the treatment of established CIPN include gabapentinoids, venlafaxine, tricyclic antidepressants, and a topical gel consisting of the combination of amitriptyline, ketamine, and baclofen; none of these, however, has been proven to be helpful and ongoing/future studies may well show that they are not beneficial. The use of these agents is often based on their efficacy in the treatment of non-CIPN neuropathic pain, but this does not necessarily mean that they will be helpful for CIPN-related symptoms. Other nonpharmacologic interventions including acupuncture and Scrambler therapy are supported by positive preliminary data; however, further larger, placebo-controlled trial data are needed to confirm or refute their effectiveness. | 25,119,581 | [
-0.063728,
-0.008314155,
0.02520508,
-0.3031925,
-0.04432911,
0.03620746,
-0.02482573,
0.2651788,
-0.0580392,
-0.1906586,
0.02298177,
0.0512374,
-0.1620381,
0.5690994,
-0.1830453,
-0.08216642,
-0.487314,
0.1033431,
0.09214847,
-0.1764175,
-0.1290661,
0.3398499,
0.07966855... |
Antiretroviral therapy adherence measurement in non-clinical settings in South India. | Optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is key to viral suppression, but may be impeded by psychosocial consequences of HIV-infection such as stigma and depression. Measures of adherence in India have been examined in clinic populations, but little is known about the performance of these measures outside clinical settings. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 151 Tamil-speaking people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in India recruited through HIV support networks and compared single item measures from the Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group (AACTG) scale, a visual analog scale (VAS), and a question on timing of last missed dose. Depression was measured using the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) and HIV-related stigma was measured using an adaptation of the Berger Stigma Scale. Mean age was 35.6 years (SD ± 5.9); 55.6% were male; mean MDI score was 11.9 (SD ± 9.1); and mean stigma score was 67.3 (SD ± 12.0). Self-reported perfect adherence (no missed doses) was 93.3% using the AACTG item, 87.1% using last missed dose, and 83.8% using the VAS. The measures had moderate agreement with each other (kappa 0.45-0.57). Depression was associated with lower adherence irrespective of adherence measure used, and remained significantly associated in multivariable analyses adjusting for age and marital status. Stigma was not associated with adherence irrespective of the measure used. The VAS captured the greatest number of potentially non-adherent individuals and may be useful for identifying PLHA in need of adherence support. Given the consistent and strong association between poorer adherence and depression, programs that jointly address adherence and mental health for PLHA in India may be more effective than programs targeting only one. | 25,119,585 | [
-0.1060389,
0.248678,
0.113337,
-0.3280184,
0.1257566,
-0.0790592,
-0.4092702,
0.3017421,
0.3024488,
-0.382564,
0.04510364,
0.04744916,
0.06632027,
-0.1168999,
-0.3702475,
0.1207444,
-0.4117639,
0.147774,
-0.02780366,
0.005704653,
-0.3252733,
0.0664439,
0.03044813,
-0.2... |
Fluorescence in situ hybridization of chromosome 17 polysomy in breast cancer using thin tissue sections causes the loss of CEP17 and HER2 signals. | Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2 gene) and chromosome 17 polysomy are associated with breast cancer prognosis, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. HER2 gene analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 4-µm sections assuming a nuclear diameter of 6 µm caused the loss of genetic DNA. Using intact whole nuclei FISH (WNFISH) and thin tissue section FISH (TTFISH), 109 cases of invasive breast cancer were examined to observe correlations among HER2 gene amplification, CEP17 polysomy and the HER2/CEP17 ratio. The results showed significant differences in the mean copy number of HER2 and the HER2/CEP17 ratios between the WNFISH and TTFISH groups. No significant differences were observed in HER2 amplified, equivocal and non-amplified HER2 samples. Thirty-seven cases of CEP17 polysomy and 72 cases of non‑polysomy were detected by WNFISH. Twenty-nine cases of CEP17 polysomy and 72 cases of non-polysomy were detected by TTFISH. Significant differences were observed between the two methods using the McNemar test (P=0.039). In conclusion, detection of chromosome 17 polysomy in breast cancer with fluorescence in situ hybridization using thin tissue sections may cause the loss of CEP17 and HER2 signals. | 25,119,636 | [
-0.07963739,
-0.2314261,
0.5028235,
0.0674625,
-0.08017234,
-0.2417421,
-0.2304371,
0.5315084,
0.2994786,
-0.1446404,
0.4354548,
0.4463905,
-0.2120003,
-0.2342904,
-0.1003797,
-0.6285211,
-0.1092528,
0.2911449,
-0.003863171,
-0.1745346,
0.3071526,
0.2261679,
-0.002882967,... |
A high-protein formula increases colonic peptide transporter 1 activity during neonatal life in low-birth-weight piglets and disturbs barrier function later in life. | Dietary peptides are absorbed along the intestine through peptide transporter 1 (PepT-1) which is highly responsive to dietary protein level. PepT-1 is also involved in gut homeostasis, both initiating and resolving inflammation. Low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates are routinely fed a high-protein (HP) formula to enhance growth. However, the influence of this nutritional practice on PepT-1 activity is unknown. Intestinal PepT-1 activity was compared in normal-birth-weight (NBW) and LBW piglets. The effect of HP v. normal-protein (NP) formula feeding on PepT-1 activity and gut homeostasis in LBW piglets was evaluated, during the neonatal period and in adulthood. Flux of cephalexin (CFX) across the tissue mounted in Ussing chambers was used as an indicator of PepT-1 activity. CFX flux was greater in the ileum, but not jejunum or colon, of LBW than NBW piglets during the neonatal period. When LBW piglets were formula-fed, the HP formula increased colonic CFX during the 1st week of life. Later in life, intestinal CFX fluxes and barrier function were similar whether LBW pigs had been fed NP or HP formula. However, colonic permeability of HP- but not NP-fed pigs increased when luminal pH was brought to 6·0. The formyl peptide N-formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine conferred colonic barrier protection in HP-fed piglets. Heat shock protein 27 levels in the colonic mucosa of HP-fed LBW pigs correlated with the magnitude of response to the acidic challenge. In conclusion, feeding a HP formula enhanced colonic PepT-1 activity in LBW pig neonates and increased sensitivity of the colon to luminal stress in adulthood. | 25,119,667 | [
0.144941,
-0.338466,
-0.2006707,
0.0427396,
0.3535722,
-0.06412715,
0.04585615,
-0.05405196,
0.08681183,
-0.1937788,
0.162576,
-0.3947214,
0.1023637,
0.2859624,
-0.3719153,
-0.272678,
-0.5064582,
0.04976173,
-0.4281385,
0.1307568,
0.002919062,
0.1790189,
-0.04757264,
-0... |
Molecular detection and characterization of human gyroviruses identified in the ferret fecal virome. | The recently described novel gyroviruses may infect chickens and/or humans; however, their pathogenic potential is unknown. In our metagenomic investigation, we detected many of the novel gyroviruses in the fecal viromes of ferrets with lymph node and organ enlargement. The complete genomic sequences of selected gyrovirus strains showed 90.7-99.4 % similarity to homologous reference gyrovirus strains. This study did not demonstrate an association between gyrovirus shedding from ferrets and the observed background disease; however, it provides evidence for genetic diversity among gyroviruses and raises the possibility that pet ferrets may transmit gyroviruses to heterologous hosts, e.g., humans. | 25,119,678 | [
-0.3621991,
0.0129854,
-0.1275093,
-0.07302606,
-0.01157293,
-0.1711721,
0.09757576,
-0.1181174,
-0.1439606,
-0.1290519,
0.09485079,
-0.2560619,
0.1690273,
-0.07888695,
-0.488646,
0.1598557,
-0.4999948,
0.1232224,
-0.0349481,
-0.2872654,
-0.1820797,
0.0721703,
-0.3051756,... |
[Health protection during heat waves: European recommendations and experience in Hesse]. | In the course of climate change periods of extreme heat will probably happen more frequently. The aim of heat health action plans is to prevent the health consequences of heat. The purpose of the present work is to develop a proposal for a heat health action plan for Hesse, Germany. In 34 interviews with experts the existing heat health warning system was evaluated. Heat health action plans of 8 European countries were analysed. On this basis a concept for a heat health action plan for Hesse was developed. In Hesse only nursing homes take preventative measures reliably, other health care sectors act along varying individual criteria. Heat health action plans include a heat health warning system and measures. They arrange competences and risk communication. Local authorities are responsible for implementation. Some plans include a surveillance system of mortality or morbidity. In a heat health action plan for Hesse measures should be specified and adapted to specific needs on the local level. Physicians in outpatient clinics are in a key position having contact with the vulnerable group of the elderly. A heat health action plan offers opportunities for effective prevention if responsibilities are defined and evaluated, and monitoring of mortality and morbidity is integrated. In the structures of the German health care system efforts to prevent heat-related illness cannot succeed without reliable participation of the outpatient medical system. | 25,119,705 | [
-0.2329201,
-0.04851471,
0.1158795,
-0.1162242,
0.08041333,
-0.1820437,
0.109813,
-0.08475767,
0.0516369,
0.1246876,
0.1696302,
-0.4139146,
-0.02508363,
-0.5243809,
-0.2086565,
-0.2320097,
-0.4160276,
0.3138852,
-0.09776522,
0.2906668,
0.3702642,
0.367361,
0.01187558,
0... |
Efficacy of new pediatric extra-corporeal life support system (Endumo 2000) for postoperative management after Norwood operation. | This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a new pediatric extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) system (Endumo 2000, Heiwa Bussan, Tokyo, Japan) for postoperative management after the Norwood operation. Thirty-three consecutive patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or its variant undergoing the Norwood operation between August 2007 and December 2013 were divided into two groups according to available ECLS devices. Before November 2009, pediatric Emersave (TERUMO, Saitama, Japan) was employed as the ECLS device, and 14 patients were operated on during this period (Emersave era: 7 boys; 2.9 kg). After December 2009, Endumo 2000 was employed and 19 patients were operated on (Endumo era: 8 boys, 3.1 kg). The demographic characteristics of both groups showed no significant differences. ECLS was initiated in 7 of 14 patients (50%) during the Emersave era and 7 of 19 patients (37%) during the Endumo era (p = 0.45). Chest reentry for hemostasis during ECLS support was more frequently needed in patients supported by Emersave (5/7) than Endumo (1/7) (p = 0.03). The first ECLS circuit durability of Endumo was significantly longer than that of Emersave (p = 0.01). The survival at discharge rate in patients required ECLS was 0% (0/7) when supported by Emersave, but 57% (4/7) by Endumo (p = 0.02). As a result, the survival at discharge rate was 43% (6/14) in the Emersave era and 79% (14/19) in the Endumo era (p = 0.03). Longer durability and superior antithrombogenicity of the Endumo 2000 contributed to the improvement of surgical outcomes after the Norwood operation. | 25,119,706 | [
0.1704012,
0.1407025,
-0.08901007,
-0.5099717,
-0.2477745,
-0.400069,
0.1974391,
0.05536295,
0.08687782,
0.26947,
-0.02351929,
0.09816265,
0.05113749,
-0.202754,
-0.2527219,
-0.324868,
-0.1943682,
-0.074551,
0.1826988,
-0.3114721,
-0.06986224,
0.3523476,
-0.1649499,
0.4... |
Anatomical region differences and age-related changes in copper, zinc, and manganese levels in the human brain. | Using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after samples microwave-assisted acid digestion, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels were measured in 14 different areas of the human brain of adult individuals (n = 42; 71 ± 12, range 50-101 years old) without a known history of neurodegenerative, neurological, or psychiatric disorder. The main goals of the work were to establish the "normal" (reference) values for those elements in the human brain and to evaluate the age-related changes, a prior and indispensable step in order to enlighten the role of trace element (TE) in human brain physiology and their involvement in aging and neurodegenerative processes. Considering the mean values for the 14 regions, Zn (mean ± sd; range 53 ± 5; 43-61 μg/g) was found at higher levels, followed by Cu (22 ± 5; 10-37 μg/g) and Mn (1.3 ± 0.3; 0.5-2.7 μg/g). The TE distribution across the brain tissue showed to be quite heterogeneous: the highest levels of Zn were found in the hippocampus (70 ± 10; 49-95 μg/g) and superior temporal gyrus (68 ± 10; 44-88 μg/g) and the lowest in the pons (33 ± 8; 19-51 μg/g); the highest levels of Cu and Mn were found in the putamen (36 ± 13; 21-76 μg/g and 2.5 ± 0.8; 0.7-4.5 μg/g, respectively) and the lowest in the medulla (11 ± 6; 2-30 μg/g and 0.8 ± 0.3; 0.2-1.8 μg/g, respectively). A tendency for an age-related increase in Zn and Mn levels was observed in most brain regions while Cu levels showed to be negatively correlated with age. | 25,119,708 | [
-0.08961533,
-0.1857714,
-0.1982271,
-0.2875521,
-0.159483,
-0.1969369,
-0.1519896,
0.05827485,
-0.05849424,
0.3149795,
0.1364269,
0.1957019,
0.1569218,
-0.6026248,
-0.4624407,
0.1070234,
0.12402,
0.02937064,
-0.1993975,
0.2455764,
0.1312516,
0.5313962,
0.03300256,
-0.0... |
Analysis of the DNA interaction of copper compounds belonging to the Casiopeínas® antitumoral series. | Casiopeínas® are mixed-chelate copper complexes with antitumor tested potential. Their activity, both in vitro and in vivo, as antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and genotoxic drugs has been assessed. Biological results of these copper compounds have deserved some of them entering clinical trials. Significant efforts have been devoted to the in-depth identification of their mechanism of action. Using gel electrophoresis analysis, we have previously shown that the interaction of the Casiopeínas® Cas II-gly, [Cu(4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)(glycinate)]NO3 with DNA, triggers the cleavage of the biomolecule by a free radical mechanism. In this work, we further study the behavior of different complexes of the same Casiopeínas® series also including glycinate as co-ligand {Cas VI-gly (5,6 dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline glycinato copper(II) nitrate), Cas VII-gly (1,10-phenanthroline glycinato copper(II) nitrate), and Cas IX-gly (2,2'-bipyridine glycinato copper(II) nitrate)} and of a Casiopeínas® with a different co-ligand (Cas III-Cs; 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline salicylaldehydato-copper(II) nitrate). While all of them produce DNA degradation, the performance in the presence of a radical scavenger suggests the existence of differences in their mechanism of interaction with DNA. | 25,119,709 | [
-0.3058403,
0.06685171,
-0.0001157861,
-0.05583719,
-0.05424097,
-0.05656953,
-0.3610916,
-0.2646174,
0.3187728,
0.1764272,
-0.1278267,
0.2774939,
-0.07089639,
-0.1752511,
-0.7176574,
0.01582605,
-0.192839,
0.04310159,
0.1867037,
0.28873,
0.1683734,
0.103458,
-0.1029909,
... |
Bark harvesting systems of Drimys brasiliensis Miers in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. | Drimys brasiliensis Miers, locally known as cataia or casca-de-anta, is a native tree species of the Atlantic Rainforest. Its bark is harvested from natural populations. This study examined the recovery capacity of the bark of D. brasiliensis under different bark harvesting methods, as well as the influence of these approaches on its population dynamics and reproductive biology. While none of these treatments resulted in changes in phenological behavior or the rate of increase of diameter at breast height and tree height, the removal of wider bark strips resulted in lower rates of bark recovery and higher rates of insect attack and diseases. Accordingly, the results recommend using strips of bark 2 cm wide and 2 m long, with 4 cm between strips, for effective rates of bark regrowth and for lower susceptibility to insect attack and diseases. From these studies, we concluded that D. brasiliensis has a high potential for sustainable management of its natural populations, demonstrating the possibility of generating an important supplementary income for farmers and contributing to the use and conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest. | 25,119,732 | [
0.01266189,
0.1311926,
0.1608189,
-0.002769632,
-0.03020086,
-0.09618908,
-0.2624941,
-0.08210934,
0.1119962,
-0.004393556,
0.1189032,
-0.2142505,
-0.01506026,
-0.3617582,
-0.6203497,
0.005707913,
-0.2467131,
-0.0815875,
0.3899878,
-0.1824419,
0.1159597,
0.01898368,
-0.33... |
The effect of composition, size, and solubility on acute pulmonary injury in rats following exposure to Mexico city ambient particulate matter samples. | Particulate matter (PM)-associated metals can contribute to adverse cardiopulmonary effects following exposure to air pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate how variation in the composition and size of ambient PM collected from two distinct regions in Mexico City relates to toxicity differences. Male Wistar Kyoto rats (14 wk) were intratracheally instilled with chemically characterized PM10 and PM2.5 from the north and PM10 from the south of Mexico City (3 mg/kg). Both water-soluble and acid-leachable fractions contained several metals, with levels generally higher in PM10 South. The insoluble and total, but not soluble, fractions of all PM induced pulmonary damage that was indicated by significant increases in neutrophilic inflammation, and several lung injury biomarkers including total protein, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and γ-glutamyl transferase activity 24 and 72 h postexposure. PM10 North and PM2.5 North also significantly decreased levels of the antioxidant ascorbic acid. Elevation in lung mRNA biomarkers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-2), oxidative stress (heme oxygenase [HO]-1, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor [LOX]-1, and inducibile nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]), and thrombosis (tissue factor [TF] and plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI]-1), as well as reduced levels of fibrinolytic protein tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), further indicated pulmonary injury following PM exposure. These responses were more pronounced with PM10 South (PM10 South > PM10 North > PM2.5 North), which contained higher levels of redox-active transition metals that may have contributed to specific differences in selected lung gene markers. These findings provide evidence that surface chemistry of the PM core and not the water-soluble fraction played an important role in regulating in vivo pulmonary toxicity responses to Mexico City PM. | 25,119,738 | [
0.03394324,
-0.1979205,
0.01231175,
-0.2773122,
-0.1942095,
-0.2281896,
0.003800668,
-0.1454858,
-0.0742493,
-0.04921718,
-0.1380103,
-0.1367528,
-0.1133601,
-0.4394307,
-0.128497,
0.2309546,
-0.2741131,
-0.07381789,
0.4457633,
0.3125091,
-0.2566094,
0.3301821,
-0.2887119... |
Neck circumference as a new anthropometric indicator for prediction of insulin resistance and components of metabolic syndrome in adolescents: Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study. | To evaluate the correlation between neck circumference and insulin resistance and components of metabolic syndrome in adolescents with different adiposity levels and pubertal stages, as well as to determine the usefulness of neck circumference to predict insulin resistance in adolescents. Cross-sectional study with 388 adolescents of both genders from ten to 19 years old. The adolescents underwent anthropometric and body composition assessment, including neck and waist circumferences, and biochemical evaluation. The pubertal stage was obtained by self-assessment, and the blood pressure, by auscultation. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance. The correlation between two variables was evaluated by partial correlation coefficient adjusted for the percentage of body fat and pubertal stage. The performance of neck circumference to identify insulin resistance was tested by Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve. After the adjustment for percentage body fat and pubertal stage, neck circumference correlated with waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides and markers of insulin resistance in both genders. The results showed that the neck circumference is a useful tool for the detection of insulin resistance and changes in the indicators of metabolic syndrome in adolescents. The easiness of application and low cost of this measure may allow its use in Public Health services. | 25,119,754 | [
0.1353417,
0.05611748,
0.1139575,
0.04191349,
0.2072562,
-0.3869467,
-0.3941853,
0.2966409,
0.4374764,
0.2731606,
0.04840976,
-0.4505962,
-0.2931668,
-0.473405,
-0.3960064,
-0.5401986,
-0.1160106,
-0.1009062,
-0.1655883,
0.1535264,
-0.03919818,
-0.2500327,
-0.3007608,
0... |
Sociocultural Factors Influencing Incident Reporting Among Physicians and Nurses: Understanding Frames Underlying Self- and Peer-Reporting Practices. | Voluntary reporting of incidents is a common approach for improving patient safety. Reporting behaviors may vary because of different frames within and across professions, where frames are templates that individuals hold and that guide interpretation of events. Our objectives were to investigate frames of physicians and nurses who report into a voluntary incident reporting system as well as to understand enablers and inhibitors of self-reporting and peer reporting. This is a qualitative case study-confidential in-depth interviews with physicians and nurses in General Internal Medicine in a Canadian tertiary care hospital. Frames that health care practitioners use in their reporting practices serve as enablers and inhibitors for self-reporting and peer reporting. Frames that inhibit reporting are shared by physicians and nurses, such as the fear of blame frame regarding self-reporting and the tattletale frame regarding peer reporting. These frames are underpinned by a focus on the individual, despite the organizational message of reporting for learning. A learning frame is an enabler to incident reporting. Viewing the objective of voluntary incident reporting as learning allows practitioners to depersonalize incident reporting. The focus becomes preventing recurrence and not the individual reporting or reported on. Physicians and nurses use various frames that bound their views of self and peer incident reporting-further progress should incorporate an understanding of these deep-seated views and beliefs. | 25,119,783 | [
-0.08626442,
0.117355,
0.1616933,
-0.251108,
0.06890704,
-0.05268894,
0.2615531,
-0.08580422,
0.20144,
-0.123483,
0.04566293,
-0.04551331,
-0.1580072,
-0.202474,
-0.0987055,
0.008838071,
-0.5281962,
0.1016789,
0.1295275,
-0.01298861,
-0.004234951,
0.2044487,
-0.2297284,
... |
[Pharmacogenetics and prediction of side effects of drugs]. | Drug response is often variable from one individual to another, which sometimes makes them difficult to use when the therapeutic range is narrow. This interindividual variability in response can be explained in part by genetic factors affecting the metabolism, transport and the mechanism of action of drugs. Pharmacogenetics studies the genetic mechanisms involved in the response to drugs in order to optimize drug therapy, both in terms of efficacy and job security. This article summarizes the most known present clinical applications that illustrate the benefit of pharmacogenetic tests available to the clinician and are feasible for routine therapeutic management of patients (prediction of efficacy and toxicity of drugs), but also to demonstrate the benefit of pharmacogenetic tests in terms of health economics (reducing the incidence of hospitalizations for adverse drug events). | 25,119,798 | [
-0.002312553,
-0.1590702,
0.09046039,
-0.05602991,
0.1467751,
-0.4263859,
-0.009133397,
0.03588574,
0.02919687,
-0.1766558,
0.0391905,
0.04045501,
0.1100303,
0.03137098,
-0.5713595,
-0.3982038,
-0.2706285,
0.1302951,
0.1591768,
0.3310612,
0.2686873,
0.232648,
-0.1086123,
... |
[EEQ in clinical embryology: a starting program]. | Every laboratory including those working in assisted reproductive technologies have to be accredited EN ISO 15189 before 2020. This standardisation includes an external quality evaluation (EQE). In order to work out an EQE tool, we used images extracted from our own database developed during daily practice. We achieved an easily online tool called: "EEQ en embryologie clinique", developed on Biologie prospective web site with ART French biologists Association (Blefco) expertise in evaluation of early human embryonic stages. In 2013, 38 ART laboratories participate to the first program with more than 90% of appropriates results. The present article aims at describing this tool and discussing its limits. | 25,119,804 | [
-0.1103215,
0.2080263,
0.003038799,
-0.09494741,
0.01963772,
-0.1526449,
0.1164718,
0.09416381,
0.145155,
-0.2085149,
0.2280783,
0.1569825,
-0.04082976,
-0.3248686,
-0.4164157,
-0.4887345,
-0.3663482,
-0.07257512,
-0.02644661,
0.0879018,
0.2956355,
0.1655382,
-0.1912465,
... |
[Gemella haemolysans brain abscess in a child with complex congenital heart disease]. | Gemella haemolysans, a Gram positive cocci which are deemed to be the normal inhabitant of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx, has been recognized as a pathogen involved in abscess formation. The aim of this case report is to demonstrate that it is also involved in brain abscess in children. We report, to our knowledge, the first pediatric case of Gemella haemolysans brain abscess in an 11 years old child carrying a complex congenital heart disease (dextrocardia with single right ventricle) which evolved favorably under antibiotic therapy. Because of its similarity with Streptococcus viridans groupe, Gemella haemolysans often remains under-diagnosed in the laboratory. The contribution of microbiologists in its correct identification is very important. | 25,119,809 | [
-0.3822611,
-0.1229205,
-0.2445558,
0.1103342,
-0.04085299,
-0.1665701,
-0.5074703,
-0.4445598,
-0.09385672,
-0.05467721,
0.1632189,
0.4776155,
-0.1346448,
-0.3065512,
-0.3841658,
-0.09539428,
-0.6501238,
0.002419663,
-0.06149952,
-0.07930738,
0.3951969,
0.1692422,
-0.047... |
[Immunoanalytical characteristics of galectin-3]. | This paper points out the structural and physiological data of galectin-3, and emphasizes its role in cardiac fibrosis and heart failure pathophysiology. Then we summarize the optimal conditions for sampling, assays and we discuss the interpretation of results. | 25,119,810 | [
0.07261915,
0.02477126,
-0.2702525,
-0.02496821,
-0.07097978,
0.1315673,
-0.1371297,
0.1905899,
0.08947903,
0.124889,
-0.03375768,
-0.07825093,
0.08657625,
-0.2917237,
-0.2529762,
-0.07420375,
-0.203727,
0.1382461,
0.02636665,
0.08567166,
0.1224113,
0.3175143,
-0.4121346,... |
Increasing and decreasing the ultrastability of bacterial chemotaxis core signaling complexes by modifying protein-protein contacts. | The chemosensory signaling array of bacterial chemotaxis is composed of functional core units containing two receptor trimers of dimers, a homodimeric CheA kinase, and two CheW adaptor proteins. In vitro reconstitutions generate individual, functional core units and larger functional assemblies, including dimers, hexagons, and hexagonal arrays. Such reconstituted complexes have been shown to have both quasi-stable and ultrastable populations that decay with lifetimes of 1-2 days and ∼3 weeks at 22 °C, respectively, where decay results primarily from proteolysis of the bound kinase [Erbse, A. H., and Falke, J. J. (2009) Biochemistry 48, 6975-6987; Slivka, P. F., and Falke, J. J. (2012) Biochemistry 51, 10218-10228]. In this work, we show that the ultrastable population can be destabilized to the quasi-stable level via the introduction of a bulky tryptophan residue at either one of two essential protein-protein interfaces within the core unit: the receptor-kinase contact or kinase-adaptor interface 1. Moreover, we demonstrate that the quasi-stable population can be made ultrastable via the introduction of a disulfide bond that covalently stabilizes the latter interface. The resulting disulfide at least doubles the functional lifetime of the ultrastable population, to ≥5.9 weeks at 22 °C, by protecting the kinase from endogenous and exogenous proteases. Together, these results indicate that the ultrastability of reconstituted core complexes requires well-formed contacts among the receptor, kinase, and adaptor proteins, whereas quasi-stability arises from less perfect contacts that allow slow proteolysis of the bound kinase. Furthermore, the results reveal that ultrastability, and perhaps the size or order of chemosensory complexes and arrays, can be increased by an engineered disulfide bond that covalently cross-links a key interface. Overall, it appears that native ultrastability has evolved to provide an optimal rather than maximal level of kinetic durability, suggesting that altered selective pressure could either increase or decrease the functional lifetime of core complexes. | 25,119,814 | [
0.09711856,
-0.1385621,
-0.08339483,
-0.05403193,
-0.2355182,
-0.2955766,
-0.2121207,
0.1751861,
0.3831992,
-0.2195123,
0.19551,
0.03146575,
-0.08183061,
0.2354068,
-0.3849338,
0.004634671,
-0.5870643,
-0.2653411,
-0.1119702,
-0.1188171,
-0.1281143,
0.1963247,
-0.06056989... |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.