title stringlengths 0 901 | abstract stringlengths 3 9.89k | PMID int64 22 25.3M | embedding listlengths 768 768 |
|---|---|---|---|
Inhibition of U(VI) reduction by synthetic and natural pyrite. | Reductive precipitation is an effective method of attenuating the mobility of uranium (U) in subsurface environments. The reduction of U(VI) by synthetic and naturally occurring pyrite was investigated at pH 3.0-9.5. In contrast to thermodynamic calculations that were used to predict UO2(s) precipitation, a mixed U(IV) and U(VI) product (e.g., U3O8/U4O9/U3O7) was only observed at pH 6.21-8.63 and 4.52-4.83 for synthetic and natural pyrite, respectively. Under acidic conditions, the reduction of UO2(2+) by surface-associated Fe(2+) may not be favored because the mineral surface is nearly neutral or not negative enough. At high pH, the sorption of negatively charged U(VI) species is not favored on the negatively charged mineral surface. Thus, the redox reaction is not favored. Trace elements generally contained within the natural pyrite structure can affect the reactivity of pyrite and lead to a different result between the natural and synthetic pyrite. Because UO2(s) is extremely redox-sensitive toward U(VI), the observed UO2+x(s) phase reduction product indicates a surface reaction that is largely controlled by reaction kinetics and pyrite surface chemistry. These factors may explain why most laboratory experiments have observed incomplete U(VI) reduction on Fe(II)-bearing minerals. | 25,148,405 | [
-0.14313,
0.2156515,
-0.08148576,
0.1801527,
0.3433834,
0.1096479,
-0.1065998,
0.07543696,
0.2943873,
-0.002410518,
-0.1367065,
-0.1523084,
0.08335828,
0.2074274,
-0.3008107,
-0.07177758,
-0.2534822,
0.3230955,
-0.03191283,
0.0191918,
0.1052079,
0.2426937,
-0.1150255,
0... |
Accelerated photoaging induced by voriconazole treated with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser: case report and review of the literature. | Voriconazole is an antifungal agent mainly used against aspergillosis. Given its wide spectrum of action and limited adverse effects, it has replaced amphotericin B as the drug of choice in the prophylactic treatment of immunocompromised patients. Several adverse effects are caused by this drug with dermatological reactions accounting for 6% of the total. Such reactions include cheilitis, erythema, erosions, discoid lupus erythematosus, erythema multiforme, photosensitivity reactions, pseudoporphyria, accelerated photoaging and skin cancer. There are few reports on the accelerated photoaging caused by voriconazole and its effective treatment. Here we present the case of a 6-year-old child with a history of chronic granulomatous disease under prolonged treatment with voriconazole, who developed accelerated photoaging lesions secondary to the chronic use of this antifungal agent. Treatment was initiated using Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with good results. | 25,148,408 | [
-0.1518804,
-0.4727022,
-0.1238165,
0.2264569,
0.2459603,
-0.1764033,
-0.02554904,
-0.04809063,
0.01634143,
0.259223,
0.1593128,
0.2463229,
0.03780519,
-0.09503338,
-0.5406137,
-0.377144,
-0.171948,
-0.1067813,
0.1475503,
-0.3908396,
0.58148,
0.2964775,
-0.4027563,
0.30... |
Individual differences in impulsivity predict head motion during magnetic resonance imaging. | Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides valuable data for understanding the human mind and brain disorders, but in-scanner head motion introduces systematic and spurious biases. For example, differences in MRI measures (e.g., network strength, white matter integrity) between patient and control groups may be due to the differences in their head motion. To determine whether head motion is an important variable in itself, or just simply a confounding variable, we explored individual differences in psychological traits that may predispose some people to move more than others during an MRI scan. In the first two studies, we demonstrated in both children (N = 245) and adults (N = 581) that head motion, estimated from resting-state functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, was reliably correlated with impulsivity scores. Further, the difference in head motion between children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and typically developing children was largely due to differences in impulsivity. Finally, in the third study, we confirmed the observation that the regression approach, which aims to deal with motion issues by regressing out motion in the group analysis, would underestimate the effect of interest. Taken together, the present findings provide empirical evidence that links in-scanner head motion to psychological traits. | 25,148,416 | [
-0.1842462,
0.349441,
-0.02020345,
-0.05567076,
0.3182201,
-0.1531754,
-0.2474385,
0.065405,
-0.1752818,
0.1885691,
0.2808198,
0.05229863,
0.0477676,
-0.2316463,
-0.5071763,
-0.05610602,
-0.3284566,
0.2760069,
-0.3372563,
0.06357437,
0.03036952,
-0.004088044,
-0.2367722,
... |
Alemtuzumab for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a review of its clinical pharmacology, efficacy and safety. | Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory condition of the CNS presumably induced by an environmental trigger(s) in a genetically susceptible individual. Inflammation is prominent and most susceptible to intervention early in MS, so early treatment with disease-modifying therapies is recommended to reduce relapses and new MRI activity (both markers of inflammation) with the goal of delaying disability progression. Unfortunately, the response to the disease-modifying therapies is variable and often falls short of stopping observable disease activity, so the search for more effective agents continues. Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody against CD52 that has exhibited significant efficacy throughout its clinical trial program in MS; uniquely, some of the studies have demonstrated a sustained reduction in disability in MS patients. Countering this impressive efficacy is an associated high risk of autoimmune events (especially thyroid) and concerns for infection or malignancy given prolonged immunosuppression after treatment with alemtuzumab. | 25,148,422 | [
0.005493004,
-0.1281902,
-0.01038345,
-0.4497452,
-0.01943225,
-0.1253833,
-0.05493684,
0.1925105,
-0.03604662,
0.08029144,
-0.1381509,
0.2377778,
0.3478628,
-0.186727,
0.1216113,
-0.3243398,
-0.2368108,
-0.1005789,
0.186001,
0.09427547,
-0.1991294,
0.3459184,
-0.3485223,... |
Infections in the immunosuppressed host. | The interaction between host immunity and infections in the context of a suppressed immune system presents an opportunity to study the interaction of colonization and infection with the development of acute and chronic pulmonary morbidity and mortality. This article summarizes presentations at the Pittsburgh International Lung Conference about comorbid consequences in two categories of immunosuppressed hosts: HIV-infected individuals and lung transplant recipients. Specifically, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic lung rejection after transplant are three diseases that may be consequences of colonization or infection by viruses or fungi, whether HIV itself or the opportunistic infections Pneumocystis and cytomegalovirus. In the fourth section, we discuss unique aspects of infections after lung transplant as well as the battle against multidrug-resistant organisms in this population and theorize that the immunosuppressed population may provide a unique group of patients in which to study ways to overcome nosocomial pathogenic challenges. These host-pathogen interactions serve as models for developing new strategies to reduce acute and chronic morbidity due to colonization and subclinical infection, and potential therapeutic avenues, which are often overlooked in the clinical arena. | 25,148,427 | [
-0.06388188,
-0.2790965,
-0.04279865,
-0.03608581,
-0.05680036,
-0.09447116,
-0.07917582,
0.1398889,
0.2778,
0.01786105,
0.06161764,
-0.2674994,
-0.1179156,
0.03038548,
-0.3382801,
-0.2320025,
-0.1776691,
0.009494505,
0.295691,
-0.06247889,
-0.3031616,
0.353603,
-0.136834... |
Infections in "noninfectious" lung diseases. | Many chronic pulmonary diseases, including those that are not primarily infectious in etiology, have some aspects of their pathogenesis that are influenced by infectious organisms. Microorganisms may contribute to chronic lung diseases, either directly (i.e., overt infection) or indirectly, via the amplification of inflammatory pathways that are critical to host defense. As techniques for detecting and characterizing microorganisms have advanced, investigations of both infecting and colonizing organisms have yielded new insights into mechanisms of pulmonary disease. In addition, changes in patterns of infection and microbial resistance have important implications for treatment. Examples of these infectious-pulmonary associations, including Haemophilus influenzae infection and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, nontuberculous mycobacteria and bronchiectasis, and human immunodeficiency virus and obstructive lung disease, are reviewed. | 25,148,428 | [
-0.19637,
-0.3247752,
0.2838276,
0.02232328,
-0.2186581,
-0.0772247,
-0.333757,
0.1160965,
0.08342359,
-0.08211028,
0.03386202,
-0.1313041,
-0.1308064,
0.1248723,
-0.426191,
-0.02436673,
-0.1378842,
0.03442302,
0.1276457,
-0.1121737,
0.02448879,
-0.07174908,
-0.07711923,
... |
Managing hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease. | Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension are intrinsically linked. Although 59% of the US population will be diagnosed with CKD during their lifetimes, mortality is usually due to a cardiovascular event. Sodium restriction and a combination of a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone medication and a calcium channel blocker are the most effective methods of managing hypertension in patients with CKD. | 25,148,442 | [
-0.1090355,
0.0991506,
-0.0318419,
0.1323572,
-0.04890605,
-0.06089483,
-0.06642182,
0.09614264,
0.2007284,
-0.2822051,
-0.1049683,
0.4419053,
-0.01032686,
-0.04732963,
-0.581376,
-0.202404,
-0.3576595,
0.3141095,
0.01879309,
-0.1481492,
-0.147403,
0.09397125,
-0.3585948,... |
Similar hormonal stress and tissue damage in response to National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football games played in two consecutive seasons. | The recovery process from a college football game has been studied, yet the stability of such findings year to year in the same players remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the same players' biochemical recovery process in 2 consecutive seasons to a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I football game. Ten starting players volunteered to participate in the study in each of the 2 seasons. Players performed a periodized heavy resistance training program over the entire year for each season. Fasted resting blood samples were obtained at similar times the Friday before the game (T1), 18-20 hours after the game (T2), and 42-44 hours after the game (T3). In both seasons, serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations increased significantly from T1 to T2, and returned to T1 values at T3. When we compared seasons, CK values did not differ at any time point. Myoglobin demonstrated similar patterns and results. Testosterone and cortisol values were similar at all time points and did not differ by season as no significant differences were observed for the resting hormonal concentrations. The results of this study indicate that yearly programs should maintain a periodized progressive program, which seeks to increase physical potential of players while providing a protective effect on skeletal muscle and stabilization of hormonal status in response to both game and season stressors. | 25,148,465 | [
-0.005699795,
0.2989863,
-0.3712527,
-0.4022899,
-0.3406063,
-0.4029227,
-0.3947128,
0.1889755,
0.01184049,
-0.01138265,
0.273594,
0.1478025,
-0.09679358,
-0.4556891,
-0.650099,
-0.1972643,
0.3228512,
0.08257826,
0.184885,
0.1716373,
0.1288635,
-0.1138591,
-0.2729867,
-... |
Low genetic diversity in Melanaphis sacchari aphid populations at the worldwide scale. | Numerous studies have examined the genetic diversity and genetic structure of invading species, with contrasting results concerning the relative roles of genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity in the success of introduced populations. Increasing evidence shows that asexual lineages of aphids are able to occupy a wide geographical and ecological range of habitats despite low genetic diversity. The anholocyclic aphid Melanaphis sacchari is a pest of sugarcane and sorghum which originated in the old world, was introduced into the Americas, and is now distributed worldwide. Our purpose was to assess the genetic diversity and structuring of populations of this species according to host and locality. We used 10 microsatellite markers to genotype 1333 individuals (57 samples, 42 localities, 15 countries) collected mainly on sugarcane or sorghum. Five multilocus lineages (MLL) were defined, grouping multilocus genotypes (MLG) differing by only a few mutations or scoring errors. Analysis of a 658 bp sequence of mitochondrial COI gene on 96 individuals revealed five haplotypes, with a mean divergence of only 0.19 %. The distribution of MLL appeared to be strongly influenced by geography but not by host plant. Each of the five MLL grouped individuals from (A) Africa, (B) Australia, (C) South America, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean including East Africa, (D) USA, and (E) China. The MLL A and C, with a wide geographic distribution, matched the definition of superclone. Among aphids, M. sacchari has one of the lowest known rates of genetic diversity for such a wide geographical distribution. | 25,148,510 | [
0.2177602,
0.1551114,
0.392755,
-0.005566333,
-0.1522201,
-0.338009,
-0.1423721,
-0.1289337,
0.04701678,
-0.00104674,
-0.0004222687,
-0.06839769,
-0.1376603,
0.1543683,
-0.2762211,
-0.2233334,
-0.1223687,
0.2440126,
0.1852295,
0.1025515,
0.3431114,
0.3511407,
-0.1184688,
... |
Orally bioavailable 6-chloro-7-methoxy-4(1H)-quinolones efficacious against multiple stages of Plasmodium. | The continued proliferation of malaria throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world has promoted a push for more efficacious treatments to combat the disease. Unfortunately, more recent remedies such as artemisinin combination therapies have been rendered less effective due to developing parasite resistance, and new drugs are required that target the parasite in the liver to support the disease elimination efforts. Research was initiated to revisit antimalarials developed in the 1940s and 1960s that were deemed unsuitable for use as therapeutic agents as a result of poor understanding of both physicochemical properties and parasitology. Structure-activity and structure-property relationship studies were conducted to generate a set of compounds with the general 6-chloro-7-methoxy-2-methyl-4(1H)-quinolone scaffold which were substituted at the 3-position with a variety of phenyl moieties possessing various properties. Extensive physicochemical evaluation of the quinolone series was carried out to downselect the most promising 4(1H)-quinolones, 7, 62, 66, and 67, which possessed low-nanomolar EC50 values against W2 and TM90-C2B as well as improved microsomal stability. Additionally, in vivo Thompson test results using Plasmodium berghei in mice showed that these 4(1H)-quinolones were efficacious for the reduction of parasitemia at >99% after 6 days. | 25,148,516 | [
-0.2153034,
0.1686141,
-0.1239413,
-0.3759119,
0.03428723,
0.02067659,
-0.1587487,
0.08565988,
0.2276573,
-0.6226575,
0.180352,
0.09708749,
0.1049135,
0.2468808,
-0.86911,
-0.1781402,
-0.5627959,
0.1128078,
-0.3401936,
0.223886,
0.01475274,
0.04916624,
-0.07736067,
0.00... |
Calcium homeostasis in myogenic differentiation factor 1 (MyoD)-transformed, virally-transduced, skin-derived equine myotubes. | Dysfunctional skeletal muscle calcium homeostasis plays a central role in the pathophysiology of several human and animal skeletal muscle disorders, in particular, genetic disorders associated with ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) mutations, such as malignant hyperthermia, central core disease, multiminicore disease and certain centronuclear myopathies. In addition, aberrant skeletal muscle calcium handling is believed to play a pivotal role in the highly prevalent disorder of Thoroughbred racehorses, known as Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis. Traditionally, such defects were studied in human and equine subjects by examining the contractile responses of biopsied muscle strips exposed to caffeine, a potent RYR1 agonist. However, this test is not widely available and, due to its invasive nature, is potentially less suitable for valuable animals in training or in the human paediatric setting. Furthermore, increasingly, RYR1 gene polymorphisms (of unknown pathogenicity and significance) are being identified through next generation sequencing projects. Consequently, we have investigated a less invasive test that can be used to study calcium homeostasis in cultured, skin-derived fibroblasts that are converted to the muscle lineage by viral transduction with a MyoD (myogenic differentiation 1) transgene. Similar models have been utilised to examine calcium homeostasis in human patient cells, however, to date, there has been no detailed assessment of the cells' calcium homeostasis, and in particular, the responses to agonists and antagonists of RYR1. Here we describe experiments conducted to assess calcium handling of the cells and examine responses to treatment with dantrolene, a drug commonly used for prophylaxis of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis in horses and malignant hyperthermia in humans. | 25,148,524 | [
-0.2817559,
-0.2836443,
-0.06514245,
-0.249159,
-0.002185927,
-0.1313669,
0.04282873,
0.03441513,
0.1206448,
0.01718811,
0.21139,
0.1509119,
0.1556927,
0.08229455,
-0.6947351,
0.02014394,
-0.5270807,
-0.3158971,
-0.3203862,
0.0323299,
0.1601717,
0.2784216,
-0.2580837,
-... |
Structural and dynamic characterization of polymerase κ's minor groove lesion processing reveals how adduct topology impacts fidelity. | DNA lesion bypass polymerases process different lesions with varying fidelities, but the structural, dynamic, and mechanistic origins of this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Human DNA polymerase κ (Polκ), a member of the Y family of lesion bypass polymerases, is specialized to bypass bulky DNA minor groove lesions in a predominantly error-free manner, by housing them in its unique gap. We have investigated the role of the unique Polκ gap and N-clasp structural features in the fidelity of minor groove lesion processing with extensive molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to pinpoint their functioning in lesion bypass. Here we consider the N(2)-dG covalent adduct derived from the carcinogenic aromatic amine, 2-acetylaminofluorene (dG-N(2)-AAF), that is produced via the combustion of kerosene and diesel fuel. Our simulations reveal how the spacious gap directionally accommodates the lesion aromatic ring system as it transits through the stages of incorporation of the predominant correct partner dCTP opposite the damaged guanine, with preservation of local active site organization for nucleotidyl transfer. Furthermore, flexibility in Polκ's N-clasp facilitates the significant misincorporation of dTTP opposite dG-N(2)-AAF via wobble pairing. Notably, we show that N-clasp flexibility depends on lesion topology, being markedly reduced in the case of the benzo[a]pyrene-derived major adduct to N(2)-dG, whose bypass by Polκ is nearly error-free. Thus, our studies reveal how Polκ's unique structural and dynamic properties can regulate its bypass fidelity of polycyclic aromatic lesions and how the fidelity is impacted by lesion structures. | 25,148,552 | [
-0.1062866,
0.0456713,
-0.3534571,
0.004636252,
0.3279846,
-0.2674244,
-0.1750266,
0.04553308,
0.4679084,
0.2984129,
0.04484156,
0.06648967,
0.104745,
0.32749,
-0.3550569,
-0.1645292,
-0.5473562,
-0.1484781,
0.2125875,
0.2816407,
0.4505646,
0.07689235,
-0.3764229,
0.135... |
Working with a domestic assessment system to estimate the need of support and care of elderly and disabled persons: results from field studies. | This article describes the results of field studies performed over a period between five months and 24 months. The objectives of these studies were to collect long-term real-life data to evaluate how these data can be mapped to items on standardized assessment tests and which presentation method is most suitable to inform caregivers about critical situations and changes in health or care needs. A Home-monitoring system which uses modern sensor technologies was developed for and used in these field studies. It was installed in living environments of seven people (three who were not in need of care, two in need of care, and two with mental disabilities). The data were generated by sensor data acquisition and questionnaire reporting. Four types of data analysis and representation were evaluated to support caregivers. Results show that sensor data can be used to determine information directly or indirectly, which can be mapped to relevant assessment items and presented with different degrees of granularity. It is also feasible to determine and present additional information of potential interest which cannot be directly mapped to any assessment item. Sensor data can also be displayed in a live view. This live data representation led to a decrease in the caregivers' workload when assessed according to the German version of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire. | 25,148,558 | [
-0.07199393,
-0.04992004,
0.1295535,
0.1113167,
-0.09610658,
-0.01752082,
0.45416,
-0.1302223,
-0.3741905,
-0.1126842,
-0.09600107,
-0.4192258,
-0.1623814,
-0.1847932,
-0.2642884,
0.171813,
-0.3840916,
0.4930497,
-0.323207,
-0.01285991,
0.1895266,
0.3771638,
0.09180388,
... |
Performing gait analysis within the timed up & go assessment test: comparison of aTUG to a marker-based tracking system. | Results from a technical validation of the aTUG (ambient Timed Up & Go) system are presented. The approach's gait analysis capabilities were compared to a gold standard: SIMI Motion, a marker-based motion tracking system. Seven people participated and computation of step length and step duration happened with a median error of 3 cm (IQR 3 cm) respectively 0.08 s (IQR 0.07 s). These results show that aTUG has a measurement precision which is sufficient for use in clinical gait analysis and enables the use of the device without a gold standard, i.e. in hospitals outside laboratories or in the homes of patients. aTUG is an approach and system that utilizes only ambient sensor technologies to support the execution of geriatric mobility assessment tests and to perform a gait analysis simultaneously. Such capabilities are strongly demanded in order to support physicians in executing the geriatric assessment tests frequently and objectively in professional and domestic environments. The latter may enable more early prevention and more sustainable rehabilitation. | 25,148,559 | [
-0.2166397,
0.3098689,
-0.3824064,
-0.04415574,
0.3439828,
-0.232929,
-0.02487141,
-0.3154639,
-0.04753057,
-0.2183707,
-0.4135807,
-0.335609,
-0.06721063,
-0.2018006,
-0.3949024,
0.4413334,
-0.3145234,
0.4717297,
-0.4024592,
0.1797789,
-0.08354729,
0.09977254,
0.2913655,... |
Business model for sensor-based fall recognition systems. | AAL systems require, in addition to sophisticated and reliable technology, adequate business models for their launch and sustainable establishment. This paper presents the basic features of alternative business models for a sensor-based fall recognition system which was developed within the context of the "Lower Saxony Research Network Design of Environments for Ageing" (GAL). The models were developed parallel to the R&D process with successive adaptation and concretization. An overview of the basic features (i.e. nine partial models) of the business model is given and the mutual exclusive alternatives for each partial model are presented. The partial models are interconnected and the combinations of compatible alternatives lead to consistent alternative business models. However, in the current state, only initial concepts of alternative business models can be deduced. The next step will be to gather additional information to work out more detailed models. | 25,148,563 | [
0.03981047,
0.001192402,
0.003777449,
0.3707683,
0.1091192,
-0.1398607,
-0.417012,
0.2485388,
0.004171219,
0.1645244,
-0.3071115,
-0.1028159,
-0.08402104,
-0.3015944,
-0.7389548,
0.01080927,
-0.3382994,
0.2996926,
0.1611025,
-0.1303212,
0.3481949,
-0.0704132,
-0.2102622,
... |
Beyond BRAF(V600): clinical mutation panel testing by next-generation sequencing in advanced melanoma. | The management of melanoma has evolved owing to improved understanding of its molecular drivers. To augment the current understanding of the prevalence, patterns, and associations of mutations in this disease, the results of clinical testing of 699 advanced melanoma patients using a pan-cancer next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of hotspot regions in 46 genes were reviewed. Mutations were identified in 43 of the 46 genes on the panel. The most common mutations were BRAFV600 (36%), NRAS (21%), TP53 (16%), BRAFNon-V600 (6%), and KIT (4%). Approximately one-third of melanomas had >1 mutation detected, and the number of mutations per tumor was associated with melanoma subtype. Concurrent TP53 mutations were the most frequent events in tumors with BRAFV600 and NRAS mutations. Melanomas with BRAFNon-V600mutations frequently harbored concurrent NRAS mutations (18%), which were rare in tumors with BRAFV600 mutations (1.6%). The prevalence of BRAFV600 and KIT mutations were significantly associated with melanoma subtypes, and BRAFV600 and TP53 mutations were significantly associated with cutaneous primary tumor location. Multiple potential therapeutic targets were identified in metastatic unknown primary and cutaneous melanomas that lacked BRAFV600 and NRAS mutations. These results enrich our understanding of the patterns and clinical associations of oncogenic mutations in melanoma. | 25,148,578 | [
-0.08989572,
0.01994826,
-0.07604976,
-0.4749464,
0.05415663,
-0.1126659,
-0.1544529,
0.2339435,
-0.07593589,
-0.0125849,
0.1473307,
0.1921791,
0.02600607,
-0.3115133,
0.04152279,
-0.1999302,
0.2092478,
0.07034614,
0.373197,
-0.1025437,
0.2024935,
0.2019441,
-0.1462998,
... |
Identification of p38β as a therapeutic target for the treatment of Sézary syndrome. | Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) represent a group of hematopoietic malignancies that home to the skin and have no known molecular basis for disease pathogenesis. Sézary syndrome (SS) is the leukemic variant of CTCL. Currently, CTCL is incurable, highlighting the need for new therapeutic modalities. We have previously observed that combined small-molecule inhibition of protein kinase C-β (PKCβ) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) causes synergistic apoptosis in CTCL cell lines and patient cells. Through microarray analysis of a SS cell line, we surveyed global gene expression following combined PKCβ-GSK3 treatment to elucidate therapeutic targets responsible for cell death. Clinically relevant targets were defined as genes differentially expressed in SS patients that were modulated by combination-drug treatment of SS cells. Gene set enrichment analysis uncovered candidate genes enriched for an immune-cell signature, specifically the T-cell receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Further analysis identified p38 as a potential therapeutic target that is overexpressed in SS patients and decreased by synergistic-inhibitor treatment. This target was verified through small-molecule inhibition of p38, leading to cell death in both SS cell lines and patient cells. These data establish p38 as a SS biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CTCL. | 25,148,579 | [
-0.06637791,
0.1177244,
0.08002303,
-0.4811095,
0.1085118,
-0.06759936,
-0.1276062,
0.3393778,
-0.06750011,
0.05528481,
0.07436894,
0.106269,
-0.2440066,
0.1799223,
-0.08029328,
-0.011336,
-0.1352682,
-0.05852035,
-0.08332653,
0.1092595,
0.2063586,
0.4097764,
-0.2017131,
... |
Household-level spatiotemporal patterns of incidence of cholera, Haiti, 2011. | A cholera outbreak began in Haiti during October, 2010. Spatiotemporal patterns of household-level cholera in Ouest Department showed that the initial clusters tended to follow major roadways; subsequent clusters occurred further inland. Our data highlight transmission pathway complexities and the need for case and household-level analysis to understand disease spread and optimize interventions. | 25,148,590 | [
-0.09680954,
0.07008594,
-0.04438078,
0.09526172,
-0.279308,
-0.2398172,
-0.3238827,
-0.02872053,
-0.04435388,
-0.1034151,
0.2347527,
-0.03141947,
-0.1803371,
0.1718333,
-0.1998638,
-0.2246611,
0.1752698,
0.08091526,
0.0384196,
-0.2098873,
0.05801973,
0.4853777,
0.0791397... |
Promiscuity and selectivity in covalent enzyme inhibition: a systematic study of electrophilic fragments. | Covalent ligand-target interactions offer significant pharmacological advantages. However, off-target reactivity of the reactive groups, which usually have electrophilic properties, must be minimized, and the selectivity of irreversible inhibitors is a crucial requirement. We therefore performed a systematic study to determine the selectivity of several electrophilic groups that can be used as building blocks for covalently binding ligands. Six reactive groups with modulated electrophilicity were combined with 11 nonreactive moieties, resulting in a small combinatorial library of 72 fragment-like compounds. These compounds were screened against a group of 11 enzyme targets to assess their selectivity and their potential for promiscuous binding to proteins. The assay results showed a considerably lower degree of promiscuity than initially expected, even for those members of the screening collection that contain supposedly highly reactive electrophiles. | 25,148,591 | [
0.03594163,
0.2416052,
0.07592972,
-0.1016711,
0.08120055,
-0.06492106,
-0.09504054,
0.0995077,
0.1153877,
-0.02566283,
0.1276237,
0.01463045,
0.264837,
0.04218623,
-0.4741171,
0.1875619,
-0.7145048,
0.158095,
0.002688858,
0.1897511,
0.1068402,
0.0667451,
-0.1293293,
0.... |
Structure-based virtual screening of the nociceptin receptor: hybrid docking and shape-based approaches for improved hit identification. | The antagonist-bound crystal structure of the nociceptin receptor (NOP), from the opioid receptor family, was recently reported along with those of the other opioid receptors bound to opioid antagonists. We recently reported the first homology model of the 'active-state' of the NOP receptor, which when docked with 'agonist' ligands showed differences in the TM helices and residues, consistent with GPCR activation after agonist binding. In this study, we explored the use of the active-state NOP homology model for structure-based virtual screening to discover NOP ligands containing new chemical scaffolds. Several NOP agonist and antagonist ligands previously reported are based on a common piperidine scaffold. Given the structure-activity relationships for known NOP ligands, we developed a hybrid method that combines a structure-based and ligand-based approach, utilizing the active-state NOP receptor as well as the pharmacophoric features of known NOP ligands, to identify novel NOP binding scaffolds by virtual screening. Multiple conformations of the NOP active site including the flexible second extracellular loop (EL2) loop were generated by simulated annealing and ranked using enrichment factor (EF) analysis and a ligand-decoy dataset containing known NOP agonist ligands. The enrichment factors were further improved by combining shape-based screening of this ligand-decoy dataset and calculation of consensus scores. This combined structure-based and ligand-based EF analysis yielded higher enrichment factors than the individual methods, suggesting the effectiveness of the hybrid approach. Virtual screening of the CNS Permeable subset of the ZINC database was carried out using the above-mentioned hybrid approach in a tiered fashion utilizing a ligand pharmacophore-based filtering step, followed by structure-based virtual screening using the refined NOP active-state models from the enrichment analysis. Determination of the NOP receptor binding affinity of a selected set of top-scoring hits resulted in identification of several compounds with measurable binding affinity at the NOP receptor, one of which had a new chemotype for NOP receptor binding. The hybrid ligand-based and structure-based methodology demonstrates an effective approach for virtual screening that leverages existing SAR and receptor structure information for identifying novel hits for NOP receptor binding. The refined active-state NOP homology models obtained from the enrichment studies can be further used for structure-based optimization of these new chemotypes to obtain potent and selective NOP receptor ligands for therapeutic development. | 25,148,595 | [
0.199875,
0.2289251,
-0.0973359,
-0.2468569,
0.08249824,
-0.3116479,
-0.1322216,
0.1565824,
0.2604268,
-0.144055,
-0.04715338,
-0.1641102,
0.01584157,
-0.009206603,
-0.4079704,
0.1972609,
-0.5341477,
0.1269898,
0.04692959,
-0.07853343,
0.02175119,
0.316341,
-0.2076737,
... |
Recent approaches of lipid-based delivery system for lymphatic targeting via oral route. | Lymphatic system is a key target in research field due to its distinctive makeup and huge contributing functions within the body. Intestinal lymphatic drug transport (chylomicron pathway) is intensely described in research field till date because it is considered to be the best for improving oral drug delivery by avoiding first pass metabolism. The lymphatic imaging techniques and potential therapeutic candidates are engaged for evaluating disease states and overcoming these conditions. The novel drug delivery systems such as self-microemulsifying drug delivery system, nanoparticles, liposomes, nano-lipid carriers, solid lipid carriers are employed for delivering drugs through lymphatic system via various routes such as subcutaneous route, intraperitoneal route, pulmonary route, gastric sub-mucosal injection, intrapleural and intradermal. Among these colloidal particles, lipid-based delivery system is considered to be the best for lymphatic delivery. From the last few decades, mesenteric lymph duct cannulation and thoracic lymph duct cannulation are followed to assess lymphatic uptake of drugs. Due to their limitations, chylomicrons inhibitors and in-vitro models are employed, i.e. lipolysis model and permeability model. Currently, research on this topic still continues and drainage system used to deliver the drugs against lymphatic disease as well as targeting other organs by modulating the chylomicron pathway. | 25,148,607 | [
-0.2150833,
-0.2245347,
0.004448833,
-0.2800512,
0.1970673,
0.005479391,
-0.1830026,
-0.006350248,
-0.1340242,
0.001049275,
0.3337516,
-0.4014384,
0.1879825,
-0.08480901,
-0.6294425,
-0.1580785,
-0.7325432,
-0.1648576,
0.007397397,
0.001304181,
0.04776843,
0.2846024,
-0.0... |
Congenital isolated aplasia of lower lateral cartilage and reconstruction using dorsal hump material. | Congenital nasal abnormalities are very rare in the literature. There are 3 reported cases of isolated partial lower lateral cartilage defects. In this article, we report the case of a patient with congenital complete absence of the lower lateral cartilage. The patient had severe external nasal valve dysfunction and a concavity of the alar vault, even in the resting position. The defect was reconstructed using resected and reshaped nasal dorsal hump material. At the end of a 12-month follow-up period, the patient was satisfied with the functional and aesthetic results of the operation. No external or internal nasal valve collapse occurred during inspiration. Such developmental abnormalities may be syndromic and require special attention for reconstruction. | 25,148,619 | [
-0.2852842,
-0.1244186,
-0.1192602,
-0.137507,
0.0486207,
0.01393977,
-0.2598112,
0.004917261,
0.1962375,
0.1218618,
0.1859148,
0.08312489,
-0.3363505,
-0.1621628,
0.1441489,
-0.05086026,
-0.4597596,
0.198753,
0.1312671,
-0.2703363,
0.1724738,
0.2630661,
-0.1684107,
-0.... |
Endonasal endoscopic excision of a rare tumor: nasal bone osteoid osteoma. | Osteomas are slow-growing, benign tumors that frequently occur in paranasal areas; are detected by their symptoms, depending on their location and size, or incidentally on radiologic examination; and rarely arise from the nasal bone. We present an isolated nasal bone osteoma--which has not, to our knowledge, been reported previously--that was excised using an endoscopic endonasal approach via intercartilaginous incision and reconstructed with MEDPOR. A 21-year-old male patient attended the Mardin State Hospital ENT Clinic with the complaint of a slowly enlarging mass on the left side of the nose. The clinical, radiologic, and histologic findings pointed to a diagnosis of nasal bone osteoma. An endoscopic-assisted endonasal approach was performed, and defect was reconstructed with MEDPOR. At postoperative 6-month evaluation, no recurrence was observed, and the cosmetic result was satisfying in both external and intranasal views. In the removal of rare nasal bone osteomas, endoscopic endonasal surgery could be preferred over an external approach because of its favorable cosmetic results, comfort for the patient, and graft viability. | 25,148,628 | [
-0.4274793,
-0.09386052,
-0.1530728,
-0.1068901,
-0.2628025,
-0.2853891,
-0.6364639,
0.08683925,
0.3889542,
-0.4015816,
0.0577591,
-0.4665139,
-0.2203233,
-0.204172,
-0.3470962,
0.1551494,
-0.2613995,
-0.1377845,
0.3764426,
-0.2725562,
0.1540864,
0.2637173,
0.1180581,
-... |
Dental trauma: knowledge and attitudes of community health workers. | The international literature emphasizes the importance of evaluating the knowledge of different groups such as teachers, students, dentists, physicians, parents, and athletes regarding dental injuries. In Brazil, community health workers are professionals who can reach a wide variety of people and who have a marked influence on prevention and health promotion strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of community health workers regarding dental trauma. A questionnaire consisting of 19 questions divided into 3 parts was applied: demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes. Data from 206 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Approximately 28% of the participants reported to have been called to assist individuals with dental trauma. Only 42 subjects had received education on dental injuries, with 34 of them being instructed by a dentist. In cases of tooth avulsion, only 1.9% of the health workers reported that they would search for the tooth and reimplant it. The most frequently indicated storage media for avulsed teeth were nonphysiological media (69.42%). The educational level of the community health workers somehow influenced their knowledge (P < 0.001) and attitude (P = 0.016) regarding dental injuries. Educational programs for this group are needed to improve the management of traumatic dental injuries. | 25,148,633 | [
-0.3941394,
0.1728424,
0.1888954,
0.07451715,
-0.1465138,
-0.4841466,
0.07158331,
-0.1839676,
0.02625863,
-0.01182949,
0.2444692,
0.01516452,
-0.2197224,
-0.03710905,
-0.2964539,
-0.3973096,
-0.5249675,
-0.1515412,
-0.2119193,
0.08525055,
-0.0003085015,
0.02939734,
-0.116... |
Thornwaldt cysts. | Thornwaldt cysts are rare and benign congenital cysts in the region of the pharyngeal bursa, formed by a communication between the notochord and the nasopharyngeal endoderm. They result from a mechanical obstruction, inflammation, or abscess of the pharyngeal bursa. They are superficial to the superior constrictor muscle and covered by the nasopharyngeal mucous membrane. Most cases are asymptomatic, and patients may rarely present symptoms such as nasal obstruction, foreign body sensation, hearing loss, and periodic halitosis. Therefore, they are often accidentally diagnosed on MRI. Asymptomatic cysts do not require treatment, whereas symptomatic cases require surgical intervention by endonasal or transoral approach. Marsupialization is the procedure of choice to avoid recurrences. The aim of this article is to present and discuss 2 cases of Thornwaldt cysts. | 25,148,637 | [
-0.2406057,
-0.1543456,
-0.03716567,
-0.02283263,
0.1004207,
-0.394698,
-0.4620842,
0.1068499,
0.3618972,
-0.03336535,
0.0742899,
-0.09878332,
-0.02563606,
-0.3077143,
-0.1274273,
0.0001791659,
-0.6558756,
-0.4669504,
-0.2428933,
-0.4672416,
-0.01146674,
0.007715473,
-0.3... |
Joint segmentation of images and scanned point cloud in large-scale street scenes with low-annotation cost. | We propose a novel method for the parsing of images and scanned point cloud in large-scale street environment. The proposed method significantly reduces the intensive labeling cost in previous works by automatically generating training data from the input data. The automatic generation of training data begins with the initialization of training data with weak priors in the street environment, followed by a filtering scheme to remove mislabeled training samples. We formulate the filtering as a binary labeling optimization problem over a conditional random filed that we call object graph, simultaneously integrating spatial smoothness preference and label consistency between 2D and 3D. Toward the final parsing, with the automatically generated training data, a CRF-based parsing method that integrates the coordination of image appearance and 3D geometry is adopted to perform the parsing of large-scale street scenes. The proposed approach is evaluated on city-scale Google Street View data, with an encouraging parsing performance demonstrated. | 25,148,662 | [
0.05676968,
0.6228601,
0.350412,
0.3281828,
0.2070198,
-0.2171741,
-0.2162457,
0.06825722,
0.2550902,
-0.2325009,
-0.2133462,
-0.2895329,
-0.02217185,
0.2817008,
-0.3878937,
0.1207012,
-0.2355522,
0.00008631931,
-0.03329294,
0.02233045,
0.06887789,
0.2229512,
-0.2784553,
... |
End-point impedance measurements across dominant and nondominant hands and robotic assistance with directional damping. | The goal of this paper is to perform end-point impedance measurements across dominant and nondominant hands while doing airbrush painting and to use the results for developing a robotic assistance scheme. We study airbrush painting because it resembles in many ways manual welding, a standard industrial task. The experiments are performed with the 7 degrees of freedom KUKA lightweight robot arm. The robot is controlled in admittance using a force sensor attached at the end-point, so as to act as a free-mass and be passively guided by the human. For impedance measurements, a set of nine subjects perform 12 repetitions of airbrush painting, drawing a straight-line on a cartoon horizontally placed on a table, while passively moving the airbrush mounted on the robot's end-point. We measure hand impedance during the painting task by generating sudden and brief external forces with the robot. The results show that on average the dominant hand displays larger impedance than the nondominant in the directions perpendicular to the painting line. We find the most significant difference in the damping values in these directions. Based on this observation, we develop a "directional damping" scheme for robotic assistance and conduct a pilot study with 12 subjects to contrast airbrush painting with and without robotic assistance. Results show significant improvement in precision with both dominant and nondominant hands when using robotic assistance. | 25,148,680 | [
-0.1953221,
0.2868942,
-0.1534229,
-0.1250662,
0.228103,
-0.1846533,
-0.1141858,
0.09040793,
0.3765638,
-0.004428956,
-0.1484106,
-0.4920131,
0.2240339,
0.07779566,
-0.01632557,
0.06836952,
-0.5134226,
-0.06752276,
-0.3240148,
-0.3654706,
-0.01848693,
-0.02556585,
-0.0562... |
Tensile strength of carbyne chains in varied chemical environments and structural lengths. | Carbyne and carbyne-based low-dimensional structures are promising for several applications including ultra-compact circuits and purification devices. Designing any applied carbyne-based structure requires a fundamental understanding of the mechanical strength of carbyne chains with different lengths at different temperatures and operating chemical environment. Here we use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the strength of carbyne chains with different lengths at different temperatures. A theoretical framework based on statistical mechanics and molecular dynamics results is presented, proving a fast and insightful method for predicting the rupture force and its physical mechanism. The effect of water molecules' interaction is also studied on the mechanical properties and it is shown that both the tensile strength and rupture strain are improved by the water interaction. The results of this work can be used for designing and analyzing the robustness and reliability of various carbyne-based materials and applied devices for varies working conditions. | 25,148,690 | [
-0.02616205,
-0.03354081,
0.1138023,
-0.09441953,
0.003878758,
-0.09276515,
-0.3314855,
0.1021367,
0.1793623,
0.2105157,
-0.07500341,
-0.1443411,
-0.05636735,
0.135769,
-0.1517637,
-0.1877781,
-0.2987167,
0.2162605,
-0.2675277,
0.3030393,
0.3709295,
-0.135509,
-0.1872845,... |
AUF1 is recruited to the stress granules induced by coxsackievirus B3. | Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic granules that are formed in cells when stress occurs. In this study, we found that SGs formed in cells infected with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), evidenced with the co-localization of some accepted SG markers in the viral infection-induced granules. We further discovered that adenosine-uridine (AU)-rich element RNA binding factor 1 (AUF1), which can bind to mRNAs and regulate their translation, was recruited to the SGs in response to high dose of CVB3 by detecting the co-localization of AUF1 with SG markers. Similar results were also observed in the enterovirus 71 (EV71)-infected cells. Finally, we demonstrated that AUF1 was also recruited to arsenite-induced SGs, suggesting that the recruitment of AUF1 to SG is not a specific response to viral infection. In summary, our data indicate that both CVB3 and EV71 infections can induce SG formation, and AUF1 is a novel SG component upon the viral infections. Our findings may shed light on understanding the picornavirus-host interaction. | 25,148,713 | [
-0.1538702,
0.01709673,
0.03887673,
0.02945064,
0.160792,
0.01903907,
0.03212516,
0.07250083,
0.1614958,
0.0962759,
-0.09531011,
0.1185318,
-0.1302865,
-0.1614815,
0.1707695,
-0.1278662,
-0.115632,
-0.1804907,
-0.02918055,
0.04963691,
0.414272,
0.2597743,
-0.2250244,
-0... |
Effects of different inoculation routes on the parasitic sites of Cryptosporidium baileyi infection in chickens. | Cryptosporidiosis is prevalent in domesticated, caged, and wild birds. Cryptosporidium baileyi, an ascendant species of avian Cryptosporidium, is an important pathogen. It causes respiratory disease in chickens, especially chickens younger than 50 days. In this study, SEM, histological, semi-quantitative PCR, and nested PCR techniques were used to explore the impact of different inoculation routes on sites of C. baileyi infection in chickens. Results showed that inoculation with sporozoites or oocysts via the rectum was an effective means of causing infection. This may provide an important reference for the development of the transfection system of C. baileyi in chickens. Numerous endogenous stages of C. baileyi were observed in the bursas of Fabricius (BF) and cloacas of chickens inoculated with sporozoites or oocysts via the rectum, but no parasite was seen in the tracheas of any of these chickens. In chickens infected with oocysts via the crop, the number of parasites in the BF was approximately 23-fold more than in the trachea. All blood samples collected after inoculation were negative for C. baileyi. These data show that C. baileyi was not transferred by blood circulation between the BF and respiratory tract. Different routes of inoculation were here found to distinctly affect sites of parasitism in chickens. These findings may facilitate further understanding of the biology of C. baileyi and efforts to control avian cryptosporidiosis. | 25,148,714 | [
-0.08492478,
0.004116618,
-0.136462,
0.01007796,
0.09718067,
-0.3097561,
-0.4111214,
-0.1256108,
-0.002452,
-0.1246754,
0.4399555,
0.2542569,
-0.06636313,
0.2629067,
0.1025892,
0.07456066,
-0.5191037,
-0.2597666,
-0.259539,
0.2851392,
0.2451182,
0.6617454,
-0.01876763,
... |
[Process, procedure and requested conditions for academic appointment in anesthesia and intensive care]. | Since several decades, anesthesia care and intensive care, as well, are engaged in the way of excellence in clinical care and research. This requirement is also applied for the selection of professor and academic workers. The goals of this article are twice: first to diffuse this knowledge at the medical community and second to describe in details the long process leading to the final appointment. | 25,148,717 | [
-0.0008982928,
-0.1540727,
-0.09850696,
-0.115443,
0.2623914,
-0.2830585,
-0.1627781,
0.04389306,
-0.253519,
0.0903592,
0.04362106,
0.07945157,
-0.0229388,
-0.3688255,
-0.598561,
-0.1903763,
-0.1803164,
0.05867274,
0.01348616,
0.3615993,
0.4954793,
0.04351826,
0.09832221,... |
Sustained and controlled release of lipophilic drugs from a self-assembling amphiphilic peptide hydrogel. | Materials which undergo self-assembly to form supramolecular structures can provide alternative strategies to drug loading problems in controlled release application. RADA 16 is a simple and versatile self-assembling peptide with a designed structure formed of two distinct surfaces, one hydrophilic and one hydrophobic that are positioned in such a well-ordered fashion allowing precise assembly into a predetermined organization. A "smart" architecture in nanostructures can represent a good opportunity to use RADA16 as a carrier system for hydrophobic drugs solving problems of drugs delivery. In this work, we have investigated the diffusion properties of Pindolol, Quinine and Timolol maleate from RADA16 in PBS and in BSS-PLUS at 37°C. A sustained, controlled, reproducible and efficient drug release has been detected for all the systems, which allows to understand the dependence of release kinetics on the physicochemical characteristics of RADA16 structural and chemical properties of the selected drugs and the nature of solvents used. For the analysis various physicochemical characterization techniques were used in order to investigate the state of the peptide before and after the drugs were added. Not only does RADA16 optimise drug performance, but it can also provide a solution for drug delivery issues associated with lipophilic drugs. | 25,148,727 | [
-0.1502739,
0.1003272,
-0.2990234,
-0.1009061,
0.09731574,
-0.286164,
-0.1707453,
0.0375608,
0.2670036,
-0.1324112,
0.04056415,
0.1268375,
0.3155332,
0.0987459,
-0.7487683,
0.3290303,
-0.732685,
-0.06017458,
-0.1700426,
0.03192999,
0.05774425,
-0.03169495,
0.03180705,
-... |
Determining delayed admission to intensive care unit for mechanically ventilated patients in the emergency department. | The adverse effects of delayed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) have been recognized in previous studies. However, the definitions of delayed admission varies across studies. This study proposed a model to define "delayed admission", and explored the effect of ICU-waiting time on patients' outcome. This retrospective cohort study included non-traumatic adult patients on mechanical ventilation in the emergency department (ED), from July 2009 to June 2010. The primary outcomes measures were 21-ventilator-day mortality and prolonged hospital stays (over 30 days). Models of Cox regression and logistic regression were used for multivariate analysis. The non-delayed ICU-waiting was defined as a period in which the time effect on mortality was not statistically significant in a Cox regression model. To identify a suitable cut-off point between "delayed" and "non-delayed", subsets from the overall data were made based on ICU-waiting time and the hazard ratio of ICU-waiting hour in each subset was iteratively calculated. The cut-off time was then used to evaluate the impact of delayed ICU admission on mortality and prolonged length of hospital stay. The final analysis included 1,242 patients. The time effect on mortality emerged after 4 hours, thus we deduced ICU-waiting time in ED > 4 hours as delayed. By logistic regression analysis, delayed ICU admission affected the outcomes of 21 ventilator-days mortality and prolonged hospital stay, with odds ratio of 1.41 (95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.89) and 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 2.27) respectively. For patients on mechanical ventilation at the ED, delayed ICU admission is associated with higher probability of mortality and additional resource expenditure. A benchmark waiting time of no more than 4 hours for ICU admission is recommended. | 25,148,726 | [
-0.006308687,
-0.1833199,
-0.3472542,
-0.01110902,
0.1940062,
-0.151994,
0.003371154,
-0.02946226,
-0.2264492,
0.1204328,
-0.2347087,
0.2551816,
-0.163264,
0.01285672,
0.07369533,
-0.1075656,
-0.3529429,
0.3096096,
-0.1695724,
-0.1626111,
-0.06290497,
0.2249065,
0.0193087... |
Interaction of solutions containing phenothiazines exposed to laser radiation with materials surfaces, in view of biomedical applications. | Phenothiazine drugs - chlorpromazine (CPZ), promazine (PZ) and promethazine (PMZ) - were exposed to 266 nm (fourth harmonic of the Nd:YAG pulsed laser radiation) in order to be modified at molecular level and to produce an enhancement of their antibacterial activity. The irradiated samples were analysed by several methods: pH and surface tension measurements, UV-vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, laser induced fluorescence and thin layer chromatography. The purpose of these investigations was to study and describe the modified properties of the medicines to further investigate their specific interactions with materials such as cotton, polyester and Parafilm M as a model smooth surface. The textile materials may be impregnated with phenothiazines drug solutions exposed to laser radiation in order to be used in treatments applied on the surface of the organism. Some of the phenothiazines solutions exposed prolonged time intervals to laser radiation have much better activity against several bacteria. Therefore, in the paper, it is reported the wetting behaviour of CPZ, PZ and PMZ solutions, irradiated for time intervals between 1 and 240 min, on the surfaces of the three textures in order to draw a conclusion about their wettability as a function of time. | 25,148,730 | [
-0.05364275,
-0.04155248,
0.01909085,
0.0767681,
-0.1746659,
-0.2108846,
-0.1880449,
0.03412618,
0.4895719,
0.1598751,
0.01477576,
0.08831302,
-0.120189,
-0.1300552,
-0.5304526,
-0.1356001,
-0.3335873,
0.01948562,
-0.445613,
0.1658026,
0.4941474,
0.1834934,
-0.04621045,
... |
Methodology for image-based reconstruction of ventricular geometry for patient-specific modeling of cardiac electrophysiology. | Patient-specific modeling of ventricular electrophysiology requires an interpolated reconstruction of the 3-dimensional (3D) geometry of the patient ventricles from the low-resolution (Lo-res) clinical images. The goal of this study was to implement a processing pipeline for obtaining the interpolated reconstruction, and thoroughly evaluate the efficacy of this pipeline in comparison with alternative methods. The pipeline implemented here involves contouring the epi- and endocardial boundaries in Lo-res images, interpolating the contours using the variational implicit functions method, and merging the interpolation results to obtain the ventricular reconstruction. Five alternative interpolation methods, namely linear, cubic spline, spherical harmonics, cylindrical harmonics, and shape-based interpolation were implemented for comparison. In the thorough evaluation of the processing pipeline, Hi-res magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), and diffusion tensor (DT) MR images from numerous hearts were used. Reconstructions obtained from the Hi-res images were compared with the reconstructions computed by each of the interpolation methods from a sparse sample of the Hi-res contours, which mimicked Lo-res clinical images. Qualitative and quantitative comparison of these ventricular geometry reconstructions showed that the variational implicit functions approach performed better than others. Additionally, the outcomes of electrophysiological simulations (sinus rhythm activation maps and pseudo-ECGs) conducted using models based on the various reconstructions were compared. These electrophysiological simulations demonstrated that our implementation of the variational implicit functions-based method had the best accuracy. | 25,148,771 | [
-0.004247339,
0.167148,
-0.2576744,
-0.1743781,
-0.2284155,
-0.4027653,
0.06348449,
-0.101284,
0.1683003,
-0.04210526,
-0.05115275,
0.05938737,
-0.2598258,
0.1081666,
-0.6542534,
-0.06498295,
-0.5006067,
-0.007388108,
-0.3343658,
-0.07718102,
-0.0460014,
0.3199506,
-0.217... |
Community structure and distribution of planktonic ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria in the Dongjiang River, China. | Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) are widely distributed in the natural environment and play crucial roles in the nitrification process and the removal of nitrogen (N). Although planktonic microbial community plays an important role in river biogeochemical cycles, few studies have attempted to address the characteristics of AOA and AOB in the water column of river ecosystems. This study examined the community structures, distributions and abundance of planktonic AOA and AOB in the Dongjiang River and their responses to the changes in environmental parameters through quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cloning, and sequencing of ammonia mono-oxygenase (amoA). The abundance ratio of AOB to AOA varied from 0.07 to 9.4 along the river and was positively correlated with the concentration of ammonium. Significantly positive correlations were observed between the abundance of AOB and potential nitrification rates, which suggested that the contribution of AOB to nitrification was greater than that of AOA in the river. Phylogenetic analyses showed that AOA communities could be divided into three branches of Thaumarchaeota: Group 1.1a, Group 1.1a associated and Group 1.1b, with most sequences belonging to Group 1.1a. All AOB sequences fell within Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira species, and the majority of sequences were affiliated with the latter. Multivariate statistical analyses indicated that the community distributions of AOA and AOB were significantly correlated with the concentrations of nitrate and total suspended solids, respectively. These findings fundamentally improved our understanding of the role of planktonic AOA and AOB in nitrogen cycling and their responses to changes in environmental factors in the river ecosystem. | 25,148,780 | [
0.0891645,
0.2503142,
0.1222875,
0.1891859,
-0.2256073,
-0.325006,
-0.3612489,
0.1731819,
-0.03927255,
-0.1677195,
0.04201182,
-0.2974632,
-0.117587,
0.1301428,
-0.2510704,
0.05667565,
-0.2667759,
0.44346,
0.2529927,
0.15252,
0.0650207,
0.3119515,
-0.07832101,
0.323985,... |
Alexithymia impact on type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a case-control study. | This paper focus on studying the prevalence of alexithymia in diabetes type 1 and type 2 and its impact on diabetes's clinical and therapeutic characteristics. We also studied the relationship between alexithymia and emotional disorders in diabetics. The study involved a sample of 125 diabetic patients, among whom 50 had type 1 and 75 had type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with respectively 70 and 52 control subjects matched for age and sex. Alexithymia was assessed using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, while emotional disorders were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Type 1 diabetics were more alexithymic than controls while type 2 diabetics had higher cognitive component score than control subjects. Alexithymic type 1 diabetics had a higher average of fasting blood sugar than non-alexithymic patients did (P=0.021). Moreover, with type 1 diabetes, erectile dysfunction was associated with difficulties in identifying feelings (P=0.012). We found that the presence of depression was a predictor of alexithymia in type 1 diabetes (β=1.78, P=0.04) and the presence of psychiatric history was indicative of the presence of alexithymia in type 2 diabetes (β=2.09, P=0.042). Given the impact of alexithymia on diabetes types 1 and 2, the detection and treatment of alexithymic subjects are important for a better prognosis of diabetic disease. | 25,148,784 | [
-0.02445827,
0.08044057,
0.02299021,
0.03012474,
-0.07188991,
-0.470536,
0.05865123,
0.1685214,
-0.1286658,
-0.08420751,
0.05002179,
0.4022349,
-0.2668943,
-0.1725397,
-0.2512154,
-0.2685234,
-0.2656821,
0.209204,
0.1178658,
-0.3660364,
-0.0362721,
0.2535768,
-0.0824976,
... |
Oxford classification of IgA nephropathy is applicable to predict long-term outcomes of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. | Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis and IgA nephropathy are currently considered to be different clinical presentations of the same disease. There is need for a reliable proven, morphologic classification that can help clinicians more accurately formulate treatment strategies for patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. Considering that Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis and IgA nephropathy have common characteristics of pathogenesis and histopathologic findings, we postulate that, the Oxford classification could also help predict long-term outcomes in Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. Hence, we suggest to applicate the Oxford classification for patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. | 25,148,806 | [
0.05778319,
0.008423062,
0.2007919,
-0.1837634,
0.1972847,
-0.2743069,
-0.03323848,
0.1524896,
-0.1245496,
0.01634473,
0.04667495,
0.06849051,
0.108603,
-0.2480611,
-0.1832694,
-0.1468986,
0.1253524,
0.467011,
0.1077431,
-0.2157536,
-0.1747416,
0.2513763,
-0.2470786,
-0... |
Incision Planning in Thyroid Compartment Surgery: Getting it Perfect. | This study evaluated changes in thyroid compartment incision site locations with patient positioning to define a reliable method for placing the scar in the optimal vertical location. The optimal incision location was marked with the patient sitting upright before surgery. The distance from the sternal notch to this mark was measured with the patient in the upright, supine, and final surgical positions. Complete data were available for 104 procedures. The mean distances from the sternal notch to the incision site were 4.8, 21.5, and 31.9 mm in the sitting, supine, and surgical positions, respectively. Each of these distances were significantly different from one another (P<.0001) and were independent of patient age, sex, body mass index (BMI), or height. Cutaneous cervical landmarks migrate significantly during patient positioning. Marking the thyroid compartment incision site while the patient is in an upright position results in a more predictable final scar location. | 25,148,816 | [
0.03219334,
-0.005723157,
-0.5881142,
-0.590377,
-0.3905625,
-0.2842558,
-0.3412225,
-0.0316475,
-0.01760986,
0.1821268,
0.235503,
-0.299089,
-0.19534,
-0.3615164,
0.03058052,
-0.05232818,
-0.2669222,
0.171434,
-0.2551503,
-0.2969152,
0.04970723,
0.307494,
-0.09085239,
... |
Predictions of heading date in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using QTL-based parameters of an ecophysiological model. | Prediction of wheat phenology facilitates the selection of cultivars with specific adaptations to a particular environment. However, while QTL analysis for heading date can identify major genes controlling phenology, the results are limited to the environments and genotypes tested. Moreover, while ecophysiological models allow accurate predictions in new environments, they may require substantial phenotypic data to parameterize each genotype. Also, the model parameters are rarely related to all underlying genes, and all the possible allelic combinations that could be obtained by breeding cannot be tested with models. In this study, a QTL-based model is proposed to predict heading date in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Two parameters of an ecophysiological model (V sat and P base , representing genotype vernalization requirements and photoperiod sensitivity, respectively) were optimized for 210 genotypes grown in 10 contrasting location × sowing date combinations. Multiple linear regression models predicting V sat and P base with 11 and 12 associated genetic markers accounted for 71 and 68% of the variance of these parameters, respectively. QTL-based V sat and P base estimates were able to predict heading date of an independent validation data set (88 genotypes in six location × sowing date combinations) with a root mean square error of prediction of 5 to 8.6 days, explaining 48 to 63% of the variation for heading date. The QTL-based model proposed in this study may be used for agronomic purposes and to assist breeders in suggesting locally adapted ideotypes for wheat phenology. | 25,148,833 | [
0.02183901,
-0.2438079,
0.03971647,
0.1574993,
0.1357088,
-0.3001787,
-0.2831272,
-0.007988642,
0.03346533,
-0.05041257,
0.2662492,
0.1517701,
-0.1581953,
-0.3978787,
-0.3427951,
0.06342906,
0.0794193,
0.2255271,
0.05219276,
0.05683583,
-0.04631336,
0.6740023,
-0.319937,
... |
Total alkaloids of Rubus alceifolius Poir shows anti-angiogenic activity in vivo and in vitro. | Total alkaloids is an active ingredient of the natural plant Rubus alceifolius Poir, commonly used for the treatment of various cancers. Antitumor effects may be mediated through anti-angiogenic mechanisms. As such, the goal of the present study was to investigate and evaluate the effect of total alkaloids in Rubus alceifolius Poir (TARAP) on tumor angiogenesis and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of TARAP action in vivo and in vitro. A chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was used to assess angiogenesis in vivo. An MTT assay was performed to determine the viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with and without treatment. Cell cycle progression of HUVECs was examined by FACS analysis with propidium iodide staining. HUVEC migration was determined using a scratch wound method. Tube formation of HUVECs was assessed with an ECMatrix gel system, and mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A in both HUVECs and HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells were examined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Our results showed that TARAP inhibited angiogenesis in the CAM model in vivo and inhibited HUVEC proliferation via blocking cell cycle G1 to S progression in a dose- and time-dependent manners in vitro. Moreover, TARAP inhibited HUVEC migration and tube formation and downregulated mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-A in both HepG2 cells and HUVECs. Our findings suggest that the anti-angiogenic activity of TARAP may partly contribute to its antitumor properties and may be valuable for the treatment of diseases involving pathologic angiogenesis such as cancer. | 25,148,840 | [
0.05244634,
-0.04174449,
-0.413985,
-0.0246411,
0.44097,
-0.1453402,
-0.2174258,
0.04670177,
0.3031538,
0.2970494,
-0.1205696,
0.2447921,
0.01487923,
0.194528,
0.102459,
0.4852561,
-0.6177897,
0.08205768,
-0.08219892,
0.258912,
0.1860472,
-0.2219631,
-0.2120822,
0.21602... |
Relationship between neighborhood walkability and older adults' physical activity: results from the Belgian Environmental Physical Activity Study in Seniors (BEPAS Seniors). | Adequate knowledge on environmental correlates of physical activity (PA) in older adults is needed to develop effective health promotion initiatives. However, research in this age group is scarce and most existing studies were conducted in North America. The present study aimed to examine relationships between GIS-based neighborhood walkability and objective and self-reported PA in community-dwelling Belgian older adults. Furthermore, moderating effects of neighborhood income levels were investigated. The Belgian Environmental Physical Activity Study (BEPAS) for Seniors is a cross-sectional study in older adults (≥65 yrs) and was conducted between October 2010 and September 2012. Data from 438 older adults living in 20 neighborhoods across Ghent (Belgium) were analyzed. Stratification of selected neighborhoods was based upon objective walkability and neighborhood income. Participants wore an accelerometer during seven consecutive days to obtain objective levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Self-reported levels of transportation walking/cycling and recreational walking/cycling were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (long, last 7 days version) adapted for the elderly. Multi-level regression analyses were conducted. Findings showed a positive relationship between neighborhood walkability and weekly minutes of older adults' self-reported walking for transportation (B = 4.63 ± 1.05;p < 0.001) and a negative relationship between walkability and accelerometer-derived low-light PA (B = -1.38 ± 0.62;p = 0.025). Walkability was not related to any measure of recreational PA. A walkability x income interaction was found for accelerometer-derived MVPA (B = -1.826 ± 1.03;p = 0.075), showing only a positive association between walkability and MVPA in low-income neighborhood residents. This was the first European study to examine walkability-PA relationships in older adults. These Belgian findings suggest that a high neighborhood walkability relates to higher levels of older adults' transport-related walking. As transport-related walking is an accessible activity for older adults and easy to integrate in their daily routine, policy makers and health promoters are advised to provide sufficient destinations and pedestrian-friendly facilities in the close vicinity of older adults' residences, so short trips can be made by foot. Neighborhood income moderated the relationship between walkability and objectively-measured MVPA. Increasing total MVPA levels in older adults should be a key topic in development of promotion initiatives and special attention should be paid to low-income neighborhood residents. | 25,148,845 | [
0.002809169,
0.2548884,
0.07585811,
0.1032622,
0.1085466,
-0.3956473,
-0.1325155,
-0.2863756,
-0.2657647,
-0.2496768,
-0.08067091,
-0.3167824,
0.1211525,
-0.1999111,
-0.1706958,
-0.06998636,
-0.273227,
0.1470082,
-0.3292126,
-0.0156072,
-0.08908921,
0.2394683,
0.05448189,... |
Apolipoprotein E synthesized by adipocyte and apolipoprotein E carried on lipoproteins modulate adipocyte triglyceride content. | Excessive energy storage of adipose tissue makes contribution to the occurrence and progression of obesity, which accompanies with multiple adverse complications, such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases. It is well known that apolipoprotein E, as a component of lipoproteins, performs a key role in maintaining plasma lipoproteins homeostasis. Interestingly, apolipoprotein E is highly expressed in adipocyte and has positive relation with body fat mass. Apolipoprotein E knock-out mice show small fat mass compared to wild type mice. Moreover, adipocyte deficiency in apolipoprotein E shows impaired lipoproeteins internalization and triglyceride accumulation. Apolipopreotein E-deficient lipoproteins can not induce preadipocyte to form round full-lipid adipocyte, whereas apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins can. This article mainly reviews the modulation of apolipoprotein E synthesized by adipocyte and apolipoprotein E carried on lipoproteins in adipocyte triglyceride content. | 25,148,848 | [
-0.2081185,
0.001399747,
-0.05339228,
-0.1505485,
0.2105242,
-0.2635862,
-0.05460875,
0.1792697,
0.008389285,
0.1749395,
0.04986188,
-0.04316346,
0.09705786,
0.03214602,
-0.6353078,
-0.09890152,
-0.3454354,
-0.2572641,
0.04951283,
0.1698475,
-0.2889854,
0.222636,
-0.26691... |
The neuroendocrinology of social isolation. | Social isolation has been recognized as a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality in humans for more than a quarter of a century. Although the focus of research has been on objective social roles and health behavior, the brain is the key organ for forming, monitoring, maintaining, repairing, and replacing salutary connections with others. Accordingly, population-based longitudinal research indicates that perceived social isolation (loneliness) is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality independent of objective social isolation and health behavior. Human and animal investigations of neuroendocrine stress mechanisms that may be involved suggest that (a) chronic social isolation increases the activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical axis, and (b) these effects are more dependent on the disruption of a social bond between a significant pair than objective isolation per se. The relational factors and neuroendocrine, neurobiological, and genetic mechanisms that may contribute to the association between perceived isolation and mortality are reviewed. | 25,148,851 | [
-0.01102369,
-0.1730445,
0.1781352,
-0.235491,
-0.1816019,
-0.1419194,
-0.1542124,
0.05826747,
0.2032546,
-0.1804335,
0.01230628,
-0.2976099,
0.07233462,
-0.2967976,
-0.2135052,
0.07027438,
-0.1317855,
0.08954211,
0.3403692,
0.3209596,
-0.2177309,
0.2345832,
-0.1069741,
... |
The hidden efficacy of interventions: gene×environment experiments from a differential susceptibility perspective. | The efficacy of interventions might be underestimated or even go undetected as a main effect when it is hidden in gene-by-environment (G×E) interactions. This review moves beyond the problems thwarting correlational G×E research to propose genetic differential susceptibility experiments. G×E experiments can test the bright side as well as the dark side of the moderating role of genotypes traditionally considered to represent vulnerability to negative conditions. The differential susceptibility model predicts that carriers of these risk genotypes profit most from interventions changing the environment for the better. The evolutionary background of G×E and differential susceptibility is discussed, and statistical methods for the analysis of differential susceptibility (versus diathesis stress) are reviewed. Then, based on results from 22 randomized G×E experiments, meta-analytic evidence for the differential susceptibility model is presented. Intervention effects are much stronger in the susceptible genotypes than in the nonsusceptible genotypes. The final sections suggest possibilities to broaden the G component in the G×E equation by including genetic pathways, and to broaden the E component by including methylation level and gene expression as promising ways to probe the concept of the environment more deeply and address the perennial issue of what works for whom. | 25,148,854 | [
0.03864358,
0.008304166,
0.09876265,
-0.2095334,
0.05684964,
-0.319812,
-0.2045287,
-0.2306401,
0.1570572,
-0.03978404,
-0.04053362,
0.3216355,
0.03983928,
0.01835456,
-0.3779735,
-0.021802,
-0.5317438,
0.04523744,
-0.09895575,
0.3620809,
0.02853839,
0.2920502,
-0.3030592... |
Cytokine response in peripheral blood indicates different pathophysiological mechanisms behind anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection: a pilot study. | Anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectosigmoid resection is a serious complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. This case-control pilot study investigated the changes in blood concentration of 10 different cytokines and 2 complement factors in relation to symptomatic AL after low anterior resection for rectosigmoid cancer. Fifty patients scheduled for resection of rectosigmoid cancer had blood samples taken the day before surgery and on post-operative days 1, 3 and 5. Four patients with symptomatic AL were identified. Twenty-two age- and disease-matched patients constituted the control group. The concentration of 10 cytokines (granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-γ, interleukin-1β, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10 and tumour necrosis factor-α) and 2 complement factors (mannan-binding lectin and membrane attack complex) were measured. The present study demonstrated that plasma concentration of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and interleukin 10 within the first 5 post-operative days was increased in patients who developed early clinical AL, whereas there were no changes in patients with late-onset AL. The demonstrated differences in the cytokine response in early and late AL may support the theory of different pathological mechanisms of AL. | 25,148,865 | [
-0.06137638,
-0.3642835,
-0.2871092,
-0.3850508,
0.1766634,
-0.3586872,
-0.160632,
0.05403617,
0.04434591,
0.1926913,
-0.104557,
0.01574969,
0.0742479,
-0.2531309,
-0.1969109,
-0.09217492,
-0.1685516,
-0.3306896,
0.06534542,
0.001192142,
0.4928299,
0.5157421,
0.03777667,
... |
[Prediction of psychoses]. | The worldwide established early detection and prevention centers for psychosis follow the modern program of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine. If primary prevention is to succeed, the individual risk of the disease has to be estimated correctly and the psychosis onset has to be accurately predicted. Accordingly, this article presents the current possibilities for prediction. An overview on the recent prediction analyses in clinical high risk for psychosis research is provided. The previously identified high-risk criteria achieve a considerable predictive power, which can be further enhanced by their combined use as well as other strategies of risk enrichment and risk stratification. Clinical prediction already allows risk-adapted prevention measures and is currently being enhanced even further by additional biological brain diagnostics. | 25,148,868 | [
-0.1177472,
0.2040623,
0.03640467,
-0.1364045,
0.2224008,
-0.2551403,
-0.19011,
-0.2259716,
-0.0574384,
0.135113,
0.158251,
0.1669419,
0.2172037,
-0.0523582,
-0.2201458,
0.07454251,
-0.2196953,
0.370879,
-0.007635906,
0.3526516,
0.1849316,
0.2766263,
-0.2169868,
-0.1253... |
Alcohol-induced defects in hepatic transcytosis may be explained by impaired dynein function. | Alcoholic liver disease has been clinically well described, but the molecular mechanisms leading to hepatotoxicity have not been fully elucidated. Previously, we determined that microtubules are hyperacetylated and more stable in ethanol-treated WIF-B cells, VL-17A cells, liver slices, and in livers from ethanol-fed rats. From our recent studies, we believe that these modifications can explain alcohol-induced defects in microtubule motor-dependent protein trafficking including nuclear translocation of a subset of transcription factors. Since cytoplasmic dynein/dynactin is known to mediate both microtubule-dependent translocation and basolateral to apical/canalicular transcytosis, we predicted that transcytosis is impaired in ethanol-treated hepatic cells. We monitored transcytosis of three classes of newly synthesized canalicular proteins in polarized, hepatic WIF-B cells, an emerging model system for the study of liver disease. As predicted, canalicular delivery of all proteins tested was impaired in ethanol-treated cells. Unlike in control cells, transcytosing proteins were observed in discrete sub-canalicular puncta en route to the canalicular surface that aligned along acetylated microtubules. We further determined that the stalled transcytosing proteins colocalized with dynein/dynactin in treated cells. No changes in vesicle association were observed for either dynein or dynactin in ethanol-treated cells, but significantly enhanced dynein binding to microtubules was observed. From these results, we propose that enhanced dynein binding to microtubules in ethanol-treated cells leads to decreased motor processivity resulting in vesicle stalling and in impaired canalicular delivery. Our studies also importantly indicate that modulating cellular acetylation levels with clinically tolerated deacetylase agonists may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating alcoholic liver disease. | 25,148,871 | [
-0.1683742,
-0.2495459,
-0.277164,
0.2582349,
0.05620413,
-0.3658887,
0.01913417,
0.3693176,
0.05811101,
0.2264796,
0.1416764,
0.01496238,
0.1153346,
0.3410253,
-0.06761094,
-0.04846531,
-0.7371446,
-0.1646903,
-0.02795398,
-0.1362721,
0.1754356,
0.3446661,
-0.006393187,
... |
Platelet-derived growth factor blockade on cardiac remodeling following infarction. | Cardiac repair and remodeling occur following myocardial infarction (MI). Our previous study demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A/-D and PDGF receptors (PDGFR) are increased in the infarcted heart, with cells expressing PDGFR primarily endothelial and fibroblast-like cells. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that PDGF contributes to cardiac angiogenesis and fibrogenesis post-MI. Rats with experimental MI were treated with either a PDGFR antagonist (Imatinib, 40 mg/kg/day) or vehicle by gavage, and sham-operated rats served as the controls. Cardiac fibrogenesis, angiogenesis, and ventricular function were detected at weeks 1 and 4 post-MI. We found that (1) transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1/-2, and type I collagen mRNA were all significantly increased in the infarcted heart at week 1 post-MI, while PDGFR blockade significantly reduced these fibrogenic mediators in the noninfarcted myocardium as compared to controls; (2) fibrosis developed in both the infarcted and noninfarcted myocardium at week 4 with PDGFR blockade significantly suppressing collagen volume in the noninfarcted myocardium; (3) angiogenesis was activated in the infarcted myocardium, particularly at week 1, and was not altered by treatment with imatinib; and (4) ventricular dysfunction was evident in MI rats at week 4, and mildly improved with imatinib treatment. These observations indicated that PDGF can contribute to the development of cardiac interstitial fibrosis in the noninfarcted myocardium, but does not alter scar formation in the infarcted myocardium. Further, this study suggests the potential therapeutic effects of PDGFR blockade on interstitial fibrosis of the infarcted heart. | 25,148,874 | [
-0.2213409,
0.3632763,
-0.3581898,
-0.3273317,
0.1565195,
-0.1439749,
0.06814943,
0.1990287,
0.02207693,
0.1262394,
0.137433,
0.3012783,
-0.4715452,
-0.2258827,
-0.4354904,
0.1683773,
0.009779274,
-0.07179671,
-0.1280693,
0.2184602,
-0.1328844,
0.1448637,
-0.1280629,
-0... |
Long-term exercise in older adults: 4-year outcomes of music-based multitask training. | Prospective controlled evidence supporting the efficacy of long-term exercise to prevent physical decline and reduce falls in old age is lacking. The present study aimed to assess the effects of long-term music-based multitask exercise (i.e., Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics) on physical function and fall risk in older adults. A 3-year follow-up extension of a 1-year randomized controlled trial (NCT01107288) was conducted in Geneva (Switzerland), in which 134 community-dwellers aged ≥65 years at increased risk of falls received a 6-month music-based multitask exercise program. Four years following original trial enrolment, 52 subjects (baseline mean ± SD age, 75 ± 8 years) who (i) have maintained exercise program participation through the 4-year follow-up visit ("long-term intervention group", n = 23) or (ii) have discontinued participation following original trial completion ("control group", n = 29) were studied. They were reassessed in a blind fashion, using the same procedures as at baseline. At 4 years, linear mixed-effects models showed significant gait (gait speed, P = 0.006) and balance (one-legged stance time, P = 0.015) improvements in the long-term intervention group, compared with the control group. Also, long-term intervention subjects did better on Timed Up & Go, Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand and handgrip strength tests, than controls (P < 0.05, for all comparisons). Furthermore, the exercise program reduced the risk of falling (relative risk, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.9; P = 0.008). These findings suggest that long-term maintenance of a music-based multitask exercise program is a promising strategy to prevent age-related physical decline in older adults. They also highlight the efficacy of sustained long-term adherence to exercise for falls prevention. | 25,148,876 | [
-0.1009136,
0.2324569,
-0.07948167,
-0.06988231,
0.1098219,
-0.358422,
-0.3115314,
-0.08004513,
0.1711672,
-0.4174626,
-0.2448933,
-0.08942184,
-0.08253275,
-0.5466015,
-0.3138791,
-0.06096083,
-0.2785664,
0.2008386,
-0.2058137,
0.0821778,
-0.2736503,
-0.04197805,
-0.0615... |
Isolation and characterization of novel Glu-St1 alleles from Pseudoroegneria spicata and Pd. strigosa. | Pseudoroegneria is a small genus of the Triticeae tribe; its St genome is present in over half of allopolyploid Triticeae species. The high molecular weight (HMW) subunits of glutenin (GS) encoded by the St genome are not well described. In this paper, we report the characterization of fourteen alleles of HMW-GS genes from the two species Pd. spicata and Pd. strigosa. Analysis shows that all fourteen sequences possess a typical primary structure shared by other known HMW-GS, but with some unique modifications. All fourteen Glu-St1 alleles are significantly smaller than normal Glu-1 genes due to fewer repeat motifs in a repetitive region with no indication of large deletion in other conserved regions. Thus, the small size is a common feature of HMW-GS encoded by Glu-St1 loci of Pseudoroegneria species. Sequence analysis indicated that all fourteen Glu-St1 alleles were intermediate type between x- and y-type, which represent an intermediate stage in the evolutionary divergence of x- and y-type subunits. | 25,148,878 | [
0.08574588,
-0.2295917,
0.1920976,
0.1969858,
0.1290244,
-0.002592945,
0.1839466,
-0.3409905,
0.2820644,
0.3438805,
0.03426692,
0.3207113,
-0.3188119,
-0.08609011,
-0.6384169,
0.2430675,
-0.1665369,
0.09487493,
0.2953349,
-0.1322283,
0.02932548,
0.5389937,
-0.2426292,
-... |
To worry or not to worry: breast cancer genetic counseling communication with low-income Latina immigrants. | The purpose of this pilot study was to describe communication practices during hereditary breast cancer genetic counseling (GC) with low-income immigrant Latina patients in a public hospital setting. We utilized qualitative ethnographic methods, including direct observation of GC appointments with Latina patients at a public hospital offering free GC and BRCA testing and in-depth qualitative interviews with patients after they had received their BRCA genetic test results. Twenty-five patients participated; 20 were observed during genetic counseling appointments, and ten participated in interviews after BRCA testing with six participating in both observations and an interview. Analyses of qualitative data from observation field notes and interviews identified both strengths and limitations of current communication practices within the following themes: (1) family health history communication, (2) education regarding genes and genetics and patient information needs, (3) the purpose of the genetic test, (4) genetic test results and cancer risk, (5) building rapport and providing support, and (6) medical interpretation for monolingual Spanish speakers. As access to cancer GC expands in the public safety net settings and for the diverse populations they serve, it is critical to ensure effective communication in order for patients, whether or not they have a BRCA mutation, to understand the nature of their cancer risk and recommended methods of screening and prevention. Intervention strategies that address both structural constraints and patient-provider communication are needed to improve GC communication with immigrant Latinas, especially monolingual Spanish speakers. | 25,148,879 | [
0.03266069,
-0.1098174,
0.3080074,
-0.2674067,
-0.09910318,
-0.222662,
0.06715427,
-0.33858,
0.02280862,
0.1143112,
0.2115137,
0.240926,
-0.3701926,
-0.3410168,
0.05908212,
-0.04093889,
-0.2174419,
-0.04525322,
0.147891,
-0.07498713,
0.1544603,
0.02364655,
-0.01609796,
... |
A miRNA-binding site single nucleotide polymorphism in the 3'-UTR region of the NOD2 gene is associated with colorectal cancer. | Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the common malignancies worldwide. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in miRNA-binding site on gene transcripts are reported to play important role in increased risk of CRC in different population. We performed a case-control study using 88 CRC patients and 88 non-cancer counterparts to evaluate the association between NOD2 rs3135500 polymorphism located at 3' untranslated region of the gene and risk of sporadic CRC. Genotyping of rs3135500 polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. We found a significant association of AA genotype with risk of CRC (adjusted OR 3.100, CI 1.621-5.930, p < 0.001). Also, significant difference in physical activity (p = 0.001) between case and control groups was found. We also found that individuals in control group were more aspirin or NSAID user compared to sporadic CRC cases (p = 0.002). In the case group, individuals with GG genotype consumed more aspirin or NSAID compared with AA+AG genotypes (33.3 vs. 9.6 %, adjusted OR 4.71, CI 1.25-17.76, p = 0.02). However, in the control group, individuals with AA+AG genotypes used more aspirin or NSAID compared with GG genotypes (47.2 vs. 11.4 %, adjusted OR 14 %, CI 0.05-0.47, p < 0.001). | 25,148,897 | [
-0.1078137,
-0.1252697,
0.1545739,
-0.1041099,
0.02913298,
-0.1707498,
-0.02729522,
0.05825439,
0.1854519,
-0.1280712,
-0.00288626,
0.06316121,
-0.0209578,
-0.4700557,
-0.3227555,
-0.07686213,
-0.4193797,
0.2967826,
0.1756809,
0.174657,
-0.144749,
0.1777758,
0.002684771,
... |
Intima media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and flow mediated dilation. | The identification of vascular alterations at the sub-clinical, asymptomatic stages are potentially useful for screening, prevention and improvement of cardiovascular risk stratification beyond classical risk factors.Increased intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery is a well-known marker of early atherosclerosis, which significantly correlates with the development of cardiovascular diseases. More recently, other vascular parameters evaluating both structural and functional arterial proprieties of peripheral arteries have been introduced, for cardiovascular risk stratification and as surrogate endpoints in clinical trials. Increased arterial stiffness, which can be detected by applanation tonometry as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, has been shown to predict future cardiovascular events and to significantly improve risk stratification.Finally, earlier vascular abnormalities such as endothelial dysfunction in the peripheral arteries, detected as reduced flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, are useful in the research setting and as surrogate endpoints in clinical trials and have also been suggested for their possible clinical use in the future.This manuscript will briefly review clinical evidence supporting the use of these different vascular markers for cardiovascular risk stratification, focusing on the correct methodology, which is a crucial issue to address in order to promote their use in future for routine clinical practice. | 25,148,901 | [
-0.2997594,
0.3034921,
-0.02096939,
-0.1667194,
0.1295034,
-0.3483062,
0.08509127,
0.1506527,
0.1910115,
0.1059107,
-0.121598,
-0.3600425,
-0.1011673,
-0.3180078,
-0.2773045,
-0.1541688,
-0.5087441,
0.08618206,
-0.272766,
0.3910677,
0.07790934,
0.2194743,
-0.09827324,
0... |
Does intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography cause acute kidney injury? Protocol of a systematic review of the evidence. | Contrast-induced acute kidney injury is a common cause of iatrogenic acute kidney injury (AKI). Most of the published estimates of AKI after contrast use originate from the cardiac catheterization literature despite contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans being the more common setting for contrast use. This systematic review aims to summarize the current evidence about (1)the risk of AKI following intravenous (IV) contrast-enhanced CT scans and(2) the risk of clinical outcomes (i.e. death, hospitalization and need for renal replacement therapy) due to IV contrast-enhanced CT scans. A systematic literature search for published studies will be performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE and The COCHRANE Library databases. Unpublished studies will be identified by searching through grey literature. No language restriction will be applied.The review will consider all studies that have examined the association between IV contrast media and AKI. To be selected, the study should include two arms: one group of exposed patients who received IV contrast material before CT scans and one group of unexposed group who did not receive contrast material before CT scans. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts obtained from electronic databases, extract data and will assess the quality of the studies selected using the Cochrane's 'Risk of Bias' assessment tool for randomized trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. A random-effects meta-analysis will be performed if there is no remarkable heterogeneity between studies. This systematic review will provide synthesis of current evidence around the effect of IV contrast material on AKI and other clinical outcomes. Results will be helpful for making evidence-based recommendations and guidelines for clinical and radiologic settings. PROSPERO CRD42013003799. | 25,148,933 | [
-0.3442748,
0.1549254,
-0.2200448,
-0.1317177,
0.3116406,
0.04854686,
-0.3314601,
-0.03046702,
-0.1924703,
-0.1499155,
0.04564843,
0.3249075,
0.07734224,
0.05813179,
-0.05281147,
-0.3612795,
-0.4552191,
0.2948864,
-0.3572313,
-0.1445244,
-0.1946509,
0.1497298,
-0.2198344,... |
The Clinical Implications of Transforming Growth Factor Beta in Pathological Grade and Prognosis of Glioma Patients: A Meta-Analysis. | The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway plays a key role in oncogenesis of advanced cancers. However, the effects of TGF-β pathway on gliomas are still controversial. So, it is essential to conduct a meta-analysis to determine their correlations. Eligible studies were included, and then odds ratios (ORs), standard mean differences (SMDs), and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated. Funnel plots were available for evaluation of publication bias. In this meta-analysis, all 14 eligible studies involving 875 patients were included and conducted in China. Six studies with dichotomous data revealed altered TGF-β expression in glioma tissues was closely associated with high WHO grade (III + IV) (OR 4.39, 95% CI 2.90-6.63; p = 0.000), meanwhile, seven studies with continuous data also demonstrated TGF-β expression intensity extremely related to high grade (SMD -2.44, 95% CI -2.71, -2.16; p = 0.000). To our interest, TGF-β expression was associated with old age (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.93; p = 0.025) rather than gender (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.64-1.67; p = 0.884). Besides, TGF-β expression significantly correlated to 3-year-OS (n = 2; HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.18-5.41; p = 0.017) rather than 5-year-OS (n = 1; HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.66-1.64; p = 0.872) in glioma patients. No heterogeneity and publication bias were observed across all studies. Taken together, the present meta-analysis testifies TGF-β is potently associated with high grade and poor 3 years prognosis, and TGF-β test combined with survivin [1 Mol Neurobiol] and MMP9 [2 Mol Neurobiol] in glioma tissues should be clinically recommended as criteria of glioma grade in department of pathology. | 25,148,935 | [
-0.1250175,
-0.1142523,
-0.3655125,
-0.5032963,
-0.04891823,
-0.5446432,
-0.2654622,
-0.1029764,
-0.1388851,
0.02251896,
-0.1220092,
0.3620337,
0.1342255,
0.1101771,
-0.332309,
-0.1846955,
-0.1745372,
0.2149339,
-0.1892236,
0.6737258,
0.1875365,
0.06012538,
-0.2317469,
... |
CPuORF correlates with miRNA responsive elements on protein evolutionary rates. | miRNA is increasingly being recognized as a key regulator of metabolism in animals. A wealth of evidence has suggested that miRNA mainly binds 3' UTR of mRNA and modulates the cell activities via repressing the mRNA translation. However, as the translation initiates at 5' UTR, cis elements like upstream open reading frame (uORF) resided in 5' UTR may also affect the translation efficiency or elongation. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of miRNA responsive elements (MREs) and uORF of the same transcript in three model organisms (human, mouse, and Drosophila). Intriguingly, we found that the 3' UTR length grew with the complexity of species (human>mouse>Drosophila), in sharp contrast with the invariability of 5' UTR. Additionally, MRE number correlated well with the 3' UTR length, while uORF number showed a weak correlation with the 5' UTR length. Further, we found that human genes with conserved peptide upstream open reading frame (CPuORF) tend to have more MREs and lower evolutionary rates, which provides new insights into the correlation between UTR properties and translational control in animals. | 25,148,940 | [
0.1338214,
-0.1645746,
0.1895118,
0.004634729,
-0.04506747,
-0.1751175,
0.1482302,
0.4363835,
0.4113162,
-0.01307006,
0.03818517,
-0.1301074,
0.006505475,
-0.2431325,
-0.3417237,
0.2833216,
-0.2379543,
0.04482182,
0.0428623,
0.07502653,
0.1285069,
0.143914,
-0.1484146,
... |
Multilocus typing of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis from non-human primates in China. | Non-human primates (NHPs) are commonly infected with Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis. However, molecular characterisation of these pathogens from NHPs remains scarce. In this study, 2,660 specimens from 26 NHP species in China were examined and characterised by PCR amplification of 18S rRNA, 70kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) and 60kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene loci for Cryptosporidium; and 1,386 of the specimens by ssrRNA, triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) gene loci for Giardia. Cryptosporidium was detected in 0.7% (19/2660) specimens of four NHP species including rhesus macaques (0.7%), cynomolgus monkeys (1.0%), slow lorises (10.0%) and Francois' leaf monkeys (6.7%), belonging to Cryptosporidium hominis (14/19) and Cryptosporidium muris (5/19). Two C. hominis gp60 subtypes, IbA12G3 and IiA17 were observed. Based on the tpi locus, G. duodenalis was identified in 2.2% (30/1,386) of specimens including 2.1% in rhesus macaques, 33.3% in Japanese macaques, 16.7% in Assam macaques, 0.7% in white-headed langurs, 1.6% in cynomolgus monkeys and 16.7% in olive baboons. Sequence analysis of the three targets indicated that all of the Giardia-positive specimens belonged to the zoonotic assemblage B. Highest sequence polymorphism was observed at the tpi locus, including 11 subtypes: three known and eight new ones. Phylogenetic analysis of the subtypes showed that most of them were close to the so-called subtype BIV. Intragenotypic variations at the gdh locus revealed six types of sequences (three known and three new), all of which belonged to so-called subtype BIV. Three specimens had co-infection with C. hominis (IbA12G3) and G. duodenalis (BIV). The presence of zoonotic genotypes and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis in NHPs suggests that these animals can potentially contribute to the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. | 25,148,945 | [
-0.1847876,
0.1322969,
0.169055,
-0.1518629,
0.270948,
-0.458454,
-0.2774428,
-0.1764461,
0.08061475,
-0.1087398,
0.03910532,
0.368279,
0.001350029,
-0.05444815,
-0.4967888,
-0.3939642,
-0.6944346,
-0.2964984,
-0.3157841,
0.01278468,
-0.01099989,
0.7940482,
-0.2337304,
... |
Method development by GC-ECD and HS-SPME-GC-MS for beer volatile analysis. | Two methods for the extraction, identification and quantification of the highest occurrence and lowest perception threshold off-flavours in fifteen different samples of Brazilian Pilsner beers were developed. For this purpose, headspace solid phase microextraction in combination with a gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometric detection (HS-SPME-GC-MS) as well as headspace extraction in combination with a gas chromatography coupled to electron capture detection (HS-GC-ECD) were evaluated. The first and the second methods were used for esters and vicinal diketones analysis, respectively. All data were comprehended below the taster's threshold detection limit: ethyl acetate 39.48 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 4.2%), isoamyl acetate 3.88 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 3.4%), ethyl hexanoate 0.61 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 3.1%) and 2,3-butanedione 0.10 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 2.9%). The validated method demonstrated to be useful for the analysis of highest incidence beer off-flavours. | 25,148,961 | [
-0.3713902,
-0.09072123,
0.08879136,
-0.1836266,
0.4680016,
0.05750952,
-0.02664751,
0.1819449,
0.1125727,
-0.03286622,
0.2089384,
-0.1705905,
-0.01272224,
-0.5197311,
-0.3587408,
-0.2076785,
-0.4555201,
0.5496924,
0.5019807,
0.227564,
0.03366511,
0.2135533,
-0.04678413,
... |
The intake of a hazelnut skin extract improves the plasma lipid profile and reduces the lithocholic/deoxycholic bile acid faecal ratio, a risk factor for colon cancer, in hamsters fed a high-fat diet. | The effects on lipid and glucose metabolism of a hazelnut skin extract (FIBEROX™) administrated during 8 weeks (HFD-FBX8w group) or during the last 4 weeks of the study (HFD-FBX4w group) to Golden Syrian hamsters fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks were investigated. FIBEROX™ consumption reversed the increase in total and LDL plasma cholesterol induced by the HFD feeding in both HFD-FBX groups and decreased the circulating levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides in the HFD-FBX4w animals. The higher excretion of bile acids found in the faeces of both groups of hamsters fed the FIBEROX™ suggests that this mechanism is involved in the cholesterol-lowering effects of the extract. Furthermore, FIBEROX™ intake sharply decreased the lithocholic/deoxycholic bile acid faecal ratio, a risk factor for colon cancer, in both HFD-FBX groups. In conclusion, the consumption of FIBEROX™ improves different risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. | 25,148,970 | [
0.0993304,
-0.07254786,
-0.4815027,
-0.1080755,
0.1237205,
-0.2558456,
-0.02652676,
0.279821,
-0.05511789,
-0.0893812,
0.08215653,
0.1023706,
0.2313082,
-0.5089709,
-0.5475509,
-0.2440491,
-0.7576123,
-0.1672018,
0.2415816,
0.09446971,
-0.0341611,
0.5165131,
-0.2344734,
... |
Chemical and sensory characterisation of Sangiovese red wines: comparison between biodynamic and organic management. | The effects of biodynamic production practices on composition and sensory attributes of Sangiovese wines were examined for 2 years (2009 and 2010) in a vineyard that was converted from organic (ORG) to biodynamic (BDN) viticulture. During the first year (2009), the BDN wines were characterised by low alcohol strength, colour intensity, total polyphenols, monomeric anthocyanins and catechin. Conversely, the second year BDN wines differed from the organic wines in terms of total polyphenols and phenolic compounds, including polymeric pigments, co-pigmentation, tannins and iron-reactive polyphenols. The effect of management practices, harvest and their interaction was analysed for each compound. Positive interaction was observed for total acidity, volatile acidity, cyanidin-3-glucoside, protocatechuic acid, (+)-catechin, quercetin and trans-resveratrol. ORG wine initially showed a more complex aroma profile; however, the differences were almost indistinguishable during the second year. Trained panellists highlighted differences in colour intensity between ORG and BDN wines although no preference was found by consumers. The concentrations of ochratoxin A and biogenic amines were far below the health-hazardous threshold. | 25,148,971 | [
-0.01988997,
0.4235024,
-0.1142391,
0.01433975,
0.1110118,
-0.4212038,
0.1523675,
0.08059561,
-0.1183736,
-0.03133517,
-0.117456,
0.08728346,
-0.08864622,
-0.391737,
-0.7054341,
-0.02025267,
-0.28316,
0.2669982,
0.5754794,
0.0002560399,
0.3780412,
0.6171113,
-0.3201475,
... |
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity and fast UHPLC-DAD-IT-TOF profiling of polyphenolic compounds extracted from green lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.; var. Maravilla de Verano). | Fresh cut vegetables represent a widely consumed food worldwide. Among these, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most popular on the market. The growing interest for this "healthy" food is related to the content of bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols, that show many beneficial effects. In this study, we report the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of polyphenols extracted from lettuce (var. Maravilla de Verano), in J774A.1 macrophages stimulated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Lettuce extract significantly decreased reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide release, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cycloxygenase-2 expression. A detailed quali/quantitative profiling of the polyphenolic content was carried out, obtaining fast separation (10 min), good retention time and peak area repeatability, (RSD% 0.80 and 8.68, respectively) as well as linearity (R(2)⩾ 0.999) and mass accuracy (⩽ 5 ppm). Our results show the importance in the diet of this cheap and popular food for his healthy properties. | 25,148,972 | [
0.02312071,
0.2907765,
0.09763956,
0.125563,
0.005817044,
-0.0002665266,
-0.1073208,
0.1202189,
-0.03694625,
-0.6267804,
-0.05331189,
0.06362949,
-0.007532948,
-0.2092722,
-0.79204,
-0.1142584,
-0.7070069,
0.1595574,
0.3442858,
-0.04390724,
0.002989409,
0.3705144,
-0.4636... |
Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, a dietary flavonoid, protects PC12 cells from H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity through inhibition of reactive oxygen species. | Since flavonols are antioxidant agents, they could in principle, beneficially affect neurodegenerative diseases where reactive oxygen species are involved. Quercetin derivatives are the most abundant dietary flavonoids, and we have investigated the capacity of quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (Q3G) isolated from Echinophora cinerea to protect PC12 cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. Direct cytotoxic effects of H2O2 on PC12 in presence and absence of Q3G were evaluated. H2O2 induced cytotoxicity in a concentration dependent manner (IC50=118 ± 5.09 μM, 24h). Pretreatment of cells with non-toxic concentrations of Q3G protected cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity, leading to a decrease in the generation of reactive oxygen species. These observations qualify Q3G as an interesting dietary compound worth further investigation as a cytoprotective agent. | 25,148,973 | [
-0.4038332,
0.04067424,
0.1346279,
0.01817682,
-0.1117543,
-0.1030501,
0.105896,
-0.0901886,
0.003296906,
-0.1927555,
0.02846727,
0.3298595,
-0.1797308,
-0.4701106,
-0.3423937,
0.07017643,
-0.498483,
0.4989759,
-0.2145851,
-0.330269,
0.08403542,
0.2197304,
0.06095614,
-... |
Preparation of organic tofu using organic compatible magnesium chloride incorporated with polysaccharide coagulants. | Organic tofu using organic compatible coagulants of magnesium chloride and three polysaccharides including carrageenan, guar gum and gum Arabic were generated. For MgCl2 coagulated tofu, carrageenan significantly increased the hardness from 969.5 g to 1210.5 g whereas guar gum (0.6g) decreased the hardness to 505.5 g. Interestingly, gypsum and guar gum (0.6g) increased the yield of tofu significantly. These organic compatible coagulants didn't affect most of 7S and 11S protein subunits. Importantly, the overall-acceptability of organic tofu prepared with MgCl2 combined with guar gum or gypsum was almost the same as conventional tofu made with gymsum while having more beany-flavour. Among these organic coagulants, tofu made from 0.6g guar gum and MgCl2 mixture was the most similar to that coagulated by conventional gypsum. Thus this mixture is promising as coagulant for making organic tofu. | 25,148,974 | [
-0.2031279,
0.8474025,
-0.4123475,
0.2052863,
-0.07533055,
-0.257044,
-0.1328534,
0.1289519,
-0.1420087,
-0.3674206,
-0.2337794,
0.6477314,
0.1150117,
-0.05926878,
-0.6348256,
0.1717775,
-0.3485639,
0.3351737,
-0.2679481,
-0.002355697,
-0.07147599,
0.1343942,
-0.07838227,... |
Antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of extracts prepared from fruit and vegetable wastes and by-products. | In this study, fruit and vegetable wastes and by-products were tested for polyphenol content and their antioxidant activity. The highest content of polyphenols as assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay was the hot-water extract of grape seed, followed by the ethanol extract of buckwheat hull. The highest antioxidant activity measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays was also detected in the hot-water extract of grape seed, followed by the ethanol extract of immature prune. Most of samples showed protective effects against oxidative stress induced by 2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) peroxyl radical generator in African monkey kidney (MA 104) cells. Samples containing high amounts of phenolics (more than 30 mg ChAE/g) generally showed high antioxidant activity and a protective effect against AAPH-induced oxidative stress. This study demonstrates that fruit and vegetable wastes and by-products are good sources of high amounts of phenolics with antioxidant properties. | 25,148,998 | [
-0.2712597,
0.02930235,
-0.1879994,
-0.003901146,
0.4857835,
0.07642748,
-0.2034165,
0.08840943,
0.08998641,
-0.1242325,
-0.09366252,
0.2092969,
0.1149857,
-0.1972056,
-0.5370864,
-0.2695635,
-0.4852582,
0.7029495,
0.3438723,
0.2710761,
0.3542125,
0.419856,
-0.4117543,
... |
Olive oil pilot-production assisted by pulsed electric field: impact on extraction yield, chemical parameters and sensory properties. | The impact of the use of pulsed electric field (PEF) technology on Arroniz olive oil production in terms of extraction yield and chemical and sensory quality has been studied at pilot scale in an industrial oil mill. The application of a PEF treatment (2 kV/cm; 11.25 kJ/kg) to the olive paste significantly increased the extraction yield by 13.3%, with respect to a control. Furthermore, olive oil obtained by PEF showed total phenolic content, total phytosterols and total tocopherols significantly higher than control (11.5%, 9.9% and 15.0%, respectively). The use of PEF had no negative effects on general chemical and sensory characteristics of the olive oil, maintaining the highest quality according to EU legal standards (EVOO; extra virgin olive oil). Therefore, PEF could be an appropriate technology to improve olive oil yield and produce EVOO enriched in human-health-related compounds, such as polyphenols, phytosterols and tocopherols. | 25,149,017 | [
-0.2483929,
0.1332929,
0.05237725,
0.08247645,
-0.1281348,
-0.2053714,
-0.07837892,
-0.01452635,
0.2406247,
-0.1561079,
-0.05381866,
-0.03384665,
-0.04425669,
-0.2816189,
-0.5401799,
-0.1201421,
-0.3242225,
-0.03543663,
-0.08736039,
0.1023965,
0.02438957,
0.3845342,
-0.08... |
Does anxiety predict the use of urgent care by people with long term conditions? A systematic review with meta-analysis. | The role of anxiety in the use of urgent care in people with long term conditions is not fully understood. A systematic review was conducted with meta-analysis to examine the relationship between anxiety and future use of urgent healthcare among individuals with one of four long term conditions: diabetes; coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCINFO, CINAHL, the British Nursing Library and the Cochrane Library were conducted These searches were supplemented by hand-searching bibliographies, citation tracing eligible studies and asking experts within the field about relevant studies. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they: a) used a standardised measure of anxiety, b) used prospective cohort design, c) included adult patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD), asthma, diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), d) assessed urgent healthcare use prospectively. Data regarding participants, methodology, and association between anxiety and urgent care use was extracted from studies eligible for inclusion. Odds ratios were calculated for each study and pooled using random effects models. 8 independent studies were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis, with a total of 28,823 individual patients. Pooled effects indicate that anxiety is not associated with an increase in the use of urgent care (OR=1.078, p=0.476), regardless of the type of service, or type of medical condition. Anxiety is not associated with increased use of urgent care. This finding is in contrast to similar studies which have investigated the role of depression as a risk factor for use of urgent care. | 25,149,033 | [
-0.0567719,
-0.4990148,
-0.5804541,
0.04592046,
-0.2431521,
-0.07930034,
0.1254047,
0.04462207,
-0.2658677,
-0.1474908,
-0.1962827,
0.2734094,
0.04182277,
-0.2513191,
0.2613908,
0.01155339,
-0.3819897,
0.4580556,
-0.1873283,
0.02802572,
-0.3397616,
0.08208541,
-0.00665395... |
The actions of the renin-angiotensin system on cardiovascular and osmoregulatory function in embryonic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). | Using embryonic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), we examined the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cardiovascular and osmotic homeostasis through chronic captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Captopril (5 mg kg⁻¹ embryo wet mass) or saline (control) was delivered via the egg air cell daily from embryonic day 5-18. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (ƒ(H)), fluid osmolality and ion concentration, and embryonic and organ masses were measured on day 19. Exogenous angiotensin I (ANG I) injection did not change MAP or ƒ(H) in captopril-treated embryos, confirming ACE inhibition. Captopril-treated embryos were significantly hypotensive, with MAP 15% lower than controls, which we attributed to the loss of vasoconstrictive ANG II action. Exogenous ANG II induced a relatively greater hypertensive response in captopril-treated embryos compared to controls. Changes in response to ANG II following pre-treatment with phentolamine (α-adrenergic antagonist) indicated a portion of the ANG II response was due to circulating catecholamines in captopril-treated embryos. An increase in MAP and ƒ(H) in response to hexamethonium indicated vagal tone was also increased in the absence of ACE activity. Captopril-treated embryos had lower osmolality, lower Na⁺ and higher K⁺ concentration in the blood, indicating osmoregulatory changes. Larger kidney mass in captopril-treated embryos suggests disrupting the RAS may stimulate kidney growth by decreasing resistance at the efferent arteriole and increasing the fraction of cardiac output to the kidneys. This study suggests that the RAS, most likely through ANG II action, influences the development of the cardiovascular and osmoregulatory systems. | 25,149,042 | [
-0.321658,
-0.3884486,
-0.7885035,
-0.2670433,
0.2218859,
-0.2133194,
-0.03792815,
0.1023183,
0.1029251,
-0.01373596,
0.244149,
0.258868,
0.07933094,
0.07358466,
-0.2677854,
-0.235576,
-0.5741354,
0.1993871,
0.02141356,
0.2148574,
-0.140829,
-0.1278536,
-0.4114674,
-0.0... |
Enhanced lung epithelial specification of human induced pluripotent stem cells on decellularized lung matrix. | Whole-lung scaffolds can be created by perfusion decellularization of cadaveric donor lungs. The resulting matrices can then be recellularized to regenerate functional organs. This study evaluated the capacity of acellular lung scaffolds to support recellularization with lung progenitors derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Whole rat and human lungs were decellularized by constant-pressure perfusion with 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution. Resulting lung scaffolds were cryosectioned into slices or left intact. Human iPSCs were differentiated to definitive endoderm, anteriorized to a foregut fate, and then ventralized to a population expressing NK2 homeobox 1 (Nkx2.1). Cells were seeded onto slices and whole lungs, which were maintained under constant perfusion biomimetic culture. Lineage specification was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescent staining. Regenerated left lungs were transplanted in an orthotopic position. Activin-A treatment, followed by transforming growth factor-β inhibition, induced differentiation of human iPSCs to anterior foregut endoderm as confirmed by forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2), SRY (Sex Determining Region Y)-Box 17 (SOX17), and SOX2 expression. Cells cultured on decellularized lung slices demonstrated proliferation and lineage commitment after 5 days. Cells expressing Nkx2.1 were identified at 40% to 60% efficiency. Within whole-lung scaffolds and under perfusion culture, cells further upregulated Nkx2.1 expression. After orthotopic transplantation, grafts were perfused and ventilated by host vasculature and airways. Decellularized lung matrix supports the culture and lineage commitment of human iPSC-derived lung progenitor cells. Whole-organ scaffolds and biomimetic culture enable coseeding of iPSC-derived endothelial and epithelial progenitors and enhance early lung fate. Orthotopic transplantation may enable further in vivo graft maturation. | 25,149,047 | [
0.2207739,
-0.2718306,
-0.5498468,
-0.01109448,
0.2153274,
-0.1268274,
-0.347353,
0.177514,
-0.1155336,
-0.1400255,
0.1345184,
0.1664377,
-0.04803515,
-0.2402799,
-0.3012668,
-0.03504891,
-0.2508482,
-0.3413339,
-0.3318188,
0.05701504,
-0.06345857,
0.1812868,
-0.2046925,
... |
Clinical experience with the freedom SOLO stentless aortic valve in 277 consecutive patients. | The Sorin Freedom SOLO (FS) bovine pericardial stentless valve prosthesis is designed for supraannular, subcoronary implantation. We report our experience and results with 277 consecutively implanted FS bioprostheses. 277 patients (mean age, 74.2 ± 7.3 years; 139 (50.2%) female) underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the FS stentless bioprosthesis. The hemodynamic performance was investigated with transthoracic echocardiography at discharge, 6 months later, and yearly thereafter. Follow-up was 100% complete, with an average observation time of 2.6 ± 1.7 years and a total of 697.3 patient-years. The overall 30-day mortality was 4.3%. The mortalities for isolated AVR and combined procedures were 1.9% and 7.3%, respectively. No causes of death were valve-related. Preoperative peak (74.2 ± 23.0 mm Hg) and mean (48.6 ± 16.3 mm Hg) gradients decreased to 15.6 ± 5.4 mm Hg and 8.8 ± 3.0 mm Hg postoperatively and remained unchanged for as long as 5 years. The postoperative mean effective orifice area (EOA) for valve sizes 19, 21, 23, 25, and 27 were 1.49 ± 0.32 cm(2), 1.67 ± 0.40 cm(2), 1.92 ± 0.38 cm(2), 2.01 ± 0.42 cm(2), and 2.13 ± 0.36 cm(2), respectively. Severe prosthesis-patient mismach (PPM) was completely absent, and moderate PPM occurred in 17 patients (6.1%). In isolated AVR, 0.8% of patients with preoperative sinus rhythm required a permanent pacemaker before hospital discharge. There was 100% freedom from structural valve deterioration, 99.6 % freedom from endocarditis and reoperation, and 97.3% freedom from thromboembolism at 5 years. The FS stentless aortic valve is safe to implant, and it shows excellent hemodynamic performance and early and midterm results. Owing to the favorable EOA, the valve appears particularly attractive for patients at risk for PPM. | 25,149,050 | [
0.01685523,
0.04099106,
-0.4270141,
-0.03218738,
-0.3322878,
-0.3606628,
-0.1728459,
-0.438311,
-0.1287337,
-0.4023026,
-0.08999266,
0.08475404,
0.2182598,
-0.2157875,
-0.2826675,
0.2469273,
-0.3780265,
-0.259087,
0.1035312,
0.0936015,
-0.1785239,
0.02585457,
0.04321124,
... |
Characterization of the accessory protein ClpT1 from Arabidopsis thaliana: oligomerization status and interaction with Hsp100 chaperones. | The caseinolytic protease (Clp) is crucial for chloroplast biogenesis and proteostasis. The Arabidopsis Clp consists of two heptameric rings (P and R rings) assembled from nine distinct subunits. Hsp100 chaperones (ClpC1/2 and ClpD) are believed to dock to the axial pores of Clp and then transfer unfolded polypeptides destined to degradation. The adaptor proteins ClpT1 and 2 attach to the protease, apparently blocking the chaperone binding sites. This competition was suggested to regulate Clp activity. Also, monomerization of ClpT1 from dimers in the stroma triggers P and R rings association. So, oligomerization status of ClpT1 seems to control the assembly of the Clp protease. In this work, ClpT1 was obtained in a recombinant form and purified. In solution, it mostly consists of monomers while dimers represent a small fraction of the population. Enrichment of the dimer fraction could only be achieved by stabilization with a crosslinker reagent. We demonstrate that ClpT1 specifically interacts with the Hsp100 chaperones ClpC2 and ClpD. In addition, ClpT1 stimulates the ATPase activity of ClpD by more than 50% when both are present in a 1:1 molar ratio. Outside this optimal proportion, the stimulatory effect of ClpT1 on the ATPase activity of ClpD declines. The accessory protein ClpT1 behaves as a monomer in solution. It interacts with the chloroplastic Hsp100 chaperones ClpC2 and ClpD and tightly modulates the ATPase activity of the latter. Our results provide new experimental evidence that may contribute to revise and expand the existing models that were proposed to explain the roles of this poorly understood regulatory protein. | 25,149,061 | [
0.06171332,
0.04120746,
0.1134042,
-0.03546568,
-0.003817347,
-0.1703756,
0.07730127,
0.252492,
0.3505319,
0.3349905,
0.0296736,
0.08077441,
-0.3462712,
-0.09707519,
-0.3456337,
0.3113343,
-0.3492301,
-0.02079538,
0.05602641,
-0.02499854,
0.3731329,
0.2583763,
-0.05680726... |
Prevalence of patent Strongyloides westeri infections in Thoroughbred foals in 2014. | The prevalence of patent Strongyloides westeri infections was determined by examination for eggs in fecal samples collected from 513 Thoroughbred (TB) foals between February 25 and June 3, 2014. The study was conducted with 244 colts and 269 fillies from 11 well-managed farms in Central Kentucky. Foals ranged from 17 to 117 days of age and had never been dewormed. The mean prevalence of patent S. westeri infection was 30% (156/513 foals). This prevalence was substantially greater than historical reports from the same sampling area during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is hypothesized that this change is attributable to diminished use of ivermectin in foals due to concerns about macrocyclic lactone resistance in Parascaris equorum. | 25,149,063 | [
0.03159257,
-0.05466566,
0.2085043,
-0.1300363,
0.09610376,
-0.34155,
-0.2215568,
0.02435971,
0.08235294,
-0.1006056,
0.2569155,
0.08840655,
-0.06909909,
0.2785032,
0.02068318,
-0.1921795,
-0.5260033,
0.3093539,
0.3036342,
-0.02296872,
-0.1832423,
0.4448239,
-0.5396551,
... |
Astrocyte-derived retinoic acid: a novel regulator of blood-brain barrier function in multiple sclerosis. | Multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions are characterized by the presence of activated astrocytes, which are thought to actively take part in propagating lesion progression by secreting pro-inflammatory mediators. Conversely, reactive astrocytes may exert disease-dampening effects through the production of trophic factors and anti-inflammatory mediators. Astrocytic control of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for normal brain homeostasis and BBB disruption is a well-established early event in MS lesion development. Here, we set out to unravel potential protective effects of reactive astrocytes on BBB function under neuroinflammatory conditions as seen in MS, where we focus on the role of the brain morphogen retinoic acid (RA). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2), a key enzyme for RA synthesis, is highly expressed by reactive astrocytes throughout white matter lesions compared to control and normal appearing white matter. In vitro modeling of reactive astrocytes resulted in increased expression of RALDH2, enhanced RA synthesis, and a protective role for astrocyte-derived RA on BBB function during inflammation-induced barrier loss. Furthermore, RA induces endothelial immune quiescence and decreases monocyte adhesion under inflammatory conditions. Finally, we demonstrated that RA attenuated oxidative stress in inflamed endothelial cells, through activation of the antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor E2 related factor 2. In summary, RA synthesis by reactive astrocytes represents an endogenous protective response to neuroinflammation, possibly aimed at protecting the BBB against inflammatory insult. A better understanding of RA signaling in MS pathophysiology may lead to the discovery of novel targets to halt disease progression. | 25,149,081 | [
0.04008483,
-0.04684298,
-0.193828,
-0.3308574,
0.2008942,
-0.1913624,
-0.04179143,
0.1167499,
-0.1145684,
-0.06117247,
0.0660983,
0.3572871,
0.1300937,
-0.2673601,
-0.1489967,
0.3704261,
-0.5679596,
0.3817823,
-0.05396664,
0.1489764,
0.02926274,
0.31345,
-0.1896741,
-0... |
Unveiling the mysteries of the genetics of osteoporosis. | Osteoporosis is a common disease characterised by low bone mineral density and an increased risk of fragility fractures. We conducted a literature review of relevant studies relating to the genetics of osteoporosis. Family studies have revealed that bone density and fractures have a strong heritable component but environmental factors also play an important role. This makes identification of the causative genetic variants challenging. Linkage analysis has been successful in identifying the genes responsible for rare inherited diseases associated with abnormalities of bone mass but has been of limited value in osteoporosis. In contrast, genome-wide association studies in large cohort studies have identified 56 loci with robust evidence of association with bone density and 14 loci that predispose to fractures. Although the effect size of the implicated variants is small, many of the loci contain genes known to be involved in regulating bone cell activity through the RANK and Wnt signalling pathways, whereas others contain novel genes not previously implicated in bone metabolism. In a few instances, whole genome and exome sequencing have been successfully used to identify rare variants of large effect size that influence susceptibility to osteoporosis. A future challenge will be to conduct fine mapping and functional analysis of the loci implicated in osteoporosis in order to identify the causal genetic variants and examine the mechanisms by which they influence bone cell function and bone mass. Ultimately this may lead to the identification of biomarkers for susceptibility to osteoporosis and fractures or new therapeutic targets. | 25,149,083 | [
0.04379723,
-0.1183128,
0.3885961,
-0.3670943,
-0.2585773,
-0.1943679,
-0.0324921,
0.1702766,
0.009045972,
0.1111235,
0.05166914,
-0.01921639,
-0.09016462,
-0.2933532,
-0.4242496,
-0.1169006,
-0.170165,
0.1293007,
0.1358119,
-0.06971676,
-0.01504046,
0.1699615,
-0.252869,... |
Effects of adiponectin on calcium-handling proteins in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. | Despite the increasing prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in humans, there remains no therapeutic options for HFpEF. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived cytokine, exerts cardioprotective actions, and its deficiency is implicated in the development of hypertension and HF with reduced ejection fraction. Similarly, adiponectin deficiency in HFpEF exacerbates left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and HF. However, the therapeutic effects of adiponectin in HFpEF remain unknown. We sought to test the hypothesis that chronic adiponectin overexpression protects against the progression of HF in a murine model of HFpEF. Adiponectin transgenic and wild-type mice underwent uninephrectomy, a continuous saline or d-aldosterone infusion and given 1.0% sodium chloride drinking water for 4 weeks. Aldosterone-infused wild-type mice developed HFpEF with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction. Aldosterone infusion increased myocardial oxidative stress and decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase protein expression in HFpEF. Although total phospholamban protein expression was unchanged, there was a decreased expression of protein kinase A-dependent phospholamban phosphorylation at Ser16 and CaMKII (Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II)-dependent phospholamban phosphorylation at Thr17. Adiponectin overexpression in aldosterone-infused mice ameliorated left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, lung congestion, and myocardial oxidative stress without affecting blood pressure and left ventricular EF. This improvement in diastolic dysfunction parameters in aldosterone-infused adiponectin transgenic mice was accompanied by the preserved protein expression of protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of phospholamban at Ser16. Adiponectin replacement prevented the progression of aldosterone-induced HFpEF, independent of blood pressure, by improving diastolic dysfunction and by modulating cardiac hypertrophy. These findings suggest that adiponectin may have therapeutic effects in patients with HFpEF. | 25,149,095 | [
-0.3242225,
0.08283598,
-0.4158137,
-0.04896745,
0.04475422,
-0.1092463,
-0.08560599,
0.2070176,
0.03929091,
-0.153756,
0.1040693,
0.4393711,
0.01320097,
-0.07455856,
-0.002229657,
0.0137498,
0.03934766,
0.08715334,
-0.008456447,
-0.04366097,
-0.1930271,
0.02598882,
-0.40... |
Efficacy of a support group intervention on psychopathological characteristics among caregivers of psychotic patients. | Families of individuals with psychotic disorders are playing a major role in the care of their relatives, but report poorer physical competence, elevated symptoms of psychological distress and more psychopathological characteristics. To compare psychopathological characteristics demonstrated by caregivers of psychotic patients in Greece who participated in support groups organized by non-governmental mental health organizations (NGOMH) compared to caregivers who did not. Participants were caregivers of a psychotic patient assigned to either the intervention group (n = 165) or the non-intervention group (n = 345) according to specific criteria. Participants were assessed for psychopathological characteristics through clinical interviews and with the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Participants who did not take part in the support groups had higher levels of psychopathological characteristics on the dimensions of interpersonal sensitivity (t = -2.065, p = .003), depression (t = 1.043, p = .007), anxiety (t = 1.001, p = .010), hostility (t = -4.345, p < .001), phobic anxiety (t = -2.845, p < .001) and paranoid ideation (t = -1.091, p < .001). Psychotic relatives of participating caregivers show higher compliance rates in taking their medications, and female caregivers tend to be more involved in the support groups. Participation in support groups and sharing of emotional expression, thoughts and ideas help the caregivers deal with their physical and psychological demands related to the caregiver load. As such, intervention strategies offered to caregivers in the support groups appear to positively contribute to the family with a psychotic patient and improve the quality of life of both patients and their main caregivers. | 25,149,101 | [
-0.3647096,
0.25394,
0.1584024,
-0.2606048,
-0.191192,
-0.1469069,
-0.1420522,
-0.4559979,
0.07061322,
0.08438732,
-0.4299363,
-0.2613641,
-0.3278665,
-0.0836622,
-0.06180418,
-0.05630687,
-0.1715889,
0.1742602,
-0.2364531,
0.3725179,
0.04618086,
0.1448769,
-0.05000747,
... |
Isolated tympanic plate fracture frequency and its relationship to mandibular trauma. | This study evaluated the prevalence of isolated tympanic fractures and their correlation with mandibular fractures by using maxillofacial computed tomography (CT). We retrospectively evaluated the maxillofacial CT of 1590 patients who presented to our emergency department with maxillofacial trauma between December 2010 and December 2012. Maxillofacial CT was used as the criterion standard for evaluating patients with maxillofacial fractures. The CT images were evaluated by using an electronic picture archiving and communications system and interpreted independently by 2 radiologists. The maxillofacial CT images revealed mandibular fractures in 167 of the patients and isolated tympanic plate fractures in 35 of these 167 patients. Four patients (11%) had a bilateral tympanic plate fracture, and 31 patients (89%) had unilateral tympanic plate fracture. Of all the tympanic plate fractures, 19 (54%) were on the right side and 16 (46%) were on the left side (P > .05). In our results, a significant correlation between the presence of a right-sided tympanic plate fracture and fracture of the ipsilateral condylar process was found (P = .036). However, a statistically significant difference between the presence of a tympanic plate fracture and other mandible fractures, additional soft-tissue findings, or the number of fractures was not determined (P > .05). Sex had no impact on the presence of tympanic plate fracture (P > .05). The frequency of isolated tympanic plate fractures in maxillofacial trauma is low, but it is an important anatomic location. Condyle fractures are significantly associated with isolated tympanic plate fractures. The presence of these injuries should raise suspicion of a concomitant isolated tympanic plate fracture. | 25,149,116 | [
-0.03868736,
0.1746823,
0.3830687,
-0.1363993,
-0.1639331,
-0.2816627,
-0.4451129,
-0.2497043,
0.01790885,
-0.01942192,
-0.04091882,
-0.235072,
-0.2421331,
-0.02291423,
-0.1786433,
-0.3156401,
-0.2141549,
0.1233829,
-0.1451891,
-0.3907854,
0.06240281,
-0.06489714,
-0.1494... |
Musculoskeletal disorders among nurses compared with two other occupational groups. | There is a high incidence of low back pain (LBP) among nurses. However, few longitudinal studies have investigated musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at other anatomical sites in nurses. To describe the cumulative incidence and persistence/recurrence of MSDs of the low back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand and knee among New Zealand nurses, to investigate the impact of MSDs on work and functional tasks and to compare findings for nurses with those in postal workers and office workers. Participants completed a postal survey at baseline and again 1 year later. Information was collected about MSDs in the previous 1 month and 12 months and about the ability to attend work, undertake work duties and perform functional tasks. Among nurses, the low back was the site with the highest cumulative incidence and highest prevalence of persistent/recurrent, work-disabling and functional-task-disabling pain. Work-disabling LBP was more prevalent among nurses and postal workers than office workers (P < 0.001). Nurses had a substantial prevalence of work-disabling shoulder pain (10%) and functional-task-disabling knee (19%) and wrist/hand pain (16%). With the exception of the elbow, each occupational group had a high prevalence of persistent/recurrent MSDs at all anatomical sites. LBP continues to have a substantial impact among nurses. Other less commonly considered MSDs, such as shoulder, wrist/hand and knee pain, also made work or functional tasks difficult, suggesting that primary and secondary prevention efforts should consider MSDs at other anatomical sites as well as the low back. | 25,149,117 | [
0.3184032,
0.15025,
0.285776,
0.05390725,
-0.3098435,
-0.193989,
0.1405172,
0.09416819,
-0.1414262,
0.0087897,
0.301507,
-0.7109357,
0.07681991,
-0.4387676,
-0.1364281,
-0.4253314,
-0.3525335,
0.1853009,
0.1439699,
-0.09956542,
-0.3665773,
0.3790051,
0.04382799,
0.03618... |
Expression and functional characterization of PGRP6 splice variants in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. | Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), which are evolutionarily conserved pattern recognition receptors from insects to mammals, recognize bacterial PGN and function in antibacterial innate immunity. The existence of alternative splicing is a common feature for PGRP family. Here the splicing pattern from the splicing at the 5' end of PGRP6 gene was identified in a teleost fish, the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Four splice variants of grass carp PGRP6 were designated as gcPGRP6a, gcPGRP6b, gcPGRP6c and gcPGRP6d, respectively. Real-time PCR revealed the different expression of these variants in fish individuals and CIK cell line in response to stimulation with different microbial ligands. Immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting showed that the splice variants are intracellular protein. Cell lysates from Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells transfected with gcPGRP6 splice variants are able to bind microbial PAMPs including Lys-type PGN from Staphylococcus aureus, DAP-type PGN from Bacillus subtilis, glucan, mannan, and microorganisms including Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Flavobacterium columnare and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, overexpression of gcPGRP6 variants inhibited earlier stage growth of intracellular bacteria. The data also identified a specific role for gcPGRP6c variant in the positive regulation of cytolytic molecule perforin, and for gcPGRP6a, gcPGRP6b and gcPGRP6c variants in positive regulation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, the gcPGRP6d variant, which encoded basically only the PGRP domain, failed to induce the expression of perforin and AMPs. It is suggested that fish PGRP6 splice variants have common and variant-specific function in innate immune response. | 25,149,135 | [
0.2883451,
-0.171842,
-0.007133386,
0.09054376,
-0.05545595,
0.04715947,
0.03836251,
0.2318622,
-0.0718414,
0.08860069,
0.08319099,
-0.05468674,
-0.2029158,
-0.3290164,
-0.2975312,
-0.01127689,
-0.429561,
0.02426654,
0.1222092,
0.08638047,
0.5086358,
0.5089174,
-0.0013492... |
Evisceration as fetal destructive operation: an art revisited. | Fetal destructive operation is a vanishing art today. In an era of increasing cesarean deliveries it has become a historic event. Incidence of destructive operation has varied from various Indian hospitals 0.09-0.28%. Evisceration is one of the rarest of all destructive operations, performed in cases of cephalopelvic disproportion with large fetal abdominal or thoracic tumors and fetal malformations, which are incompatible with life. Less than 50 cases of fetal evisceration have been reported in the literature so far. We are presenting a case of gross fetal abdominal malformation in a multigravida woman, which necessitated internal podalic version followed by evisceration and breech extraction. | 25,149,171 | [
-0.3094237,
-0.07087152,
-0.1965667,
-0.05112924,
0.3444926,
-0.1514482,
-0.5045058,
0.02601181,
0.02458545,
-0.01286274,
0.0714571,
-0.05265212,
-0.2997115,
-0.03727815,
0.2622239,
-0.449624,
-0.6407259,
-0.1356983,
0.2707541,
-0.6801491,
-0.07703349,
0.3989169,
-0.37348... |
Advances in development of rechargeable mitochondrial antioxidants. | It has been about 15 years since the introduction of the rechargeable mitochondria-targeted antioxidants (RMA). Two major groups have been developing RMA of the MitoQ and SkQ types independently, and many additional trials have been done by other researchers. This has provided solid preclinical evidence of RMA efficacy in various models. Human trials of systemic MitoQ were not followed by further advances, but the safety of MitoQ and, most likely, other RMA in humans has been demonstrated. A prooxidant effect at higher concentrations of RMA was described. For RMA of the SkQ type, a large window between anti- and prooxidant concentrations was observed, which makes SkQs promising as potential medicines. Significant RMA-induced improvements in many diseases that do not have an accepted treatment have been described. This justifies further clinical trials of RMA. | 25,149,221 | [
-0.3492199,
-0.05854052,
-0.07710128,
-0.3347863,
-0.2036683,
-0.01096674,
-0.02860161,
-0.1302335,
0.3383247,
-0.04700989,
0.1650544,
0.1353925,
0.3396781,
0.2508343,
-0.739422,
-0.04617465,
-0.3216862,
-0.02791315,
-0.01979146,
0.01124343,
-0.1507178,
0.1133394,
0.10498... |
Sulfoxaflor and the sulfoximine insecticides: chemistry, mode of action and basis for efficacy on resistant insects. | The sulfoximines, as exemplified by sulfoxaflor ([N-[methyloxido[1-[6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinyl]ethyl]-λ(4)-sulfanylidene] cyanamide] represent a new class of insecticides. Sulfoxaflor exhibits a high degree of efficacy against a wide range of sap-feeding insects, including those resistant to neonicotinoids and other insecticides. Sulfoxaflor is an agonist at insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and functions in a manner distinct from other insecticides acting at nAChRs. The sulfoximines also exhibit structure activity relationships (SAR) that are different from other nAChR agonists such as the neonicotinoids. This review summarizes the sulfoximine SAR, mode of action and the biochemistry underlying the observed efficacy on resistant insect pests, with a particular focus on sulfoxaflor. | 25,149,228 | [
0.1921756,
-0.004940853,
-0.112707,
-0.2968149,
-0.04729481,
-0.04542737,
-0.2199694,
-0.07297375,
0.1078653,
-0.09370468,
0.1628773,
0.08023411,
0.1184613,
0.2525946,
-0.1412249,
-0.2680601,
-0.7473583,
0.228372,
0.4155916,
-0.1092455,
0.03973457,
0.09580248,
-0.3297835,... |
Molecular architecture of photoreceptor phosphodiesterase elucidated by chemical cross-linking and integrative modeling. | Photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6) is the central effector enzyme in visual excitation pathway in rod and cone photoreceptors. Its tight regulation is essential for the speed, sensitivity, recovery and adaptation of visual detection. Although major steps in the PDE6 activation/deactivation pathway have been identified, mechanistic understanding of PDE6 regulation is limited by the lack of knowledge about the molecular organization of the PDE6 holoenzyme (αβγγ). Here, we characterize the PDE6 holoenzyme by integrative structural determination of the PDE6 catalytic dimer (αβ), based primarily on chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometric analysis. Our models built from high-density cross-linking data elucidate a parallel organization of the two catalytic subunits, with juxtaposed α-helical segments within the tandem regulatory GAF domains to provide multiple sites for dimerization. The two catalytic domains exist in an open configuration when compared to the structure of PDE2 in the apo state. Detailed structural elements for differential binding of the γ-subunit to the GAFa domains of the α- and β-subunits are revealed, providing insight into the regulation of the PDE6 activation/deactivation cycle. | 25,149,264 | [
0.0423345,
-0.07491177,
-0.315938,
-0.1268153,
0.1786708,
-0.3023523,
0.1224274,
0.3620403,
0.3787178,
-0.2412179,
0.02967054,
0.03435816,
-0.2127746,
-0.2304683,
-0.2942221,
0.05423293,
-0.9029722,
0.09626033,
-0.1653534,
-0.02243954,
0.157584,
0.2403253,
-0.2197978,
0... |
Where there is a goal, there is a way: what, why and how the parieto-frontal mirror network can mediate imitative behaviours. | The relationships between mirror neurons (MNs) and motor imitation, and its clinical implications in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been widely investigated; however, the literature remains—at least partially—controversial. In this review we support a multi-level action understanding model focusing on the mirror-based understanding. We review the functional role of the parieto-frontal MNs (PFMN) network claiming that PFMNs function cannot be limited to imitation nor can imitation be explained solely by the activity of PFMNs. The distinction between movement, motor act and motor action is useful to characterize deeply both act(ion) understanding and imitation of act(ion). A more abstract representation of act(ion) may be crucial for clarifying what, why and how an imitator is imitating. What counts in social interactions is achieving goals: it does not matter which effector or string of motor acts you eventually use for achieving (proximal and distal) goals. Similarly, what counts is the ability to recognize/imitate the style of act(ion) regardless of the way in which it is expressed. We address this crucial point referring to its potential implications in ASD. | 25,149,267 | [
-0.1707707,
-0.03386294,
-0.2153043,
-0.2740848,
0.05290207,
-0.04776574,
-0.2865477,
0.1932826,
-0.1678165,
-0.1387271,
-0.3006569,
0.1280898,
0.1329015,
-0.2585311,
-0.2233746,
-0.0011304,
-0.5317993,
0.11872,
-0.03808459,
-0.2084829,
0.1057089,
-0.1121686,
-0.05218665,... |
Mobile markerless augmented reality and its application in forensic medicine. | During autopsy, forensic pathologists today mostly rely on visible indication, tactile perception and experience to determine the cause of death. Although computed tomography (CT) data is often available for the bodies under examination, these data are rarely used due to the lack of radiological workstations in the pathological suite. The data may prevent the forensic pathologist from damaging evidence by allowing him to associate, for example, external wounds to internal injuries. To facilitate this, we propose a new multimodal approach for intuitive visualization of forensic data and evaluate its feasibility. A range camera is mounted on a tablet computer and positioned in a way such that the camera simultaneously captures depth and color information of the body. A server estimates the camera pose based on surface registration of CT and depth data to allow for augmented reality visualization of the internal anatomy directly on the tablet. Additionally, projection of color information onto the CT surface is implemented. We validated the system in a postmortem pilot study using fiducials attached to the skin for quantification of a mean target registration error of [Formula: see text] mm. The system is mobile, markerless, intuitive and real-time capable with sufficient accuracy. It can support the forensic pathologist during autopsy with augmented reality and textured surfaces. Furthermore, the system enables multimodal documentation for presentation in court. Despite its preliminary prototype status, it has high potential due to its low price and simplicity. | 25,149,272 | [
-0.236516,
0.3023738,
0.1023224,
0.0478917,
0.2669729,
-0.2826255,
-0.2478664,
0.04269306,
0.2890148,
0.1006469,
-0.1711798,
-0.04054774,
0.1339222,
-0.1686161,
-0.5066386,
0.2522289,
-0.4421893,
-0.1469818,
-0.009843938,
0.02855739,
0.2281658,
0.1530266,
-0.4335389,
0.... |
The hooded crow (Corvus cornix) as an environmental bioindicator species of heavy metal contamination. | This study aims to examine the possible presence of lead and cadmium in the liver and kidneys of hooded crows (Corvus cornix). Liver and kidneys of hooded crow carcasses were collected in Province of Cuneo (Piedmont, Italy) in order to detect lead and cadmium content. Significant differences were found in lead and cadmium levels between areas of intensive cultivation versus areas where meadows are prevalent. Moreover, age greatly influenced the burden of heavy metals, while sex did not seem to affect the level of contamination. The source of contamination may be phosphate fertilizers used for intensive cultivation in the study area. | 25,149,280 | [
-0.06825784,
0.1861156,
-0.1828588,
0.5663738,
-0.1813245,
-0.2483985,
-0.3290481,
0.274963,
-0.4479109,
0.1036637,
-0.121768,
0.0895093,
0.1406447,
0.04390664,
-0.4438052,
-0.3341961,
-0.1525611,
0.2199623,
0.3363456,
0.4331736,
0.2409631,
0.6214594,
-0.3295855,
0.2722... |
Health risk assessments of lithium titanate nanoparticles in rat liver cell model for its safe applications in nanopharmacology and nanomedicine. | Due to their high chemical stability, lithium titanate (Li2TiO3) nanoparticles (LTT NPs) now are projected to be transferred into different nanotechnology areas like nano pharmacology and nano medicine. With the increased applications of LTT NPs for numerous purposes, the concerns about their potential human toxicity effects and their environmental impact are also increased. However, toxicity data for LTT NPs related to human health are very limited. Therefore we aimed to investigate toxicity potentials of various concentrations (0-1,000 ppm) of LTT NPs (<100 nm) in cultured primary rat hepatocytes. Cell viability was detected by [3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) levels were determined to evaluate the oxidative injury. DNA damage was analyzed by scoring liver micronuclei rates and by determining 8-oxo-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) levels. The results of MTT and LDH assays showed that higher concentrations of dispersed LTT NPs (500 and 1,000 ppm) decreased cell viability. Also, LTT NPs increased TOS (300, 500 and 1,000 ppm) levels and decreased TAC (300, 500 and 1,000 ppm) levels in cultured hepatocytes. The results of genotoxicity tests revealed that LTT NPs did not cause significant increases of micronucleated hepatocytes and 8-OH-dG as compared to control culture. In conclusion, the obtained results showed for the first time that LTT NPs had dose dependent effects on oxidative damage and cytotoxicity but not genotoxicity in cultured primary rat hepatocytes for the first time. | 25,149,287 | [
-0.06987396,
-0.1264727,
-0.0008983804,
0.1812309,
0.04884334,
-0.06014897,
-0.2642496,
0.03277686,
-0.08844891,
-0.1207264,
0.09047681,
-0.03749269,
-0.000149524,
0.0789955,
-0.5723363,
-0.1108217,
-0.3696568,
0.2620375,
0.2272915,
0.4219312,
0.08834115,
0.5214728,
-0.13... |
Methods of purification of CTL-derived exosomes. | Exosomes are membrane nanovesicles (approximately <120 nm in size) released by most, if not all, living cells and in particular by leukocytes. They originate within the endocytic compartment by invagination of the endosome membrane. Therefore, they have a different biogenesis and molecular composition than microvesicles (>0.2 μm) shed from the plasma membrane. Although the functions of exosomes in vivo are beginning to be elucidated, increasing evidence suggests that exosomes constitute a mechanism of cell-to-cell communication, transferring antigens, proteins, mRNAs, and noncoding RNAs among cells. Interestingly, effector T cells including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) release death-inducing molecules of the TNF superfamily through exosomes contained in their cytotoxic granules. The present chapter provides basic protocols for purification of exosomes secreted by CTLs. | 25,149,305 | [
-0.386071,
0.110621,
0.09388377,
-0.1081246,
0.1240685,
-0.3146843,
-0.1049603,
0.190634,
0.2056196,
0.07464966,
-0.1315907,
-0.04852686,
-0.0326689,
0.00685395,
-0.3627554,
-0.1230797,
-0.2070472,
-0.06140797,
0.1747845,
0.01572192,
0.2796194,
0.3337764,
0.01923816,
0.... |
Urinary biomarker investigation in children with Fabry disease using tandem mass spectrometry. | Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder affecting both males and females with tremendous genotypic/phenotypic variability. Concentrations of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3)/related analogues were investigated in pediatric and adult Fabry cohorts. The aims of this study were to transfer and validate an HPLC-MS/MS methodology on a UPLC-MS/MS new generation platform, using an HPLC column, for urine analysis of treated and untreated pediatric and adult Fabry patients, to establish correlations between the excretion of Fabry biomarkers with gender, treatment, types of mutations, and to evaluate the biomarker reliability for early detection of pediatric Fabry patients. A UPLC-MS/MS was used for biomarker analysis. Reference values are presented for all biomarkers. Results show that gender strongly influences the excretion of each biomarker in the pediatric Fabry cohort, with females having lower urinary levels of all biomarkers. Urinary distribution of lyso-Gb3/related analogues in treated Fabry males was similar to the untreated and treated Fabry female groups in both children and adult cohorts. Children with the late-onset p.N215S mutation had normal urinary levels of Gb3, and lyso-Gb3 but abnormal levels of related analogues. In this study, Fabry males and most Fabry females would have been diagnosed using the urinary lyso-Gb3/related analogue profile. | 25,149,322 | [
-0.1359155,
0.05319545,
-0.1676167,
0.01201039,
-0.008695182,
-0.366626,
-0.1214588,
0.01285705,
-0.1146512,
0.1273856,
0.1634816,
0.5335454,
-0.2127886,
-0.1498725,
-0.3205593,
-0.206862,
-0.3600422,
-0.03313154,
-0.09162544,
0.07805814,
0.07071748,
0.3812761,
-0.5477087... |
Attenuation correction of (111)In planar images by use of dual energy, fundamental study by Monte Carlo simulation. | In this study, we devised and evaluated a method for attenuation correction of the hot spot in (111)In planar images. By use of the difference in transmittance between two energies (171 and 245 keV), the depth of the hot spot was calculated. Planar images of point sources in a numerical phantom (water) with depths from 0 to 20 cm at 2 cm intervals were prepared by Monte Carlo simulation. From the linear attenuation coefficient of the two energies and the 171/245 keV count ratio-depth relationship, the depth of the point source was calculated, and an attenuation correction was performed. A simulation was made under conditions taking into account both attenuation and scatter (A(+)S(+)) and attenuation alone (A(+)S(-)). The attenuation correction was evaluated with use of corrected and true counts obtained from homogeneous phantoms mimicking attenuation in soft tissue, bone, and the lungs, and heterogeneous phantoms prepared by combining them. In the A(+)S(+) condition, images were affected markedly by scattered photons in all phantoms at depths of 4-8 cm. The errors at depths of 10 cm or greater were within ±10 % in water and within ±6 % in soft tissue. However, the errors were about -30 % in bone and about +70 % in lung, indicating that scatter distributions different from those in water increased the errors. In the A(+)S(-) condition, the errors were within ±5 % in all homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms, and satisfactory results were obtained. Precise attenuation correction of scatter-corrected planar images was confirmed to be possible with this method. | 25,149,323 | [
-0.1547754,
0.3376024,
-0.120131,
-0.2988957,
-0.1216815,
-0.2343985,
-0.2875389,
0.03011164,
0.1293641,
-0.1813442,
-0.09439953,
-0.03081121,
-0.1422778,
-0.09806249,
-0.3132077,
-0.0831781,
-0.2399005,
-0.2879464,
-0.01806274,
0.0988323,
0.2039827,
0.101423,
-0.2160855,... |
Estimation of dominance variance for live body weight in a crossbred population of pigs. | The objective of this study was to estimate the dominance variance for repeated live BW records in a crossbred population of pigs. Data were provided by the Walloon Pig Breeding Association and included 22,197 BW records of 2,999 crossbred Piétrain × Landrace K+ pigs from 50 to 210 d of age. The BW records were standardized and adjusted to 210 d of age for analysis. Three single-trait random regression animal models were used: Model 1 without parental subclass effect, Model 2 with parental subclasses considered unrelated, and Model 3 with the complete parental dominance relationship matrix. Each model included sex, contemporary group, and heterosis as fixed effects as well as additive genetic, permanent environment, and residual as random effects. Variance components and their SE were estimated using a Gibbs sampling algorithm. Heritability tended to increase with age: from 0.50 to 0.64 for Model 1, from 0.19 to 0.42 for Model 2, and from 0.31 to 0.53 for Model 3. Permanent environmental variance tended to decrease with age and accounted for 29 to 44% of total variance for Model 1, 29 to 37% of total variance for Model 2, and 34 to 51% of total variance for Model 3. Residual variance explained <10% of total variance for the 3 models. Dominance variance was computed as 4 times the estimated parental subclass variance. Dominance variance accounted for 22 to 40% of total variance for Model 2 and 5 to 11% of total variance for Model 3, with a decrease with age for both models. Results showed that dominance effects exist for growth traits in pigs and may be reasonably large. The use of the complete dominance relationship matrix may improve the estimation of additive genetic variances and breeding values. Moreover, a dominance effect could be especially useful in selection programs for individual matings through the use of specific combining ability to maximize growth potential of crossbred progeny. | 25,149,333 | [
0.3161583,
0.1037515,
0.1438821,
0.01504539,
0.544144,
-0.623271,
-0.007528952,
-0.2220455,
-0.10098,
-0.3082038,
0.08094875,
0.3906035,
-0.04533691,
-0.08700128,
-0.5158358,
0.005129054,
-0.251774,
0.0007078542,
0.01707947,
0.009771358,
0.1363744,
0.08211753,
-0.3297954,... |
Randomized clinical trial of continuous femoral nerve block combined with sciatic nerve block versus epidural analgesia for unilateral total knee arthroplasty. | Pain control following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial to hasten rehabilitation and decrease morbidity. We evaluated whether there is a difference between epidural infusion and continuous femoral nerve block with respect to postoperative pain control and rehabilitation course. Fifty patients completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain scores (P=0.33), morphine consumption (P=0.09) mean blood pressure or heart rate (P=0.957, and P=0.716) between groups. The postoperative daily mobilization (P=0.80), knee joint range of motion (P=0.83), and straight leg test (P=0.99) were also similar between both groups. Patients were highly satisfied with their pain management in both groups without statistically significant difference (P=0.98). | 25,149,364 | [
0.1034671,
0.3843049,
-0.3763905,
-0.1462582,
-0.3112253,
-0.7942998,
0.1151161,
0.1627304,
-0.5742953,
-0.3601672,
-0.09488152,
0.1574853,
-0.04735616,
-0.0529588,
0.3692115,
-0.1997137,
-0.4877458,
0.07024191,
-0.3183224,
-0.3102826,
-0.2276253,
-0.1741428,
0.2308723,
... |
pENCODE: a plant encyclopedia of DNA elements. | ENCODE projects exist for many eukaryotes, including humans, but as of yet no defined project exists for plants. A plant ENCODE would be invaluable to the research community and could be more readily produced than its metazoan equivalents by capitalizing on the preexisting infrastructure provided from similar projects. Collecting and normalizing plant epigenomic data for a range of species will facilitate hypothesis generation, cross-species comparisons, annotation of genomes, and an understanding of epigenomic functions throughout plant evolution. Here, we discuss the need for such a project, outline the challenges it faces, and suggest ways forward to build a plant ENCODE. | 25,149,370 | [
-0.08472686,
0.1552329,
0.09086084,
0.05817449,
0.1338662,
0.03178944,
-0.121735,
-0.08279438,
0.07188917,
-0.0384469,
-0.04499558,
0.1748774,
0.184999,
0.008099129,
-0.5275103,
-0.1177992,
-0.10765,
0.2138031,
-0.0430833,
-0.1248028,
0.01102549,
0.2147902,
-0.373806,
-... |
Effect of DC-CIK cell on the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of leukemia cells. | To observe the effect of co-culture cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK) and homologous dendritic cells (DC) on the proliferative activity and phenotype change of the DC-CIK cell and the cell killing activity of leukemia HL-60. 50 mL cord blood sample was obtained from infants delivered by full term healthy woman and the cord blood mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. Non-adherent cells were collectedfor the induction culture of CIK, adherent cells were differentiated into mature DC; cultured mature DC was mixed with and CIK in the proportion of 1:5 for 12 d. Killing activity of DC-CIK co-cultured cell on leukemia HL-60 was detected by MTT assay. Compared with CIKs, the co-cultured DC-CIKs presented a markedly higher proliferation and killing activity. Co-culture of DC-CIK cells led to a significant increase of the proliferation and cytotoxicity of CIK. | 25,149,382 | [
-0.1435529,
0.2741948,
0.02469318,
0.524442,
0.4064688,
-0.1320376,
-0.4403184,
0.4707632,
0.1993553,
0.07980699,
-0.1050923,
0.4933344,
-0.2514678,
-0.1136589,
-0.1086915,
-0.2163694,
-0.2959156,
0.005540632,
-0.2602911,
0.2930339,
0.4890703,
0.3848185,
0.0006430283,
0... |
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener): clinical aspects and treatment. | Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis, which affects small- and medium-sized blood vessels and is often associated with cytoplasmic ANCA. GPA occurs in patients between 45 and 60 years old of both genders, and is rarely observed in blacks. The prevalence of GPA increases along a south-north gradient in Europe (20 to 150/million). The main clinical characteristics involve the upper and/or lower respiratory tract and kidneys. Ear, nose and throat manifestations with recurrent sinusitis and crusting rhinorrhea are usually severe. Lung nodules are frequently seen, sometimes excavated. Renal involvement is characterized by rapidly progressive necrotizing glomerulonephritis with extracapillary crescents. Limited forms of GPA predominantly affect the upper respiratory tract, whereas generalized forms of GPA include renal manifestations and/or alveolar hemorrhage and/or vital organ involvement with an altered general condition. The combination of immunosuppressant drugs and corticosteroids has converted this typically fatal illness into one in which 80% of patients achieve remission. However, despite considerable therapeutic progress over the last decades, relapses remain frequent (50% at 5 years), and maintenance treatment is now the main therapeutic challenge. | 25,149,391 | [
-0.09631936,
0.09193777,
0.1618615,
-0.1867046,
-0.09051547,
-0.1671198,
-0.04943619,
0.09812827,
0.01537153,
-0.005074342,
0.2317931,
-0.3822694,
0.02649166,
-0.2374756,
0.004165901,
-0.09490738,
0.1266344,
0.04821393,
0.2308223,
-0.01234981,
0.1406562,
0.2637915,
-0.191... |
Vegetarian diet, Seventh Day Adventists and risk of cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. | Dietary interventions are an important component of cardiovascular risk factor management although their impact on cardiovascular risk and mortality remains uncertain. We have studied influence of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular risk and mortality. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for comparative studies that evaluated clinical outcomes associated with vegetarian diet as compared to non-vegetarian controls or the general population. Relevant studies were pooled using random effects meta-analysis for risk of death, ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease. We conducted subgroup analysis according to specific type of cohort (e.g. Seventh Day Adventist [SDA]) and gender. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria with 183,321 participants (n=183,321). There was significant heterogeneity in all the meta-analyses, particularly evident with the studies of SDA. In all instances, we found that SDA studies showed greater effect size as compared to non-SDA studies: death (RR 0.68 95% CI 0.45-1.02 vs RR 1.04 95% CI 0.98-1.10), ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (RR 0.60 95% CI 0.43-0.80 vs RR 0.84 95% CI 0.74-0.96) and cerebrovascular disease (RR 0.71 95% CI 0.41-1.20 vs RR 1.05 95% CI 0.89-1.24). Sex specific analyses showed that IHD was significantly reduced in both genders but risk of death and cerebrovascular disease was only significantly reduced in men. Data from observational studies indicates that there is modest cardiovascular benefit, but no clear reduction in overall mortality associated with a vegetarian diet. This evidence of benefit is driven mainly by studies in SDA, whereas the effect of vegetarian diet in other cohorts remains unproven. | 25,149,402 | [
-0.4231262,
0.0793957,
-0.3427513,
0.09203112,
-0.1668961,
-0.1721853,
0.1532508,
-0.2833014,
0.04953993,
-0.3363962,
-0.2481694,
0.3155847,
0.1125323,
-0.4381869,
-0.2758361,
-0.207999,
-0.3739157,
0.2944825,
-0.4532904,
-0.04566837,
-0.3327027,
0.322535,
-0.2123765,
0... |
Aging with HIV: a model of disability. | The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a theoretical model describing the disability experienced by older adults living with HIV. Forty nine HIV positive men and women over the age of 50 years participated in in-depth qualitative interviews. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Uncertainty or worrying about the future was at the core of the model. Components of disability including symptoms and impairments, difficulties with day to day activities and challenges to social participation were experienced in the context of extrinsic or environmental factors (social support, stigma) and intrinsic contextual factors (positive living strategies, age). Time was an overarching component of the model. The model suggests areas for interventions to prevent or reduce disability related to the consequences of aging with HIV and improve overall quality of life. | 25,149,413 | [
-0.2623306,
0.07766184,
-0.1371403,
0.3666686,
0.273357,
-0.116487,
0.2593407,
0.1790955,
0.1419401,
-0.1028324,
-0.02963471,
0.1204388,
-0.09958156,
-0.1088545,
-0.1486106,
0.03584265,
-0.4158693,
-0.09312138,
-0.2044691,
-0.2866246,
-0.178912,
0.4585494,
0.1425606,
0.... |
Climate change and the emergence of vector-borne diseases in Europe: case study of dengue fever. | Dengue fever is the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease worldwide. Dengue transmission is critically dependent on climatic factors and there is much concern as to whether climate change would spread the disease to areas currently unaffected. The occurrence of autochthonous infections in Croatia and France in 2010 has raised concerns about a potential re-emergence of dengue in Europe. The objective of this study is to estimate dengue risk in Europe under climate change scenarios. We used a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to estimate dengue fever risk as a function of climatic variables (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, precipitation, humidity) and socioeconomic factors (population density, urbanisation, GDP per capita and population size), under contemporary conditions (1985-2007) in Mexico. We then used our model estimates to project dengue incidence under baseline conditions (1961-1990) and three climate change scenarios: short-term 2011-2040, medium-term 2041-2070 and long-term 2071-2100 across Europe. The model was used to calculate average number of yearly dengue cases at a spatial resolution of 10 × 10 km grid covering all land surface of the currently 27 EU member states. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to model dengue fever risk in Europe in terms of disease occurrence rather than mosquito presence. The results were presented using Geographical Information System (GIS) and allowed identification of areas at high risk. Dengue fever hot spots were clustered around the coastal areas of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas and the Po Valley in northern Italy. This risk assessment study is likely to be a valuable tool assisting effective and targeted adaptation responses to reduce the likely increased burden of dengue fever in a warmer world. | 25,149,418 | [
-0.1336276,
0.034857,
0.0417261,
0.2589549,
-0.1946781,
-0.2745854,
0.1643231,
-0.05580435,
-0.04596903,
-0.2297884,
-0.1215857,
-0.2141133,
-0.1389466,
-0.2452759,
-0.4757911,
-0.1182346,
0.1182155,
0.3847458,
0.1542514,
-0.1468214,
-0.02970302,
0.1076679,
-0.2074609,
... |
Fusion imaging using subtracted and unsubtracted rotational angiography for pretherapeutic evaluation of dural arteriovenous fistulas. | We describe the clinical utility of an imaging technique that combines 3D subtracted and unsubtracted rotational angiography for evaluation of the angioarchitecture of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). From May 2010 to June 2013, 21 consecutive patients with intracranial DAVFs (22 lesions) underwent 3D angiography for pretherapeutic evaluation. 3D fusion angiography (3DFA) images were semiautomatically obtained from a dataset of unsubtracted and subtracted rotational angiographs. Multiplanar reformatted images and partial MIP images from unsubtracted rotational angiography and fusion images were evaluated by two radiologists, with particular focus on visualization of feeding arteries, shunted pouches, and drainage veins of DAVFs by use of a 3-point scale. The referring neuroradiologists were asked whether the information provided by 3DFA was helpful for treatment decisions. For 21 of 22 lesions, all evaluated items were well depicted on the 3DFA. The visualization rating score for feeding arteries and shunted pouches on 3DFA were significantly higher than those of 3D digital angiography (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between visualization of drainage veins. The information provided by the fusion images was helpful for treatment decisions in all cases. 3DFA images are useful for evaluation of the angioarchitecture of intracranial DAVFs. | 25,149,420 | [
-0.2479267,
0.2770233,
-0.004638467,
-0.007226288,
0.1831927,
-0.6396586,
0.1695933,
-0.2020124,
0.07185601,
-0.1493237,
0.2366197,
-0.28356,
-0.4236793,
-0.3282975,
-0.8392603,
-0.1092239,
-0.3539234,
0.1207512,
-0.4544749,
-0.1115296,
-0.1194909,
0.07460278,
-0.01010549... |
Accumulating evidence for the association and shared pathogenic mechanisms between psoriasis and cardiovascular-related comorbidities. | The International Psoriasis Council, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing psoriasis research and treatment, led an initiative to better define the association of various cardiometabolic comorbidities with psoriasis. In November 2013, a workshop was held in Boston, Mass. By assembling a panel of global dermatology, immunology, and cardiovascular experts, the objective was to better define the current status of the science that explains the association of psoriasis with various cardiometabolic-related comorbidities. The International Psoriasis Council has played a historical role in associating psoriasis with various comorbidities by integrating multidisciplinary expertise to advance the scientific and clinical knowledge through publications and clinical trials. This report synthesizes the current understanding of psoriasis with various cardiometabolic risk factors by exploring the potential shared pathogenic mechanisms and genetic connectivity. | 25,149,424 | [
0.02903214,
-0.1394111,
0.04284135,
-0.08022504,
0.1105947,
-0.2402571,
-0.2449735,
0.2917179,
0.2405307,
-0.1065094,
-0.0954647,
-0.1854142,
0.1931636,
0.05346688,
-0.2763532,
0.09594414,
-0.08238314,
-0.010678,
0.00507027,
0.2230711,
-0.1855866,
0.395663,
-0.3334488,
... |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.