title stringlengths 0 901 | abstract stringlengths 3 9.89k | PMID int64 22 25.3M | embedding listlengths 768 768 |
|---|---|---|---|
Hemothorax with a high carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level caused by a bronchogenic cyst. | A 58-year-old man presented with right-sided chest pain. Radiography and computed tomography showed a pleural effusion in the right chest and a mass in the right hilum. Thoracentesis showed a hemothorax. The carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 level in the pleural effusion was very high, requiring differentiation from malignancy. Positron emission tomography showed no significant fluorodeoxy glucose (FDG) accumulation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion. The tumor was resected for both a diagnosis and treatment. A pathological examination demonstrated a bronchogenic cyst. An immunohistochemical study suggested that the cyst was the source of the hemothorax and the high CA19-9 level. | 25,175,134 | [
-0.2530024,
-0.08174723,
-0.2480344,
-0.2092176,
-0.3222865,
-0.3669708,
-0.4380485,
-0.2118803,
-0.08488998,
0.06088578,
0.08958318,
0.1633923,
-0.2256942,
-0.2708972,
0.2865463,
-0.417008,
-0.5338919,
-0.0006020324,
0.2762969,
-0.6502604,
0.1865073,
0.2390185,
-0.238707... |
Loose versus stranded seeds in permanent prostate brachytherapy: dosimetric comparison of intraoperative plans. | To compare target volume coverage and critical organ dosimetry of intraoperative treatment plans for loose seed (LS) and stranded seed (SS) (125)I permanent implants for low and intermediate risk prostate cancer. Two hundred and five patients who underwent permanent seed brachytherapy were included in the study. For prostate dosimetry V90, V100, V150, V200, D90 and COIN were used. The dose to urethra and rectum was determined by the maximal dose and relative doses that cover specified volumes. Means and standard deviations were calculated and statistically compared. On average, 54 (range, 30-78) and 48 (range, 31-67) seeds were implanted in the prostate with individual median activities of 0.62 U (range, 0.52-0.70 U) and 0.71 U (range, 0.65-0.71 U) for LS and SS technique, respectively. The target coverage was slightly better with SS (V100: 98% vs. 96%,p < 0.05; D90: 172 Gy vs. 166 Gy, p < 0.05), but more conformal dose distributions were observed with LS (COIN: 0.70 vs. 0.63, p < 0.05). The dose homogeneity did not differ significantly between the two groups. Regarding the dose to urethra and rectum all dose parameters were significantly lower with LS. LS resulted in less dose to the urethra and rectum compared to SS in intraoperative dosimetry. A slightly better target volume coverage with decreased conformity of dose distribution is reported with SS. More studies are necessary to determine how these results will affect postoperative dosimetry, and ultimately, clinical outcome. | 25,175,151 | [
-0.08809872,
0.277729,
-0.1946125,
-0.0006657523,
0.08057165,
-0.3277894,
0.1083087,
0.2480931,
0.09206798,
0.4026357,
0.1984166,
-0.165931,
-0.08487061,
-0.272901,
-0.617829,
-0.171901,
0.05549587,
-0.08656048,
0.3103924,
0.1183425,
0.4924276,
0.1230455,
0.1748159,
0.1... |
Cancer suspicion in general practice, urgent referral and time to diagnosis: a population-based GP survey and registry study. | Many countries have implemented standardised cancer patient pathways (CPPs) to ensure fast diagnosis of patients suspected of having cancer. Yet, studies are sparse on the impact of such CPPs, and few have distinguished between referral routes. For incident cancer patients, we aimed to determine how often GPs suspected cancer at the time of first presentation of symptoms in general practice and to describe the routes of referral for further investigation. In addition, we aimed to analyse if the GP's suspicion of cancer could predict the choice of referral to a CPP. Finally, we aimed to analyse associations between not only cancer suspicion and time to cancer diagnosis, but also between choice of referral route and time to cancer diagnosis. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study of incident cancer patients in Denmark who had attended general practice prior to their diagnosis of cancer. Data were collected from GP questionnaires and national registers. We estimated the patients' chance of being referred to a CPP (prevalence ratio (PR)) using Poisson regression. Associations between the GP's symptom interpretation, use of CPP and time to diagnosis were estimated using quantile regression. 5,581 questionnaires were returned (response rate: 73.8%). A GP was involved in diagnosing the cancer in 4,101 (73.5%) cases (3,823 cases analysed). In 48.2% of these cases, the GP interpreted the patient's symptoms as 'alarm' symptoms suggestive of cancer. The GP used CPPs in 1,426 (37.3%) cases. Patients, who had symptoms interpreted as 'vague' had a lower chance of being referred to a CPP than when interpreted as 'alarm' symptoms (PR = 0.53 (95%CI: 0.48;0.60)). Patients with 'vague' symptoms had a 34 (95% CI: 28;41) days longer median time to diagnosis than patients with 'alarm' symptoms. GPs suspect cancer more often than they initiate a CPP, and patients were less likely to be referred to a CPP when their symptoms were not interpreted as alarm symptoms of cancer. The GP's choice of referral route was a strong predictor of the duration of the diagnostic interval, but the GP's symptom interpretation was approximately twice as strong an indicator of a longer diagnostic interval. | 25,175,155 | [
0.1622835,
-0.3819911,
-0.3256821,
-0.04028356,
0.04461911,
-0.230546,
0.01343248,
0.09315907,
-0.1221653,
0.2672031,
0.1296689,
0.4504252,
0.007273595,
-0.08981684,
-0.208671,
-0.4409287,
-0.138757,
0.2075599,
-0.02135337,
-0.1552764,
0.5713737,
0.2366666,
0.06843575,
... |
Heptamethoxyflavone, a citrus flavonoid, suppresses inflammatory osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone resorption. | We examined the effects of heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), a citrus flavonoid on inflammatory bone resorption. HMF suppressed the osteoclast formation and PGE2 production induced by IL-1. In mouse calvarial organ cultures, HMF attenuated the bone resorption elicited by LPS. HMF suppressed bone resorption in the mandibular alveolar bone. HMF may protect against inflammatory bone loss such as periodontal disease. | 25,175,163 | [
-0.08283565,
-0.2331109,
0.2813542,
0.05781255,
-0.1370641,
-0.05194854,
0.2764695,
-0.08095281,
-0.05416505,
-0.5017167,
0.1615944,
0.1503908,
-0.03970111,
-0.05929882,
-0.801229,
-0.02396571,
-0.3826103,
0.2344508,
-0.02122628,
0.05838564,
0.1893144,
0.09623235,
-0.0488... |
Enhanced antitumor activity and mechanism of biodegradable polymeric micelles-encapsulated chetomin in both transgenic zebrafish and mouse models. | Chetomin is a promising molecule with anti-tumor activities in the epipolythiodioxopiperazine family of fungal secondary metabolites; however, strong hydrophobicity has limited its further applications. In this work, chetomin was encapsulated into polymeric micelles to obtain an aqueous formulation, and the chetomin loaded micelles (Che-M) exhibited small particle size and high encapsulation efficiency. When the concentration of copolymer was higher than the critical gelation concentration, the Che-M could form a thermosensitive hydrogel (Che-H), which was free-flowing sol at ambient temperature and converted into a non-flowing gel at body temperature. The molecular modeling study has indicated that chetomin interacted with PCL as a core, which was embraced by PEG as a shell. Che-M showed equal cytotoxicity with free chetomin, but the apoptosis inducing effects of Che-M were more significant. Besides, Che-M could increase the GSSG level, decrease the GSH level, and increase the ROS in CT26 cells. Furthermore, stronger inhibitory effects of Che-M were observed on embryonic angiogenesis, tumor-induced angiogenesis and tumor growth in transgenic zebrafish models. In addition, Che-M was effective in inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival in a subcutaneous CT26 tumor model. In a colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis model, both Che-M and Che-H showed excellent therapeutic effects, but Che-H was more effective. In conclusion, Che-M and Che-H may serve as candidates for cancer therapy. | 25,175,172 | [
-0.3439059,
0.09554113,
0.01099321,
0.1233433,
0.2274666,
-0.1373751,
0.04244778,
0.1645116,
0.3177689,
0.08877685,
-0.09221984,
0.2762832,
0.004325056,
0.00312394,
0.1306022,
0.2100312,
-0.677595,
0.01765997,
0.10032,
0.5086213,
0.1353764,
0.3705593,
-0.05461085,
-0.12... |
Research on the corrosion resistance and formation of double-layer calcium phosphate coating on AZ31 obtained at varied temperatures. | In this study, the effect of varied processing temperatures on the corrosion resistance and formation of dual-layer calcium phosphate coating on AZ31 was investigated. The microstructure, phase and morphology were characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD), respectively. The in vitro degradation behavior of coated AZ31 samples were evaluated by electrochemical and immersion tests in simulated body fluid. The results showed that the varied processing temperatures responded to different microstructure, phase and morphology; and a dual-layer coating was formed during the deposition process at 70°C. Meanwhile the higher processing temperature induced a faster coating formation rate and greater surface coverage. The in vitro degradation tests in simulated body fluid indicated that the corrosion rates of AZ31 alloy were effectively decreased with increasing processing temperature, which was attributed to the denser protective coating. The formation mechanism of dual-layer coating influenced by deposition temperature was proposed. | 25,175,213 | [
0.02866162,
-0.02847381,
0.06971898,
0.03935472,
-0.1973271,
-0.07691479,
-0.1958048,
-0.1386719,
0.1295343,
0.1604053,
0.1341711,
0.2817461,
0.05395864,
-0.0907938,
-0.4319389,
-0.1615112,
-0.3469853,
-0.07168817,
-0.4658876,
0.2712378,
0.2332392,
0.07966536,
-0.07746861... |
Modified gum arabic cross-linked gelatin scaffold for biomedical applications. | The present work deals with development of modified gum arabic cross-linked gelatin scaffold for cell culture. A new biocompatible scaffold was developed by cross-linking gelatin (Gel) with gum arabic, a polysaccharide. Gum arabic was subjected to periodate oxidation to obtain gum arabic aldehyde (GAA). GAA was reacted with gelatin under appropriate pH to prepare the cross-linked hydrogel. Cross-linking occurred due to Schiff's base reaction between aldehyde groups of oxidized gum arabic and amino groups of gelatin. The scaffold prepared from the hydrogel was characterized by swelling properties, degree of cross-linking, in vitro degradation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytocompatibility evaluation using L-929 and HepG2 cells confirmed non-cytotoxic and non-adherent nature of the scaffold. These properties are essential for generating multicellular spheroids and hence the scaffold is proposed to be a suitable candidate for spheroid cell culture. | 25,175,214 | [
-0.2060651,
0.02007286,
-0.04524945,
0.2978461,
0.07206193,
0.2211254,
0.05812118,
0.1972548,
0.5276039,
0.1640019,
-0.2161625,
0.2651498,
-0.1845061,
0.1230228,
-0.2201712,
0.2913328,
-0.4008209,
-0.04165215,
-0.4662035,
-0.04887607,
0.1547343,
0.1266982,
-0.05002891,
... |
Melt-spun bioactive sutures containing nanohybrids for local delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs. | In this work, a novel concept is introduced in drug-eluting fibres to ensure a good control of drug delivery features and wide applicability to different bioactive compounds. Composite bioactive sutures based on fibre grade poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and loaded with the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac (Dic) or a Dic nanohybrid where the drug is intercalated in a synthetic hydrotalcite (Mg/Al hydroxycarbonate) (HT-Dic) were developed. Fibres were prepared by melt-spinning at different PCL/HT-Dic/Dic ratios and analysed in terms of morphology, mechanical properties and drug release features. Results emphasized that tensile properties of fibres are clearly affected by Dic or HT-Dic addition, while the presence of knots has limited influence on the mechanical behaviour of the sutures. Release of Dic strongly depends on how Dic is loaded in the fibre (as free or nanohybrid) whereas the combination of free Dic and HT-Dic can allow a further tuning of release profile. In vivo experiments show a reduction of inflammatory responses associated with Dic-loaded fibers. Thus, a proof of principle is provided for a novel class of bioactive sutures integrating advanced controlled-release technologies. | 25,175,217 | [
-0.1560853,
0.5566158,
0.003335859,
0.1726891,
-0.1295832,
-0.2838113,
-0.02029835,
0.05822296,
0.144852,
-0.135964,
-0.04988056,
-0.3153963,
0.245081,
-0.32586,
-0.7594894,
-0.04766055,
-0.3785458,
0.3771215,
0.06881601,
0.1680018,
0.5586634,
0.1015655,
-0.1664614,
0.2... |
Size-dependent cytotoxicity of europium doped NaYF ₄ nanoparticles in endothelial cells. | Lanthanide-doped sodium yttrium fluoride (NaYF4) nanoparticles exhibit novel optical properties which make them be widely used in various fields. The extensive applications increase the chance of human exposure to these nanoparticles and thus raise deep concerns regarding their riskiness. In the present study, we have synthesized europium doped NaYF4 (NaYF4:Eu(3+)) nanoparticles with three diameters and used endothelial cells (ECs) as a cell model to explore the potential toxic effect. The cell viability, cytomembrane integrity, cellular uptake, intracellular localization, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis detection, caspase-3 activity and expression of inflammatory gene were studied. The results indicated that these nanoparticles could be uptaken into ECs and decrease the cell viability, induce the intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, increase the ROS level, and decrease the cell MMP in a size-dependent manner. Besides that, the cells were suffered to apoptosis with the caspase-3 activation, and the inflammation specific gene expressions (ICAM1 and VCAM1) were also increased. Our results suggest that the damage pathway may be related to the ROS generation and mitochondrial damage. The results provide novel evidence to elucidate their toxicity mechanisms and may be helpful for more rational applications of these compounds in the future. | 25,175,221 | [
-0.3763988,
0.1855254,
-0.1538656,
0.4490897,
-0.03247193,
-0.1790278,
0.1564274,
0.1131248,
0.07630771,
0.1306802,
-0.1134904,
-0.1831186,
0.1054866,
-0.01083433,
-0.3403441,
-0.1008782,
-0.5168081,
0.2428049,
-0.09754363,
0.323527,
0.3195036,
0.4496996,
0.03397525,
0.... |
Corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of bioactive sol-gel coatings on titanium implants. | Organic-inorganic hybrid coatings based on zirconia and poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared by means of sol-gel dip-coating technique and used to coat titanium grade 4 implants (Ti-4) in order to improve their wear and corrosion resistance. The coating chemical composition has been analysed by ATR-FTIR. The influence of the PCL amount has been investigated on the microstructure, mechanical properties of the coatings and their ability to inhibit the corrosion of titanium. SEM analysis has shown that all coatings have a nanostructured nature and that the films with high PCL content are crack-free. Mechanical properties of the coatings have been studied using scratch and nano-indentation tests. The results have shown that the Young's modulus of the coatings decreases in presence of large amounts of the organic phase, and that PCL content affects also the adhesion of the coatings to the underlying Ti-4 substrate. However, the presence of cracks on the PCL-free coatings affects severely the mechanical response of the samples at high loads. The electrochemical behavior and corrosion resistance of the coated and uncoated substrate has been investigated by polarization tests. The results have shown that both the coatings with or without PCL don't affect significantly the already excellent passivation properties of titanium. | 25,175,226 | [
-0.0252462,
0.3066625,
0.2383806,
0.08368681,
-0.2465382,
-0.08180215,
-0.1705653,
0.009490422,
0.189858,
0.5391467,
-0.06533666,
-0.1424318,
-0.2251541,
-0.3544133,
-0.3345408,
-0.07511146,
-0.6480609,
0.3760576,
0.125581,
-0.04403971,
0.3400283,
-0.05912819,
-0.02464123... |
Preparation of electromechanically active silicone composites and some evaluations of their suitability for biomedical applications. | Some films based on electromechanically active polymer composites have been prepared. Polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diols (PDMSs) having different molecular masses (Mv=60 700 and Mv=44 200) were used as matrix in which two different active fillers were incorporated: titanium dioxide in situ generated from its titanium isopropoxide precursor and silica particles functionalized with polar aminopropyl groups on surface. A reference sample based on simple crosslinked PDMS was also prepared. The composites processed as films were investigated to evaluate their ability to act as efficient electromechanical actuators for potential biomedical application. Thus, the surface morphology of interest for electrodes compliance was analysed by atomic force microscopy. Mechanical and dielectric characteristics were evaluated by tensile tests and dielectric spectroscopy, respectively. Electromechanical actuation responses were measured by interferometry. The biocompatibility of the obtained materials has been verified through tests in vitro and, for valuable films, in vivo. The experimental, clinical and anatomopathological evaluation of the in vivo tested samples did not reveal significant pathological modifications. | 25,175,228 | [
-0.1049527,
0.1964178,
-0.1147201,
0.05477749,
-0.2146977,
-0.1496273,
-0.1051398,
0.1340816,
0.1964471,
0.07579082,
-0.1654684,
-0.1901121,
0.03005732,
-0.4760192,
-0.2383286,
-0.0669609,
-0.3941488,
-0.07234789,
-0.09980572,
0.2965838,
0.2019589,
-0.01467037,
0.04200025... |
Production of hydroxyapatite layers on the plasma electrolytically oxidized surface of titanium alloys. | Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioactive material that is widely used for improving the osseointegration of titanium dental implants. Titanium can be coated with HA by various methods, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), thermal spray, or plasma spray. HA coatings can also be grown on titanium surfaces by hydrothermal, chemical, and electrochemical methods. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), or microarc oxidation (MAO), is an electrochemical method that enables the production of a thick porous oxide layer on the surface of a titanium implant. If the electrolyte in which PEO is performed contains calcium and phosphate ions, the oxide layer produced may contain hydroxyapatite. The HA content can then be increased by subsequent hydrothermal treatment. The HA thus produced on titanium surfaces has attractive properties, such as a high porosity, a controllable thickness, and a considerable density, which favor its use in dental and bone surgery. This review summarizes the state of the art and possible further development of PEO for the production of HA on Ti implants. | 25,175,246 | [
-0.403807,
0.1711849,
0.01788387,
0.02537739,
-0.4672365,
-0.137318,
-0.1068733,
0.2643533,
-0.06642927,
0.1610904,
0.1243456,
0.07326967,
-0.0209892,
-0.2112768,
-0.4145013,
-0.1101405,
-0.02880861,
0.1469339,
0.1929321,
-0.1382758,
0.2311093,
0.306162,
-0.06954277,
0.... |
Development of thrombus-resistant and cell compatible crimped polyethylene terephthalate cardiovascular grafts using surface co-immobilized heparin and collagen. | Short-term patency of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cardiovascular grafts is determined mainly by the inherent thrombogenicity and improper endothelialization following grafts implantation. The aim of the present study was to immobilize heparin to develop thrombus resistant grafts. Additionally, collagen was co-immobilized to enhance the host cell compatibility. The synthetic woven and knitted forms of crimped PET grafts were surface modified by Denier reduction to produce functional carboxyl groups. The produced groups were used as anchor sites for covalent immobilization of heparin or co-immobilization of heparin/collagen by the end-point method. The modified surface was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The biological activity of immobilized molecules was investigated in vitro using direct blood coagulation test, and "platelet deposition under flow condition. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of modified grafts with host cells was assessed using L929 cell as model. All modified grafts showed significant resistance against fibrin and clot formation. The number of deposited platelets on heparin-immobilized woven and knitted grafts obviously decreased by 3 fold and 2.8 fold per unit surface area respectively, while the heparin/collagen co-immobilized grafts showed only a decrease by 1.7 and 1.8 fold compared to unmodified PET. Heparin-immobilized grafts reported no significant effect on L929 cells adhesion and growth (P>0.05), conversely, collagen co-immobilization considerably increased cell adhesion almost ~1.3 fold and 2 fold per unit surface area for woven and knitted grafts respectively. Our results emphasize that immobilization of heparin minimized the inherent thrombogenicity of the PET grafts. The simultaneous co-immobilization of collagen supported host cell adhesion and growth required for the grafts biocompatibility. | 25,175,248 | [
0.08233215,
0.4434127,
-0.107957,
0.2255707,
0.156511,
-0.5176399,
-0.06641889,
0.4974459,
0.197712,
0.2159136,
-0.08017918,
-0.1247062,
-0.4025073,
-0.2413725,
-0.5460507,
0.02577279,
-0.1247934,
0.2144368,
-0.1126178,
0.2915242,
-0.08574877,
0.3160752,
-0.1587531,
-0.... |
Study of biocompatibility of medical grade high nitrogen nickel-free austenitic stainless steel in vitro. | Adverse effects of nickel ions being released into the living organism have resulted in development of high nitrogen nickel-free austenitic stainless steels for medical applications. Nitrogen not only replaces nickel for austenitic structure stability but also improves steel properties. The cell cytocompatibility, blood compatibility and cell response of high nitrogen nickel-free austenitic stainless steel were studied in vitro. The mechanical properties and microstructure of this stainless steel were compared to the currently used 316L stainless steel. It was shown that the new steel material had comparable basic mechanical properties to 316L stainless steel and preserved the single austenite organization. The cell toxicity test showed no significant toxic side effects for MC3T3-E1 cells compared to nitinol alloy. Cell adhesion testing showed that the number of MC3T3-E1 cells was more than that on nitinol alloy and the cells grew in good condition. The hemolysis rate was lower than the national standard of 5% without influence on platelets. The total intracellular protein content and ALP activity and quantification of mineralization showed good cell response. We conclude that the high nitrogen nickel-free austenitic stainless steel is a promising new biomedical material for coronary stent development. | 25,175,259 | [
-0.04910126,
0.2260876,
-0.08903689,
-0.1028068,
-0.1771341,
-0.009239543,
-0.07963365,
0.4073373,
0.1829948,
0.3171178,
-0.1070139,
-0.2528877,
-0.2297229,
-0.3597327,
-0.4630342,
-0.08418244,
0.3200048,
0.1388229,
-0.2132626,
0.5770573,
0.628749,
0.09580996,
-0.1399589,... |
Assessment of respirable crystalline silica analysis using Proficiency Analytical Testing results from 2003-2013. | Analysis of Proficiency Analytical Testing (PAT) results between 2003 and 2013 suggest that the variation in respirable crystalline silica analysis is much smaller today than it was in the period 1990-1998, partly because of a change in sample production procedure and because the colorimetric method has been phased out, although quality improvements in the x-ray diffraction (XRD) or infrared (IR) methods may have also played a role. There is no practical difference between laboratories using XRD or IR methods or between laboratories which are accredited or those which are not. Reference laboratory means (assigned values) are not different from the means of all participants across the current range of mass loading, although there is a small difference in variance in the ratios of all participants to reference laboratory means based on method because the reference laboratories are much more likely to use XRD than are the others. Matrix interference does not lead to biases or substantially larger variances for either XRD or IR methods. Data from proficiency test sample analyses that include results from poorly performing laboratories should not be used to determine the validity of a method. PAT samples are not produced below 40 μg and variance may increase with lower masses, although this is not particularly predictable. PAT data from lower mass loadings will be required to evaluate analytical performance if exposure limits are lowered without change in sampling method. Task-specific exposure measurements for periods shorter than a full shift typically result in lower mass loadings and the quality of these analyses would also be better assured from being within the range of PAT mass loadings. High flow rate cyclones, whose performance has been validated, can be used to obtain higher mass loadings in environments of lower concentrations or where shorter sampling times are desired. | 25,175,284 | [
-0.006718101,
-0.1575097,
0.08422022,
0.02060909,
-0.05058924,
-0.005446007,
-0.175354,
0.0466103,
0.3221286,
0.06976887,
0.2789809,
-0.2475943,
0.04613003,
-0.1539073,
-0.1164104,
0.0792724,
-0.4166128,
-0.138447,
-0.04231136,
0.3961509,
0.1163129,
0.02169037,
-0.0824924... |
Biomedical subjectivities and reproductive assumptions in the CAMELIA clinical trial in Cambodia. | The inclusion of women in clinical trials has raised a variety of ethical and practical issues in their implementation. In the recent CAMELIA clinical trial in Cambodia, the inclusion criteria included a negative pregnancy test and signature of the consent form confirming commitment to double contraceptive use as patients were given drugs contra-indicated in case of pregnancy. But despite precautions and the requirement stated in the informed consent form, 19 out of 236 enrolled women became pregnant during the trial. The current paper describes the frictions and subjectivities that emerge as new medical technologies travel to resource-poor settings--and more specifically, how trial researchers, health workers, and research subjects involved in the CAMELIA trial negotiate the injunction to avoid pregnancy while using a teratogenic drug. | 25,175,297 | [
-0.01313876,
0.3185066,
0.3125356,
0.1096577,
-0.00007642262,
-0.2531453,
-0.503102,
0.1737424,
0.3076603,
0.001820565,
-0.01955926,
0.1748179,
-0.05838447,
0.3630237,
-0.02868446,
-0.315272,
-0.4011217,
-0.08392175,
-0.6754748,
-0.09032454,
-0.04051653,
0.387846,
-0.0462... |
Caring on the margins of the healthcare system. | This paper addresses the working practices of a mobile mental health outreach team in a large French city, one that 'targets' homeless people with severe psychiatric disorders who are considered 'hard to reach' by the public health authorities and medical services. Analysis of the team's work--where acts of curing and caring are closely tied--reveals the importance of moving beyond a polarized vision of cure and care. The paper departs from much of the literature on the medicalization of social problems by arguing that medicalization is not only a means of social control, but has ethical value as well. In examining the practices of frontline health workers, it aims to show that integrating the methods and theoretical approaches of social work in medical practice is necessary to address the specific problems of homeless people, to enable health professionals to pursue medical cures, and to challenge the shortcomings of public policy. | 25,175,298 | [
-0.1706469,
0.4873879,
-0.1391453,
-0.0738031,
0.1065238,
-0.2518408,
0.03289324,
0.1811852,
0.07067804,
-0.04822443,
0.03421855,
-0.2559041,
-0.1604517,
0.1077542,
-0.3852128,
-0.06659065,
-0.3827275,
-0.01541837,
-0.005679594,
-0.004664865,
-0.07487736,
0.1848931,
-0.06... |
Laparoscopic management of bowel endometriosis: resection margins as a predictor of recurrence. | To evaluate possible predictive factors for recurrence after laparoscopic segmental bowel resection for bowel endometriosis. Cohort study. Academic tertiary referral center. 95 symptomatic women with bowel endometriosis who underwent laparoscopic segmental bowel resection at the Endometriosis clinic, University of Berne, between 2002 and 2012 were enrolled. Since 14 women were lost to follow-up, 81 formed the final cohort. Clinical and histological characteristics were examined as possible predictive factors for disease recurrence. Recurrence, defined as a subsequent operation due to recurrent endometriosis-associated pain with a histologically confirmed endometriotic lesion. Recurrence was observed in 13 (16%) patients. Variables that were significantly associated to recurrence by the Cox regression analysis were positive bowel resection margins (hazard ratio 6.5, 95% confidence interval 1.8-23.5, p = 0.005), age <31 years (hazard ratio 5.6, 95% confidence interval 1.7-18.6, p = 0.005) and body mass index ≥23 kg/m(2) (hazard ratio 11.0, 95% confidence interval 2.7-44.6, p = 0.001). Positive bowel resection margins as well as age <31 years and body mass index ≥23 kg/m(2) appear to be independent predictors of disease recurrence. | 25,175,300 | [
0.1444885,
-0.03130219,
-0.129555,
-0.216004,
-0.05880804,
-0.447217,
0.221914,
-0.2978482,
0.02800293,
-0.28395,
-0.0003787944,
-0.1274452,
0.2089135,
-0.3173512,
0.00339846,
-0.157289,
-0.5371663,
0.2257748,
0.5408301,
-0.160487,
-0.230756,
0.362879,
-0.3390166,
0.095... |
The impact of culture on physiological processes of emotion regulation: a comparison of US and Chinese preschoolers. | Cognitive determinants of emotion regulation, such as effortful control, have been hypothesized to modulate young children's physiological response to emotional stress. It is unknown, however, whether this model of emotion regulation generalizes across Western and non-Western cultures. The current study examined the relation between both behavioral and questionnaire measures of effortful control and densely sampled, stress-induced cortisol trajectories in U.S. and Chinese preschoolers. Participants were 3- to 5- year-old children recruited from the United States (N = 57) and Beijing, China (N = 60). Consistent with our hypothesis, U.S. children showed a significant negative relation between maternal-rated inhibitory control and both cortisol reactivity and recovery. However, this was not replicated in the Chinese sample. Children in China showed a significant positive relation between maternal-rated attentional focusing and cortisol reactivity that was not seen in the U.S. Results suggest that children who reside in Western and non-Western cultures have different predictors of their emotion-related stress response. | 25,175,305 | [
-0.111334,
0.1726436,
-0.1015866,
-0.2021614,
-0.1465211,
-0.1246044,
-0.3143918,
0.2643238,
0.2051788,
0.05334037,
-0.03676516,
0.07956267,
-0.1989592,
-0.2319,
-0.1496996,
-0.2060145,
-0.06152,
0.254074,
0.02925044,
0.09017011,
0.05905395,
0.04579416,
-0.2192869,
-0.4... |
Pathogenesis and host defence against Mucorales: the role of cytokines and interaction with antifungal drugs. | Innate immune response, including macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells and their respective receptors, plays an important role in host defences against Mucorales with differential activity against specific fungal species, while adaptive immunity is not the first line of defence. A number of endogenous and exogenous factors, such as cytokines and growth factors as well as certain antifungal agents have been found that they influence innate immune response to these organisms. Used alone or especially in combination have been shown to exert antifungal effects against Mucorales species. These findings suggest novel ways of adjunctive therapy for patients with invasive mucormycosis. | 25,175,306 | [
-0.2229143,
-0.2266549,
0.1587111,
-0.2442856,
0.2515824,
-0.2431906,
-0.111852,
-0.1717302,
-0.06938973,
0.1400301,
-0.02914123,
-0.2669986,
-0.05512564,
-0.04769975,
-0.4408122,
-0.2905523,
-0.36772,
0.005833978,
-0.1608886,
0.08294226,
0.2095424,
0.2270254,
-0.1773161,... |
Feasibility and efficacy of menu planning combined with individual counselling to improve health outcomes and dietary adherence in people with type 2 diabetes: a pilot study. | The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and efficacy of implementing a 4-week menu plan combined with individual counselling among people with type 2 diabetes. A 12-week pilot study with a pretest and post-test design was conducted among 15 participants with type 2 diabetes. The menu plan incorporated the overall recommendations of the Canadian Diabetes Association nutrition therapy guidelines and considered factors such as the accessibility, availability and acceptability of foods. Change in glycated hemoglobin (A1C) was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes were changes in serum lipid, anthropometric and dietary measures. Mean (±SD) age of the participants was 59.3±9.9 years, and duration of diabetes was 8.1±8.3 years. After the program, A1C decreased by 1.0%±0.86% (p<0.05). There were significant reductions (p<0.05) in weight, body mass index, waist circumference and fat mass and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. No significant changes were observed in dietary measures except for perceived dietary adherence score, which increased significantly (p<0.05). Participants reported using the menu plan an average of 5.0±1.9 days a week and attended, on average, 4 of 6 counselling sessions. Menu planning and individual counselling were demonstrated to be feasible and effective for diabetes management, and they represent a simple and practical approach to implement the nutritional recommendations for diabetes in Canada. | 25,175,312 | [
-0.01869896,
0.3469017,
-0.1512845,
-0.151802,
0.1879423,
-0.370378,
0.07656337,
0.1485854,
0.2053785,
0.04081737,
0.1811918,
-0.07745676,
-0.09884021,
-0.1128373,
-0.311031,
-0.2344855,
-0.03196383,
-0.01725522,
-0.3783313,
-0.1654116,
-0.3477911,
0.2475735,
-0.01725261,... |
Delivering healthcare services to children with cerebral palsy and their families: a narrative review. | Children with cerebral palsy have complex healthcare needs and often require complex multidisciplinary care. It is important for clinicians to understand which approaches to healthcare service delivery for this population are supported in the literature and how these should be applied in clinical practice. This narrative review aims to identify and review the evidence for current approaches to healthcare service delivery for children with cerebral palsy. Databases were searched using key terms to identify relevant research articles and grey literature from December 2011 to September 2013. Search results were screened and sorted according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-two documents were included for evaluation and their content was analysed thematically. Three current approaches to healthcare service delivery for children with cerebral palsy identified in this narrative review were family-centred care, the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and collaborative community-based primary care. However, healthcare services for children with cerebral palsy and their families are inconsistently delivered according to these approaches and the identified guidelines or standards of care for children with cerebral palsy have limited incorporation of these approaches. Future research is required to investigate how these approaches to healthcare service delivery can be integrated into clinical practices to enable clinicians to improve services for this population. | 25,175,322 | [
-0.1998994,
0.3106562,
0.167466,
0.1240714,
0.2636053,
-0.09437832,
0.05976686,
0.000583719,
-0.3119885,
0.1900844,
0.08194278,
0.09512598,
-0.3473151,
-0.3547184,
0.09467103,
-0.1099929,
-0.2600864,
0.300573,
-0.4857986,
-0.2006114,
-0.03390054,
0.1117229,
0.06933602,
... |
Dihydroazulene: from controlling photochromism to molecular electronics devices. | Recent synthetic advances allowing large-scale preparation and systematic functionalization of the dihydroazulene (DHA)-vinylheptafulvene (VHF) photo-/thermoswitch have enabled detailed studies on how to tune optical and switching properties and have paved the way for using this system as a functional unit in molecular electronics and materials chemistry. Since discovery of its photochromism in the 1980'ies, numerous examples of DHA-VHF systems have been developed, allowing multimode switching, fluorescence-control and fine tuning of absorbance and VHF half-lives, giving insights into the mechanism of the switching event. Here, we present an overview of the properties of the DHA-VHF system, together with some selected synthetic procedures which have paved the way for its development. | 25,175,333 | [
-0.3278297,
-0.02226116,
-0.3278239,
-0.138631,
0.1097921,
-0.264599,
-0.1271427,
0.2119914,
0.4895643,
0.1379112,
0.2318076,
-0.07345077,
0.01997149,
-0.5509899,
-0.6328962,
-0.2517793,
-0.7210354,
0.1314583,
0.02028755,
0.4094464,
0.4433092,
0.3374125,
-0.3321984,
0.0... |
Heparin-Binding Proteins (Chemokines and Defensins) and their complexes with glycosaminoglycans from the solution NMR perspective. | This review paper aims at discussing the major recent achievements in the field of the heparin-binding proteins (HBPs), primarily chemokines and defensins, and their complexes with glycosaminoglycans examined by solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. As opposed to the HBPs involved in coagulation (mainly antithrombin and thrombin), and growth factors (especially fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2), which were extensively analyzed in the past, inflammatory chemokines turned out to be the most thoroughly studied HBPs nowadays. Defensins, which structurally and functionally resemble the chemokines, are also under intensive current investigation. | 25,175,334 | [
0.04239196,
-0.1258134,
-0.2869204,
0.09230042,
0.002749364,
-0.1882042,
-0.186657,
0.09958486,
-0.2163324,
0.3036352,
-0.1376231,
-0.3887747,
-0.2407209,
-0.44454,
-0.2843903,
-0.3772954,
0.01956791,
-0.00974548,
0.162514,
0.2137688,
-0.0219458,
-0.07289665,
-0.2895551,
... |
HNF4α induced chemosensitivity to oxaliplatin and 5-FU mediated by OCT1 and CNT3 in renal cell carcinoma. | Increased expression of transporters-mediating uptake of antineoplastic drugs could render renal cell carcinoma (RCC) more sensitive to chemotherapy. Here, we studied the effect of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) on the expression of selected uptake transporters in RCC lines. Organic cation transporters (OCTs) and organic anion transporters (OATs) mRNA levels in HNF4α-transfected RCCs were measured by real-time PCR. Expression of HNF4α, β-catenin, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin was detected by immunofluorescence. OCT1, OAT2, and concentrative nucleoside transporter 3 (CNT3) were tested using tritium-labeled substrates and an apoptosis assay. Most RCC did not express uptake transporters in the absence or presence of HNF4α. In RCCNG1 cells, HNF4α-expression increased the chemosensitivity to oxaliplatin and enhanced the accumulation of methyl-4-phenylpyridinium acetate, a model substrate for OCT1. Furthermore, HNF4α enhanced OAT2 mRNA and increased caspase-3 activity upon incubation with a purported OAT2 substrate, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). However, functional OAT2 protein was not upregulated. CNT3 mRNA was significantly elevated by HNF4α. Inhibition of CNT3-mediated uridine uptake by 5-FU metabolite 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine suggested the involvement of CNT3 in increased caspase-3 activity. Our data suggest that HNF4α increases the expression of OCT1 and CNT3 in RCCNG1 cells, thereby increasing the chemosensitivity of tumor cells to oxaliplatin and 5-FU. | 25,175,346 | [
-0.05714176,
0.01542503,
-0.4209085,
-0.1635094,
0.1579423,
-0.7770865,
-0.3521588,
0.4278927,
0.0093227,
0.4488728,
0.1953379,
0.3049176,
-0.04854435,
-0.06475499,
-0.3699443,
-0.1612666,
-0.4542163,
0.7573527,
-0.2387701,
0.2988474,
0.6110774,
0.3160607,
-0.399359,
0.... |
Juncus maritimus root biochemical assessment for its mercury stabilization potential in Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal). | Major endogenous biochemical properties can make plants ideal agents for metal/metalloid-contaminated site cleanup. This study investigates the biochemistry of Juncus maritimus (Lam) roots for its high mercury (Hg) stabilization potential in the sediments of the Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal), which received Hg-rich effluents from a chlor-alkali industry between 1950 and 1994. J. maritimus plants were collected at a reference (R) site and three sites with the highest (L1), moderate (L2), and the lowest (L3) Hg contamination levels. The highest Hg-harboring/stabilizing J. maritimus roots at L1, exhibited significantly elevated damage endpoints (H2O2; lipid peroxidation, LPO; electrolyte leakage, EL; protein oxidation, PO; proline) which were accompanied by differential changes in H2O2-metabolizing defense system components (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase), glutathione reductase and the contents of both reduced and oxidized glutathione. Trends in measured endpoints reached maximum levels at L1 followed by L2 and L3. Cross-talks on root-Hg status and the studied biochemical traits revealed (a) high Hg-accrued elevations in oxidative stress as an obvious response; (b) Hg-stabilization potential of J. maritimus roots as a result of a successful mitigation of elevated high Hg-induced H2O2, and its anomalies such as LPO, EL, and PO; and (c) the induction of and a fine synchronization between non-glutathione and glutathione-based systems. Overall, the study unveiled biochemical mechanisms underlying root tolerance to Hg burden-accrued anomalies which, in turn, helped J. maritimus during Hg-stabilization. | 25,175,353 | [
0.1462527,
-0.1879634,
0.5060184,
-0.08785114,
-0.1859678,
-0.3127778,
-0.1944753,
-0.1704018,
0.103404,
-0.0397668,
-0.1200099,
-0.04601453,
-0.01290138,
0.3798507,
-0.2036805,
-0.0775096,
-0.1032027,
0.3240341,
0.2302102,
0.1040596,
-0.04091482,
0.1732761,
-0.2626126,
... |
Psychotropic drugs in mixture alter swimming behaviour of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) larvae above environmental concentrations. | Psychiatric pharmaceuticals, such as anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics and antidepressors, are among the most prescribed active substances in the world. The occurrence of these compounds in the environment, as well as the adverse effects they can have on non-target organisms, justifies the growing concern about these emerging environmental pollutants. This study aims to analyse the effects of six psychotropic drugs, valproate, cyamemazine, citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine and oxazepam, on the survival and locomotion of Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes larvae. Newly hatched Japanese medaka were exposed to individual compounds for 72 h, at concentrations ranging from 10 μg L(-1) to 10 mg L(-1). Lethal concentrations 50 % (LC50) were estimated at 840, 841 and 9,136 μg L(-1) for fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram, respectively, while other compounds did not induce any significant increase in mortality. Analysis of the swimming behaviour of larvae, including total distance moved, mobility and location, provided an estimated lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 10 μg L(-1) for citalopram and oxazepam, 12.2 μg L(-1) for cyamemazine, 100 μg L(-1) for fluoxetine, 1,000 μg L(-1) for sertraline and >10,000 μg L(-1) for valproate. Realistic environmental mixture of the six psychotropic compounds induced disruption of larval locomotor behaviour at concentrations about 10- to 100-fold greater than environmental concentrations. | 25,175,354 | [
-0.2022934,
-0.01502938,
0.1783658,
-0.07262993,
-0.212066,
-0.03788934,
-0.1735616,
-0.274969,
0.1397921,
-0.6217172,
-0.004405692,
0.2345673,
0.05882812,
0.1414501,
0.02120632,
0.2879762,
-0.5021279,
0.4395205,
0.3134665,
0.1997159,
-0.03614838,
0.4369065,
-0.1839064,
... |
The effect of age and clinical circumstances on the outcome of red blood cell transfusion in critically ill patients. | Whether red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is beneficial remains controversial. In both retrospective and prospective evaluations, transfusion has been associated with adverse, neutral, or protective effects. These varying results likely stem from a complex interplay between transfusion, patient characteristics, and clinical context. The objective was to test whether age, comorbidities, and clinical context modulate the effect of transfusion on survival. By using the multiparameter intelligent monitoring in intensive care II database (v. 2.6), a retrospective analysis of 9,809 critically ill patients, we evaluated the effect of RBC transfusion on 30-day and 1-year mortality. Propensity score modeling and logistic regression adjusted for known confounding and assessed the independent effect of transfusion on 30-day and 1-year mortality. Sensitivity analysis was performed by using 3,164 transfused and non-transfused pairs, matched according the previously validated propensity model for RBC transfusion. RBC transfusion did not affect 30-day or 1-year mortality in the overall cohort. Patients younger than 55 years had increased odds of mortality (OR, 1.71; P < 0.01) with transfusion. Patients older than 75 years had lower odds of 30-day and 1-year mortality (OR, 0.70; P < 0.01) with transfusion. Transfusion was associated with worse outcome among patients undergoing cardiac surgery (OR, 2.1; P < 0.01). The propensity-matched population corroborated findings identified by regression adjustment. A complex relation exists between RBC transfusion and clinical outcome. Our results show that transfusion is associated with improved outcomes in some cohorts and worse outcome in others, depending on comorbidities and patient characteristics. As such, future investigations and clinical decisions evaluating the value of transfusion should account for variations in baseline characteristics and clinical context. | 25,175,389 | [
0.103225,
-0.1152888,
-0.3684911,
-0.2180462,
-0.1486127,
-0.2446024,
0.1423735,
0.1406692,
-0.02453416,
-0.02926933,
-0.02369183,
0.5565071,
-0.163373,
-0.4033969,
-0.270064,
-0.1740476,
-0.1398036,
0.2487595,
-0.01088983,
0.1275696,
0.1231008,
0.06465947,
-0.1512367,
... |
Acute extravascular hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Kpa antibody missed by electronic crossmatch. | Kpa antigen is a low incidence red blood cell antigen within the Kell system. Anti-Kpa alloantibody may be associated with acute and delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. We report a case of a clinically significant acute extravascular hemolytic transfusion reaction mediated by previously unrecognized (and undetected) anti-Kpa alloantibody. This reaction occurred in a patient who met all criteria for electronic crossmatch, resulting in the transfusion of an incompatible red cell unit. Post-transfusion investigation showed the transfused red cell unit was crossmatch compatible at the immediate spin phase but was 3 + incompatible at the antiglobulin phase. No evidence of intravascular hemolysis was observed upon visual comparison of the pre- and post-transfusion peripheral blood plasma. Further testing showed the presence of anti-Kpa antibody. The clinical course of the patient included acute febrile and systemic reaction. Acute extravascular hemolytic transfusion reaction may occur due to undetected anti-Kpa alloantibody. Various strategies for crossmatching are discussed in the context of antibodies to low incidence antigens. | 25,175,412 | [
0.03706497,
0.005160428,
-0.2807105,
-0.3163643,
0.1090344,
0.05244319,
-0.09103303,
0.4318189,
0.2089536,
-0.03392364,
0.2691954,
0.2772005,
0.05528952,
-0.3156312,
-0.01086024,
-0.308418,
-0.3195733,
0.02687399,
0.1140593,
-0.4483354,
0.338403,
-0.07619891,
-0.2379674,
... |
Assessing the clinical use of clear cell renal cell carcinoma molecular subtypes identified by RNA expression analysis. | To evaluate the clinical use of recently published RNA-based molecular subtyping algorithms. Patients who undergo surgery for clinically localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma can experience very different outcomes, representing a longstanding challenge for the practicing urologist. Two recent publications suggest that molecular subtyping based on the expression of large panels of genes can help clinically localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma prognostication; however, the analyses was not adjusted for routinely collected clinicopathologic indices. We obtained level 3 RNA-seq RPKM data and corresponding clinicopathologic features from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and assigned patients to the TCGA subtypes as well as to the ccA/ccB subtypes. To determine the prognostic ability of molecular subtyping after adjusting for variables that are collected as routine medical care, we used Cox models and adjusted for the composite Mayo stage, size, grade, and necrosis (SSIGN) score. Both the TCGA and the ccA/ccB subtypes are significantly associated with tumor size, category, grade, and presence of necrosis. The association of these subtypes with overall survival is markedly attenuated following adjustment for the composite Mayo SSIGN score. Both the TCGA and the ccA/ccB subtypes are associated with overall survival after adjusting for the Mayo SSIGN score. However, the effect sizes are similar to what has been reported for single markers, and thus the clinical use and cost-effectiveness of these RNA-based whole-genome signatures are questionable. | 25,175,426 | [
0.1278715,
-0.005886609,
-0.3174152,
-0.310297,
-0.02288084,
-0.1629367,
-0.03011939,
0.1942236,
0.1416734,
-0.09027069,
-0.235039,
0.3961999,
0.0224389,
-0.2790092,
-0.2336341,
0.03454785,
0.1484914,
0.1313575,
0.2360363,
0.1733048,
0.1975956,
0.153557,
-0.07113023,
0.... |
Molecular and cellular biology of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a review of current concepts and future trends in treatment. | Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are classically described as congenital static lesions. However, in addition to rupturing, AVMs can undergo growth, remodeling, and regression. These phenomena are directly related to cellular, molecular, and physiological processes. Understanding these relationships is essential to direct future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The authors performed a search of the contemporary literature to review current information regarding the molecular and cellular biology of AVMs and how this biology will impact their potential future management. A PubMed search was performed using the key words "genetic," "molecular," "brain," "cerebral," "arteriovenous," "malformation," "rupture," "management," "embolization," and "radiosurgery." Only English-language papers were considered. The reference lists of all papers selected for full-text assessment were reviewed. Current concepts in genetic polymorphisms, growth factors, angiopoietins, apoptosis, endothelial cells, pathophysiology, clinical syndromes, medical treatment (including tetracycline and microRNA-18a), radiation therapy, endovascular embolization, and surgical treatment as they apply to AVMs are discussed. Understanding the complex cellular biology, physiology, hemodynamics, and flow-related phenomena of AVMs is critical for defining and predicting their behavior, developing novel drug treatments, and improving endovascular and surgical therapies. | 25,175,428 | [
-0.2108497,
0.07753988,
0.05368424,
-0.1329474,
0.06058922,
-0.4303413,
-0.06249211,
0.1908128,
0.2663941,
-0.06396603,
0.1551162,
0.3264238,
-0.3146063,
-0.3567252,
-0.4384892,
-0.2684611,
-0.4264235,
0.07351433,
-0.03961676,
0.3398307,
-0.06017908,
0.2874079,
-0.2519417... |
Association between posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations and prenidal aneurysm rupture: potential impact on management. | In patients with posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) who present with hemorrhage, feeding artery aneurysms are often the source of bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative proportions of cases of infra- and supratentorial AVMs in which patients presented with prenidal aneurysm rupture. The management and outcome of 9 cases of posterior fossa AVMs associated with prenidal aneurysm rupture are presented. The authors retrospectively reviewed 233 consecutive AVM cases involving patients treated at their institution between April 2001 and August 2012. Patients with a prenidal aneurysm as the cause of the hemorrhage were identified. The frequencies of prenidal aneurysm-related ruptures were compared in cases of supra- and infratentorial AVMs. Management and clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score) of patients with posterior fossa AVMs treated for ruptured prenidal aneurysms were recorded. Of 233 AVMs, 25 (11%) were in the posterior fossa, and in 22 (88%) of these cases, the patients presented with hemorrhage, including 9 patients (41%) who presented with hemorrhage due to prenidal aneurysm rupture. Of 208 patients with supratentorial AVMs, 107 (51%) presented with hemorrhage, including 5 patients (4.7%) in whom the hemorrhage was associated with a prenidal aneurysm (p < 0.01). All 9 patients with posterior fossa AVMs and prenidal aneurysm rupture were treated with early embolization of the offending aneurysm. There was no early rebleeding or clinical complication related to this approach. At the end of follow-up (mean 46.8 months), 2 patients had an mRS score of 0, 1 had a score of 1, 3 had a score of 2, 2 patients were dead (mRS score of 6), and 1 patient was lost to follow-up. Posterior fossa AVM hemorrhages are frequently associated with prenidal arterial aneurysms. Urgent endovascular treatment of the aneurysm was effective in this case series. | 25,175,442 | [
-0.3445193,
0.08432983,
-0.333267,
-0.2878571,
0.02158177,
-0.2332975,
0.01123982,
0.02651711,
-0.2501617,
0.08768626,
-0.2063357,
0.1724219,
-0.2009559,
-0.4655283,
-0.446839,
-0.09627212,
-0.1177609,
0.1261027,
0.1422113,
-0.07284661,
0.3854762,
-0.08204603,
0.1186535,
... |
The natural history of AVM hemorrhage in the posterior fossa: comparison of hematoma volumes and neurological outcomes in patients with ruptured infra- and supratentorial AVMs. | Patients with posterior fossa arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are more likely to present with hemorrhage than those with supratentorial AVMs. Observed patients subject to the AVM natural history should be informed of the individualized effects of AVM characteristics on the clinical course following a new, first-time hemorrhage. The authors hypothesize that the debilitating effects of first-time bleeding from an AVM in a previously intact patient with an unruptured AVM are more pronounced when AVMs are located in the posterior fossa. The University of California, San Francisco prospective registry of brain AVMs was searched for patients with a ruptured AVM who had a pre-hemorrhage modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 and a post-hemorrhage mRS score obtained within 2 days of the hemorrhagic event. A total of 154 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Immediate post-hemorrhage presentation mRS scores were dichotomized into nonsevere outcome (mRS ≤ 3) and severe outcome (mRS > 3). There were 77 patients in each group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses using severe outcome as the binary response were run. The authors also performed a logistic regression analysis to measure the effects of hematoma volume and AVM location on severe outcome. Posterior fossa location was a significant predictor of severe outcome (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.20-5.67, p = 0.016) and the results were strengthened in a multivariate model (OR 4.96, 95% CI 1.73-14.17, p = 0.003). Eloquent location (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.37-8.80, p = 0.009) and associated arterial aneurysms (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.09, 6.10; p = 0.031) were also significant predictors of poor outcome. Hematoma volume for patients with a posterior fossa AVM was 10.1 ± 10.1 cm(3) compared with 25.6 ±28.0 cm(3) in supratentorial locations (p = 0.003). A logistic analysis (based on imputed hemorrhage volume values) found that posterior fossa location was a significant predictor of severe outcome (OR 8.03, 95% CI 1.20-53.77, p = 0.033) and logarithmic hematoma volume showed a positive, but not statistically significant, association in the model (p = 0.079). Patients with posterior fossa AVMs are more likely to have severe outcomes than those with supratentorial AVMs based on this natural history study. Age, sex, and ethnicity were not associated with an increased risk of severe outcome after AVM rupture, but posterior fossa location, associated aneurysms, and eloquent location were associated with poor post-hemorrhage mRS scores. Posterior fossa hematomas are poorly tolerated, with severe outcomes observed even with smaller hematoma volumes. These findings support an aggressive surgical posture with respect to posterior fossa AVMs, both before and after rupture. | 25,175,444 | [
-0.1663828,
-0.04846998,
-0.3950345,
-0.08972789,
-0.1343213,
-0.1664422,
0.02912812,
0.2341676,
-0.05362374,
-0.01022997,
-0.08033082,
0.04494368,
0.02528768,
-0.2190313,
-0.3510896,
0.04691843,
0.1024114,
0.3533402,
0.2655227,
0.02843291,
0.185496,
0.006281482,
0.061239... |
Getting under the skin of the primary care consultation using video stimulated recall: a systematic review. | Video stimulated recall (VSR) is a method of enhancing participants' accounts of the consultation using a video recording of the event to encourage and prompt recall in a post consultation interview. VSR is used in education and education research, and to a lesser extent in medical and nursing research. Little is known about the sort of research questions that lend themselves best to the use of VSR or the impact of the specific VSR procedure on study quality. This systematic review describes studies in primary care that have used the method and aims to identify the strengths, weaknesses and role of VSR. A systematic literature search has been conducted to identify primary care consultation research using VSR. Two authors undertook data extraction and quality appraisal of identified papers and a narrative synthesis has been conducted to draw together the findings. In addition, theory on classifying VSR procedures derived from other disciplines is used as a lens through which to assess the relevance of VSR technique. Twenty eight publications were identified that reported VSR in primary care doctor-patient consultation research. VSR was identified as a useful method to explore specific events within the consultation, mundane or routine occurrences, non-spoken events and appears to particularly add value to doctor's post consultation accounts. However, studies frequently had insufficient description of methods to properly evaluate both the quality of the study, and the influence of VSR technique on findings. VSR is particularly useful for study of specific consultation events when a 'within case' approach is used in analysis, comparing and contrasting findings from the consultation and post-consultation interview. Alignment of the choice of VSR procedure and sampling to the study research question was established as particularly important in the quality of studies. Future researchers may consider the role of process evaluation to understand further the impact of research design on data yielded and the acceptability of the method to participants. | 25,175,450 | [
-0.2051075,
-0.4089623,
-0.1752501,
-0.3699473,
0.6036543,
0.1911453,
-0.1969294,
-0.1969349,
0.02686691,
0.1640709,
0.06913232,
0.2374636,
-0.01323185,
-0.3523032,
-0.3613049,
-0.1990258,
-0.2596366,
0.2213881,
-0.2328171,
0.2717283,
0.3951459,
0.2528419,
-0.02692165,
... |
Interactions between cholinergic and fibroblast growth factor receptors in brain trophism and plasticity. | Acetylcholine, acting on both nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) and muscarinic receptors (mAChRs), plays a role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, being involved in the regulation of cellular processes and cognitive functions, such as learning, memory and attention. Recently, G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), including mAChRs, have been reported to transactivate tyrosine-kinase receptors (RTK), such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and initiate their intracellular signaling. In this minireview we have first analysed the RTK transactivation mechanisms, involving cholinergic receptors, and thereafter the interplay between AChR and neurotrophic factor systems built up by FGF2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1). Although mAChR and FGFR1 activate common signaling pathways, playing similar roles in the regulation of central nervous system (CNS) plasticity and trophism, this analysis revealed that at the present there are no data reporting an involvement of cholinergic receptors in the FGFR1 transactivation. However, here we reported preliminary results on FGFR1 transactivation by mAChRs, suggesting a possible interaction between mAChR and neurotrophic factor receptors, with potential relevance for cognitive functions. | 25,175,454 | [
0.1027601,
-0.156239,
0.2037305,
-0.3611044,
-0.02359542,
-0.2106631,
-0.1161114,
-0.2239342,
-0.2464633,
0.3500999,
0.0826917,
-0.05998664,
-0.2068512,
0.1205586,
-0.5559462,
-0.1709479,
-0.6047853,
0.2448565,
-0.1946184,
0.04220451,
-0.01309084,
0.1301229,
-0.1166963,
... |
Role of dimerization in dopamine D(4) receptor biogenesis. | Dopamine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors critically involved in locomotion, reward, and cognitive processes. Export of dopamine receptors to the plasma membrane is thought to follow the default secretory pathway, whereby proteins travel from the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER), through the Golgi apparatus, to arrive at the cell surface. Several observations indicate that trafficking from the ER to the plasma membrane is tightly regulated, and that correct folding in the ER acts as a bottle neck to the maturation of the dopamine D4 receptors. The dopamine D(4) receptor is an interesting receptor since it has a polymorphic region in its third intracellular loop, resulting in receptor isoforms of varying length and amino acid composition. Correct folding is enhanced by: (1) interaction with specific proteins, such as ER resident chaperones, (2) interaction with pharmacological chaperones, for example, ligands that are membrane permeable and can bind to the receptor in the ER, and (3) receptor dimerization; the assembly of multisubunit proteins into a quaternary structure is started in the ER before cell surface delivery, which helps in correct folding and subsequent expression. These interactions help the process of GPCR folding, but more importantly they ensure that only properly folded proteins proceed from the ER to the trans-Golgi network. In this review we will mainly focus on the role of receptor dimerization in dopamine D(4) receptor maturation. | 25,175,456 | [
-0.2212829,
0.05719937,
-0.2078303,
-0.05161175,
0.1838514,
-0.6519017,
-0.1812704,
-0.1105146,
-0.03392057,
0.5318869,
0.1177585,
-0.0612717,
-0.05907564,
0.01522639,
-0.4235841,
-0.03569109,
-0.6558881,
0.04196114,
-0.07553931,
-0.2718334,
0.2872456,
0.3159049,
-0.01069... |
Sexual Behavioral Characteristics and the Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among Men who have Sex with Men in Republic of Korea. | To investigate the sexual behavioral characteristics and HIV/AIDS knowledge among men who have sex with men (MSM), one of the HIV high risk groups. A three month survey among individuals who were able to be contacted was carried out over the entire Republic of Korea, between May and August, 2001. 348 individuals completed a self-administered questionnaire. The data collected included demographic information, sexual behavior and AIDS knowledge. Eighty-seven and ninety-two per cent of the 348 MSM were aged 20-39 years and had never been married, respectively. Fifty-five per cent of participants reported at least one sexual contact with women, and a quarter of the MSM surveyed had engaged in high-risk sexual behavior (more than 6 partners) during the previous year. About twenty per cent of the MSM had anal sex as their favorite way of having sex, and seventy-four per cent did not use condoms regularly due to loss of enjoyment, and were more likely to be engaged in risky behaviors. Only ten per cent had a regular HIV test history, and most had obtained knowledge or information on HIV/AIDS through the mass media. A large proportion of the MSM in Korea still remain at an elevated risk for contracting HIV infection. Change in high-risk sexual behaviors will prevent the spread of HIV infection among the MSM population, which requires public health education for preventive interventions, and should be culturally and socially specific in order to be effective. | 25,175,466 | [
-0.2141944,
0.1188834,
-0.1674284,
0.000543642,
0.1808597,
0.1155987,
-0.07496206,
-0.1144494,
0.1736702,
-0.5530446,
0.1101008,
-0.1616055,
-0.04960955,
0.147787,
-0.5196227,
0.1244124,
-0.4864103,
0.1466528,
0.2870764,
-0.1993734,
0.4144789,
0.3814458,
0.01375084,
0.0... |
Influence of smoking on blood cadmium concentration in university students. | This study was performed to examine the influence of smoking on the blood cadmium concentration in university students. The study included 300 university students. A questionnaire interview was used to collect data. The urine cotinine and blood cadmium levels were measured as biological exposure indices. The data were analyzed using t-tests ANOVA and ANCOVA. The median value of blood cadmium concentration was equal in both males and females (0.8microgram/liter). This level was relatively low in comparison with the reference value suggested by WHO (2001). ANCOVA showed that smoking related variables, urine cotinine and smoking amount, were significantly associated with the blood cadmium level (P=0.004, 0.015). However, the values with regard to traffic related air pollution were not significantly associated with the blood cadmium level. Smoking is an important source of nonoccupational cadmium exposure in young people. The Blood cadmium level is at least 10% higher in active smokers than in passive or nonsmokers. The level of urine cotinine can be used as an indicator of non-occupational exposure of respirable cadmium due to smoking, as there is a good correlation bestween smoking amount and the urine cotinine level. | 25,175,467 | [
-0.07765823,
0.158768,
-0.1815456,
0.5575704,
0.07014411,
-0.4341671,
-0.3974582,
0.3491655,
-0.4505994,
0.2180267,
0.2694274,
0.2729827,
0.03844766,
-0.1088454,
-0.376625,
0.003776777,
-0.1528963,
-0.0445908,
-0.1138486,
0.1204142,
0.02279553,
0.4938664,
0.02496913,
0.... |
A Study of the Relationship between Parental Alcohol Problems and Alcohol Use among Adolescent Females in Republic of Korea. | The study was designed to test if alcohol use and alcohol-related problems among adolescent females are related to their parents' level of alcohol problems. In 2001, a stratified sample of 2077 adolescent females, grades 10-11, from twelve female-only high schools located in a large metropolitan city in the Republic of Korea completed a questionnaire about alcohol use, parental attention, and parental alcohol consumption, and other risk and protective factors. Data were analyzed with chi-square and regression analyses. Nearly 63% of the student drinkers had experienced at least one to two alcohol-related problems in their lives. Two-thirds of all 2077 students indicated that at least one of their parents had an alcohol-related problem and that approximately 29% had experienced several problems. Results of random effects ordinal logistic regression analyses suggest a dose-response relationship between parental and youth alcohol-related problems. Youth who report having parents with some and many alcohol problems were 30% (Odds Ratios [OR] = 1.30; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.10 - 1.53) and 55% (OR = 1.55; 95%CI = 1.23 - 1.95) more likely to experience alcoholrelated problems than youth whose parents do not have alcohol problems, respectively, after statistically adjusting for important covariates. This study presents evidence that alcoholrelated problems among adolescent female students is highly prevalent. Also, the study findings reveal a high percentage of parents with alcohol problems, as reported by students. This study presents evidence of what might be a hidden problem among adults and youths in the Republic of Korea that merits serious attention. | 25,175,468 | [
0.04547963,
0.2515972,
-0.1386287,
0.3114273,
0.3865641,
-0.1961418,
-0.4174753,
0.005211084,
-0.1248674,
-0.0654304,
0.2727448,
-0.204209,
-0.1635452,
0.1329868,
-0.4501038,
0.13752,
-0.4067377,
0.4439191,
0.03572791,
0.02744148,
0.1936579,
0.1052739,
0.1273908,
-0.119... |
Biodegradation characterization and immobilized strains' potential for quinoline degradation by Brevundimonas sp. K4 isolated from activated sludge of coking wastewater. | A novel quinoline-degrading strain, named K4, was isolated from activated sludge of a coking wastewater treatment plant and identified as Brevundimonas sp. on the basis of its 16s rDNA gene sequence analysis. Its optimum temperature and pH for quinoline degradation were 30 °C and pH 9.0, respectively, and during the biodegradation process, at 100 mg/L initial quinoline concentration, an inoculation amount of 8% (OD600 of 0.23) was the optimal strain concentration. In addition, the kinetics of free K4 strains for quinoline degradation showed that it followed a zero-order equation. Furthermore, compared with free K4 strains, immobilized K4 strains' potential for quinoline degradation was investigated by adding both of them into SBR reactors for actual coking wastewater treatment on operation over 15 days. The results showed that bioaugmentation by both free and immobilized K4 strains enhanced quinoline removal efficiency, and especially, the latter could reach its stable removal after a shorter accommodation period, with 94.8% of mean quinoline removal efficiency. | 25,175,484 | [
-0.2163539,
0.3356518,
-0.2099673,
0.06658422,
-0.0608855,
-0.2077756,
-0.184627,
0.260798,
-0.01453055,
-0.2926663,
0.09045096,
-0.3514932,
-0.1501418,
0.5486956,
-0.5006467,
-0.1517245,
-0.6025873,
0.08175274,
0.005842532,
-0.0424659,
0.1405949,
0.4191695,
-0.06052878,
... |
Facile Au catalyst loading on the inner shell of hollow SnO2 spheres using Au-decorated block copolymer sphere templates and their selective H2S sensing characteristics. | Hollow SnO2 spheres functionalized by Au catalysts were synthesized via the use of Au-decorated block copolymer (Au-BCP) sphere templates. Uniformly distributed Au nanoparticles on BCP spheres were prepared by the infiltration of Au precursors into polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) spheres. A thin SnO2 layer was coated on the Au-BCP spheres using RF sputtering at room temperature without morphological deformation of the spheres. The Au nanoparticles were uniformly transferred from the Au-BCP spheres to the inner shells of the hollow SnO2 spheres followed by decomposition of BCP spheres. The Au-loaded hollow SnO2 spheres exhibited a superior H2S sensitivity (Rair/Rgas = 17.4 at 5 ppm) with remarkably selective characteristics with a minor response (Rair/Rgas < 2.5 at 5 ppm) toward other interfering gases. Our results pave the way for a new catalyst loading method using Au-BCP spheres for the uniformly distributed Au NPs on the SnO2 layers. | 25,175,492 | [
0.03610603,
-0.02307189,
0.1928822,
-0.04067596,
-0.02704015,
-0.1237288,
-0.1125671,
-0.09228587,
0.1134231,
0.2930826,
0.124035,
0.03862339,
-0.1755602,
-0.2146103,
-0.4101731,
-0.08228974,
-0.2046142,
0.2371884,
0.0310396,
-0.1738544,
-0.02985955,
-0.04315474,
0.162410... |
Mismatch between asthma symptoms and spirometry: implications for managing asthma in children. | To examine the concordance between spirometry and asthma symptoms in assessing asthma severity and beginning therapy by the general pediatrician. Between 2008 and 2012, spirometry testing was satisfactorily performed in 894 children (ages 5-19 years) whose asthma severity had been determined by their pediatrician using asthma guideline-based clinical criteria. Spirometry-determined asthma severity using national asthma guidelines and clinician-determined asthma severity were compared for concordance using weighted Kappa coefficients. Thirty percent of participants had clinically determined intermittent asthma; 32%, 33%, and 5% had mild, moderate, and severe, persistent asthma, respectively. Increasing disease severity was associated with decreases in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (P < .001), the forced expiratory volume in 1 second/FVC% predicted (P < .0001), and the FVC% predicted (P < .01). In 319 children (36%), clinically determined asthma severity was lower than spirometry-determined severity. Concordance was 0.16 (95% CI 0.10, 0.23), and when adjusted for bias and prevalence, was 0.20 (95% CI 0.17, 0.23). When accounting for age, sex, exposure to smoke, and insurance type, only spirometry-determined asthma severity was a significant predictor of agreement (P < .0001), with worse agreement as spirometry-determined severity increased. Concordance between spirometry and asthma symptoms in determining asthma severity is low even when guideline-based clinical assessment tools are used. Because appropriate therapy reduces asthma morbidity and is guided by disease severity, results from spirometry testing could better guide pediatricians in determining appropriate therapy for their patients with asthma. | 25,175,496 | [
0.1094535,
0.2762995,
-0.2752728,
-0.2824993,
0.06057549,
0.07100022,
-0.0212246,
-0.0763398,
0.3495051,
-0.1420631,
0.1515671,
0.3301421,
-0.2150692,
-0.01775636,
-0.02217282,
0.0671413,
-0.09865274,
0.1770243,
-0.05578829,
-0.1283121,
-0.4373909,
-0.1558698,
-0.2163376,... |
A single strain of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum causes fatal typhlohepatitis in red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) to be distinguished from histomonosis. | Typhlohepatitis was observed in a flock of 2500 red-legged partridges in Great Britain, characterized by the sudden deaths of 15 birds within 2 days. Necropsy of five dead birds revealed severe lesions in the caeca with thickened caecal walls, a reddened lining and bloody contents. The livers contained multiple miliary lesions and similar pathological changes were found in the spleens of some birds. Microscopic examination of intestinal contents showed the occurrence of coccidial oocysts in two partridges. Different methods for the detection of bacteria from liver and intestine samples were conducted without positive results. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of protozoan parasites in the caecum, liver and spleen of the affected birds. In situ hybridization (ISH) for the detection of trichomonads resulted in positive findings and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum in the lesions. Additionally, archived tissues of red-legged partridges from different flocks suffering from severe typhlohepatitis in Great Britain in 2008 and 2009 were re-investigated by ISH and PCR. Beside the sporadic occurrence of histomonosis, in most of the cases trichomonads were detected by ISH in the caecum and liver of affected birds. Furthermore, dissemination of the flagellate into the lung and bursa of Fabricius could be demonstrated. Analyses of T. gallinarum DNA obtained from the different cases resulted in homologous nucleotide sequences. Altogether, the results demonstrate the circulation of a virulent strain of T. gallinarum in reared red-legged partridges. | 25,175,532 | [
-0.0302662,
-0.1427719,
-0.2154458,
-0.2809108,
0.07968382,
-0.07315581,
-0.01124843,
0.02911457,
-0.1336554,
0.09090258,
0.2210474,
-0.03368456,
-0.07502905,
0.05064414,
-0.119446,
-0.1158775,
-0.5056997,
-0.08519149,
0.03983394,
-0.07050732,
-0.04825137,
0.731344,
-0.12... |
Optimization of anesthesia protocol for resting-state fMRI in mice based on differential effects of anesthetics on functional connectivity patterns. | Resting state-fMRI (rs-fMRI) in mice allows studying mechanisms underlying functional connectivity (FC) as well as alterations of FC occurring in murine models of neurological diseases. Mouse fMRI experiments are typically carried out under anesthesia to minimize animal movement and potential distress during examination. Yet, anesthesia inevitably affects FC patterns. Such effects have to be understood for proper interpretation of data. We have compared the influence of four commonly used anesthetics on rs-fMRI. Rs-fMRI data acquired under isoflurane, propofol, and urethane presented similar patterns when accounting for anesthesia depth. FC maps displayed bilateral correlation with respect to cortical seeds, but no significant inter-hemispheric striatal connectivity. In contrast, for medetomidine, we detected bilateral striatal but compromised inter-hemispheric cortical connectivity. The spatiotemporal patterns of the rs-fMRI signal have been rationalized considering anesthesia depth and pharmacodynamic properties of the anesthetics. Our results bridge the results from different studies from the burgeoning field of mouse rs-fMRI and offer a framework for understanding the influences of anesthetics on FC patterns. Utilizing this information, we suggest the combined use of medetomidine and isoflurane representing the two proposed classes of anesthetics; the combination of low doses of the two anesthetics retained strong correlations both within cortical and subcortical structures, without the potential seizure-inducing effects of medetomidine, rendering this regimen an attractive anesthesia for rs-fMRI in mice. | 25,175,535 | [
0.02999098,
0.2265259,
-0.06604005,
-0.3327421,
0.2880646,
-0.1815495,
-0.1216264,
-0.103737,
-0.162747,
-0.0588074,
-0.1272392,
-0.05347271,
-0.140921,
-0.02360657,
0.03475187,
0.1153495,
-0.2413839,
0.1511444,
-0.06128435,
0.3030474,
-0.05795848,
0.01072582,
-0.06972438... |
The auditory scene: an fMRI study on melody and accompaniment in professional pianists. | The auditory scene is a mental representation of individual sounds extracted from the summed sound waveform reaching the ears of the listeners. Musical contexts represent particularly complex cases of auditory scenes. In such a scenario, melody may be seen as the main object moving on a background represented by the accompaniment. Both melody and accompaniment vary in time according to harmonic rules, forming a typical texture with melody in the most prominent, salient voice. In the present sparse acquisition functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we investigated the interplay between melody and accompaniment in trained pianists, by observing the activation responses elicited by processing: (1) melody placed in the upper and lower texture voices, leading to, respectively, a higher and lower auditory salience; (2) harmonic violations occurring in either the melody, the accompaniment, or both. The results indicated that the neural activation elicited by the processing of polyphonic compositions in expert musicians depends upon the upper versus lower position of the melodic line in the texture, and showed an overall greater activation for the harmonic processing of melody over accompaniment. Both these two predominant effects were characterized by the involvement of the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus, among other associative brain regions. We discuss the prominent role of the posterior medial cortex in the processing of melodic and harmonic information in the auditory stream, and propose to frame this processing in relation to the cognitive construction of complex multimodal sensory imagery scenes. | 25,175,543 | [
-0.2693515,
0.4603405,
0.01363792,
-0.06387861,
0.1745909,
-0.2930185,
-0.4373978,
0.06576457,
0.03531233,
-0.0616112,
-0.2626367,
-0.2802573,
-0.09244457,
-0.2686307,
-0.2458455,
0.1913867,
-0.2509638,
0.03607933,
-0.4204102,
-0.1101099,
0.2039316,
0.2368923,
-0.03403679... |
Recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum expressing and secreting heterologous oxalate decarboxylase prevents renal calcium oxalate stone deposition in experimental rats. | Calcium oxalate (CaOx) is the major constituent of about 75% of all urinary stone and the secondary hyperoxaluria is a primary risk factor. Current treatment options for the patients with hyperoxaluria and CaOx stone diseases are limited. Oxalate degrading bacteria might have beneficial effects on urinary oxalate excretion resulting from decreased intestinal oxalate concentration and absorption. Thus, the aim of the present study is to examine the in vivo oxalate degrading ability of genetically engineered Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) that constitutively expressing and secreting heterologous oxalate decarboxylase (OxdC) for prevention of CaOx stone formation in rats. The recombinants strain of L. plantarum that constitutively secreting (WCFS1OxdC) and non-secreting (NC8OxdC) OxdC has been developed by using expression vector pSIP401. The in vivo oxalate degradation ability for this recombinants strain was carried out in a male wistar albino rats. The group I control; groups II, III, IV and V rats were fed with 5% potassium oxalate diet and 14th day onwards group II, III, IV and V were received esophageal gavage of L. plantarum WCFS1, WCFS1OxdC and NC8OxdC respectively for 2-week period. The urinary and serum biochemistry and histopathology of the kidney were carried out. The experimental data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple-range test. Recombinants L. plantarum constitutively express and secretes the functional OxdC and could degrade the oxalate up to 70-77% under in vitro. The recombinant bacterial treated rats in groups IV and V showed significant reduction of urinary oxalate, calcium, uric acid, creatinine and serum uric acid, BUN/creatinine ratio compared to group II and III rats (P < 0.05). Oxalate levels in kidney homogenate of groups IV and V were showed significant reduction than group II and III rats (P < 0.05). Microscopic observations revealed a high score (4+) of CaOx crystal in kidneys of groups II and III, whereas no crystal in group IV and a lower score (1+) in group V. The present results indicate that artificial colonization of recombinant strain, WCFS1OxdC and NC8OxdC, capable of reduce urinary oxalate excretion and CaOx crystal deposition by increased intestinal oxalate degradation. | 25,175,550 | [
0.1208718,
-0.01421354,
-0.1007486,
0.2150031,
0.1919117,
-0.2742088,
-0.3937891,
-0.05945337,
0.2445474,
-0.351996,
0.3441075,
0.221619,
0.2268181,
0.1401663,
-0.8316372,
-0.2149901,
-0.1369715,
-0.2876377,
-0.05868028,
0.01856932,
-0.009797193,
0.589322,
-0.1141515,
0... |
Resection of a ventral intramedullary cervical spinal cord cavernous malformation through an anterior approach. | Ventrally-located intramedullary cervical spinal cord cavernomas are rare entities in the pediatric population. Surgical access to these lesions is challenging. The authors present the complete resection of a symptomatic ventral cervical intramedullary cavernoma through an anterior approach in a 15-year-old boy. The lesion was accessed following left anterolateral dissection, C3-4 discectomy and C3/C4 partial corpectomy. The authors will discuss the rationale for intervening in this patient and for selecting this anterior approach over other approaches, such as the anterolateral, posterolateral or posterior approach. The steps, pitfalls and pearls of this surgical approach will be demonstrated in a detailed video. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/-ARTp6g13hgs. | 25,175,579 | [
-0.1356199,
0.04174718,
-0.2838119,
-0.1562362,
0.1304052,
-0.3443235,
-0.2487857,
0.04743404,
0.01412012,
0.1625465,
0.1359168,
0.1973158,
-0.127315,
-0.6622185,
-0.3284507,
-0.2135946,
-0.4984263,
0.2038046,
-0.06386345,
-0.4074565,
0.2166107,
0.2017493,
-0.176145,
0.... |
Bisphenol A exposure via thermal paper receipts. | Bisphenol A (BPA) has one of the highest production volumes of all chemicals worldwide. It has been widely studied because of its endocrine modulating activity. In addition to dietary intake, absorption of BPA via the skin from handling thermal papers is believed to be a relevant route of exposure. We studied BPA exposure via thermal paper receipts in simulation experiments performed by three volunteers, and examined urinary excretion of BPA. We also evaluated background BPA excretion among the Finnish working-age population. The geometric mean BPA excretion among non-occupationally exposed working-age Finns (n=121) was 2.6 μg/l, the range being 0.8-18.9 μg/l. The 95th percentile of the non-occupationally exposed people was 8 μg/l, and this was set as the reference limit for the non-occupationally exposed population. In the first simulation experiment, which was conducted under conditions representing the most likely exposure, i.e., the work of a cashier in a supermarket, BPA excretion remained below the reference limit in all participants. In the second simulation experiment, with more intensive, short-time handling of thermal paper (three times 5 min), urinary excretion also remained at or below background levels (highest value being 10.3 μg/l). The calculated maximum BPA excretion per day after handling thermal paper was less than 0.2 μg/kg of body weight, suggesting a total daily intake over 25 times lower than the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA's) proposal for a temporary tolerable daily intake (temporary TDI) (5 μg/kg/day). | 25,175,590 | [
-0.3390914,
0.03009908,
-0.1687292,
0.4219837,
0.2850375,
-0.3222434,
-0.2001841,
0.3346663,
-0.1008552,
-0.0572703,
0.259166,
-0.05313926,
0.1768962,
-0.2651935,
-0.3860512,
-0.2689605,
-0.1479531,
-0.1128714,
-0.2311083,
0.01460669,
-0.1513074,
0.7291793,
-0.4542079,
... |
Treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with oral alitretinoin. | Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a potentially life-limiting malignant disease. Treatment strategies in CTCL aim at disease control and remission with the lowest possible side-effects. Recent reports suggest that the new vitamin A derivative alitretinoin might be a well-tolerated treatment option. We analysed the files of 11 CTCL patients with mycosis fungoides (n = 10) or Sézary syndrome (n = 1), who were treated with oral alitretinoin alone or in combination with standard treatment based on individual off-label treatment decisions. Patients had been monitored every 4-8 weeks with skin examination and laboratory analyses. Ten of 11 patients (90.9%) showed a marked improvement of their CTCL skin lesions and no progress of the disease during treatment with alitretinoin, one patient showed no response to the treatment (9.1%). Four of the responding patients (40.0%) had a complete response and 6 (60.0%) had a partial response. Average time to response was 2.5 months. Duration of treatment varied depending on whether patients had reached complete or partial remission. In general, alitretinoin was well tolerated. One of 11 patients developed high non-fasting average serum cholesterol (>300 mg/dL) and 1/11 a mean non-fasting triglyceride value >500 mg/dL. In 3/11 patients, thyroid-stimulating hormone declined without clinical symptoms during treatment, with one of the patients also showing a decreased thyroxin level. In our group of CTCL patients we noticed a low rate of side-effects and an overall good clinical response to treatment with alitretinoin. Further studies are required to substantiate this early clinical observation. | 25,175,592 | [
-0.123653,
-0.1755475,
-0.3097457,
-0.6118428,
0.3311535,
-0.1037631,
0.08788069,
0.435622,
-0.1332381,
0.103074,
0.2261948,
0.3539511,
0.2611896,
-0.02741441,
-0.1200695,
-0.1563409,
-0.360863,
-0.1739662,
-0.08029069,
0.1535784,
0.3663677,
0.4109448,
-0.2775705,
-0.02... |
Transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway. | Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial step for the invasive and metastatic properties of malignant tumor cells during tumor progression. Numerous signaling pathways are involved in the process of EMT in cancer, such as the EMT-inducing signal transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and the recently demonstrated PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway. To date, no data have been reported concerning the influence of PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway on EMT in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and how TGF-β1 and PTEN/PI3K act through multiple interconnected signaling pathways to trigger events associated with EMT and tumor progression. Our data showed that the PTEN/PI3K pathway was active in human ESCC tissues in vivo, particularly in ESCC with decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin protein expression, poor differentiation, deep invasion and lymph node metastasis, which are responsible for EMT and tumor progression. In addition, in the human ESCC cell line (EC-1) in vitro, TGF-β1 treatment markedly induced EMT, including morphological alterations, a decrease of E-cadherin and an increase of vimentin levels and enhanced mobility and invasiveness. Furthermore, the PTEN/PI3K pathway was also activated in the process of TGF-β1-induced EMT in EC-1 cells in vitro, whereas inhibition of the PTEN/PI3K pathway by using pcDNA3.1 PTEN partially blocked TGF-β1-induced EMT and reduced mobility and invasiveness. These studies suggest that TGF-β1 and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway contribute to EMT and the PTEN/PI3K signaling pathway is a key regulator of TGF-β1‑induced EMT in ESCC. Disruption of the PTEN/PI3K pathway involved in TGF-β1-induced EMT may provide possible routes for therapeutic intervention to ESCC. | 25,175,594 | [
-0.2445271,
-0.2172747,
-0.2092765,
-0.2327883,
-0.05684944,
-0.2500366,
0.01598245,
0.2509319,
-0.2350771,
0.4491936,
0.1395692,
0.09187794,
-0.01248659,
-0.3056282,
-0.4848807,
0.07531158,
-0.1644514,
0.1261201,
-0.1210337,
0.26124,
0.2518891,
0.2602254,
0.01442677,
0... |
Heat shock proteins HSP70 and MRJ cooperatively regulate cell adhesion and migration through urokinase receptor. | The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is an important regulator of ECM proteolysis, cell-ECM interactions and cell signaling. uPAR and heat shock proteins HSP70 and MRJ (DNAJB6) have been implicated in tumor growth and metastasis. We have reported recently that MRJ (DNAJB6, a heat shock protein) can interact with uPAR and enhance cell adhesion. Here, we identified another heat shock protein HSP70 as a novel uPAR-interacting protein. We performed co-immunoprecipitation in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 and colon cancer HCT116 cells as well as immunofluorence assays in HEK293 cells stably transfected with uPAR to investigate the association of suPAR with HSP70/MRJ. To understand the biological functions of the triple complex of suPAR/HSP70/MRJ, we determined whether HSP70 and/or MRJ regulated uPAR-mediated cell invasion, migration, adhesion to vitronectin and MAPK pathway in two pair of human tumor cells (uPAR negative HEK293 cells vs HEK293 cells stably transfected with uPAR and HCT116 cells stably transfected with antisense-uPAR vs HCT116 mock cells transfected with vector only) using transwell assay, wound healing assay, quantitative RT-PCR analyzing mmp2 and mmp9 transcription levels, cell adhesion assay and Western blotting assay. HSP70 and MRJ formed a triple complex with uPAR and over-expression of MRJ enhanced the interaction between HSP70 and uPAR, while knockdown of MRJ decreased soluble uPAR in HCT116 cells (P < 0.05) and reduced the formation of the triple complex, suggesting that MRJ may act as an uPAR-specific adaptor protein to link uPAR to HSP70. Further experiments showed that knockdown of HSP70 and/or MRJ by siRNA inhibited uPAR-mediated cell adhesion to vitronectin as well as suppressed cell invasion and migration. Knockdown of HSP70 and/or MRJ inhibited expression of invasion related genes mmp2 and mmp9. Finally, HSP70 and/or MRJ up-regulated phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and FAK suggesting MAPK pathway was involved. All the biological function experiments in cell level showed an additive effect when HSP70 and MRJ were regulated simultaneously indicating their collaborated regulation effects on uPAR. These findings may offer a novel insight into the interactions between uPAR and HSP70/MRJ and their functions in cell adhesion and migration may provide more understanding of the roles in regulating cancer metastasis. | 25,175,595 | [
0.1488334,
-0.2463325,
0.1760513,
-0.2251726,
0.2074561,
-0.2147367,
-0.2410288,
0.3674325,
0.02457831,
0.1728827,
0.2911067,
0.119524,
-0.02442741,
-0.4265687,
0.004813382,
0.05978757,
-0.03909497,
0.1565184,
-0.2583803,
0.02879473,
0.4433196,
0.007926615,
-0.06144387,
... |
Abdominal Obesity in Relation to the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Impaired Fasting Glucose among some Korean Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study. | This study was performed to determine whether an increase in abdominal obesity is an independent risk factor for impaired fasting glucose and type 2 DM. Among 24, 212 adults over 30 years who undertook comprehensive medical screening examinations from Jan to Dec 1999, in a university hospital in Seoul, a total of 11, 183 subjects were selected who had no DM at baseline and who were followed up more than once by Dec 2002. The average follow up period was 2.4 (+/-0.5) years. DM was defined as having a fasting glucose level &gt; or = 126mg/dl, and impaired fasting glucose as showing a fasting glucose level between 110 and 125 mg/dl. Body weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were simultaneously measured with blood sampling. The relative risks (RRs) for DM and impaired fasting glucose by WC were calculated using Cox proportional hazard model. Ageadjusted rates were estimated by direct standardization using a reference population of 2000 from 30 to 80 years. The average age of the subjects was 41.7 (+/- 7.0) years; males 41.2 (+/-6.5) and females 45.6 (+/-9.2). RRs for type 2 DM by WC with the reference group of WC &lt; 80cm were as follows: 2.66 (95%, CI 0.55~12.8) for WC of 80~89cm in men, 5.92 (95%, CI 1.08~32.3) for WC &gt; or = 90 cm in men, and 2.64 (95%, CI 0.23~29.8) for WC of 80~89cm in females. RRs for impaired fasting glucose by WC were 3.03 (95%, CI 2.18~4.22) for WC 80~89cm in men, 6.10 (95%, CI 4.25~8.75) for WC &gt; or = 90cm in men, and 1.56 (95%, CI 0.43~5.67) for WC 80~89cm in women, and 8.08 (95%, CI 2.22~29.4) for WC &gt; or = 90cm in females. These results remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI and fasting glucose concentrations at baseline in both sexes. Annual increment of more than 1 cm in WC was associated with the development of DM and impaired fasting glucose independently of age, sex, BMI, or presence of abdominal obesity. In Korean adults, abdominal obesity increased the risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting glucose. This result supports many other prospective studies suggesting abdominal obesity as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. | 25,175,618 | [
-0.09751391,
-0.2990754,
-0.4153722,
-0.2590239,
0.2542997,
-0.02950652,
-0.02993021,
0.2193005,
0.178069,
-0.2788378,
0.05324924,
0.2660972,
0.04254308,
0.07186391,
-0.3134706,
-0.0519383,
-0.3028565,
0.3180889,
0.001657517,
-0.216857,
-0.04249424,
0.1415981,
-0.2933063,... |
Mortality benefits of different hemodialysis access types are age dependent. | Risk of death in dialysis patients is lowest with arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), followed by arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) and then intravenous hemodialysis catheters (HCs). Our aim was to analyze the effects of age at hemodialysis initiation on mortality across different access types. All patients ≥18 years in the United States Renal Data System between the years 2006 and 2010 were analyzed. Spline modeling and risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the effect of age on mortality for first dialysis access with AVF vs AVG vs HC. The study analyzed 507,791 patients (63.4 ± 0.02 years; 56.5% male; 40.9% mortality; follow-up, 1.57 ± 1.36 years). Increasing age was a significant predictor of overall mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.03; P < .001). Compared with patients with HCs (n = 418,932), overall risk-adjusted mortality was lowest in patients with AVFs (n = 71,316; aHR, 0.63; P < .001) followed by AVGs (n = 17,543; aHR, 0.83; P < .001). AVF was superior to both HC and AVG for all age groups (P < .001). However, there was a significant change in the relative efficacy of AVG at ages 48 years and 89 years based on spline modeling; there were no significant differences comparing adjusted mortality with AVG vs HC for patients aged 18 to 48 years or for patients >89 years, but AVG was superior to HC for patients 49 to 89 years of age (aHR, 0.811; P < .001). The mortality benefit of AVF was consistently superior to that of AVG and HC for patients of all ages (all, P < .001). AVF is superior to AVG and HC regardless of the patient's age, including in octogenarians. In contrast, the mortality benefit of AVG over HC may not apply to younger (18-48 years) or older (>89 years) age groups. All patients 18 to 48 years should receive AVF for dialysis access whenever possible. | 25,175,630 | [
0.1837122,
-0.1493947,
-0.5177969,
-0.1047759,
0.3085429,
0.01828159,
0.2868153,
-0.05347322,
-0.1989486,
-0.001378186,
0.1894769,
0.2960677,
-0.2015031,
0.1586321,
-0.04814313,
-0.5563623,
-0.2826084,
0.3351924,
0.1487626,
-0.194884,
0.1062511,
0.508524,
-0.3446088,
0.... |
Increased SP4 and SP1 transcription factor expression in the postmortem hippocampus of chronic schizophrenia. | Altered levels of transcription factor specificity protein 4 (SP4) and 1 (SP1) in the cerebellum, prefrontal cortex and/or lymphocytes have been reported in severe psychiatric disorders, including early psychosis, bipolar disorder, and chronic schizophrenia subjects who have undergone long-term antipsychotic treatments. SP4 transgenic mice show altered hippocampal-dependent psychotic-like behaviours and altered development of hippocampal dentate gyrus. Moreover, NMDAR activity regulates SP4 function. The aim of this study was to investigate SP4 and SP1 expression levels in the hippocampus in schizophrenia, and the possible effect of antipsychotics and NMDAR blockade on SP protein levels in rodent hippocampus. We analysed SP4 and SP1 expression levels in the postmortem hippocampus of chronic schizophrenia (n = 14) and control (n = 11) subjects by immunoblot and quantitative RT-PCR. We tested the effect of NMDAR blockade on SP factors in the hippocampus of mouse treated with an acute dose of MK801. We also investigated the effect of subacute treatments with haloperidol and clozapine on SP protein levels in the rat hippocampus. We report that SP4 protein and both SP4 and SP1 mRNA expression levels are significantly increased in the hippocampus in chronic schizophrenia. Likewise, acute treatment with MK801 increased both SP4 and SP1 protein levels in mouse hippocampus. In contrast, subacute treatment with haloperidol and clozapine did not significantly alter SP protein levels in rat hippocampus. These results suggest that SP4 and SP1 upregulation may be part of the mechanisms deregulated downstream of glutamate signalling pathways in schizophrenia and might be contributing to the hippocampal-dependent cognitive deficits of the disorder. | 25,175,639 | [
0.1192801,
-0.2461773,
-0.06661586,
-0.1601475,
0.4401404,
-0.3360805,
-0.0490331,
-0.3451318,
-0.01017895,
0.1180744,
0.0008165916,
0.4729027,
-0.1439745,
0.3328983,
0.3540503,
0.05266265,
-0.5552939,
0.1046204,
0.008965003,
-0.185042,
0.09295984,
0.269828,
0.1007006,
... |
New perspective on the dual functions of indirubins in cancer therapy and neuroprotection. | Indirubin is an active ingredient mainly used to treat leukemia in China and is reported to be a leading inhibitor of cyclindependent kinases (CDKs) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) by competing with ATP binding sites. New findings have indicated that its comprehensive structure may contribute to its polypharmacological activities particularly in cancer and neurodegenerative disease therapy, as both of these diseases are usually accompanied by a common molecular link related to abnormal phosphorylation of CDKs and GSK-3. In the elderly, cancer and neurodegenerative disease are tightly associated common diseases and sometimes unavoidably coexist. In this review, the underlying mechanisms of the dual actions of indirubin and its structurally-related compounds in cancer and neurodegenerative disease therapy are presented. | 25,175,685 | [
-0.2438417,
0.07537515,
0.1484361,
-0.233058,
0.01939529,
-0.07237256,
0.03447564,
0.3342233,
0.04033086,
0.2555259,
-0.1154082,
0.4617937,
-0.1484392,
0.1384418,
-0.3386948,
0.009950573,
-0.1767536,
0.1310613,
-0.5153809,
0.2975639,
0.3135647,
0.2789431,
-0.2520043,
0.... |
Tapasin and human leukocyte antigen class I dysregulation correlates with survival in glioblastoma multiforme. | Human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules present antigenic peptides to cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells. Downregulation of peptide:HLA-I complexes is common in tumors and results in tumor immune escape variants. Also molecules involved in the maturation of HLA-I have been demonstrated to be dysregulated in malignant neoplasms. We here set out to investigate the antigen presentation capabilities of a set of 12 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors based on the expression of HLA-I. Moreover, we analyzed the expression of tapasin, a protein dedicated and essential to HLA-I maturation, as well as the infiltration of CD8+ cells using immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections. Comparison of different GBMs showed a variation in expression of both HLA-I heavy chain (HC) and tapasin. Interestingly, the expression of tapasin and HLA-I HC correlated significantly (p=0.0002) suggesting tapasin to be a key factor for efficient HLA-I antigen presentation in GBMs. Although no statistically significant correlation between CD8(+) cells and survival was found, probably due to a very low number of infiltrating CD8(+) cells at the time of surgical resection, both tapasin and HLA-I HC levels significantly correlated with survival. We suggest that analysis of expression of tapasin and/or HLA-I may be of value as prognostic tool for GBM patients, especially when considering immunotherapy. | 25,175,688 | [
-0.08559697,
0.01061784,
-0.2782056,
-0.2662314,
-0.0425612,
-0.525809,
0.05859735,
0.2518854,
-0.1697126,
0.2366952,
0.1100181,
0.2167339,
0.06255329,
-0.3882548,
-0.2495514,
-0.1788568,
0.02504078,
0.06670784,
-0.02333806,
0.3462139,
0.02822234,
0.4153784,
0.005366164,
... |
Prognostic value of estimating functional capacity with the use of the duke activity status index in stable patients with chronic heart failure. | Over the years, several methods have been developed to reliably quantify functional capacity in patients with heart failure. Few studies have investigated the prognostic value of these assessment tools beyond cardiorenal prognostic biomarkers in stable patients with chronic heart failure. We administered the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire, a self-assessment tool comprising 12 questions for estimating functional capacity, to 1,700 stable nonacute coronary syndrome patients with history of heart failure who underwent elective diagnostic coronary angiography with 5-year follow-up of all-cause mortality. In a subset of patients (n = 800), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was measured. In our study cohort, the median DASI score was 26.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 15.5-42.7). Low DASI score provided independent prediction of a 3.3-fold increase in 5-year mortality risk (quartile 1 vs quartile 4: hazard ratio [HR] 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.57-4.36; P < .0001). After adjusting for traditional risk factors, BNP, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, low DASI score still conferred a 2.6-fold increase in mortality risk (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.64-4.15; P < .0001). A simple self-assessment tool of functional capacity provides independent and incremental prognostic value for mortality prediction in stable patients with chronic heart failure beyond cardiorenal biomarkers. | 25,175,697 | [
-0.1800687,
0.125495,
-0.09479819,
-0.162495,
0.1365905,
-0.3060369,
0.09328482,
0.1270834,
-0.1916305,
-0.1058392,
-0.02014108,
-0.02036441,
0.01030123,
-0.2190263,
-0.05631328,
-0.3508255,
-0.3405187,
0.1658875,
0.1281628,
-0.04532081,
0.03654407,
0.2264296,
-0.0500063,... |
Evaluation of detachment methods for the enumeration of Bacteroides fragilis in sediments via propidium monoazide quantitative PCR, in comparison with Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. | The aim was to develop an optimized detachment method for separating Bacteroidales from sediments to allow enumeration via PMA-qPCR. The effectiveness of four different detachment treatments in removing Bacteroides fragilis was compared as a function of time as well as in relation to Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli as detected by cultivation and qPCR. Cells were inoculated into four sediments from sea water (SW) and freshwater (FW) beaches. Sediment samples were taken on days 1 and 7 and subjected to four different treatments for separation of micro-organisms. On day 1, the detachment treatments performed equally well in removing intact Bact. fragilis cells. In contrast, 7 days later the detachment treatment with Tween 80 and handshaking (TH) resulted in up to eightfold higher 16S rRNA gene concentrations of intact and total Bact. fragilis cells compared to other detachment treatments. Total Ent. faecalis cells based on the 23S rRNA gene were also preferentially recovered by treatment TH. Cultivable Ent. faecalis or E. coli numbers detached from sediments were similar for all methods in most sediments tested. Handshaking and 1% Tween 80/NaOH (pH 7·0) eluant was the most efficient technique to recover intact as well as total Bact. fragilis cells in sediment samples with different salinities and after prolonged sediment cell contact time. The optimized detachment method enables the application of PMA-qPCR to sediment samples to detect the presence of Bacteroidales cells and their DNA in future microbial source tracking studies. | 25,175,698 | [
-0.1493012,
0.09977378,
0.03671644,
-0.008562833,
0.08933062,
-0.4541143,
-0.09028694,
0.2446196,
-0.2018444,
-0.1307748,
-0.09620053,
-0.02561565,
0.05039411,
0.02097975,
-0.4733679,
0.07751234,
-0.1747791,
0.4187113,
-0.6412544,
0.4558194,
0.3844006,
0.1694083,
-0.01654... |
Bioavailability of ginsenosides from white and red ginsengs in the simulated digestion model. | This study aims to investigate the bioavailability of ginsenosides during simulated digestion of white (WG) and red (RG) ginseng powders. Stability, bioaccessibility, and permeability of ginsenosides present in WG and RG were studied in a Caco-2 cell culture model coupled with oral, gastric, and small intestinal simulated digestion. Most ginsenosides in WG and RG were stable (>90%) during the simulated digestion. Bioaccessibilities of total ginsenosides during in vitro digestion of WG and RG were similar at approximately 85%. However, the bioaccessibility of protopanaxatriol type ginsenosides in the early food phase was greater than that of the protopanaxadiol type. The less polar RG ginsenosides were released later following the jejunum phase. Ginsenosides had low permeability (<1 × 10(-6) cm/s) through Caco-2 cell monolayers. These findings suggest that the WG and RG ginsenoside compositions affect bioaccessibility during digestion and that ginsenosides are poorly absorbed in humans. | 25,175,701 | [
-0.07530204,
-0.1827828,
-0.3487332,
0.0100242,
0.1154261,
0.2806447,
0.06392215,
0.2773346,
0.2565518,
-0.07524376,
0.5709366,
-0.01329087,
-0.3206373,
-0.01127208,
-0.4983003,
-0.197539,
-0.6128269,
0.1824423,
-0.1192519,
-0.1934582,
0.2166027,
0.2845298,
-0.1505121,
... |
Radiation-induced changes in hepatocyte-specific Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI: potential mechanism. | Liver irradiation leads to a decreased uptake of a hepatobiliary directed MRI contrast agent (Gd-EOB-DTPA) as shown in studies performed 1-6 months after proton therapy, stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy and brachytherapy. Therefore, Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI could potentially be used for in vivo verification of the delivered dose distribution. Achieving this would be highly desirable, especially for particle therapy, where the accuracy and precision of the spatial dose deposition is affected by uncertainties of the range of particles in patients. However, the empirically detected effect needs to be understood before it can be used as a surrogate imaging biomarker for in vivo treatment verification or even liver functionality. Here, we propose a model of the underlying molecular mechanism of this phenomenon and discuss its implications for radiation therapy. We model the multi-step process starting from the immediate response after liver irradiation to the delayed/subsequent signal decrease in Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI. The model is based on both: (a) Evidence from different previously published reports and (b) a detailed evaluation of intra-hepatic signaling using a pathway analysis to identify potential pathways that are critical in this process. The proposed model provides mechanistic understanding of the reduced signal intensity in Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI occurring in irradiated liver. We think that establishing this comprehensive model will be of great interest for the field of radiation oncology and can trigger further research. For example, measuring the expression of involved cytokines and specific transport proteins in blood samples and biopsy derived tissue samples and correlating the results with MRI imaging could give important information and may even explain inter-patient variations in MRI signal decrease. | 25,175,713 | [
-0.01793574,
-0.2025244,
-0.3063203,
0.09198556,
0.08477851,
-0.4984371,
0.06231035,
-0.106962,
-0.09609444,
0.1283276,
0.006393002,
0.2045711,
0.1500726,
-0.3060321,
-0.5455096,
-0.1085208,
-0.05077902,
0.0153725,
-0.2304968,
0.2387889,
-0.1215022,
0.4604449,
0.07513189,... |
Longitudinal prevalence, faecal shedding and molecular characterisation of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella enterica in sheep. | Faecal excretion of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella enterica in sheep in Australia was determined using a quantitative multiplex PCR (qPCR) targeting the Campylobacter spp. purine biosynthesis gene (PurA) and the S. enterica outer membrane protein (ompF). The mutiplex qPCR was specific and Campylobacter spp. and S. enterica were each detected with a sensitivity of 5 organisms/µL faecal DNA extract. This multiplex qPCR was used to determine the prevalence and concentration of Campylobacter spp. and S. enterica in 3412 faecal samples collected from 1189 lambs on eight farms across South Australia (n = 2 farms), New South Wales (n = 1), Victoria (n = 2) and Western Australia (n = 3) at three sampling periods (weaning, post-weaning and pre-slaughter). The overall prevalences of Campylobacter spp. and S. enterica were 13.3% and 5.0%, respectively, with the highest prevalence for Campylobacter spp. in South Australia and the highest prevalence for S. enterica in New South Wales. Campylobacter jejuni was the only Campylobacter sp. identified from a subset of 120 positive samples sequenced at the 16S locus. S. enterica serovar Typhimurium was the only serovar of S. enterica identified from a subset of 120 positive samples sequenced at the ompF locus. Across all states, Campylobacter spp. had the highest median bacterial concentration in faeces at weaning and post-weaning (medians of 3.4 × 10(6) and 1.1 × 10(5), respectively), whereas S. enterica had the highest median bacterial concentration at pre-slaughter (1.8 × 10(5)/g faeces). | 25,175,721 | [
-0.1497146,
-0.06735013,
-0.03050582,
-0.4461894,
-0.0713425,
-0.3446331,
-0.199833,
-0.009495445,
0.1166492,
-0.1705506,
0.04130874,
0.05706576,
0.2689914,
0.3413513,
-0.1100286,
0.1744773,
-0.3487742,
-0.07990366,
-0.01972438,
0.07973433,
0.02597402,
0.118203,
-0.360381... |
Free fatty acids as modulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome in obesity/type 2 diabetes. | Free fatty acids (FFAs) are metabolic intermediates that may be obtained through the diet or synthesized endogenously. In addition to serving as an important source of energy, they produce a variety of both beneficial and detrimental effects. They play essential roles as structural components of all cell membranes and as signaling molecules regulating metabolic pathways through binding to nuclear or membrane receptors. However, under conditions of FFAs overload, they become toxic, inducing ROS production, ER stress, apoptosis and inflammation. SFAs (saturated fatty acids), unlike UFAs (unsaturated fatty acids), have recently been proposed as triggers of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a molecular platform mediating the processing of IL-1β in response to infection and stress conditions. Interestingly, UFAs, especially ω-3 FAs, inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in various settings. We focus on emerging models of NLRP3 inflammasome activation with a special emphasis on the molecular mechanisms by which FFAs modulate the activation of this complex. Taking into consideration the current literature and FFA properties, we discuss the putative involvement of mitochondria and the role of cardiolipin, a mitochondrial phospholipid, proposed to be sensed by NLRP3 after release, exposure and/or oxidation. Finally, we review how this SFA-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to the development of both insulin resistance and deficiency associated with obesity/type 2 diabetes. In this context, we highlight the potential clinical use of ω-3 FAs as anti-inflammatory compounds. | 25,175,736 | [
-0.2553406,
0.1124747,
0.01214603,
0.220192,
0.1380717,
0.005004592,
-0.1272174,
-0.0345153,
0.3881741,
0.1206467,
0.1135183,
-0.1018792,
-0.0677692,
-0.05372036,
-0.5379363,
-0.2207273,
-0.4536142,
-0.1058504,
-0.2243248,
0.1668303,
-0.2205676,
0.3291622,
-0.2993972,
-... |
Clostridium difficile increases the risk for venous thromboembolism. | Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a higher risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Whether Clostridium difficile infection similarly increases this risk is unknown. This was a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from February 2011 to July 2013. The 2 groups were compared using standard statistical methodology. During the 30-month study period, a total of 1,728 patients were admitted to the surgical ICU. A total of 64 patients (3.7%) tested positive for C. difficile. The use of chemical prophylaxis for VTE was significantly higher in the C. difficile group (64.1% vs 46.2%, P = .005). Nonetheless, C. difficile patients had a higher risk for development of a VTE (23.4% vs 11.0%, adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.87 [1.01 to 3.48], P = .048). In a forward logistic regression model, C. difficile was found to be independently associated with the development of VTE (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.87 [1.00 to 3.47], P = .049). C. difficile infection increases the risk for VTE in surgical patients admitted to the ICU. | 25,175,741 | [
-0.04271374,
-0.1121571,
-0.239097,
0.08073943,
0.1239994,
-0.2887855,
-0.05249684,
0.3831323,
-0.5341637,
-0.1263336,
0.04185338,
0.3884784,
0.1502912,
-0.194589,
0.1442033,
-0.06914241,
-0.3123461,
0.01442719,
0.3749061,
-0.3649391,
-0.008424149,
-0.06801884,
-0.1596931... |
c-Jun N terminal kinase modulates NOX-4 derived ROS production and myofibroblasts differentiation in human breast stromal cells. | Hard consistency, developed under the influence of tumor cell factors, is a characteristic feature of a breast tumor. Activation of resident fibroblasts leading to a myofibroblast phenotype is the principal feature that orchestrates this fibrotic process. The aim of this study was to assess the effects induced by TGF-β1, a growth factor abundantly present in tumor microenvironment, on the molecular mechanisms that mediate myofibroblastic differentiation of normal human mammary fibroblasts. We used an immortalized fibroblastic cell line derived from normal mammary tissue (RMF-EG cells) to study the effect of TGF-β1 in the expression of α-SMA and CTGF as markers of myofibroblastic differentiation. The influence of redox status and JNK activity on TGF-β1-induced transcriptional activity was measured by a luciferase reporter assay. We also used a shRNA approach to evaluate the influence of NOX4 in myofibroblastic differentiation. TGF-β1 stimulates the expression of myofibroblast markers α-SMA and CTGF. Using a NOX inhibitor (DPI) and cells expressing a shRNA for NOX4, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 promotes an oxidative environment that favors myofibroblastic differentiation. We also found that activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase is required for TGF-β1-dependent expression of CTGF, NOX4 and α-SMA. Human mammary stromal fibrosis, evaluated by the expression of early and late markers as CTGF and α-SMA, depends on the activation of JNK signaling pathway. Our results show that JNK activation is an early event that precedes the increase in ROS levels leading to myofibroblastic differentiation and tumor fibrosis, suggesting that inhibition of JNK may be used a method to interrupt the development of tumor desmoplasia. | 25,175,743 | [
0.1390962,
0.3237407,
0.2104603,
-0.1952636,
-0.3142537,
0.1384971,
0.2903611,
-0.05096965,
0.1072223,
0.1565599,
-0.09853642,
-0.1348146,
-0.3856366,
-0.2463116,
-0.4282313,
-0.3519131,
-0.3082766,
0.02495602,
0.2429668,
-0.07507023,
0.3080292,
0.1526539,
-0.1232972,
0... |
Acute effect of sorghum flour-containing pasta on plasma total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress markers in healthy subjects: A randomised controlled trial. | It has been previously reported that pasta containing wholegrain sorghum flour exhibits high content of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity and hence might enhance antioxidant status and reduce markers of oxidative stress in vivo; however no clinical studies have yet been reported. Therefore, the present study assessed the effect of pasta containing red or white wholegrain sorghum flour on plasma total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress markers in humans. The study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN: 12612000324819). In a randomised crossover design, healthy subjects (n = 20) consumed three test meals of control pasta (CP), 30% red sorghum pasta (RSP) or 30% white sorghum pasta (WSP), 1-2 wk apart. The test meals were consumed as breakfast after an overnight fast. Blood samples were obtained at fasting and 2 h after consumption and analysed for total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, protein carbonyl and 8-isoprostanes. Compared to baseline, the 2 h post-prandial levels following the RSP meal of plasma polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and SOD activity were significantly (P < 0.001) higher while the protein carbonyl level was significantly lower (P = 0.035). Furthermore, net changes in polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and SOD activity were significantly (P < 0.001) higher while protein carbonyl were significantly (P = 0.035) lower following consumption of the RSP meal than the CP meal. The results demonstrated that pasta containing red wholegrain sorghum flour enhanced antioxidant status and improved markers of oxidative stress in healthy subjects. | 25,175,757 | [
0.06208943,
0.09342472,
0.007189404,
0.02360904,
-0.1377419,
-0.122243,
-0.314505,
0.08342101,
0.2524964,
-0.1543845,
0.02645555,
0.3630523,
0.09239084,
0.04393177,
-0.3290911,
-0.2842154,
-0.1720548,
0.2029227,
-0.09750772,
0.07647976,
-0.3360337,
0.500235,
-0.3361506,
... |
Demographic factors associated with overuse of Pap testing. | Since 2003, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend against Pap testing for women without a cervix following a hysterectomy and those aged >65 years. Few population-based studies have investigated factors associated with overuse of Pap testing in the U.S. To evaluate patient characteristics associated with overuse of Pap testing. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for women aged ≥30 years. NHIS is a nationally representative survey that employs a random, stratified, multi-stage cluster sampling design. In 2010, the NHIS administered a Cancer Control Supplement with questions on cervical cancer screening and hysterectomy status. Conducted in 2011-2013, all analyses account for the stratification and clustering of data within the complex NHIS survey design. Multivariate logistic regression models were used in all analyses. Among women who have undergone a hysterectomy, younger age, Hispanic and black race/ethnicity, exceeding 400% of poverty level, and private health insurance coverage were significantly associated with receipt of a recent Pap test since hysterectomy. Among women aged >65 years, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, higher education level, exceeding 400% of poverty level, and no hysterectomy were significantly associated with receipt of a recent Pap test. Targeted efforts to reduce unnecessary testing among older women and women with a hysterectomy in compliance with clinical recommendations for cervical cancer prevention are needed. Specific attention should be paid to privately insured women with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level. | 25,175,763 | [
-0.08996184,
0.1628878,
-0.2173773,
0.06895601,
0.01611719,
-0.2371265,
-0.1385901,
0.2725765,
0.2676711,
-0.06013067,
0.2420534,
0.404448,
-0.2746245,
-0.1507202,
0.1086047,
-0.09237933,
0.2753246,
-0.04376785,
-0.1115535,
-0.3272732,
0.06665668,
0.270741,
-0.2563964,
... |
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the effects of flavanoid-rich purple grape juice on the vascular health of childhood cancer survivors: a randomized, controlled crossover trial. | Childhood cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease following treatment, yet few interventions have been evaluated to reduce this risk. Purple grape juice (pGJ), a rich source of flavonoids with antioxidant properties, has been shown in adults to reduce oxidative stress and improve endothelial function. We examined the effects of supplementing meals with pGJ on microvascular endothelial function and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in 24 cancer survivors (ages 10-21 years). In a randomized controlled crossover trial consisting of two, 4 week intervention periods, each preceded by a 4 week washout period, subjects received in random order 6 ounces twice daily of pGJ and clear apple juice (cAJ; similar in calories but lower in flavonoids). Measurements were obtained before and after each supplementation period; change was evaluated using mixed effects ANOVA. pGJ did not improve endothelial function, measured using digital reactive hyperemia, compared with cAJ (mean change: pGJ 0.06, cAJ 0.22; difference of mean change [95% CI]: -0.16 [-0.42 - 0.11], P = 0.25). No significant changes in plasma concentrations of oxidized-LDL, myeloperoxidase, or high sensitivity C-reactive protein were observed. After 4 weeks of daily consumption of flavonoid-rich pGJ, no measurable change in vascular function was observed in these childhood cancer survivors. | 25,175,762 | [
-0.1412582,
0.1560245,
-0.08904959,
-0.246884,
0.1348968,
-0.3082052,
-0.1322651,
0.4966643,
0.1953835,
0.06871889,
0.2491088,
0.4024354,
-0.3309937,
-0.3557514,
-0.6249098,
-0.2133555,
0.02753309,
0.167769,
-0.06334791,
0.07239994,
-0.0007370542,
0.1982726,
-0.302305,
... |
Reducing childhood obesity through U.S. federal policy: a microsimulation analysis. | Childhood obesity prevalence remains high in the U.S., especially among racial/ethnic minorities and low-income populations. Federal policy is important in improving public health given its broad reach. Information is needed about federal policies that could reduce childhood obesity rates and by how much. To estimate the impact of three federal policies on childhood obesity prevalence in 2032, after 20 years of implementation. Criteria were used to select the three following policies to reduce childhood obesity from 26 recommended policies: afterschool physical activity programs, a $0.01/ounce sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) excise tax, and a ban on child-directed fast food TV advertising. For each policy, the literature was reviewed from January 2000 through July 2012 to find evidence of effectiveness and create average effect sizes. In 2012, a Markov microsimulation model estimated each policy's impact on diet or physical activity, and then BMI, in a simulated school-aged population in 2032. The microsimulation predicted that afterschool physical activity programs would reduce obesity the most among children aged 6-12 years (1.8 percentage points) and the advertising ban would reduce obesity the least (0.9 percentage points). The SSB excise tax would reduce obesity the most among adolescents aged 13-18 years (2.4 percentage points). All three policies would reduce obesity more among blacks and Hispanics than whites, with the SSB excise tax reducing obesity disparities the most. All three policies would reduce childhood obesity prevalence by 2032. However, a national $0.01/ounce SSB excise tax is the best option. | 25,175,764 | [
-0.2268874,
0.3857638,
-0.2904406,
0.23381,
0.08388759,
-0.2143644,
-0.4498534,
0.2635161,
0.01618033,
-0.2795307,
0.1344803,
-0.07849576,
-0.2074216,
-0.04380467,
-0.1005135,
0.1086163,
-0.007508344,
0.1432423,
0.05298899,
-0.3357314,
-0.07040677,
0.315501,
-0.2186097,
... |
The complete plasmid sequences of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium U288. | Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium U288 is an emerging pathogen of pigs. The strain contains three plasmids of diverse origin that encode traits that are of concern for food security and safety, these include antibiotic resistant determinants, an array of functions that can modify cell physiology and permit genetic mobility. At 148,711 bp, pSTU288-1 appears to be a hybrid plasmid containing a conglomerate of genes found in pSLT of S. Typhimurium LT2, coupled with a mosaic of horizontally-acquired elements. Class I integron containing gene cassettes conferring resistance against clinically important antibiotics and compounds are present in pSTU288-1. A curious feature of the plasmid involves the deletion of two genes encoded in the Salmonella plasmid virulence operon (spvR and spvA) following the insertion of a tnpA IS26-like element coupled to a blaTEM gene. The spv operon is considered to be a major plasmid-encoded Salmonella virulence factor that is essential for the intracellular lifecycle. The loss of the positive regulator SpvR may impact on the pathogenesis of S. Typhimurium U288. A second 11,067 bp plasmid designated pSTU288-2 contains further antibiotic resistance determinants, as well as replication and mobilization genes. Finally, a small 4675 bp plasmid pSTU288-3 was identified containing mobilization genes and a pleD-like G-G-D/E-E-F conserved domain protein that modulate intracellular levels of cyclic di-GMP, and are associated with motile to sessile transitions in growth. | 25,175,817 | [
-0.3945898,
-0.08468293,
0.2914089,
-0.5720924,
0.06619924,
-0.3217572,
0.168422,
-0.05378334,
0.2848662,
0.06593961,
0.01294373,
0.1840911,
-0.1413839,
0.2338039,
-0.3173653,
-0.06913185,
-0.4019818,
-0.2433544,
0.1537956,
0.1598454,
0.02046034,
0.1995211,
-0.3764445,
... |
ABC transporter-driven pharmacoresistance in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. | Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons of the nervous system. Despite the identification of many potential therapeutics targeting pathogenic mechanisms in in vitro models, there has been limited progress in translating them into a successful pharmacotherapy in the animal model of ALS. Further, efforts to translate any promising results from preclinical trials to effective pharmacotherapies for patients have been unsuccessful, with the exception of riluzole, the only FDA-approved medication, which only modestly extends survival both in the animal model and in patients. Thus, it is essential to reconsider the strategies for developing ALS pharmacotherapies. Growing evidence suggests that problems identifying highly effective ALS treatments may result from an underestimated issue of drug bioavailability and disease-driven pharmacoresistance, mediated by the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug efflux transporters. ABC transporters are predominately localized to the lumen of endothelial cells of the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers (BBB, BSCB) where they limit the entry into the central nervous system (CNS) of a wide range of neurotoxicants and xenobiotics, but also therapeutics. In ALS, expression and function of ABC transporters is increased at the BBB/BSCB and their expression has been detected on neurons and glia in the CNS parenchyma, which may further reduce therapeutic action in target cells. Understanding and accounting for the contribution of these transporters to ALS pharmacoresistance could both improve the modest effects of riluzole and set in motion a re-evaluation of previous ALS drug disappointments. In addition, identifying pathogenic mechanisms regulating ABC transporter expression and function in ALS may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies. It is likely that novel pharmacological approaches require counteracting pharmacoresistance to improve therapeutic efficacy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ALS complex pathogenesis. | 25,175,835 | [
0.1446896,
-0.1282246,
0.2012724,
-0.2242911,
0.008932077,
-0.1234329,
0.04538893,
0.03905046,
-0.179551,
0.01738243,
-0.03002698,
-0.03926438,
0.2398528,
0.4200667,
-0.1601771,
0.2228125,
-0.484981,
0.162168,
-0.2685466,
0.11376,
-0.09404669,
0.3510061,
0.2682044,
-0.2... |
Effects of platelet-rich plasma and cell coculture on angiogenesis in human dental pulp stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells. | Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been described as platelet concentrate. Growth factors released by activated platelets can improve wound vasculogenesis and enhance wound healing. In this study, we used PRP instead of serum to culture human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and investigated revascularization ability. The effect of hDPSC and EPC coculture on vasculogenesis was also studied. PRP was prepared by secondary centrifugation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of vasculogenesis-related factors vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk-1), and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in cultured hDPSCs and EPCs. The cells were divided into 4 groups: EPCs + 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), EPCs + 10% PRP, EPCs + hDPSCs + 10% FBS, and EPCs + hDPSCs + 10% PRP. Then, the formation of vessel-like structures was tested by the tube formation assay. On day 3, the expression levels of all the markers in the coculture groups were much higher than in the single-culture groups and were also higher in the PRP groups compared with the FBS groups (P < .05), except for SDF-1. Expression levels were significantly higher in the experimental groups (EPCs + 10% PRP, EPCs + hDPSCs + 10% FBS, and EPCs + hDPSCs + 10% PRP) than in the control group (EPCs + 10% FBS) and in the PRP groups/coculture groups compared with the FBS groups/single-culture groups (P < .01). The tube formation assay showed the area of vessel-like structures formed by the PRP group to be larger than in the FBS group (P < .05). PRP and coculture can both promote vasculogenesis, and PRP can promote EPCs to form vessel-like structures. | 25,175,848 | [
-0.01135495,
0.155108,
-0.1225764,
0.00158548,
0.3999476,
-0.4822402,
-0.02914002,
0.3075747,
0.07755475,
0.1713564,
0.2360604,
0.005692862,
-0.2589774,
-0.006591941,
0.1370999,
-0.5040414,
-0.03331434,
-0.3368204,
-0.3674254,
0.3703603,
0.1299415,
0.2097557,
0.006790384,... |
Simultaneous Vitality and DNA-fragmentation measurement in spermatozoa of smokers and non-smokers. | Background: Because cigarette smoke is a powerful ROS producer, we hypothesized that the spermatozoa of smokers would be more at risk of having increased DNA fragmentation than spermatozoa of non-smoking men. Methods: A Cross-Sectional Study was performed on consenting smokers and non-smokers, consulting in an infertility clinic for routine sperm analysis. The application of a novel TUNEL assay coupled to a vitality marker, LIVE/DEAD®, allowed both DNA fragmentation and viability measurement within spermatozoa of participants to be analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: The coupled vitality-DNA fragmentation analysis revealed that non-smokers and smokers respectively presented medians of 3.6% [0.6-36.8] and 3.3% [0.9-9.6] DNA fragmented spermatozoa among the living spermatozoa population (p>0.05). Conclusion: No deleterious effect of smoking on spermatozoa was found in our study. More studies concerning potential mutagenic capacities of cigarette smoke on spermatozoa are necessary. In addition, the coupled vitality-DNA fragmentation analysis may orient Assisted Reproductive Technologies teams when confronted with patients having a high percentage of DNA-fragmented living spermatozoa. © 2014 Clinical Cytometry Society. | 25,175,858 | [
-0.1731147,
0.3823233,
0.2817658,
0.3593956,
0.1487927,
-0.2434631,
-0.0380422,
0.2082711,
0.1911,
-0.0381433,
-0.227748,
0.2356416,
-0.0350267,
0.1017672,
-0.1681438,
-0.3138641,
-0.441034,
0.1181699,
0.08449904,
0.01129482,
0.1750168,
0.3330033,
-0.1333163,
0.01492702... |
Neuroimmune mechanisms of alcohol and drug addiction. | Alcohol and other drugs of abuse have significant impacts on the neuroimmune system. Studies have demonstrated that drugs of abuse interact with the neuroimmune system and alter neuroimmune gene expression and signaling, which in turn contribute to various aspects of addiction. As the key component of the CNS immune system, neuroimmune factors mediate neuroinflammation and modulate a wide range of brain function including neuronal activity, endocrine function, and CNS development. These neuromodulatory properties of immune factors, together with their essential role in neuroinflammation, provide a new framework to understand neuroimmune mechanisms mediating brain functional and behavioral changes contributing to addiction. This chapter highlights recent advances in understanding neuroimmune changes associated with exposure to alcohol and other drugs of abuse, including opiates, marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine. It provides a brief overview on what we know about neuroimmune signaling and its role in drug action and addiction. | 25,175,859 | [
-0.04300072,
0.05437866,
-0.02843663,
-0.1174122,
-0.1038204,
-0.1687573,
-0.1914708,
0.2082765,
-0.1452749,
0.2331757,
0.07155465,
-0.1377813,
0.08658081,
0.209588,
-0.1983756,
-0.0779895,
-0.1711603,
0.2969195,
0.271463,
0.2733585,
-0.06345613,
0.06183207,
-0.0073205,
... |
Optical waveguide sensor based on silica nanotube arrays for label-free biosensing. | Label-free biosensing based on optical waveguide spectroscopy of silica nanotube (SNT) arrays is realized with high sensitivity. The SNT arrays fabricated using a porous anodic alumina (PAA) template assisted by surface sol-gel (SSG) method showed a high value of 552 reciprocal refractive index unit as the sensing figure of merit by exchanging the sensing environment with water and ethanol. A standard biotin-streptavidin affinity model was tested using the SNT arrays which support a TM1 mode and the fundamental response of the system was investigated. Results show that the response of the SNT arrays for adsorption of streptavidin is higher than the one using substrate without removing the PAA template due to the larger surface area and the stronger electromagnetic field. The limit of detection (LOD) of the SNT arrays for detection of streptavidin was estimated as 93 pM, with the detection time of 40 min. Additionally, the Fresnel calculations suggested higher potential sensitivity of the current system compared to that of the conventional SPR sensors. Thus, the SNT arrays may be used as a versatile platform for high-sensitive label-free optical biosensing due to the high performance and the large potential of the surface functionality. | 25,175,877 | [
0.1985473,
-0.1569563,
-0.1803325,
-0.2899226,
0.2757937,
-0.1615706,
-0.2400613,
-0.1228749,
0.2850462,
-0.1749828,
0.01070017,
-0.3306087,
0.02877104,
0.01299634,
-0.4709194,
0.008675168,
-0.8600609,
0.1830002,
-0.09833918,
-0.1759766,
0.1934393,
0.040497,
-0.221284,
... |
The impact of shyness on problematic internet use: the role of loneliness. | In recent years, research indicated that the problematic effects of Internet use must be examined together with individual differences present in its users with which such effects are contingent. This study examined loneliness in adolescents as a mediator of the relationship between shyness and their generalized problematic Internet use (PIU). A total of 1469 adolescents (48.5% male, 51.5% female) from Grade 8 and Grade 9 classes participated in this study. Using the Social Reticence Scale (SRS), the revised UCLA Loneliness scale and the Generalized Problematic Internet Use scale, initial findings indicated significant correlations among the three variables. Results from the study further revealed that loneliness completely mediated the relationship between shyness and generalized problematic Internet use. Implications for intervention work addressing both loneliness and shyness issues facing adolescents who are problematic users of the Internet were discussed. | 25,175,891 | [
0.01697116,
0.3516302,
0.1619573,
-0.1427035,
0.282021,
-0.1766425,
-0.1161333,
-0.02433654,
-0.06298749,
-0.06821059,
0.1530692,
-0.06470646,
-0.358778,
-0.02011266,
-0.41325,
-0.3252537,
-0.1639536,
0.1248735,
0.3018081,
-0.1955889,
-0.1692878,
0.08769199,
0.03603097,
... |
Review article: depression and the use of antidepressants in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplantation. | The scale of depression in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and those who have received orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is poorly characterised. Clinicians are uncertain of how best to manage depression within these patients. To review the literature evaluating both the prevalence and impact of depression in patients with CLD and post-OLT, and to assess the safety and efficacy of antidepressant use within this context. A PubMed search using the phrases 'chronic liver disease', 'cirrhosis', 'liver transplantation', 'depression', 'antidepressant' and the names of specific causes of liver disease and individual antidepressants. Over 30% of cirrhotic patients have depressive features, and they experience worse clinical outcomes than nondepressed cirrhotic patients. CLD patients with chronic hepatitis C are particularly prone to depression, partly related to the use of interferon therapy. OLT patients with depression have higher mortality rates than nondepressed patients; appropriate antidepressant use reverses this effect. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective and generally safe in both CLD and OLT patients. Depression is much more prevalent in CLD or OLT patients than is generally recognised, and it adversely affects clinical outcomes. The reasons for this relationship are complex and multifactorial. Antidepressants are effective in both CLD and post-OLT, although lower doses or a reduced dosing frequency may be required to minimise side effects, e.g. exacerbation of hepatic encephalopathy. Further research is needed to establish optimal management of depression in these patients, including the potential role of nonpharmacological treatments. | 25,175,904 | [
0.09484314,
-0.06127008,
-0.115045,
-0.04903596,
0.1055337,
-0.1618132,
0.03459622,
0.0796194,
-0.1427984,
-0.1781575,
-0.1527122,
-0.0434423,
0.1766571,
0.5051638,
-0.4736686,
-0.1943761,
0.09691247,
0.1315718,
0.2743816,
0.1446742,
-0.5129451,
0.3275034,
0.009655969,
... |
Efficiency of hysteroscopic visualization of bubaline uterus. | Abattoir derived buffalo genitalia (n=98) were evaluated for uterine pathology employing palpable, ultrasonographic and hysteroscopic visualization. A high proportion (45.92%) of genitalia evidenced uterine pathology including endometritis (14.29%), pyometra (7.14%), hemorrhages in the endometrium (14.29%) and mucometra (6.12%). The sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy was 100% for endometritis and hemorrhages whereas for same conditions ultrasonography and palpation had low sensitivity and specificity. For pyometra and mucometra the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and hysteroscopy was similar. It was concluded that for the diagnosis of minor pathological changes in the uterus such as endometritis and hemorrhages which can hamper fertility hysteroscopy is more efficient technique. | 25,175,905 | [
0.4304951,
-0.2421688,
-0.1161298,
-0.09237946,
0.0823821,
-0.1198204,
0.02775573,
-0.09902483,
0.1160315,
-0.2168469,
0.1604621,
-0.180222,
-0.0446443,
0.08591073,
-0.3133836,
-0.3628721,
-0.3954746,
0.2847611,
0.2114458,
-0.5216654,
0.4458887,
0.03136984,
-0.1108712,
... |
Medication errors reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers, 2000-2012. | Previous studies of medication errors have largely focused on healthcare facilities and have not reported generalizable national trends among out-of-hospital medication errors. We sought to understand U.S. trends in medication errors, including the age-related risks, the involved medications, and the medical outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of National Poison Data System (NPDS) data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers for years 2000-2012. Medication error cases were analyzed by age, gender, pharmaceutical involved, substance rank, dosing error type, management site, level of healthcare received, and medical outcome. Trends in medication error rates were analyzed using Poisson regression. From 2000 to 2012, the NPDS recorded 2,913,924 calls reporting unintentional pharmaceutical-related errors that met inclusion criteria. Non-healthcare facility calls comprised 99.2% calls related to unintentional therapeutic errors. Eighty-seven percent of medication errors were managed on site. The annual medication error rate for all callers per 10,000 U.S. population increased significantly (p < 0.0001) by 69.8% from 2000 (4.98 calls per 10,000 population) to 2012 (8.46 calls per 10,000 population). Among adults aged 20 years and older, age was positively correlating (r = 0.96) with the rate of medication error. Analgesics were the most frequent pharmaceutical class involved in medication errors for ages 6-49 (N = 221,061). Among ages 20-49 years, opioid-related medication errors decreased by 7.9% from 2010 to 2012. Cardiovascular drugs were the leading source of injury among all ages (N = 14,440) and also the leading pharmaceutical class involved in medication errors among adults 50 years and older (N = 187,760). Medication errors continue to be a source of preventable injury with increasing incidence across the out-of-hospital population. | 25,175,900 | [
-0.4931777,
0.1824717,
-0.2916753,
-0.002805866,
0.2142758,
-0.09398858,
-0.2173097,
0.2975504,
0.09848805,
-0.2309499,
0.2843537,
0.2535647,
0.1385954,
-0.07709118,
0.03636288,
-0.1006975,
0.2162754,
0.04087252,
0.4235349,
-0.1099423,
-0.1448905,
-0.02546152,
-0.2158075,... |
Species-specific regulation of fibrinogen synthesis with implications for porcine hepatocyte xenotransplantation. | Patients with liver failure could potentially be bridged with porcine xenogeneic liver cell transplantation. We examined species-specific differences between primary human and porcine hepatocytes in the regulation of coagulation protein expression and function. Isolated primary human and porcine hepatocytes were stimulated with either porcine or human interleukin (IL)-6 (10 ng/ml), IL-1β (10 ng/ml), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, 30 ng/ml). mRNA expression of coagulation factors were measured by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. Cell culture supernatants were used for the measurement of fibrinogen by ELISA and determination of fibrin clot generation. Fibrinogen expression in human hepatocytes increased after IL-6 treatment (P = 0.010) and decreased after TNF-α treatment (P = 0.005). Porcine hepatocytes displayed a lower increase in fibrinogen expression after IL-6 treatment as compared to hepatocytes of human origin (P = 0.021). Porcine hepatocytes responded contrarily following TNF-α treatment with an increased expression of fibrinogen resulting in a significant species-specific difference between human and porcine hepatocytes (P = 0.029). Fibrin polymer generation by human hepatocytes was stable and widely branched after IL-6 treatment, while stimulation with TNF-α displayed no fibrin generation at all. In contrast, treatment of porcine hepatocytes with TNF-α resulted in generation of a stable and widely branched fibrin polymer, and stimulation with IL-6 only leads to generation of partial fibrin aggregates. We identified species-specific differences in the regulation of fibrinogen mRNA expression and fibrin generation under inflammatory stimuli. In hepatic xenotransplantation of porcine origin, these interspecies differences might lead to a loss of physiological coagulation function and a loss of transplanted cells. | 25,175,927 | [
-0.1182059,
0.05350142,
-0.2351572,
0.1660939,
0.3621707,
-0.3851921,
0.2338443,
0.1579423,
-0.2392254,
-0.0492088,
0.1554295,
-0.4488665,
-0.00295568,
-0.2680605,
-0.01499973,
-0.1806686,
-0.3713458,
0.1721115,
-0.1275354,
0.2967182,
0.1619717,
0.2846432,
-0.04873066,
... |
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for recurrent oropharyngeal cancer - influence of HPV status and smoking history. | HPV status and smoking history stratifies patients into 3 distinct risk groups for survival following definitive chemoradiotherapy. Local-regional recurrences are common patterns of failure across all 3 risk-groups. SBRT±cetuximab has emerged as a promising salvage strategy for unresectable locally-recurrent, previously-irradiated head-and-neck cancer (rHNC) relative to conventional re-irradiation±chemotherapy. However the influence of HPV and smoking remains unknown in the setting of re-irradiation. Patients (n=30) with rHNC of the oropharynx salvaged with SBRT±cetuximab from August 2002 through August 2013 were retrospectively reviewed; HPV status was determined based on p16 staining of primary pathology. At a median follow-up of 10months for surviving patients, the mean overall survival for all patients was 12.6 months. HPV positivity was a significant predictor of overall survival (13.6 vs. 6.88 months, p=0.024), while smoking status did not significantly impact overall survival (p=0.707). HPV status remains a significant predictor of overall survival in the re-irradiation setting with HPV positive rHNC demonstrating superior overall survival following salvage SBRT±cetuximab. | 25,175,942 | [
0.2800275,
0.002136166,
-0.3156818,
-0.1654918,
-0.1507026,
-0.3029829,
0.01148776,
-0.1156922,
-0.0622559,
0.1942825,
0.1683858,
0.2903402,
-0.09481393,
-0.4194805,
-0.113048,
-0.1297519,
0.2060668,
0.3469142,
0.3826407,
0.05914566,
-0.01979959,
0.4711466,
-0.1750456,
... |
Early experience treating tricuspid valve endocarditis with a novel extracellular matrix cylinder reconstruction. | The short-term outcomes were evaluated in patients treated for tricuspid valve endocarditis using a novel extracellular matrix (ECM) cylinder reconstruction technique. Patients with clinically significant tricuspid regurgitation whose valves were not repairable by conventional techniques underwent valve replacement with a cylindrical construct sewn out of CorMatrix ECM (CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Roswell, Ga). The cylinders were sized to the native valve dimensions and attached distally to the papillary muscles using polypropylene sutures and ECM pledgets, and proximally to the annulus using a running suture. Patient data were collected retrospectively. From November 2011 to October 2013, 12 surgeons performed 19 tricuspid valve cylinder reconstructions in 8 men and 10 women (age range, 19-53 years). Of the 19 patients, 11 had active and 5 had treated endocarditis. One case was robotic-assisted. No deaths occurred, and no new cases of heart block developed. The papillary attachments were disrupted intraoperatively in 1 patient and after 7 days in another; both were successfully revised. A third patient experienced recurrent disruption of the implant at 13 and 22 months and ultimately received a pericardial valve. Fungal infection occurred in 1 cylinder at 6 months; a second ECM cylinder was implanted. Follow-up data were available for 13 patients at 1 to 2 months, 8 at 6 months, and 3 at 12 and 18 months. Other than patients undergoing reoperation, all showed well-functioning tricuspid valves with no to mild regurgitation. Cylinder reconstruction with ECM could be a suitable technique for replacing the tricuspid valve while preserving annuloventricular continuity in patients with infective endocarditis not repairable by conventional techniques. | 25,175,957 | [
-0.1527318,
0.2933108,
-0.4458645,
0.003875048,
-0.4677671,
-0.3617467,
0.1238664,
0.2624682,
0.09209814,
0.1193148,
-0.1518066,
-0.005587146,
0.2307245,
-0.07143444,
0.03592191,
0.1711855,
-0.2660757,
-0.1735082,
-0.0289837,
-0.1626401,
0.1149856,
0.4573685,
-0.2540978,
... |
Involvement of adenosine A2A receptors in depression and anxiety. | When administered to normal healthy patients, a nonselective adenosine A1/A2A antagonist, caffeine, tended to improve anxiety and depression at low doses and to exacerbate anxiety at high doses. Caffeine also appears to enhance anxiety-related symptoms in patients with panic disorder, and A2A receptor-deficient mice have been reported to exhibit higher anxiety-like behaviors, as well as a lower incidence of depression-like behaviors. Some selective A2A antagonists were reported to ameliorate anxiety-like behaviors in rodents, while others did not affect these behaviors. In addition, most A2A antagonists showed inhibitory effects on depression-like behaviors. The mechanisms underlying the relationship between A2A receptor antagonists and anxiety and depression remain unclear at the present time, although many studies have produced hypotheses. Given that a selective A2A receptor antagonist has recently become available for use in humans, research on the role of A2A receptors in the treatment of mental illness should progress in the near future. | 25,175,973 | [
-0.3231755,
-0.05141046,
-0.0805852,
-0.1150661,
0.3234795,
0.1091797,
-0.3357255,
-0.02074352,
-0.1589959,
-0.3231922,
0.01482731,
0.4267469,
0.1167839,
0.113473,
-0.08042289,
0.0274421,
-0.3471957,
0.1909657,
-0.2168665,
-0.03136574,
-0.0766344,
0.1700756,
-0.284965,
... |
The adenosine neuromodulation system in schizophrenia. | The management of schizophrenia endophenotypes, namely positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms is still an open goal, justifying the search of novel therapeutic avenues. We now review the evidence supporting the interest in targeting the adenosine modulation system to counteract the core features of schizophrenia. This interest is forwarded by the combined ability of strategies aimed at bolstering adenosine levels together with the increasingly recognized impact of adenosine A2A receptors to control dopaminergic signaling, working memory, and behavioral sensitization; this is further heralded by the suggested clinical effectiveness of therapies increasing extracellular adenosine such as dipyridamole and allopurinol and the emergent recognition of a role for adenosine in neurodevelopment. Finally, the combined role of A1 and A2A receptors in assisting the implementation of adaptive changes and encoding of information salience in neuronal circuits together with the adaptive alterations of A1 and A2A receptor density upon brain dysfunction prompts the novel working hypothesis that the parallel imbalance of adenosine formation and of A1 and A2A receptors blurs the adequate encoding of information salience in neuronal circuits, which we propose to be a core pathogenic feature in the development of schizophrenia endophenotypes. This proposal should also provide a rationale to assist the design of future therapeutic intervention targeting the adenosine modulation system to manage schizophrenia endophenotypes: these should not be based only on an attempt to target adenosine kinase-A1 receptors or only A2A receptors, but should instead simultaneously target these two arms of the adenosine modulation system. | 25,175,974 | [
-0.05466713,
0.03212682,
0.2236043,
-0.2559708,
0.2486668,
-0.5391796,
-0.2829094,
-0.2467951,
-0.0422722,
0.3730075,
-0.05339298,
0.0006186137,
-0.01875564,
0.2333275,
-0.2469131,
-0.07137144,
-0.5645048,
-0.2050767,
-0.2202812,
-0.3358475,
0.1492854,
0.02576828,
-0.3245... |
A longitudinal investigation of the friendship model of relational interdependent self-construal. | A four-wave longitudinal study examined how relational-interdependent self-construal (RISC) or the tendency to think of one's self in terms of close relationships, was related to cognitions and behaviors within friendships. In same-sex friendships, in both concurrent and prospective analyses, own RISC was associated with perceived friend's RISC, own relationship supportive behaviors, and own relationship quality. Perceived friend's RISC predicted perceived friend's relationship supportive behaviors. Own behaviors predicted fulfillment of own friendship functions, which predicted own relationship quality. In prospective analyses, behaviors mediated the RISC-friendship function relation, and behaviors and friendship functions both mediated the RISC-relationship quality relation. However, the influence of perceived friend's RISC on subsequent variables was through its association with perceived friend's behavior, which was associated with own friendship functions concurrently. | 25,175,990 | [
0.264186,
-0.001562856,
-0.2603358,
-0.2589706,
0.09682135,
-0.2800646,
-0.2268716,
-0.04412903,
0.004918077,
-0.1590464,
-0.1697594,
0.1552628,
-0.1332075,
-0.1324417,
-0.2578326,
-0.1358451,
-0.4260952,
0.05191163,
0.1405147,
-0.1564592,
-0.09827057,
0.06237334,
0.11368... |
Anatomic structures at risk: curved hindfoot arthrodesis nail--a cadaveric approach. | Retrograde intramedullary nailing of the hindfoot and ankle is an established procedure for salvage of severe foot and ankle deformity, arthritis, tumor, and instability. In the present study, retrograde hindfoot (tibiotalocalcaneal) arthrodesis nailing was performed using a standardized technique on 7 cadaver specimens by trained senior surgeons. The specimens were then dissected to determine the distance of the subcalcaneal structures at risk from the insertion point of the nail. The findings showed that the distance of the lateral neurovascular bundle from the edge of the nail was 6.5 (range 3.5 to 8, 95% confidence interval 5.9 to 7.1) mm. No neurovascular bundle was compromised, and all were within a previously described "safe window." | 25,176,005 | [
-0.2447848,
-0.1246059,
-0.1147241,
-0.3242667,
0.1375889,
-0.4072405,
-0.3107203,
0.2130404,
-0.08325297,
-0.05499542,
0.07053845,
-0.2559521,
-0.02112801,
-0.2260791,
0.1278633,
-0.1793146,
-0.005301511,
0.3881573,
-0.08443023,
-0.02813549,
0.03390255,
0.302665,
0.10935... |
Sparing surgery with the use of TiNi-based endografts in larynx cancer patients. | Purpose of this study was to improve a technique of sparing surgery in patients with laryngeal cancer by using TiNi-based endografts and to achieve well functional and oncological results after laryngectomy. Totally 120 patients with laryngeal cancer were observed (T2-3 N0-1 M0 ). We have developed a method of laryngeal reconstruction using TiNi-based endografts. All endografts show the superelastic behavior recovering the shape. All patients have undergone different types of sparing surgeries with simultaneous replacement with endografts. Voice function was completely saved in 112 cases and partially in 8 ones. Respiratory function was fully restored in 106 patients. The protective function of the larynx was achieved in 116 patients. The technique allowed to achieve well oncological (the 5-year and overall recurrence-free survival rates of all 120 patients were 83% and 76%, respectively) and functional (larynx function was saved in 93% of cases) outcomes after extensive and subtotal resections in patients with locally distributed larynx cancer. | 25,176,032 | [
-0.06224512,
0.2009716,
-0.3408053,
-0.1637102,
0.02344258,
-0.5431044,
-0.1310565,
-0.2465667,
0.0271958,
0.1486914,
0.06436142,
-0.02956073,
-0.1374175,
-0.214799,
-0.1132306,
-0.2373837,
0.1824776,
-0.1502238,
-0.4354027,
0.06410536,
0.5187013,
0.4165506,
0.01044103,
... |
Peripheral nervous system defects in a mouse model for peroxisomal biogenesis disorders. | Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBD) are autosomal recessive disorders in humans characterized by skeletal, eye and brain abnormalities. Despite the fact that neurological deficits, including peripheral nervous system (PNS) defects, can be observed at birth in some PBD patients including those with PEX10 mutations, the embryological basis of the PNS defects is unclear. Using a forward genetic screen, we identified a mouse model for Pex10 deficiency that exhibits neurological abnormalities during fetal development. Homozygous Pex10 mutant mouse embryos display biochemical abnormalities related to a PBD deficiency. During late embryogenesis, Pex10 homozygous mutant mice experience progressive loss of movement and at birth they become cyanotic and die shortly thereafter. Homozygous Pex10 mutant fetuses display decreased integrity of axons and synapses, over-extension of axons in the diaphragm and decreased Schwann cell numbers. Our neuropathological, molecular and electrophysiological studies provide new insights into the embryological basis of the PNS deficits in a PBD model. Our findings identify PEX10 function, and likely other PEX proteins, as an essential component of the spinal locomotor circuit. | 25,176,044 | [
-0.01985352,
-0.08148351,
-0.1806112,
0.08910764,
0.2469856,
-0.2451063,
-0.21972,
-0.1930894,
0.01962866,
-0.2941317,
0.04496025,
0.06585876,
0.0930814,
0.002748977,
-0.08248197,
0.07353198,
-0.7463555,
0.04982082,
-0.06090027,
-0.1942522,
-0.02559247,
0.2810285,
0.19424... |
Protective effects of melatonin against metabolic and reproductive disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome in rats. | This study was undertaken to study the effects of melatonin on metabolic and reproductive aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats. PCOS was induced by daily subcutaneous administration of testosterone (20 mg/kg) to 21-day-old female rats for 35 days. Rats were given metformin (500 mg/kg), melatonin (1 mg/kg) or melatonin (2 mg/kg) along with testosterone. One group served as vehicle control. On the 36th day, the animals were euthanised, and anthropometrical, biochemical (glucose, insulin, lipids, testosterone, C reactive protein (CRP)), oral glucose tolerance test, and histopathological evaluation of ovaries, uterus and intraabdominal fat (IAF), were carried out. Daily colpocytological examination was carried out from 14(th) day of study until termination. Both the doses of melatonin significantly reduced body weight, body mass index, IAF, insulin and CRP. A favourable lipid profile, normal glucose tolerance and a decrease in the percentage of estrus smears were observed. Histopathological examination of ovary, uterus and IAF revealed a decrease in the number of cystic follicles, decrease in neoplastic endometrial glands, and decrease in adipocyte hypertrophy, respectively. The effects observed with melatonin were comparable to that with metformin. The study provides evidence of the potential beneficial effects of melatonin in PCOS. | 25,176,048 | [
0.4259198,
-0.02068004,
-0.1374735,
-0.4744937,
0.07147049,
-0.3341571,
0.1115526,
0.3362079,
0.3248259,
-0.1983347,
-0.02262845,
-0.009634977,
-0.184489,
0.2773747,
-0.102916,
-0.08339907,
-0.3350115,
-0.03905139,
0.3421569,
0.07680488,
-0.1805381,
-0.06775768,
-0.098320... |
Clever Hans and his effects: Karl Krall and the origins of experimental parapsychology in Germany. | Shortly before the outbreak of World War I, the so-called Elberfeld horses, the counting and speaking animals, were among the most debated subjects of the newborn comparative psychology. Yet, they have left little trace in the historiography of this discipline, mostly as an appendix of the more famous Clever Hans. Their story is generally told as the prelude to the triumph of reductionistic experimental psychology. By paying a more scrupulous attention than has so far being done to the second life of Hans, and to the endeavours of his second master, Karl Krall, this article explores the story of the Elberfeld horses as an important, if so far neglected, chapter in the history of experimental parapsychology. | 25,176,052 | [
0.09576419,
-0.3624605,
-0.1445577,
0.04867776,
0.2763011,
-0.2443143,
-0.09370435,
-0.2812811,
-0.1279396,
0.1517537,
0.05219398,
0.1791806,
0.2981032,
-0.09323458,
-0.3505568,
0.2734395,
-0.1852202,
0.0487855,
-0.468789,
-0.2230116,
0.1765404,
0.1571367,
-0.03986831,
... |
Effects of caspase-1 knockout on chronic neural recording quality and longevity: insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms of the reactive tissue response. | Chronic implantation of microelectrodes into the cortex has been shown to lead to inflammatory gliosis and neuronal loss in the microenvironment immediately surrounding the probe, a hypothesized cause of neural recording failure. Caspase-1 (aka Interleukin 1β converting enzyme) is known to play a key role in both inflammation and programmed cell death, particularly in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Caspase-1 knockout (KO) mice are resistant to apoptosis and these mice have preserved neurologic function by reducing ischemia-induced brain injury in stroke models. Local ischemic injury can occur following neural probe insertion and thus in this study we investigated the hypothesis that caspase-1 KO mice would have less ischemic injury surrounding the neural probe. In this study, caspase-1 KO mice were implanted with chronic single shank 3 mm Michigan probes into V1m cortex. Electrophysiology recording showed significantly improved single-unit recording performance (yield and signal to noise ratio) of caspase-1 KO mice compared to wild type C57B6 (WT) mice over the course of up to 6 months for the majority of the depth. The higher yield is supported by the improved neuronal survival in the caspase-1 KO mice. Impedance fluctuates over time but appears to be steadier in the caspase-1 KO especially at longer time points, suggesting milder glia scarring. These findings show that caspase-1 is a promising target for pharmacologic interventions. | 25,176,060 | [
-0.1367941,
-0.3729112,
-0.2740321,
-0.1235744,
-0.1637252,
-0.0374841,
-0.09526397,
-0.2106158,
0.07681338,
-0.1621884,
-0.2950947,
0.1781326,
-0.01186815,
-0.1579217,
-0.159958,
0.05775508,
-0.08408537,
0.1520273,
-0.1259829,
0.1559009,
0.1288219,
0.1710069,
0.02988013,... |
The effect of keratinocytes on the biomechanical characteristics and pore microstructure of tissue engineered skin using deep dermal fibroblasts. | Fibrosis affects most organs, it results in replacement of normal parenchymal tissue with collagen-rich extracellular matrix, which compromises tissue architecture and ultimately causes loss of function of the affected organ. Biochemical pathways that contribute to fibrosis have been extensively studied, but the role of biomechanical signaling in fibrosis is not clearly understood. In this study, we assessed the effect keratinocytes have on the biomechanical characteristics and pore microstructure of tissue engineered skin made with superficial or deep dermal fibroblasts in order to determine any biomaterial-mediated anti-fibrotic influences on tissue engineered skin. Tissue engineered skin with deep dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes were found to be less stiff and contracted and had reduced number of myofibroblasts and lower expression of matrix crosslinking factors compared to matrices with deep fibroblasts alone. However, there were no such differences between tissue engineered skin with superficial fibroblasts and keratinocytes and matrices with superficial fibroblasts alone. Also, tissue engineered skin with deep fibroblasts and keratinocytes had smaller pores compared to those with superficial fibroblasts and keratinocytes; pore size of tissue engineered skin with deep fibroblasts and keratinocytes were not different from those matrices with deep fibroblasts alone. A better understanding of biomechanical characteristics and pore microstructure of tissue engineered skin may prove beneficial in promoting normal wound healing over pathologic healing. | 25,176,070 | [
0.2457755,
-0.03286753,
-0.02467526,
0.1097977,
0.1001978,
-0.1150914,
0.04354112,
0.364922,
0.2890392,
0.08349288,
-0.159247,
-0.5563343,
-0.2519831,
-0.1493112,
-0.3874708,
-0.2396098,
-0.196226,
-0.07975117,
-0.2521867,
-0.01295135,
0.01790816,
0.2564128,
-0.3221155,
... |
Dynamic changes of tear fluid matrix metralloproteinase-9 within 1 year after laser in situ keratomileusis. | To investigate the dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level in tear fluid within 12 months after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Twenty-two myopic patients undergoing uneventful LASIK were enrolled in this study. Tear fluid samples were collected from the patients for measurements of MMP-9 level using Western blotting preoperatively, at 7 and 14 days, and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. MMP-9 concentrations in the tear fluid of post-LASIK patients showed a time-dependent variation pattern. MMP-9 reached its peak level in the tear fluid at 14 days postoperatively, which was 2.70 times the preoperative level; it gradually decreased thereafter but was still 1.38 times the preoperative level at 12 months after the surgery. MMP-9 concentrations in the tear fluid of post-LASIK patients show a time-dependent variation pattern and remains higher than the preoperative level even at 12 months after the surgery, suggesting that corneal wound healing after LASIK lasts for more than 12 months. | 25,176,071 | [
-0.003298833,
-0.3300028,
-0.3702264,
-0.3275552,
-0.1035369,
-0.1655511,
-0.1030362,
-0.04810912,
0.4972709,
0.1512852,
0.513174,
0.112869,
-0.05973601,
-0.2204858,
0.09888664,
-0.07439779,
-0.1418137,
0.1039852,
-0.1729238,
-0.05629784,
0.2560703,
0.002721454,
-0.117698... |
[Alternation of retinal complement system in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide- induced uveitis]. | To investigate the activation of the complement system in the retina in a mouse model of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). Balb/c mice were randomly divided into control group and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced EIU group. Twenty-four hours after modeling, the expressions of the major complement components of the classical pathway (CP), mannose-binding lectin (MBL) pathway, alternative pathway (AP), and terminal pathway in the retina were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Western blotting was employed to examine the protein expressions of the key components of the complement system involved in the CP and AP pathways in the retina. s Normal mouse retina expressed a variety of complement components that were involved mainly in the CP and AP pathways. The expressions of the complement components involved in the CP and AP pathways were up-regulated in the retina of mice with EIU. Although MASP1 and MASP2 were detected in the retina in both the EIU and control groups, their expressions were weak and showed no significant difference between the two groups. The AP and CP but not the MBL pathways of the complement system are activated in the retina of mice with EIU, suggesting a role of the activated complement system in the pathological process of EIU. | 25,176,078 | [
0.02603511,
0.1241937,
-0.08486243,
0.0249284,
0.414226,
-0.3036261,
0.09094034,
0.3284611,
0.2242891,
0.08785381,
-0.02268903,
0.01226763,
0.01391847,
-0.3171151,
-0.1173795,
0.07163186,
-0.6056814,
0.05221391,
-0.009244815,
-0.2453795,
-0.03865427,
-0.1428214,
0.0536270... |
[Long-term outcomes of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization before liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma]. | To analyze the long-term therapeutic effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) before liver transplantation. Forty-six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing liver transplantation in our department between November, 2009 and November, 2011 were analyzed. Of these patients, 24 received TACE before the surgery while the other 22 did not. We compared the liver graft function (ALT and AST levels), immune function (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, NK cells, activated T cells), cumulative survival rate and disease-free survival rate between the two groups at 1 year and 2 years after the operation. The patients receiving preoperative TACE showed significantly better liver functions and immune function than those who did not receive TACE (P<0.01 and 0.05). The cumulative disease-free survival rate in the two groups were 72% and 46% at 1 year, and were 57% and 33% at two years, respectively (P<0.05); the cumulative survival rate in the two groups were 84% and 55% at 1 year, and 63% and 34% at two years, respectively (P<0.05). TACE prior to liver transplantation can significantly improve the postoperative liver function, immune function, disease-free survival and cumulative survival rates in patients with HCC. | 25,176,083 | [
0.06368195,
0.0700386,
-0.6395468,
0.1785759,
0.03002588,
-0.2857985,
0.07993775,
0.318777,
-0.3252544,
0.2453029,
-0.07153824,
0.4327011,
0.1205123,
-0.0349992,
-0.2479215,
-0.3083991,
-0.1598959,
0.3353398,
0.1156489,
0.4753187,
0.03866378,
0.2499063,
-0.0743919,
0.12... |
[Effects of glucose variation on hexose monophosphate shunt and leucocyte respiratory burst in patients with type 2 diabetes]. | To investigate the effect of blood glucose instability on respiratory burst of leukocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Forty-five patients with T2DM were divided into 3 groups after continuous glucose monitoring for 72 h with glucose wavy coefficient <1.5 (n=11), between 1.5 and 3.0 (n=19), and >3.0 (n=15). Peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated from the diabetic patients and normal control subjects for assay of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) with a spectrophotometric method, detecting G6PD mRNA expression by real-time PCR, and determining reactive oxygen species level using the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. Compared with the normal control group, the diabetic patients showed significantly lowered G6PD activity (F=78.739, P<0.05) and ROS level (F=384.962, P<0.05) but significantly increased G6PD mRNA expression (F=269.612, P<0.01). These changes were significantly correlated with the blood glucose wavy coefficients. The fluctuation of blood glucose in T2DM patients can decrease G6PD activity and lead to functional decline of the respiratory burst. | 25,176,092 | [
0.03175914,
-0.06806866,
-0.2876101,
0.1289294,
0.3569305,
-0.5869389,
0.007064609,
-0.02752465,
-0.02680134,
-0.232363,
0.3021973,
0.08781807,
-0.2728914,
0.007748067,
-0.1767474,
-0.2197954,
-0.2545604,
0.2677374,
-0.08876524,
0.2058796,
-0.008660205,
-0.03659293,
0.178... |
[Efficacy and safety of Stronger Neo-Minophagen C for treatment of chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials]. | To compare the efficacy and safety of Stronger Neo-Minophagen C (SNMC) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CBM, and CNKI up to December, 2012 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Stronger Neo-Minophagen C plus other therapy versus others therapy for chronic hepatitis B. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included RCTs according to the Cochrane Reviewers Handbook 5.1.0. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.1 software. Thirty-one trials involving 2753 patients were included in the analysis. The results of meta-analyses showed that SNMC improved hepatic functions of the patients by reducing ALT (MD=-31.63, 95% CI: -51.57, -11.70), AST (MD=-18.70, 95% CI:-25.10, -12.30), TBIL (MD=-12.17, 95% CI: -17.63,-6.71), HA (MD=-94.89, 95% CI: -125.19, -64.60), LN (MD=-40.08, 95% CI: -52.38,-27.78), IV-C (MD=-50.61, 95% CI:-63.40, -37.81), PC-III (MD=-49.71, 95% CI: -71.72, -27.69) as compared with the control group. The seroconversion rate of HBeAg (OR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.70, 2.94), HBV-DNA (OR=2.20, 95% CI: 1.70, 2.84), HBsAg (OR=2.25, 95% CI: 1.24 , 4.07), total response rate (OR=4.37, 95% CI: 2.62, 7.28), and ALT normalization rate (OR=3.77, 95% CI: 2.46, 5.79) were all significantly higher in the combined therapy group than in the control group. SNMC plus other therapy is more effective than other therapy alone in improving the hepatic function and hepatic fibrosis and increasing hepatic seroconversion rate in patients with chronic hepatitis B without causing serious adverse events. But considering the low quality of the included studies, the results should be interpreted with caution and awaits further confirmation by high-quality, large-scale RCTs. | 25,176,104 | [
-0.08909101,
0.1797008,
-0.2150584,
0.04087032,
0.1225632,
-0.01559917,
-0.3293677,
-0.04525056,
0.1932164,
0.1159326,
-0.3057455,
0.02595911,
0.3719376,
0.1565189,
-0.2918903,
-0.4968727,
-0.3111625,
0.1907846,
-0.02504468,
0.5475646,
-0.2457454,
-0.1428753,
-0.02620013,... |
Performance of serum prostate-specific antigen isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) and the prostate health index (PHI) in a Chinese hospital-based biopsy population. | The use of serum [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) and its derivative, the prostate health index (PHI), in detecting prostate cancer (PCa) have been consistently shown to have better performance than total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) in discriminating biopsy outcomes in western countries. However, little is known about their performance in Chinese men. Our objective is to test the performance of p2PSA and PHI and their added value to tPSA in discriminating biopsy outcomes in Chinese men. Consecutive patients who underwent prostate biopsy in three tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China during 2012-2013 were recruited. Serum tPSA, free PSA (fPSA), and p2PSA were measured centrally using Beckman Coulter's DxI 800 Immunoassay System. The primary outcome is PCa and the secondary outcome is high-grade PCa (Gleason Score of 4 + 3 or worse). Discriminative performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), detection rate and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). Among 636 patients who underwent prostate biopsy, PHI was a significant predictor of biopsy outcomes, independent of other clinical variables. The AUC in discriminating PCa from non-PCa was consistently higher for PHI than tPSA in the entire cohort (0.88 vs. 0.81) as well as in patients with tPSA at 2-10 ng/ml (0.73 vs. 0.53), at 10.1-20 ng/ml (0.81 vs. 0.58), and at tPSA >20 ng/ml (0.90 vs. 0.80). The differences were statistically significant in all comparisons, P < 0.01. To detect 90% of all PCa in the cohort, 362 and 457 patients would need to be biopsied based on PHI and tPSA cutoff, respectively, a 21% reduction for PHI. Similar results were found for discriminating high-grade PCa. PHI provides added value over tPSA in discriminating PCa and high-grade PCa in patients who underwent prostate biopsy in China. | 25,176,131 | [
0.08624376,
0.1205141,
-0.1093362,
0.008886136,
-0.146781,
-0.08966623,
-0.2165126,
0.5022724,
-0.1769101,
0.04825889,
0.06274778,
0.2347722,
0.1903903,
-0.148626,
-0.323073,
-0.3689809,
-0.2797725,
-0.06774173,
-0.1362736,
-0.06314904,
0.2531547,
0.1395221,
-0.3257724,
... |
Perioperative radiotherapy is associated with improved survival among patients with synovial sarcoma: A SEER analysis. | We examined the outcomes of synovial sarcoma (SS) patients in a national database. We identified 1,189 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database with data on site and extent of surgery. We excluded patients diagnosed before 1990, <18 years, or lacking pathologic confirmation. Using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses, we determined predictors of overall (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The mean age was 41, 49.3% were female, and 82.2% were white. Radiotherapy (RT) was administered to 57.5%. On multivariable analysis, age at diagnosis, sex, race, anatomic site, SEER summary stage, tumor size, surgery type, and RT predicted OS. Similar predictors of DSS were identified. The hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 0.65 (95% CI 0.48-0.88) in favor of RT and 0.62 (95% CI 0.45-0.86) for DSS. Five-year OS improved 8.4 ± 1.0% with RT (P=0.003), and five-year DSS improved 7.7 ± 1.0% with RT (P=0.015). In the largest study to date examining the role of RT in synovial sarcoma, we observed that RT was associated with a statistically significant improvement in oncologic outcome among SS patients. These data support the use of RT in the multi-modality treatment of patients with SS. | 25,176,165 | [
-0.0365524,
-0.05829133,
-0.3851146,
-0.421709,
-0.4294603,
-0.3261131,
0.1594685,
0.1489017,
-0.09700324,
-0.09313872,
0.1278511,
0.1032182,
0.005922706,
-0.3225875,
0.1154409,
-0.1517522,
0.3898419,
0.1948226,
0.2392971,
0.1232509,
0.03373169,
0.2954441,
-0.2337266,
0... |
Conversion of kraft lignin under hydrothermal conditions. | The aim of this study is to explore hydrothermal conversion of kraft lignin for value-added products. With ranging between 5.4% and 10.6%, total oil yield decreased with the increase of temperature (130, 180, and 230°C), the longer reaction time (15-60min) led to increased total oil yield. Main compound of oils characterized by GC-MS was guaiacol (2-methoxy phenol) in the range of 19-78% of oil depending on different reaction conditions. Residual kraft lignins were characterized by GPC and FTIR with respect to the conversion mechanism of kraft lignin by this process. The conversion of kraft lignin under hydrothermal conditions had something to do with the degradation of β-O-4 linkages, hydroxyl groups, carbonyl groups, aromatic rings resulting in the increased amount of phenolic OH groups in kraft lignin. | 25,176,169 | [
0.2660329,
0.05076899,
-0.1165312,
-0.1421851,
0.2130419,
0.09076128,
-0.1048636,
0.1584161,
0.07306135,
0.05912899,
-0.09341467,
0.1694326,
-0.1493747,
-0.1706666,
-0.4906586,
0.1046309,
-0.1860818,
0.440006,
0.2522091,
0.1354054,
0.2863318,
0.1066212,
-0.2512758,
0.00... |
Assessment of radiation doses to the para-aortic, pelvic, and inguinal lymph nodes delivered by image-guided adaptive brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer. | This study evaluated the dose delivered to lymph nodes (LNs) by brachytherapy (BT) and the effect of BT image-guided optimization on the LN dose. Twenty-five patients with locally advanced cervical cancer were retrospectively analyzed, 16 patients of them had LN involvement. The patients received whole pelvis intensity-modulated radiation therapy (45-50 Gy/25-30 fx) to whole pelvis and two fractions of MRI pulsed-dose-rate BT. The delineated LN groups were para-aortic, inguinal, common iliac (CI), external iliac, internal iliac, obturator, and presacral. For each LN group, D98%, D50%, and D2% (the dose that covers 98%, 50%, and 2% of the volume, respectively) were evaluated for optimized and standard BT plans. The correlation between total reference air kerma (TRAK) and D50% of the LN groups was evaluated. BT contributed considerable dose (mean D50% was 3.8-6.2 Gy equivalent total dose in 2-Gy fractions) to the pelvic LN (external iliac, internal iliac, obturator, and presacral) in optimized plans, whereas less-dose contribution to CI, para-aortic, and inguinal (mean D50% was 0.5-1.9 Gy equivalent total dose in 2-Gy fractions) was observed. Optimized plans delivered less dose to the LNs as compared with standard plans, although differences only amounted to a mean of 0.2-0.9 Gy (D50%). TRAK showed a significant correlation with LN D50% for all LN groups except CI, although only 19-38% of the dose variation could be explained by the TRAK. BT contributes considerable dose to pelvic LNs and should be considered in the evaluation of total LN doses. | 25,176,182 | [
0.03960504,
-0.05554159,
-0.3965911,
0.4655025,
-0.0727658,
-0.2382262,
0.362668,
-0.155823,
-0.02070392,
0.1641601,
0.09093753,
-0.09366959,
0.131335,
-0.25398,
-0.8273948,
-0.3627136,
-0.5188116,
-0.05180318,
-0.398323,
0.07506605,
0.2168401,
0.1861279,
0.08989151,
0.... |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.