title stringlengths 0 901 | abstract stringlengths 3 9.89k | PMID int64 22 25.3M | embedding listlengths 768 768 |
|---|---|---|---|
[Antitumor effect of Stichopus japonicus acidic mucopolysaccharide combined with fluorouracil in mice bearing neoplasia of H22 hepatoma cells]. | To observe the antitumor effect of Stihopus japonicus acidic mucopolysaccharide combined with fluorouracil in mice bearing neoplasia of H22 hepatoma cells, and study the mechanism. Inoculate the H22 liver cancer cells in the right forelimbs axillary region subcutaneous of 50 Kunming mice, and then randomly divide the mice into 5 groups, including negative control group, 5-FU group, SJAMP group and two combined groups. Tumor histopathological changes were examined by HE. The expressions of PCNA protein level, P53, P21, Cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein and mRNA levels in the H22 tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemical and Real-time PCR methods. Compared with negative control group, the weights of the H22 tumor tissues in other groups are decreased statistically significant (P < 0.05). The anti-tumor rates of 5-FU group and the two combined groups are all exceed 50%. The anti-tumor rate of the high dose of 5-FU combined SJAMP group is reach up to 62.73%. HE staining showed that except negative control group, other groups tumor cells were less, arranged loosely, karyopyknosis and necrotic area were increased. According to the results of Immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR, the expressions of PCNA protein, P53, Cyclin D1 and CDK4 proteins and mRNAs of the medication administration groups are decreased obviously compared with negative control group (P < 0.05), expressions of P21 proteins are higher than negative control group (P < 0.05), the expressions of related genes mRNA and proteins changes are more remarkable in high dose of 5-FU combined SJAMP group (P < 0.05). SJAMP and 5-FU can via decrease the expressions of PCNA protein, P53, Cyclin D1 and CDK4 proteins and mRNAs, increase the expressions of P21 proteins and mRNAs, to inhibit the growth of H22 tumor in mice. And the combination of SJAMP and 5-FU shows synergistic effect which can strengthen the ability of antitumor obviously. | 25,199,288 | [
-0.3398218,
0.03252294,
-0.137689,
-0.07662195,
0.3258092,
-0.4023087,
-0.1640933,
0.3076541,
0.4673016,
0.1246753,
-0.1456464,
0.05791333,
0.07305834,
-0.00852436,
-0.544036,
-0.2294302,
0.1571516,
-0.3716523,
-0.01572664,
0.4578676,
0.05968098,
-0.2430491,
-0.5275531,
... |
[Efficiency evaluation of capsaicinoids to discriminate bio-waste oils from edible vegetable oils]. | To evaluate the efficiency of capsaicinoids to discriminate bio-waste oil from edible vegetable oil. 14 raw vegetable oils, 24 fried waste oils, 34 kitchen-waste oils, 32 edible non-peanut vegetable oil, 32 edible peanuts oil, 16 edible oil add flavorand and 11 refined bio-waste oils were prepared and examined for capsaicinoids including capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin and nonylic acid vanillylamide. The detection results of the above samples were statistically tested based on sample category to assessment identify the effectiveness of the bio-waste oils with capsaicinoids. As a indicator, capsaincin was possessed of high detection sensitivity and has the highest efficiency to discern kitchen-waste oils and refined bio-waste oils samples from edible non-peanut vegetable oil correctly. The accuracy rate of identification were 100% and 90.1% respectively. There is the background in peanut oil. CONCLUSION Capsaicin added in cooking process can be retained in the refining process and hardly be removed in the refining process. In the case of fully eliminating the background interference, capsaicinoids can effectively identify bio-waste oils and edible vegetable oil in combination. | 25,199,291 | [
-0.107238,
0.437247,
0.08891237,
0.0008178246,
0.380698,
-0.3392569,
-0.2641651,
0.4537665,
0.2970228,
-0.2058979,
0.03203776,
0.2252724,
0.09039679,
-0.2032489,
-0.1848511,
-0.06867287,
-0.3587306,
0.4939936,
0.06923602,
0.03676512,
-0.3730383,
0.4450548,
-0.2146235,
-... |
[Simultaneous determination of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons additives in vegetable oil by ultra performance liquid chromatography]. | To establish a rapid method for simultaneous determination of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in vegetable oil by ultra performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The vegetable oils were extracted with acetonitrile and acetone (1:1), purified with Oasis HLB and Sep-Pak Florsil column, separated on Waters PAH C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 3 microm) special column for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with a mobile phase of acetonitrile, methanol and water for gradient elution, the column temperature was 35 degrees C, and the injection was 10 microl. The concentration of PAHs in samples were determined with fluorescence detector, and quantitative analysis was carried out by external standard. The 15 PAHs were completely separated within 9 min. Within 2 to 200 microg/L, the peak area and content was in a good linear relationship (r > or = 0.9990). The average recoveries of three spiked levels (10, 50 and 100 microg/kg) were 75.8% and 96.4%, with RSDs of 3.42% - 8.03% (n = 5). The limits of detection were 0.025 - 0.8 microg/kg and the limits of quantification were 0.08 - 3.0 microg/kg. This method is simple and quick with high sensitivity, and it is suitable for the determination of 15 PAHs in vegetable oil. | 25,199,292 | [
-0.07248563,
0.1777502,
0.1626966,
0.1706997,
0.4230448,
-0.01538229,
-0.3509376,
0.1728153,
0.1728239,
0.1456421,
0.08465422,
0.4134555,
-0.06541356,
-0.02749049,
-0.001429743,
-0.2059278,
-0.5235334,
0.4139172,
0.1846374,
0.3990096,
0.3196121,
0.4944627,
-0.4694594,
0... |
[Evolution of the response to the first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in Uruguay]. | The eradication rate of the Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection using standard triple therapy has dropped globally in recent years, primarily due to the occurrence of antibiotic resistance. Several therapy regimens were assessed in 823 patients treated the first time for H pylori infection in Uruguay, during the 1997 to 2011 period, divided into five-year groups. All patients underwent 13C isotope-urea breath testing, between the 8th and 24th weeks after therapy. The standard triple plan (amoxicillin, clarithromycin and proton pump inhibitors) was the most commonly used (86.8%). The overall eradication rate was 66.6% (548 patients). With the standard triple plan, the reported eradication rates were 75% for the first 5-year term and 70.1% for the second 5-year term. The difference between these two periods was not statistically significant (P = 0.201). However, in the last term the eradication rate further declined to 62.4%, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.014). No significant correlations were found between the response to therapy in this population and either the use of alcohol and/or yerba mate or the smoking habits. In Uruguay, the eradication rate of H pylori infection has dropped in the last five years and is below the internationally accepted levels. This feature demands searching for more effective alternative therapies, adapting the management to the national reality based on local antibiotic resistance patterns and drug availability. | 25,199,301 | [
0.008900007,
-0.2601512,
0.08141127,
0.3840332,
-0.2097409,
-0.07279711,
-0.2711213,
0.03886163,
0.2795552,
-0.07708929,
0.1611941,
-0.05195052,
-0.2111428,
0.2042785,
-0.703212,
-0.05133922,
0.006992028,
-0.1544564,
-0.3203074,
0.02684472,
0.2651476,
0.02352089,
-0.02634... |
[Monitoring of jugular venous oxygen saturation during superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis under intraaortic balloon pumping: a case report]. | A 77-year-old man scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting underwent left superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis (STA MCA). Before anesthesia, we planned to insert an intraaortic balloon pump as a perioperative circulatory assist. In addition, a fiberoptic catheter was inserted in the proximity of the right jugular bulb to monitor jugular venous oxygen saturation (Sjv(O2)) as an index of the balance between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2). Continuous infusion of nicorandil was started prior to induction of anesthesia. General anesthesia was induced with remifentanil, propofol and rocuronium, and was maintained with oxygen, air, remifentanil and propofol. After induction of anesthesia, blood pressure decreased from 160/70 mmHg to 100/50 mmHg. There was no abnormality of electrocardiogram. However, Sjv(O2) decreased from 58% to 40%. Ephedrine was immediately injected and continuous infusion of dopamine was started. Blood pressure increased and Sjv(O2) was improved to > 55%. Thereafter, his operative course was uneventful. Sjv(O2) is normally approximately 55-75%. If Sjv(O2) is < 50%, therapy (s) directed at increasing CBF and/or decreasing CMRO2 should be initiated. Sjv(O2) monitoring can be used to determine the minimal blood pressure that should be maintained to avoid cerebral ischemia in the case of STA-MCA. | 25,199,325 | [
-0.102188,
0.07591922,
-0.1814403,
-0.08960756,
-0.06994446,
-0.06833005,
-0.08600315,
-0.2893629,
-0.1847173,
0.117334,
0.1115789,
0.4673783,
0.01945757,
0.06558533,
-0.08729652,
-0.08683031,
-0.5914759,
0.1399953,
-0.09032381,
-0.001074619,
0.1874652,
-0.1741018,
0.3749... |
[Case of respiratory arrest during intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) for awake craniotomy]. | We had a neurosurgical patient who developed apnea during iMRI. She was suspected of obstructive sleep apnea. The tumor had a risk of motor aphasia, and therefore awake craniotomy with iMRI was planned. First, the patient was anesthetized and her airway was secured. After 11 minutes of termination of anesthetics, the patient regained consciousness. The level of consciousness was sufficient. Her respiration was stable with oxygen supply. Anesthetics were not given any more. She gradually became drowsy when the tasks were finished and tumor was removed, although she responded to verbal commands. During the second iMRI, capnogram showed flat line and peripheral oxygen saturation level dropped to 90%. Scanning was urgently stopped and the patient was intubated. The patient recovered without any neurological deficits the day after the surgery although the reason of respiratory arrest is still unknown. Awake craniotomy could be challenging because of unsecured airway with risks of vomitting, epileptic attacks or unstable level of consciousness. It is considered that the patient monitoring becomes more difficult when iMRI is performed because the patient's face cannot be obsereved directly. We should remember that conscious level as well as respiration pattern may change during operation. | 25,199,330 | [
-0.07571117,
0.2221178,
-0.04613738,
-0.5290736,
0.4551954,
-0.09483479,
-0.4144247,
-0.3909252,
-0.01024504,
0.0783065,
0.1587429,
0.03530331,
-0.3347502,
-0.1795381,
-0.06257939,
0.1664932,
-0.5730271,
0.3089865,
0.2063219,
-0.1820404,
0.2926047,
0.09375784,
-0.02746364... |
[Rubella immunity in Japanese women of childbearing age, 2008-2013: commercial diagnostic laboratory data analysis]. | For effective non-routine vaccination in women of childbearing age as a countermeasure against congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), it is important to know the specific age group in which fewer members have rubella immunity. We analyzed rubella hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody data (about 890,000) accumulated from 2008 through 2013 at a commercial diagnostic laboratory, which originated from the serum specimens sent mainly from obstetrics & gynecology clinics and hospital departments in Japan. Changes during the above period in the pattern of the annual curve for the prevalence of rubella antibodies (HI antibody titer > or = 8) by age, were observed. The antibody prevalence among women in their twenties decreased gradually from 2008 to 2013. However, the prevalence at < or = 22 years of age in the 2013 specimens was found to have risen, which we believe is the effect of the five-year interim vaccination program for high-school students that began in 2008. The lowest antibody prevalence at 23 years of age in 2013 corresponded to the highest numbers of female patients at the same age in the 2013 rubella epidemic among the adult population. The analysis of extensive data accumulated for rubella antibodies assayed at the commercial diagnostic laboratory was useful for monitoring the susceptibility of the women to rubella infection in Japan, and that the Oct. 1987 to Mar. 1990 birth cohort (age 23 - 25 in 2013) is a high-risk group for CRS. | 25,199,379 | [
-0.1896171,
-0.2921388,
0.01722216,
-0.1245198,
0.07038806,
0.1093314,
0.0547929,
-0.0471328,
0.1980815,
0.1734264,
0.212428,
0.1477171,
0.1183054,
0.1029007,
-0.3897219,
-0.1131194,
0.02995276,
0.2744042,
0.0423514,
0.1146785,
0.2923876,
0.2440993,
-0.1029548,
0.139192... |
Anger-related dysregulation as a factor linking childhood physical abuse and interparental violence to intimate partner violence experiences. | Childhood family violence exposure is associated with increased risk for experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain inadequately understood. Difficulties with emotion regulation may be one factor that helps to explain this relationship. Childhood physical abuse and interparental violence, as well as subsequent IPV experiences, were assessed in a large sample of young adults (N = 670). Several indicators of anger-related dysregulation were also assessed. Structural equation modeling was used to create a latent variable of anger-related dysregulation, which was examined as a potential mediator of the associations between childhood family violence exposure and IPV. Childhood physical abuse and interparental violence were associated with greater physical, sexual, and emotional IPV victimization. Childhood physical abuse and interparental violence were also associated with anger-related dysregulation, which was positively associated with all three types of IPV experiences. Anger-related dysregulation fully mediated the association between witnessing interparental violence and physical IPV. Anger-related dysregulation partially mediated the association between witnessing interparental violence and psychological IPV and the associations of childhood physical abuse with all three forms of IPV. These associations were consistent across gender. Interventions aimed at reducing IPV risk among survivors of childhood family violence may benefit from including techniques to target anger-related emotion regulation skills. | 25,199,386 | [
-0.03699139,
0.3734425,
0.01484952,
-0.04868623,
0.2836196,
-0.1217579,
-0.271031,
-0.1429691,
0.02168773,
0.1432848,
0.1023546,
-0.1955481,
-0.6045251,
-0.4309636,
-0.0526021,
0.06824879,
-0.1280651,
0.2322923,
0.2536873,
0.1517141,
0.06010995,
0.1619539,
-0.1761347,
0... |
Robotic total hip arthroplasty. | Modern total hip replacement is typically effective and durable, but early failures do occur. Component position influences functional outcome, durability, and risk of complications. Surgical robotics provides the detail-oriented surgeon with a robust tool to optimize the accuracy and precision of total hip arthroplasty, with the potential to minimize risk of mechanical failure. This article describes efficient workflows for using surgical robotics to optimize surgical precision without increasing surgical complexity. | 25,199,417 | [
0.04179436,
0.4034417,
-0.4098723,
-0.07648196,
-0.1446352,
-0.228913,
0.1877775,
0.2518697,
0.07236078,
0.08917728,
0.1833657,
-0.02775784,
-0.0009991775,
-0.4393831,
-0.176362,
-0.2219754,
-0.2603126,
0.397696,
-0.01514504,
-0.3285282,
0.021503,
0.1075321,
-0.157677,
... |
Management of traumatic bone loss in the lower extremity. | Segmental bone loss represents a difficult clinical entity for the treating orthopedic surgeon. This article discusses the various treatment modalities available for limb reconstruction, with a focus on the indications, potential complications, and the outcomes of available treatment options. | 25,199,419 | [
-0.1193635,
0.08621916,
0.007775757,
-0.2316152,
-0.2020301,
-0.2653503,
-0.1331531,
-0.08065847,
-0.0822226,
-0.0176711,
0.06659041,
-0.006401874,
-0.08883368,
-0.1580679,
-0.2843243,
-0.161251,
-0.04874196,
0.01011486,
-0.0707986,
0.04184977,
-0.08749566,
0.05689517,
0.... |
Factors impacting biotransformation kinetics of trace organic compounds in lab-scale activated sludge systems performing nitrification and denitrification. | To predict TOrC fate in biological activated sludge systems, there is a need to accurately determine TOrC biodegradation kinetics in mixed microbial cultures. Short-term batch tests with salicylic acid, 17α-ethinylestradiol, nonylphenol, trimethoprim and carbamazepine were conducted with lab-scale activated sludge cultures in which the initial TOrC concentration (1mg/L and 0.0005mg/L) and readily biodegradable substrate concentrations were varied. The results indicate that pseudo-first order kinetic estimates of TOrC are not sensitive (p>0.05) to the initial TOrC concentration as long as the initial TOrC concentration (S0) to biomass (X0) ratio (on COD basis) is below 2×10(-3). The presence of readily biodegradable organic matter suppresses TOrC biotransformation rates under nitrifying and denitrifying conditions, and this impact can be adequately described using a reversible non-competitive inhibition equation. These results demonstrate the importance of closely mimicking parent reactor conditions in batch testing because biotransformation parameters are impacted by in-situ carbon loading and redox conditions. | 25,199,437 | [
0.02118611,
0.06190893,
0.214302,
-0.05031116,
-0.2296463,
-0.2159068,
-0.2718726,
0.1125254,
0.009639742,
0.05177431,
-0.3245189,
0.006642698,
0.01297152,
0.5927317,
-0.8267295,
-0.0868592,
-0.5688846,
0.3758014,
0.2014751,
0.4801991,
-0.1164628,
0.213581,
-0.1340813,
... |
Optimization of hydrostatic pressure at varied sonication conditions--power density, intensity, very low frequency--for isothermal ultrasonic sludge treatment. | This work aims at investigating for the first time the key sonication (US) parameters: power density (DUS), intensity (IUS), and frequency (FS) - down to audible range, under varied hydrostatic pressure (Ph) and low temperature isothermal conditions (to avoid any thermal effect). The selected application was activated sludge disintegration, a major industrial US process. For a rational approach all comparisons were made at same specific energy input (ES, US energy per solid weight) which is also the relevant economic criterion. The decoupling of power density and intensity was obtained by either changing the sludge volume or most often by changing probe diameter, all other characteristics being unchanged. Comprehensive results were obtained by varying the hydrostatic pressure at given power density and intensity. In all cases marked maxima of sludge disintegration appeared at optimum pressures, which values increased at increasing power intensity and density. Such optimum was expected due to opposite effects of increasing hydrostatic pressure: higher cavitation threshold then smaller and fewer bubbles, but higher temperature and pressure at the end of collapse. In addition the first attempt to lower US frequency down to audible range was very successful: at any operation condition (DUS, IUS, Ph, sludge concentration and type) higher sludge disintegration was obtained at 12 kHz than at 20 kHz. The same values of optimum pressure were observed at 12 and 20 kHz. At same energy consumption the best conditions - obtained at 12 kHz, maximum power density 720 W/L and 3.25 bar - provided about 100% improvement with respect to usual conditions (1 bar, 20 kHz). Important energy savings and equipment size reduction may then be expected. | 25,199,444 | [
-0.157383,
0.2944106,
0.09378239,
0.04664527,
0.05838322,
-0.3326364,
-0.09218599,
-0.1272709,
0.2779045,
-0.05383524,
-0.1336447,
-0.4902602,
-0.1768226,
-0.1392156,
-0.256175,
-0.1862146,
-0.3392015,
-0.1505332,
-0.1284255,
-0.1575802,
0.3207281,
0.04764126,
-0.3515247,... |
A skellam model to identify differential patterns of gene expression induced by environmental signals. | RNA-seq, based on deep-sequencing techniques, has been widely employed to precisely measure levels of transcripts and their isoforms expressed under different conditions. However, robust statistical tools used to analyze these complex datasets are lacking. By grouping genes with similar expression profiles across treatments, cluster analysis provides insight into gene functions and networks that have become increasingly important. We proposed and verified a cluster algorithm based on a skellam model for grouping genes into distinct groups based on the pattern of gene expression in response to changing conditions or in different tissues. This algorithm capitalizes on the skellam distribution to capture the count property of RNA-seq data and clusters genes in different environments. A two-stage hierarchical expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm was implemented to estimate the optimal number of groups and mean expression levels of each group across two environments. A procedure was formulated to test whether and how a given group shows a plastic response to environmental changes. The model was used to analyze an RNA-seq dataset measured from reciprocal crosses of early Arabidopsis thaliana embryos that respond differently based on the extent of maternal and paternal genome contributions, from which genes associated with maternal and paternal contributions were identified. Simulation studies were also performed to validate the statistical behavior of the model. This model is a useful tool for clustering gene expression data by RNA-seq, thus facilitating our understanding of gene functions and networks. | 25,199,446 | [
0.02952178,
-0.01443718,
0.006773639,
-0.2284806,
0.03273695,
-0.1523036,
-0.1311531,
-0.04563031,
0.1347075,
-0.2334065,
-0.09417303,
0.1538271,
0.04865714,
0.1725382,
0.06102082,
-0.001283681,
-0.3138484,
0.1064618,
-0.06652423,
-0.09955318,
0.3290906,
0.374615,
-0.1154... |
Development of the NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) gastrointestinal symptom scales. | The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS(®)) is a standardized set of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that cover physical, mental, and social health. The aim of this study was to develop the NIH PROMIS gastrointestinal (GI) symptom measures. We first conducted a systematic literature review to develop a broad conceptual model of GI symptoms. We complemented the review with 12 focus groups including 102 GI patients. We developed PROMIS items based on the literature and input from the focus groups followed by cognitive debriefing in 28 patients. We administered the items to diverse GI patients (irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and other common GI disorders) and a census-based US general population (GP) control sample. We created scales based on confirmatory factor analyses and item response theory modeling, and evaluated the scales for reliability and validity. A total of 102 items were developed and administered to 865 patients with GI conditions and 1,177 GP participants. Factor analyses provided support for eight scales: gastroesophageal reflux (13 items), disrupted swallowing (7 items), diarrhea (5 items), bowel incontinence/soilage (4 items), nausea and vomiting (4 items), constipation (9 items), belly pain (6 items), and gas/bloat/flatulence (12 items). The scales correlated significantly with both generic and disease-targeted legacy instruments, and demonstrate evidence of reliability. Using the NIH PROMIS framework, we developed eight GI symptom scales that can now be used for clinical care and research across the full range of GI disorders. | 25,199,473 | [
-0.2231525,
-0.2287994,
0.1591742,
-0.2713039,
0.2624592,
-0.2129388,
0.1255978,
-0.1037953,
0.1549818,
-0.3350296,
-0.1292403,
-0.338664,
0.07162035,
-0.003376606,
-0.1186063,
0.04179939,
-0.4743695,
-0.06639019,
0.008426382,
0.03844877,
-0.159339,
0.2908193,
-0.1467176,... |
Controlling the efficiency of trapping in a scale-free small-world network. | Designing appropriate techniques to effectively control the trapping process in complex systems towards desirable efficiency is of paramount importance in the study of trapping problem. In this paper, we present three different methods guiding trapping process in a scale-free small-world network with a deep trap positioned at an initial node. All the proposed approaches dominate the trapping process by varying the transition probability of random walks. In the first two techniques, the transition probability is modified by an introduced weight parameter and a stochastic parameter, respectively. And the third scheme is a combination of the first two approaches, controlled by both parameters synchronously. For all the three control strategies, we derive both analytically and numerically the average trapping time (ATT) as the measure of the trapping efficiency, with the obtained explicit expressions being in good agreement with their corresponding exact numerical solutions. Our results indicate that the weight parameter changes simultaneously the dominating scaling of ATT and its prefactor. Different from the weight parameter, the stochastic parameter only modifies the prefactor, keeping the leading scaling unchanged. Finally, compared with the first two manners, the third strategy is a fine control, possessing the advantages of the first two ones. This work deepens the understanding of controlling trapping process in complex systems. | 25,199,481 | [
0.1849276,
0.2170829,
-0.1757369,
0.1149524,
0.2371912,
-0.3919632,
-0.2076975,
0.03685645,
0.1809008,
-0.1483433,
-0.1963295,
-0.4134706,
0.09645058,
0.2956751,
-0.7530668,
0.03026098,
-0.3800296,
-0.1127054,
-0.1121556,
0.283183,
0.1212135,
0.02324888,
-0.2540784,
0.1... |
[Objective refraction in black children: cyclopentolate and tropicamide combination, a reliable alternative to atropine?]. | Cycloplegia allows for an objective refraction in children. Atropine is the gold standard but causes prolonged blurred vision. Cyclopentolate is less effective but less disabling. Tropicamide is a weak cycloplegic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a cyclopentolate and tropicamide combination (CTA) versus atropine for refraction in black children. We performed a prospective study between October 2011 and July 2012 on all children seen in consultation. Objective refraction was performed after cycloplegia with cyclopentolate 0.5% combined with tropicamide 0.5%, and then after cycloplegia with atropine. Thirty-three patients were recruited, 14 boys and 19 girls. The average age was 9.9 years. The mean age of the patients was 9.9 years. Astigmatism was found in 96.9% of cases. It was 1.34±1.32 diopters with CTA and 1.35±1.22 diopters with atropine. The mean axis was 98.15 and 99.8, respectively. Hyperopia and myopia were found in 39 and 27 eyes, respectively with ACT (average 1.73 and 5.37 diopters), and in 41 and 19 eyes with atropine (average 2.06 and 6.11 diopters). There is a good correlation of results with regards to cylindrical and spherical refractive error between the two protocols. Atropine is the best cycloplegic, however ACT provides reliable results. The cyclopentolate-tropicamide combination is satisfactory for routine cycloplegia in children. | 25,199,485 | [
0.1171153,
0.0625804,
-0.1186711,
-0.08516475,
-0.009903983,
-0.2381645,
-0.385195,
0.02527441,
0.1915896,
-0.04988515,
0.07953382,
0.2638009,
-0.03328516,
0.0337032,
-0.270213,
-0.3239097,
-0.7692903,
0.07859357,
-0.2929928,
-0.01818128,
0.1759719,
-0.1333748,
-0.1507896... |
Hypoxia and Serum deprivation protected MiaPaCa-2 cells from KAI1-induced proliferation inhibition through autophagy pathway activation in solid tumors. | KAI1 closely correlates with pancreatic cancer metastasis. There might be some factors that protect the cells from a proliferation inhibition by KAI1 in the solid tumors' microenvironment. Hypoxia and ischemia are the main characteristics of the microenvironment within solid tumors. Whether they affect the KAI1 inhibitory effects on cell proliferation is still unclear. MiaPaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cells do not express KAI1 protein. However, after being infected with Ad5-KAI1, they expressed KAI1 protein. We cultured them under hypoxic and serum-free conditions to simulate the solid tumor hypoxic-ischemic microenvironment. The cells were divided into the control, hypoxic, serum-free, and hypoxic with serum-free groups. The proliferation and apoptosis were observed by CCK8 and Annexin V-FITC/PI, respectively. The green fluorescent protein-labeled light chain 3 association with autophagosome membranes was detected by confocal microscopy. The ratio of LC3-II-LC3-I expression level was detected by western blot. Pretreatment of 3-MA was used to inhibit the autophagy. We, then observed whether the hypoxic and serum-free conditions could change the effect of KAI1 on cell survival and whether the pretreatment of 3-MA could inhibit the effect of hypoxic and serum-free conditions on KAI1 function. Hypoxia and serum-free media effectively reduced the apoptosis and proliferation inhibition caused by KAI1 and was beneficial to the cell survival. 3-MA pretreatment effectively blocked the protective effect of hypoxia and serum-free media on the cells by autophagy block. Serum-free media and hypoxia protected the MiaPaCa-2 cells from a KAI1-induced apoptosis and proliferation inhibition via autophagy induction. | 25,199,507 | [
0.1322367,
-0.1385147,
-0.02412698,
-0.1628924,
-0.004688314,
0.1321726,
0.003329241,
0.3203365,
0.251582,
-0.04931537,
0.09436125,
0.4395346,
-0.267531,
-0.4196042,
0.05003481,
-0.07006551,
-0.7999671,
0.1635115,
0.06082174,
0.1926206,
-0.1996361,
0.05710885,
-0.00304570... |
Evaluation of the impact of universal testing for gestational diabetes mellitus on maternal and neonatal health outcomes: a retrospective analysis. | Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects a substantial proportion of women in pregnancy and is associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal and long term outcomes. Treatment seems to improve perinatal outcomes, the relative effectiveness of different strategies for identifying women with GDM however is less clear.This paper describes an evaluation of the impact of a change in policy from selective risk factor based offering, to universal offering of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to identify women with GDM on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Retrospective six year analysis of 35,674 births at the Women's and Newborn unit, Bradford Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom. The proportion of the whole obstetric population diagnosed with GDM increased almost fourfold following universal offering of an OGTT compared to selective offering of an OGTT; Rate Ratio (RR) 3.75 (95% CI 3.28 to 4.29), the proportion identified with severe hyperglycaemia doubled following the policy change; 1.96 (1.50 to 2.58). The case detection rate however, for GDM in the whole population and severe hyperglycaemia in those with GDM reduced by 50-60%; 0.40 (0.35 to 0.46) and 0.51 (0.39 to 0.67) respectively. Universally offering an OGTT was associated with an increased induction of labour rate in the whole obstetric population and in women with GDM; 1.43 (1.35 to 1.50) and 1.21 (1.00 to1.49) respectively. Caesarean section, macrosomia and perinatal mortality rates in the whole population were similar. For women with GDM, rate of caesarean section; 0.70 (0.57 to 0.87), macrosomia; 0.22 (0.15 to 0.34) and perinatal mortality 0.12 (0.03 to 0.46) decreased following the policy change. Universally offering an OGTT was associated with increased identification of women with GDM and severe hyperglycaemia and with neonatal benefits for those with GDM. There was no evidence of benefit or adverse effects in neonatal outcomes in the whole obstetric population. | 25,199,524 | [
0.05484144,
0.003776908,
-0.3219278,
0.06172202,
0.296648,
-0.06279857,
0.0167669,
-0.1153876,
0.2344583,
-0.002331139,
-0.07129359,
0.127061,
-0.2429876,
-0.1215359,
0.0514653,
-0.1896037,
-0.3756692,
0.4266075,
-0.1586302,
-0.6046228,
0.1531002,
0.3625005,
0.07542722,
... |
Should mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors be stopped in women with lymphangioleiomyomatosis awaiting lung transplantation? | Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cystic lung disease characterized by proliferation of smooth muscle like cells (LAM cells) that have mutations in the tuberous sclerosis gene (TSC2), leading to the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mTOR pathway, has been shown in a landmark clinical trial to halt the decline in lung function, as long as it is used continuously. Women with severe pulmonary LAM still progress to require lung transplantation. The use of inhibitors of the mTOR pathway immediately after transplant has been linked to bronchial anastomotic dehiscence, a potentially fatal complication of lung transplantation. Currently, it is recommended that women with LAM stop taking rapamycin once listed for lung transplant, which could potentially lead to faster lung function decline while awaiting organ transplantation. Here we review the existing evidence and discuss potential recommendations for the management of the inhibitors of the mTOR pathway while awaiting lung transplantation. | 25,199,529 | [
-0.043458,
-0.2574997,
0.1691335,
-0.4344609,
0.009106763,
-0.01487194,
0.1547894,
0.02331956,
0.1586256,
-0.03396642,
0.06357612,
0.01333983,
-0.1786574,
-0.1310097,
-0.2358178,
-0.1389057,
-0.5441836,
0.1110481,
0.04288677,
-0.1478446,
0.02573476,
0.5753748,
-0.2128693,... |
Maize protein phosphatase gene family: identification and molecular characterization. | Protein phosphatases (PPs) play critical roles in various cellular processes through the reversible protein phosphorylation that dictates many signal transduction pathways among organisms. Recently, PPs in Arabidopsis and rice have been identified, while the whole complement of PPs in maize is yet to be reported. In this study, we have identified 159 PP-encoding genes in the maize genome. Phylogenetic analyses categorized the ZmPP gene family into 3 classes (PP2C, PTP, and PP2A) with considerable conservation among classes. Similar intron/exon structural patterns were observed in the same classes. Moreover, detailed gene structures and duplicative events were then researched. The expression profiles of ZmPPs under different developmental stages and abiotic stresses (including salt, drought, and cold) were analyzed using microarray and RNA-seq data. A total of 152 members were detected in 18 different tissues representing distinct stages of maize plant developments. Under salt stress, one gene was significantly up-expressed in seed root (SR) and one gene was down-expressed in primary root (PR) and crown root (CR), respectively. As for drought stress condition, 13 genes were found to be differentially expressed in leaf, out of which 10 were up-regulated and 3 exhibited down-regulation. Additionally, 13 up-regulated and 3 down-regulated genes were found in cold-tolerant line ETH-DH7. Furthermore, real-time PCR was used to confirm the expression patterns of ZmPPs. Our results provide new insights into the phylogenetic relationships and characteristic functions of maize PPs and will be useful in studies aimed at revealing the global regulatory network in maize abiotic stress responses, thereby contributing to the maize molecular breeding with enhanced quality traits. | 25,199,535 | [
0.236337,
-0.1198199,
0.3384583,
0.06712241,
0.07142326,
-0.06522766,
-0.09527189,
0.1604038,
0.04855584,
-0.1557647,
0.09738143,
0.05158317,
-0.118295,
0.06592751,
-0.3930228,
-0.2272101,
0.1989674,
0.00739721,
0.1982143,
-0.2395649,
0.06767299,
0.3362482,
0.01464756,
... |
Modeling interactions between Human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter-1 and other factors involved in the response to gemcitabine treatment to predict clinical outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. | Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive malignancy, characterized by largely unsatisfactory responses to the currently available therapeutic strategies. In this study we evaluated the expression of genes involved in gemcitabine uptake in a selected cohort of patients with PDAC, with well-defined clinical-pathological features. mRNA levels of hENT1, CHOP, MRP1 and DCK were evaluated by means of qRT-PCR in matched pairs of tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples collected from PDAC patients treated with gemcitabine after surgical tumor resection. To detect possible interaction between gene expression levels and to identify subgroups of patients at different mortality/progression risk, the RECursive Partitioning and Amalgamation (RECPAM) method was used. RECPAM analysis showed that DCK and CHOP were most relevant variables for the identification of patients with different mortality risk, while hENT1 and CHOP were able to identify subgroups of patients with different disease progression risk. hENT1, CHOP, MRP1 and DCK appear correlated to PDAC, and this interaction might influence disease behavior. | 25,199,538 | [
-0.09594169,
-0.08204049,
-0.1728645,
-0.0122235,
-0.1167233,
-0.5559715,
-0.08989239,
-0.01139728,
0.2445831,
-0.01536705,
0.3862734,
-0.320744,
0.03116463,
-0.1289443,
-0.2818086,
-0.1783552,
-0.1306083,
0.07839821,
0.004016131,
-0.1534114,
0.1803519,
-0.05827147,
-0.05... |
Adenosine as a probing tool for the mechanistic study of acupuncture treatment. | To date, acupuncture has been widely used despite a lack of solid clinical evidence in the East and West. However, there are few validated in vitro models for the mechanistic studies of acupuncture. We hypothesized that adenosine could be used as a probing tool in the mechanistic studies of acupuncture because of its critical role in the action of acupuncture. Subsequently, we tested this hypothesis using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. First, we found that adenosine stimulation mimicked the effect of acupuncture on microRNA profiling (including miR-339, miR-145 and miR-451) and protein level (including Sirt2) in nerve growth factor-induced differentiated PC12 cells. These miRNA and proteins have been found to be regulated by acupuncture treatment in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Next, we found that adenosine stimulation downregulated miR-339 expression through adenosine A1 receptor-mediated pathway. Finally, we showed that the concentration of adenosine was actually decreased in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats after acupuncture treatment at Taichong acupoint. Taken together, these findings suggest that adenosine could be used as a useful probing tool for acupuncture mechanistic studies, while more validation studies are certainly warranted. | 25,199,539 | [
-0.20247,
0.0849674,
0.07848259,
-0.04433268,
0.1574169,
-0.4305813,
-0.2272948,
0.3422556,
0.2885033,
-0.05254326,
0.2611084,
0.1432647,
-0.01834224,
-0.3330946,
-0.3869399,
0.3212275,
-0.3424207,
-0.03999624,
-0.6103421,
-0.1305233,
-0.0437926,
0.3268145,
-0.2281285,
... |
Cell-penetrating peptide delivery of biologically active oct4 protein into cultured Takifugu rubripes spermary cells. | Continuous cell culture of a puffer fish Takifugu rubripes has been established for efficient delivery of exogenous genes or proteins to cultured fish cells. Transcription factor oct4 was chosen for transduction into cultured fish cells because of its conserved structure and function between fish and mammals. In this work, the T. rubripes oct4 gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as a recombinant protein by introducing cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) poly-arginine (11R) and 6His-tag at the C-terminus. After purification, recombinant proteins were added to the growth medium and incubated with T. rubripes spermary cells. Recombinant proteins that crossed the cell membrane were detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus by western blot and immunofluorescent observation. The function of transduced oct4 as a transcription factor in fish cells was confirmed by driving green fluorescent protein expression in the pEGFP-1 reporter construct with the conserved specific oct4-binding sequence from mouse Mus musculus. Taken together, 11R can be an efficient CPP in delivering fusion proteins to cultured fish cells. | 25,199,543 | [
0.1766788,
0.08964255,
-0.2303075,
0.3681593,
0.04672992,
-0.214951,
-0.03262499,
0.262554,
0.2510501,
0.2914951,
0.4390205,
-0.009944737,
-0.1669116,
0.4075907,
-0.254456,
0.1970257,
-0.6023105,
-0.02811666,
-0.316157,
-0.1621047,
0.7955056,
0.1545148,
-0.05810628,
-0.... |
The geographical distribution and first molecular analysis of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species in the Southern and Southeastern Turkey during the 2012 outbreak of bovine ephemeral fever. | This study investigated the geographical distribution and molecular analysis of Culicoides species in the Southern and Southeastern Turkey during the 2012 outbreak of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF). The midge specimens caught by Onderstepoort-type light traps from livestock farms were tested for molecular evidence of existence of viral genome. Blood specimens were collected from clinically BEF-suspected acute febrile cattle. Total nucleic acid samples obtained from field specimens were checked against the BEF virus G gene and Culicoides internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene. A total of 20,845 Culicoides specimens (20,569 ♀♀, 276 ♂♂) comprising 11 species (Culicoides badooshensis, Culicoides circumscriptus, Culicoides gejgelensis, Culicoides imicola, Culicoides kibunensis, Culicoides longipennis, Culicoides newsteadi, Culicoides nubeculosus, Culicoides odiatus, Culicoides punctatus, Culicoides schultzei, Culicoides spp.) were collected. C. schultzei (18,032) was found as the dominant species and followed by C. imicola (1,857), C. nubeculosus complex (545), and C. circumscriptus (259), respectively. C. kibunensis was identified as new species for this region. PCR positivity of BEF was found 37.14% (13/35) in blood samples whereas no viral genome was obtained from Culicoides specimens. Culicoides spp. ITS-1 gene sequences were analyzed phylogenetically with GenBank ITS-1 sequences. Molecular homology of Culicoides ITS-1 gene was ranged between 62.74 and 71.39%. The results described first molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Culicoides ITS-1 gene with reference to the 2012 BEF outbreak in Turkey. | 25,199,552 | [
0.1462852,
0.3755502,
0.03913385,
0.09328753,
0.2432454,
-0.1282996,
0.05078351,
-0.204143,
-0.1879286,
-0.1037725,
0.2173285,
-0.1623541,
-0.01769646,
-0.1982348,
-0.1949065,
-0.1990853,
-0.1338577,
0.2107302,
0.4661243,
0.1346901,
0.4594488,
0.1456064,
-0.1629568,
0.0... |
Acaricidal properties of the formulations based on essential oils from Cymbopogon winterianus and Syzygium aromaticum plants. | The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, has caused serious harm to livestock raising in Brazil, considering the costs of controlling it, loss of revenue due to smaller production of milk and meat, and damage to leather, in addition to transmitting diseases. The use of medicinal plants is considered an alternative to the recurring resistance to chemicals. Due to the need for efficient alternatives with less environmental impact, this study aimed to develop contact formulations with essential oils from the Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) plants and to assess in vitro the effects in different stages of the tick cycle. In the present study, concentrations from 0.5-15.0% of the essential oils incorporated in the formulations were used. The ticks from different geographical areas were treated with those formulations, and their effects on the production levels of eggs, on the larvae hatching, and their efficiency on ticks were assessed. The obtained results were compared with other commercial acaricidal products. After the 20th day of treatment, the formulations with citronella essential oil had 2.09-55.51% efficiency, depending on the concentration of the oil incorporated. The efficiency of the treatment with formulations containing clove essential oil was higher, from 92.47-100%. The results showed the acaricidal effects of the formulations tested when compared to commercial chemical products. In vivo studies should be performed in order to assess the efficiency of those formulations in the fields, aiming to use these products as an alternative for controlling cattle ticks. | 25,199,555 | [
0.0595683,
0.3623688,
0.2518311,
0.03571137,
-0.137927,
0.04497233,
-0.231085,
-0.1842731,
0.3275526,
-0.09111322,
-0.06737521,
0.2096625,
-0.07179874,
-0.2628274,
-0.3725451,
-0.2592087,
-0.2967411,
0.2365113,
-0.145857,
0.1325362,
0.009307457,
0.1120246,
0.06932009,
0... |
Functional expression of a novel alkaline-adapted lipase of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens from stinky tofu brine and development of immobilized enzyme for biodiesel production. | Using enrichment procedures, a lipolytic strain was isolated from a stinky tofu brine and was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (named B. amyloliquefaciens Nsic-8) by morphological, physiological, biochemical tests and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Meanwhile, the key enzyme gene (named lip BA) involved in ester metabolism was obtained from Nsic-8 with the assistance of homology analysis. The novel gene has an open reading frame of 645 bp, and encodes a 214-amino-acid lipase (LipBA). The deduced amino acid sequence shows the highest identity with the lipase from B. amyloliquefaciens IT-45 (NCBI database) and belongs to the family of triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3). The lipase gene was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) using plasmid pET-28a. The enzyme activity and specific activity were 250 ± 16 U/ml and 1750 ± 153 U/mg, respectively. The optimum pH and temperature of the recombinant enzyme were 9.0 and 40 °C respectively. LipBA showed much higher stability under alkaline conditions and was stable at pH 7.0-11.0. The Km and Vmax values of purified LipBA using 4-nitrophenyl palmitate as the substrate were 1.04 ± 0.06 mM and 119.05 ± 7.16 μmol/(ml min), respectively. After purification, recombinant lipase was immobilized with the optimal conditions (immobilization time 3 h at 30 °C, with 92 % enzyme recovery) and the immobilized enzyme was applied in biodiesel production. This is the first report of the lipase activity and lipase gene obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens (including wild strain and recombinant strain) and the recombinant LipBA with the detailed enzymatic properties. Also the preliminary study of the transesterification shows the potential value in biodiesel production applications. | 25,199,563 | [
-0.09046963,
0.09899724,
-0.1749201,
-0.09793466,
0.1191021,
-0.03192042,
-0.32179,
0.04151053,
-0.04122232,
-0.5870388,
0.348719,
-0.3251431,
0.09921578,
-0.04117591,
-0.6694648,
0.007874678,
0.02298342,
0.3927064,
-0.1971438,
0.4572968,
-0.0341798,
0.545214,
-0.1707785,... |
An assessment of the embryotoxicity of cadmium in the terrestrial mollusk Cantareus aspersus: from bioaccumulation to impacts at different levels of biological organization. | This study aims to determine various parameters that allow the evaluation of the toxicity of chemicals to embryos of the ubiquitous land snail Cantareus aspersus. For this purpose, we investigated morphological and physiological endpoints in control embryos and in embryos exposed to a solution of 6mg Cd/L (CdCl2) in a liquid phase bioassay: size at days 3, 6 and 10, heart rate at 7 days, delay in hatching, states of development of non-hatched eggs after 17 days and the fresh mass of newly hatched embryos. The kinetics of Cd accumulation in eggs and DNA fragmentation were also measured. The first detectable sign of adverse effects appeared after 7 days of development, when the heart rate decreased in Cd-exposed embryos compared with the control. After 10 days of exposure, Cd-exposed hatchlings exhibited a lower fresh mass than control individuals. The majority (75 percent) of non-hatched embryos at 17 days was dead and presented signs of disaggregation or malformations. The hatching of Cd-exposed eggs was delayed 4 days, and DNA fragmentation was later detected after 20 days of Cd exposure. The measurement of Cd in the eggs showed that concentrations are relatively stable during the exposure period from 3 days (20-27µg Cd/g DW) to the end of exposure. The present study completes the range of endpoints that can be used to study the effects of contaminants and provides new parameters that are readily measured throughout the embryonic development of a terrestrial mollusk. | 25,199,587 | [
-0.05159332,
0.1527861,
0.01643241,
-0.2726125,
0.1312048,
-0.2410262,
0.09448452,
0.05918026,
0.3120321,
0.03299114,
-0.0419644,
0.3365818,
-0.1928093,
-0.05805358,
-0.2572729,
0.05378962,
-0.5463358,
0.1400951,
0.04048728,
0.1715958,
0.4470247,
0.2470634,
-0.208372,
0... |
Simultaneous glucose sensing and biohydrogen evolution from direct photoelectrocatalytic glucose oxidation on robust Cu₂O-TiO₂ electrodes. | We report simultaneous photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) glucose sensing and biohydrogen generation for the first time from the direct PEC oxidation of glucose at multifunctional and robust Cu2O-TiO2 photocatalysts. Striking improvement of 30% in overall H2 gas evolution (∼122 μmol h(-1) cm(-2)) by photoholes assisted glucose oxidation opens a new platform in solar-driven PEC biohydrogen generation. | 25,199,593 | [
0.02310284,
0.0328283,
-0.5139822,
0.05092669,
-0.2522953,
-0.2234989,
-0.4496061,
0.0703087,
0.2327959,
0.1235494,
0.005789376,
-0.03896056,
-0.2277627,
-0.3896977,
-0.4608743,
0.002265744,
-0.5553745,
0.06286561,
-0.01281519,
-0.02550951,
0.1841169,
0.4129961,
-0.146167... |
Atmospheric carbonaceous aerosols from Indo-Gangetic Plain and Central Himalaya: impact of anthropogenic sources. | In the present-day scenario of growing anthropogenic activities, carbonaceous aerosols contribute significantly (∼20-70%) to the total atmospheric particulate matter mass and, thus, have immense potential to influence the Earth's radiation budget and climate on a regional to global scale. In addition, formation of secondary organic aerosols is being increasingly recognized as an important process in contributing to the air-pollution and poor visibility over urban regions. It is, thus, essential to study atmospheric concentrations of carbonaceous species (EC, OC and WSOC), their mixing state and absorption properties on a regional scale. This paper presents the comprehensive data on emission sources, chemical characteristics and optical properties of carbonaceous aerosols from selected urban sites in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) and from a high-altitude location in the central Himalaya. The mass concentrations of OC, EC and WSOC exhibit large spatio-temporal variability in the IGP. This is attributed to seasonally varying emissions from post-harvest agricultural-waste burning, their source strength, boundary layer dynamics and secondary aerosol formation. The high concentrations of OC and SO4(2-), and their characteristic high mass scattering efficiency, contribute significantly to the aerosol optical depth and scattering coefficient. This has implications to the assessment of single scattering albedo and aerosol radiative forcing on a regional scale. | 25,199,599 | [
0.04458896,
0.05418563,
0.100457,
-0.01897401,
-0.1980586,
-0.08086431,
-0.4268037,
-0.06959394,
0.1707837,
-0.0108486,
-0.2964523,
-0.1179226,
-0.1680238,
0.04830572,
-0.3746949,
-0.1015613,
-0.3464459,
0.305167,
0.06687255,
-0.09813518,
0.0330511,
0.3097163,
-0.0259805,... |
The roles of scene gist and spatial dependency among objects in the semantic guidance of attention in real-world scenes. | A previous study (Vision Research 51 (2011) 1192-1205) found evidence for semantic guidance of visual attention during the inspection of real-world scenes, i.e., an influence of semantic relationships among scene objects on overt shifts of attention. In particular, the results revealed an observer bias toward gaze transitions between semantically similar objects. However, this effect is not necessarily indicative of semantic processing of individual objects but may be mediated by knowledge of the scene gist, which does not require object recognition, or by known spatial dependency among objects. To examine the mechanisms underlying semantic guidance, in the present study, participants were asked to view a series of displays with the scene gist excluded and spatial dependency varied. Our results show that spatial dependency among objects seems to be sufficient to induce semantic guidance. Scene gist, on the other hand, does not seem to affect how observers use semantic information to guide attention while viewing natural scenes. Extracting semantic information mainly based on spatial dependency may be an efficient strategy of the visual system that only adds little cognitive load to the viewing task. | 25,199,610 | [
-0.1831296,
0.2909383,
-0.2985328,
-0.3139978,
0.3591436,
-0.1895623,
0.1639864,
-0.2170551,
-0.06699567,
0.0420379,
-0.01744744,
-0.07352041,
-0.1726431,
-0.315113,
-0.6194503,
0.2414258,
-0.6677981,
0.3045565,
-0.1867857,
0.02850597,
-0.02941105,
0.4045308,
-0.0794697,
... |
Randomized controlled trial of a scoring aid to improve Glasgow Coma Scale scoring by emergency medical services providers. | Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel frequently use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to assess injured and critically ill patients. This study assesses the accuracy of EMS providers' GCS scoring, as well as the improvement in GCS score assessment with the use of a scoring aid. This randomized, controlled study was conducted in the emergency department (ED) of an urban academic trauma center. Emergency medical technicians or paramedics who transported a patient to the ED were randomly assigned one of 9 written scenarios, either with or without a GCS scoring aid. Scenarios were created by consensus of expert attending emergency medicine, EMS, and neurocritical care physicians, with universal consensus agreement on GCS scores. χ(2) And Student's t tests were used to compare groups. Of 180 participants, 178 completed the study. Overall, 73 of 178 participants (41%) gave a GCS score that matched the expert consensus score. GCS score was correct in 22 of 88 (25%) cases without the scoring aid. GCS was correct in 51 of 90 (57%) cases with the scoring aid. Most (69%) of the total GCS scores fell within 1 point of the expert consensus GCS score. Differences in accuracy were most pronounced in scenarios with a correct GCS score of 12 or below. Subcomponent accuracy was eye 62%, verbal 70%, and motor 51%. In this study, 60% of EMS participants provided inaccurate GCS score estimates. Use of a GCS scoring aid improved accuracy of EMS GCS score assessments. | 25,199,613 | [
-0.02707912,
0.2376415,
-0.1490837,
-0.3294357,
0.1587209,
-0.1454618,
-0.03360019,
-0.1578609,
-0.1784273,
0.03035405,
0.08947968,
0.2361666,
-0.1102589,
0.02006195,
-0.1672583,
-0.04550456,
-0.3879663,
-0.01833516,
-0.5331677,
0.389806,
-0.4780215,
0.01351633,
0.3043094... |
A mixed MDPV and benzodiazepine intoxication in a chronic drug abuser: determination of MDPV metabolites by LC-HRMS and discussion of the case. | We report on a case of repeated MDPV consumptions that resulted in severe psychosis and agitation prompting the concomitant abuse of benzodiazepines. A 27-year-old man was found irresponsive in his apartment and was brought to the emergency department (ED) of a local hospital. When in ED, he rapidly recovered and self-reported to have recently injected some doses of MDPV that he had bought in the Internet. He left the hospital without medical cares. 15 days after, he was again admitted to the same ED due to severe agitation, delirium and hallucinations, and reported the use of MDPV and pharmaceutical drugs during the preceding week. He was sedated with diazepam and chlorpromazine. Urine samples collected in both occasions were sent for testing using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and liquid chromatography-high resolution multiple mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) on an Orbitrap. The LC-HRMS analysis revealed the presence of MDPV and its phase I and phase II metabolites (demethylenyl-MDPV, demethylenyl-methyl-MDPV, demethylenyl-methyl-oxo-MDPV, demethylenyl-hydroxy-alkyl-MDPV, demethylenyl-methyl-hydroxy alkyl-MDPV, demethylenyl-oxo-MDPV and their corresponding glucuronides), alprazolam and alprazolam metabolite at the first ED admission; at the time of the second ED access, the same MDPV metabolites, alprazolam, temazepam, and chlordiazepoxide were detected together with diazepam and metabolites. LC-HRMS/MS was use to determine the following concentrations, respectively on his first and second admission: MDPV 55ng/mL, alprazolam 114ng/mL, α-hydroxyalprazolam 104ng/mL; MDPV 35ng/mL, alprazolam 10.4ng/mL, α -hydroxyalprazolam 13ng/mL; chlordiazepoxide 13ng/mL, temazepam 170ng/mL, diazepam 1.3ng/mL, nordiazepam 61.5, oxazepam 115ng/mL. The toxicological findings corroborated the referred concomitant use of multiple pharmaceutical drugs and benzodiazepines. Confirmation of previous hypothesis on human metabolism of MDPV could be inferred by the analysis of urine. | 25,199,615 | [
-0.4495086,
-0.03185523,
-0.09298095,
-0.4476996,
0.3586673,
-0.222146,
-0.7066493,
-0.05675838,
-0.1529239,
-0.05528509,
0.1162964,
0.5546751,
-0.1355341,
0.2124421,
0.02270365,
0.1302569,
-0.8256454,
0.04562091,
-0.08813038,
0.1022591,
0.1311156,
0.01388792,
-0.2079934,... |
The Individualized Diet and Exercise Adherence Pilot Trial (IDEA-P) in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. | Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the foundation of treatment for men with metastatic prostate cancer and is now frequently incorporated into multimodality strategies for the curative treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer. Nevertheless, the catabolic effects of ADT result in meaningful adverse effects on physiological and quality of life outcomes, which may, in turn, increase the risk of functional decline, frailty, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Recent evidence demonstrates that lifestyle intervention promoting change in exercise and dietary behaviors is a promising approach, and may offset, or even reverse, the adverse effects accompanying ADT. Unfortunately, the limited existing studies of the effects of exercise and dietary interventions targeting patients with prostate cancer on ADT are characterized by high attrition rates and poor postintervention maintenance of treatment effects. Consequently, the Individualized Diet and Exercise Adherence Pilot Trial (IDEA-P) is designed to contrast the effects of a lifestyle intervention designed to promote independent self-management of exercise and dietary behavior with those of standard care disease management approach in the treatment of prostate cancer. A total of 40 patients with prostate cancer undergoing ADT will be randomly assigned to lifestyle intervention or standard care. Outcomes of interest in IDEA-P include changes in self-reported and objectively assessed physical function and physical activity, dietary behavior, body composition, muscular strength, and quality of life. Outcomes will be obtained at baseline, 2-month, and 3-month assessments by trial personnel blinded to participants' randomization assignment. Findings from this study will establish the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an innovative lifestyle intervention designed to promote progressively independent self-regulated exercise and dietary behavior change in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer undergoing ADT. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02050906. | 25,199,619 | [
-0.0914259,
0.4112567,
0.1948249,
-0.2287647,
-0.1137493,
-0.26726,
0.05726487,
0.4568529,
0.076345,
-0.03722721,
-0.09648515,
0.06871014,
0.02761757,
-0.5452458,
-0.5049099,
-0.1545418,
-0.7134016,
0.01686332,
0.04078398,
-0.008634257,
-0.3178781,
0.0586591,
-0.2337439,
... |
Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid enhances the antitumor activity of oxaliplatin by reversing the oxaliplatin‑induced Src activation in gastric cancer cells. | Oxaliplatin and the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), also known as vorinostat, are potent antitumor agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SAHA on the antitumor efficacy of oxaliplatin in gastric cancer and the interaction between oxaliplatin and SAHA. Cell growth inhibition was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit‑8 and colony formation assays. Xenografts established in nude mice were used to assess tumor growth in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of acetyl‑histone H3, phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX), B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), cleaved caspase‑3, cleaved poly (ADP‑ribose) polymerase (PARP), phosphorylated- (p-)Src, Src, Akt and p‑Akt in gastric cancer cells. The in vitro growth of SGC‑7901, Hs746T and MKN28 gastric cancer cells was found to be dose‑dependently inhibited by oxaliplatin and SAHA. Furthermore, combined treatment was observed to be more effective in inhibiting cancer cell growth and colony formation than monotherapy. Similar effects were found in the xenografts. A positive interaction was identified between oxaliplatin and SAHA (between‑subject effects of oxaliplatin and SAHA, P<0.001). In addition, combined exposure to oxaliplatin and SAHA increased γH2AX expression and decreased Bcl‑2 expression. The expression of cleaved caspase‑3 and PARP was also increased with combination treatment. Oxaliplatin‑induced Src phosphorylation was detected in gastric cancer cells, as we have previously reported. However, this effect was inhibited by SAHA. The oxaliplatin‑induced Src phosphorylation was not impaired with Akt inhibition. In conclusion, oxaliplatin and SAHA exhibited a positive interaction when used in combination and were found to suppress gastric cancer cell survival and growth. The reversal of oxaliplatin‑induced Src activation may be responsible for this positive interaction. | 25,199,623 | [
0.1162267,
0.05467402,
0.2237148,
-0.1007766,
0.3082801,
0.385229,
0.2393019,
0.3033125,
0.3124617,
0.07908966,
0.2848558,
0.2494732,
-0.05397646,
0.1045054,
0.04657863,
-0.08514081,
-0.3751054,
0.4479351,
0.2481235,
0.4522623,
0.3284897,
-0.008696409,
-0.185529,
0.0162... |
Using triple-helix-forming Peptide nucleic acids for sequence-selective recognition of double-stranded RNA. | Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulation of gene expression. Specific recognition and inhibition of these biologically important RNAs that form complex double-helical structures will be highly useful for fundamental studies in biology and practical applications in medicine. This protocol describes a strategy developed in our laboratory for sequence-selective recognition of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) using triple-helix-forming peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that bind in the major grove of the RNA helix. The strategy developed uses chemically modified nucleobases, such as 2-aminopyridine (M), which enables strong triple-helical binding under physiologically relevant conditions, and 2-pyrimidinone (P) and 3-oxo-2,3-dihydropyridazine (E), which enable recognition of isolated pyrimidines in the purine-rich strand of the RNA duplex. Detailed protocols for preparation of modified PNA monomers, solid-phase synthesis, HPLC purification of PNA oligomers, and measuring dsRNA binding affinity using isothermal titration calorimetry are included. | 25,199,637 | [
-0.2160275,
0.0113997,
-0.05268737,
-0.01404034,
0.1887116,
-0.03738507,
-0.2394045,
0.357841,
0.4498266,
-0.1078097,
0.02758746,
0.02203508,
0.1090121,
-0.1679755,
-0.3661843,
-0.07898052,
-0.2859965,
0.04004125,
-0.2220009,
0.2014895,
0.4985701,
0.0003508521,
-0.3174129... |
In vitro selection of a new lanthanide-dependent DNAzyme for ratiometric sensing lanthanides. | Developing biosensors for lanthanides is an important but challenging analytical task. To address this problem, in vitro selection of RNA-cleaving DNAzymes was carried out using a library containing a region of 35 random nucleotides in the presence of Lu(3+), since Lu(3+) was reported to be the most efficient lanthanide for RNA cleavage. The resulting DNA sequences can be aligned to a single family with two conserved stretches of nucleotides. One of the representative DNAzymes (named Lu12) was further studied. Lu12 is more active with smaller lanthanides and has the lowest activity in the presence of the largest lanthanide (lutetium). Its cleavage rate is 0.12 min(-1) in the presence of 10 μM Nd(3+) at pH 6.0. This is a new DNAzyme, and a catalytic beacon sensor is designed by attaching a fluorophore/quencher pair, detecting Nd(3+) down to 0.4 nM (72 parts-per-trillion). This DNAzyme is highly selective for lanthanides as well, showing cleavage only with two nonlanthanide ions: Y(3+) and Pb(2+). We previously reported a DNAzyme named Ce13d, which has similar responses to all the trivalent lanthanides. Combining these two allows for a ratiometric assay that identifies a few large lanthanides. | 25,199,650 | [
-0.2420032,
0.4359452,
-0.02441041,
0.2919897,
-0.08830582,
-0.08309668,
-0.4751312,
0.3163411,
0.2245863,
-0.03057068,
-0.07546504,
0.1407978,
0.4069157,
-0.4668486,
-0.6138204,
-0.1656184,
-0.3508137,
-0.02935304,
-0.3165689,
0.1852777,
0.4398634,
0.1219169,
-0.1340165,... |
High-altitude multi-taskers: bumble bee food plant use broadens along an altitudinal productivity gradient. | We use an extensive historical data set on bumble bee host choice collected almost 50 years ago by L. W. Macior (Melanderia 15:1-59, 1974) to examine how resource partitioning by bumble bees varies over a 2,700-m altitudinal gradient at four hierarchical scales: individual, colony, species and community. Bumble bee behavior, resource overlap between castes, and plant-bumble bee networks change with altitude in accordance with tightening temporal constraints on flowering and colony growth in alpine habitats. Individual bees were more likely to collect pollen from multiple sources at high altitude. Between-caste foraging niche overlap increased with altitude. Similarly, alpine forager networks were more highly nested than either subalpine or montane networks due to increased asymmetric specialization. However, interspecific resource partitioning showed a more complex spatial pattern with low niche overlap at intermediate altitude (subalpine) compared to montane (disturbed) and alpine (unproductive) sites. Results suggest that spatial variation in interspecific resource partitioning is driven by a shift in the behavior of long-tongued bumble bees. Long-tongued bumble bees specialized in the subalpine but generalized in montane and alpine zones. Our reanalysis of Macior's data shows that bumble bee behavior varies substantially with altitude influencing plant-bumble bee interaction networks. Results imply that pollination services to alpine host plants will change dramatically as subalpine species with unique foraging strategies move upward under global warming. | 25,199,658 | [
0.03266482,
-0.1437752,
0.03657059,
-0.06497736,
0.1643545,
-0.2983999,
-0.2939972,
0.02594253,
0.2304207,
-0.05949612,
-0.02399346,
-0.1130772,
-0.1492045,
-0.0378447,
-0.341555,
-0.01352964,
-0.2302232,
0.250014,
-0.03430657,
0.0690009,
0.3070285,
0.3682655,
-0.1777031,... |
Molecular cloning and characterization of Babesia orientalis rhoptry-associated protein 1. | The rhoptry-associated protein 1 (RAP-1) gene of Babesia orientalis was obtained from a cDNA expression library by immunoscreening with B. orientalis-infected water buffalo sera. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA was 1732 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1434 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 478 amino acid residues with a predicted size of 52.5 kDa. The ORF was cloned into a pGEX-KG plasmid and subsequently expressed as a GST-fusion protein. The recombinant RAP-1 of B. orientalis (rBoRAP-1) was purified and evaluated as an antigen using Western blotting. The native BoRAP-1 was recognized by the antibodies raised in rabbits against rBoRAP-1. Strong immunofluorescence signals were observed in erythrocytes infected with B. orientalis. Phylogentic analysis revealed that B. orientalis fell into a Babesia clade and most closely related to Babesia bovis and Babesia ovis, which was similar to the previous reported trees based on 18S rRNA and HSP70 genes. The present study suggests that the BoRAP-1 might be a potential diagnostic antigen, and the RAP-1 genes can aid in the classification of Babesia and Theileria species. | 25,199,690 | [
0.1127066,
-0.01523346,
-0.09901197,
0.0006647555,
-0.08555377,
-0.2853812,
-0.1816391,
-0.3440121,
0.1408761,
0.00754565,
0.3627335,
-0.1295551,
0.1554904,
0.301768,
-0.4169616,
0.06466775,
-0.6181191,
-0.004935312,
0.754976,
-0.2331142,
0.2081179,
0.04482827,
-0.1426694... |
Effect of cinnamon and its procyanidin-B2 enriched fraction on diabetic nephropathy in rats. | Non-enzymatic protein glycation and resultant accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications including diabetic nephropathy (DN). It is considered that antiglycating agents offer protection against AGE mediated pathologies including DN. Earlier we characterized procyanidin-B2 (PCB2) as the active component from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) that inhibits AGE formation in vitro. In this study, we have investigated the potential of PCB2-enriched fraction of cinnamon to prevent in vivo accumulation of AGE and to ameliorate renal changes in diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were fed with either 3% cinnamon or 0.002% PCB2-fraction in diet for 12weeks. Biochemical analysis of blood and urine was performed at the end of experiment. Evaluation of glomerular markers that serve as indicators of renal function was done by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and qRT-PCR. Supplementation of diabetic rats with cinnamon and PCB2-fraction prevented glycation mediated RBC-IgG cross-links and HbA1c accumulation in diabetes rats. Cinnamon and PCB2-fraction also inhibited the accumulation of N-carboxy methyl lysine (CML), a prominent AGE in diabetic kidney. Interestingly, cinnamon and its PCB2-fraction prevented the AGE mediated loss of expression of glomerular podocyte proteins; nephrin and podocin. Inhibition of AGE by cinnamon and PCB2-fraction ameliorated the diabetes mediated renal malfunction in rats as evidenced by reduced urinary albumin and creatinine. In conclusion, PCB2 from cinnamon inhibited AGE accumulation in diabetic rat kidney and ameliorated AGE mediated pathogenesis of DN. | 25,199,697 | [
-0.01898436,
0.3831775,
-0.1244007,
0.08059961,
0.1560192,
0.01882686,
-0.08173659,
0.107397,
0.002636872,
0.1349976,
0.140563,
0.5929414,
0.2555628,
-0.09044321,
-0.1219423,
0.1619486,
0.06078894,
0.549333,
-0.1987951,
0.03217752,
-0.35123,
0.2062987,
-0.0529305,
-0.43... |
[Medical treatment of uric acid stone]. | The medical treatment of uric acid stones is essential to its management. It allows the dissolution of the stones and prevents the formation of new ones. This treatment is based on a large diuresis, an alkanilization of the urines and diet. In most of the cases, the medical treatment avoids the use of surgical procedures. | 25,199,725 | [
-0.316909,
0.2542828,
0.2112503,
0.3169895,
0.03144086,
-0.2239558,
-0.4014581,
-0.2328567,
0.1358779,
-0.06552733,
0.137132,
0.1741605,
0.0008001245,
-0.1202358,
-0.4554125,
-0.1924071,
-0.3153407,
0.001615999,
-0.03367671,
-0.1085867,
0.04872942,
0.00780138,
-0.2619373,... |
Influence of size and site of perforation on fat graft myringoplasty. | In this retrospective study, we investigated the outcomes of fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) in different perforation sizes and locations. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of closure rates and audiological test results. The study population included 172 patients who were operated between 2007 and 2012. 161 had unilateral and 11 had bilateral chronic otitis media; and 183 ears were operated by FGM. The patients were divided into two groups based on size as small and larger (size of ≤30 of TM was defined as small perforations, and size of >30% TM was defined as a medium-large perforations); and two groups based on location of perforation [anterior and other (non-anteriorly located)]. Patients' follow-ups were performed between 1 and 5 years; and follow-up examinations were performed with otoendoscopy. Air conduction (AC) thresholds and air-bone gap (ABG) were evaluated both preoperative year and postoperative 1st year. The total perforation closure rate was 84.7%. In this study, we found out that FGM is effective closing medium-large perforations just as small perforations with the success rate of 79.1% and 86.4% respectively (p>0.05). When audiological outcomes were evaluated in both groups, AC values got lower and ABG values improved postoperatively, whereas regarding AC thresholds and ABG improvement among the size groups, patients with small perforations had significantly better postoperative results (p<0.05). In terms of perforation location, closure rates were 85.2% in anteriorly perforations and 84.5% in the other located perforations. Audiological outcomes demonstrated that in both groups, AC values got lower and ABG values improved postoperatively; and hearing results were not different in anteriorly located perforations and other locations. Fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) may be used in all small and medium-large, and anteriorly and other located perforations. Although hearing improvement was detected in each of the small; and medium-large perforations; patients with small perforations had more satisfied audiological outcome than medium-large perforations. | 25,199,735 | [
-0.07359475,
-0.3022143,
-0.01811468,
-0.2691948,
-0.01735121,
-0.2334204,
-0.1956311,
0.1145619,
0.1117898,
-0.5441837,
-0.1903578,
-0.4979434,
-0.04271087,
-0.006880318,
-0.1648682,
-0.1906303,
-0.2145261,
0.1697824,
-0.3024056,
-0.09432206,
0.07903061,
0.06225737,
-0.0... |
Risk factors associated with severity of eosinophilic otitis media. | Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is an intractable otitis media associated with bronchial asthma. Clinical characteristics of EOM are apparent, but severe EOM, which is unresponsive to ongoing treatments, can occur. The present study aimed to investigate potential risk factors associated with the severity of EOM. We scored the EOM severity of 26 patients according to quantity of middle ear effusion (MEE), thickness of the middle ear mucosa, use of topical and oral corticosteroids, and use of antibiotics, all measured over a 3-month period. The scores for four 3-month periods (1 year) were averaged. We analyzed the prevalence of clinical variables by partial regression: sex, age, body mass index (BMI), duration of bronchial asthma, association of aspirin-intolerant asthma, Lund-Mackay score for sinusitis, mastoid pneumatization, width of the bony Eustachian tube at the tympanic orifice, percentage of eosinophils and immunoglobulin E in peripheral blood, and association of allergic rhinitis. Duration of bronchial asthma was defined as the period from onset of bronchial asthma to the age of first consultation at our hospital. Samples of MEE were taken for bacterial culture. The average severity score was 6.6 (out of 16). The severity score in the pathogen-positive MEE group was significantly higher than that in the pathogen-negative MEE group (p<0.05). The score was not significantly different between the seasons. Linear multiple regression analysis showed that BMI and the duration of bronchial asthma significantly affected the EOM severity score (p<0.05). The presence of aspirin intolerant asthma tended to be correlated with the severity score. The Lund-Mackay score tended to be negatively correlated with it. There is a significant association between the severity of EOM and obesity, as well as with the duration of bronchial asthma. | 25,199,747 | [
0.1181507,
-0.1956151,
0.1064537,
0.1837973,
-0.3320067,
-0.1652044,
-0.06125551,
-0.0639835,
0.3223261,
-0.2362792,
-0.01905382,
0.04142344,
0.08776471,
-0.03731104,
-0.1726116,
0.3201657,
0.03935196,
0.2635773,
-0.2484244,
0.06408224,
0.1393777,
-0.0608326,
0.02289209,
... |
The capsid binder Vapendavir and the novel protease inhibitor SG85 inhibit enterovirus 71 replication. | Antivirals against enterovirus 71 (EV71) are urgently needed. We demonstrate that the novel enteroviral protease inhibitor (PI) SG85 and capsid binder (CB) vapendavir efficiently inhibit the in vitro replication of 21 EV71 strains/isolates that are representative of the different genogroups A, B, and C. The PI rupintrivir, the CB pirodavir, and the host-targeting compound enviroxime, which were included as reference compounds, also inhibited the replication of all isolates. Remarkably, the CB compound pleconaril was devoid of any anti-EV71 activity. An in silico docking study revealed that pleconaril-unlike vapendavir and pirodavir-lacks essential binding interactions with the viral capsid. Vapendavir and SG85 (or analogues) should be further explored for the treatment of EV71 infections. The data presented here may serve as a reference when developing yet-novel inhibitors. | 25,199,773 | [
-0.1128829,
0.1906907,
-0.1598254,
-0.3804875,
0.2064513,
0.1882959,
-0.1614327,
-0.1121362,
0.01028975,
-0.05756549,
0.1380433,
0.1117105,
0.1494202,
-0.1866999,
-0.01149625,
0.2564071,
-0.6328463,
0.1392914,
-0.1314245,
0.09374429,
-0.006943495,
0.2722783,
-0.2798132,
... |
Selective generation of formamides through photocatalytic CO2 reduction catalyzed by ruthenium carbonyl compounds. | The selective formation of dialkyl formamides through photochemical CO2 reduction was developed as a means of utilizing CO2 as a C1 building block. Photochemical CO2 reduction catalyzed by a [Ru(bpy)2(CO)2](2+) (bpy: 2,2'-bipyridyl)/[Ru(bpy)3](2+)/Me2NH/Me2NH2(+) system in CH3CN selectively produced dimethylformamide. In this process a ruthenium carbamoyl complex ([Ru(bpy)2(CO)(CONMe2)](+)) formed by the nucleophilic attack of Me2NH on [Ru(bpy)2(CO)2](2+) worked as the precursor to DMF. Thus Me2NH acted as both the sacrificial electron donor and the substrate, while Me2NH2(+) functioned as the proton source. Similar photochemical CO2 reductions using R2NH and R2NH2(+) (R = Et, nPr, or nBu) also afforded the corresponding dialkyl formamides (R2NCHO) together with HCOOH as a by-product. The main product from the CO2 reduction transitioned from R2NCHO to HCOOH with increases in the alkyl chain length of the R2NH. The selectivity between R2NCHO and HCOOH was found to depend on the rate of [Ru(bpy)2(CO)(CONR2)](+) formation. | 25,199,795 | [
-0.1092808,
0.1403253,
0.2562346,
0.200555,
0.2876753,
-0.1537276,
0.01425036,
0.1109129,
0.2618747,
0.4622411,
-0.09971106,
0.04011179,
0.2553453,
0.08350805,
-0.4065102,
-0.1496673,
-0.04768326,
0.3132201,
-0.09757648,
0.129646,
-0.2070607,
-0.08926156,
-0.08237428,
0... |
Prolonged tumor necrosis factor α primes fibroblast-like synoviocytes in a gene-specific manner by altering chromatin. | During the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are chronically exposed to an inflammatory milieu. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that prolonged exposure of FLS to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) augments inflammatory responses to secondary stimuli (priming effect). FLS obtained from RA patients were exposed to TNFα for 3 days and were then stimulated with interferons (IFNs). Expression of IFN target genes was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total STAT-1 protein and IFN-mediated STAT-1 activation were evaluated by Western blotting. Total histone levels, histone acetylation, and NF-κB p65 and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) recruitment were measured at the CXCL10 promoter (encodes IFNγ-inducible 10-kd protein [IP-10]) by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Prolonged pre-exposure of FLS to TNFα enhanced the magnitude and extended the kinetics of CXCL10/IP-10, CXCL9, and CXCL11 production upon subsequent IFN stimulation. This phenotype was retained over a period of days, even after the removal of TNFα. Prolonged TNFα exposure decreased histone levels, increased acetylation of the remaining histones, and heightened recruitment of NF-κB p65 and Pol II to the CXCL10 promoter. In parallel, an increase in intracellular STAT-1 led to amplification of IFN-induced STAT-1 activation. Our study reveals a novel pathogenic function of TNFα, namely, prolonged and gene-specific priming of FLS for enhanced transcription of inflammatory chemokine genes due to the priming of chromatin, the sustained activation of NF-κB, and the amplification of STAT-1 activation downstream of IFNs. These data also suggest that FLS gain an "inflammatory memory" upon prolonged exposure to TNFα. | 25,199,798 | [
0.1637147,
0.06471848,
-0.3715284,
-0.2249008,
0.1607737,
-0.3132039,
-0.002152614,
0.3748009,
-0.1268414,
0.2543863,
0.008181124,
-0.1317752,
-0.06960633,
-0.1105914,
-0.01306952,
-0.06798059,
0.2430606,
-0.04258442,
0.08167143,
0.07177144,
0.1806133,
-0.02128012,
-0.196... |
Effects of phenylalanine and threonine oligopeptides on milk protein synthesis in cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells. | This study was conducted to investigate the effects of phenylalanine (Phe) and threonine (Thr) oligopeptides on αs1 casein gene expression and milk protein synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells. Primary mammary epithelial cells were obtained from Holstein dairy cows and incubated in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium-F12 medium (DMEM/F12) containing lactogenic hormones (prolactin and glucocorticoids). Free Phe (117 μg/ml) was substituted partly with peptide-bound Phe (phenylalanylphenylalanine, phenylalanyl threonine, threonyl-phenylalanyl-phenylalanine) in the experimental media. After incubation with experimental medium, cells were collected for gene expression analysis and medium was collected for milk protein or amino acid determination. The results showed that peptide-bound Phe at 10% (11.7 μg/ml) significantly enhanced αs1 casein gene expression and milk protein synthesis as compared with equivalent amount of free Phe. When 10% Phe was replaced by phenylalanylphenylalanine, the disappearance of most essential amino acids increased significantly, and gene expression of peptide transporter 2 and some amino acid transporters was significantly enhanced. These results indicate that the Phe and Thr oligopeptides are important for milk protein synthesis, and peptide-bound amino acids could be utilised more efficiently in milk protein synthesis than the equivalent amount of free amino acids. | 25,199,802 | [
0.09503312,
-0.335565,
0.005831011,
0.4007826,
0.1204408,
-0.1989307,
0.3513604,
0.2445708,
0.06408811,
0.1944421,
0.1404223,
0.2147037,
0.04918878,
0.283892,
-0.4077114,
-0.05274168,
-0.378214,
-0.0645665,
-0.07370324,
0.04695896,
0.1597798,
0.2208505,
-0.2149472,
-0.3... |
Linking the Legislative Process to the Consequences of Realigning California's Public Mental Health System. | In 1991, California transferred significant responsibility, resources, and accountability for public mental health from the state to its 58 counties. Using purposeful sampling, we conducted in-depth interviews with ten senior state and county leaders to gain insights into the relatively uncharted area of their understanding of this legislation's intent, development, and long-term consequences. While realignment secured funding for the system and provided incentives and flexibility for counties to move toward providing more community-based care, the decision to base realignment allocations on counties' historical spending along with minimal payments to address differences helped to institutionalize spending disparities. Results of this study can inform how we develop and implement decentralization policies. | 25,199,814 | [
-0.2966667,
0.05113994,
0.0148082,
0.07549076,
0.07983179,
-0.1435898,
-0.08549528,
0.354776,
-0.03634559,
-0.008061028,
0.04180565,
-0.1348312,
-0.183819,
0.1792183,
-0.3076459,
-0.04169599,
0.09437197,
0.236347,
-0.25887,
-0.213055,
-0.08407173,
0.3253274,
-0.1120704,
... |
AMPK modulates tissue and organismal aging in a non-cell-autonomous manner. | AMPK exerts prolongevity effects in diverse species; however, the tissue-specific mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here, we show that upregulation of AMPK in the adult Drosophila nervous system induces autophagy both in the brain and also in the intestinal epithelium. Induction of autophagy is linked to improved intestinal homeostasis during aging and extended lifespan. Neuronal upregulation of the autophagy-specific protein kinase Atg1 is both necessary and sufficient to induce these intertissue effects during aging and to prolong the lifespan. Furthermore, upregulation of AMPK in the adult intestine induces autophagy both cell autonomously and non-cell-autonomously in the brain, slows systemic aging, and prolongs the lifespan. We show that the organism-wide response to tissue-specific AMPK/Atg1 activation is linked to reduced insulin-like peptide levels in the brain and a systemic increase in 4E-BP expression. Together, these results reveal that localized activation of AMPK and/or Atg1 in key tissues can slow aging in a non-cell-autonomous manner. | 25,199,830 | [
-0.01722614,
-0.3458206,
-0.09305556,
-0.1288453,
0.1644392,
-0.1209326,
0.01720627,
0.2879549,
0.02022816,
0.121266,
0.03267649,
0.135892,
0.05366103,
-0.3782383,
-0.4352346,
-0.01026453,
-0.7648697,
0.1106516,
0.1370591,
-0.1478201,
0.1463185,
0.1106339,
-0.1676577,
-... |
Alternative 3' UTR selection controls PAR-5 homeostasis and cell polarity in C. elegans embryos. | Cell polarity in one-cell C. elegans embryos guides asymmetric cell division and cell-fate specification. Shortly after fertilization, embryos establish two antagonistic cortical domains of PAR proteins. Here, we find that the conserved polarity factor PAR-5 regulates PAR domain size in a dose-dependent manner. Using quantitative imaging and controlled genetic manipulation, we find that PAR-5 protein levels reflect the cumulative output of three mRNA isoforms with different translational efficiencies mediated by their 3' UTRs. 3' UTR selection is regulated, influencing PAR-5 protein abundance. Alternative splicing underlies the selection of par-5 3' UTR isoforms. 3' UTR splicing is enhanced by the SR protein kinase SPK-1, and accordingly, SPK-1 is required for wild-type PAR-5 levels and PAR domain size. Precise regulation of par-5 isoform selection is essential for polarization when the posterior PAR network is compromised. Together, strict control of PAR-5 protein levels and feedback from polarity to par-5 3' UTR selection confer robustness to embryo polarization. | 25,199,833 | [
0.1758492,
-0.127866,
0.01990145,
-0.2699218,
0.1608315,
-0.1561297,
0.2523699,
0.1616527,
0.2531524,
-0.01187885,
-0.07534737,
-0.017315,
-0.2365345,
0.1112754,
0.07963613,
-0.2154936,
-0.4746225,
0.05729399,
-0.189344,
0.05197208,
0.4009956,
0.5645927,
-0.02066462,
-0... |
Binding-pocket and lid-region substitutions render human STING sensitive to the species-specific drug DMXAA. | The drug DMXAA (5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid) showed therapeutic promise against solid tumors in mouse models but subsequently failed in human clinical trials. DMXAA was later discovered to activate mouse, but not human, STING, an adaptor protein in the cyclic dinucleotide cGAMP-mediated signaling pathway, inducing type I interferon expression. To facilitate the development of compounds that target human STING, we combined structural, biophysical, and cellular assays to study mouse and human chimeric proteins and their interaction with DMXAA. We identified a single substitution (G230I) that enables a DMXAA-induced conformational transition of hSTING from an inactive "open" to an active "closed" state. We also identified a substitution within the binding pocket (Q266I) that cooperates with G230I and the previously identified S162A binding-pocket point substitution, rendering hSTING highly sensitive to DMXAA. These findings should facilitate the reciprocal engineering of DMXAA analogs that bind and stimulate wild-type hSTING and their exploitation for vaccine-adjuvant and anticancer drug development. | 25,199,835 | [
0.03335683,
-0.1977746,
-0.1885259,
-0.2353775,
0.02823966,
-0.2267448,
-0.2840914,
0.2214841,
0.07099037,
-0.2175342,
0.1376381,
0.1065411,
0.001424854,
-0.2892349,
-0.6202666,
0.2866607,
-0.4131303,
-0.1696843,
-0.3319088,
0.1832919,
0.2354117,
-0.02873058,
-0.146596,
... |
Effect of surfactant and budesonide on the pulmonary distribution of fluorescent dye in mice. | Surfactant is a useful vehicle for the intratracheal delivery of medicine to the distal lung. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of intratracheal surfactant and budesonide instillation on the pulmonary distribution of fluorescent dye in mice. Male athymic nude mice were assigned randomly as controls, fluorescent dye, fluorescent dye + surfactant (50 mg/kg), fluorescent dye + budesonide (0.25 mg/kg), and fluorescent dye + surfactant + budesonide groups. A total volume of 60 μL fluorescent solutions was intratracheally injected and followed by 60 μL of air. We photographed and measured fluorescence in the lungs, from the back, 15 minutes after intratracheal administration using an IVIS Xenogen imaging instrument. The fluorescent dye (1,1'-dioctadecyltetramethyl indotricarbocyanine iodide) was most strongly detected near the trachea and weakly detected in the lungs in mice administered with fluorescent solutions. Almost no fluorescence was seen in the lung region of control mice. Intratracheal administration of surfactant or budesonide increased fluorescent intensity compared with control mice. Combined administration of surfactant and budesonide further increased fluorescent intensity compared with mice given surfactant or budesonide alone. Surfactant and budesonide enhance the pulmonary distribution of fluorescent dye in mice. | 25,199,848 | [
0.1803737,
-0.1763251,
-0.439133,
0.04235097,
0.1295344,
0.0106206,
0.001653245,
-0.07523473,
-0.09928572,
-0.1900419,
-0.04251939,
-0.08427705,
-0.14258,
0.01193315,
-0.4034466,
-0.3100998,
-0.213303,
0.2950453,
0.05498456,
0.2036994,
0.188188,
0.1781446,
0.02254447,
-... |
Psyllium arabinoxylan: carboxymethylation, characterization and evaluation for nanoparticulate drug delivery. | The objective of present investigation was to optimize the interaction between carboxymethylated psyllium arabinoxylan and chitosan to prepare polyelectrolyte naoparticles for drug delivery applications. Arabinoxylan extracted from psyllium was carboxymethylated by reacting with monochloroacetic acid under alkaline conditions. Carboxymethylation of psyllium arabinoxylan was observed to increase its crystallinity, improve thermal stability and decrease the viscosity. Further, the effect of concentrations of carboxymethylated arabinoxylan and chitosan on the particle size and particle size distribution of ibuprofen loaded polyelectrolyte nanoparticles was screened using two-factor, three-level central composite experimental design. The results of optimization study revealed that the formation of nanometric polyelectrolyte is favored at the median level of carboxymethylated arabinoxylan and chitosan concentration. The optimal concentrations of carboxymethylated arabinoxylan and chitosan were found to be 0.0779% (w/v) and 0.0693% (w/v) respectively, which provided polyelectrolyte particles of size 337.2 nm and polydispersity index 0.335. Further, polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles were found to release ibuprofen over a prolonged period of 10h following Higuchi's square root release kinetics with the mechanism of release being combination of diffusion and erosion of matrix. | 25,199,870 | [
-0.1715354,
0.2511393,
0.05773416,
0.1982777,
0.001892506,
0.1854192,
-0.3376353,
0.211356,
0.3856769,
-0.2801566,
-0.1005664,
-0.3611015,
-0.2293872,
-0.05427463,
-0.2437723,
0.005631539,
-0.2575071,
0.2262085,
-0.1728841,
0.2421504,
0.1173702,
0.06355262,
0.129619,
0.... |
Clinical characteristics of three subtypes of spinal muscular atrophy in children. | The severity of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is highly variable and children with heterogeneous clinical features can be classified into three phenotypes (type I-III) on the basis of age of onset and maximum motor function achieved. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of three phenotypes in children with SMA. One hundred and thirty-two SMA patients were classified as type I, II or III according to the SMA classification criteria. The clinical features, deletion of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene and electrophysiology were analyzed and compared. The survival and functional status were obtained through telephone follow up. In our study, 90.6% of the patients lacked both copies of SMNl. No difference in the deletion frequency among the 3 groups was observed. Although most of the neurophysiological parameters showed no differences among the groups, the amplitudes of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) was lower in type III SMA. Absent sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude of the sural nerve was observed in 26 (25.4%) of the patients. The survival pattern and functional status of 66 cases were obtained. Two type II SMA patients could walk unaided during follow-up. The functional ability of lower extremities improved in 4 patients with type III SMA. In this study, we confirm that EMG examination and homozygous deletion of SMN1 do not correlate with the subtypes. Motor function of patients with SMA type II and III can improve. A period of follow-up is necessary before rendering accurate classification and prognosis. | 25,199,871 | [
0.1760882,
0.1169478,
0.1474104,
-0.3843161,
-0.3207424,
-0.2369742,
-0.4808796,
-0.1952327,
0.07367039,
-0.1952784,
-0.02936878,
0.1387433,
-0.04085847,
0.13038,
-0.233892,
0.0099667,
-0.308961,
-0.03183028,
0.007287222,
0.1272292,
0.3386273,
0.1566788,
0.06634045,
-0.... |
Comparative analysis of the composition of intestinal bacterial communities in Dastarcus helophoroides fed different diets. | The diversity of the intestinal bacterial communities in Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) larvae and adults was assayed by PCR-DGGE to determine whether different artificial diets could influence these bacterial communities. Two diets were used for feeding the larvae and four for the adults. Escherichia, Desemzia, Staphylococcus, Asticcacaulis, Cellvibrio, Aurantimonas, and Planomicrobium were isolated from the gut of the adults, with Escherichia and Staphylococcus being the main bacterial communities, and the quantities of intestinal bacterial were different in the adults fed different diets. Specifically, the amount of intestinal bacteria from the adults fed different diets had the following ranking according to the major component of the diet: ant powder > darkling beetle pupa powder > cricket powder > silkworm pupa powder. Escherichia, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Kurthia, Planococcaceae, Ralstonia, Leptothrix, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas were isolated from the gut of the larvae. The quantity of intestinal bacteria from the larvae fed the darkling beetle pupae was greater than that from the larvae fed other artificial diets. This study, for the first time, investigated the effect of artificial diets on the bacterial community and the intestinal microbial diversity of D. helophoroides. | 25,199,878 | [
0.3604296,
0.1141351,
-0.3293175,
0.2650515,
-0.1457357,
-0.05390434,
-0.4921895,
0.1071904,
0.06413498,
-0.01481547,
0.1571673,
-0.5250619,
-0.2743841,
-0.2263394,
-0.8136879,
-0.1451557,
-0.2443912,
0.3613364,
0.1647003,
-0.2784787,
0.1480653,
0.05518604,
0.1178142,
-... |
Scavenger receptor CL-P1 mainly utilizes a collagen-like domain to uptake microbes and modified LDL. | Collectins are considered to play a role in host defense via complement activation and opsonization, and are composed of a collagen-like domain and a carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). Collectin placenta 1 (CL-P1) showed scavenger receptor activity as functions in vitro, and has three candidate domains: a coiled-coil domain, a collagen-like domain and CRD. We constructed seven types of CL-P1 deletion mutants to determine the site of each ligand binding domain, and observed whether the specific binding to sugar ligand, microbes, or oxidized LDL decreases or not in cells with CL-P1 deletion mutants and CL-P1 containing mutations of amino acid, respectively. CL-P1 mainly interacted with ligands of microbes through the collagen-like domain and it binds a sugar ligand through the CRD. Additionally it could bind oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) due to the coiled-coil domain as well as the collagen-like domain. This binding study using mutants at three positively charged sites in the collagen-like domain reveals that the site of R496 K499 K502 plays the most important role in ligand binding functions for microbes and OxLDL. CL-P1 has three unique functional domains: the collagen-like domain mainly acts against most negatively charged ligands, and the CRD specifically does against sugar substances, while the coiled-coil domain additionally acts on modified LDL. We considered that the binding activity for various ligands due to the association of a coiled-coil domain, a collagen-like domain and/or a CRD in CL-P1, might play a role in physiological functions in the animal body. | 25,199,873 | [
0.1077446,
0.1529645,
0.1209718,
0.3718839,
-0.003951952,
0.06408468,
-0.3206228,
0.2264474,
0.4005716,
0.5153445,
-0.0397315,
0.01213705,
0.1007358,
0.1278418,
-0.17507,
-0.02022051,
-0.7904095,
-0.4676181,
0.3728691,
-0.1177887,
-0.1545738,
0.4055944,
-0.09840608,
-0.... |
Emerging lessons from regional and state innovation in value-based payment reform: balancing collaboration and disruptive innovation. | In recent decades, practitioners and policymakers have turned to value-based payment initiatives to help contain spending on health care and to improve the quality of care. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded 7 grantees across the country to design and implement value-based, multistakeholder payment reform projects in 6 states and 3 regions of the United States. As the external evaluator of these projects, we reviewed documents, conducted Internet searches, interviewed key stakeholders, cross-validated factual and narrative interpretation, and performed qualitative analyses to derive cross-site themes and implications for policy and practice. The nature of payment reform and its momentum closely reflects the environmental context of each project. Federal legislation such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and federal and state support for the development of the patient-centered medical home and accountable care organizations encourage value-based payment innovation, as do local market conditions for payers and providers that combine a history of collaboration with independent innovation and experimentation by individual organizations. Multistakeholder coalitions offer a useful facilitating structure for galvanizing payment reform. But to achieve the objectives of reduced cost and improved quality, multistakeholder payment innovation must overcome such barriers as incompatible information systems, the technical difficulties and transaction costs of altering existing billing and payment systems, competing stakeholder priorities, insufficient scale to bear population health risk, providers' limited experience with risk-bearing payment models, and the failure to align care delivery models with the form of payment. From the evidence adduced in this article, multistakeholder, value-based payment reform requires a trusted, widely respected "honest broker" that can convene and maintain the ongoing commitment of health plans, providers, and purchasers. Change management is complex and challenging, and coalition governance requires flexibility and stable leadership, as market conditions and stakeholder engagement and priorities shift over time. Another significant facilitator of value-based payment reform is outside investment that enables increased investment in human resources, information infrastructure, and care management by provider organizations and their collaborators. Supportive community and social service networks that enhance population health management also are important enablers of value-based payment reform. External pressure from public and private payers is fueling a "burning bridge" between the past of fee-for-service payment models and the future of payments based on value. Robust competition in local health plan and provider markets, coupled with an appropriate mix of multistakeholder governance, pressure from organized purchasers, and regulatory oversight, has the potential to spur value-based payment innovation that combines elements of "reformed" fee-for-service with bundled payments and global payments. | 25,199,900 | [
-0.2644541,
0.2579415,
0.08864527,
0.1635347,
0.2675426,
-0.1987854,
-0.00640739,
0.1730524,
0.1392324,
0.008825495,
0.02334758,
-0.4581779,
-0.06625085,
-0.1105585,
-0.09485177,
-0.2004831,
-0.01608069,
0.07187573,
-0.08681655,
-0.09987604,
-0.06612426,
-0.009272098,
-0.... |
Protecting-group-free one-pot synthesis of glycoconjugates directly from reducing sugars. | The conversion of sugars into glycomimetics typically involves multiple protecting-group manipulations. The development of methodology allowing the direct aqueous conversion of free sugars into glycosides, and mimics of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates in a high-yielding and stereoselective process is highly desirable. The combined use of 2-azido-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium hexafluorophosphate and the Cu-catalyzed Huisgen cycloaddition allowed the synthesis of a range of glycoconjugates in a one-step reaction directly from reducing sugars under aqueous conditions. The reaction, which is completely stereoselective, may be applied to the convergent synthesis of triazole-linked glycosides, oligosaccharides, and glycopeptides. The procedure provides a method for the one-pot aqueous ligation of oligosaccharides and peptides bearing alkyne side chains. | 25,199,905 | [
-0.2380984,
0.2842529,
-0.3351349,
0.02520883,
0.1664979,
-0.171494,
-0.3277243,
0.09713434,
0.1034874,
0.2171324,
0.07624779,
-0.1019295,
0.0627981,
-0.3391382,
0.01736644,
0.06021348,
-0.5137084,
0.08549528,
-0.1167426,
-0.2375934,
0.3075517,
0.04590818,
-0.2155304,
-... |
Comparative effects of light or heavy resistance power training for improving lower extremity power and physical performance in mobility-limited older adults. | We compared the effects of two uniquely different lower extremity power training interventions on changes in muscle power, physical performance, neuromuscular activation, and muscle cross sectional area in mobility-limited older adults. Fifty-two subjects (78±5 years, short physical performance battery score: 8.1±1) were randomized to either 16 weeks of progressive high velocity resistance training performed at low external resistance (40% of the 1-repetition maximum [1-RM] [LO]) or high external resistance (70% of 1RM [HI]). Both groups completed three sets of leg and knee extension exercises at maximum voluntary velocity, two times per week. Neuromuscular activation was assessed using surface electromyography and muscle cross sectional area (CSA) was measured using computed tomography. At 16 weeks, LO and HI exhibited significant and similar within-group increases of leg extensor peak power (~34% vs ~42%), strength (~13% vs ~19%), and SPPB score (1.4±0.3 vs 1.8±0.3 units), respectively (all P < .03). Improvements in neuromuscular activation occurred in LO (P = .03) while small gains in mid-thigh muscle CSA were detected in LO (1.6%, P = .35) and HI (2.1%, P = .17). No significant between-group differences were evident for any measured parameters (all P > .25). High velocity resistance training with low external resistance yields similar improvements in muscle power and physical performance compared to training with high external resistance in mobility-limited elders. These findings may have important implications for optimizing exercise interventions for older adults with mobility limitations. | 25,199,912 | [
0.1220107,
0.2619105,
-0.09891769,
-0.5156209,
-0.190019,
-0.3238463,
-0.2864622,
-0.3031565,
-0.2021788,
-0.1448233,
-0.07458324,
-0.1107848,
0.02912767,
-0.07017864,
-0.1086551,
-0.2035381,
-0.722589,
0.08802425,
0.003928188,
0.04562318,
-0.06949427,
-0.009824484,
0.115... |
Impact of functional change before and during hospitalization on functional recovery 1 month following hospitalization. | The functional changes that occur immediately before acute hospitalization and those that occur during hospitalization are pertinent to posthospitalization functional status in older adults. Our primary aim was to estimate the effects of membership in categories that take into account pre- and within-hospital functional changes on the likelihood of functional recovery (FR) 1 month after discharge. The sample included 691 older (≥70) adults admitted to general-medical inpatient units in two hospitals in Israel. FR was defined as a restoration of functioning 1 month postdischarge to levels reported 2 weeks prior to admission. Patients were classified according to functional decline or stability during the prehospital stage and decline, stability, or improvement between admission and discharge in terms of ability to perform self-care or mobility activities. We performed multivariate logistic regressions to test the association between categories of functional change and FR. Patients who remained stable before and during hospitalization had the highest odds of maintaining their premorbid functional levels. Those who experienced functional improvement during hospitalization, despite previous functional loss, were 2.3-2.9 times more likely than persistent decliners to experience FR (p < .05 for all). Comparable patterns were found in the relationship between pre- and in-hospital functional trajectories and recovery, both in self-care and in mobility. Differentiating between pre- and in-hospital functional changes is important for promoting short-term posthospitalization FR. In-hospital function-focused care that takes into account preadmission functional history may help improve posthospitalization FR. | 25,199,914 | [
0.07145786,
-0.1039354,
-0.2347559,
-0.2592454,
0.1319344,
-0.2803364,
-0.07835457,
-0.03667496,
-0.3499793,
-0.07892935,
-0.1592026,
-0.03551339,
-0.2968354,
-0.1945498,
-0.08720853,
0.09025756,
-0.1948034,
0.1692629,
-0.02397829,
-0.03173244,
-0.3263169,
-0.06610224,
0.... |
Long-term hypo-osmoregulatory capacity in downstream migrating Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. smolts. | The duration of hypo-osmoregulatory capacity in downstream migrating Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L smolts previously stocked as startfed young-of-the year (YOY) parr was tested in the River Dalåa from mid-May to late-June 1999. Hypo-osmoregulatory capacity, measured as plasma osmolality and chloride, was assessed after seawater (SW) challenge tests (168 h, salinity = 35). All S. salar exhibited sufficient hypo-osmoregulatory capacity at the initiation of downstream migration in mid-May. Migrating S. salar smolts caught in mid-May and retained in fresh water displayed no signs of de-smoltification as they maintained hypo-osmoregulatory capacity through June. This indicates a physiological smolt window that lasts a minimum of 6 weeks (330 degree days; D°) for hatchery-produced S. salar smolts stocked as YOY parr. Based on the observed river migration speeds, it can be assumed that the S. salar smolts entered SW 2-4 weeks after initiation of migration in the upper parts of the River Dalåa. Hence, based on smolt migration and SW tolerance, it is suggested that stocking of YOY parr is a viable enhancement strategy in the River Dalåa. | 25,199,923 | [
-0.01305224,
-0.2817416,
0.06544635,
-0.4081383,
-0.1705704,
-0.4129689,
-0.2397956,
0.3251649,
-0.0002664379,
-0.340372,
0.1249484,
-0.06230218,
0.1364638,
-0.1012903,
-0.01732605,
-0.03901592,
-0.1580385,
0.1286355,
0.01157224,
-0.331221,
0.1202831,
0.1567476,
-0.172505... |
[Metamizole (dipyrone): mode of action, drug-drug interactions, and risk of agranulocytosis]. | Metamizole (dipyrone) is a nonsteroidal compound with strong analgesic as well as antipyretic and spasmolytic properties. Based on a small number of cases of agranulocytosis, metamizole was withdrawn from the market in some countries. Other countries restricted its use. This paper discusses the safety aspects of metamizole and compares it with other compounds used for similar indications. | 25,199,942 | [
-0.3109466,
-0.1698817,
0.2010592,
-0.03991735,
0.03094788,
-0.2060079,
-0.4976596,
-0.2151689,
-0.01242771,
-0.2152256,
-0.07548019,
-0.1114688,
-0.000403912,
0.03833152,
-0.4503744,
-0.3105212,
-0.6735743,
0.03123921,
0.1824913,
0.2947807,
0.1861515,
0.02064983,
0.01614... |
Time-related changes in determinants of antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel in patients after myocardial infarction. | Substantial variability of antiplatelet action is an important limitation of clopidogrel. The aim of this study was to evaluate time-related changes in determinants of clopidogrel responsiveness in patients after myocardial infarction. The study population comprised 191 consecutive patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 3, 6 and 9 months after discharge. ADP-induced platelet aggregation was tested with Multiplate Analyzer. Patients with ADP-PA>46.8U were defined as clopidogrel non-responders. The prevalence of clopidogrel non-responsiveness was highest during hospitalization and at 9 month follow-up visit, while it was lowest at 3 and 6 months after myocardial infarction (P=0.004). According to multivariate analysis, platelet count, mean platelet volume, concentration of hsCRP and leukocyte count influenced ADP-induced platelet aggregation in multiple assessment points. BMI, concentrations of hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, and BNP, hematocrit, adherence to medication, and patient׳s age were found to be independent predictors of high on-treatment ADP-induced platelet aggregation only at a single follow-up visit. Determinants of clopidogrel responsiveness in patients after myocardial infarction change within the long-term therapy. During hospitalization and early after discharge only biological factors affect ADP-induced platelet aggregation, while non-adherence to antiplatelet therapy may be a significant factor in determining clopidogrel non-responsiveness during late follow-up visits. | 25,199,965 | [
0.04140266,
0.1282437,
-0.4750837,
-0.1729105,
-0.007584185,
-0.5508556,
0.02853197,
0.2204638,
0.1323245,
0.07440616,
-0.06152127,
0.3826815,
0.06886859,
-0.3410872,
-0.2671253,
-0.1882828,
0.2829441,
0.3005546,
-0.2363162,
0.3771267,
0.2913851,
-0.1414216,
-0.2874279,
... |
HR-MAS MRS of the pancreas reveals reduced lipid and elevated lactate and taurine associated with early pancreatic cancer. | The prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer is extremely poor, as evidenced by the disease's five-year survival rate of ~5%. New approaches are therefore urgently needed to improve detection, treatment, and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. MRS-detectable metabolic changes provide useful biomarkers for tumor detection and response-monitoring in other cancers. The goal of this study was to identify MRS-detectable biomarkers of pancreatic cancer that could enhance currently available imaging approaches. We used (1) H high-resolution magic angle spinning MRS to probe metabolite levels in pancreatic tissue samples from mouse models and patients. In mice, the levels of lipids dropped significantly in pancreata with lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation, in pancreata with pre-cancerous metaplasia (4 week old p48-Cre;LSL-Kras(G12D) mice), and in pancreata with pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, which precedes invasive pancreatic cancer (8 week old p48-Cre LSL-Kras(G12D) mice), to 26 ± 19% (p = 0.03), 19 ± 16% (p = 0.04), and 26 ± 10% (p = 0.05) of controls, respectively. Lactate and taurine remained unchanged in inflammation and in pre-cancerous metaplasia but increased significantly in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to 266 ± 61% (p = 0.0001) and 999 ± 174% (p < 0.00001) of controls, respectively. Importantly, analysis of patient biopsies was consistent with the mouse findings. Lipids dropped in pancreatitis and in invasive cancer biopsies to 29 ± 15% (p = 0.01) and 26 ± 38% (p = 0.02) of normal tissue. In addition, lactate and taurine levels remained unchanged in inflammation but rose in tumor samples to 244 ± 155% (p = 0.02) and 188 ± 67% (p = 0.02), respectively, compared with normal tissue. Based on these findings, we propose that a drop in lipid levels could serve to inform on pancreatitis and cancer-associated inflammation, whereas elevated lactate and taurine could serve to identify the presence of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive tumor. Our findings may help enhance current imaging methods to improve early pancreatic cancer detection and monitoring. | 25,199,993 | [
0.4237327,
-0.5027816,
-0.3450379,
-0.3775826,
-0.2960543,
0.07893034,
0.4225424,
0.3730347,
-0.02916346,
-0.03593122,
-0.2491981,
0.1232183,
-0.02687845,
-0.1702892,
-0.5189435,
-0.0847999,
-0.1098587,
0.1955395,
0.02492707,
0.06696369,
0.2117668,
0.2088376,
-0.1771224,
... |
A universal electromagnetic energy conversion adapter based on a metamaterial absorber. | On the heels of metamaterial absorbers (MAs) which produce near perfect electromagnetic (EM) absorption and emission, we propose a universal electromagnetic energy conversion adapter (UEECA) based on MA. By choosing the appropriate energy converting sensors, the UEECA is able to achieve near 100% signal transfer ratio between EM energy and various forms of energy such as thermal, DC electric, or higher harmonic EM energy. The inherited subwavelength dimension and the EM field intensity enhancement can further empower UEECA in many critical applications such as energy harvesting, photoconductive antennas, and nonlinear optics. The principle of UEECA is understood with a transmission line model, which further provides a design strategy that can incorporate a variety of energy conversion devices. The concept is experimentally validated at a microwave frequency with a signal transfer ratio of 96% by choosing an RF diode as the energy converting sensor. | 25,200,005 | [
0.05921947,
0.1861216,
0.2704943,
0.01965278,
0.2178486,
-0.3824401,
-0.4830095,
-0.03796753,
0.2125044,
0.1021344,
-0.1373004,
-0.1136713,
0.1898462,
0.07614143,
-0.6334148,
0.1211123,
-0.6253502,
-0.06860011,
-0.2585224,
-0.2945559,
0.1759465,
-0.1756494,
-0.2309374,
... |
Are you talking to me? A possible role for γ-butyrolactones in interspecies signalling. | The secreted γ-butyrolactone signalling molecule SVB1 regulates the biosynthesis of jadomycin in Streptomyces venezuelae. Interestingly, this molecule is identical to SCB3, a secreted regulator of secondary metabolism in Streptomyces coelicolor. This is a departure for this class of signalling molecules as there are no previous reports of identical signalling molecules produced in different species. One implication of this work is that different species of bacteria could use shared extracellular signals to co-ordinate secondary metabolism when and if it is advantageous to do so. | 25,200,025 | [
-0.1271195,
-0.004383898,
0.1894105,
-0.5265096,
0.007293993,
-0.2416534,
-0.2893323,
0.1898173,
-0.194337,
-0.2456343,
0.0545839,
-0.006609511,
-0.138891,
-0.1600717,
-0.4279925,
-0.1712627,
-0.739058,
-0.1522823,
0.241576,
0.07827751,
0.364514,
0.3940347,
-0.1625811,
... |
A novel miniaturized extraction capillary for determining gaseous formaldehyde by high-performance liquid chromatography. | A novel miniaturized sample extraction capillary was developed to provide a simple and sensitive method for analyzing gaseous formaldehyde (FA) using conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extraction capillary was prepared by packing silica gel particles in a stainless steel capillary with a 1.6-mm o.d. Before the gaseous samples were collected, the silica gel particles were impregnated with a derivatizing reagent 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) by passing a solution of DNPH through the extraction capillary. FA was derivatized to form the corresponding hydrazone during the active sampling of a gaseous sample, and the derivative was sorbed by the silica gel. The capillary was then directly connected to a six-port valve, and desorption from the capillary and injection into the HPLC were achieved simultaneously by passing a solvent through the capillary. The run-to-run and device-to-device variabilities, as relative standard deviations, were both less than 6.9%. The limit of detection for FA was 2.5 ng/L using a sampling volume of 100 mL, and a sample collection time of 2 min. Acetaldehyde and acetone in a gaseous sample could also be simultaneously extracted and determined using this method. The applicability of the developed method for determining FA in real indoor air samples was confirmed by comparing the results obtained using the proposed method and a conventional sample preparation method. The developed method enables the rapid and simple sample preparation of gaseous FA and gives a good level of sensitivity. | 25,200,072 | [
-0.5541166,
0.1922137,
-0.070715,
0.2073393,
0.1953565,
0.1197267,
-0.2621965,
0.4370559,
0.1151069,
-0.01023852,
0.2637368,
-0.2550996,
-0.0568923,
-0.2774823,
-0.1540784,
-0.1154581,
-0.531998,
0.2173305,
0.04352118,
0.2987724,
-0.03145992,
0.3624336,
-0.1119696,
-0.1... |
Direct binding of the Alu binding protein dimer SRP9/14 to 40S ribosomal subunits promotes stress granule formation and is regulated by Alu RNA. | Stress granules (SGs) are formed in response to stress, contain mRNAs, 40S ribosomal subunits, initiation factors, RNA-binding and signaling proteins, and promote cell survival. Our study describes a novel function of the protein heterodimer SRP9/14 and Alu RNA in SG formation and disassembly. In human cells, SRP9/14 exists assembled into SRP, bound to Alu RNA and as a free protein. SRP9/14, but not SRP, localizes to SGs following arsenite or hippuristanol treatment. Depletion of the protein decreases SG size and the number of SG-positive cells. Localization and function of SRP9/14 in SGs depend primarily on its ability to bind directly to the 40S subunit. Binding of SRP9/14 to 40S and Alu RNA is mutually exclusive indicating that the protein alone is bound to 40S in SGs and that Alu RNA might competitively regulate 40S binding. Indeed, by changing the effective Alu RNA concentration in the cell or by expressing an Alu RNA binding-defective protein we were able to influence SG formation and disassembly. Our findings suggest a model in which SRP9/14 binding to 40S promotes SG formation whereas the increase in cytoplasmic Alu RNA following stress promotes disassembly of SGs by disengaging SRP9/14 from 40S. | 25,200,073 | [
0.006159022,
0.161741,
-0.02726566,
-0.4474119,
0.1404724,
-0.1032535,
-0.03554846,
-0.06359036,
0.2933655,
0.1450241,
0.06783641,
0.2854677,
-0.09031089,
-0.2827028,
0.2196795,
0.07550289,
-0.3622791,
-0.09501977,
0.1492187,
0.03468255,
0.3998192,
-0.06957483,
-0.0450071... |
Nosocomial extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia in hemodialysis patients and the implications for antibiotic therapy. | In the face of increasing treatment options for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) hemodialysis (HD) access-related bacteremia, the difference in clinical effectiveness between ertapenem and flomoxef remains unclear. We conducted this retrospective study to determine their efficacies and treatment outcomes. Patients on maintenance HD with fistula-, graft-, or catheter-related ESBL-Kp bacteremia were enrolled. Data related to clinical features and antibiotic treatments were collected. Outcome was determined by mortality resulting from bacteremia during the 14-day period after the collection of the first positive blood culture for flomoxef-susceptible ESBL-Kp. The 64 patients studied had severe septicemia as determined by the Pitt bacteremia score; 50% (32/64) were in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the time of bacteremia. Old age (>65 years; 57.8%), malnutrition (albumin<3.5g/dl; 92.2%), a history of severe illnesses (defined by shock, intubation, or ICU stay; 82.5%), and prolonged hospitalization prior to the onset of bacteremia (>30 days; 75%) were also highly prevalent. The study population comprised nine fistula-, 10 graft-, and 45 HD catheter-related bacteremia cases, and the mortality rate was high (38/64, 59.4%). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the flomoxef treatment group than in the ertapenem treatment group (22/30, 73% vs. 16/34, 47%, p<0.05). Among patients with catheter-related bacteremia, multivariate analyses revealed that flomoxef use (odds ratio (OR) 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-35.17) and Pitt bacteremia score (OR 4.37, 95% CI 1.28-5.26) were independently associated with mortality. In accordance with our previous study, our results have demonstrated the inferiority of flomoxef to carbapenems in the treatment of HD access-related ESBL-Kp bacteremia and provide an insight into the possibility of using ertapenem rather than flomoxef as an initial or de-escalating therapy for infections caused by ESBL-producing bacteria. | 25,200,093 | [
0.1093219,
-0.4121327,
-0.2014756,
-0.1528271,
-0.09948777,
-0.04320399,
0.2229442,
-0.04049623,
-0.08554307,
-0.08411057,
0.1116462,
0.1105873,
-0.03583427,
0.5286709,
-0.1209301,
-0.1982622,
-0.2496827,
0.2988206,
0.1144755,
0.04961667,
-0.06754119,
0.1820174,
-0.012484... |
Cross-sectional study to assess the association of population density with predicted breast cancer risk. | The Gail and CARE models estimate breast cancer risk for white and African-American (AA) women, respectively. The aims of this study were to compare metropolitan and nonmetropolitan women with respect to predicted breast cancer risks based on known risk factors, and to determine if population density was an independent risk factor for breast cancer risk. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 15,582 women between 35 and 85 years of age with no history of breast cancer. Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan women were compared with respect to risk factors, and breast cancer risk estimates, using general linear models adjusted for age. For both white and AA women, tisk factors used to estimate breast cancer risk included age at menarche, history of breast biopsies, and family history. For white women, age at first childbirth was an additional risk factor. In comparison to their nonmetropolitan counterparts, metropolitan white women were more likely to report having a breast biopsy, have family history of breast cancer, and delay childbirth. Among white metropolitan and nonmetropolitan women, mean estimated 5-year risks were 1.44% and 1.32% (p < 0.001), and lifetime risks of breast cancer were 10.81% and 10.01% (p < 0.001), respectively. AA metropolitan residents were more likely than those from nonmetropolitan areas to have had a breast biopsy. Among AA metropolitan and nonmetropolitan women, mean estimated 5-year risks were 1.16% and 1.12% (p = 0.039) and lifetime risks were 8.94%, and 8.85% (p = 0.344). Metropolitan residence was associated with higher predicted breast cancer risks for white women. Among AA women, metropolitan residence was associated with a higher predicted breast cancer risk at 5 years, but not over a lifetime. Population density was not an independent risk factor for breast cancer. | 25,200,109 | [
0.1166849,
-0.3883498,
-0.3130527,
-0.1474804,
-0.02468286,
0.0376345,
-0.01126785,
-0.02671828,
-0.02575956,
-0.0279362,
-0.07327121,
0.4697901,
0.05615445,
-0.1790728,
-0.1356205,
-0.1532204,
-0.1190556,
-0.01716191,
0.1237707,
-0.3897415,
0.3583414,
0.05709207,
-0.0740... |
Endocrinopathies, metabolic disorders, and iron overload in major and intermedia thalassemia: serum ferritin as diagnostic and predictive marker associated with liver and cardiac T2* MRI assessment. | Endocrinopathies and metabolic disorders-characterized β thalassemic (βT) patients and the prevention and treatment of these comorbidities are important targets to be achieved. The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic and prognostic role of ferritin for endocrinopathies and metabolic disorders in βT patients. The ability of iron chelators to treat iron overload and to prevent or reverse metabolic disorders and endocrinopathies was also evaluated. Seventy-two βT patients were treated with different chelation strategies during the study. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was employed to calculate the area under the curve for serum ferritin to find the best cutoff values capable of identifying endocrine dysfunction in thalassemic patients. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to assess the incidence of endocrinopathy. Adjusted risk estimates for endocrinopathy were calculated using univariate followed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. High ferritin levels were observed in patients with hypothyroidism [1500 (872.5-2336.5) μg/L], hypogonadism [878 (334-2010) μg/L], and in patients with hypoparathyroidism or osteoporosis [834 (367-1857) μg/L]. A strict correlation between ferritin and T2* magnetic resonance imaging of heart (r = -0.64; P:0.0006) and liver (r = -0.40; P:0.03) values was observed. Patients with ferritin values above 1800 μg/L experienced a significantly faster evolution to hypothyroidism [log-rank (χ(2) ):7.7; P = 0.005], hypogonadism [log-rank (χ(2) ):10.7; P = 0.001], and multiple endocrinopathies [log-rank (χ(2) ):5.72; P = 0.02]. Ferritin predicted high risk of endocrine dysfunction independently of confounding factors (HR:1.23; P < 0.0001). The intensification of chelation therapy led to an amelioration of hypothyroidism. Ferritin represents a prognostic marker for βT patients and a predictive factor for progression to endocrine dysfunctions. Intensive chelation therapy allows the reversibility of hypothyroidism. | 25,200,112 | [
0.07986121,
-0.1418721,
0.3078793,
-0.1800681,
-0.1540379,
-0.2933879,
0.231107,
0.03733063,
-0.07348046,
0.09934464,
0.2409026,
0.5526632,
-0.01431787,
-0.1829125,
-0.4049057,
-0.3529904,
-0.1253164,
-0.2162448,
-0.02945559,
0.2203455,
-0.0420394,
0.2714821,
-0.292618,
... |
Perfusion culture-induced template-assisted assembling of cell-laden microcarriers is a promising route for fabricating macrotissues. | Mass transfer limitation in conventional top-down tissue engineering makes it impossible to fabricate large size viable tissue replacements. In the present study, we aimed at performing a systemic investigation of the assembling process in perfusion culture for fabricating centimeter-scale macrotissues from cell-laden microcarriers following a bottom-up modular approach. Cells (human fibroblasts, human mesenchymal stem cells, or HepG2 cells) were seeded onto microcarriers (Cytopore-2 or CultiSpher S) in spinner flasks and cultured for 14 days and subsequently transferred to a perfusion chamber for assembling. It was found that growth of different cells on different microcarriers varied and aggregation of cell-laden microcarriers was favored with CultiSpher S. After perfusion culture for 14 days, while all microtissues could assemble into integral macrotissues, macrotissues of HepG2 cells were structurally most inferior and the assembling of cell-laden CultiSpher S led to a significant shrinkage. By designing perfusion chamber and using agar-based templates, tubular, disc, and alphabetic letter-shaped macrotissues could be easily fabricated, suggesting template-assisted assembling. Importantly, it was revealed that there existed both optimal perfusion culture time (21 days) and packing condition (1/4 compression) for the assembling of microtissues. This study lays a solid foundation for future applications of this microtissue assembling technique in tissue engineering. | 25,200,115 | [
-0.3720258,
0.003838571,
0.03961986,
0.4591636,
0.09576344,
-0.1527075,
-0.221814,
0.3904278,
0.3239562,
0.1262641,
0.02382174,
-0.0999166,
-0.1407085,
0.1616911,
-0.4907524,
0.2676404,
-0.01205323,
-0.09313503,
-0.307513,
0.08892591,
0.3936468,
0.1914424,
-0.2015801,
-... |
CDKN2A mutations could influence the dermoscopic pattern of presentation of multiple primary melanoma: a clinical dermoscopic genetic study. | Patients who develop cutaneous melanoma are at increased risk of developing a second primary melanoma. There are many aetiological reasons by which the risk of a second melanoma increases. Among others, genetic factors may contribute to modulating this risk. The risk of identifying a CDKN2A germline mutation increases with the number of primary melanomas and with the presence of familial history of melanoma. Patients with melanoma are especially encouraged to have regular follow-up visits with their dermatologist to perform clinical and dermatoscopic examination. In particular, dermoscopy could be very useful in multiple primary melanoma (MPM) patients. To analyse the clinical and dermatoscopic features of multiple melanomas, focusing on those features that are more frequently found in the same patient to recognize them earlier and understand whether they appear with the similar peculiar dermatoscopic features, especially in CDKN2A carriers. Medical records of MPM patients were selected from a database including 1065 patients with histopathologically proven melanoma diagnosis, all treated at the dermatology clinic of the University of Florence from 2000 to 2013. Pictures of melanoma were independently and blindly administered to three dermatologist experts in dermoscopy to evaluate the presence or absence of ABCD criteria for each clinical image, and the main pattern for the dermoscopic images. The results were then analyzed and crossed to rate the clinical and dermoscopic features of MPM. Seventy five (7.0%) of 1065 patients included in our database were found to carry an MPM disease. Among them, we selected 12 (16%) patients with three or more MPMs. The presence of the CDKN2A melanoma susceptibility gene was observed in 4/12 (33.33%) patients; two patients presented the C500G and c.5 + 1delG polymorphisms in the CDKN2A gene. In CDKN2A carriers, each patient showed a similar and specific dermatoscopic pattern in their lesions. Even being aware of the limitations of this study, according to hereditary characters and their modes of transmissions, we could speculate that for each patient with a CDKN2A germline mutation, it is possible to find the same kind of dermoscopical pattern among their melanocytic tumours. | 25,200,134 | [
0.02705921,
-0.06087584,
0.09357276,
-0.4060985,
0.115703,
-0.08741367,
-0.03932739,
-0.2031948,
0.2805691,
0.08748775,
0.1958546,
0.3349433,
-0.2111896,
-0.4284476,
-0.7094427,
-0.02895067,
-0.1905562,
-0.1689695,
0.024835,
0.0911418,
0.4087535,
0.393287,
-0.2483395,
0... |
Erythropoietin protects red blood cells from TRAIL1-induced cell death during red blood cell transition in Xenopus laevis. | In anuran amphibians, larval red blood cells (RBCs) are replaced by adult-type RBCs during metamorphosis. We previously showed that tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand 1 (TRAIL1) induces apoptosis in larval-, but not adult-type RBCs in Xenopus laevis. We also found that protein kinase C (PKC) activation is involved in establishing resistance to TRAIL1-induced apoptosis in adult-type RBCs. Here, we investigated whether erythropoietin (EPO), which induces PKC activation in mammalian erythroblasts, is involved in the RBC transition in X. laevis. RT-PCR analysis revealed that epo mRNA was upregulated in the lung, from the metamorphic climax (stage 60) onward. In an RBC culture system, EPO pretreatment significantly attenuated the TRAIL1-induced death of larval- and adult-type RBCs isolated from tadpoles and adults, probably due partly to PKC activation. In samples from froglets undergoing RBC transition, which included both larval- and adult-type RBCs, EPO exhibited a stronger protective effect on the adult-type than the larval-type RBCs. Newly differentiated RBCs isolated from tadpoles treated with a hemolytic reagent were more resistant to TRAIL1-induced cell death than non-treated controls. These results suggest that EPO functions to protect adult-type RBCs from TRAIL1-induced cell death during RBC transition, and that the protective effect might decrease as RBCs age. | 25,200,139 | [
-0.02918908,
-0.1629713,
-0.3781403,
-0.1553692,
-0.06540423,
-0.1662134,
-0.1895978,
-0.1079961,
0.03113196,
0.064068,
0.341304,
0.1873368,
-0.2563997,
-0.196205,
-0.06777874,
-0.03969709,
-0.38248,
0.07280783,
0.2358009,
0.05522799,
0.1482223,
0.1587296,
-0.1526527,
-... |
[Ectopic expression of duck albumin down-regulates the expressions of IFN-β and myxovirus resistance 1 mRNA in DF-1 cells]. | To investigate the impact of duck albumin (ALB) gene on the mRNA expression levels of interferon β (IFN-β) and myxovirus resistance-1 (Mx1). The duck ALB gene was subcloned into pEGFP-C1 eukaryotic expression vector, and then the pEGFP-C1-ALB was transiently transfected into chick fibroblast DF-1 by Lipofectamine(TM) 2000. Twenty-four hours later, real-time quantitative PCR was applied to detect the dynamic change of IFN-β and Mx1 mRNA expressions under the stimulation of polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C). The pEGFP-C1-ALB was constructed successfully, and transfected into DF-1 effectively. The expression levels of IFN-β and Mx1 gene in cells transfected with pEGFP-C1-ALB were significantly lower than those transfected with pEGFP-C1 after 12-hour stimulation of PolyI:C (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression levels of IFN-β and Mx1 mRNA were down-regulated by over-expression of duck ALB gene. | 25,200,153 | [
-0.2837727,
-0.4075964,
-0.3862237,
-0.01159802,
0.5070476,
-0.1154838,
-0.4229665,
0.08216471,
-0.2304507,
-0.2445452,
0.3747674,
0.09676488,
0.03376403,
0.2324721,
-0.1645466,
-0.274611,
-0.2971551,
-0.06556452,
-0.1383257,
0.3013531,
0.04089526,
-0.002391363,
-0.303398... |
[Construction and application of plasmid pVAX-HBVE harboring hepatitis B surface antibody targeted interferon and interleukin 12 genes]. | To construct a new gene therapy plasmid that can express both hepatitis B surface antibody(HBsAb) targeted interferon (dsFvα) and human interleukin 12 (hIL-12) genes for the immunotherapy of chronic hepatitis B. The pEE14.1-dsFvα plasmid was digested to obtain dsFvα fragment, and then the fragment was cloned into the upstream of IRES sequence in vector pVAX-IRES-hIL-12 digested by the same enzyme to construct the recombinant expression plasmid pVAX-HBVE. The recombinant plasmid was transiently transfected into the HEK293T cells and the expression of target gene was detected by ELISA. The recombinant plasmid pVAX-HBVE was extracted and injected into the leg muscles of HBV transgenic mice with electroporation delivery. The HBV gene copies were detected by quantitative PCR before and after injection. Enzyme digestion and sequencing analysis showed that the recombinant plasmid pVAX-HBVE was constructed as expected before. ELISA showed that dsFvα gene and IL-12 gene were successfully expressed in the supernatant of transfected cells. The recombinant plasmid pVAX-HBVE (30 μg, once) reduced the HBV gene copy by two orders of magnitude after being injected into transgenic mice. The neo-type immune gene therapy plasmid was successfully constructed, which would provide an alternative for immune gene therapy of chronic hepatitis B. | 25,200,154 | [
-0.3172275,
0.09511485,
-0.270789,
0.4475726,
0.4026323,
-0.3558881,
-0.3132823,
0.200026,
0.1915065,
0.05177711,
0.1270991,
-0.1381626,
0.1320812,
-0.4809331,
-0.1096934,
-0.1331749,
-0.2082619,
-0.1543871,
-0.164625,
0.5059556,
0.0786341,
0.124792,
-0.303874,
-0.41131... |
[Effect of the targeted mutation of sorting motifs on the localization of porcine Ia-associated invariant chain]. | To investigate the effect of amino acids around two Leu-based motifs (Leu 7/Ile 8 and Met 16/Leu 17) in the cytosolic tail of porcine Ia-associated invariant chain (Ii) on endomembrane system positioning function. At first, two Leu-based motifs and amino acids around motifs were mutated through site-directed mutagenesis of the megaprimer PCR method, and the mutant genes were ligated to the vector pEGFP-C1, respectively. Twenty-one mutations of Ii recombinant plasmid were obtained and transiently transfected into the COS-7 cells by Lipofectamine(TM) 2000. Fluorescence microscopy was used to detect the intracellular localization of mutation Ii. Leu 7/Ile 8 and Met 16/Leu 17 independently mediated the intracellular localization of mutation Ii. When one leucine motif was kept and the amino acid around the other leucine motif was mutated, fusion protein GFP-Ii was located in the endomembrane system or distributed in the whole cell. pig Ii comprises two independent sorting signals, and the functional Leu-based sorting signal requires specific neighboring residues. | 25,200,155 | [
-0.007180221,
-0.2679631,
-0.1682155,
0.1617821,
0.08772671,
-0.02920002,
-0.1640824,
0.08246794,
-0.02982118,
0.1892194,
0.05501951,
-0.05733101,
0.262228,
0.2018695,
-0.170211,
-0.08348867,
-0.734262,
0.0706647,
-0.02500511,
0.1678423,
0.3262973,
0.5531572,
0.2092408,
... |
[Over-expression of prohibitin gene promotes apoptosis in retinoic acid-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line NB4-R1]. | To construct a eukaryotic expression vector carrying human prohibitin gene and study the effect of prohibitin over-expression on the apoptosis of retinoic acid-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia NB4-R1 cells. The prohibitin gene was amplified by PCR, and then cloned into pEGFP-N1-3FLAG eukaryotic expression vector. Positive clones were selected by PCR screening and identified by DNA sequencing. The positive recombinant vector pEGFP-N1-3FLAG-prohibitin was transferred into NB4-R1 cells. The over-expression of prohibitin was verified by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The apoptosis rate of the NB4-R1 cells transfected with pEGFP-N1-3FLAG-prohibitin was measured by flow cytometry combined with annexin V-FITC/PI staining. PCR screening and DNA sequencing demonstrated that the recombinant plasmid of pEGFP-N1-3FLAG-prohibitin was constructed successfully; and the transfection efficiency of NB4-R1 cells reached more than 70%. Moreover, qRT-PCR showed that the expression of prohibitin mRNA of transfection group (OE) increased by (1.64±0.37) times and (1.58±0.43) times (P<0.05) compared with blank control group (CON) and negative control group (NC), respectively. Western blotting showed that the expression of prohibitin protein of OE group increased by (1.91±0.33) times and (1.99±0.37) times (P<0.05) compared with CON and NC, respectively; Flow cytometry indicated that the NB4-R1 cell apoptosis rates in CON, NC and OE groups were respectively (5.88± 0.43)%, (6.63±0.46)% and (28.22±1.33)%, and the apoptosis rate of OE group was elevated by (3.80±0.24) times and 3.39± 0.30 times compared with CON and NC(P<0.05), respectively. The up-regulated expression of prohibitin could promote NB4-R1 cell apoptosis. | 25,200,157 | [
-0.008545804,
0.004490125,
-0.3713889,
0.1488041,
0.5516708,
-0.06609288,
-0.2404883,
0.271246,
0.1931826,
0.01257105,
0.2955097,
0.5065206,
0.05819701,
0.210142,
0.1189626,
-0.1315736,
-0.6824482,
0.160433,
-0.03573814,
0.0270108,
0.5161735,
0.1827467,
-0.1032864,
-0.0... |
[Establishment and evaluation of an in vitro method for neutrophil extracellular trap generation and degradation]. | To evaluate a novel method for in vitro generation and degradation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are a newly recognized structure that is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and thrombosis. Neutrophils from peripheral blood of healthy donors were obtained by Ficoll-Histopaque gradient separation. NET release was initiated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and validated by immunofluorescence staining and agarose gel electrophoresis. NETs degraded by DNase I and healthy human plasma were quantified by fluorescence spectrometry after staining with PicoGreen. HE staining showed that the purity of neutrophils was up to 95% after Ficoll-Histopaque gradient separation. NET immunofluorescent staining revealed that the network structure was mainly composed of DNA and histones, with molecular length more than 10 kb as demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis. Moreover, both DNase and healthy human plasma could induce the degradation of NETs, in varying degrees. This work established an efficient method for in vitro generation and degradation of human NETs. | 25,200,164 | [
0.2542585,
0.04012941,
0.08300487,
0.2818029,
0.3314045,
-0.006789861,
-0.09360635,
0.4787843,
0.001564921,
0.06070414,
-0.09132673,
-0.1870283,
0.2249348,
-0.3115063,
-0.009882418,
0.05633926,
-0.08243978,
-0.02671578,
-0.06470507,
0.0443939,
0.4822133,
0.2771711,
-0.095... |
A Matter of Time: The Influence of Recording Context on EEG Spectral Power in Adolescents and Young Adults with ADHD. | Elevated theta or theta/beta ratio is often reported in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the consistency across studies and the relation to hypoarousal are increasingly questioned. Reports of elevated delta related to maturational lag and of attenuated beta activity are less well replicated. Some critical inconsistencies could relate to differences in recording context. We examined if resting-state EEG power or global field synchronization (GFS) differed between recordings made at the beginning and end of a 1.5 h testing session in 76 adolescents and young adults with ADHD, and 85 controls. In addition, we aimed to examine the effect of IQ on any potential group differences. Both regional and midline electrodes yielded group main effects for delta, trends in theta, but no differences in alpha or theta/beta ratio. An additional group difference in beta was detected when using regions. Group by time interactions in delta and theta became significant when controlling for IQ. The ADHD group had higher delta and theta power at time-1, but not at time-2, whereas beta power was elevated only at time-2. GFS did not differ between groups or condition. We show some ADHD-control differences on EEG spectral power varied with recording time within a single recording session, with both IQ and electrode selection having a small but significant influence on observed differences. Our findings demonstrate the effect of recording context on resting-state EEG, and highlight the importance of accounting for these variables to ensure consistency of results in future studies. | 25,200,165 | [
-0.05186964,
0.2950677,
-0.4692307,
0.1562092,
0.08468219,
-0.3688255,
-0.1028562,
-0.2362317,
-0.2334369,
0.08749308,
0.2032577,
0.2317694,
-0.03759245,
-0.0517383,
-0.5158949,
-0.2871718,
-0.1021641,
0.5140544,
-0.1652742,
-0.03686986,
0.04901085,
0.3505966,
0.04834285,... |
Distractor removal amplifies spatial frequency-specific crossover of the attentional bias: a psychophysical and Monte Carlo simulation study. | Rarely noticed in daily life, attention may prefer the left side of space. Such attentional biases offer key insights into functions of spatial attention and visual awareness because they complement pathological biases in patients with spatial neglect who become largely unaware of the left side after right-brain damage. Yet there is little comprehensive understanding of these normal and pathological biases and how they relate to other attentional functions. Here we used a grating-scales task (GST) to test whether leftward biases and their spatial frequency-dependent crossover interact with attentional mechanisms of distractor removal. We asked healthy participants to make perceptual judgements to capture attentional biases in a high and a low spatial frequency condition (GST-HI and GST-LO), and we degraded stimuli with distracting pixel noise. We found that with noise, crossover grew, while biases remained positively correlated. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we probed the feasibility of three models and conclude that our data can only be explained by two, or more, biasing mechanisms, arguably interacting with each other through interhemispheric competition. Our study sets the stage for a new systematic approach to investigating the visuospatial mechanisms of the right hemisphere. | 25,200,174 | [
-0.1071304,
0.2878683,
-0.08933901,
0.1156311,
0.2012262,
-0.2303265,
-0.3639863,
0.03115184,
0.1456785,
-0.1338941,
0.07712789,
0.1046258,
-0.2380721,
-0.07498926,
-0.2552518,
-0.1363714,
-0.4813248,
0.07183988,
-0.2206643,
-0.1807512,
-0.1352552,
0.3760873,
0.06197438,
... |
Contingency planning for electronic health record-based care continuity: a survey of recommended practices. | Reliable health information technology (HIT) in general, and electronic health record systems (EHRs) in particular are essential to a high-performing healthcare system. When the availability of EHRs are disrupted, alternative methods must be used to maintain the continuity of healthcare. We developed a survey to assess institutional practices to handle situations when EHRs were unavailable for use (downtime preparedness). We used literature reviews and expert opinion to develop items that assessed the implementation of potentially useful practices. We administered the survey to U.S.-based healthcare institutions that were members of a professional organization that focused on collaboration and sharing of HIT-related best practices among its members. All members were large integrated health systems. We received responses from 50 of the 59 (84%) member institutions. Nearly all (96%) institutions reported at least one unplanned downtime (of any length) in the last 3 years and 70% had at least one unplanned downtime greater than 8h in the last 3 years. Three institutions reported that one or more patients were injured as a result of either a planned or unplanned downtime. The majority of institutions (70-85%) had implemented a portion of the useful practices we identified, but very few practices were followed by all organizations. Unexpected downtimes related to EHRs appear to be fairly common among institutions in our survey. Most institutions had only partially implemented comprehensive contingency plans to maintain safe and effective healthcare during unexpected EHRs downtimes. | 25,200,197 | [
-0.2946048,
-0.02089554,
-0.02374151,
-0.1129268,
-0.1580431,
-0.2291367,
-0.07718325,
0.1288701,
-0.05914497,
0.1836415,
0.2425657,
0.05723739,
-0.1875707,
-0.000007227095,
-0.5593643,
-0.2881755,
0.1505624,
0.07907489,
0.07515985,
-0.4921509,
0.1364228,
-0.1194852,
0.12... |
Impact of selective fibronectin nanoconfinement on human dental pulp stem cells. | In this study, it was aimed to investigate the combinatory effect of biophysical and biochemical factors on human dental pulp stem cells' (hDPSCs) behavior. For this purpose, well-defined nanotopography of nanowells with two different pitch size of 109 nm and 341 nm were prepared on polyhydroxymethylsiloxane (PHMS) by using colloidal particles nanofabrication. The nanopatterned PHMS surfaces (PHMS/109 and PHMS/341) were subsequently used for fibronectin (Fn) adsorption. With this approach, nanotopographical details were combined with biochemical signals from Fn. Depending upon the size of cavities created by the nanowells, Fn molecules followed a site-selective adsorption. While they adsorbed both inside and outside the nanowells of PHMS/341, they preferred to adsorb outside the cavities of PHMS/109 surfaces. Human dental pulp stem cells were cultured on nanopatterned PHMS with or without Fn adsorption in the presence and absence of serum. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy analyses showed the interaction of cells was dependent on nanotopography size especially in serum-free medium. Furthermore, hDPSCs' morphology and cytoskeletal organization changed in correlation with preferential Fn adsorption. On Fn adsorbed PHMS/109 surfaces, cells displayed stretched bundles whereas, they showed extensive spreading and followed the Fn adsorbed sites inside the cavities of PHMS/341 surfaces. The observed effects are interpreted in terms of the preferential exposure of different Fn epitopes occurring on PHMS/109 and PHMS/341 as a consequence of the different hydrophilic/hydrophobic adsorbing surface. | 25,200,204 | [
0.07592335,
0.0603049,
0.09094173,
0.06515252,
-0.08399356,
-0.1865146,
-0.1979087,
0.3987081,
0.3260285,
0.5859745,
-0.2344013,
-0.220686,
-0.09952077,
-0.363346,
-0.06452376,
-0.547779,
0.06314798,
-0.004672898,
-0.1135486,
-0.02436052,
0.4866584,
0.1455879,
-0.01610091... |
Variation in patients' perceptions of elective percutaneous coronary intervention in stable coronary artery disease: cross sectional study. | To assess the perceptions of patients with stable coronary artery disease of the urgency and benefits of elective percutaneous coronary intervention and to examine how they vary across centers and by providers. Cross sectional study. 10 US academic and community hospitals performing percutaneous coronary interventions between 2009 and 2011. 991 patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients' perceptions of the urgency and benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention, assessed by interview. Multilevel hierarchical logistic regression models examined the variation in patients' understanding across centers and operators after adjusting for patient characteristics, using median odds ratios. The most common reported benefits from percutaneous coronary intervention were to extend life (90%, n=892; site range 80-97%) and to prevent future heart attacks (88%, n=872; site range 79-97%). Although nearly two thirds of patients (n=661) reported improvement of symptoms as a benefit of percutaneous coronary intervention (site range 52-87%), only 1% (n=9) identified this as the only benefit. Substantial variability was noted in the ways informed consent was obtained at each site. After adjusting for patient and operator characteristics, the median odds ratios showed significant variation in patients' perceptions of percutaneous coronary intervention across sites (range 1.4-3.1) but not across operators within a site. Patients have a poor understanding of the benefits of elective percutaneous coronary intervention, with significant variation across sites. No sites had a high proportion of patients accurately understanding the benefits. Coupled with the wide variability in the ways in which hospitals obtain informed consent, these findings suggest that hospital level interventions into the structure and processes of obtaining informed consent for percutaneous coronary intervention might improve patient comprehension and understanding. | 25,200,209 | [
0.09487606,
0.1570629,
-0.1372906,
-0.1424351,
0.05679937,
-0.1860689,
0.01853741,
0.07085107,
0.3064399,
-0.01417664,
0.100088,
0.220898,
-0.1013207,
-0.4653431,
0.06346128,
-0.1898127,
-0.3580634,
-0.001810259,
-0.2056868,
0.1262784,
0.0446344,
0.1006261,
-0.1439555,
... |
Families wish to retain links with trial during which their child died. | PARENTS WHOSE children die while taking part in a randomised controlled trial still wish to be kept in contact with the trial, a new study has found. | 25,200,223 | [
-0.2178991,
0.217497,
0.04185558,
-0.1071362,
0.07595302,
-0.2694845,
-0.2515705,
-0.06494086,
-0.103046,
-0.08153387,
0.05523525,
0.3948603,
0.03445817,
0.07050976,
-0.3972996,
-0.2436984,
-0.1851966,
0.06756335,
-0.2432347,
0.257564,
0.08735537,
0.2802763,
-0.06307311,
... |
Teenage cancer care model sets nursing competencies. | A NATIONAL framework for the nursing care of teenagers and young adults with cancer has been launched by the Teenage Cancer Trust. This is the first time a vision for the workforce has been set out. | 25,200,224 | [
-0.1834538,
-0.4038187,
-0.6140578,
-0.4334501,
0.3745764,
-0.1165676,
-0.06961051,
-0.2704345,
-0.1415184,
-0.005241588,
0.1878419,
0.3264747,
-0.1356404,
-0.3470473,
-0.3729271,
-0.4972115,
-0.2109393,
0.2671039,
-0.08646566,
-0.2725489,
0.2107061,
0.1917222,
0.0209857,... |
Light on specifics. | THE DRAFT Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code of conduct sets out how nurses should behave and should be the document to inspire nurses towards excellence. In reality, it falls rather short of that and seems, at times, to be lengthy, repetitive, rather obscure, bland and agree to a low benchmark of performance. | 25,200,233 | [
-0.07755966,
0.08841483,
-0.05174098,
-0.07297959,
0.1717001,
-0.03701017,
-0.2204672,
-0.2088627,
0.1061652,
-0.1532153,
-0.0768505,
0.1512066,
0.1280564,
-0.1003155,
-0.1164401,
-0.5630697,
-0.4216815,
0.06582997,
-0.1455792,
-0.4359915,
0.04863331,
0.002969536,
0.18639... |
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a statewide assessment of outcome based on risk factors, aneurysm characteristics, and geo-demography. | Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating illness with nationwide mortality rates reaching almost 50% within the first 30 days. A study was undertaken to evaluate how treatment modality, physical findings, and geo-demography contribute to the outcome of these cases, including complications and disposition status. All cases of aSAH in the fiscal year of 2012 (July 2011-June 2012) at the Medical University of South Carolina and Palmetto Health Richland were studied. These healthcare facilities represent 88.5% of aneurysm treatment in the state of South Carolina. Information including aneurysm properties, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, and symptoms occurring at and after admission were analyzed. 131 patients (94 women and 37 men) with aSAH were treated. 92.4% of cases were treated endovascularly, with more than a third of all cases using balloon-assisted coiling. Hypertension, tobacco use, and hyperlipidemia were the most prevalent comorbidities. Headache, followed by hydrocephalus, motor disturbance, and nausea/vomiting were the most common presenting symptoms. The most common adverse event occurring after hospital admission was acute respiratory failure followed by urinary tract infection, hydrocephalus, and vasospasm. 42.0% were discharged home and nine patients (6.9%) died during hospitalization. Previously established risk factors such as hypertension and smoking were identified as the most prevalent comorbidities, with disparity between subgroups, particularly women and African Americans. Endovascular treatment was the primary modality of treatment. Mortality rates were lower than previously reported. | 25,200,246 | [
-0.04945513,
0.3686832,
-0.4161347,
0.001153634,
-0.2722988,
-0.1245423,
-0.1479345,
-0.3007556,
-0.1922373,
-0.2318276,
0.04370061,
-0.1018152,
-0.04075783,
-0.2250642,
-0.1201446,
0.3504302,
0.1472089,
0.4522635,
0.1852284,
-0.08456637,
-0.1322738,
0.5328194,
-0.1415668... |
Chagas disease awareness among Latin American immigrants living in Los Angeles, California. | Approximately 300,000 persons have Chagas disease in the United States, although almost all persons acquired the disease in Latin America. We examined awareness of Chagas disease among Latin American immigrants living in Los Angeles, California. We surveyed 2,677 persons (age range = 18-60 years) in Los Angeles who resided in Latin America for at least six months. A total of 62% of the participants recalled seeing triatomines in Latin America, and 27% of the participants reported triatomine bites at least once per year while living abroad. A total of 86% of the participants had never heard of Chagas disease. Of persons who had heard of Chagas disease, 81% believed that it was not serious. More than 95% of those who had heard of Chagas disease would want to be tested and treated. Most Latin American immigrants living in Los Angeles recalled exposure to vectors of Chagas disease. However, they have little knowledge of this disease. Increasing awareness of Chagas disease is needed in this high-risk population. | 25,200,261 | [
-0.1862071,
-0.3731468,
-0.1185361,
-0.1833762,
-0.1430517,
-0.09826221,
-0.07733857,
-0.001810905,
0.01057514,
-0.3761703,
0.3022517,
0.05462189,
0.1392316,
-0.2138816,
-0.3803958,
-0.2411065,
-0.2630236,
-0.01118707,
-0.009639531,
-0.14518,
0.02065954,
0.2520247,
-0.209... |
Short-term global health education programs abroad: disease patterns observed in Haitian migrant worker communities around La Romana, Dominican Republic. | The possibility of encountering rare tropical disease presentations is commonly described as a benefit derived by developed world medical trainees participating in clinical service-oriented short-term global health experiences in the developing world. This study describes the health status of a population served by a short-term experience conducted by a North American institute, and the results of a retrospective review are used to identify commonly encountered diseases and discuss their potential educational value. Descriptive analysis was conducted on 1,024 encounter records collected over four unique 1-week-long trips by a North American institution serving Haitian migrant workers in La Romana, Dominican Republic. The top five diagnoses seen in the clinic were gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension (HTN), upper respiratory infections, otitis media, and fungal skin infection. On occasion, diagnoses unique to an indigent tropical population were encountered (e.g., dehydration, malnutrition, parasites, and infections.). These findings suggest a similarity between frequently encountered diagnoses on a short-term clinical service trip in Dominican Republic and primary care presentations in developed world settings, which challenges the assumption that short-term service experiences provide exposure to rare tropical disease presentations. These findings also represent additional data that can be used to better understand the health and healthcare planning among this vulnerable population of Haitian migrant workers. | 25,200,266 | [
-0.2217686,
-0.8206189,
-0.2067634,
-0.3193411,
-0.02869267,
-0.2016463,
0.008516914,
-0.1927974,
0.02039314,
-0.0354558,
0.03402733,
-0.2945876,
0.1112677,
-0.3415831,
-0.2373416,
0.06175472,
-0.1417505,
0.1957034,
-0.3771385,
-0.08433714,
-0.187873,
0.3887722,
-0.261442... |
Lateral flow test using Echinococcus granulosus native antigen B and comparison of IgG and IgG4 dipsticks for detection of human cystic echinococcosis. | Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by infection with Echinococcus granulosus is of major concern for humans in many parts of the world. Antigen B was prepared from E. granulosus hydatid fluid, and Western blots confirmed eight batches showing a band corresponding to the 8-/12-kDa subunit with positive serum and no low-molecular mass band (< 15 kDa) with negative serum. The batches were pooled and used to prepare lateral flow immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) and IgG dipsticks. Diagnostic sensitivity was determined using serum samples from 21 hydatidosis patients, and diagnostic specificity was established using sera from 17 individuals infected with other parasites and 15 healthy people. IgG4 dipstick had a diagnostic sensitivity of 95% (20 of 21) and a specificity of 100% (32 of 32). The IgG dipstick had a sensitivity of 100% (21 of 21) and a specificity of 87.5% (28 of 32). Thus, both IgG and IgG4 dipsticks had high sensitivities, but IgG4 had greater specificity for the diagnosis of human CE. | 25,200,268 | [
-0.1229679,
0.1083213,
0.06959254,
-0.00329506,
-0.2169828,
-0.1852292,
-0.5024571,
-0.05380667,
-0.2500565,
0.07863875,
0.08869752,
0.1653674,
-0.2082949,
-0.07414013,
0.02838542,
-0.511327,
-0.3050355,
-0.05954655,
-0.3979392,
-0.2421485,
-0.1198345,
0.2821117,
-0.14818... |
Neural regulation of pancreatic islet cell mass and function. | Intracellular glucose signalling pathways control the secretion of glucagon and insulin by pancreatic islet α- and β-cells, respectively. However, glucose also indirectly controls the secretion of these hormones through regulation of the autonomic nervous system that richly innervates this endocrine organ. Both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems also impact endocrine pancreas postnatal development and plasticity in adult animals. Defects in these autonomic regulations impair β-cell mass expansion during the weaning period and β-cell mass adaptation in adult life. Both branches of the autonomic nervous system also regulate glucagon secretion. In type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose-dependent autonomic activity causes the loss of cephalic and first phases of insulin secretion, and impaired suppression of glucagon secretion in the postabsorptive phase; in diabetic patients treated with insulin, it causes a progressive failure of hypoglycaemia to trigger the secretion of glucagon and other counterregulatory hormones. Therefore, identification of the glucose-sensing cells that control the autonomic innervation of the endocrine pancreatic and insulin and glucagon secretion is an important goal of research. This is required for a better understanding of the physiological control of glucose homeostasis and its deregulation in diabetes. This review will discuss recent advances in this field of investigation. | 25,200,301 | [
0.006120032,
-0.4716039,
-0.1929842,
-0.2720499,
-0.08900823,
-0.3251926,
0.1986169,
-0.1279629,
0.06646495,
0.3269742,
0.1503382,
-0.487168,
-0.3598517,
-0.3738887,
-0.4836681,
-0.2251334,
-0.3390024,
0.1404112,
-0.09269377,
-0.1756314,
-0.0442364,
0.1583536,
-0.06156464... |
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antiretrovirals in the central nervous system. | HIV-positive patients may be effectively treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy and such a strategy is associated with striking immune recovery and viral load reduction to very low levels. Despite undeniable results, the central nervous system (CNS) is commonly affected during the course of HIV infection, with neurocognitive disorders being as prevalent as 20-50 % of treated subjects. This review discusses the pathophysiology of CNS infection by HIV and the barriers to efficacious control of such a mechanism, including the available data on compartmental drug penetration and on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships. In the reviewed articles, a high variability in drug transfer to the CNS is highlighted with several mechanisms as well as methodological issues potentially influencing the observed results. Nevirapine and zidovudine showed the highest cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to plasma ratios, although target concentrations are currently unknown for the CNS. The use of the composite CSF concentration effectiveness score has been associated with better virological outcomes (lower HIV RNA) but has been inconsistently associated with neurocognitive outcomes. These findings support the CNS effectiveness of commonly used highly antiretroviral therapies. The use of antiretroviral drugs with increased CSF penetration and/or effectiveness in treating or preventing neurocognitive disorders however needs to be assessed in well-designed prospective studies. | 25,200,312 | [
0.04097801,
0.1144742,
0.02931509,
-0.4189071,
0.1060515,
-0.4436972,
-0.08782998,
0.01959931,
-0.06710726,
0.07909938,
-0.004731753,
-0.02505795,
0.3136837,
0.4299816,
-0.358106,
-0.3112217,
-0.1758268,
0.1299802,
-0.3236884,
0.323053,
-0.09847394,
0.2599019,
0.1108629,
... |
Specific detection of methionine 27 mutation in histone 3 variants (H3K27M) in fixed tissue from high-grade astrocytomas. | Studies in pediatric high-grade astrocytomas (HGA) by our group and others have uncovered recurrent somatic mutations affecting highly conserved residues in histone 3 (H3) variants. One of these mutations leads to analogous p.Lys27Met (K27M) mutations in both H3.3 and H3.1 variants, is associated with rapid fatal outcome, and occurs specifically in HGA of the midline in children and young adults. This includes diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (80 %) and thalamic or spinal HGA (>90 %), which are surgically challenging locations with often limited tumor material available and critical need for specific histopathological markers. Here, we analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 143 pediatric HGA and 297 other primary brain tumors or normal brain. Immunohistochemical staining for H3K27M was compared to tumor genotype, and also compared to H3 tri-methylated lysine 27 (H3K27me3) staining, previously shown to be drastically decreased in samples carrying this mutation. There was a 100 % concordance between genotype and immunohistochemical analysis of H3K27M in tumor samples. Mutant H3K27M was expressed in the majority of tumor cells, indicating limited intra-tumor heterogeneity for this specific mutation within the limits of our dataset. Both H3.1 and H3.3K27M mutants were recognized by this antibody while non-neoplastic elements, such as endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells or lymphocytes, did not stain. H3K27me3 immunoreactivity was largely mutually exclusive with H3K27M positivity. These results demonstrate that mutant H3K27M can be specifically identified with high specificity and sensitivity using an H3K27M antibody and immunohistochemistry. Use of this antibody in the clinical setting will prove very useful for diagnosis, especially in the context of small biopsies in challenging midline tumors and will help orient care in the context of the extremely poor prognosis associated with this mutation. | 25,200,321 | [
0.2145554,
0.04379908,
-0.177629,
-0.4653029,
-0.01572109,
0.02101894,
0.1721248,
0.4041904,
-0.1733278,
0.02810463,
0.2051321,
0.450638,
0.16066,
-0.1095435,
-0.4246463,
-0.1446518,
-0.07439739,
0.2642638,
-0.2883889,
0.4041544,
0.07015798,
0.2447087,
-0.202928,
0.0255... |
Epidemiological burden of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Italy from 2010 to 2020: estimations from a disease model. | The article describes the adaptation of a model to estimate the burden of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women aged 50 years and over in Italy between 2010 and 2020. For this purpose, a validated postmenopausal osteoporosis disease model developed for Sweden was adapted to Italy. For each year of the study, the 'incident cohort' (women experiencing a first osteoporotic fracture) was identified and run through a Markov model using 1-year cycles until 2020. Health states were based on the number of fractures and deaths. Fracture by site (hip, clinical vertebral, non-hip non-vertebral) was tracked for each health state. Transition probabilities reflected fracture site-specific risk of death and subsequent fractures. Model inputs specific to Italy included population size and life tables from 1970 to 2020, incidence of hip fracture and BMD by age in the general population (mean and standard deviation). The model estimated that the number of postmenopausal osteoporotic women would increase from 3.3 million to 3.7 million between 2010 and 2020 (+14.3%). Assuming unchanged incidence rates by age group over time, the model predicted the overall number of osteoporotic fractures to increase from 285.0 to 335.8 thousand fractures between 2010 and 2020 (+17.8%). The estimated expected increases in hip, vertebral and non-hip non-vertebral fractures were 22.3, 17.2 and 16.3%, respectively. Due to demographic changes, the burden of fractures is expected to increase markedly by 2020. | 25,200,337 | [
-0.3520251,
-0.08870776,
0.1153047,
0.2301214,
-0.1693477,
-0.1543972,
0.2847951,
0.1940475,
-0.02963418,
0.1511085,
-0.1624796,
-0.1865654,
-0.1541309,
-0.3048734,
-0.3131487,
-0.2680956,
-0.06822562,
0.4754313,
0.2056657,
-0.1712983,
0.1354465,
0.3640519,
-0.1877593,
... |
New terpenoid glycosides obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis L. aerial parts. | Five new terpenoid glycosides, named as officinoterpenosides A₁ (1), A₂ (2), B (3), C (4), and D (5), together with 11 known ones, (1S,4S,5S)-5-exo-hydrocamphor 5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), isorosmanol (7), rosmanol (8), 7-methoxyrosmanol (9), epirosmanol (10), ursolic acid (11), micromeric acid (12), oleanolic acid (13), niga-ichigoside F₁ (14), glucosyl tormentate (15), and asteryunnanoside B (16), were obtained from the aerial parts of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, HRESI-TOF-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Among the new ones, 1 and 2, 3 and 4 are diterpenoid and triterpenoid glycosides, respectively; and 5 is a normonoterpenoid. For the known ones, 6 was isolated from the Rosmarinus genus first, and 15, 16 were obtained from this species for the first time. | 25,200,369 | [
0.01949754,
0.3835956,
0.124676,
0.1175695,
0.2071976,
0.04049595,
-0.3883452,
-0.3432474,
0.1012897,
0.03419807,
0.09952683,
0.01716004,
-0.1138453,
-0.3855671,
-0.2933597,
0.06138393,
-0.2147451,
0.4844787,
0.2937012,
-0.1532079,
0.1879286,
0.09756417,
-0.2433077,
-0.... |
Changes in shear wave speed pre- and post-induction of labor: a feasibility study. | To explore the feasibility of using shear wave speed (SWS) estimates to detect differences in cervical softening pre- and post-ripening in women undergoing induction of labor. Subjects at 37-41 weeks' gestation undergoing cervical ripening before induction of labor were recruited (n = 20). Examinations, performed prior to administration of misoprostol and 4 h later included Bishop score, transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length, and 10 replicate SWS measurements using an ultrasound system equipped with a prototype transducer (128 element, 3 mm diameter, 14 mm aperture) attached to the clinician's hand. Subjects were divided into two groups, 'not-in-labor' and 'marked-progression', based on cervical evaluation at the second examination. Measurements were compared via individual paired hypotheses tests and using a linear mixed model, with the latter also used to compare groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to compare SWS with Bishop score. The linear mixed model can take into account clustered data and accommodate multiple predictors simultaneously. The Wilcoxon signed-rank paired test established a significant difference in pre- and post-ripening SWS, with mean SWS estimates of 2.53 ± 0.75 and 1.54 ± 0.31 m/s, respectively (P < 0.001) in the not-in-labor group (decrease in stiffness) and 1.58 ± 0.33 and 2.35 ± 0.65 m/s for the marked-progression group (increase in stiffness). The linear mixed model corroborated significant differences in pre- and post-ripening measurements in individual subjects (P < 0.001) as well as between groups (P < 0.0001). SWS estimates were significantly correlated with digitally-assessed cervical softness and marginally correlated with Bishop score as assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. In-vivo SWS estimates detected stiffness differences before and after misoprostol-induced softening in term pregnancies. This ultrasonic shear elasticity imaging technique shows promise for assessing cervical softness. | 25,200,374 | [
0.2084199,
0.4447455,
-0.2271176,
0.05781779,
0.235683,
-0.6019948,
-0.3202274,
0.1763632,
0.5206903,
-0.01193947,
-0.02969442,
-0.2462653,
0.02837591,
-0.05806862,
-0.2533333,
-0.1373001,
-0.2888846,
-0.2437134,
-0.1770248,
-0.1365986,
0.04933349,
-0.01531329,
-0.2904268... |
A systematic approach for using DICOM structured reports in clinical processes: focus on breast cancer. | This paper describes a methodology for redesigning the clinical processes to manage diagnosis, follow-up, and response to treatment episodes of breast cancer. This methodology includes three fundamental elements: (1) identification of similar and contrasting cases that may be of clinical relevance based upon a target study, (2) codification of reports with standard medical terminologies, and (3) linking and indexing the structured reports obtained with different techniques in a common system. The combination of these elements should lead to improvements in the clinical management of breast cancer patients. The motivation for this work is the adaptation of the clinical processes for breast cancer created by the Valencian Community health authorities to the new techniques available for data processing. To achieve this adaptation, it was necessary to design nine Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) structured report templates: six diagnosis templates and three summary templates that combine reports from clinical episodes. A prototype system is also described that links the lesion to the reports. Preliminary tests of the prototype have shown that the interoperability among the report templates allows correlating parameters from different reports. Further work is in progress to improve the methodology in order that it can be applied to clinical practice. | 25,200,428 | [
-0.303596,
0.2762362,
0.2254328,
-0.03875924,
-0.1315963,
-0.2990356,
0.02617147,
-0.05079232,
0.09164425,
0.1408728,
-0.2198174,
-0.02192242,
-0.2010232,
-0.5355992,
-0.5774251,
-0.2702293,
-0.2553075,
-0.1743927,
0.08634818,
-0.1780386,
0.1174148,
0.05669381,
-0.2844254... |
Impact of reducing the threshold for acetylcysteine treatment in acute paracetamol poisoning: the recent United Kingdom experience. | On 3 September 2012, the licensed indication for acetylcysteine was changed in the United Kingdom (UK) so that all patients with a plasma paracetamol concentration above a "100 mg/L" (4 h post ingestion) nomogram treatment line after an acute paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose should be treated. This is a lower threshold than that used in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Here we report the impact of this change in the UK on the management of patients with acute overdose in different paracetamol concentration ranges. This is a cohort study, consisting of a retrospective analysis conducted on prospectively collected audit data in three UK hospitals. Following appropriate ethical and data protection authority approval, data for patients presenting within 24 h of an acute timed single paracetamol overdose were extracted. Numbers of admissions and use of antidote in relation to different paracetamol concentration bands (< 100 mg/L; 100-149 mg/L; 150-199 mg/L; and ≥ 200 mg/L at 4 h) were analyzed for one-year periods before and after the change. Comparing the year before with the year after the change, there was no change in the numbers of patients presenting to hospital within 24 h of acute timed paracetamol overdose (1246 before and 1251 after), but more patients were admitted (759 before and 849 after) and treated with acetylcysteine (389 before and 539 after). Of the 150 additional patients treated with acetylcysteine in the year following the change, 114 (76%, 95% CI: 68.4-82.6) were in the 100-149 group and 9 (6.0%, 95% CI: 2.8-11.1) in the 150-199 group. Changes to national guidelines for managing paracetamol poisoning in the UK have increased the numbers of patients with acute overdose treated with acetylcysteine, with most additional treatments occurring in patients in the 100-149 mg/L dose range, a group at low risk of hepatotoxicity and higher risk of adverse reactions. | 25,200,454 | [
-0.2202538,
0.06469303,
-0.2491364,
-0.248305,
0.06301887,
0.1044858,
-0.03205945,
-0.1415332,
-0.05949599,
-0.160572,
-0.04206283,
0.2773516,
0.1254242,
0.1958312,
0.5039188,
0.03133664,
0.08480424,
0.5502632,
0.1555701,
0.216907,
-0.1506451,
0.4250834,
0.1659947,
-0.1... |
Efficacy of the selective progesterone receptor agonist Nestorone for chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. | Progesterone plays a protective role in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Besides spinal cord neuropathology, MS patients present a dysfunctional hippocampus. In this work we studied the therapeutic effects of the progestin Nestorone in the brain of mice with chronic EAE. Nestorone decreased clinical grade and enhanced motor behavior. In addition, it increased cell proliferation and doublecortin positive neuroblasts in the hippocampus, increased GABAergic interneurons and attenuated the number of Iba1+ microglia/macrophages, events possibly linked to enhancement of neurogenesis. Therefore, Nestorone protected against hippocampus abnormalities and improved functional outcomes of EAE mice, suggesting its potential value for MS. | 25,200,475 | [
0.2594492,
-0.09666696,
0.205891,
-0.06612337,
0.049975,
-0.2372955,
-0.1072066,
-0.2214576,
-0.01867617,
-0.05650964,
-0.4544846,
0.2114481,
0.2705652,
-0.06627899,
-0.3346407,
-0.09480505,
-0.3825426,
-0.02713162,
0.0259565,
0.286456,
-0.3558538,
0.3038264,
0.114721,
... |
Co-localization of gluten consumption and HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 genotypes, a clue to the history of celiac disease. | Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible persons. Despite its detrimental effects on human health, it has not disappeared over time. The current evolutionary theory is that celiac disease is more common in areas reached later by agricultural revolution than in countries that started consumption of wheat earlier, due to negative selection caused by celiac disease. We reviewed data on worldwide prevalence of celiac disease, wheat consumption, and frequencies of HLA-celiac-disease-predisposing-genotypes to investigate their mutual relationship. Studies assessing prevalence of celiac disease were identified through a MEDLINE search. Wheat consumption and frequencies of HLA-DQ2-DQ8 were obtained from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and allelefrequencies.net database. Correlations between celiac disease, wheat consumption, and HLA were analyzed by linear regression. We observed a significant correlation between wheat consumption and HLA DQ2 (p=0.01) and the sum of DQ2 and DQ8 (p=0.01) frequencies. Wheat consumption and HLA-DQ2 tend to co-localize in different continents. The correlation between the prevalence of celiac disease and either DQ2 and/or DQ8, or the product of DQ2+DQ8*wheat consumption was not statistically significant. Co-localization of gluten consumption and HLA-celiac-disease-predisposing-genotypes can be explained by positive selection of HLA-DQ2 genes in wheat-consuming areas, and "demic diffusion" of Middle East farmers into Europe. | 25,200,477 | [
0.06543599,
-0.3115858,
0.384387,
0.3682775,
0.2659768,
-0.4094351,
-0.06618226,
0.2822683,
0.01850075,
0.06476557,
0.1272661,
0.1043308,
0.3303395,
0.1113473,
0.08453081,
-0.4408456,
-0.4092353,
0.08670321,
-0.03543052,
-0.1771522,
-0.07672746,
0.551824,
-0.2917894,
-0... |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.