title stringlengths 0 901 | abstract stringlengths 3 9.89k | PMID int64 22 25.3M | embedding listlengths 768 768 |
|---|---|---|---|
Pivotal roles of lymphatic endothelial cell layers in the permeability to hydrophilic substances through collecting lymph vessel walls: effects of inflammatory cytokines. | To address physiological and pathophysiological meanings of condensing effect of albumin in lymph through collecting lymph vessel walls, we established human lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) and evaluated the size-dependent regulation of the permeability of such layers to hydrophilic substances. We also investigated the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or interleukin (IL)-1β on the permeability and on the morphology of human LEC. Significant amounts of 4 kDa dextran, but not 12 or 66 kDa dextran, passed through the layers. TNF-α or IL-1β induced significant increases in the permeability to 4 and 12 kDa dextrans. TNF-α or IL-1β also produced significant redistribution of the cytoskeletal F-actin in the LEC, which resulted in changes in their shape. Pretreatment with Y-27632, a Rho kinase inhibitor, or PD98059, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation inhibitor, significantly abolished the TNF-α- or IL-1β-induced increases in the permeability of the layers to 4 and 12 kDa dextrans. Y-27632 and PD98059 significantly inhibited the changes in the F-actin distribution of the LEC produced by TNF-α or IL-1β. TNF-α or IL-1β caused significant increases in ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in the LEC, which were significantly inhibited by Y-27632 or PD98059. These findings suggest that the human LEC layer plays key roles in the transport of hydrophilic substances through collecting lymph vessel walls and that TNF-α or IL-1β significantly increases the permeability of the layers to 4 and 12 kDa dextrans via Rho kinase activation and the ERK 1/2 phosphorylation-mediated reorganization of F-actin in the LEC. | 25,229,432 | [
-0.02766713,
0.01377613,
0.0972536,
0.07142401,
-0.2469603,
-0.3706554,
0.1237221,
0.1672142,
0.1025614,
0.3125353,
0.238142,
-0.1906887,
-0.2681246,
0.2787732,
-0.599409,
0.1595256,
-0.05859157,
0.003187688,
-0.03228087,
0.131506,
0.1691619,
0.1534827,
-0.1598236,
0.26... |
Divergent lymphatic drainage routes from the heel to the inguinal region: anatomic study and clinical implications. | To determine routes of lymphatic drainage from the heel to the inguinal lymph nodes to assist in the clinical management of lower limb lymphatic disorders. Six lower limbs from three unembalmed human cadavers were studied. Under a surgical microscope, 6% hydrogen peroxide was used to detect lymphatic vessels on the medial and lateral sides of the heel. The lymphatic vessel on either side was then injected with a radio-opaque mixture. The lymphatic vessels were traced, photographed, and radiographed to demonstrate the lymphatic pathways from the heel to the inguinal lymph nodes. The final results were transferred to computer for digital image analysis. Two groups of lymph collecting vessels were identified. The medial group, arising from the skin between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, coursed along the medial side of the leg and thigh to the inguinal lymph nodes. The lateral group, arising from the skin between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon, coursed along the postero-lateral side of the leg to the popliteal fossa. Alternative routes were then identified from the popliteal fossa to the inguinal lymph nodes. The number, size, type, and distribution of lymph vessels and nodes were variable from person to person. Two different lymphatic routes from the heel to the inguinal lymph nodes have been described. This information upgrades current anatomical knowledge and the results will be of benefit for the clinical management of lower limb trauma and malignancy. | 25,229,435 | [
0.08273875,
0.06518548,
-0.2439334,
0.19319,
-0.1561407,
-0.3414453,
-0.1350674,
0.08783823,
-0.0437471,
0.1594099,
0.02828596,
-0.2163685,
-0.2363486,
-0.3167843,
-0.09852622,
-0.1246249,
-0.01204483,
-0.1502334,
-0.1770253,
-0.09875094,
0.1732348,
0.1759771,
0.03706086,... |
Characterization of stem-like cells in mucoepidermoid tracheal paediatric tumor. | Stem cells contribute to regeneration of tissues and organs. Cells with stem cell-like properties have been identified in tumors from a variety of origins, but to our knowledge there are yet no reports on tumor-related stem cells in the human upper respiratory tract. In the present study, we show that a tracheal mucoepidermoid tumor biopsy obtained from a 6 year-old patient contained a subpopulation of cells with morphology, clonogenicity and surface markers that overlapped with bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs). These cells, designated as MEi (mesenchymal stem cell-like mucoepidermoid tumor) cells, could be differentiated towards mesenchymal lineages both with and without induction, and formed spheroids in vitro. The MEi cells shared several multipotent characteristics with BM-MSCs. However, they displayed differences to BM-MSCs in growth kinectics and gene expression profiles relating to cancer pathways and tube development. Despite this, the MEi cells did not possess in vivo tumor-initiating capacity, as proven by the absence of growth in situ after localized injection in immunocompromised mice. Our results provide an initial characterization of benign tracheal cancer-derived niche cells. We believe that this report could be of importance to further understand tracheal cancer initiation and progression as well as therapeutic development. | 25,229,469 | [
-0.07712146,
-0.5048658,
0.001523303,
-0.5786372,
-0.1195961,
-0.05431664,
-0.1873218,
0.2926097,
0.2357998,
0.07331353,
0.05200115,
-0.1668015,
-0.3560692,
-0.2313144,
-0.5783179,
0.317437,
-0.1047743,
-0.1963832,
-0.1767491,
-0.007018094,
0.6028902,
0.06099941,
0.069141... |
Prediction equation for lower limbs lean soft tissue in circumpubertal boys using anthropometry and biological maturation. | Lean soft tissue (LST), a surrogate of skeletal muscle mass, is largely limited to appendicular body regions. Simple and accurate methods to estimate lower limbs LST are often used in attempts to partition out the influence of body size on performance outputs. The aim of the current study was to develop and cross-validate a new model to predict lower limbs LST in boys aged 10-13 years, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference method. Total body and segmental (lower limbs) composition were assessed with a Hologic Explorer-W QDR DXA scanner in a cross-sectional sample of 75 Portuguese boys (144.8±6.4 cm; 40.2±9.0 kg). Skinfolds were measured at the anterior and posterior mid-thigh, and medial calf. Circumferences were measured at the proximal, mid and distal thigh. Leg length was estimated as stature minus sitting height. Current stature expressed as a percentage of attained predicted mature stature (PMS) was used as an estimate of biological maturity status. Backward proportional allometric models were used to identify the model with the best statistical fit: ln (lower limbs LST) = 0.838× ln (body mass) +0.476× ln (leg length) - 0.135× ln (mid-thigh circumference) - 0.053× ln (anterior mid-thigh skinfold) - 0.098× ln (medial calf skinfold) - 2.680+0.010× (percentage of attained PMS) (R = 0.95). The obtained equation was cross-validated using the predicted residuals sum of squares statistics (PRESS) method (R2PRESS = 0.90). Deming repression analysis between predicted and current lower limbs LST showed a standard error of estimation of 0.52 kg (95% limits of agreement: 0.77 to -1.27 kg). The new model accurately predicts lower limbs LST in circumpubertal boys. | 25,229,472 | [
0.1372563,
-0.1359022,
0.3573629,
-0.00078865,
-0.08667015,
-0.3577542,
-0.3823683,
0.2695273,
0.05608226,
-0.1125177,
0.01623758,
0.01278446,
0.02778407,
-0.05139214,
-0.6509745,
-0.2841919,
-0.1970588,
-0.08089489,
-0.1472632,
0.05184753,
0.2329137,
0.2240486,
-0.342810... |
Screening Medicinal Plants for Use against Dactylogyrus intermedius (Monogenea) Infection in Goldfish. | Abstract Methanol extracts of 24 traditional medicinal plants with potential anthelmintic activity against Dactylogyrus intermedius (Monogenea) in Goldfish Carassius auratus were investigated. Abrus cantoniensis, Citrus medica, Dioscorea collettii, and Polygonum multiflorum exhibited 100% activity and were selected for further evaluation by applying five solvents (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) for the extraction of the samples, followed by an in vivo bioassay. Among the plants tested, water, methanol, and ethyl-acetate extracts of P. multiflorum showed the highest efficacies; EC50 values (median concentration that results in 50% of its maximal effect) were 1.9, 5.4, and 9.1 mg/L, respectively, and extracts showed 100% efficacy against Dactylogyrus intermedius at 100, 12.5, and 25 mg/L. This was followed by ethyl-acetate, chloroform, and methanol extracts of Dioscorea collettii, which demonstrated 100% efficacy at 80, 80, and 120 mg/L and had EC50 values of 19.7, 27.1, and 37.8 mg/L, respectively, after 48 h of exposure. Chloroform and ethyl-acetate extracts of C. medica, which exhibited 100% efficacy against Dactylogyrus intermedius at 100 and 125 mg/L, revealed similar activity and had EC50 values of 58.7 and 51.3 mg/L, respectively. The ethyl-acetate and methanol extracts of A. cantoniensis exhibited the lowest activity and had EC50 values of 279.4 and 64.3 mg/L. Acute toxicities of these active extracts were investigated on Goldfish for 48 h. The findings indicated that extracts of the four plants can be developed as a preferred natural antiparasitic for the control of D. intermedius. Received June 15, 2013; accepted February 11, 2014. | 25,229,482 | [
-0.1124289,
0.1664544,
0.03759502,
0.1333804,
0.07546767,
0.1681693,
-0.2609383,
0.2576239,
-0.006786283,
-0.3502544,
0.1031472,
0.3651242,
0.08135026,
0.118856,
-0.1380983,
-0.03420698,
-0.5025526,
0.3308971,
-0.1355819,
0.1957033,
0.2134426,
0.2355738,
0.002880526,
0.... |
Nanoparticle-based diagnostic imaging of inflammation in rheumatic disease. | A variety of imaging modalities assists in the diagnosis and assessment of rheumatoid arthritis and of other rheumatic disorders; however, the definitive diagnosis of inflammatory arthritides can be challenging, especially in the early stages of disease. Consequently, there is significant research underway in expanding imaging sensitivity and specificity to aid in diagnostics of early stage inflammation and management of subclinical disease activity. Nanotechnology, the manipulation of materials in the nanoscale range (1 to 1000nm), is increasingly utilized in the biomedical field to meet this need, particularly as novel contrast agents in imaging. In this review, the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), gold, and chitosan glyco-nanoparticles will be discussed in their imaging capabilities pertaining to rheumatic diseases as well as emerging multimodal nanomaterials that could have future biomedical applications in the imaging of inflammation. | 25,229,498 | [
-0.03049626,
-0.003134382,
0.01266611,
0.04754311,
-0.315333,
-0.02154469,
-0.0535402,
0.1121047,
-0.1666808,
0.05356924,
-0.2869262,
-0.09897588,
0.06242362,
-0.1041396,
-0.3260368,
-0.1909899,
-0.3398367,
0.1688457,
0.03539952,
-0.09504873,
-0.2717943,
0.145875,
-0.1796... |
Experimental model of obtaining tissue adipose, mesenchymal stem cells isolation and distribution in surgery flaps in rats. | To investigate the experimental model for obtaining adipose tissue, isolation, characterization of mesenchymal stem cells and evaluation of their distribution in the tram flap in rats. Five rats of Wistar were randomly assigned to two groups. In group I, three animals underwent removal of adipose tissue in the groin procedure to establish the experimental model and obtain a cell lineage. The animals of group II (n = 2) underwent surgical flap procedure, and satisfaction injection of mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with marker fluorescente. obtaining adipose tissue of the inguinal region of the rat proved to be possible. The isolated cells were characterized as mesenchymal stem cells and fluorescence microscopy showed the presence of multiple cells arranged around blood vessels and capillaries. It was possible to establish an experimental model for obtaining adipose tissue for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells and their distribution in the TRAM flap in rats. | 25,229,511 | [
0.229974,
-0.3326775,
-0.2651484,
-0.07598667,
0.05854666,
-0.1615663,
-0.04734814,
0.06582307,
0.08686963,
0.222175,
0.1070658,
-0.1918085,
-0.02603246,
-0.1627234,
-0.6260159,
-0.01880112,
-0.2031092,
-0.2223307,
0.1038554,
0.3896206,
0.1336069,
0.1483021,
0.08592547,
... |
L-FABP and I-FABP expression in newborn rats changes inversely in the model of necrotizing enterocolitis. | To determine the expression of hepatic L-FABP and intestinal I-FABP in an experimental model of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonatal rats. Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Control (C1) - exclusive breastfeeding at the first and sixth procedures (C6), NEC1 - fed formula milk and submitted to hypoxia and hypothermia at the first and sixth procedures (NEC6). The newborn pups were fed twice a day for three days, for a total of six procedures. Samples were collected for morphometric evaluation (body weight, liver weight, liver weight/body weight ratio, intestinal weight and intestinal/body weight ratio) and for immunohistochemical and Western blotting analysis. The values obtained were analyzed statistically, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Morphometric measurements showed reduction of body and liver weights in the NEC group (p<0.05). Both immunohistochemistry and western blotting revealed that L-FABP expression in the liver was decreased and I-FABP expression in the ileum was increased in the NEC group (p<0.05). L-FABP and I-FABP expression changed inversely in the rat NEC model. These findings can contribute to a better diagnosis of NEC in human newborns. | 25,229,514 | [
0.1407056,
-0.2372344,
0.004520746,
0.1301267,
0.07765263,
-0.0760711,
-0.03244901,
-0.3073671,
0.1162313,
-0.214985,
-0.0005425685,
0.1094595,
-0.02105419,
-0.2155938,
0.02255067,
-0.3683282,
-0.6981423,
0.005634044,
-0.03835998,
0.01809522,
-0.331144,
0.1871134,
-0.1824... |
Evaluation of CART-, glucagon-, and insulin-immunoreactive cells in the pancreas of an experimental rat model of unilateral renal artery stenosis. | Hypertension is one of the most frequently occurring diseases worldwide. Approximately 10% of the population with hypertension reveal the secondary type of hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cells containing CART, insulin and glucagon in the pancreas of rats with renovascular hypertension. An experimental model of hypertension in rats according to Goldblatt (2K1C model of hypertension) was used in the study. The experimental material (pancreas) was collected in the 6th week of the study. Cells containing CART, insulin and glucagon were evaluated using immunohistochemical and morphometric methods. Pancreatic islet cells were evaluated based on the number and intensity of staining. The investigation showed an increase in the number and immunoreactivity of CART containing cells, 6 weeks after partial unilateral ligation of the renal artery. There was a significant decrease in the number of glucagon-IR cells. Although intensity of staining these cells did not change. No differences were observed in the number and staining affinity of insulin-containing cells. On the basis of the study it can be stated that the endocrine system of pancreas undergoes changes in the course of renovascular hypertension. This may affect the production of hormones and contribute to the development of possible hypertension complications. | 25,229,552 | [
0.5244012,
-0.1666813,
-0.2213672,
0.2963971,
0.09709918,
-0.2149525,
0.03997101,
0.1356924,
0.2221829,
0.2832491,
-0.094975,
-0.07847677,
-0.1061137,
-0.1336792,
-0.3480519,
-0.1247944,
-0.1539623,
0.2236377,
0.04355459,
0.1400872,
0.1924509,
0.3224082,
-0.1117818,
0.0... |
Age-specific influence of wheezing phenotypes on pre-adolescent and adolescent health-related quality of life. | Asthma is associated with diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Particularly in adolescence, asthma may be under-diagnosed and undertreated or poorly managed. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between childhood wheezing phenotypes rather than asthma and adolescent HRQoL in children aged 10-17 yr. We analyzed the data from two prospective population-based cohort studies (n = 604 and n = 1804) conducted in southern Germany with baseline assessments in 2000 and 2006 and follow-ups at frequent intervals. Parent-reported wheeze was categorized into never, early transient, persistent, and late-onset wheeze. We assessed child-reported HRQoL in seven scales using the validated KINDL-R. Multivariate linear regression models were computed. Participants with late-onset wheeze had significantly lower values in all HRQoL scales, but physical well-being compared to never wheezers. Early transient wheeze was negatively associated with three HRQoL scales only (family, school, and total). These effects were confined to the oldest age group (≥13.5 yr) in one study. Persistent wheeze was not associated with HRQoL. In teenagers, late-onset wheezers seem to be particularly vulnerable for impairments in psychosocial aspects of health-related quality of life. They may therefore require particular attention with regard to education about asthma management and potentially family-based psychosocial intervention. | 25,229,563 | [
0.2170688,
0.08002347,
-0.3187604,
-0.14915,
-0.1488736,
-0.145817,
-0.1033538,
-0.03638824,
-0.02479592,
0.0891104,
0.237952,
0.1819995,
-0.08453027,
-0.1044999,
-0.1530765,
0.03792234,
0.03558158,
0.2634458,
0.02099426,
0.1251475,
0.02543616,
0.03989586,
-0.2180051,
-... |
Basaloid Carcinoma of the Breast Mimicking Cutaneous Basaloid Neoplasms. | Basaloid carcinoma of the breast (BCB) is a rare, triple-negative aggressive primary breast tumor that can closely mimic cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC), neuroendocrine tumors, adnexal neoplasms, and other primary breast tumors. Accurate diagnosis of this tumor is critical for appropriate clinical management. We add to the literature 2 female patients with BCB presenting with a nipple mass. Histopathologic findings from both patients showed dermal nests and cords of atypical basaloid cells with epidermal involvement, closely resembling cutaneous BCC. A panel of immunohistochemical stains, including the novel use of CK17, is essential for differentiating BCB from mimickers. BCB is a rare primary breast tumor that follows an aggressive clinical course and closely mimics many basaloid neoplasms, including cutaneous BCC clinicopathologically. Increased awareness of BCB among dermatologists and dermatopathologists is critical for accurate diagnosis and patient care. | 25,229,570 | [
-0.05342816,
0.006309401,
-0.3098338,
-0.5032842,
-0.05680449,
-0.1335425,
-0.1744995,
-0.06548142,
0.08891383,
0.2263437,
0.05676344,
0.2864015,
-0.1694034,
-0.01107727,
-0.1266769,
-0.1530513,
-0.216128,
0.1277587,
0.1915566,
-0.4030484,
0.2843224,
0.1095861,
-0.0755312... |
Assessing the likely harms to kidney vendors in regulated organ markets. | Advocates of paid living kidney donation frequently argue that kidney sellers would benefit from paid donation under a properly regulated kidney market. The poor outcomes experienced by participants in existing markets are often entirely attributed to harmful black-market practices. This article reviews the medical and anthropological literature on the physical, psychological, social, and financial harms experienced by vendors under Iran's regulated system of donor compensation and black markets throughout the world and argues that this body of research not only documents significant harms to vendors, but also provides reasons to believe that such harms would persist under a regulated system. This does not settle the question of whether or not a regulated market should be introduced, but it does strengthen the case against markets in kidneys while suggesting that those advocating such a system cannot appeal to the purported benefits to vendors to support their case. | 25,229,573 | [
-0.2084811,
0.2875689,
-0.06304028,
0.1896494,
0.3508011,
-0.08643175,
-0.3452778,
0.3060891,
-0.1735893,
-0.03284391,
0.08849788,
-0.0191697,
-0.05916154,
0.1781828,
-0.1407379,
-0.193636,
-0.2812963,
-0.07840317,
0.1356607,
-0.2863154,
0.008743094,
0.5304801,
-0.3961976... |
Optical properties of graphene superlattices. | In this work, the optical responses of graphene superlattices, i.e. graphene subjected to a periodic scalar potential, are theoretically reported. The optical properties were studied by investigating the optical conductivity, which was calculated using the Kubo formalism. It was found that the optical conductivity becomes dependent on the photon polarization and is suppressed in the photon energy range of (0, Ub), where Ub is the potential barrier height. In the higher photon energy range, i.e. Ω > Ub, the optical conductivity is, however, almost identical to that of pristine graphene. Such behaviors of the optical conductivity are explained microscopically through the analysis of the elements of optical matrices and effectively through a simple model, which is based on the Pauli blocking mechanism. | 25,229,612 | [
-0.06898917,
-0.1355392,
-0.08005808,
-0.1039591,
0.3318753,
-0.2387633,
-0.4084239,
-0.2355494,
0.3812514,
-0.1610507,
-0.03221922,
-0.03276653,
-0.08331908,
0.2842494,
-0.3816922,
-0.08488905,
-0.6338173,
0.1409477,
-0.1265402,
0.07537348,
0.1390935,
0.01417832,
-0.1159... |
New posology of potassium iodide for the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis: study of efficacy and safety in 102 patients. | The first therapeutic choice for the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis is oral itraconazole; however, the increase in cases of zoonotic transmission outbreak necessitates a search for effective and safe treatment alternatives. To evaluate a new potassium iodide (KI) posology as an alternative for the treatment of limited cutaneous forms of sporotrichosis. One hundred and two patients with sporotrichosis diagnosed by isolation of Sporothrix sp. were included and were divided into 2 groups that received different doses of KI: group A received the conventional dose, and group B received the reduced dose. The cure criteria were based on clinical and serological data. Seventy-nine patients (77.4%) reached clinical cure: 70.6% and 84.3% of groups A and B respectively. Sixteen patients (15.6%) were lost during follow-up, and seven changed drug therapy: five in group A and two in group B. The incidence of adverse events was similar for both groups (64.7%): predominantly metallic taste (44%), followed by mild gastrointestinal intolerance and acneiform eruption (10.7% each). No serious adverse events occurred, and there were no recurrences. Analysis of the results showed no statistically significant difference between groups (P = 0.9255). The improvement in serologic titres was significant in both treatment groups. Through statistical analysis, the usual posology was not shown to be superior to the one proposed in this study. Serology for sporotrichosis may be used as a valuable tool in the clinical monitoring of these patients. | 25,229,626 | [
0.04768861,
-0.4783507,
0.06454048,
-0.0825448,
0.01738441,
-0.1572286,
-0.5345147,
-0.08758858,
-0.09254389,
-0.4287339,
-0.06540994,
-0.2170457,
0.2528832,
-0.05807609,
-0.09103958,
-0.01101886,
-0.3593786,
0.006322441,
-0.01224352,
0.1372038,
0.08232024,
0.4815766,
0.0... |
Dysfunction of emotional brain systems in individuals at high risk of mood disorder with depression and predictive features prior to illness. | Abnormalities of emotion-related brain circuitry, including cortico-thalamic-limbic regions underpin core symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It is unclear whether these abnormalities relate to symptoms of the disorder, are present in unaffected relatives, or whether they can predict future illness. The Bipolar Family Study (BFS) is a prospective longitudinal study that has examined individuals at familial risk of mood disorder and healthy controls on three occasions, 2 years apart. The current study concerns imaging data from the second assessment; 51 controls and 81 high-risk (HR) individuals performing an emotional memory task. The latter group was divided into 61 HR individuals who were well, and 20 who met diagnostic criteria for MDD. At the time of the third assessment a further 11 HR individuals (from the Well group) had developed MDD. The current analyses focused on (i) differences between groups based on diagnostic status at the time of the scan, and (ii) predictors of future illness, comparing the 11 HR individuals who became unwell after the second scanning assessment to those who remained well. All groups demonstrated typical emotional modulation of memory and associated brain activations. For analysis (i) the HR MDD group demonstrated increased thalamic activation v. HR Well. (ii) HR Well individuals who subsequently became ill showed increased activation of thalamus, insula and anterior cingulate compared to those who remained well. These findings suggest evidence for specific changes related to the presence of illness and evidence that changes in brain function in cortico-thalamic-limbic regions precede clinical illness. | 25,229,638 | [
0.05232105,
0.2284294,
0.03618275,
-0.2245832,
0.2832133,
-0.3538546,
0.05788656,
-0.05081127,
-0.3858384,
-0.00168828,
0.004727755,
-0.0745256,
-0.1577575,
-0.122142,
-0.2891013,
-0.07745704,
0.006556926,
0.3071631,
0.1489315,
0.008492683,
0.007062381,
0.3139841,
-0.2065... |
HPV-negative carcinoma of the uterine cervix: a distinct type of cervical cancer with poor prognosis. | Using highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, we reanalysed all cervical carcinomas (CCs) found to be human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) to determine the prevalence of true HPV-negativity. We also evaluated the characteristics of the patients with tumours with confirmed HPV-negativity. Observational study. Barcelona, Spain. A cohort of 136 women with CC (32 adenocarcinomas, 104 squamous cell carcinomas) who had pre-treatment HC2 testing. All negative cases were reanalysed and genotyped for HPV using three PCR assays (SPF10, GP5+/6+ and E7-specific assay). Percentage of confirmed HPV-negative and HPV-positive tumours. Clinicopathological features and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of both groups. Fourteen of 136 women (10.2%) were negative for HPV by HC2. After reanalysis by PCR-based techniques only 8/136 (5.8%) tumours were confirmed as HPV-negative, whereas in six cases different HPVs were identified [HPV-11, -16 (two tumours), -18, -45, and -68]. Confirmed HPV-negativity was more frequent in adenocarcinomas than in squamous cell carcinomas (5/32, 15.6% versus 3/104, 2.9%, respectively; P = 0.017). Patients with CCs with confirmed HPV-negativity had significantly worse DFS than women with HPV-positive tumours [51.9 months (95% CI 12.2-91.7 months) versus 109.9 months (95% CI 98.2-121.5 months); P = 0.010]. In the multivariate analysis HPV-negativity and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging were associated with increased risk of progression and mortality. An HC2-negative result is an uncommon finding in women with CC, but in almost half of these cases HPVs are identified by more sensitive techniques. CCs with confirmed HPV-negativity are more frequently adenocarcinomas, and seem to be associated with worse DFS. | 25,229,645 | [
-0.03951174,
0.04805743,
-0.195568,
-0.1557959,
-0.09096655,
-0.2043393,
0.02517148,
-0.08226036,
0.2881531,
-0.08342578,
0.1067351,
0.2164118,
0.06508095,
-0.5561466,
-0.09313182,
-0.5584881,
-0.08194043,
0.1666322,
0.1020335,
-0.1160727,
0.1046988,
0.08380965,
-0.124203... |
Optimization of extraction of circulating RNAs from plasma--enabling small RNA sequencing. | There are several protocols and kits for the extraction of circulating RNAs from plasma with a following quantification of specific genes via RT-qPCR. Due to the marginal amount of cell-free RNA in plasma samples, the total RNA yield is insufficient to perform Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), the state-of-the-art technology in massive parallel sequencing that enables a comprehensive characterization of the whole transcriptome. Screening the transcriptome for biomarker signatures accelerates progress in biomarker profiling for molecular diagnostics, early disease detection or food safety. Therefore, the aim was to optimize a method that enables the extraction of sufficient amounts of total RNA from bovine plasma to generate good-quality small RNA Sequencing (small RNA-Seq) data. An increased volume of plasma (9 ml) was processed using the Qiagen miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Kit in combination with the QIAvac24 Plus system, a vacuum manifold that enables handling of high volumes during RNA isolation. 35 ng of total RNA were passed on to cDNA library preparation followed by small RNA high-throughput sequencing analysis on the Illumina HiSeq2000 platform. Raw sequencing reads were processed by a data analysis pipeline using different free software solutions. Seq-data was trimmed, quality checked, gradually selected for miRNAs/piRNAs and aligned to small RNA reference annotation indexes. Mapping to human reference indexes resulted in 4.8±2.8% of mature miRNAs and 1.4±0.8% of piRNAs and of 5.0±2.9% of mature miRNAs for bos taurus. | 25,229,651 | [
-0.3182959,
0.4384567,
0.04476244,
-0.5093793,
0.1848707,
-0.4159867,
-0.003816457,
0.3316735,
0.06232358,
0.03777437,
0.06169276,
0.07323213,
0.2248401,
-0.2846216,
-0.3653557,
0.08133137,
-0.2069183,
0.2179909,
-0.235838,
0.1064506,
0.1975152,
0.3098148,
-0.264188,
-0... |
Fatty acid esters of phloridzin induce apoptosis of human liver cancer cells through altered gene expression. | Phloridzin (phlorizin or phloretin 2'-O-glucoside) is known for blocking intestinal glucose absorption. We have investigated the anticarcinogenic effect of phloridzin and its novel derivatives using human cancer cell lines. We have synthesised novel acylated derivatives of phloridzin with six different long chain fatty acids by regioselective enzymatic acylation using Candida Antarctica lipase B. The antiproliferative effects of the new compounds were investigated in comparison with the parent compounds, phloridzin, aglycone phloretin, the six free fatty acids and chemotherapeutic drugs (sorafenib, doxorubicin and daunorubicin) using human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells and acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells along with normal human and rat hepatocytes. The fatty acid esters of phloridzin inhibited significantly the growth of the two carcinoma and leukemia cells while similar treatment doses were not toxic to normal human or rat hepatocytes. The antiproliferative potency of fatty esters of phloridzin was comparable to the potency of the chemotherapeutic drugs. The fatty acid esters of phloridzin inhibited DNA topoisomerases IIα activity that might induce G0/G1 phase arrest, induced apoptosis via activation of caspase-3, and decreased ATP level and mitochondrial membrane potential in HepG2 cells. Based on the high selectivity on cancer cells, decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ester of phloridzin was selected for gene expression analysis using RT2PCR human cancer drug target array. Antiproliferative effect of DHA ester of phloridzin could be related to the down regulation of anti-apoptotic gene (BCL2), growth factor receptors (EBFR family, IGF1R/IGF2, PDGFR) and its downstream signalling partners (PI3k/AKT/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MAPK), cell cycle machinery (CDKs, TERT, TOP2A, TOP2B) as well as epigenetics regulators (HDACs). These results suggest that fatty esters of phloridzin have potential chemotherapeutic effects mediated through the attenuated expression of several key proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA topoisomerases IIα activity and epigenetic mechanisms followed by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. | 25,229,655 | [
-0.1390429,
0.1062682,
-0.03636408,
-0.05794459,
0.280586,
-0.1312945,
-0.1432055,
0.2686774,
-0.08092389,
0.2616885,
0.09147926,
-0.005105902,
-0.1221603,
0.3071023,
-0.6089895,
-0.06307741,
-0.5195499,
-0.02310772,
-0.2112229,
0.102602,
0.6507835,
0.4342967,
-0.1158325,... |
Warm-up strategy and high-intensity endurance performance in trained cyclists. | To evaluate the influence of warm-up exercise intensity and subsequent recovery on intense endurance performance, selected blood variables, and the oxygen-uptake (VO2) response. Twelve highly trained male cyclists (VO2max 72.4 ± 8.0 mL · min-1 · kg-1, incremental-test peak power output (iPPO) 432 ± 31 W; mean ± SD) performed 3 warm-up strategies lasting 20 min before a 4-min maximal-performance test (PT). Strategies consisted of moderate-intensity exercise (50%iPPO) followed by 6 min of recovery (MOD6) or progressive high-intensity exercise (10-100%iPPO and 2 × 20-s sprints) followed by recovery for 6 min (HI6) or 20 min (HI20). Before PT venous pH was lower (P < .001) in HI6 (7.27 ± 0.05) than in HI20 (7.34 ± 0.04) and MOD6 (7.35 ± 0.03). At the same time, differences (P < .001) existed for venous lactate in HI6 (8.2 ± 2.0 mmol/L), HI20 (5.1 ± 1.7 mmol/L), and MOD6 (1.4 ± 0.4 mmol/L), as well as for venous bicarbonate in HI6 (19.3 ± 2.6 mmol/L), HI20 (22.6 ± 2.3 mmol/L), and MOD6 (26.0 ± 1.4 mmol/L). Mean power in PT in HI6 (402 ± 38 W) tended to be lower (P = .11) than in HI20 (409 ± 34 W) and was lower (P = .007) than in MOD6 (416 ± 32 W). Total VO2 (15-120 s in PT) was higher in HI6 (8.18 ± 0.86 L) than in HI20 (7.85 ± 0.82 L, P = .008) and MOD6 (7.90 ± 0.74 L, P = .012). Warm-up exercise including race-pace and sprint intervals combined with short recovery can reduce subsequent performance in a 4-min maximal test in highly trained cyclists. Thus, a reduced time at high exercise intensity, a reduced intensity in the warm-up, or an extension of the recovery period after an intense warm-up is advocated. | 25,229,657 | [
-0.2344848,
0.2030254,
-0.5500877,
-0.1632789,
0.002506204,
-0.2922691,
-0.2758506,
-0.1398052,
-0.3801839,
-0.3529524,
0.1815083,
-0.1782161,
-0.02968067,
-0.1664514,
-0.3586961,
-0.5033542,
-0.4135117,
0.3689243,
-0.02135109,
0.2132726,
-0.2546808,
0.01876866,
-0.127735... |
Skin preparation for preventing infection following caesarean section. | The risk of maternal mortality and morbidity (particularly postoperative infection) is higher for caesarean section than for vaginal birth. With the increasing rate of caesarean section, it is important that the risks to the mother are minimised as far as possible. This review focuses on different forms and methods for preoperative skin preparation to prevent infection. To compare the effects of different agent forms and methods of preoperative skin preparation for preventing postcaesarean infection. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (26 June 2014) and the reference lists of all included studies and review articles. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials, including cluster-randomised trials, evaluating any type of preoperative skin preparation agents, forms and methods of application for caesarean section. Three review authors independently assessed all potential studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted the data using a predesigned form. Data were checked for accuracy. We included six trials with a total of 1522 women. No difference was found in the primary outcomes of either wound infection or endometritis. Two trials of 1294 women, compared drape with no drape (one trial using iodine and the other using chlorhexidine) and found no significant difference in wound infection (risk ratio (RR) 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97 to 1.71). One trial of 79 women comparing alcohol scrub and iodophor drape with iodophor scrub without drape reported no wound infection in either group. One trial of 50 women comparing parachlorometaxylenol plus iodine with iodine alone reported no significant difference in wound infection (RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.04 to 2.99).Two trials reported endometritis, one trial comparing alcohol scrub and iodophor drape with iodophor scrub only found no significant difference (RR 1.62; 95% CI 0.29 to 9.16). The other trial of 50 women comparing parachlorometaxylenol plus iodine with iodine alone reported no significant difference in endometritis (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.56 to 1.38). One trial of 60 women comparing chlorhexidine gluconate with povidone-iodine reported significant lower rates of bacterial growth at 18 hours after caesarean section (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.70). No difference was found in the secondary outcome of either length of stay or reduction of skin bacteria colony count. No trial reported other maternal outcomes, i.e. maternal mortality, repeat surgery and re-admission resulting from infection. One trial, which was only available as an abstract, investigated the effect of skin preparation on neonatal adverse events and found cord blood iodine concentration to be significantly higher in the iodine group.Most of the risk of bias in the included studies was unclear in selection bias and attrition bias. The quality of the evidence using GRADE was low for wound infection comparing drape versus no drape, one-minute alcohol scrub with iodophor drape versus five-minute iodophor scrub without drape, and parachlorometaxylenol with iodine versus iodine alone. The quality of the evidence for wound infection comparing chlorhexidine gluconate with povidone-iodine was very low. This review found that chlorhexidine gluconate compared with iodine alone was associated with lower rates of bacterial growth at 18 hours after caesarean section. However, this outcome was judged as very low quality of evidence. Little evidence is available from the included randomised controlled trials to evaluate different agent forms, concentrations and methods of skin preparation for preventing infection following caesarean section. Therefore, it is not yet clear what sort of skin preparation may be most efficient for preventing postcaesarean wound and surgical site infection.There is a need for high-quality, properly designed randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes in this field. High priority questions include comparing types of antiseptic (especially iodine versus chlorhexidine), the timing and duration of applying the antiseptic (especially previous night versus day of surgery, and application methods (scrubbing, swabbing and draping). | 25,229,700 | [
0.08260072,
-0.1228113,
-0.4398296,
-0.04794518,
-0.04412726,
-0.2026722,
-0.3436347,
-0.3475324,
-0.02704569,
0.1301958,
0.02202865,
-0.08089889,
0.1677047,
0.1228588,
-0.1455128,
-0.2472886,
-0.2259592,
0.1614301,
-0.002763565,
0.08365607,
-0.2335691,
0.2126074,
-0.0475... |
Serosurvey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in domestic animals, Gujarat, India, 2013. | Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral disease that causes a fatal hemorrhagic illness in humans. This disease is asymptomatic in animals. CCHF was first confirmed in a nosocomial outbreak in 2011 in Gujarat State. Another notifiable outbreak occurred in July, 2013, in Karyana Village, Amreli district, Gujarat State. Anti-CCHF virus (CCHFV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were detected in domestic animals from the adjoining villages of the affected area, indicating a considerable amount of positivity against domestic animals. The present serosurvey was carried out to determine the prevalence of CCHFV among bovine, sheep, and goat populations from 15 districts of Gujarat State, India. A total of 1226 serum samples from domestic animals were screened for IgG antibodies using a CCHF animal IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibodies were detected in all the 15 districts surveyed; with positivity of 12.09%, 41.21%, and 33.62% in bovine, sheep, and goat respectively. This necessitates the surveillance of CCHFV IgG antibodies in animals and hemorrhagic fever cases in human. | 25,229,708 | [
0.1730272,
0.08107847,
0.1447714,
-0.3488083,
0.08657344,
0.05394723,
-0.2152579,
0.002071677,
-0.2851952,
-0.2222834,
0.433137,
0.1916506,
0.1953556,
0.06581493,
-0.03636829,
-0.1386159,
-0.2049704,
0.4357971,
0.575819,
-0.344514,
0.1757778,
-0.1427871,
-0.2074216,
0.2... |
Using developmental research to design innovative knowledge translation technology for spinal cord injury in primary care: Actionable Nuggets™ on SkillScribe™. | Actionable Nuggets™ for spinal cord injury (SCI) are a knowledge translation tool facilitating evidence-based primary care practice, originally developed in 2010 and refined in 2013. Evaluation results from these two phases of development have informed the design of SkillScribe™, an innovative electronic platform intended to offer reflective continuing medical education (CME) programming through mobile devices in order to support the key features of the Actionable Nuggets™ approach. This brief article describes the ongoing development of Actionable Nuggets™ for SCI on SkillScribe™ by: (1) summarizing the work to date on Actionable Nuggets™; (2) describing evaluation results of Actionable Nuggets™; (3) placing SkillScribe™ in the context of adult education. Developmental Research Design. Canadian primary care. Primary care physicians; specialist physicians. Twenty educational modules on SCI. Pre- and post-test knowledge survey, feedback and use statistics, impact assessment survey, qualitative analysis of evaluation data. In both hard copy and electronic form, physicians report that Actionable Nuggets™ are an acceptable and useful approach to providing CME for low-prevalence, high-impact conditions like SCI. The key elements of this tool are that they: offer evidence-based information in small, focused "nuggets"; position information where physicians most frequently seek it; offer information in a format that permits direct translation into action in primary care; allow time for reflection; attach practice tools; and offer CME credit. Actionable Nuggets™ for SCI, delivered using a convenient and portable electronic medium, with time-released content and interactive testing has the potential to improve the primary care of patients with SCI. | 25,229,739 | [
-0.1816543,
0.07612909,
0.1202717,
-0.05406018,
0.06412423,
-0.0167303,
0.1209993,
-0.09556212,
0.1450189,
0.04732538,
0.06884461,
-0.01252974,
0.0401713,
-0.1615736,
-0.2974613,
-0.04691532,
-0.1923655,
0.09171312,
-0.4914291,
0.2025533,
0.1546301,
0.2112356,
0.00954265,... |
Detection of monoamine oxidase a in brain of living rats with [18F]fluoroethyl-harmol PET. | The efficient radiosynthesis for the MAO-A ligand [(18) F]fluoroethyl-harmol is reported. Initial PET examinations reveal the ligand to be retained throughout rat brain during 90 min, whereas pretreatment with pargyline results in substantially increased washout, from which binding potentials in the range of 1.4-2.1 can be calculated. | 25,229,748 | [
0.08776984,
0.03525649,
-0.2153164,
-0.122388,
0.2454172,
-0.2385878,
-0.4893341,
-0.1720718,
-0.1758382,
-0.01471044,
0.1205815,
0.2168752,
0.2238948,
0.1991441,
-0.3166319,
0.1798219,
-0.2599102,
0.4579246,
0.08511049,
0.07796624,
-0.1588339,
0.1494655,
-0.1628423,
0.... |
TNFR2 and IL-12 coactivation enables slanDCs to support NK-cell function via membrane-bound TNF-α. | Human blood NK cells exert strong cytotoxicity against transformed cells and produce different cytokines and chemokines with an important role in modulating immune responses. However, the nature of NK-cell function depends on NK-cell interaction with other immune cells. One type of immune cells that communicate with NK cells are 6-sulfo LacNAc DCs (slanDCs), which comprise a major subpopulation of proinflammatory human blood DCs. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which slanDCs interact with NK cells. Our in vitro studies demonstrate that LPS-stimulated slanDCs enhance activation and function of NK cells essentially via membrane-bound TNF-α (mTNF-α). LPS stimulation upregulates expression of mTNF-α in slanDCs, and surface TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) is upregulated on NK cells after coincubation with slanDCs. IL-12 secreted by slanDCs increases surface expression of TNFR2 in NK cells. TNFR2 signaling in NK cells leads to activation of NF-kB, a transcription factor for cytokines such as GM-CSF. GM-CSF provided by NK cells is responsible for enhancing IL-12 secretion in slanDCs. In conclusion, TNFR2 and IL-12 signaling, which support one another, enables slanDCs to enhance NK-cell function through mTNF-α, thereby regulating immune responses. | 25,229,755 | [
0.127534,
-0.3531445,
0.03287702,
0.08262533,
0.3109841,
0.03118948,
-0.417379,
0.3459577,
-0.1333539,
0.0200903,
-0.1444831,
-0.03608036,
-0.2403773,
0.1074659,
-0.350881,
-0.211839,
-0.2852108,
-0.3148738,
-0.2184871,
0.0909511,
0.291449,
0.09984083,
-0.002402131,
0.0... |
[Communicating research with social media]. | Participation is the new keyword of communication. In the scientific field, communication is a very complex task that can't ignore the careful consideration of the target audience. To minimize the difficulties, it is useful to rely on storytelling: it can greatly benefit from the space offered by social media that can be used to raise awareness and to engage through the sharing of experiences. The marriage between scientific research and social media can take place, as long as you carefully reflect on the roles, strategies and appropriate tools. | 25,229,757 | [
-0.185635,
0.0640992,
0.2207488,
-0.03046884,
0.1142786,
-0.07012647,
-0.02548737,
0.02605551,
-0.1271267,
-0.3120712,
0.03289295,
0.01170351,
-0.01291183,
-0.0757959,
-0.9293562,
-0.2000014,
-0.1481309,
0.008621101,
-0.04155415,
0.1742333,
0.3742681,
0.02295144,
-0.05514... |
Transformations in hallucinosis and the receptivity of the analyst. | Bion describes transformation in hallucinosis (TH) as a psychic defence present in elusive psychotic scenarios in which there is a total adherence to concrete reality: as the hallucinatory activity which physiologically infiltrates perception and allows us to know reality, setting it off against a background of familiarity; and then, surprisingly, as the ideal state of mind towards which the analyst has to move in order to intuit the facts of the analysis. When hallucinosis is followed by 'awakening', the analyst gains understanding from the experience and goes through a transformation that will inevitably be transmitted to the analytic field and to the patient. In this paper I illustrate Bion's concept and underline its eminently intersubjective nature. Then I differentiate it from two other technical devices: reverie, which unlike hallucinosis does not imply the persistence of a feeling of the real, and Ferro's transformation in dreaming, i.e., purposeful listening to everything that is said in the analysis as if it were the telling of a dream. Finally, I try to demonstrate the practical utility of the concept of transformation in hallucinosis in order to read the complex dynamics of a clinical vignette. Though not well known (only two references in English in the PEP archive), TH proves to be remarkably versatile and productive for thinking about psychoanalytic theory, technique and clinical work. | 25,229,774 | [
-0.04712723,
-0.22029,
-0.380569,
-0.03522386,
0.1348273,
-0.2346868,
-0.4405357,
-0.1485091,
0.2488036,
-0.2809603,
-0.03102858,
0.2065791,
-0.08555145,
0.2403141,
-0.4447052,
0.08636155,
-0.3176152,
0.04122397,
-0.1837934,
0.1589583,
-0.06287435,
0.2385122,
-0.03219167,... |
A retrospective review and observational study of outcomes and safety of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% for treating eyelash hypotrichosis. | The efficacy and safety of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% for treating hypotrichosis were shown in a randomized controlled trial and in an open-label study. To date, no data on real-world experience have been published. To evaluate long-term patient satisfaction, usage patterns, and safety of bimatoprost 0.03% in clinical practice. In this retrospective chart review with a cross-sectional design, adult patients exposed to bimatoprost 0.03% for at least 12 months were randomly sampled from 16 investigational sites. Charts were reviewed for medication usage characteristics and adverse events (AEs). At a study visit, questionnaires eliciting patient-reported outcomes were administered and spontaneously reported AEs were tabulated. Analysis included 585 subjects with a mean (SD) treatment duration of 19.3 (4.3) months. Patient satisfaction with bimatoprost 0.03% was 92.5%; on average, approximately 3 applications per week maintained benefits. Overall, 27.4% of patients spontaneously recalled experiencing AEs while on treatment; however, patient charts showed that only 4 AEs were documented. No instances of iris hyperpigmentation occurred. No serious or severe AEs were noted. Treatment with bimatoprost 0.03% for at least 12 months is safe, and long-term use is associated with a high degree of satisfaction. | 25,229,783 | [
0.01402622,
-0.5983621,
-0.2909439,
-0.3337122,
0.05431055,
-0.03721397,
-0.1169972,
-0.1979796,
0.1529241,
-0.5578049,
0.3213895,
-0.07394912,
0.2610063,
-0.01214176,
-0.2797432,
-0.0800189,
-0.2692506,
0.1287551,
-0.1263851,
-0.05723501,
-0.01687539,
0.01542992,
-0.2940... |
Investigation of photoplethysmographs from the anterior fontanelle of neonates. | Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals have been investigated at a new anatomical site, the anterior fontanelle (ANTF), on the hypothesis that blood supply at this location is preferentially preserved during cases of poor peripheral circulation which might cause the commercial pulse oximeters to fail to estimate accurately arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). Two custom built reflectance PPG sensors have been developed, one for placement on the fontanelle and one on the periphery (foot). A PPG processing system and software were also developed to process the raw PPG signals and to estimate SpO2. A pilot study on sixteen babies, (9 male, 7 female) with a median age of 15.5 d (interquartile range = 46.8 d) and a median weight of 3.15 kg (SD = 0.93 kg), on a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has been carried out. PPG signals from the ANTF were of good quality and high signal-to-noise ratio. The amplitudes of the ANTF PPGs were found to be sensitive to changes in amplitude when amplitudes were observed at the reference PPG site. Bland-Altman analysis of the gold standard blood gas analysis reveals that all three sensors are inaccurate at SaO2 < 85-90 %, but the ANTF sensor shows better mean difference than the commercial device. | 25,229,803 | [
-0.01353798,
-0.1572351,
-0.3511988,
-0.06057917,
0.3012069,
-0.1282633,
-0.1477886,
-0.1017875,
-0.05960484,
-0.1837742,
-0.1828891,
-0.3416776,
-0.1857026,
-0.4315782,
-0.3112923,
-0.5427157,
-0.1026273,
-0.1523943,
-0.09652668,
0.08555656,
0.2633615,
0.2975997,
-0.0819... |
Community psychiatry's achievements. | Mental health care in the second half of the 20th century in much of the developed world has been dominated by the move out from large asylums. Both in response to this move and to make it possible, a pattern of care has evolved which is most commonly referred to as 'Community Psychiatry'. This narrative review describes this process, from local experimentation into the current era of evidence-based mental health care. It focuses on three main areas of this development: (i) the reprovision of care for those discharged during deinstitutionalisation; (ii) the evolution and evaluation of its characteristic feature the Community Mental Health Team; and (iii) the increasing sophistication of psychosocial interventions developed to support patients. It finishes with an overview of some current challenges. | 25,229,800 | [
-0.4609147,
0.2156633,
-0.03784496,
-0.3509942,
0.06716922,
-0.219819,
-0.4097218,
-0.234905,
-0.2591746,
0.03911409,
0.1002759,
-0.07423902,
-0.1407523,
0.02419692,
-0.007717123,
-0.06949279,
-0.2229863,
0.2151358,
0.05370046,
-0.06416129,
-0.2216927,
0.2997921,
-0.09621... |
Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma: a case series and determination of recurrence. | Information on polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) consists primarily of case reports and small institutional series with varying recurrence rates. In this report, we describe our institutional experience and conduct a review of the literature to assess the overall incidence of PLGA among oral salivary gland tumors and determine recurrence rates. A retrospective case series and literature-based review was performed. Retrospective case series at an academic tertiary referral center. Review of clinical records and pathological analysis of tissue specimens from 20 patients treated for PLGA from July 1, 1990 to July 1, 2011. A literature-based review on PLGA was also performed. Twenty patients (mean age, 54 years; eight males) with PLGA based on pathologic diagnosis were included. The most common initial presentation was an asymptomatic mass (45%), and the most frequent site was the palate (60%). Our literature review identified 54 case reports, eight case series, and 17 large series. In total, 456 cases of PLGA were identified, with an overall recurrence rate of 19%. Half of the recurrences occurred by 36 months; however, recurrences were reported up to 24 years after initial resection. PLGA arises from minor salivary glands and is characteristically slow growing and indolent. Although these tumors may be histologically low-grade, our review highlights the high rates of recurrence of these tumors as well as the ability to metastasize to local lymph nodes and distant organs. The mainstay of treatment should be wide surgical excision with long-term oncologic follow-up. 4. | 25,229,805 | [
-0.1006911,
-0.4320362,
-0.2958685,
-0.2520573,
-0.2355085,
-0.304083,
-0.1087661,
0.1469331,
0.112916,
0.1580638,
0.1204894,
-0.2328749,
0.2315806,
-0.1849439,
-0.2602021,
-0.08204082,
-0.02786498,
0.05296595,
0.6142318,
-0.004091213,
0.03804287,
0.09454186,
-0.2815795,
... |
Diving and pregnancy: what do we really know? | Exercise during pregnancy has been advocated by many professional organizations to promote fetal heath and maternal well-being. Those same professional organizations do not recommend diving during pregnancy because of the potential adverse outcomes that have been observed in the animal model. In nonpregnant women, diving becomes problematic at depth as the ambient pressure increases and more gases become dissolved in the bloodstream. This can result in oxygen toxicity and nitrogen narcosis. Too rapid an ascent from depth can cause nitrogen emboli that can lodge in joints and tissue, resulting in decompression sickness, known as "the bends." The best animal model to study the effects of diving on pregnancy is the sheep model. Bubbling has been observed in both ewes and their fetuses, with bubbles more common in the ewes. Repeated decompressions done improperly can lead to fetal death. Information on pregnancy outcomes in humans is more limited, with inconsistent data on diving and birth defects, spontaneous abortions, and stillbirth. Even in the face of overall increased resistance in the maternal or fetal placental circulations, the total placental blood flow is usually maintained, preventing adverse outcomes. It appears that the safest choice during pregnancy is to avoid diving; however, if the woman dove when she did not know she was pregnant, there is usually a normal outcome. If a women insists on diving during pregnancy, she should go to a depth of only 60 ft, and duration of her dive should be half that recommended by Navy dive table times. | 25,229,824 | [
-0.6471034,
0.0279636,
-0.07779619,
0.1657075,
0.3964089,
-0.2684665,
-0.2288022,
-0.3670728,
0.1661495,
-0.4222097,
0.04361058,
-0.2119435,
-0.3440776,
-0.1503663,
0.03052064,
-0.1686202,
-0.6067062,
0.3086514,
0.157305,
0.08250444,
-0.3209414,
0.4412242,
-0.3278269,
-... |
Separation anxiety, attachment and inter-personal representations: disentangling the role of oxytocin in the perinatal period. | In this paper, we aimed to assess cross-sectionally and longitudinally associations between disturbances in maternal early attachment experiences, symptoms of separation anxiety and depression and oxytocin plasma levels. We examined a mediational model that tested the hypothesis that anxious attachment style arising from the mothers' early bonding experiences with her own parents was associated with high levels of separation anxiety which, via its impact on depression, was associated with reduced levels of oxytocin in the postnatal period. Data is reported on a structured sample of 127 women recruited during pregnancy from a general hospital antenatal clinic and an initial follow up cohort of 57 women who were re-assessed at 3-months post-partum. We found an association between lower oxytocin level in the post partum period and symptoms of separation anxiety and depression during pregnancy, as well as maternal negative interpersonal representations, upbringing attributes and anxious attachment style. Further meditational analysis revealed that the unique association between anxious attachment and depression is mediated by separation anxiety and that depressed mood mediated the relationship between separation anxiety and oxytocin. In conjunction with evidence from the literature suggesting that lower oxytocin level is associated with bonding difficulties, our findings have significant implications for understanding the biological processes underpinning adverse attachment experiences, negative affect state, and mother-to-infant bonding difficulties. | 25,229,827 | [
-0.179143,
0.2251955,
-0.1719233,
0.003389913,
0.1455866,
-0.3617455,
-0.3848107,
-0.06528216,
0.2463914,
-0.0201278,
-0.1938385,
-0.05318354,
0.02490066,
-0.4721687,
-0.1733316,
0.1028837,
-0.3462195,
0.5166004,
-0.2341518,
-0.3301656,
-0.03672859,
0.4303824,
-0.3279313,... |
Synthesis and endothelin receptors binding affinity of new 1,3,5- substituted pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid derivatives. | The interest of researchers for ligands of the endothelin receptors ETA and ETB is due to their extensive therapeutic potential. In particular, receptor antagonists are useful in a number of diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, renal failure, and atherosclerosis. In the context of our research program aimed to the development of new endothelin receptor ligands, in this paper we describe the synthesis and structure- activity relationships of a new series of 1,3,5-substituted pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid derivatives 27-40 possessing the structural features for ET receptors binding. New synthesized compounds were tested on ETA and ETB receptors stably expressed in CHO cells and some of them showed interesting affinity and selectivity towards ETA receptors. | 25,229,828 | [
-0.1329834,
-0.05155298,
0.0007689011,
0.03388029,
0.07256806,
0.1596377,
0.0781877,
0.02689358,
0.0876554,
0.03798095,
-0.160514,
0.02876539,
-0.07170375,
0.0113434,
-0.4493966,
-0.02038722,
-0.6308922,
0.1331822,
-0.006414147,
0.563553,
0.2176248,
0.4045506,
-0.2388752,... |
The standard centrifuge method accurately measures vulnerability curves of long-vesselled olive stems. | The standard centrifuge method has been frequently used to measure vulnerability to xylem cavitation. This method has recently been questioned. It was hypothesized that open vessels lead to exponential vulnerability curves, which were thought to be indicative of measurement artifact. We tested this hypothesis in stems of olive (Olea europea) because its long vessels were recently claimed to produce a centrifuge artifact. We evaluated three predictions that followed from the open vessel artifact hypothesis: shorter stems, with more open vessels, would be more vulnerable than longer stems; standard centrifuge-based curves would be more vulnerable than dehydration-based curves; and open vessels would cause an exponential shape of centrifuge-based curves. Experimental evidence did not support these predictions. Centrifuge curves did not vary when the proportion of open vessels was altered. Centrifuge and dehydration curves were similar. At highly negative xylem pressure, centrifuge-based curves slightly overestimated vulnerability compared to the dehydration curve. This divergence was eliminated by centrifuging each stem only once. The standard centrifuge method produced accurate curves of samples containing open vessels, supporting the validity of this technique and confirming its utility in understanding plant hydraulics. Seven recommendations for avoiding artefacts and standardizing vulnerability curve methodology are provided. | 25,229,841 | [
0.08433417,
0.2774865,
-0.05497164,
0.06528714,
0.2450492,
-0.2219213,
-0.1541794,
-0.1272273,
0.4383173,
-0.1132077,
0.01397639,
-0.006293289,
-0.1049216,
0.08614738,
-0.2438772,
0.009660352,
-0.3852175,
0.144744,
-0.1596938,
-0.03148583,
0.3350012,
0.1188421,
-0.1191474... |
Analysis of benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids in Eschscholtzia californica cell culture using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. | Effective HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS methods have been developed for the analysis of eight benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids (sanguinarine, chelirubine, macarpine, chelerythrine, dihydrosanguinarine, dihydrochelirubine, dihydromacarpine and dihydrochelerythrine), which are important metabolites in Eschscholtzia californica cell culture. By adopting a ternary gradient pump system, the dihydro-form alkaloids hardly separable from each other could be successfully separated, and all the target alkaloids could be simultaneously quantified with the LOD values of 0.01-0.79 μg/mL and the LOQ values of 0.03-3.59 μg/mL. This HPLC-DAD method was further confirmed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS system in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Each separated HPLC peak was identified as the target alkaloid, showing its relevant ionized molecule and selected fragment ion. By applying the established method, alkaloid production during the E. californica cell culture could be successfully monitored and some valuable information on its metabolism could be deduced. | 25,229,843 | [
-0.2194948,
0.1363641,
-0.08752531,
0.2632386,
0.01024326,
-0.03252751,
-0.03449931,
0.2920333,
0.1585193,
0.224572,
0.3994196,
0.04829341,
-0.08784216,
0.103016,
-0.4090798,
-0.05827943,
-0.5834125,
0.316119,
0.2388114,
0.002181394,
0.7208984,
-0.1576996,
0.04271217,
-... |
Metabolic stability and inhibitory effect of O-methylated theaflavins on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in human HepG2 cells. | Seven new O-methylated theaflavins (TFs) were synthesized by using O-methyltransferase from an edible mushroom. Using TFs and O-methylated TFs, metabolic stability in pooled human liver S9 fractions and inhibitory effect on H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage in human HepG2 cells were investigated. In O-methylation of theaflavin 3'-O-gallate (TF3'G), metabolic stability was potentiated by an increase in the number of introduced methyl groups. O-methylation of TF3,3'G did not affect metabolic stability, which was likely because of a remaining 3-O-galloyl group. The inhibitory effect on oxidative damage was assessed by measuring the viability of H(2)O(2)-damaged HepG2 cells treated with TFs and O-methylated TFs. TF3,3'G and O-methylated TFs increased cell viabilities significantly compared with DMSO, which was the compound vehicle (p < 0.05), and improved to approximately 100%. Only TF3'G did not significantly increase cell viability. It was suggested that the inhibitory effect on H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage was potentiated by O-methylation or O-galloylation of TFs. | 25,229,848 | [
-0.1322473,
0.3603396,
-0.1361286,
-0.3678015,
0.0542747,
-0.06936189,
0.3202882,
0.3394633,
0.009185703,
-0.2352246,
0.1833439,
-0.05804994,
-0.2777488,
0.06075145,
-0.3103755,
-0.002153129,
-0.7656483,
0.08164651,
-0.01038199,
0.2398962,
0.0751808,
0.3661705,
-0.3619013... |
Dynamic changes in genes related to glucose uptake and utilization during pig skeletal and cardiac muscle development. | Skeletal and cardiac muscle have important roles in glucose uptake and utilization. However, changes in expression of protein coding genes and miRNAs that participate in glucose metabolism during development are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the expression of genes related to glucose metabolism during muscle development. We found an age-dependent increase in gene expression in cardiac muscle, with enrichment in heart development- and energy-related metabolic processes. A subset of genes that were up-regulated until 30 or 180 days postnatally, and then down-regulated in psoas major muscle was significantly enriched in mitochondrial oxidative-related processes, while genes that up-regulated in longissimus doris muscle was significantly enriched in glycolysis-related processes. Meanwhile, expression of energy-related microRNAs decreased with increasing age. In addition, we investigated the correlation between microRNAs and mRNAs in three muscle types across different stages of development and found many potential microRNA-mRNA pairs involved in regulating glucose metabolism. | 25,229,851 | [
-0.1782672,
0.04006979,
0.0003654654,
0.05182945,
0.009345697,
-0.3714494,
-0.05896763,
0.2209665,
-0.04111491,
-0.1842793,
0.3802011,
-0.1753262,
-0.06472955,
-0.02712997,
-0.3965153,
0.03245583,
-0.7385895,
-0.07815501,
0.0531684,
-0.2077017,
0.3251589,
0.4507975,
-0.46... |
Purification and characterization of three β-glycosidases exhibiting high glucose tolerance from Aspergillus niger ASKU28. | Production and utilization of cellulosic ethanol has been limited, partly due to the difficulty in degradation of cellulosic feedstock. β-Glucosidases convert cellobiose to glucose in the final step of cellulose degradation, but they are inhibited by high concentrations of glucose. Thus, in this study, we have screened, isolated, and characterized three β-glycosidases exhibiting highly glucose-tolerant property from Aspergillus niger ASKU28, namely β-xylosidase (P1.1), β-glucosidase (P1.2), and glucan 1,3-β-glucosidase (P2). Results from kinetic analysis, inhibition study, and hydrolysis of oligosaccharide substrates supported the identification of these enzymes by both LC/MS/MS analysis and nucleotide sequences. Moreover, the highly efficient P1.2 performed better than the commercial β-glucosidase preparation in cellulose saccharification, suggesting its potential applications in the cellulosic ethanol industry. These results shed light on the nature of highly glucose-tolerant β-glucosidase activities in A. niger, whose kinetic properties and identities have not been completely determined in any prior investigations. | 25,229,852 | [
0.230375,
-0.1291584,
-0.2974503,
-0.03770719,
0.1498552,
0.1191638,
-0.2585888,
-0.06501174,
0.05732028,
-0.2974307,
0.2084621,
-0.6934065,
-0.3133615,
0.03309172,
-0.4544616,
0.2190683,
-0.5344411,
0.2988462,
0.2414832,
-0.1165383,
0.2571003,
0.06421482,
-0.2142842,
0... |
Evaluation of chitosan-binding amino acid residues of chitosanase from Paenibacillus fukuinensis. | Chitosan oligosaccharides longer than a hexamer have higher bioactivity than polymer or shorter oligosaccharides, such as the monomer or dimer. In our previous work, we generated Paenibacillus fukuinensis chitosanase-displaying yeast using yeast cell surface displaying system and demonstrated the catalytic base. Here we investigated the specific function of putative four amino acid residues Trp159, Trp228, Tyr311, and Phe406 engaged in substrate binding. Using this system, we generated chitosanase mutants in which the four amino acid residues were substituted with Ala and the chitosanase activity assay and HPLC analysis were performed. Based on these results, we demonstrated that Trp159 and Phe406 were critical for hydrolyzing both polymer and oligosaccharide, and Trp228 and Tyr311 were especially important for binding to oligosaccharide, such as the chitosan-hexamer, not to the chitosan polymer. From the results, we suggested the possibility of the effective strategy for designing useful mutants that produce chitosan oligosaccharides holding higher bioactivity. | 25,229,853 | [
0.2621426,
-0.2439609,
-0.04523301,
0.2606523,
0.1048095,
0.03683957,
0.2034632,
0.3826934,
0.2204139,
-0.01102351,
0.1385411,
-0.3930277,
-0.180626,
-0.04509079,
-0.2075876,
0.1276172,
-0.7519162,
0.2532087,
0.2463704,
0.008012163,
0.4280111,
0.4139169,
-0.227349,
-0.1... |
In vitro evaluation of glyceric acid and its glucosyl derivative, α-glucosylglyceric acid, as cell proliferation inducers and protective solutes. | We demonstrate that 0.78 mm glyceric acid activated the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts by about 45%, whereas 34 mm α-glucosylglyceric acid (GGA) increased collagen synthesis by the fibroblasts by 1.4-fold compared to that in the absence of GGA. The two substances also exerted protective effects on both DNA scission by the hydroxyl radical and protein aggregation by heat in vitro. | 25,229,854 | [
-0.1620996,
-0.0404928,
-0.2849602,
0.08997154,
0.1721254,
0.006609993,
-0.1181963,
-0.03080855,
0.04169174,
0.0715031,
0.01311669,
0.01375581,
-0.07449702,
0.08233644,
-0.4743274,
0.2404467,
-0.2405359,
0.2146601,
-0.1450823,
0.291124,
0.5196553,
0.4112803,
-0.2589863,
... |
Gold-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization/functionalization of in situ generated α-oxo gold carbenes in water. | A gold-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization/functionalization of in situ generated α-oxo gold carbenes in water has been developed, which provides ready access to highly functionalized indole derivatives from o-alkynyl anilines and ynamides. Importantly, gold serves dual catalytic roles to mediate both the cycloisomerization of o-alkynyl anilines and the intermolecular oxidation of ynamides at the same time, thus providing a new type of concurrent tandem catalysis. The use of readily available starting materials, a simple procedure, and mild reaction conditions are other notable features of this method. | 25,229,883 | [
-0.2797189,
0.1018766,
-0.1270278,
0.004809378,
0.1041415,
0.1534814,
-0.7672331,
-0.1032511,
0.04460789,
0.2315284,
-0.1318099,
0.04345126,
0.1735515,
0.1267412,
-0.1981442,
-0.253515,
-0.468298,
0.05014201,
-0.1042847,
-0.2595927,
0.151408,
-0.02319233,
-0.2912656,
0.... |
Perception of quality of life of a group of individuals subjected to bariatric surgery. | The study sought to identify the state of health and quality of life of post-bariatric surgery patients. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2012 with the participation of 338 individuals attending the private practice of a bariatric surgeon from Medellín (Colombia). With prior signed informed consent, the survey was filled out by each patient. The information gathered was sociodemographic in nature along with the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Brief Questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref). It was found that 82.2% were women and mean age was 41 ± 12 years. Gastric bypass was practiced on 79.6% of the cases. Mean weight before surgery was 106.3 ± 17.5 Kg and after surgery it was 73.2 ± 13.4 Kg. Nine of every 10 participants classified their quality of life and state of health between extremely well and quite well. Quality of life was better in men, in those younger than 40 years of age, in those from socio-economic levels 4 to 6, and in those with educational level above the secondary (high school). As a consequence of the important and rapid weight loss occurring during the first months after surgery, most of the participants perceived having a good quality of life and were satisfied with their health status. For nursing, it is a challenge to implement educational programs and projects, bearing in mind the sociocultural diversity of the individuals and communities, through interdisciplinary and inter-sector work, which contributes to the well-being of obese individuals subjected to bariatric surgery and their families. | 25,229,900 | [
0.1082782,
-0.006087483,
-0.0616232,
-0.1033636,
-0.0327004,
-0.05283229,
-0.06948131,
-0.2854658,
-0.2182788,
-0.179206,
0.4045126,
-0.2574402,
-0.4685107,
-0.4941871,
-0.3680551,
-0.2981083,
-0.3967836,
0.06415632,
0.01161359,
-0.1316312,
0.1630354,
0.501914,
-0.0535375... |
Full-length genomic analysis of Korean porcine Sapelovirus strains. | Porcine sapelovirus (PSV), a species of the genus Sapelovirus within the family Picornaviridae, is associated with diarrhea, pneumonia, severe neurological disorders, and reproductive failure in pigs. However, the structural features of the complete PSV genome remain largely unknown. To analyze the structural features of PSV genomes, the full-length nucleotide sequences of three Korean PSV strains were determined and analyzed using bioinformatic techniques in comparison with other known PSV strains. The Korean PSV genomes ranged from 7,542 to 7,566 nucleotides excluding the 3' poly(A) tail, and showed the typical picornavirus genome organization; 5'untranslated region (UTR)-L-VP4-VP2-VP3-VP1-2A-2B-2C-3A-3B-3C-3D-3'UTR. Three distinct cis-active RNA elements, the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in the 5'UTR, a cis-replication element (CRE) in the 2C coding region and 3'UTR were identified and their structures were predicted. Interestingly, the structural features of the CRE and 3'UTR were different between PSV strains. The availability of these first complete genome sequences for PSV strains will facilitate future investigations of the molecular pathogenesis and evolutionary characteristics of PSV. | 25,229,940 | [
0.1093721,
-0.0001553432,
0.1990572,
0.1293711,
-0.01635485,
0.002882705,
0.5640053,
-0.0005670991,
0.02200206,
-0.008636414,
0.108706,
-0.4232374,
-0.2170123,
0.3914784,
-0.177719,
0.1394141,
-0.4027601,
0.2065094,
0.2942985,
0.01050937,
0.05258831,
0.5135744,
-0.3045784... |
Altered spontaneous neural activity in first-episode, unmedicated patients with major depressive disorder. | Abnormal brain function is presumed to be a pathophysiological aspect of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the underlying patterns of spontaneous neural activity have been poorly characterized and replicated to date. In this study, we applied a novel approach of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) to investigate the alteration of spontaneous neural activity in MDD. Sixteen first-episode, unmedicated patients with MDD and 16 healthy controls were recruited and subjected to resting-state fMRI scans to measure the fALFF across the whole brain. Compared with healthy controls, MDD patients exhibited decreased fALFF in the right angular gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, right putamen, right precuneus, and the right superior temporal gyrus. Differences in fALFF between MDD patients and controls indicated that altered spontaneous neural activity was distributed across a number of specific brain regions among MDD patients. These atypical functional regions may help explain some of the neural processes underlying the clinical symptoms accompanying MDD. | 25,229,945 | [
-0.3659364,
0.4650039,
-0.1171863,
-0.02014472,
0.3136659,
-0.1315771,
-0.1954464,
-0.07182525,
-0.06519233,
0.1477766,
0.201513,
0.07691213,
-0.1363892,
-0.2558505,
-0.2383055,
0.01969854,
-0.202328,
0.153099,
-0.2739652,
-0.1483503,
-0.1543964,
0.1742229,
0.06461663,
... |
[Relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and bone mineral density in children under 7 years old]. | To evaluate the endogenous vitamin D level and its correlation with bone mineral density (BMD) in children under 7 years old. Totally 6 838 children who visited the Growth and Development Clinic due to "growth retardation, night terrors, hyperhidrosis, and dysphoria" were enrolled in the study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level was measured by chemiluminescence, whereas individual BMD was measured by quantitative ultrasound. Among all subjects, serum 25(OH)D level was 34 ± 14 ng/mL, and the Z value of BMD was -0.49 ± 0.54. With increasing age, serum 25(OH)D level and BMD decreased gradually (P<0.01), and the detection rates for vitamin D deficiency and low BMD increased gradually (P<0.01). Compared with those with sufficient vitamin D, children with vitamin D deficiency had a significantly lower BMD (P<0.01) and a significantly higher detection rate for low BMD (P<0.01). 25-(OH)D level showed a positive linear correlation with BMD in children with vitamin D deficiency (P<0.01). Preschool and school-age children have severer vitamin D deficiency than infants. Vitamin D level may be correlated with BMD within a certain range. | 25,229,952 | [
-0.09060014,
-0.206148,
0.2913731,
-0.07858209,
0.3552276,
-0.3258964,
-0.4920947,
0.07871833,
-0.1140197,
0.04017137,
0.4242383,
0.4261307,
-0.4229706,
-0.1370868,
-0.1642621,
0.08573114,
-0.4120363,
0.2344726,
0.05278077,
-0.1060109,
0.532105,
-0.004533248,
-0.313093,
... |
[Effect of structural family therapy on family structure and function in children with hematological tumors]. | To explore the effect of structural family therapy (SFT), which refers to the application of the theory and technology of SFT for improving the internal family environment of pediatric patients through reorganization of the family roles, tasks, and boundaries, on the family structure and function in children with hematological tumors. Forty children with hematological tumors were randomly divided into SFT and control groups (n=20 each). The control group received conventional chemotherapy. The SFT group received SFT by a trained therapist in addition to conventional chemotherapy; the family of each patient received SFT four times (once every two weeks). Both groups were assessed by the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Family Environment Scale-Chinese Version (FES-CV) on admission and one month after the end of SFT. After treatment, the SFT group showed significant decreases in all factor scores of FAD (P<0.05); the SFT group had significantly lower scores of problem solving, communication, roles, affective involvement, behavior control, and general functioning than the control group (P<0.05). In addition, the SFT group had significantly increased FES-CV scores of cohesion, emotional expression, intellectual-cultural orientation, and active-recreational orientation and a significantly decreased score of conflict after treatment (P<0.05), and the SFT group was significantly superior to the control group in terms of these items (P<0.05). SFT could promote beneficial family changes in children with hematological tumors by improving the family function and internal environment, which would increase the long-term chemotherapy compliance of these children and their parents. | 25,229,957 | [
0.01551486,
0.5350899,
0.07271454,
-0.01490525,
0.4177181,
-0.2542016,
0.1650444,
0.1558011,
0.1382327,
0.1762531,
0.03231896,
0.06576855,
-0.3319352,
0.1334981,
-0.4110773,
-0.1807773,
-0.1405872,
0.1210043,
-0.262605,
0.4940725,
-0.07874042,
0.06523491,
-0.3633662,
-0... |
Normal values for inspiratory muscle function in children. | Assessment of inspiratory muscle function (IMF) is limited in children with neuromuscular disorders, because respiratory muscle tests are poorly standardized and valid normative data are unavailable. We investigated maximum inspiratory pressure after exhalation to residual volume (MIP), mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) and time of inspiration during quiet breathing and derived inspiratory muscle load (P0.1/MIP), and tension time index (TTI) in 301 healthy schoolchildren 6-16 years old. Gender-specific and age-dependent percentile curves for MIP were drawn with the median, 5%, 10%, 25%, 75% and 95% percentile. P0.1 was equal in boys and girls (0.23 ± 0.11 kPa), while MIP was significantly higher in boys (6.8 ± 2.2 versus 5.8 ± 2.4 kPa). Consequently, P0.1/MIP (4.8% ± 3.2% versus 4.0% ± 3.1%) and TTI (0.2 ± 0.14 versus 0.16 ± 0.14) were significantly higher in girls. MIP was 2.90 + 0.36 × age (kPa) and 3.19 + 0.24 × age (kPa) in boys and girls, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals for boys and girls, respectively, were MIP, 6.3-7.3 kPA and 5.4-6.2 kPa; P0.1/MIP, 3.5%-4.5% and 4.3%-5.3%; TTI, 0.14-0.18 and 0.18-0.22; and P0.1, 0.20-0.24 kPa for both. IMF in children has a wide interindividual variability; however percentile curves facilitate a longitudinal assessment of individual patients. Furthermore, narrow confidence intervals allow for comparisons of study populations, making IMF an appropriate endpoint for clinical trials. | 25,229,979 | [
-0.3189134,
-0.06949029,
-0.04898246,
-0.4557613,
0.08258294,
-0.2406915,
0.002388424,
-0.02567241,
-0.007357979,
-0.3806084,
0.1403927,
-0.2129821,
-0.1287189,
-0.357487,
-0.6332585,
-0.3180122,
-0.3705779,
0.2509206,
-0.5078676,
0.1567142,
0.01741913,
0.09217243,
0.0185... |
Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol after intravenous administration in Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxaemic sheep. | Experiments in different animal species have shown that febrile conditions, induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), may alter the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. The objective was to study the effects of a LPS-induced acute-phase response (APR) model on plasma pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FFC) after its intravenous administration in sheep. Six adult clinically healthy Suffolk Down sheep, 8 months old and 35.5 ± 2.2 kg in body weight (bw), were distributed through a crossover factorial 2 × 2 design, with 4 weeks of washout. Pairs of sheep similar in body weight were assigned to experimental groups: Group 1 (LPS) was treated with three intravenous doses of 1 μg/kg bw of E. coli LPS before FFC treatment. Group 2 (control) was treated with an equivalent volume of saline solution (SS) at similar intervals as LPS. At 24 h after the first injection of LPS or SS, an intravenous bolus of 20 mg/kg bw of FFC was administered. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected before drug administration and at different times between 0.05 and 48.0 h after treatment. FFC plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography. A noncompartmental pharmacokinetic model was used for data analysis, and data were compared using a Mann-Whitney U-test. The mean values of AUC0-∞ in the endotoxaemic sheep (105.9 ± 14.3 μg·h/mL) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than values observed in healthy sheep (78.4 ± 5.2 μg·h/mL). The total mean plasma clearance (CLT ) decreased from 257.7 ± 16.9 mL·h/kg in the control group to 198.2 ± 24.1 mL·h/kg in LPS-treated sheep. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the terminal half-life was observed in the endotoxaemic sheep (16.9 ± 3.8 h) compared to the values observed in healthy sheep (10.4 ± 3.2 h). In conclusion, the APR induced by the intravenous administration of E. coli LPS in sheep produces higher plasma concentrations of FFC due to a decrease in the total body clearance of the drug. | 25,229,993 | [
0.1105446,
-0.1267126,
-0.1481424,
-0.2044534,
0.3032028,
-0.2940866,
-0.1342694,
-0.005700681,
-0.2570595,
-0.2406804,
0.05971579,
0.1713154,
-0.01486467,
0.1603565,
-0.2875463,
-0.3600422,
-0.1914671,
0.01243271,
-0.3052225,
0.2648098,
0.07848749,
0.06506734,
-0.3531891... |
Asymmetric α-photoalkylation of β-ketocarbonyls by primary amine catalysis: facile access to acyclic all-carbon quaternary stereocenters. | We describe the direct construction of all-carbon quaternary stereocenters via α-photoalkylation of β-ketocarbonyls with high efficacy and enantioselectivities by merging photoredox catalysis and primary amine catalysis. The open-shell photoradical approach enables asymmetric α-alkylations that are difficult under thermal conditions. | 25,229,998 | [
-0.1301515,
0.08077331,
-0.2454905,
-0.04556855,
-0.04870455,
0.08880885,
-0.4895286,
0.1082355,
0.3765997,
-0.08179548,
-0.002985011,
-0.204026,
0.1216715,
0.2625016,
-0.1351805,
0.0002012538,
-0.6735627,
0.2673622,
-0.2221378,
0.0453153,
0.1614035,
0.09048664,
-0.292877... |
Venous ulcer: risk factors and the Nursing Outcomes Classification. | To explore the relationship between the risk factors for the development of venous ulcers and the indicators of tissue integrity from the Nursing Outcomes Classification. A cross-sectional study conducted in 2013 in a university hospital in Natal/RN (Brazil). Fifty individuals selected by consecutive sampling participated in an interview and physical examination. The most important risk factors were: 44% presented with arterial hypertension, 26% allergy, 20% diabetes mellitus, 4% participated in some physical activity, 6% were smokers and 14% drank alcohol. There was a statistically significant association between diabetes mellitus and the texture of the lesion (p=0.015) and tissue perfusion (p=0.026); allergy and texture (p=0.034); physical activity and hydration (p = 0.034); smoking and thickness (p = 0.018); and alcoholism and exudate of the ulcer (p=0.045). . The relationship between risk factors and the nursing outcome indicators generated information relevant to the development of guidelines for the monitoring and treatment of venous ulcer information. | 25,230,036 | [
0.03859941,
0.01349559,
0.03179726,
0.249221,
-0.08348107,
-0.3451012,
0.1038506,
-0.1973781,
0.1848068,
-0.03359982,
0.2290011,
-0.6192782,
-0.4499426,
-0.6366717,
-0.06357338,
0.07558815,
-0.007483553,
0.1562471,
-0.01429217,
0.0750462,
-0.1805147,
0.01823476,
-0.118482... |
Cytoskeletal proteins associate with components of the ribosomal maturation and translation apparatus in Xenopus stage I oocytes. | Actin-based cytoskeleton (CSK) and microtubules may bind to RNAs and related molecules implicated in translation. However, many questions remain to be answered regarding the role of cytoskeletal components in supporting the proteins involved in steps in the maturation and translation processes. Here, we performed co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence to examine the association between spectrins, keratins and tubulin and proteins involved in 60S ribosomal maturation and translation in Xenopus stage I oocytes, including ribosomal rpl10, eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (Eif6), thesaurins A/B, homologs of the eEF1α elongation factor, and P0, the ribosomal stalk protein. We found that rpl10 and eif6 cross-reacted with the actin-based CSK and with tubulin. rpl10 co-localizes with spectrin, particularly in the perinuclear region. eif6 is similarly localized. Given that upon ribosomal maturation, the insertion of rpl10 into the 60S subunit occurs simultaneously with the release of eif6, one can hypothesise that actin-based CSK and microtubules provide the necessary scaffold for the insertion/release of these two molecules and, subsequently, for eif6 transport and binding to the mature 60S subunit. P0 and thesaurins cross-reacted with only spectrin and cytokeratins. Thesaurins aggregated at the oocyte periphery, rendering this a territory favourable site for protein synthesis; the CSK may support the interaction between thesaurins and sites of the translating ribosome. Moreover, given that the assembly of the ribosome stalk, where P0 is located, to the 60S subunit is essential for the release of eif6, it can be hypothesised that the CSK can facilitate the binding of the stalk to the 60S. | 25,230,050 | [
0.3173562,
0.2846125,
0.102106,
0.4448575,
0.06209793,
-0.01539954,
0.239767,
0.05496531,
0.2793074,
-0.08503954,
-0.0389719,
-0.1309038,
-0.02264972,
-0.1587229,
-0.148579,
-0.294548,
-0.737547,
0.09885237,
-0.02926031,
-0.2585959,
0.5278471,
0.1154312,
-0.08387221,
0.... |
Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans of the face: a case report and a brief review of the literature. | Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans is a rare late manifestation of tick-borne Borrelia burgdorferi infection, manifesting as inflammatory and atrophic lesions on acral skin. We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman with skin changes progressed to marked atrophy on her left hand and an edematous inflammatory involvement of the face. The diagnosis of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans was made on the basis of clinical appearance, serological and histopathological findings, and the lesional detection of B. burgdorferi-specific gene segments by polymerase chain reaction. This unusual case illustrates that acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans affects not only the extremities but also the face. The clinical and histological finding of the lesions occurring on acral skin showed a prominent atrophic appearance, while the ones occurring on the face showed a prominent inflammatory appearance. | 25,230,062 | [
-0.06746351,
-0.2760584,
0.05935261,
-0.06677056,
0.06047367,
-0.02952628,
-0.07002746,
0.04846206,
-0.1290578,
0.1532489,
0.2213987,
-0.08683887,
0.1493898,
0.05295765,
-0.1422728,
-0.2988095,
0.06344302,
0.2023531,
0.2154824,
-0.2664282,
0.03816847,
0.2021872,
-0.206158... |
Clinical evaluation of rigid gas permeable contact lenses and visual outcome after repaired corneal laceration. | To evaluate the clinical value of rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPCLs) in patients with traumatic corneal scarring and address implications of primary corneal repair. Eighteen subjects with a history of corneal laceration were fit with RGPCLs. Scar locations were divided into two zones; each patient was examined using Pentacam. Entering data included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), spectacle-corrected visual acuity (SVA), time between injury and RGPCL fitting, location and size of scar, and amount of corneal astigmatism. Follow-up data included RGPCL visual acuity (RGPCLVA), RGPCL-related complications, and dropout characteristics. Visual acuity values were converted to logMAR for analysis. No serious complications occurred. The average time between suture removal and RGPCL fitting was 5.7±5.5 months. Average corneal astigmatism was -3.44±2.09 diopters. One subject had developed corneal ectasia. RGPCLVA was more than 0.1 in three subjects: one experienced primary corneal repair complications, and two subjects (<10 years) developed amblyopia. In both zones, the difference in RGPCLVA outcome between zone I and zone II was not statistically significant (F=0.060, P=0.809). The difference between SVA in zones I and II was found to be statistically significant (F=6.131, P=0.026), as were the differences between SVA and RGPCLVA (F=8.598, P=0.010). The scar size had no significant influence on RGPCLVA, SVA, or UCVA. Four participants (22.2%) were successfully fit. Dropout characteristics included ocular discomfort, inconvenience, parental apprehension, and low motivation. Rigid gas permeable contact lens is an ideal method for evaluating visual potential in patients with traumatic corneal astigmatism. Pentacam examinations of those patients with poor RGPCLVA can help an ophthalmologist find and understand existing problems in suture techniques. | 25,230,077 | [
0.1962758,
-0.07388839,
-0.06826951,
-0.09081839,
0.04049279,
-0.1600111,
-0.464195,
-0.2737515,
0.3210158,
0.4505814,
0.2114031,
0.1036981,
-0.1363909,
0.04519696,
-0.08098616,
-0.09080285,
-0.2300812,
0.1806642,
-0.09175196,
-0.1540819,
-0.1602918,
0.04841527,
-0.204345... |
Protonation states of remote residues affect binding-release dynamics of the ligand but not the conformation of apo ferric binding protein. | We have studied the apo (Fe(3+) free) form of periplasmic ferric binding protein (FbpA) under different conditions and we have monitored the changes in the binding and release dynamics of H2PO4(-) that acts as a synergistic anion in the presence of Fe(3+). Our simulations predict a dissociation constant in agreement with the experimentally measured value under the same ionic pH conditions. We apply perturbations relevant for changes in environmental conditions as (i) different values of ionic strength and (ii) protonation of a group of residues to mimic a different pH environment. Local perturbations are also studied by protonation or mutation of a site distal to the binding region that is known to mechanically manipulate the hinge-like motions of FbpA. We find that while the average conformation of the protein is intact in all simulations, the H2PO4(-) binding constant is substantially altered by the changing conditions. In particular, the bound fraction which is 20% for the wild type system is increased to 50% with a D52A mutation/protonation and further to over 90% at the protonation conditions mimicking those at pH 5.5. The change in the dynamics is traced to the altered electrostatic potential distribution on the surface of the protein which in turn affects hydrogen bonding patterns at the active site. The observations are also quantified by rigorous free energy calculations. Our results lend clues as to how the environment versus single residue perturbations may be utilized for regulation of binding modes in hFbpA systems in the absence of conformational changes. | 25,230,090 | [
-0.01116741,
-0.1568813,
-0.2290749,
0.2383841,
-0.1214448,
-0.3220512,
0.1433247,
0.2763431,
0.005199706,
0.1079083,
0.1084526,
0.09932648,
0.09473936,
-0.313774,
-0.3553716,
-0.1419984,
-0.3162704,
-0.2812496,
-0.06744497,
0.06787921,
0.1150188,
0.04559847,
-0.2063498,
... |
Iron-catalyzed coupling of aryl sulfamates and aryl/vinyl tosylates with aryl Grignards. | The iron-catalyzed coupling of aryl sulfamates and tosylates with aryl Grignard reagents is reported for the first time. The methodology employs air-stable, low-cost FeF3·3H2O and the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand IPr·HCl as the preligand to form a long-lived catalyst upon treatment with aryl Grignards. The reaction provides a range of cross-coupled products in good-to-excellent yields. In contrast to previous reports with aryl chlorides, these reactions proceed with low levels of Grignard homocoupling regardless of the iron source. | 25,230,097 | [
-0.06115244,
-0.03191979,
-0.1292193,
0.1158051,
0.2623906,
0.0568698,
-0.4798621,
0.1978481,
-0.1205748,
-0.02403296,
-0.2706587,
0.1264169,
-0.02586477,
0.08840031,
-0.4334886,
-0.3961938,
-0.2023084,
0.02631914,
0.09147101,
-0.01429597,
-0.09249922,
0.04261972,
-0.3302... |
Determination of Cystatin C in human serum by isotope dilution mass spectrometry using mass overlapping peptides. | We propose a peptide-based isotope dilution mass spectrometry approach for Cystatin C determination in human serum samples, a clinical marker for renal status for which backup by a mass spectrometry based primary method has been missing so far. In contrast to common protocols, the isotope labelled version of the proteotypic signature peptide is designed such as keeping the isotopic difference as little as possible with respect to the peptide released from the protein. Peptides labelled in two (13)C atoms are added to the serum samples just before proteolysis. After two steps of chromatographic purification the sample is measured by selected reaction monitoring using a LC-MS/MS. Resolution of the first quadrupole is reduced to transmit the whole parent ion cluster to the collision cell for monitoring accurate isotopic distributions of the molecular fragments. Molar fractions of labelled and natural abundance peptides are directly obtained from the experimental mass spectra of the in-cell fragment ions. Thus, the natural abundance protein concentration is obtained from the fragment-ion spectrum of the sample without resorting to extra calibration runs. Applicability of the approach is demonstrated by the measurement of the serum concentration of Cystatin C in Reference Material ERM R-DA471/IFCC and real samples. Cystatin C is used as an alternative marker instead of, or in combination with creatinine for non-invasive determination of glomerular filtration rates. Advantages advocating in favour of Cystatin C in diagnosis of chronic kidney diseases are the lower variability of its serum level and, particularly, virtual independence on sex, age and muscle mass. However, in order to capitalize, accuracy of measurement has to be in proportion with the predictive power of the marker. Though there are label-free methods available for screening purposes or high-throughput analysis, achieving high levels of reliability and accuracy in quantitative proteomics takes reference to isotope labelled materials. Present routine assays (mainly nephelometry, turbidimetry and ligand-binding assays) are known to leave improvement to be desired in that respect. Absolute quantification based on enzymatic signature-peptides provides a method principle establishing traceability to the International System of Units on the level of primary methods. The kind of technique is capable, by this way, of high accuracy value-assignment to matrix materials needed for calibration of present routine assays, where not completely replacing them. Cystatin C measurement by isotope dilution mass spectrometry is developed in this study with the aim of making available this tool to support diagnostics of kidney function in the same way. | 25,230,103 | [
-0.2836147,
0.2297237,
-0.08211645,
-0.06519798,
0.1361328,
-0.04780606,
0.04197412,
0.2786217,
0.1651472,
0.3310908,
0.03161922,
0.03963174,
0.1995934,
0.03410151,
0.01202066,
-0.06236794,
-0.6098822,
0.0001433543,
-0.08152357,
0.1647692,
-0.02162763,
0.08416628,
-0.2419... |
NiCo2O4 nanostructure materials: morphology control and electrochemical energy storage. | Three types of NiCo2O4 nanostructure, homogeneous NiCo2O4 nanoneedle arrays, heterogeneous NiCo2O4 nanoflake arrays and NiCo2O4 nanoneedle-assembled sisal-like microspheres are synthesized via facile solution methods in combination with thermal treatment. The NiCo2O4 nanoneedle arrays are evaluated as supercapacitor electrodes and demonstrate excellent electrochemical performances with a high specific capacitance (923 F g(-1) at 2 A g(-1)), good rate capability, and superior cycling stability. The superior capacitive performances are mainly due to the unique one dimensional porous nanoneedle architecture, which provides a faster ion/electron transfer rate, improved reactivity, and enhanced structural stability. The fabrication method presented here is facile, cost-effective and scalable, which may open a new pathway for real device applications. | 25,230,142 | [
-0.3833546,
0.5284432,
-0.0958453,
-0.1241958,
-0.1324515,
-0.223846,
-0.289545,
-0.01614776,
-0.03830076,
0.160905,
0.05135131,
0.1822123,
-0.07491741,
0.2577252,
-0.4616225,
-0.0931549,
-0.2902068,
-0.0562635,
-0.1646769,
0.1781548,
0.07492457,
0.1030071,
0.007218894,
... |
Characterization of a radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine epimerase, NeoN, in the last step of neomycin B biosynthesis. | The last step of neomycin biosynthesis is the epimerization at C-5‴ of neomycin C to give neomycin B. A candidate enzyme responsible for the epimerization was a putative radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) enzyme, NeoN, which is uniquely encoded in the neomycin biosynthetic gene cluster and remained an unassigned protein in the neomycin biosynthesis. The reconstituted and reduced NeoN showed the expected epimerization activity in the presence of SAM. In the epimerization, 1 equiv of SAM was consumed to convert neomycin C into neomycin B. The site of neomycin C reactive toward epimerization was clearly confirmed to be C-5‴ by detecting the incorporation of a deuterium atom from the deuterium oxide-based buffer solution. Further, alanine scanning of the NeoN cysteine residues revealed that C249 is a critical amino acid residue that provides a hydrogen atom to complete the epimerization. Furthermore, electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of the C249A variant in the presence of SAM and neomycin C revealed that a radical intermediate is generated at the C-5‴ of neomycin C. Therefore, the present study clearly illustrates that the epimerization of neomycin C to neomycin B is catalyzed by a unique radical SAM epimerase NeoN with a radical reaction mechanism. | 25,230,155 | [
-0.07431292,
-0.02940685,
-0.02800909,
0.05828901,
-0.1805736,
0.00825498,
-0.1735272,
-0.2082096,
0.5128744,
-0.003340593,
0.1244437,
-0.06409352,
-0.02809105,
0.2298334,
-0.05097966,
0.1037571,
-0.5649561,
-0.1350818,
0.005286806,
-0.1281699,
0.2669878,
0.1407331,
-0.01... |
N-hydroxysuccinimidyl p-methoxybenzoate as suitable derivative reagent for isotopic dilution assay of biogenic amines in food. | We present a simple methodology for the simultaneous identification and determination of biogenic amines in food matrices, based on the use of a stable isotope-coded derivatization and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The tagging reagent is N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester of d(0)/d(4) -4-methoxybenzoic acid (d(0)/d(4) -4-MBA-OSu) which mainly functionalizes primary amines. The identification and structural characterization of tagged biogenic amines were exploited by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MS) and MS/MS. Multiple-reaction monitoring has been applied in the assay of biogenic amines in different foodstuffs, providing a method whose reliability is confirmed by the values of accuracy (12%) and by the calculated analytical parameters. | 25,230,176 | [
-0.09393127,
0.2980561,
0.09508483,
-0.1333871,
0.2722424,
-0.1693084,
0.1421631,
0.1619585,
0.1191004,
-0.1679831,
0.13558,
0.1739709,
0.1111161,
-0.3136986,
-0.6886148,
0.1297162,
-0.3503996,
0.4249766,
0.3091815,
0.2605881,
0.2161565,
0.02440593,
-0.1930716,
-0.16942... |
Characterization of mustard seeds and paste by DART ionization with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. | Direct analysis in real time (DART) is a novel technique with great potential for rapid screening analysis. The DART ionization method coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) has been used for characterization of mustard seeds and table mustard. The possibility to use DART to analyse glucosinolates was confirmed on determination of sinalbin (4-hydroxybenzyl glucosinolate). The DART-TOF-MS method was optimized and validated. A set of samples of mustard seeds and mustard products was analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography and DART-TOF-MS were used to determine glucosinolates in mustard seeds and compared. The correlation equation between these methods was DART = 0.797*HPLC + 6.987, R(2) = 0.972. The DART technique seems to be a suitable method for evaluation of the quality of mustard seeds and mustard products. | 25,230,177 | [
0.1276543,
0.3264539,
-0.3080761,
0.05599203,
0.4565947,
-0.2857065,
0.04335578,
-0.0882336,
0.05889904,
-0.2951312,
0.4100882,
0.2076809,
-0.1118769,
0.0002128478,
-0.1345409,
-0.1618924,
0.01878848,
0.170132,
0.4358286,
-0.1204984,
0.3181916,
0.300829,
-0.05199646,
-0... |
Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry for the study of the production of volatile compounds by bakery yeast starters. | The aromatic impact of bakery yeast starters is currently receiving considerable attention. The flavor characteristics of the dough and the finished products are usually evaluated by gas chromatography and sensory analysis. The limit of both techniques resides in their low-throughput character. In the present work, proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), coupled to a time-of-flight mass analyzer, was employed, for the first time, to measure the volatile fractions of dough and bread, and to monitor Saccharomyces cerevisiae volatile production in a fermented food matrix. Leavening was performed on small-scale (1 g) dough samples inoculated with different commercial yeast strains. The leavened doughs were then baked, and volatile profiles were determined during leavening and after baking. The experimental setup included a multifunctional autosampler, which permitted the follow-up of the leavening process on a small scale with a typical throughput of 500 distinct data points in 16 h. The system allowed to pinpoint differences between starter yeast strains in terms of volatile emission kinetics, with repercussions on the final product (i.e. the corresponding micro-loaves). This work demonstrates the applicability of PTR-MS for the study of volatile organic compound production during bread-making, for the automated and online real-time monitoring of the leavening process, and for the characterization and selection of bakery yeast starters in view of their production of volatile compounds. | 25,230,182 | [
0.07567641,
-0.4384191,
0.2500547,
0.3346229,
0.1226513,
-0.05122392,
0.2521444,
0.3986313,
0.09581495,
-0.006785636,
0.2000986,
-0.4493413,
0.1763335,
-0.6517446,
-0.6366785,
0.3543497,
-0.1654319,
0.2289574,
0.2362072,
-0.121554,
0.4009738,
0.2392403,
-0.2695317,
-0.0... |
Reliable liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for investigation of primary aromatic amines migration from food packaging and during industrial curing of multilayer plastic laminates. | Primary aromatic amines (PAAs) can migrate from packaging into food from different sources such as polyurethanic adhesives used for the manufacture of multilayer films, which may contain residual aromatic isocyanates, or recycled paperboard, because of the presence of azo dyes in the printed paper massively used in the recycling process. In the present work, a reliable analytical method, exploiting a conventional high-performance liquid chromatography-(selected ion monitoring)-mass spectrometry system, for PAAs compliance assessment in food contact materials was developed as an effective alternative to the current standard spectrophotometric one, moving in this way from the screening to the accurate and selective quantitation perspective for the analysis of PAAs both in aqueous and acidic food simulants. The main validation parameters were verified achieving very satisfactory results in terms of linearity range, limit of detection (ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 µg kg(-1)) and quantitation (ranging from 0.1 to 3.6 µg kg(-1)), repeatability and accuracy. Suitability of the method was demonstrated for a wide range of commercial samples, chosen among different producers of the most common used food packaging plastic and paperboard categories and then analyzed to assess the risk related to PAAs migration. Finally, the method was also successfully exploited to monitor the evolution of potential PAAs migration during the industrial curing process of multilayer plastic laminates, prior to their release for delivery to the food industry end user. | 25,230,184 | [
-0.2737561,
0.2154719,
0.2179465,
-0.2135882,
0.4236171,
0.001845512,
0.1084747,
0.2639176,
0.2406697,
0.1883087,
0.09525153,
-0.1423951,
-0.2132484,
-0.3593652,
-0.3727933,
0.1177209,
-0.6113581,
0.1923522,
-0.1818467,
-0.03376246,
0.208573,
-0.02372011,
-0.01067945,
-... |
An atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-ion-trap mass spectrometer for the on-line analysis of volatile compounds in foods: a tool for linking aroma release to aroma perception. | An atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion-trap mass spectrometer was set up for the on-line analysis of aroma compounds. This instrument, which has been successfully employed for some years in several in vitro and in vivo flavour release studies, is described for the first time in detail. The ion source was fashioned from polyether ether ketone and operated at ambient pressure and temperature making use of a discharge corona pin facing coaxially the capillary ion entrance of the ion-trap mass spectrometer. Linear dynamic ranges (LDR), limits of detection (LOD) and other analytical characteristics have been re-evaluated. LDRs and LODs have been found fully compatible with the concentrations of aroma compounds commonly found in foods. Thus, detection limits have been found in the low ppt range for common flavouring aroma compounds (for example 5.3 ppt (0.82 ppbV) for ethyl hexanoate and 4.8 ppt (1.0 ppbV) for 2,5-dimethylpyrazine). This makes the instrument applicable for in vitro and in vivo aroma release investigations. The use of dynamic sensory techniques such as the temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) method conducted simultaneously with in vivo aroma release measurements allowed to get some new insights in the link between flavour release and flavour perception. | 25,230,189 | [
-0.1068526,
-0.04727913,
-0.01533234,
-0.007498285,
0.2068273,
-0.002532426,
0.03095165,
0.1427717,
0.1652077,
-0.1963595,
0.1839949,
-0.2035155,
0.2994416,
-0.3351049,
-0.5770914,
-0.1449395,
-0.5072489,
0.07316787,
0.1423165,
0.1417732,
0.03707134,
0.1960403,
-0.1700101... |
The impact of dementia development concurrent with Parkinson's disease: a new perspective. | Dementia is the leading cause of disability worldwide among chronic diseases in the elderly and is a major contributor to mortality. Importantly, dementia that develops as a comorbid condition significantly compounds the burden of disease on the person, their caregivers and the health care system. Dementia is a frequent comorbidity of Parkinson's disease (PD) and about 80% of people with PD will develop dementia during the course of the disease. Incidence of dementia in PD ranges from 54.7 to 107.14 per 1000 person-years while point prevalence estimates range from 19.7 to 35.3%. The range in incidence and point prevalence can be attributed to varying diagnostic criteria, sample biases, and sample size. Nosologically, there is still disagreement on the origins of dementia in PD. Dementia development may be most often caused by the progression of PD-type pathology; however, the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-type pathology suggests that an interplay exists between the genes and proteins associated with PD and AD. Furthermore, these genes and proteins may increase the risk and severity of dementia development in people with PD. Understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in PD and AD may, therefore, improve efforts to manage and treat PD dementia. Given this, it is important to adequately define the frequency of PD dementia for informed decision making, particularly in the areas of aged-care and government health policy. | 25,230,219 | [
0.08190754,
-0.2294584,
0.2611779,
-0.130315,
0.07095195,
-0.2703418,
0.03803945,
0.05944488,
0.1290126,
0.004342574,
-0.3495307,
-0.1271487,
0.08953928,
0.009701464,
-0.2219355,
-0.009029456,
-0.1201023,
0.2743093,
0.04200019,
0.1437674,
-0.1605053,
0.38755,
-0.06313637,... |
Cholinergic system dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases: cause or effect? | Acetylcholine (ACh) has been the first molecule to be identified as neurotransmitter. The cholinergic and cholinoceptive areas, both in central and peripheral nervous system, have been well documented. Acetylcholine has been described to control, during embryogenesis, cell proliferation as well as neuron and glial cell survival and differentiation. In the adult, acetylcholine and its receptors are distributed in many tissues other than in the nervous system. More recently, new physiological roles in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues have been proposed for ACh as well as its possible involvement in different pathologies. Altered levels of ACh or modified receptors expression and function, in selected areas of the nervous system, have been described in several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington as well as in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Frequently own cognitive, behavioral and motor disabilities that characterize these pathologies are correlated to cholinergic circuit dysfunction. Moreover the involvement of ACh as modulator of the inflammation, in and out of the nervous system, has suggested that its altered functions might represent an additional pathogenetic mechanism negatively influencing the disease outcome as recently suggested in multiple sclerosis. The present review will focus on identifying the cause/effect relationship that may explain the cholinergic dysfunction in several nervous system disorders. Moreover the possible therapeutic novelties including cholinesterase inhibitors, muscarinic agonists and antagonists, and genetic therapy will be discussed. | 25,230,223 | [
0.10358,
-0.2376226,
0.2921579,
-0.4561429,
-0.126858,
-0.1561803,
0.06743269,
-0.0861978,
-0.1537842,
0.2384412,
-0.3126363,
0.1456427,
-0.05289922,
0.2656977,
-0.1991625,
-0.1012329,
-0.5740555,
0.1697081,
-0.05008971,
0.08511762,
-0.08178986,
0.3099385,
-0.09423636,
... |
Computational study of human tyrosine hydroxylase mutants to uphold [4-(Propan-2-yl) Phenyl]Carbamic acid as a potential inhibitor. | Neurodegenerative diseases that afflict nervous system are characterized by progressive nervous system dysfunction and associated with the one-set of many diseases like Segawa's syndrome (recessive form), autosomal recessive L-dopa-responsive dystonia, L-dopa non-responsive dystonia or progressive early-onset encephalopathy and recessive L-dopa-responsive parkinsonism. It has been reported that a number of mutations in coding regions, splice sites and promoter regions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) are associated with many such diseases. TH is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of L-tyrosine to L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine. This reaction is considered as rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of catecholamines, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, which has made TH an important target for drug development. In our previous study using comparative molecular docking approach, it was concluded that [4-(Propan-2-yl) Phenyl]Carbamic acid (PPCA) may serve as a potential inhibitor. By further extending, our focus is to determine the binding affinities of PPCA and mutated TH. 3D structures of mutated TH were predicted and subjected to molecular docking studies. PPCA was found to bind in the deep narrow groove lined with polar and aromatic amino acids in 14 out of 17 mutants under study (R202H, L205P, H215Y, G216S, T245P, F278P, T283M, R297W, R306H, C328F, A345V, L356M, T368M, Q381K, P461L, T463M and D467G). Our results corroborate efficient binding of PPCA with normal and mutated TH, indicating that PPCA might be a strong therapeutic candidate for the management of Parkinson's disease and other related disorders. It may be a valuable target for evaluation in preclinical models. | 25,230,230 | [
0.0626964,
-0.1402952,
0.2025502,
-0.2438837,
0.0779317,
0.207798,
0.07149248,
-0.06435778,
0.1469603,
-0.027814,
-0.002321663,
0.06940418,
0.06769197,
-0.07617662,
-0.2819473,
0.2104526,
-0.4108345,
0.2517503,
-0.1139426,
0.1623868,
0.1194487,
0.5568631,
-0.1148755,
-0... |
Adjuncts should always be used in pediatric regional anesthesia. | A number of different adjuncts to local anesthetics can be used to prolong and optimize postoperative pain relief following regional anesthesia in children. The present text provides a slightly opinionated but evidence-based argument in favor of this practice. | 25,230,242 | [
-0.1488747,
0.02776764,
-0.404269,
-0.2170656,
-0.01932362,
-0.1683771,
-0.277391,
-0.2236531,
-0.04725907,
-0.1743159,
0.01768372,
0.2722599,
0.1808565,
-0.008260818,
0.04972366,
-0.1965601,
-0.08661678,
0.05693622,
-0.03754382,
0.1601399,
-0.03001001,
0.05498005,
-0.132... |
Markers of the progression of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes: a one-year longitudinal study. | Hyperglycemia induces tissue damage and complications by mechanisms that produce advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and inflammation.To investigate the factors associated with the progression of complications in Type 2 diabetes patients.We recruited 157 patients (110 women and 47 men) with diabetes for more than 5 years who were non-smokers and did not have current infections or chronic diseases. Patients were grouped according to neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy status: without (I), slight or moderate (II), and severe complications (III). We measured glucose, lipids and HbA1c, low molecular weight AGEs (LMW AGEs), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, IL-6, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Patients were re-evaluated 1 year later.Patients were 52.2±6.8 years old with 11.0±4.9 years since diagnosis. After 1 year, circulating AGEs increased (p<0.0001) and eGFR decreased (p<0.0007) in groups II and III. IL-6 and MDA decreased in groups I and II. CRP (p<0.029) and AGEs (p<0.0001) increased in group II. At baseline in group I, TNF-α levels were higher (p<0.002) in patients who later developed complications. In group II, TNF-α levels (p<0.015) and microalbuminuria (p<0.00004) were higher in patients whose complications progressed. Logistic regression analysis showed that complication progress was significantly associated with log(albuminuria) (p<0.004) and log(TNF-α) (p<0.008). In the total group, AGEs were associated with age (p<0.024) and HbA1c (p<0.026).Our results suggest that baseline TNF-α is an important predictor of complication progression in Type 2 diabetes patients. AGEs also increased during the deterioration of renal function after 1 year of follow-up observation. | 25,230,243 | [
0.08111012,
-0.2396115,
-0.1877237,
-0.0851089,
0.01056201,
-0.4594748,
-0.02223836,
0.2151028,
0.01155203,
-0.05204466,
-0.03527235,
0.07092015,
-0.1400873,
-0.08948803,
-0.02967734,
-0.01222086,
0.1768689,
0.2517184,
0.3134818,
0.1484936,
-0.2957313,
0.08094895,
-0.1543... |
Preparation, characterization and origin of highly active and thermally stable Pd-Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 catalysts via sol-evaporation induced self-assembly method. | The Pd-Ce-Zr solid solution catalysts were in situ synthesized by a sol-evaporation induced self-assembly (SEISA) method. The catalytic performances of the as-prepared catalysts for CO oxidation and their physicochemical properties were investigated with various characterization techniques. The catalysts with low doping amount of Pd exhibited unique thermal stability and high activity toward CO oxidation. The CO oxidation activities of the catalysts showed a volcano type relationship with the content of Pd doping in Ce-Zr oxides. Pd-Ce(0.8)Zr(0.2)O2 with 1.0% Pd doping gave the highest catalytic activity. Its CO complete conversion temperature was 110 °C with a turnover frequency of 1.52 s(-1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggested strong effects of Pd doping on the crystal structure, charge distribution and formation of oxygen vacancy of the Ce-based catalysts. The calculations also suggested that CO oxidation on Pd doped Ce-based catalysts follows Eley-Rideal mechanism, and the direct reaction of CO with a surface oxygen atom appears to be the main pathway of the oxidation. | 25,230,254 | [
-0.1285229,
0.223785,
0.1244186,
-0.04449036,
0.1510668,
-0.392982,
-0.5047454,
-0.2437133,
-0.06904329,
-0.1032274,
-0.1991455,
0.02204793,
0.141156,
-0.02926151,
-0.5229558,
-0.1219342,
-0.4839917,
0.06826128,
0.254436,
0.1624696,
-0.249357,
0.3039553,
-0.239997,
0.08... |
Quantifying mobile and immobile zones during simulated stormwater infiltration through a new permeable pavement material. | We have designed a new eco-material for use in permeable pavements in view to ensuring the sustainable management of stormwater in urban areas. The specific characteristic of this material is that it allows the infiltration of rainfall, storing the infiltrated water and trapping the pollutants carried by runoff such as engine oil and heavy metals. This new material is composed of a mixture of crushed concrete , resulting from inert construction waste, and organic material (compost). We performed tracing experiments in view to monitor the flow of the water within this material in order to study its hydrodynamics under heavy rainfall (rain with a return period of 10 years). The experimental results revealed preferential flows due to the heterogeneity of the material and liable to act as a major vector for the mobility of the pollutants transported within the material by stormwater. The work presented in this article consists in quantifying these preferential flows by determining their water contents in mobile (θm) and immobile (θim) water during infiltration. To do this, we used the (NON-EQUILIBRIUM Convection-Dispersion Equation) model, in order to evaluate mobile and stagnant zones in the framework of tracing experiments. | 25,230,252 | [
-0.368012,
0.2377111,
0.1522137,
-0.08383133,
-0.162545,
-0.2349546,
-0.3307962,
-0.06737017,
-0.01054472,
0.0183067,
-0.2390729,
-0.01758585,
-0.07304756,
0.2559995,
-0.2701088,
0.08876761,
-0.3905877,
0.03438279,
-0.00403412,
0.09994341,
0.03749768,
-0.01307253,
0.02791... |
Arthroscopic single-bundle versus triple-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. | The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the clinical results of arthroscopic single-bundle (SB) and triple-bundle (TB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The study included 105 patients who underwent arthroscopic SB ACL and TB ACL reconstruction. Anterior stress radiographs and the maximal manual muscle test using a KT-2000 arthrometer were used to assess anteroposterior stability and rotational stability was investigated using the lateral pivot shift test at the 24th month follow-up. Clinical results were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Orthopädische Arbeitsgruppe Knie (OAK) scores preoperatively and at the 24th month follow-up. Postoperative thigh circumference, strength and range of motion (ROM) were compared between groups. Rotational stability was significantly superior in the TB group than in the SB group. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to residual anteroposterior laxity determined at the 24th month follow-up. No significant difference in terms of IKDC score, OAK score, thigh circumference, strength and ROM was detected between the two groups. Both arthroscopic SB and TB ACL reconstruction resulted in satisfactory subjective outcome and objective stability. Rotational stability was significantly superior in the TB group. | 25,230,264 | [
0.1434499,
0.02676949,
0.032479,
-0.043142,
-0.02921115,
-0.3955045,
-0.1569101,
0.1751498,
-0.1281058,
-0.0905508,
-0.00273017,
-0.1946206,
0.1755124,
-0.118923,
-0.3308661,
-0.2504151,
-0.3679948,
0.4511909,
-0.4303831,
0.002376114,
-0.1806777,
-0.3618477,
0.1207793,
... |
Distal tibial osteochondroma causing fibular deformity and deep peroneal nerve entrapment neuropathy: a case report. | Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors, comprising 9% of all bone tumors and 35% of benign bone tumors. They are frequently diagnosed incidentally. Osteochondromas are mostly asymptomatic, but may cause mechanical findings depending on the location and size of the tumor. Rarely, they may originate from the interosseous surface of the tibia and affect the fibula. We report here a case of a rare osteochondroma originating from the distal tibial metaphysis and causing deep peroneal nerve entrapment syndrome with clinical and radiological findings. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature. | 25,230,273 | [
-0.2227521,
-0.03144683,
0.2914365,
-0.00294924,
-0.219776,
-0.3106567,
-0.2234305,
0.232603,
-0.03239144,
0.1569474,
0.1055648,
-0.2210739,
-0.1578507,
-0.2154869,
-0.1960234,
-0.2795255,
-0.23606,
0.1729809,
-0.09533028,
-0.2155882,
-0.02507748,
0.0798445,
-0.05173553,
... |
[Recommendations for physical exercise practice during pregnancy: a critical review]. | Physical exercise is recommended for all healthy pregnant women. Regular practice of exercises during pregnancy can provide many physical and psychological benefits, with no evidence of adverse outcomes for the fetus or the newborn when exercise is performed at mild to moderate intensity. However, few pregnant women engage in this practice and many still have fears and doubts about the safety of exercise. The objective of the present study was to inform the professionals who provide care for Brazilian pregnant women about the current recommendations regarding physical exercise during pregnancy based on the best scientific evidence available. In view of the perception that few systematic models are available about this topic and after performing several studies in this specific area, we assembled practical information of interest to both the professionals and the pregnant women. We also provide recommendations about the indications, contraindications, modalities (aerobics, resistance training, stretching and pelvic floor training), frequency, intensity and duration indicated for each gestational trimester. The review addresses physical exercise recommendation both for low risk pregnant women and for special populations, such as athletes and obese, hypertensive and diabetic subjects. The advantages of an active and healthy lifestyle should be always reinforced during and after gestation since pregnancy is an appropriate period to introduce new habits because pregnant women are usually more motivated to adhere to recommendations. Thus, routine exams, frequent returns and supervision are recommended in order to provide new guidelines that will have long-term beneficial effects for both mother and child. | 25,230,282 | [
-0.1190865,
0.1766841,
-0.1466743,
0.07880938,
0.2688813,
-0.2784097,
-0.09008123,
-0.1692566,
-0.1044231,
-0.2470115,
-0.2098492,
-0.1629468,
-0.1538904,
-0.3089564,
-0.3979816,
-0.2249613,
-0.7009353,
0.2926883,
-0.2359104,
-0.01990908,
-0.3022357,
-0.01997839,
-0.23505... |
Probable interaction between an oral vitamin K antagonist and turmeric (Curcuma longa). | We report a probable interaction between a vitamin K antagonist, fluindione, and the herbal medicine turmeric that resulted in the elevation of the international normalized ratio (INR). The case presented here underlines the importance of considering potential exposure to herbal medications when assessing adverse effects. | 25,230,280 | [
-0.2877093,
-0.1638355,
0.1287333,
0.1292203,
0.0999089,
0.111276,
-0.2023419,
0.2004936,
0.3387886,
-0.226445,
0.139507,
0.6213943,
0.02877397,
-0.3574643,
-0.1154242,
-0.07847916,
-0.4541487,
0.2336042,
-0.1575551,
-0.05875323,
0.05652999,
0.2610964,
-0.1818087,
0.132... |
Effect of intracoronary anisodamine and diltiazem administration during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction. | The aim of this study was to examine the role of intracoronary anisodamine and diltiazem administration performed before stenting on the immediate angiographic and clinical outcome in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). STEMI patients during primary PCI were randomized to two bolus injections of intracoronary anisodamine (1 mg/5 ml) and diltiazem (2 mg/5 ml) (COM group, n=54) or saline (5 ml) and diltiazem (2 mg/5 ml) (diltiazem group, n=54) before stenting. The primary endpoint was the incidence of no/slow reflow [thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade≤2] immediately after stenting. TIMI myocardial perfusion grade and corrected TIMI frame count were assessed. The secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. The percent of TIMI flow grade 3 was found to be higher in the COM group than in the diltiazem group (92.6 vs. 75.9%, P=0.032). The percent of TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 was 46.3% in the diltiazem group and improved in the COM group (68.5%, P=0.032). Corrected TIMI frame count was significantly lower in the COM group than in the diltiazem group (P<0.0001). The COM group showed low incidences of bradyarrhythmia and rapid arrhythmia (7.4 vs. 24.1% and 3.7 vs. 18.5%, respectively, P=0.032, P=0.029). In addition, there were no significant differences in the secondary outcome measures. Intracoronary anisodamine and diltiazem administration before stenting improved the angiographic results and prevented reperfusion arrhythmia in patients with STEMI undergoing PCI. | 25,230,304 | [
-0.3969187,
0.05305019,
-0.2825648,
-0.110408,
-0.08301923,
-0.3994256,
-0.05632724,
-0.2014194,
0.09748055,
-0.3734885,
-0.0238367,
0.4578001,
-0.2949702,
0.08483116,
-0.0005148395,
-0.419676,
-0.1988533,
0.1264457,
0.0006948642,
-0.07144362,
0.1427751,
0.09976026,
-0.02... |
Raman spectroscopy for in-line water quality monitoring--instrumentation and potential. | Worldwide, the access to safe drinking water is a huge problem. In fact, the number of persons without safe drinking water is increasing, even though it is an essential ingredient for human health and development. The enormity of the problem also makes it a critical environmental and public health issue. Therefore, there is a critical need for easy-to-use, compact and sensitive techniques for water quality monitoring. Raman spectroscopy has been a very powerful technique to characterize chemical composition and has been applied to many areas, including chemistry, food, material science or pharmaceuticals. The development of advanced Raman techniques and improvements in instrumentation, has significantly improved the performance of modern Raman spectrometers so that it can now be used for detection of low concentrations of chemicals such as in-line monitoring of chemical and pharmaceutical contaminants in water. This paper briefly introduces the fundamentals of Raman spectroscopy, reviews the development of Raman instrumentations and discusses advanced and potential Raman techniques for in-line water quality monitoring. | 25,230,309 | [
-0.1846041,
0.1936953,
0.02816593,
-0.2177004,
-0.2199536,
-0.01391212,
-0.2547059,
0.2105969,
0.3154277,
0.07926467,
0.2115215,
-0.09567373,
-0.0476962,
0.02817779,
-0.1253977,
-0.09110942,
-0.423624,
0.3575357,
0.04308433,
-0.1871942,
0.230547,
0.1023717,
-0.2306309,
... |
Screen-printed resistive pressure sensors containing graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes. | Polymer composites with nanomaterials such as graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes are a new group of materials with high application possibilities in printed and flexible electronics. In this study such carbon nanomaterials were used as a conductive phase in polymer composites. Pastes with dispersed nanomaterials in PMMA and PVDF vehicles were screen printed on flexible substrates, and used as an active layer in pressure sensors, exploiting contact resistance phenomena. The relationship between resistance and pressure is nearly linear on a logarithmic scale for selected types of samples, and their response is several times higher than for similar sensors with graphite layers. The use of surfactants allowed us to fabricate evenly dispersed nanomaterials with different amount of nanoplatelets and nanotubes in the composites. The samples contained from 1.25 wt.% to 2 wt.% of graphene and 1 wt.% to 0.5 wt.% of nanotubes and exhibited diverse sheet resistivity. Experiments revealed the relationship between morphology and loading of functional phase in the polymer matrix and the sensors' sensitivity. | 25,230,310 | [
-0.05616434,
0.2049558,
0.1683269,
-0.1483001,
-0.1391504,
-0.2179937,
-0.2701482,
0.07062898,
0.02922541,
0.09973746,
0.1099294,
-0.2521249,
-0.02844504,
0.1767534,
-0.3946488,
-0.02368434,
-0.6725172,
0.00764486,
-0.1503387,
0.01445067,
0.1024318,
-0.2444156,
0.06302052... |
Predictors of mortality in pediatric patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. | Currently, there are no established echocardiographic or hemodynamic predictors of mortality after weaning venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in children. We wished to determine which measurements predict mortality. Over 3 years, we prospectively assessed six echo and six hemodynamic variables at 3-5 circuit rates while weaning extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow. Hemodynamic measurements were heart rate, inotropic score, arteriovenous oxygen difference, pulse pressure, oxygenation index, and lactate. Echo variables included shortening/ejection fraction, outflow tract Doppler-derived stroke distance (velocity-time integral), degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation, longitudinal strain (global longitudinal strain), and circumferential strain (global circumferential strain). Cardiovascular ICU at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, CA. Patients were stratified into those who died or required heart transplant (Gr1) and those who did not (Gr2). For each patient, we compared the change for each variable between full versus minimum extracorporeal membrane oxygenation flow for each group. None. We enrolled 21 patients ranging in age from 0.02 to 15 years. Five had dilated cardiomyopathy, and 16 had structural heart disease with severe ventricular dysfunction. Thirteen of 21 patients (62%) comprised Gr1, including two patients with heart transplants. Eight patients constituted Gr2. Gr1 patients had a significantly greater increase in oxygenation index (35% mean increase; p < 0.01) off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation compared to full flow, but no change in velocity-time integral or arteriovenous oxygen difference. In Gr2, velocity-time integral increased (31% mean increase; p < 0.01), with no change in arteriovenous oxygen difference or oxygenation index. Pulse pressure increased modestly with flow reduction only in Gr1 (p < 0.01). Failure to augment velocity-time integral or an increase in oxygenation index during the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning is associated with poor outcomes in children. We propose that these measurements should be performed during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation wean, as they may discriminate who will require alternative methods of circulatory support for survival. | 25,230,312 | [
-0.0983532,
-0.1772114,
-0.2712923,
-0.294064,
-0.2064921,
-0.3974733,
0.5311329,
-0.008609154,
-0.1334892,
0.2439645,
-0.05355832,
0.2357055,
-0.05640399,
0.1582111,
-0.02389808,
-0.1681905,
-0.3037119,
0.1047368,
0.1811503,
-0.04855968,
0.01627021,
0.1387632,
-0.1704044... |
Prevalence and outcome of diastolic dysfunction in children with fluid refractory septic shock--a prospective observational study. | Our primary objective was to determine the prevalence and outcome of diastolic dysfunction in children with fluid refractory septic shock. The secondary objective was to determine possible early predictors of diastolic dysfunction. Prospective observational study. PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Consecutive children 17 years old or younger with fluid refractory septic shock and not on mechanical ventilation admitted to our ICU from June 2011 to August 2012 were included. Survivors were followed up till 1 year of discharge (July 2013). Children were subjected to 2D echocardiography and qualitative cardiac troponin-T test within the first 6 hours of admission. A total of 56 children were included. Median age was 7 years (interquartile range, 1.5, 14) and majority (52%) were males. Most common underlying diagnoses were meningitis and pneumonia. The prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was 41.1% (95% CI, 27.8-54.4), and mortality rate was 43% in those with diastolic dysfunction. At 1-year follow-up, residual dysfunction was present in only one of 11 of the survivors (11%). On univariable analysis of possible early predictors of diastolic dysfunction, we observed that these children tended to have higher mean central venous pressure (13 vs 6; p < 0.0001) and greater positivity for cardiac troponin-T (70% vs 36%; p = 0.01) compared with others. Although factors such as duration of illness and diastolic blood pressure were also lower in children with diastolic dysfunction compared with others, the difference was not statistically significant. On multivariable analysis, only the variable central venous pressure remained significant (adjusted odds ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.12-2.14; p = 0.008). Diastolic dysfunction is common in children with fluid refractory septic shock, and immediate outcomes may be poorer in such patients. Increased central venous pressure after initial fluid resuscitation may be an early indicator of diastolic dysfunction and warrant urgent bedside echocardiography to guide further management. | 25,230,313 | [
0.1316057,
-0.005107176,
-0.1762827,
-0.5370857,
0.133317,
-0.5153629,
-0.01772657,
-0.05952303,
-0.02838356,
0.07594778,
0.2131813,
0.1811416,
-0.227505,
0.2412208,
-0.3092521,
-0.1079615,
-0.06145514,
0.2221711,
-0.1371301,
0.2233436,
0.01776328,
-0.5046188,
-0.1383768,... |
Induction of hyperandrogenism in lean reproductive-age women stimulates proatherogenic inflammation. | We determined the effect of hyperandrogenemia as observed in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on fasting and glucose-stimulated proatherogenic inflammation markers in lean healthy reproductive-age women. Sixteen lean healthy ovulatory reproductive-age women were treated with 130 mg of DHEA or placebo (n=8 each) for 5 days. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA and IL-6 release from mononuclear cells (MNC), plasma IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP), and MNC-derived (matrix metalloproteinase-2) MMP-2 protein were quantified in the fasting state and 2 h after glucose ingestion, before and after treatment. Before treatment, subjects receiving dehydroepinadrosterone (DHEA) or placebo exhibited no differences in androgens, or any proatherogenic inflammation markers while fasting and after glucose ingestion. Compared with placebo, DHEA administration raised levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S), and increased the percent change from baseline in fasting IL-6 mRNA, IL-6 release, plasma IL-6, and CRP and MMP-2 protein. However, there were no differences in any of the proatherogenic inflammation markers following glucose ingestion after DHEA administration. We conclude that in lean reproductive-age women, proatherogenic inflammation in the fasting state increases after raising circulating androgens to levels observed in PCOS. However, this hyperandrogenemia-induced MNC activation does not provoke a similar response to subsequent glucose ingestion. | 25,230,323 | [
-0.006323015,
0.2132408,
-0.3436791,
-0.4481898,
-0.0802075,
-0.3559265,
0.05456582,
0.1878171,
0.1648738,
0.0389724,
-0.03957521,
0.4836285,
-0.1841633,
0.008751933,
0.1462643,
-0.2857833,
-0.04917648,
0.242723,
0.02270409,
0.1475412,
-0.01102389,
0.1060181,
-0.3737879,
... |
Clostridium difficile-induced colitis in mice is independent of leukotrienes. | Clostridium difficile is the major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis in healthcare settings. However, the host factors involved in the intestinal inflammatory response and pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI) are largely unknown. Here we investigated the role of leukotrienes (LTs), a group of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators, in CDI. Notably, the neutrophil chemoattractant LTB4, but not cysteinyl (cys) LTs, was induced in the intestine of C57BL/6 mice infected with either C. difficile strain VPI 10463 or strain 630. Genetic or pharmacological ablation of LT production did not ameliorate C. difficile colitis or clinical signs of disease in infected mice. Histological analysis demonstrated that intestinal neutrophilic inflammation, edema and tissue damage in mice during acute and severe CDI were not modulated in the absence of LTs. In addition, CDI induced a burst of cytokines in the intestine of infected mice in a LT-independent manner. Serum levels of anti-toxin A immunoglobulin (Ig) G levels were also not modulated by endogenous LTs. Collectively, our results do not support a role for LTs in modulating host susceptibility to CDI in mice. | 25,230,329 | [
0.05218066,
0.04981386,
0.05260808,
-0.07434274,
0.1707808,
0.1563351,
0.3462297,
0.04200647,
0.007703006,
-0.2409291,
-0.1683173,
0.39284,
-0.1433812,
-0.2091147,
-0.3297338,
0.07480608,
0.0163928,
0.05575728,
-0.14814,
0.2841884,
-0.1830051,
0.3940565,
-0.2729146,
0.0... |
Hydrogen sulfide: a neuromodulator and neuroprotectant in the central nervous system. | Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) used to be known as a toxic gas. However, in the last two decades, accumulating evidence has revealed its role as a bioactive molecule in the biological systems. H2S has relatively high expression in the brain, exerting multiple functions in both health and diseases. It modulates neurotransmission by influencing behaviors of NMDA receptors and second messenger systems including intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and intracellular cAMP levels and so forth. H2S shows potential therapeutic value in several CNS diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain injury. As a neuroprotectant, H2S produces antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects in pathological situations. Sulfhydration of target proteins is an important mechanism underlying these effects. This Review summarizes the current understanding of H2S in the central nervous system, with emphasis on its role as a neuromodulator and a neuroprotectant. | 25,230,373 | [
-0.3814395,
-0.1110001,
0.04026023,
-0.3566976,
-0.1328129,
-0.1338183,
-0.1001547,
0.08323253,
0.02991688,
0.1225331,
-0.2380955,
0.2334116,
-0.02552244,
0.128143,
0.0168541,
0.0160074,
-0.1858318,
-0.06855996,
-0.02721011,
-0.07191076,
-0.04611388,
0.2783326,
-0.0977389... |
[Simultaneous procedure in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and renal carcinoma]. | Renal carcinoma (RC) is present in 0.1-3% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). There are several options for surgical solution as regards the type and timing of the procedure. The authors discuss the simultaneous AAA resection and radical nephrectomy as a treatment option. 1168 patients with AAA including 19 (1.6%) with asymptomatic AAA (diameter >50mm) and RC (average diameter 74.3 mm) indicated for radical nephrectomy were operated on in the last 20 years (between 5/1994 and 5/2014). The average age of the patients was 72.8 years (5585). Pre-operatively, sixteen patients were classified as ASA II, three as ASA III. Unilateral nephrectomy was performed in 18 and bilateral nephrectomy in one patient. One-stage AAA resection (1x endovascular aneurysm repair) with nephrectomy was performed in all patients. Two patients with ASA III classification died within 30 days postoperatively due to acute myocardial infarction and multiorgan failure. In the other patients, the simultaneous procedure was without any complications. Four patients died within two years after the operation due to generalized RC, the others have survived in the interval of one and twelve years after the procedure. Simultaneous procedure does not represent increased operation load for patients with good health status. Nevertheless, the type of procedure should be optimised for each individual patient with regard to his or her general health status, life expectancy, disease symptomatology, the diameter of the RC and the anatomical conditions of AAA. | 25,230,387 | [
-0.1386664,
0.1961283,
-0.5537264,
-0.2724032,
0.2495553,
-0.4217308,
0.03966416,
-0.02169661,
0.1900689,
0.3364474,
0.04238615,
0.1543134,
0.03280393,
-0.4457365,
-0.6187106,
-0.2078177,
-0.2223901,
0.21173,
0.02073068,
0.2555283,
0.4811293,
0.1242949,
-0.103623,
0.489... |
Comparison of the metabolic activation of environmental carcinogens in mouse embryonic stem cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. | We compared mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and fibroblasts (MEFs) for their ability to metabolically activate the environmental carcinogens benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), 3-nitrobenzanthrone (3-NBA) and aristolochic acid I (AAI), measuring DNA adduct formation by (32)P-postlabelling and expression of xenobiotic-metabolism genes by quantitative real-time PCR. At 2 μM, BaP induced Cyp1a1 expression in MEFs to a much greater extent than in ES cells and formed 45 times more adducts. Nqo1 mRNA expression was increased by 3-NBA in both cell types but induction was higher in MEFs, as was adduct formation. For AAI, DNA binding was over 450 times higher in MEFs than in ES cells, although Nqo1 and Cyp1a1 transcriptional levels did not explain this difference. We found higher global methylation of DNA in ES cells than in MEFs, which suggests higher chromatin density and lower accessibility of the DNA to DNA damaging agents in ES cells. However, AAI treatment did not alter DNA methylation. Thus mouse ES cells and MEFs have the metabolic competence to activate a number of environmental carcinogens, but MEFs have lower global DNA methylation and higher metabolic capacity than mouse ES cells. | 25,230,394 | [
0.01168569,
0.2465996,
-0.3732364,
-0.311145,
0.3889247,
-0.05508334,
-0.1618811,
0.1699895,
0.04192305,
0.2770775,
0.04518108,
0.2116644,
-0.07304136,
-0.2010564,
-0.6393999,
-0.0373487,
-0.622269,
0.266066,
-0.02799223,
0.2409345,
0.2356883,
0.1437271,
-0.3495214,
-0.... |
Superior dehydrogenation/hydrogenation kinetics and long-term cycling performance of K and Rb cocatalyzed Mg(NH(2))(2)-2LiH system. | The coaddition of KH and RbH significantly improves the hydrogen storage properties of the Mg(NH2)2-2LiH system. An Mg(NH2)2-2LiH-0.04KH-0.04RbH composite was able to reversibly store 5.2 wt % H2 when the dehydrogenation operates at 130 °C and the hydrogenation operates at 120 °C. The isothermal dehydrogenation rate at 130 °C was approximately 43 times that of a pristine sample. During ball-milling, KH reacts with RbH to form a K(Rb)H solid solution. Upon heating, RbH first separates from the K(Rb)H solid solution and participates in the first step of dehydrogenation reaction, and then the remaining KH participates in the second dehydrogenation reaction. The presence of RbH and KH provide synergetic effects, which improve the thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen storage in the Mg(NH2)2-2LiH system. In particular, more than 93% of the hydrogen storage capacity (4.4 wt %) remains after cycling a sample with 0.04 mol of KH and RbH for 50 cycles, indicating notably better cycling stability compared with any presently known Li-Mg-N-H systems. | 25,230,404 | [
-0.3462926,
0.2415658,
-0.1978029,
-0.1049759,
-0.08261073,
-0.06366476,
-0.3637321,
0.03996262,
0.07750989,
0.05162779,
-0.01139626,
0.2339722,
0.0110438,
0.1750189,
-0.3562925,
-0.4057904,
-0.412006,
0.0930087,
0.02661923,
0.01264495,
0.6713163,
0.1446469,
0.02394047,
... |
Landscape corridors can increase invasion by an exotic species and reduce diversity of native species. | Landscape corridors are commonly used to mitigate negative effects of habitat fragmentation, but concerns persist that they may facilitate the spread of invasive species. In a replicated landscape experiment of open habitat, we measured effects of corridors on the invasive fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, and native ants. Fire ants have two social forms: polygyne, which tend to disperse poorly but establish at high densities, and monogyne, which disperse widely but establish at lower densities. In landscapes dominated by polygyne fire ants, fire ant abundance was higher and native ant diversity was lower in habitat patches connected by corridors than in unconnected patches. Conversely, in landscapes dominated by monogyne fire ants, connectivity had no influence on fire ant abundance and native ant diversity. Polygyne fire ants dominated recently created landscapes, suggesting that these corridor effects may be transient. Our results suggest that corridors can facilitate invasion and they highlight the importance of considering species' traits when assessing corridor utility. | 25,230,454 | [
0.1884098,
0.09583632,
0.144711,
0.07282221,
0.1796277,
-0.003677391,
-0.4314343,
-0.04611672,
0.1314665,
0.1609411,
-0.05247553,
-0.179153,
-0.1266922,
-0.07113189,
-0.04907523,
-0.2329592,
-0.5847322,
0.1022528,
0.1873474,
-0.04843648,
0.1927017,
0.3107391,
-0.09635465,... |
The impact of seasonality in temperature on thermal tolerance and elevational range size. | Environmental temperature variation can influence physiology, biogeography, and life history, with large consequences for ecology, evolution, and the impacts of climate change. Based on the seasonality hypothesis, greater annual temperature variation at high latitudes should result in greater thermal tolerance and, consequently, larger elevational ranges in temperate compared to tropical species. Despite the mechanistic nature of this hypothesis, most research has used latitude as a proxy for seasonality, failing to directly examine the impact of temperature variation on physiology and range size. We used phylogenetically matched beetles from locations spanning 60 degrees of latitude to explore links between seasonality, physiology and elevational range. Thermal tolerance increased with seasonality across all beetle groups, but realized seasonality (temperature variation restricted to the months species are active) was a better predictor of thermal tolerance than was annual seasonality. Additionally, beetles with greater thermal tolerance had larger elevational ranges. Our results support a mechanistic framework linking variation in realized temperature to physiology and distributions. | 25,230,465 | [
0.08261915,
-0.2221516,
-0.2115011,
0.1355268,
-0.1586888,
-0.1319503,
0.02606644,
-0.08406356,
0.1607351,
-0.128457,
0.01041425,
-0.2762498,
-0.07101517,
-0.2631979,
-0.3208574,
-0.2384323,
0.008261617,
0.2523774,
0.1340032,
0.007127488,
-0.1876861,
0.1659653,
-0.0819022... |
Variability in root production, phenology, and turnover rate among 12 temperate tree species. | The timing of fine root production and turnover strongly influences both the seasonal potential for soil resource acquisition among competing root systems and the plant fluxes of root carbon into soil pools. However, basic patterns and variability in the rates and timing or fine root production and turnover are generally unknown among perennial plants species. We address this shortfall using a heuristic model relating root phenology to turnover together with three years of minirhizotron observations of root dynamics in 12 temperate tree species grown in a common garden. We specifically investigated how the amount and the timing of root production differ among species and how they impact estimates of fine root turnover. Across the 12 species, there was wide variation in the timing of root production with some species producing a single root flush in early summer and others producing roots either more uniformly over the growing season or in multiple pulses. Additionally, the pattern and timing of root production appeared to be consistent across years for some species but varied in others. Root turnover rate was related to total root production (P < 0.001) as species with greater root production typically had faster root turnover rates. We also found that, within species, annual root production varied up to a threefold increase between years, which led to large interannual differences in turnover rate. Results from the heuristic model indicated that shifting the pattern or timing of root production can impact estimates of root turnover rates for root populations with life spans less than one year while estimates of root turnover rate for longer lived roots were unaffected by changes in root phenology. Overall, we suggest that more detailed observations of root phenology and production will improve fidelity of root turnover estimates. Future efforts should link patterns of root phenology and production with whole-plant life history traits and variation in annual and seasonal climate. | 25,230,473 | [
0.03774786,
0.1054148,
-0.2206848,
0.1996447,
0.1931847,
-0.2850319,
-0.3790684,
-0.02769761,
0.08320564,
-0.1919694,
-0.06500801,
-0.1085977,
-0.06845862,
0.1874343,
-0.241959,
-0.04760722,
0.1700442,
0.1065292,
0.2932262,
-0.1718107,
-0.02377953,
0.5115401,
-0.2334737,
... |
Chemical evidence for the liverwort complex, Chiloscyphus concavus and C. horizontalis. | During the phytochemical study of Chilean liverworts from Tierra del Fuego, two species were collected, Chiloscyphus concavus (Steph.) Hässel and C. horizontalis (Hook.) Nees. Their crude extracts, when analyzed by TLC and GC-MS, showed identical phytochemical profiles. In view of the macro- and micro-morphological differences used for the separation of both species, and the chemical evidence here presented, we conclude that variety is the more appropriate status for C. concavus. | 25,230,488 | [
0.06682297,
0.1599745,
0.2970947,
-0.1851823,
0.218086,
-0.2159158,
-0.3545674,
0.01003735,
0.09837515,
0.2110414,
0.1501344,
-0.2122801,
-0.05570995,
-0.0565541,
-0.5255721,
-0.06389276,
-0.2207932,
0.3235221,
0.1529127,
0.3005664,
0.08944868,
0.1893624,
-0.2983078,
-0... |
Antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds from Baccharis articulata and B. usterii. | As a continuation of our research on the Baccharis genus, the evaluation of the antioxidant effect by TRAP and TBARS assays of three isolated compounds from n-butanol fractions of B. articulata and B. usterii is reported. The structures of these compounds were established as 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-3,5-dimethoxybenzyl-methanol (1), 5-O-[E]-dicaffeoylquinic acid (2), and 7-hydroxy-5,4'-dimethoxyflavone (3). In the TRAP assay it was possible to observe an antioxidant effect of both n-butanol fractions at 1.25 microg/mL. Among the isolated compounds, compound 2 displayed a remarkable contribution to the total antioxidant capacity of the n-butanol fraction of B. usterii. Moreover, the n-butanol fractions of both species, compounds 1 and 2 at 40.0 microg/mL were efficient in protection of lipid peroxidation in the TBARS experiment. They are promising lead compounds for use in medicinal chemistry studies. | 25,230,498 | [
-0.121062,
0.4933606,
0.08369294,
0.05853382,
0.2216991,
0.06280109,
-0.08162349,
0.1226287,
0.2308313,
-0.1115769,
0.01204314,
-0.3774154,
-0.04240659,
-0.1939032,
-0.4554131,
-0.04509602,
-0.4323151,
0.3989916,
0.3812804,
0.3839408,
0.498602,
0.03593827,
-0.2242098,
-... |
Anti-inflammatory activity of constituents isolated from Terminalia chebula. | This study was aimed at the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of twelve compounds isolated from the methanolic extract of fruits of Terminalia chebula. The activity was determined in terms of their ability to inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Two gallotannins [chebulinic acid (1) and 2,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (2)] and two triterpenoids [arjunic acid (3) and arjunolic acid(4)] efficiently reduced nitric oxide (NO) production with IC50 values of 53.4, 55.2, 48.8, and 38.0 microM, respectively. The protein expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were decreased in macrophages by treatment with compounds 1-4 (54-69% and 33-37%, respectively) at 50 microM. This is the first report of antiinflammatory property of 1-4 mediated by inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 activities at the cellular level. | 25,230,505 | [
0.1939324,
0.04005207,
0.02352348,
-0.07874623,
0.4659975,
0.433217,
-0.007221538,
0.1135226,
0.03964398,
-0.1057249,
-0.348787,
0.07256971,
0.03070405,
0.1241833,
-0.508596,
0.1826465,
-0.7300974,
0.5149886,
0.3313586,
0.2195402,
0.05897703,
0.09378702,
-0.3070118,
0.0... |
Quantification and comparison of extraction methods for alkaloids in Aegle marmelos leaves by HPLC. | The leaves of Aegle marmelos are reported to contain multi-bioactive classes of compounds including coumarins, furanocoumarins and alkaloids. HPLC analysis of the crude extract was challenging due to low concentrations of the compounds in the leaves. Five compounds visible in the HPLC chromatogram were separated and identified by HPLC and further elaborated for quantification as marker compounds of A. marmelos leaves using a C18 column with detection at 275 nm. A gradient mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water was used. The developed HPLC method showed good linearity (r2 > 0.994), high precision (RSD<5%), and good recovery (99.27-99.98%) of the compounds. The lowest detection limit was 5 ng and the method was found to be robust. All the validation parameters were within the permissible limits. Therefore, the developed method is accurate and reliable for the quality control of A. marmelos. This is the first report of extensive quantitative HPLC analysis of marker compounds in A. marmelos leaves and method validation. | 25,230,509 | [
0.03635997,
0.2298739,
-0.05913059,
-0.2901819,
0.4092306,
-0.01783294,
-0.3925523,
-0.02563265,
0.07009201,
-0.07603988,
0.002002222,
0.1661186,
-0.08855025,
-0.00719154,
-0.4635226,
0.1413107,
-0.2542781,
0.5030044,
-0.1348593,
0.09561187,
0.2218689,
-0.3766493,
0.01130... |
Symptoms and health complaints and their association with perceived stress at university: survey of students at eleven faculties in Egypt. | This study examined the relationships between perceived stress and a range of self reported symptoms and health complaints in a representative sample of students at one university in Egypt. The data (3,271 students) was collected during the academic year 2009-2010 at eleven faculties at the university of Assiut city, Egypt. A self-administered questionnaire measured health complaints (22 symptoms) and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale. Socio-demographic and lifestyle data were also collected. Factor analysis generated four groups of health complaints: psychological, circulatory/breathing, gastrointestinal, and pains/aches, and the internal consistency of each group of symptoms was computed using reliability analyses (Cronbach's alpha). Perceived stress was categorized into four levels based on quartiles. Multiple binomial or multinomial logistic regression analyses analysed the relationship between each of the four groups of symptoms and other students' general characteristics adjusted for the effect of all other groups of symptoms. The symptoms most often reported as having occurred sometimes/very often in the last 12 months were fatigue (85.3%), difficulties to concentrate (78.1%), headache (77.9%), and mood swings (74.5%), while nervousness/anxiety (63.2%) and sleep disorder (63.7%) affected many students. Multinominal logistic regression revealed a clear association and a linear trend between increasing level of stress and a higher frequency of psychological symptoms that remained significant after adjustment for other groups of symptoms. There were no associations between perceived stress and circulatory/breathing symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, or for pains/aches. Poor health was consistently associated with higher frequency of symptoms across all symptom groups except for gastrointestinal symptoms. Higher health awareness was associated with lower frequency of psychological and circulatory/breathing symptoms but not for the other two symptom groups. Better quality of life was associated with lower frequency of psychological and partly for circulatory/breathing symptoms, but not for the other two symptom groups. There were differences in levels of psychological symptoms and of perceived stress between faculties, where students of Physical Education showed the lowest risk profile regarding both psychological symptoms and perceived stress, while students of Veterinary Medicine showed the highest risk profile. Across all four symptom groups, females had higher ratings of complaints than males. The high prevalence of health complaints especially of psychological and pains/aches type of symptoms raise concern and calls for preventive actions at universities. Comprehensive programmes would be recommended that take the co-occurence of perceived stress and health complaints into account. | 25,230,535 | [
-0.1497036,
0.1168941,
-0.03817624,
-0.1745619,
0.06871416,
-0.5491764,
-0.1575505,
-0.08236517,
-0.3073352,
-0.3677591,
0.09393322,
-0.2046252,
-0.06562535,
-0.1161652,
-0.1508117,
0.05271735,
-0.4262755,
0.1480741,
0.1375384,
-0.05439081,
-0.2363768,
0.06703003,
-0.0688... |
Smoking, awareness of smoking-associated health risks, and knowledge of national tobacco legislation in Gaza, Palestine. | To assess university students' extent of smoking, knowledge of smoking health risks, and awareness of existing national anti-smoking laws. Self-administered questionnaire was employed across 7 universities (1,104 students, equal proportions of males and females) located in Gaza Strip, Palestine. About 55% of participants reported ever smoking, 31% were current cigarette smokers, and 36% were 'strictly' (only) narghile (water pipe) smokers. Mean age of smoking initiation was 17 +/- 3.15 years. Smokers had less knowledge of smoking associated health risks than nonsmokers. Students' knowledge of existing anti-smoking laws was generally low (11.3-25.5%), and significantly more smokers had knowledge about existing laws (ban of advertisement of smoking, ban of smoking in public places, and ban of selling cigarettes to minors) than non-smokers. About 81% of current smokers tried to quit smoking at least once during their life, 53% felt ready to quit smoking if cessation assistance was provided, 17% were not ready to quit, and 30% were reluctant/felt unsure if they were ready to quit. Most students (94.3%) reported that there were no smoking cessation centres in Palestine, or did not know if such centres existed. Males were associated with almost all categories of smoking (e.g. smoking both cigarettes and narghile, or smoking narghile only). There is a lack of knowledge about the existing national anti-smoking legislation among university students in Gaza, Palestine. Smoking cessation centres also seem non-existent in Gaza. Multi-level interventions and actions are required by policy makers, educators and non-governmental agencies to prevent smoking among university students in Gaza, and to educate them on tobacco cessation counselling, on the dangers of tobacco use, and about effective stress management strategies to help them to cope with stressors. Smoking cessation interventions are required to address both cigarette and narghile use. Efforts need to be invested in ensuring compliance with legislation and for follow-up activities to enforce the anti-smoking laws through coordinated actions across ministries and departments. | 25,230,536 | [
-0.2413886,
0.3151818,
-0.1607744,
-0.07673106,
0.07303334,
-0.3239669,
-0.2903739,
-0.1117149,
0.05398311,
0.1682834,
-0.04297346,
0.2316812,
-0.03993219,
0.1689434,
-0.246533,
-0.05759725,
-0.2765606,
0.3267678,
0.2430511,
-0.2309874,
0.2810651,
0.2044743,
0.003574543,
... |
[Comparison of medical practices of 'massage' and 'gymnastics' - at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century (England, France, Germany, Switzerland)]. | Massage and medical gymnastics are very ancient form of medical practices and knowledge, nevertheless they seem to focus a growing attention between 1860 and World War I in Europe. These practices know a quick institutionalization, and the physiotherapy or "kinesitherapy" emerge as a discipline with some more structured training course for students and future practitioners. In fact, the determinants of this development are numerous, specialization, professionalization, cultural transfer, and more broadly with geopolitical influences and nationalist feelings, influence of the Swedish gymnastics. | 25,230,528 | [
-0.1458781,
0.3372537,
0.06074904,
0.220521,
0.3438949,
-0.1242163,
-0.04404824,
-0.1919397,
-0.09015319,
0.1057915,
0.05327905,
-0.2082731,
-0.08048089,
-0.4881543,
-0.2097389,
-0.1170277,
-0.1088768,
0.2447235,
-0.5539519,
-0.03445864,
0.3017271,
0.2560677,
-0.1830971,
... |
[Titanium dioxide nanoparticles: occupational exposure limits]. | Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is produced in Poland as a high production volume chemical (HPVC). It is used mainly as a pigment for paints and coatings, plastics, paper, and also as additives to food and pharmaceuticals. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are increasingly applied in cosmetics, textiles and plastics as the ultraviolet light blocker. This contributes to a growing occupational exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are potentially responsible for the most adverse effects of titanium dioxide. Due to the absence of separate fraction of nanoobjects and appropriate measurement methods the maximum admissible concentrations (MAC) for particles < 100 nm and nano-TiO2 cannot be established. In the world there are 2 proposals of occupational exposure levels for titanium dioxide nanoparticles: 0.3 mg/m3, proposed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and 0.6 mg/m3, proposed by experts of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The authors of this article, based on the available data and existing methods for hygiene standards binding in Poland, concluded that the MAC value of 0.3 mg/m3 for nanoparticles TiO2 in the workplace air can be accepted. | 25,230,569 | [
-0.07850557,
-0.1785177,
0.08183791,
0.08440387,
0.01976324,
-0.2210743,
-0.01043448,
0.2415451,
0.3575078,
0.04625331,
-0.03395034,
-0.3317173,
0.07701468,
-0.2859428,
-0.1079059,
-0.3706007,
-0.3869509,
0.281364,
0.3109513,
-0.05558346,
0.07553969,
0.4321944,
-0.2043101... |
Ex vivo application of endocytoscopy for determining the longitudinal extent of bile duct cancer: a pathological analysis of 28 resected cases. | The aim was to examine the diagnostic ability of an endocytoscope system (ECS) for detecting the longitudinal extent of bile duct cancer. We observed the surfaces of the bile duct of 28 consecutive patients undergoing biliary surgery both directly and under methylene blue staining by using an ECS. Based on the change in the microvascular caliber, abnormal vascularity, structural atypia, and cellular atypia, we created an ECS score. The ECS score produced a median value of 1 (range 0-3) point in normal bile ducts, 3 (0-6) points in cholangitis, 9 (1-10) points in carcinoma in situ (CIS), and 8 (3-11) points in invasive cancer. A significant difference in the scores between cancerous and non-cancerous lesions was found (P < 0.001). The ECS score was able to distinguish non-cancerous lesions from cancerous lesions using the cut-off value of a score less than 5, the accuracy being 92.1%, with a sensitivity of 91.1% and specificity of 93.5%. With ECS observation of bile duct specimens, the newly created ECS score was able to clearly distinguish non-cancerous lesions from cancerous lesions. This ECS score method should be validated in the differentiation of various BilIN lesions in the future. | 25,230,590 | [
-0.07838526,
-0.1441457,
-0.467005,
-0.009966985,
-0.05683872,
-0.0677925,
-0.09281068,
-0.1093974,
0.1289847,
0.002934781,
-0.06740503,
0.1285103,
0.08860631,
0.1155474,
-0.5756127,
-0.2896371,
-0.4982455,
0.2526228,
-0.04165773,
-0.1966476,
0.1940669,
-0.167041,
0.05323... |
Dengue. | Dengue viruses have spread rapidly within countries and across regions in the past few decades, resulting in an increased frequency of epidemics and severe dengue disease, hyperendemicity of multiple dengue virus serotypes in many tropical countries, and autochthonous transmission in Europe and the USA. Today, dengue is regarded as the most prevalent and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease of human beings. Importantly, the past decade has also seen an upsurge in research on dengue virology, pathogenesis, and immunology and in development of antivirals, vaccines, and new vector-control strategies that can positively impact dengue control and prevention. | 25,230,594 | [
-0.2028339,
0.2465554,
0.03745633,
-0.1293946,
-0.0782141,
-0.1668614,
-0.1178516,
0.2528617,
-0.09187664,
-0.2368531,
0.2708614,
-0.09735122,
0.0074037,
-0.120868,
-0.4823912,
-0.1876019,
0.141573,
0.2409817,
0.1803911,
-0.2301486,
-0.02908675,
0.1860503,
-0.2825908,
-... |
Ancient human genomes suggest three ancestral populations for present-day Europeans. | We sequenced the genomes of a ∼7,000-year-old farmer from Germany and eight ∼8,000-year-old hunter-gatherers from Luxembourg and Sweden. We analysed these and other ancient genomes with 2,345 contemporary humans to show that most present-day Europeans derive from at least three highly differentiated populations: west European hunter-gatherers, who contributed ancestry to all Europeans but not to Near Easterners; ancient north Eurasians related to Upper Palaeolithic Siberians, who contributed to both Europeans and Near Easterners; and early European farmers, who were mainly of Near Eastern origin but also harboured west European hunter-gatherer related ancestry. We model these populations' deep relationships and show that early European farmers had ∼44% ancestry from a 'basal Eurasian' population that split before the diversification of other non-African lineages. | 25,230,663 | [
-0.003238125,
-0.02664735,
0.03044669,
-0.044892,
0.02517954,
-0.1223666,
-0.2842059,
0.0616561,
0.3130119,
-0.108851,
-0.09783982,
-0.008756781,
0.1371417,
-0.2163338,
-0.5305189,
-0.1955524,
-0.3404672,
0.3311398,
-0.1489956,
0.06791085,
0.1324378,
0.2759866,
-0.2665406... |
Cross-sectional analysis of the reporting of continuous outcome measures and clinical significance of results in randomized trials of non-pharmacological interventions. | Reporting the scoring details of continuous outcome measures in randomized trials allows readers to interpret the size of any effect of the intervention. This study aimed to determine, in a sample of randomized trials: 1) the completeness of reporting of scoring details for continuous outcome measures, and 2) whether trial authors comment on the clinical significance of statistically significant trial results. A descriptive analysis of randomized trials of non-pharmacological interventions published during 2009 in the six leading general medical journals (n = 138), and which used at least one continuous outcome measure (n = 85). From each trial report, two authors independently extracted the following information about each continuous outcome measure: the reporting of its scoring details, presentation of its results, and the reporting and justification of the clinical significance of the results. Across the 84 trials, we identified 336 continuous outcome measures. A total of 146 (44%) were published measures, 12 (4%) were adapted from published measures, 5 (1%) were developed for the trial, and 173 (51%) were 'conventional measures' for which scoring details are not necessary (such as weight). For 57 (35%) of the 163 non-conventional outcome measures no scoring details or reference to the outcome measure were provided in the trial report. Of the 159 outcome measures with a statistically significant result, clinical significance was not mentioned for 81 (51%) and was reported without any elaboration or justification for 39 (25%) of them. Scoring details of continuous outcome measures used in this sample of randomized trials of non-pharmacological interventions were incompletely reported, which hampers interpretation of a trial's results. Complete reporting of scoring details is important when considering the clinical significance of the results. When deciding about an intervention, having this information may help clinicians in their conversations with patients about the possible benefits and harms, and their size, of the intervention. | 25,230,673 | [
0.06984286,
0.001106298,
-0.1119958,
-0.3042329,
0.01608294,
-0.4436241,
0.0919223,
-0.0692305,
0.07026583,
-0.4339703,
-0.04919012,
-0.02732861,
0.1243251,
-0.2435466,
-0.2654721,
0.03909818,
-0.02411208,
0.04176805,
-0.2968409,
0.3939164,
0.009105049,
0.1417021,
-0.0361... |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.