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Retriever6100 | Reversible oxygen addition on a triplet sensitizer molecule: protection from excited state depopulation.
We demonstrate that photoactivated oxygen addition to diphenylanthracene moities can be used as a tool for protection of porphyrin's phosphorescence against oxygen quenching. Phosphorescent palladium(II) tetrabenzoporphyrin, covalently linked to four diphenylanthracene moieties, was synthesized and studied. Upon irradiation with ambient light or red laser in solution in air, addition of oxygen and formation of the corresponding endoperoxides were observed. Heating of the irradiated samples afforded the parent porphyrin material. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6101 | Interactions of neutrophils and endothelial cells under low flow conditions in vitro.
The interactions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and endothelial cells are modulated by adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and shear stress. We investigated the changes in PMN-endothelial cell interactions induced by interleukin (IL)-1 beta under low flow conditions. PMN were isolated from the venous blood of healthy adults, and endothelial cells were obtained from human umbilical veins. The number of PMN that adhered to the endothelial cells monolayer that was treated with IL-1 increased significantly at shear stresses from .5 to 4.0 dyn/cm2 as compared with untreated endothelial cells. Anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), anti-E-selectin mAb, and anti-CD18 mAb each significantly inhibited the increase in PMN adherence induced by IL-1 at a low shear stress (1.0 dyn/cm2). Anti-CD18 mAb significantly reduced the number of PMN that migrated through the endothelial monolayer by blocking the adherence of PMN to the luminal surface of the endothelial cells, as well as their transendothelial migration. In contrast, anti-ICAM-1 and anti-E-selectin mAb each reduced the number of PMN that migrated by reducing the number of PMN that adhered to the luminal surface without significantly influencing the percent of the adherent PMN that had migrated. Although anti-L-selectin mAb reduced the adherence and migration of PMN, these effects were not statistically significant. These results indicated that under low flow conditions, as well as in the nonflow state, PMN-endothelial cell interactions were elicited via CD11/CD18 and ICAM-1 without the involvement of selectins. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6102 | Hybrid Lateral Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy showed Similar Accuracy in Angular Correction and Reduction of Posterior Tibial Slope Compared to Opening-wedge High Tibial Osteotomy - A Correction Angle Matched Cohort Study.
BACKGROUND
We aimed to compare accuracy of applied correction angle between hybrid lateral closed wedge high tibial osteotomy (hybrid HTO) and medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO), and verify previous reports on hybrid HTO by matching correction angle between groups. Change in various radiological parameters including union rate were also compared.
METHODS
A total of 50 OWHTO patients were selected for 2:1 propensity matching with 25 hybrid HTO patients. Rate of correction error was calculated by dividing the difference between change in MPTA and preoperatively planned correction angle (change of PRD) by planned correction angle. Accuracy of angular correction was assessed using change of PRD and correction error rates. Hip-knee-ankle axis, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, joint line convergence angle, and length of the entire lower limb and tibia were measured. The Caton-Deschamp index (CDI) was used to assess change in patellar height. Serial postoperative radiographic analysis was performed to assess union rate.
RESULTS
The discrepancy between planned correction angle and real correction angle was 0.8±2.3° in hybrid HTO and 1.1±3.4° in OWHTO (p>0.05), and the rate of error in osteotomy was similar between the groups approximately 6%. Postoperatively, posterior tibial slope (PTS) (p<0.001), tibia length, and CDI (p<0.001) were significantly different between groups. The amount of change in PTS (p<0.001), tibia length in hybrid HTO (p<0.001), and CDI (p<0.001) were significantly different between groups. Union rate of osteotomy site was significantly faster in hybrid HTO than in OWHTO (p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Hybrid HTO showed similar accuracy in angular correction compared to correction angle-matched OWHTO. Reduction in PTS, tibial shortening, maintained patellar height relative to the proximal tibia, and faster osteotomy site union were also confirmed in hybrid HTO. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6103 | In vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy for the evaluation of surgical margins of melanoma.
We report the first series of melanomas (MMs) where the surgical margins were evaluated both by ex vivo confocal microscopy (EVCM) and in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). We evaluated the surgical margins of 42 cutaneous MMs of lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma type and 2 mucosal MMs with EVCM. Cutaneous MMs also underwent RCM mapping. Imaging results were compared with histopathology. The rate of correct identification of the tumor margins (invaded or not invaded) was 97.6% for RCM (evaluations of cutaneous MMs) and 95.5% for EVCM (evaluations of both cutaneous and mucosal MMs). Our study showed that the MM extension is visible under EVCM and that the combination of in vivo RCM and EVCM can be a new strategy for the evaluation of surgical margins of MMs. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6104 | Ejection fraction by radionuclide ventriculography and contrast left ventriculogram. A tale of two techniques. SAVE Investigators. Survival and Ventricular Enlargement.
OBJECTIVES
We assessed the abilities of two methods to measure ejection fraction (EF)-radionuclide ventriculography (RVG) and contrast left ventriculography (Cath-EFa) to predict cardiovascular events.
BACKGROUND
Both RVG and Cath-EFa are commonly used methods to measure left ventricular performance and assess prognosis. Their comparative abilities to predict clinical events have not been reported.
METHODS
Both RVG EF and Cath-EFa were measured within 16 days of myocardial infarction (MI) in 688 patients. The results were divided into terciles. Prognosis by terciles was assessed for each technique. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine which EF measurement was a better predictor of prognosis.
RESULTS
Average RVG-EF was 32%+/-7, while Cath-EFa was 42%+/-10. Both RVG and Cath-EFa were poorly correlated (R=0.42). Event rate declined across terciles with increasing EF for both techniques (events in lowest to highest tercile of Cath-EFa 40.7%, 25.9%, 11.6%, p < 0.001; and RVG-EF 39.9%, 26.1%, 15.6%, p < 0.001). There was concordance of terciles in 303 of 688 patients (44%). When patients in the highest RVG terciles were in the highest Cath-EFa tercile, the event rate was 7%. However, when patients in the highest RVG terciles were in the lowest Cath-EFa tercile, the event rate was 19%. Both Cath-EFa (p < 0.001) and RVG-EF (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of cardiovascular events.
CONCLUSIONS
Ejection fraction measured by RVG or during catheterization is a valuable tool in the risk stratification of postinfarct patients. When disagreement is present between clinical impression and measurement by either method, the use of an alternative measurement is warranted and complementary. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6105 | Gene coexpression networks reveal molecular interactions underlying cichlid jaw modularity.
BACKGROUND
The oral and pharyngeal jaw of cichlid fishes are a classic example of evolutionary modularity as their functional decoupling boosted trophic diversification and contributed to the success of cichlid adaptive radiations. Most studies until now have focused on the functional, morphological, or genetic aspects of cichlid jaw modularity. Here we extend this concept to include transcriptional modularity by sequencing whole transcriptomes of the two jaws and comparing their gene coexpression networks.
RESULTS
We show that transcriptional decoupling of gene expression underlies the functional decoupling of cichlid oral and pharyngeal jaw apparatus and the two units are evolving independently in recently diverged cichlid species from Lake Tanganyika. Oral and pharyngeal jaw coexpression networks reflect the common origin of the jaw regulatory program as there is high preservation of gene coexpression modules between the two sets of jaws. However, there is substantial rewiring of genetic architecture within those modules. We define a global jaw coexpression network and highlight jaw-specific and species-specific modules within it. Furthermore, we annotate a comprehensive in silico gene regulatory network linking the Wnt and AHR signalling pathways to jaw morphogenesis and response to environmental cues, respectively. Components of these pathways are significantly differentially expressed between the oral and pharyngeal jaw apparatus.
CONCLUSION
This study describes the concerted expression of many genes in cichlid oral and pharyngeal jaw apparatus at the onset of the independent life of cichlid fishes. Our findings suggest that - on the basis of an ancestral gill arch network-transcriptional rewiring may have driven the modular evolution of the oral and pharyngeal jaws, highlighting the evolutionary significance of gene network reuse. The gene coexpression and in silico regulatory networks presented here are intended as resource for future studies on the genetics of vertebrate jaw morphogenesis and trophic adaptation. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6106 | Effect of methoxime combined with anticholinergic, anticonvulsant or anti-HCN drugs in tabun-poisoned mice.
The effect of methoxime combined with a) atropine, b) benactyzine, c) atropine and natrium thiosulphate, d) atropine and diazepam on antidotal treatment effectiveness was studied in tabun-poisoned mice. In addition, the influence of pretreatment consisiting of pyridostigmine, benactyzine and trihexyphenidyle (PANPAL) administered 2 hours before tabun intoxication on the treatment effectivity of methoxime combined with e) atropine or f) benactyzine was tested. The most efficacious therapeutic mixture in non-pretreated mice was methoxime, atropine and diazepam. Natrium thiosulphate did not significantly increase neither decrease the antidotal treatment efficacy in comparison with methoxime and atropine alone. Pretreatment with PANPAL significantly decreased tabun toxicity (nearly 4 times in methoxime and benactyzine combination and more than 4 times in atropine and methoxime mixture). The present study demonstrates that the tabun toxicity in mice is more effectively reduced when PANPAL prophylactically is administered than in case of treatment with methoxime and cholinergic drug alone. We established that anticholinergic drug option in the therapeutic mixture of methoxime and anticholinergic drug did not cause the difference in the antidotal treatment effectivities. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6107 | How specific are emotional deficits? A comparison of empathic abilities in schizophrenia, bipolar and depressed patients.
Empathy is a rather elaborated human ability and several recent studies highlight significant impairments in patients suffering from psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression. Therefore, the present study aimed at comparing behavioral empathy performance in schizophrenia, bipolar and depressed patients with healthy controls. All subjects performed three tasks tapping the core components of empathy: emotion recognition, emotional perspective taking and affective responsiveness. Groups were matched for age, gender, and verbal intelligence. Data analysis revealed three main findings: First, schizophrenia patients showed the strongest impairment in empathic performance followed by bipolar patients while depressed patients performed similar to controls in most tasks, except for affective responsiveness. Second, a significant association between clinical characteristics and empathy performance was only apparent in depression, indicating worse affective responsiveness with stronger symptom severity and longer duration of illness. Third, self-report data indicate that particularly bipolar patients describe themselves as less empathic, reporting less empathic concern and less perspective taking. Taken together, this study constitutes the first approach to directly compare specificity of empathic deficits in severe psychiatric disorders. Our results suggest disorder-specific impairments in emotional competencies that enable better characterization of the patient groups investigated and indicate different psychotherapeutic interventions. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6108 | Heterogeneous mechanical hyperelastic behavior in the porcine annulus fibrosus explained by fiber orientation: An experimental and numerical approach.
Our aim is to estimate regional mechanical properties of the annulus fibrosus (AF) using a multi-relaxation tensile test and to examine the relevance of using the transverse dilatations in the identification procedure. We collected twenty traction specimens from both outer (n = 10) and inner (n = 10) sites of the anterior quadrant of the annulus fibrosus of one pig spine. A 1-h multi-relaxation tensile test in the circumferential direction allowed us to measure the force in the direction of traction and the dilatations in all three directions. We performed a specific-sample finite element inverse analysis to identify variations, along the radial position, of material and structural parameters of a hyperelastic compressible and anisotropic constitutive law. Our experimental results reveal that the outer sites are subjected to a significantly greater stress than the inner sites and that both sites exhibit an auxetic behavior. Our numerical results suggest that the inhomogeneous behavior arises from significant variations of the fiber angle taken into account within the hyperelastic constitutive law. In addition, we found that the use of the measured transverse dilatations in the identification procedure had a strong impact on the identified mechanical parameters. This pilot study suggests that, in quasi-static conditions, the annulus fibrosus may be modeled by a hyperelastic compressible and anisotropic law with a fiber angle gradient from inner to outer periphery. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6109 | DNA array-based method for detection of large rearrangements in the BRCA1 gene.
In most families with multiple cases of breast and ovarian cancer, the cancer appears to be associated with germline alterations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, somatic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in sporadic breast and ovarian tumors are rare, even though loss of heterozygosity in BRCA1 and BRCA2 loci in these tumors appears frequently. This may be attributed to mutation detection assays that detect alterations in the coding regions and splice site junctions, but that miss large gene rearrangements. To look specifically for mutations such as large gene rearrangements that span several kilobases (kb) of genomic DNA, we have developed a fluorescence DNA microarray assay. This assay rapidly and simultaneously screens for such rearrangements along the entire gene. In our screen of 15 malignant ovarian tumors, we found one sample with a novel 3-kb deletion encompassing exon 17 of BRCA1 that leads to a frameshift mutation. This deletion was not detected in the corresponding constitutive DNA. Our results indicate that, whereas somatic mutations in BRCA1 appear to be rare in ovarian cancers, the search for large gene rearrangements should be included in any BRCA1 mutational analysis. Furthermore, the method described in this report has the potential to screen clinical tumor samples for genomic rearrangements simultaneously in a large number of cancer-associated genes. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6110 | The rabbit as an animal model for proctology research: anatomical and histological description.
PURPOSE
This study was designed to describe the surgical anatomy and histology of the rabbit anorectum comparing it to that of humans, in order to decide whether it can be a good experimental model for research in proctology.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This study of the anorectal region was performed on six female New Zealand white rabbits, weighting between 2.5-2.9 kg. An autopsy was performed immediately after sacrificing the animal and an anatomical and histological description was performed.
RESULTS
The mean rectum and anal canal lengths were of 7.2 cm and 0.9 cm, respectively. The macroscopic study showed that the musculature of the anal canal is formed by the coccygeus muscle, which serves as puborectalis in humans. It also defined an external anal sphincter with a deep and superficial portion. The histological evaluation showed similarity to that of humans, with mucosa of simple columnar type, muscularis mucosae, a small submucosa, with a muscular wall divided into internal and external layers, separated by the myenteric plexus.
CONCLUSION
The great similarity to both the anatomy and the histology of humans, appropriate size and easy-handling and care, make the rabbit an attractive animal for the use as experimental and research model in proctology. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6111 | Bovine leukemia virus. VII. In vitro replication of virus in bat lung cell culture NBL BLV 2.
Bat lung cell culture NBL 12 Tb 1 Lu chronically infected with cell free bovine leukemia virus (BLV), designed by NBL BLV 2, produces virus proteins and showed the presence of cells with the BLV antigens as well as BLV-induced syncytia for more than 11 years. Virus replication was abundant and increased with passage in NBL BLV 2 cell line and was moderate but decreased with passage in fetal lamb splenic cell line chronically infected with BLV (FLS NI 1228). The amount of virus proteins released in culture fluid by NBL BLV 2 cultures growing on roller bottle was 32.6-37.5 micrograms/ml, 42.7 micrograms/ml at passage 16-19 and 24-28, respectively. Studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that the virus protein production of NBL BLV cultures was 12.5 micrograms/ml in Falcon flasks (static), 26.3-52.8 micrograms/ml in roller bottle (rolling), 60.2 micrograms/ml in roller bottle with microcarriers and 9.82 microcarriers suspension (fermentor) as monolayer cell culture systems. On the monolayer cultures tested NBL BLV 2 cell line showed a progressive increase of virus production that reached high levels, for over 8 years and continues to release large amounts of virus. NBL BLV 2 cell line is also free of adventitious agents, it is easy to maintain and contains only small amount of cell debris, it provides a suitable source of cell free and cell associated bovine leukemia virus for research and production purposes. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6112 | Motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis patients without walking limitation: amplitude vs. conduction time abnormalities.
We used Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs), elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation, for assessing a motor pathways dysfunction in a selected group of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, without limitation in walking. We selected 32 Relapsing Remitting MS patients, in remission phase, with EDSS < or = 3.5 and 20 healthy individuals with similar height and age distribution. We measured the following MEP parameters: motor thresholds; central motor conduction time (CMCT); amplitude and area, both expressed as MEP/CMAP ratio. Patients were divided into two groups according to the EDSS score: non-disabled group (ND; EDSS 0-1.5) and disabled group (D; EDSS 2-3.5). Mean average MEP values were significantly different in the patients compared with the controls. Even in MS patients with no or minor neurological signs (ND group), MEP parameters showed differences from controls and furthermore all MEP parameters were significantly different in the D group compared with the ND group. The 75% of the patients had an amplitude or area alteration; this percentage was significantly higher than the percentage of patients with a CMCT alteration (56.2%). In addition, CMCT increase was always associated with reduced amplitude and area, but amplitude and area alterations were present also in patients with normal CMCT. In early stages of MS, the higher percentage shown in alteration of MEP amplitudes and areas as opposed to CMCTs has not previously been highlighted in the literature. Independently of its pathogenesis (demyelination or axonal loss), the amplitude or area decrease should be considered in clinical trials and in follow-up studies, as a marker of the motor pathways dysfunction, at least as much as CMCT increase. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6113 | Structural analysis of cortical porosity applied to HR-pQCT data.
PURPOSE
The investigation of cortical porosity is an important aspect of understanding biological, pathoetiological, and biomechanical processes occurring within the skeleton. With the emergence of HR-pQCT as a noninvasive tool suitable for clinical use, cortical porosity at appendicular sites can be directly visualized in vivo. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel topological analysis of the cortical pore network for HR-pQCT data and determine the influence of resolution on measures of cortical pore network microstructure and topology.
METHODS
Cadaveric radii were scanned using HR-pQCT at two different voxel sizes (41 and 82 μm) and also using μCT at a voxel size of 18 μm. HR-pQCT and μCT image sets were spatially coregistered. Segmentation and quantification of cortical porosity (Ct.Po) and mean pore diameter (Ct.Po.Dm) were achieved using an established extended cortical analysis technique. Topological classification of individual pores was performed using topology-preserving skeletonization and multicolor dilation algorithms. Based on the pore skeleton topological classification, the following parameters were quantified: total number of planar surface-skeleton canals (N.Slabs), tubular curve-skeleton canals (N.Tubes), and junction elements (N.Junctions), mean slab volume (Slab.Vol), mean tube volume (Tube.Vol), mean slab orientation (Slab.θ), mean tube orientation (Tube.θ), N.Slabs/N.Tubes, and integral (total) slab volume/integral tube volume (iSlab.Vol/iTube.Vol). An in vivo reproducibility study was also conducted to assess short-term precision of the topology parameters. Precision error was characterized using root mean square coefficient of variation (RMSCV%).
RESULTS
Correlations to μCT values for Ct.Po were significant for both the 41 and 82 μm HR-pQCT data (41: r(2) = 0.82, p < 0.001, 82: r(2) = 0.75, p < 0.001). For Ct.Po.Dm, only the 41 μm data were significantly predictive of μCT values (r(2) = 0.72, p < 0.01) Data at both HR-pQCT voxel sizes were strongly predictive of the μCT values for N.Slabs (41: r(2) = 0.93, p < 0.001; 82: r(2) = 0.84, p < 0.001), N.Tubes (41: r(2) = 0.94, p < 0.001; 82: r(2) = 0.84, p < 0.001), and N.Junctions (41: r(2) = 0.93, p < 0.001; 82: r(2) = 0.78, p < 0.001), though proportional bias was evident in these correlations. Weak correlations were seen for iSlab.Vol/iTube.Vol at both voxel sizes (41: r(2) = 0.52, p < 0.01; 82: r(2) = 0.39, p < 0.05). Slab.Vol was significantly correlated to μCT data at 41 μm (r(2) = 0.60, p < 0.01) but not at 82 μm, while Tube.Vol was significantly correlated at both voxel sizes (41: r(2) = 0.79, p < 0.001; 82: r(2) = 0.68, p < 0.01). In vivo precision error for these parameters ranged from 2.31 to 9.68 RMSCV%.
CONCLUSIONS
Strong correlations between μCT- and HR-pQCT-derived measurements were found, particularly in HR-pQCT images obtained at 41 μm. These data are in agreement with our previous study investigating the effect of voxel size on standard HR-pQCT metrics of trabecular and cortical microstructure, and extend our previous findings to include topological descriptors of the cortical pore network. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6114 | Mass transport, atherogenesis, and risk.
If the local chemically-active interstitial concentration (chemical activity) of a particular atherogenic molecule (atherogen) is considered to be one of the fundamental driving forces in a system of reactions that produces an associated local atherogenic change, then the chemical activity may be used as a measure of the potential for lesion development or local "risk." A model of steady-state, combined, diffusive and convective transport of an assumed atherogen across a multilayered arterial wall was used to illustrate mechanisms by which transport processes interact with tissue barriers to determine the transmural (x axis) chemical activity distributions [a(x), mol cm-3]. The model was used to evaluate the effects of increased endothelial gap fractional area (increased endothelial permeability), elevated blood pressure, elevated serum concentration of the atherogen, internal elastica fenestration, and preexisting intimal thickening on a(x). It was found that sites along the arterial tree that are characterized by "mild" increases in endothelial gap fractional area and concomitant subjacent interstitial sieving of the atherogen developed high a(x), in some cases much higher than that (a0) of the blood, and therefore were at high risk even in the absence of other risk factors. Moreover, the risk at such sites was dramatically increased with hypertension and/or elevated serum atherogen concentration and/or preexisting intimal thickening. However, if either condition, i.e., opened endothelial intercellular junctions or subjacent interstitial sieving, was absent, these other risk factors were ineffective. Finally, the response of the model was shown to be consistent with a variety of well-known, as well as puzzling, observations suggesting that transport processes may play roles in determining both the architecture of the atherosclerotic lesion and its rate of development. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6115 | Representation and legitimacy in health policy formulation at a national level: perspectives from a study of health technology eligibility procedures in the United Kingdom.
Decisions about the availability of publicly funded new drugs, treatments and medical devices are of fundamental interest to patients, health technology manufacturers, clinicians and tax or insurance payers. The issue of who can claim to speak for whom in decisions made on behalf of significant proportions of the population may thus be central to the perceived legitimacy of decision-making procedures. This article focuses on the meaning of representation and legitimacy in relation to such decisions within the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom. Interviews with key informants (n=33) indicate potentially fluid and imprecise aspects of representation and legitimacy that are not necessarily addressed by formal structures for engaging and involving stakeholders in decision-making processes. The findings suggest that those charged with managing bodies such as NICE should adopt a flexible approach to engaging and involving stakeholders. The "representation" of relevant stakeholder constituencies in decision-making procedures is not, however, enough. The legitimacy of decision-making arrangements on behalf of wider society also depends upon transparent reasoned debate that affords different interests the opportunity to challenge, test or advance arguments about evidence in a manner that discounts preconceived ideas about the status and authority of protagonists. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6116 | Synchrotron FTIR spectromicroscopy as a tool for studying populations and individual living cells of green algae.
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectromicroscopy was used to study individual living cells of three closely-related species of the green algal genus Chlamydomonas. Three types of spectral variation were observed between individual cells within a single culture, as well as between different cultures: variation around a mean, individual outliers, and the presence of subpopulations. By understanding and controlling this variation, we were able to spectroscopically differentiate between the three closely-related species. Spectral differences were confirmed using principal component analysis, leading to an understanding of the biochemical differences between species. This work highlights the additional information obtained by studying individual cells, and has implications for more traditional bulk measurements. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6117 | Quantitative analysis of cochlear active mechanisms in tinnitus subjects with normal hearing sensitivity: multiparametric recording of evoked otoacoustic emissions and contralateral suppression.
OBJECTIVE
Aim of this study was to investigate the possible role played by outer hair cells and cochlear efferent system functionality when tinnitus develops in normal hearing ears. A multiparametric approach was used, entailing recording and analysis of a set of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs): distortion product (DPOAEs), transient evoked (TEOAEs) and efferent-mediated TEOAE suppression in the presence of contralateral acoustic stimulation (CAS).
METHODS
Fifty-four subjects with normal hearing sensitivity participated in the study. Twenty-three suffered from chronic subjective tinnitus whereas thirty-one did not have tinnitus and acted as control subjects. DPOAEs were measured with eliciting tones of frequency ratio 1.22 and intensity 65 and 55dB SPL in the frequency range 0.5-8kHz. TEOAEs were recorded with the 'linear' protocol using clicks at 60dB peak SPL both in the absence and in the presence of CAS at two different intensities. DPOAE amplitude, TEOAE amplitude, and TEOAE suppression were analysed as relevant parameters.
RESULTS
Significantly reduced DPOAE amplitude in the frequency range 1.5-8kHz, lower TEOAE amplitude, and slightly decreased TEOAE suppression were measured in tinnitus subjects compared to non-tinnitus controls. In particular, 74% of tinnitus subjects exhibited abnormal DPOAEs, 13% had abnormal TEOAEs, whereas abnormal TEOAE suppression was found in 9% of patients.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the present work revealed the presence of abnormal OAEs, in particular at higher frequencies, in tinnitus subjects with normal hearing sensitivity. A minor (i.e., sub-clinical) outer hair cell dysfunction, particularly in high-frequency cochlear regions, might thus be assumed in normal hearing tinnitus subjects. In order to better put in light the possible role played by outer hair cells in low-frequency cochlear regions, or by the cochlear efferent system, additional analyses would be needed. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6118 | Exploiting the cross-metathesis reaction in the synthesis of pseudo-oligosaccharides.
An approach to the synthesis of pseudo-oligosaccharides based on the cross-metathesis reaction between distinct sugar-olefins, followed by intramolecular cyclization of the obtained heterodimer, is presented. In particular, the relative efficiency of two alternative approaches, the straightforward cross-metathesis reaction and the two-step procedure (self-metathesis followed by cross-metathesis), was explored and compared for diverse sugar-olefin substrates. Some representative examples of intramolecular cyclization using iodine as an electrophilic promoter, are also reported. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6119 | Educational needs of foundation doctors caring for dying patients.
The aim of this study was to identify the educational needs of year one North of Scotland foundation doctors caring for dying patients. A postal questionnaire approach was used. The results from the questionnaire (79/132 respondents) confirmed that year one foundation doctors are frequently exposed to patient death, with 61% finding their most memorable patient death to be emotionally distressing. A quarter (26% ) of respondents had recent experience of significant personal bereavement. Communicating with patients and relatives at the end of life, concerns about overtreatment and lack of senior support were highlighted as particularly difficult issues. Educational needs of the foundation doctors were identified, emphasising the importance of emotional, analytical and personal competencies. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6120 | Formation of endothelin by cultured airway epithelial cells.
Immunoreactivity to endothelin was detected in conditioned culture medium from both canine and porcine tracheal epithelial cells. Gel permeation chromatography and fast protein liquid chromatography were used to confirm the identity of the endothelin. The two peaks demonstrated on fast protein liquid chromatography co-eluted with endothelin 1 and endothelin 3 respectively. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6121 | A multi-species direct-fed microbial supplement alters the milk lipidome of dairy cows.
The study evaluated the effects of supplementing a multi-species direct-fed microbial (DFM) on the milk lipidome of lactating dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (41 ± 7 d in milk) were used in a randomized complete block design with experimental duration of 91 d. Cows were blocked based on energy-corrected milk yield from a 14-d pretreatment period, and were assigned randomly within each block to the following treatments: (1) control (CON): corn silage-based total mixed ration without DFM; or (2) BOV+: basal diet top-dressed with a DFM containing a mixture of Lactobacillus animalis (LA-51), Propionibacterium freudenreichii (PF-24), Bacillus subtilis (CH201), and Bacillus licheniformis (CH200) at 11.8 × 109 cfu/d. Milk samples were taken from morning and evening milkings on 2 consecutive days of each week of the pretreatment and treatment periods. Separate composites of pretreatment period and treatment period samples were prepared for individual cows and used for lipidome analysis. Lipidome analysis of the milk samples was performed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph linked to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer in both positive and negative ionizations. The relative concentrations of 14 lipid species, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) such as FA 20:8 and FA 28:7 and triacylglycerides (TG) such as TG 40:3 and TG 54:2, were increased [false discovery rate (FDR) ≤0.05], whereas 13 lipid species, including saturated FA 24:0 and TG 40:0 were decreased (FDR ≤0.05) by supplemental BOV+. The relative concentration of de novo FA in milk was greater, whereas that of preformed FA was lower in dairy cows supplemented with BOV+. Results from this study demonstrate the potential of a DFM containing L. animalis, P. freudenreichii, Bacillus subtilis, and B. licheniformis to alter the milk lipidome in lactating dairy cows toward increased relative concentration of LC-PUFA, which might offer a healthier profile of FA to consumers with its associated health benefits. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6122 | Comparison of three techniques of anterior fusion in single-level cervical disc herniation.
This study compared the clinical and radiographic outcome of three techniques of anterior fusion for cervical disc herniation: Cloward fusion with autograft, Cloward fusion with freeze-dried bone, and BAK-C device fusion. In a cohort of 84 consecutive patients, 34 were treated by classic autograft Cloward's technique, in 26 patients freeze-dried xenograft Surgibone was used and in the last 24 patients a BAK-C titanium device was implanted. The mean follow-up period of this last group was 14.6 months. All patients were operated by the same surgeon at the same hospital and all underwent single-level surgery. Results were evaluated on the basis of patient satisfaction and postoperative capacity to work. There was no significant difference between the three groups related to the preoperative assessment. The analysis revealed that BAK-C patients had significantly shorter hospital stays. No postoperative cervical collar was worn by BAK-C patients and they had the highest percentage of excellent clinical results. Concerning radiographic evaluation, BAK-C achieved a more stable fixation of the involved segment without complications in contrast with the two others, which presented a significant incidence of extrusion, collapse, kyphosis and pseudarthrosis. Measurement of the progressive kyphosis grade shows statistically significant differences between the three groups. BAK-C patients had the lowest kyphosis grade at the end of the follow-up. There is an important correlation between collapse, collapse with kyphosis and pseudarthrosis with bad clinical results. In conclusion, the BAK-C device showed significant advantages, including higher patient satisfaction, unnecessary postoperative collar, early rehabilitation and a lower rate of complications. Furthermore, BAK-C is cost effective because of it shortens postoperative hospital stay and allows an earlier return to work. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6123 | Multiple comparison of different noninvasive brain stimulation and pharmacologic interventions in patients with methamphetamine use disorders: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AIM
In recent decades, the prevalence of amphetamine and methamphetamine use disorders has at least doubled in some regions/countries, with accompanying high risks of drug overdose-associated mortality. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods may be effective treatments. However, the comparative efficacy of the NIBS protocol for amphetamine/methamphetamine use disorder (AUD/MUD) remains unknown to date. The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy and acceptability of various NIBS methods/protocols for AUD/MUD management.
METHODS
A frequentist model-based NMA was conducted. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy of NIBS and guideline-recommended pharmacologic treatments to reduce craving severity in patients with either AUD or MUD.
RESULTS
Twenty-two RCTs including 1888 participants met the eligibility criteria. Compared with the sham/placebo group (study = 19, subjects = 891), a combination of intermittent theta burst stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and continuous TBS over the left ventromedial prefrontal cortex (study = 1, subjects = 19) was associated with the largest decreases in craving severity [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.50; 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) = -2.70 to -0.31]. High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the left DLPFC was associated with the largest improvements in depression and quality of sleep (study = 3, subjects = 86) (SMD = -2.48; 95%CIs = -3.25 to -1.71 and SMD = -2.43; 95%CIs = -3.38 to -1.48, respectively). The drop-out rate of most investigated treatments did not significantly differ between groups.
CONCLUSION
The combined TBS protocol over the prefrontal cortex was associated with the greatest improvement in craving severity. Since few studies were available for inclusion, additional large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6124 | Influence of Drug-Drug Interactions on the Pharmacokinetics of Atorvastatin and Its Major Active Metabolite ortho-OH-Atorvastatin in Aging People Living with HIV.
BACKGROUND
People living with HIV (PLWH) are aging and experience age-related physiological changes and comorbidities. Atorvastatin is a widely prescribed lipid-lowering agent metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, whose hepatocyte uptake is facilitated by organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1/1B3. Inhibition or induction of this enzyme and hepatic transporter can increase or decrease atorvastatin exposure, respectively.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to describe the pharmacokinetic profile of atorvastatin and its major metabolite, and to evaluate drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with antiretrovirals (ARVs).
METHODS
The atorvastatin pharmacokinetic profile was best described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination. Metabolite concentrations were described by considering both linear metabolism from atorvastatin and presystemic metabolism. The influence of demographic and clinical covariates on drug and metabolite pharmacokinetics was assessed using NONMEM®. Model-based simulations were performed to evaluate the magnitude of DDIs with ARVs.
RESULTS
Full pharmacokinetic profiles (98 atorvastatin + 62 o-OH-atorvastatin concentrations) and sparse concentrations (78 and 53 for atorvastatin and o-OH-atorvastatin, respectively) were collected in 59 PLWH. Interindividual variability was high. The coadministration of boosted ARVs decreased atorvastatin clearance by 58% and slowed down o-OH-atorvastatin formation by 88%. Atorvastatin clearance increased by 78% when coadministered with CYP3A4 inducers. Simulations revealed a 180% increase and 44% decrease in atorvastatin exposure (area under the curve) in the presence of ARVs with inhibiting and inducing properties, respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study showed an important interindividual variability in atorvastatin pharmacokinetics that remains largely unexplained after the inclusion of covariates. Since boosted ARVs double atorvastatin exposure, the initial dosage might be reduced by half, and titrated based on individual clinical targets. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6125 | Hydrogel Modulus Affects Proliferation Rate and Pluripotency of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Grown in Three-Dimensional Culture.
Hydrogels have been used extensively with various cell types in three-dimensional (3D) culture, including with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Here, we report on the use of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-conjugated fibrinogen hydrogels to grow bone marrow-derived hMSCs in 3D culture. The initial modulus of the PEG-fibrinogen (PF) hydrogels was varied to study the influence of the stiffness on the proliferation response of the cells growing within. Shear rheology was used to quantify the changes to the initial material properties; the shear storage modulus of the PF was controlled by changing the concentration of synthetic PEG cross-linker, while keeping the fibrinogen concentration constant. Cell culture was performed during a 14-day experiment to quantify the cell proliferation response in the different modulus materials tested. The hMSCs were recovered from the hydrogels by mild enzymatic dissolution, and characterized for proliferation and cell number using cytometry. The results indicate a modulus-dependent response from the cells, and the ability to preferentially define initial hydrogel modulus that favors higher proliferation and multipotency of the hMSCs. Bioactive supplements added to the hydrogels, including exogenous fibronectin (Fn) and von willebrand factor (vWf) were used to further stimulate the proliferation response of the hMSCs in the hydrogel cultures, without altering their multipotency. These insights underscore the importance of mechanical properties in regulating cell proliferation in a 3D culture milieu. The versatility of the hydrogel culture environment and the ability to control mechanical properties for cell-fate determination further highlight the significance of a modular approach when developing materials that ultimately optimize stem cell cultures. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6126 | Isolated bilateral clavicular fracture: A case report.
Bilateral clavicle fractures are uncommon and are mostly associated with polytrauma. The presence of concurrent serious injuries diverts the doctor's attention and causes the clavicular injury to be overlooked. Our report presents a 39-year-old male patient with bilateral clavicle fracture whom we managed surgically by open reduction and internal fixation. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6127 | Kinesiotape and quadriceps strengthening with elastic band in women with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. A randomized clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
The beneficial effects of exercise in the treatment of Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee have been verified in several studies. Kinesiotaping (KT) has been popularized due to its reducing local pressure and increasing circulation, resulting in decreased pain.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the clinical effectiveness of strengthening therapy with KT in women with knee OA for pain reduction.
METHODS
Thirty two women with knee OA, aged 50-70 years, with overweight or obesity grade I, who were randomized into two groups: one with exercise and KT, and the other, with exercise and placebo technique. Both groups performed stretching and quadriceps strengthening exercise with the elastic band 3 days weekly for 6 weeks. Measurement of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale was taken as primary outcome. Stiffness and functionality of the same index and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity were measured.
RESULTS
At the end of the study, there were no significant differences between the groups. Both groups had a difference of 2.7 points with respect to the baseline measurement, change percentage of 32.2% and 31.1% for placebo and experimental respectively (p=0.2).
CONCLUSIONS
KT plus quadriceps strengthening exercise does not offer advantages for improvement of pain compared with quadriceps strengthening exercise alone in knee OA. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6128 | Acute transient swelling of the thyroid following fine-needle aspiration: A case series.
Acute transient swelling (ATS) of the thyroid is a rare complication following fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules. We present 31 cases with 35 nodules encountered at our institute and reported in the literature, to provide further information. The incidence rate in our institute was 0.46%. Of these nodules, 74.3% (26/35) were solid, 65.7% (23/35) exhibited hypervascularity, and 77.2% (27/35) were benign or follicular neoplasms. Although most cases (87.1%, 27/31) occurred within 2 h after FNA, four patients experienced delayed ATS after 7 h to 2 days. Therefore, awareness of this complication, especially its delayed occurrence, should be raised. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6129 | Association Between Health Symptoms and Particulate Matter from Traffic and Residential Heating - Results from RHINE III in Tartu.
BACKGROUND
Traffic and residential heating are the main sources of particulate matter (PM) in Northern Europe. Wood is widely used for residential heating and vehicle numbers are increasing. Besides traffic exhaust, studded tires produce road dust that is the main source of traffic-related PM10. Several studies have associated total PM mass with health symptoms; however there has been little research on the effects of PM from specific sources.
OBJECTIVE
To study the health effects resulting from traffic and local heating PM.
METHODS
Data on respiratory and cardiac diseases were collected within the framework of RHINE III (2011/2012) in Tartu, Estonia. Respondents' geocoded home addresses were mapped in ArcGIS and linked with local heating-related PM2.5, traffic-related PM10 and total PM2.5 concentrations. Association between self-reported health and PM was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
The annual mean modelled exposure for local heating PM2.5 was 2.3 μg/m3, for traffic PM10 3.3 μg/m3 and for all sources PM2.5 5.6 μg/m3. We found relationship between traffic induced PM10 as well as all sources induced PM2.5 with cardiac disease, OR=1.45 (95% CI 1.06-1.93) and 1.42 (95% CI 1.02-1.95), respectively. However, we did not find any significant association between residential heating induced particles and self-reported health symptoms. People with longer and better confirmed exposure period were also significantly associated with traffic induced PM10, all sources induced PM2.5 and cardiac diseases.
CONCLUSION
Traffic-related PM10 and all sources induced PM2.5 associated with cardiac disease; whereas residential heating induced particles did not. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6130 | How I do it--post mastoidectomy reconstruction.
Traditionally, there are two approaches for mastoidectomy, namely:canal wall up and canal wall down. Canal wall up approach avoids an open mastoid cavity post-operatively but harbours the disadvantage of a reported higher incidence of recurrence of disease. Canal wall down approach has a reciprocal advantage and disadvantage. This paper reveals a methods of post mastoidectomy reconstruction of the posterior canal wall using the posterior canal skin. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6131 | [Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin].
This study reports five cases of Merkel-cell carcinoma of the skin. Then the authors review the present state of the art from the data already available in the literature concerning this malignant primary skin tumor. A part from local excision, no standard procedures are described. The literature provides a lot of discrepancies concerning the additional treatments such as lymph mode excision, radio and chemotherapy. The prognosis of this tumor remains poor because of a high incidence of local recurrence, a frequent spread to regional lymph modes and the development metastases. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6132 | How Does ISO 15189 Laboratory Accreditation Support the Delivery of Healthcare in Ethiopia? A Systematic Review.
BACKGROUND
Assessing quality by considering input, process and output level quality variables is important to ensure improved quality services. Designing and execution of an effective quality management system are aimed for the purpose of quality improvement, error reduction and associated risks. Therefore, this review is designed to assess the value of accreditation on the performance of healthcare institutions in ensuring quality improvement interventions. Moreover, this review presents important concepts of accreditation and the aspects of quality.
METHODS
Published articles were downloaded using EndNote® application software program from PubMed (NML) database, Web of Sciences (TS) and Google Scholar. From a total of 883 downloaded full-text published materials, only 28 journals and 1 report issued from 2010 to 2017 were used for the development of this review.
RESULT
The overall quality of healthcare services in developing countries was error-prone and suffered from limitations. These could be associated with wrong interventions and increased risks. Accreditation schemes have been implemented to provide quality care and ensure safety.
CONCLUSION
Evaluation feedback induces interventions aimed at quality improvement and ensures better management systems, good process design, wise resource utilization, meeting patients' need and increased satisfaction. Hence, stakeholders must be engaged in the provision of improve quality patient care and reduce associated risks. Hence, giving special quality improvement attention helps to improve quality healthcare services. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6133 | Growth outcome during GnRH agonist treatments for slowly progressive central precocious puberty.
BACKGROUND
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) represent the gold-standard treatment for central precocious puberty (CPP). In CPP children, GnRHa treatment slows bone age progression and preserves adult height (Ht) by suppressing sexual steroid secretion. In some patients, however, GnRHa induce an inappropriate growth deceleration impairing Ht outcome. Furthermore, slowly progressive CPP (spCPP) forms were reported which do not need GnRHa treatment.
METHODS
We evaluated the growth outcome of 26 spCPP girls treated with triptorelin (TR) and 21 with leuprorelin acetate (LA) for 36.5 +/- 0.7 months.
RESULTS
GnRHa treatment induced a progressive growth deceleration in both spCPP groups. No difference in bone maturation was detected (p > 0.05; TR vs. LA group), however compared to LA, TR treatment resulted in significantly higher Ht after 24 months (p < 0.05; LA vs. TR group). Although target height (TH) standard deviation score (SDS) and predicted adult height (PAH)-SDS at diagnosis were similar in both spCPP groups (p > 0.05; LA vs. TR group), final height (FH-SDS) was lower in LA-treated subjects (p < 0.05; LA vs. TR group). In both spCPP groups, FH-SDS was significantly lower than TH-SDS (p < 0.001) but not lower than PAH-SDS at diagnosis (p > 0.05). Ht-SDS correlated with 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) blood levels in both spCPP groups (p < 0.0001) throughout GnRHa treatment, and E(2) values were higher in the TR- than in the LA-treated patients during the 12 months after GnRHa administration (p < 0.05; LA vs. TR group). GnRHa-induced E(2) secretion and Ht-SDS at GnRHa withdrawal correlated positively with FH (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of GnRHa treatment in improving FH in spCPP girls was doubtful. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6134 | High Sensitivity and Selectivity of AsP Sensor in Detecting SF6 Decomposition Gases.
The sensing properties of monolayer arsenic phosphorus (AsP) for the adsorption of SF6, H2O, O2, and SF6 decomposition gases (SO2 and H2S) are theoretically investigated by the first-principle calculations. We calculate the adsorption energy, equilibrium distance, Mulliken charge transfer, and electron localization function (ELF) to explore whether AsP is suitable for detecting SF6 decomposition gases. By comparing the adsorption performance of SF6, H2O, O2, and H2S gases, we have revealed that the SO2 gas molecules could form stable chemisorption with AsP monolayer. The results demonstrate that AsP is highly sensitive and selective to SO2 gas molecules with robust adsorption energy and apparent charge transfer. Furthermore, the current-voltage (I-V) curves reveal that only the adsorption of SO2 can largely modify the resistance of AsP. Our results show that gas sensors based on AsP monolayer could be better than that of black phosphorene (BP) to diagnose the state of online gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6135 | Psychiatric comorbidity among women with endometriosis: nationwide cohort study in Sweden.
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition affecting women of reproductive age. It has been linked with greater rates of depression and anxiety in small, cross-sectional, and clinical studies. Other studies have reported that women with endometriosis have increased risk of bipolar disorder. These reports suggest that psychiatric disorders might be more common among women with endometriosis, contributing to increased burden of mental ill-health in this population of women. However, this hypothesis has not been adequately studied.
OBJECTIVES
In this population-based study, we investigated the overall psychiatric comorbidity among women with endometriosis, and the role of familial liability.
STUDY DESIGN
Several Swedish national registers were linked and used to follow all women born in Sweden in 1973-1990 for diagnosed psychiatric disorders and endometriosis from age 14 years until year 2016. Sibling comparison analyses were performed in a subsample of 173,650 families.
RESULTS
After adjustment for birth characteristics and education, women with endometriosis had an increased risk of being later diagnosed with depressive-, anxiety and stress-related disorders, alcohol/drug dependence, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder compared with the general population and with their sisters without endometriosis. The adjusted hazard ratios ranged from 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.29-1.88) for depressive disorders to 1.98 (95% confidence interval, 1.34-2.93) for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the sibling analysis. Also, women with previous affective psychotic disorders, depressive-, anxiety and stress-related disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder were more likely to be later diagnosed with endometriosis. The adjusted hazard ratios ranged from 1.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.30-1.76) for depressive disorders to 1.93 (95% confidence interval, 1.47-2.52) for personality disorders.
CONCLUSION
These findings reveal a high degree of comorbidity between endometriosis and many psychiatric disorders that was not entirely explained by shared familial confounding. Clinical practice may consider psychosocial support to women with endometriosis and treating them from a multidisciplinary perspective. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6136 | Epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium under a selective isolation policy at an urban county hospital.
BACKGROUND
We report our experience in a county hospital with the use of selective contact isolation for patients with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF). About 12% of patients with VREF are isolated for reasons such as draining wounds and uncontrolled diarrhea.
METHODS
Passive surveillance identified all inpatients (181) from 1995 to 1999 with cultures positive for VREF. Data were collected via electronic databases and from prospectively maintained infection control records. Isolates were typed with use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
RESULTS
Nearly all patients (175/181) with VREF had been admitted at least 48 hours or had a history of previous hospitalization. Most patients (69%) had urine cultures positive for VREF without blood cultures positive for the organism. Only 12 of 127 (9.%) patients with complete data had VREF infection on the basis of receiving treatment and/or having more than 1 blood culture positive for VREF. After VREF became endemic, statistically significant increased prevalence was not detected via surveillance of clinical cultures nor sequential point-prevalence studies. Two major genotypes carrying vanB resistance genes were identified and persisted throughout the period studied. VREF persisted in individual patients up to 46 months.
CONCLUSIONS
The number of VREF infections in this facility has been low, despite appreciable colonization, for an extended period during which selective isolation was used. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6137 | Study of adaptation to altered gravity through systems analysis of motor control.
Maintenance of posture and production of functional, coordinated movement demand integration of sensory feedback with spinal and supra-spinal circuitry to produce adaptive motor control in altered gravity (G). To investigate neuroplastic processes leading to optimal performance in altered G we have studied motor control in adult rats using a battery of motor function tests following chronic exposure to various treatments (hyper-G, hindlimb suspension, chemical distruction of hair cells, space flight). These treatments differentially affect muscle fibers, vestibular receptors, and behavioral compensations and, in consequence, differentially disrupt air righting, swimming, posture and gait. The time-course of recovery from these disruptions varies depending on the function tested and the duration and type of treatment. These studies, with others (e.g., D'Amelio et al. in this volume), indicate that adaptation to altered gravity involves alterations in multiple sensory-motor systems that change at different rates. We propose that the use of parallel studies under different altered G conditions will most efficiently lead to an understanding of the modifications in central (neural) and peripheral (sensory and neuromuscular) systems that underlie sensory-motor adaptation in active, intact individuals. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6138 | The elderly recognizing themselves as vulnerable to falls in the concreteness of the femoral fracture.
OBJECTIVES
understand the experience of the elderly with falls followed by femoral fracture and elaborate theoretical model of this process of lived experience.
METHOD
qualitative research with theoretical saturation through analysis of the ninth nondirected interview of elderly who underwent such experience. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to Grounded Theory.
RESULTS
three categories emerged (sub-processes): evaluating signs and symptoms of fracture after the fall; feeling sad and insecure with the new condition; and finding oneself susceptible to fractures. From realignment of these categories (sub-processes) we could abstract the central category (process), recognizing oneself as vulnerable to falls in the concreteness of the fracture.
CONCLUSION
the theoretical model considering the Symbolic Interactionism signals the implementation of continued program for fall prevention, with teaching strategies that encourage the elderly to reflect on the concreteness of contexts in which there is risk of occurring injury to their health. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6139 | [Has the classic chordotomy a future? (author's transl)].
Evaluating our results of anterior-lateral chordotomy in 88 patients suffering from intractable pain, we can state that this is a useful surgical procedure. Today however it has to be replaced by the so-called percutaneous cervical chordotomy. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6140 | Towards better antimicrobial susceptibility testing: impact of the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
Susceptibility testing of bacteria is one of the most important tests performed in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Improvements in laboratory techniques, especially the move towards standardized susceptibility testing, has provided better consistency and accuracy of testing. When used in conjunction with the most recently developed interpretative criteria, the result is better prediction of the outcome of antimicrobial therapy for infected patients. Throughout the last four decades this Journal has published numerous articles evidencing improvements and new techniques, a valuable source of information for microbiology laboratories. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6141 | Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Community-Acquired Lower Respiratory Tract Infections.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) in pediatric lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) employing serological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.
METHODS
In this prospective study, 200 children aged 6 mo to 12 y hospitalized with acute LRTIs were investigated for M. pneumoniae. Serum samples were collected for serological analysis of M. pneumoniae. Throat swab samples were obtained on admission to amplify 277-base pair region of 16S rDNA gene of M. pneumoniae by PCR.
RESULTS
In the present study, 40(26.1%) children <5 y and 28(59.5%) children ≥5 y age group were positive for M. pneumoniae infection and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). M. pneumoniae was positive in 32(41%) female and 36(29.5%) male children though this difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.12). The clinical profile across M. pneumoniae positive and negative cases were comparable except for presence of chest pain which was statistically significant (P = 0.023). None of the radiological findings was statistically associated with incidence of M. pneumoniae infection. Serological evidence of acute M. pneumoniae infection was observed in 64(32%) patients with sensitivity 66.6% and specificity 70.1% while PCR positivity in 12(6%) patients with sensitivity 12.5% and specificity 97%. Together, serology and PCR detected M.pneumoniae infection in 68(34%) patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study underlines the role of M. pneumoniae in children with community- acquired LRTIs and more particularly in ≥5 y of age. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6142 | Ontogeny of non-NMDA glutamate receptors in rat barrel field cortex: II. Alpha-AMPA and kainate receptors.
The ontogeny of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) and kainate (KA) glutamate receptors in rat barrel field cortex was characterized by using receptor autoradiography and immunocytochemistry. A somatotopic pattern of AMPA receptors with fewer [3H]AMPA sites in barrel centers than in surrounding cortex did not emerge until postnatal day 10 (P10). After reaching a peak density at P14, the density of [3H]AMPA receptors declined in both barrel centers and surrounding cortex. Compared with AMPA receptors, the density of [3H]KA sites at all ages was low, a somatotopic expression of [3H]KA sites was missing, and the developmental curve for [3H]KA sites was more shallow than that for [3H]AMPA binding sites. A differential ontogeny of AMPA and KA receptors in barrel field cortex was also demonstrated in immunocytochemical studies with antibodies to the AMPA receptor subunits GluR1 and GluR2,3 and the KA receptor subunits GluR6,7. GluR1 and GluR2,3 staining was more dense in barrel septa than in barrel centers; this pattern persisted into adulthood. GluR1 and GluR2,3 receptors were localized to cell bodies and dendrites as well as the neuropil, but different populations of cortical neurons expressed these receptors. At P10, KA receptor subunits GluR6,7 exhibited a contrasting pattern to that of AMPA receptor subunits, with slightly more neuropil staining in barrel centers than in surrounding cortex. After that point, the somatotopic pattern of GluR6,7 subunit expression was lost. The contrasting developmental patterns of expression of the AMPA and KA receptors in the barrel field suggest that they may play different roles in the whisker-to-barrel pathway. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6143 | Tuberculosis: infection control in hospital and at home.
This article examines infection control issues relating to tuberculosis (TB) in acute and community settings. Background information on TB is discussed briefly along with key challenges to global and national control. A programme to prevent infection composed of specific hierarchical levels is outlined, using national and international guidance, and suggestions are made for infection control in the community. The article will be useful for nurses involved in the care of patients with confirmed or suspected TB. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6144 | Lactoferrin Exerts Antitumor Effects by Inhibiting Angiogenesis in a HT29 Human Colon Tumor Model.
To investigate the effect and potential mechanisms of lactoferrin on colon cancer cells and tumors, HT29 and HCT8 cells were exposed to varying concentrations of lactoferrin, and the impacts on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were observed. Cell proliferation test showed that high dosage of lactoferrin (5-100 mg/mL) inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with the 50% concentration of inhibition at 81.3 ± 16.7 mg/mL and 101 ± 23.8 mg/mL for HT29 and HCT8 cells, respectively. Interestingly, migration and invasion of the cells were inhibited dramatically by 20 mg/mL lactoferrin, consistent with the significant down regulation of VEGFR2, VEGFA, pPI3K, pAkt, and pErk1/2 proteins. HT29 was chosen as the sensitive cell line to construct a tumor-bearing nude mice model. Notably, HT29 tumor weight was greatly reduced in both the lactoferrin group (26.5 ± 6.7 mg) and the lactoferrin/5-Fu group (14.5 ± 5.1 mg), compared with the control one (39.3 ± 6.5 mg), indicating that lactoferrin functioned as a tumor growth inhibitor. Considering lactoferrin also reduced the growth of blood vessels and the degree of malignancy, we concluded that HT29 tumors were effectively suppressed by lactoferrin, which might be achieved by regulation of phosphorylation from various kinases and activation of the VEGFR2-PI3K/Akt-Erk1/2 pathway. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6145 | Studying nanostructured nipple arrays of moth eye facets helps to design better thin film solar cells.
Nipples on the surface of moth eye facets exhibit almost perfect broadband anti-reflection properties. We have studied the facet surface micro-protuberances, known as corneal nipples, of the chestnut leafminer moth Cameraria ohridella by atomic force microscopy, and simulated the optics of the nipple arrays by three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation. The influence of the dimensions and shapes of the nipples on the optics was studied. In particular, the shape of the nipples has a major influence on the anti-reflection properties. Furthermore, we transferred the structure of the almost perfect broadband anti-reflection coatings to amorphous silicon thin film solar cells. The coating that imitates the moth-eye array allows for an increase of the short circuit current and conversion efficiency of more than 40%. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6146 | A nanostructured liquid crystalline formulation of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol with improved oral absorption.
As with many other anti-cancer agents, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) has a low oral absorption. In this study, in order to improve the oral bioavailability of PPD, the cubic nanoparticles that it contains were used to enhance absorption. Therefore, the cubic nanoparticle loaded PPD were prepared through the fragmentation of the glyceryl monoolein (GMO)/poloxamer 407 bulk cubic gel and were verified by transmission electron microscope, small angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry. The in vitro release of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol from these nanoparticles was less than 5% at 12h. And then Caco-2 cell monolayer model was used to evaluate the absorption of PPD in vitro. Meanwhile the rat intestinal perfusion model and bioavailability were also estimated in vivo. The results showed that, in the Caco-2 cell model, the PPD-cubosome could increase the permeability values from the apical (AP) to the basolateral (BL) of PPD at 53%. The result showed that the four-site rat intestinal perfusion model was consistent with the Caco-2 cell model. And the result of a pharmacokinetic study in rats showed that the relative bioavailability of the PPD-cubosome (AUC(0-∞)) compared with the raw PPD (AUC(0-∞)) was 169%. All the results showed that the PPD-cubosome enhanced bioavailability was likely due to the increased absorption by the cubic nanoparticles rather than by the improved release. Hence, the cubic nanoparticles may be a promising oral carrier for the drugs that have a poor oral absorption. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6147 | Chefs move to schools. A pilot examination of how chef-created dishes can increase school lunch participation and fruit and vegetable intake.
To demonstrate the feasibility of introducing a main dish designed by a professional chef in the National School Lunch Program and to document the impact on child participation, a chef was recruited to design pizza to be served in an upstate New York school district. The pizza was designed to meet both the cost and ingredient requirements of the NSLP. High school students were significantly more likely to select the pizza prepared by the chef. While the chef had no significant impact on main dish consumption given selection, more students took a vegetable and vegetable consumption increased by 16.5%. This pilot study demonstrates the plausibility of using chefs to boost participation in the school lunch program, and potentially increase nutrition through side selection, among high school students. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6148 | The reflex response to sinusoidal stretching of soleus in the decerebrate cat.
1. Soleus muscle in the decerebrate cat was stretched sinusoidally through various distances, at various frequencies while tension and e.m.g. activity were recorded.2. Two patterns of stretch reflex activity were seen. In one, slow stretching led to a large increase in tension, whereas in the other tension increased little during slow stretching, but rose steeply during a more rapid stretch. Intermediate states were also seen.3. Both these reflex patterns were abolished when the fusimotor fibres were blocked with Xylocaine.4. At low frequencies of stretching the e.m.g. activity was greatest at peak muscle length; at higher frequencies the greatest activity was found during lengthening. This angular advance of e.m.g. activity on length was greatest at 3.3-5 c/s. At the higher frequencies the e.m.g. activity was less in advance of muscle length.5. Angular advance of e.m.g. activity was greatest in the preparations that were also the most sensitive to slow stretching.6. Muscle contraction follows an electrical stimulus with a small delay. The delay between the end of stimulation and the end of muscle relaxation is longer, and may exceed 200 msec in cat soleus.7. The timing of the reflex tension during sinusoidal stretching depended on how far the angular advance of the e.m.g. combined with the damping properties of muscle offset the time delays in the reflex pathway.8. Changes in muscle tension generally preceded changes in muscle length. When, however, stretch amplitudes of 1 mm (peak to peak) were used, a phase delay of tension was sometimes seen. This only occurred in preparations that also showed little sensitivity to slow stretching.9. Phase delay of tension was usually found with frequencies of approximately 6-8 c/s, and this corresponds to the clonus frequency for soleus.10. The mechanisms of the two types of reflex behaviour, and the damping properties of the system are discussed. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6149 | Distribution of 2-naphthol sulphotransferase and its endogenous substrate adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate in human tissues.
The activity of sulphotransferase towards 2-naphthol and the concentration of its endogenous substrate, adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS), have been measured in five specimens of human liver, lung, and kidney, and the mucosa from the ileum and the ascending, descending and sigmoid colon. The activity of 2-naphthol sulphotransferase (mean nmol.min-1.mg-1 protein) was 1.82 (liver); 0.034 (kidney); 0.19 (lung); 0.64 (ileum); 0.47 (ascending colon); 0.50 (descending colon); 0.40 (sigmoid colon). The concentration of PAPS (mean nmol.g-1 wet tissue) was 22.6 (liver); 4.8 (kidney); 4.3 (lung); 12.8 (ileum); 8.1 (ascending colon); 7.5 (descending colon); 6.2 (sigmoid colon). The concentration of PAPS and the activity of 2-naphthol sulphotransferase were higher in the liver than in the extrahepatic tissues. There was significant difference between ileum and ascending colon, both the activity of sulphotransferase and the concentration of PAPS being higher in the former. 2-Naphthol sulphotransferase activity and the concentration of PAPS have consistent distribution patterns. Differences between the tissues studied were more marked for sulphotransferase than for its endogenous substrate. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6150 | Dietary alpha-lipoic acid supplementation improves spermatogenesis and semen quality via antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects in aged breeder roosters.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on the reproductive performance of aged breeder roosters. Sixteen 50-wk-old ROSS 308 breeder roosters were randomly allocated to two groups: roosters received a basal diet (CON), or a basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg of ALA (ALA). The results indicated that dietary ALA supplementation significantly increased sperm concentration, motility, viability, and membrane functional integrity. ALA also dramatically increased seminiferous tubule epithelial height (SEH) and testis scores. The ALA group had a higher serum concentration of testosterone than the CON group. ALA supplementation remarkably increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in the testes; following a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, we noted significant upregulation of Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression of and mRNA expression of its Downstream Genes (GPx1, NQO1, and GCLC), as well as significant downregulation of Keap1 mRNA expression in testicular tissue of aged roosters with ALA supplementation. The protein expression of Caspase 3 was downregulated and the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was upregulated by ALA supplementation. The mRNA expression of spermatogenesis-related genes (ER1, AKT1, and Cav1) were markedly augmented in the ALA group compared with the CON group. In conclusion, dietary ALA supplementation enhanced the testicular antioxidant capacity through the Nrf2-signaling pathway, exerted anti-apoptotic effects, and improved the reproductive performance of aged roosters. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6151 | Drug-induced anti-Ro positive subacute cutaneous lupus in a man treated with olmesartan.
A 66-year-old man presented to the outpatient dermatology clinic with a chief complaint of a pruritic rash on his upper trunk and proximal upper extremities, which had been present for three weeks. Upon examination, he was found to have an erythematous, annular, and polycyclic eruption on the chest, upper back, and proximal extremities. A clinical diagnosis of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) was made. The patient was found to have a positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) in a speckled pattern and a positive anti-Ro antibody. A biopsy revealed an interface and lichenoid dermatitis with dermal mucin deposition, consistent with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The patient reported that he had recently been diagnosed with hypertension and began treatment with olmesartan, a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks the angiotensin II receptor, commonly used as an antihypertensive or in patients with heart failure. Cutaneous reactions to olmesartan are rare and reported in <1% of patients in post-marketing surveillance. The patient discontinued use of olmesartan and the rash completely resolved within three weeks. To date, there are no other reported cases of drug induced SCLE in patients taking olmesartan to our knowledge. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6152 | Plasma miR-216a as a potential marker of pancreatic injury in a rat model of acute pancreatitis.
AIM
To study the potential value and specificity of plasma miR-216a as a marker for pancreatic injury.
METHODS
Two rat models were applied in this article: L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis was used as one model to explore the potential value of plasma miR-216a for detection of pancreatic injury; nonlethal sepsis induced in rats by single puncture cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used as the other model to evaluate the specificity of plasma miR-216a compared with two commonly used markers (amylase and lipase) for acute pancreatitis. Plasmas were sampled from rats at indicated time points and total RNA was isolated. Real-Time Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify miR-216a in plasmas.
RESULTS
In the acute pancreatitis model, among five time points at which plasmas were sampled, miR-216a concentrations were significantly elevated 24 h after arginine administration and remained significantly increased until 48 h after operation (compared with 0 h time point, P < 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis Test). In the CLP model, plasma amylase and lipase, two commonly used biomarkers for acute pancreatitis, were significantly elevated 24 h after operation (compared with 0 h time point, P < 0.01 and 0.05 respectively, Pairwise Bonferroni corrected t-tests), while miR-216a remained undetectable among four tested time points.
CONCLUSION
Our article showed for the first time that plasma miR-216a might serve as a candidate marker of pancreatic injury with novel specificity. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6153 | Combating drug resistance in acute myeloid leukaemia by drug rotations: the effects of quizartinib and pexidartinib.
BACKGROUND
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer. In approximately 30% of the cases, driver mutations in the FLT3 gene are identified. FLT3 inhibitors are used in treatment of such patients together with cytotoxic drugs or (in refractory AML) as single agents. Unfortunately, resistance to FLT3 inhibitors limits their efficacy. Resistance is often due to secondary mutations in the gene encoding the molecular target. The gatekeeper mutation F691L confers resistance to specific FLT3 inhibitors such as quizartinib, but pexidartinib is much less resistance to this mutation. Pexidartinib alone is however sensitive to many other resistance mutations. In chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), it has been suggested that rotation between drugs with a different landscape of resistance mutations might postpone the emergence of resistance.
METHODS
We studied the effect of quizartinib and pexidartinib in AML cell lines that express FLT3 (MOLM-14 and MV4-11). Using a rotation protocol, we further examined whether the emergence of resistance could be postponed. Computational modelling was used to analyse the onset of resistance and suggest which mutations are most likely to occur in a quantitative fashion.
RESULTS
The cells were sensitive to both inhibitors but quickly developed resistance that could be inherited, suggesting a genetic origin. Rotation protocols were not useful to postpone the emergence of resistance, which implies that such protocols, or changing from pexidartinib to quizartinib (or vice-versa) should not be used in patients. The computational modelling led to similar conclusions and suggested that F691L is the most common mutation to occur with quizartinib, and also when both drugs are used in rotation.
CONCLUSIONS
AML patients are not likely to benefit from a quizartinib/pexidartinib rotation protocol. A combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (with different molecular targets) might be more useful in the future. Development of specific FLT3 inhibitors that are less sensitive to resistance mutations might also lead to a better outcome. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6154 | A national survey of inpatient medication systems in English NHS hospitals.
BACKGROUND
Systems and processes for prescribing, supplying and administering inpatient medications can have substantial impact on medication administration errors (MAEs). However, little is known about the medication systems and processes currently used within the English National Health Service (NHS). This presents a challenge for developing NHS-wide interventions to increase medication safety. We therefore conducted a cross-sectional postal census of medication systems and processes in English NHS hospitals to address this knowledge gap.
METHODS
The chief pharmacist at each of all 165 acute NHS trusts was invited to complete a questionnaire for medical and surgical wards in their main hospital (July 2011). We report here the findings relating to medication systems and processes, based on 18 closed questions plus one open question about local medication safety initiatives. Non-respondents were posted another questionnaire (August 2011), and then emailed (October 2011).
RESULTS
One hundred (61% of NHS trusts) questionnaires were returned. Most hospitals used paper-based prescribing on the majority of medical and surgical inpatient wards (87% of hospitals), patient bedside medication lockers (92%), patients' own drugs (89%) and 'one-stop dispensing' medication labelled with administration instructions for use at discharge as well as during the inpatient stay (85%). Less prevalent were the use of ward pharmacy technicians (62% of hospitals) or pharmacists (58%) to order medications on the majority of wards. Only 65% of hospitals used drug trolleys; 50% used patient-specific inpatient supplies on the majority of wards. Only one hospital had a pharmacy open 24 hours, but all had access to an on-call pharmacist. None reported use of unit-dose dispensing; 7% used an electronic drug cabinet in some ward areas. Overall, 85% of hospitals had a double-checking policy for intravenous medication and 58% for other specified drugs. "Do not disturb" tabards/overalls were routinely used during nurses' drug rounds on at least one ward in 59% of hospitals.
CONCLUSIONS
Inter- and intra-hospital variations in medication systems and processes exist, even within the English NHS; future research should focus on investigating their potential effects on nurses' workflow and MAEs, and developing NHS-wide interventions to reduce MAEs. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6155 | Evaluating clinical skills of RN students.
A clinical performance examination was developed for basic baccalaureate nursing students and used to validate the clinical skills of registered nurses entering a baccalaureate degree program. With few exceptions, RNs returning to school demonstrated clinical competence in the secondary care area as measured by this examination. Therefore, another means of validating RN clinical skills was developed based on the evaluation criteria used for the clinical performance examination. Using employer and colleague validation, students individually documented competence in the area of practice. There was a decrease in student stress, an increase in self-esteem, conservation of the time and energy of students and faculty, and more effective use of program resources. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6156 | EGF receptor activation of the human gastrin gene: a tale of two zinc finger transcription factor families.
Gastrin is one of the oldest and most actively studied of the gastrointestinal peptides. Adult expression of the mature peptide is restricted to the stomach and duodenum. However, it is antral gastrin that is subject to feedback regulation from the counter-regulatory peptide somatostatin as a function of gastric pH. Yet little is known about the molecular steps required to modulate the synthesis of this peptide. Using cell culture models, a GC-rich regulatory element called gERE has been identified that binds two families of zinc finger transcription factors--Sp and ZBP. Competitive binding of these two transcription factor families in association with changes in their phosphorylation state appears to mediate the positive and negative activation of this gene in response to EGF receptor ligands. These findings contribute to our understanding of gastrin gene expression in the presence of the activated ras oncogene, e.g., during colonic transformation. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6157 | Drug selection of MDR1-transduced hematopoietic cells ex vivo increases transgene expression and chemoresistance in reconstituted bone marrow in mice.
The MDR1 (multidrug resistance) gene, transferred to hematopoietic cells, is expected to protect them from anticancer chemotherapy and may serve as a selectable marker, restoring gene expression in vivo. Appropriate selection strategies, however, need to be established. To investigate whether preselection ex vivo affects chemoresistance, murine bone marrow cells were retrovirally transduced with high-titer or, as a model for suboptimal gene expression, low-titer retroviruses and exposed to daunomycin or colchicine for 48-96 h. Selection significantly increased chemoresistance of clonogenic progenitor cells. In tissue culture, the entire target population was rendered highly drug resistant after MDR1 transfer with high-titer viruses. If transduction was performed under suboptimal conditions, drug selection increased the frequency of chemoresistant colonies up to 40% over the number of unselected cells. Colchicine and daunomycin were equally efficient in increasing drug resistance ex vivo, but colchicine-preselected cells rescued lethally irradiated mice under conditions where daunomycin-selected bone marrow cells failed to do so. Hence, while hematopoietic cells can be protected by MDR1, the selection strategy is critical for repopulation of bone marrow with transduced cells. Preselection in culture before transplantation significantly increased P-gp expression and chemoresistance in vivo in mice reconstituted with transduced bone marrow cells. This study may help to facilitate the use of MDR1 as a selectable marker in gene therapy of the hematopoietic system. Gene Therapy (2000) 7, 348-358. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6158 | The evolving placenta: convergent evolution of variations in the endotheliochorial relationship.
Endotheliochorial placentas occur in orders from all four major clades of eutherian mammal. Species with this type of placenta include one of the smallest (pygmy shrew) and largest (African elephant) land mammals. The endotheliochorial placenta as a definitive form has an interhemal area consisting of maternal endothelium, interstitial lamina, trophoblast, individual or conjoint basal laminas, and fetal endothelium. We commonly think of such placentas as having hypertrophied maternal endothelium with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), and as having hemophagous regions. Considering them as a whole, the trophoblast may be syncytial or cellular, fenestrated or nonfenestrated, and there may or may not be hemophagous regions. Variations also appear in the extent of hypertrophy of the maternal endothelium and in the abundance of rER in these cells. This combination of traits and a few other features produces many morphological variants. In addition to endotheliochorial as a definitive condition, a transitory endotheliochorial condition may appear in the course of forming a hemochorial placenta. In some emballonurid bats the early endotheliochorial placenta has two layers of trophoblast, but the definitive placenta lacks an outer syncytial trophoblast layer. In mollosid bats a well developed endotheliochorial placenta is present for a short time even after a definitive hemochorial placenta has developed in a different region. It is concluded that the endotheliochorial placenta is more widespread and diversified than originally thought, with the variant with cellular trophoblast in particular appearing in several species studied recently. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6159 | Ottogi Inhibits Wnt/β-catenin Signaling by Regulating Cell Membrane Trafficking of Frizzled8.
Wnt signaling controls critical developmental processes including tissue/body patterning. Here we report the identification of a novel regulator of Wnt signaling, OTTOGI (OTG), isolated from a large-scale expression screening of human cDNAs in zebrafish embryos. Overexpression of OTG in zebrafish embryos caused dorso-anteriorized phenotype, inhibited the expression of Wnt target genes, and prevented nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. Conversely, knockdown of zebrafish otg using specific antisense morpholino promoted nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and caused ventralization. However, OTG failed to rescue headless-like phenotype induced by inhibition of GSK-3β activity, suggesting that OTG acts upstream of GSK-3β. OTG bound specifically to Frizzled8 (Fz8) receptor and caused retention of Fz8 in the endoplasmic reticulum possibly by preventing N-linked glycosylation of Fz8. Taken together, our data indicate that OTG functions as a novel negative regulator of Wnt signaling during development by the modulation of cell surface expression of Fz receptor. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6160 | Evaluation of Rapid vs Standard Infliximab Infusions in the Pediatric Population.
BACKGROUND
Rapid 1-hour infliximab infusions have been safely implemented in adults, but studies of these rapid infusions in pediatric patients are limited. This study's primary objective was to determine the safety of 1-hour infliximab infusions compared with standard 2- to 3-hour infusions in children with inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune disorders.
METHODS
We conducted an institutional review board-approved prospective study using an unmatched historical control group at a freestanding children's hospital comparing rapid vs standard infusion rates of infliximab and the use of premedications and immunomodulatory agents on the frequency of early and delayed infusion reactions.
RESULTS
There were 50 subjects with 540 total standard (2- to 3-hour) infusions in the retrospective group and 66 subjects with 545 total rapid (1-hour) infusions assessed in the prospective group. Although the prospective group received a significantly higher infliximab dose, was significantly less likely to receive premedication, and was significantly more likely to receive another immunomodulatory agent, only 2 instances of potential infusion reactions occurred in the 545 rapid infusions (0.36%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22%-11.01%; 3% of patients) administered in the prospective group compared with 1 documented infusion reaction (0.19%; 95% CI, 0.0%-11.47%; 2% of patients) in the retrospective group (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.01-12.93; P = 0.99).
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that rapid infusion of infliximab over 1 hour is not associated with an increased risk of infusion reactions when compared with standard 2- to 3-hour infusions and can be safely used in children with no previous reaction to standard infusions to treat inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6161 | Reassessment of levels of secretory IgA in pathological sera using a quantitative radioimmunoassay.
Serum levels of sIgA were quantitated by a new radioimmunoassay in patients with a variety of diseases, lactating women and clinically healthy blood donors. Significantly elevated levels compared to controls were found in lactating women, patients with Crohn's disease and patients with cirrhosis, but not in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, IgA myeloma or neoplastic disease. Patients with inflammatory disease and serum IgA levels at least two-fold greater than the normal mean and patients with a variety of other diseases did not show elevated levels of sIgA. In the two latter groups, patients with hepatic disease were excluded. High levels of sIgA were found in four patients with liver metastases from extrahepatic neoplasms. The results indicate that the liver is important for the maintenance of normal serum levels of sIgA. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6162 | Shopping centers in the brain.
Knutson et al. performed functional MRI on individuals while the subjects were deciding whether or not to purchase various items. Their results, reported in this issue of Neuron, support the theory that the decision to purchase involves the integration of emotional signals related to the anticipation of both obtaining the desired product and suffering the financial loss of paying for it. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6163 | Electron microscopy approach to the wetting dynamics of single organosilanized mesopores.
Columnar mesoporous silicon (PSi) with hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic chemistries was chosen as a model for the local (pore-by-pore) study of water-pore interactions. Tomographic reconstructions provided a 3D view of the ramified pore structure. An in situ study of PSi wetting was conducted for categorized pore diameters by environmental scanning TEM. An appropriate setting of the contrast allows for the normalization of the gray scale in the images as a function of relative humidity (RH). This allows constructing an isotherm for each single pore and a subsequent averaging provides an isotherm for each pore size range. The isotherms systematically point to an initial adsorption through the formation of water adlayers, followed by a capillary filling process at higher RH. The local isotherms correlate with (global) gravimetric determination of wetting. Our results point at the validation of a technique for the study of aging and stability of single-pore nanoscale devices. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6164 | [Wilhelm Griesinger (1817-1868)--his knowledge of psychiatry from the historical and current perspective].
Thorough re-analysis of Wilhelm Griesinger's scientific work is very interesting not only from the historical point of view, but also with regard to the present-day debate about the role and self-image of psychiatry. In the literature, Griesinger's ideas are often reported in a rather undifferentiated and condensed manner. Therefore, it may be overlooked that he did not avoid getting involved with the principal epistemological issues of psychiatry (which were an unpopular topic in his time as well), but discussed them intensively and with a constant look at their relevance for clinical and research purposes. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6165 | Developmental patterns of cadherin expression and localization in relation to compartmentalized thalamocortical terminations in rat barrel cortex.
The wiring of synaptic circuitry during development is remarkably precise, but the molecular interactions that enable such precision remain largely to be defined. Cadherins are cell adhesion molecules hypothesized to play roles in axon growth and synaptic targeting during development. We previously showed that N-cadherin localizes to ventrobasal (VB) thalamocortical synapses in rat somatosensory (barrel) cortex during formation of the whisker-map in layer IV (Huntley and Benson [1999] J. Comp. Neurol. 407:453-471). Such specific association of N-cadherin with one identified afferent pathway raises the prediction that other cadherins are expressed in barrel cortex and that these are, in some combination, also differentially associated with distinct inputs. Here, we first show that N-cadherin and three other classic cadherins (cadherin-6, -8, and -10) are expressed contemporaneously in barrel cortex with relative levels of postnatal expression that are highest during the first 2 weeks, when afferent and intrinsic circuitries are forming and synaptogenesis is maximal. Each displayed distinct, but partly overlapping laminar patterns of expression that changed over time. Cadherin-8 probe hybridization formed a particularly striking pattern of intermittent, columnar patches extending from layer V through layer III, which was first detectable at approximately postnatal day 3. The patches were centered precisely over regions of dysgranular layer IV and, in the whisker barrel field, over barrel septa. This pattern is similar to that formed by the terminal distribution of thalamocortical afferents arising from the posterior nucleus (POm), suggesting cadherin-8 association with the POm thalamocortical synaptic circuit. Consistent with this, cadherin-8 mRNAs were enriched in the POm nucleus, and cadherin-8 immunolabeling in layer IV was enriched in barrel septa and codistributed with labeled POm thalamocortical synaptic-like puncta. The striking molecular parcellation of at least two different cadherins to the two, converging thalamic pathways that terminated in non-overlapping barrel center and septal compartments in layer IV strongly suggested that cadherins provide requisite molecular recognition and targeting that enable precise construction of thalamocortical and other synaptic circuitry. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6166 | Expression of snail2, a second member of the zebrafish snail family, in cephalic mesendoderm and presumptive neural crest of wild-type and spadetail mutant embryos.
Transcripts of a newly discovered gene called snail2, encoding a zinc finger protein of the Snail family, first appear in rows of cephalic mesendodermal cells in gastrulating zebrafish embryos. At the end of gastrulation, snail2 RNA accumulates in a domain of ectodermal cells that mark the border between the epidermal epithelium and the neural plate and includes precursors of the neural crest. During somitogenesis, snail2 expression becomes restricted to neural crest. snail2 is thus one of the earliest genes yet known to be specifically expressed in neural crest in zebrafish embryos. Since snail2 is expressed in mesendoderm, a tissue layer whose convergence in the trunk is known to be altered in embryos homozygous for the spadetail mutation, we examined snail2 expression in spadetail embryos. In these mutants, the number of cephalic mesendodermal cells expressing snail2 is strongly reduced and the distribution of cells containing snail2 and no tail transcripts in the axial mesoderm is much broader than normal Moreover, the embryos are shorter than normal at the end of gastrulation. This shows that, in addition to the failure of paraxial mesoderm to converge normally in the trunk during gastrulation, spadetail also affects the elongation of the embryo and the convergence of axial and lateral mesendoderm in both trunk and head. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6167 | Searching for triatomines. A new method for field search using UV light.
Detection of triatomine bugs within a house is essential for the estimation of Chagas disease transmission risk and for evaluating the success of insecticidal control attempts. Small residual populations could represent an important risk but are difficult to detect by time manual sampling. Faecal marks from triatomines are clearly detectable with an ultraviolet (UV) light on most of the materials frequently used in rural buildings. A new method for finding triatomines is proposed here, based on the unexplored property of faeces to fluoresce when exposed to UV light. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6168 | Annulate lamellae in erythroblasts in the mice splenic colonies.
Lethally irradiated mice received a transfusion of normal bone marrow cells from the same strain mice. The transfused colony-forming cells (stem cells) were settled in the spleen of the recipient and proliferated in it into erythroblast colonies. Some of these mice were given chloramphenicol or thiamphenicol for 7 days after marrow cell transfusion. Annulate lamellae were frequently observed exclusively in the erythroblasts of the mice received a injection of thiamphenicol. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6169 | Role of ABO blood group and of other risk factors on the presence of residual vein obstruction after deep-vein thrombosis.
The presence of residual vein obstruction (RVO) has been consistently associated with an increased risk of post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with a previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and there is some evidence suggesting an increased risk of DVT recurrence. Only few studies have assessed potential risk factors for RVO. In this study, we evaluated whether ABO blood group with or without associated thrombophilic abnormalities is associated with RVO after a standard course of anticoagulation for a first DVT. Patients with a first DVT who underwent screening for thrombophilic abnormalities were eligible for this study. Information was collected on ABO blood group and on risk factors for DVT. Each patient underwent compression ultrasonography of the lower limbs for the detection of RVO at least 6months after a standard course of anticoagulant treatment. A total of 268 patients (mean age 50.3years, 120 women) were included. After 8.3±2.9months of anticoagulant treatment, 126 (47.0%) patients had RVO. At multivariate analysis, active malignancy (Odds Ratios [OR] 5.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.17, 14.13), non-O blood group (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.61, 8.56), and femoral involvement (OR 3.35 95% CI 1.94, 5.78) were significantly associated with RVO whereas an unprovoked index event was only marginally significant (OR 1.81 95% CI 0.98, 3.36 p 0.06) and severe thrombophilia was not associated with RVO (OR 1.32 95% CI 0.56, 3.11). After a standard course of anticoagulation for a first DVT, patients with non-O blood group are at increased risk of RVO. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6170 | Ipsilateral combination of Galeazzi and Monteggia fractures in a ten-year-old patient: a case report.
Galeazzi fractures represent approximately 3 to 6 percent of forearm fractures, whereas Monteggia fractures represent 1 to 2 percent. The combination of these injuries in the same extremity is an exceedingly rare occurrence. We report a case of ipsilateral combination of Galeazzi and Monteggia fractures in a ten-year-old patient. The patient was treated with closed reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner pins. The distal radioulnar and radiocapitellar joint relationships were restored and the fractures healed. The patient proceeded to obtain a satisfactory functional result three years later. Internal fixation is a safe method for such complex forearm fractures in older children and allows post-operative rehabilitation with the advantage of early mobilization. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6171 | Precipitation of Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ru Nanoparticles with Non-Precious Metals from Model and Real Multicomponent Solutions.
This article presents studies on the precipitation of Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ru nanoparticles (NPs) from model and real multicomponent solutions using sodium borohydride, ascorbic acid, sodium formate, and formic acid as reducing agents and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizing agent. As was expected, apart from PGMs, non-precious metals were coprecipitated. The influence of the addition of non-precious metal ions into the feed solution on the precipitation yield and catalytic properties of the obtained precipitates was studied. A strong reducing agent, NaBH4 precipitates Pt, Pd, Rh, Fe and Cu NPs in most cases with an efficiency greater than 80% from three- and four-component model solutions. The morphology of the PGMs nanoparticles was analyzed via SEM-EDS and TEM. The size of a single nanoparticle of each precipitated metal was not larger than 5 nm. The catalytic properties of the obtained nanomaterials were confirmed via the reaction of the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (NPh) to 4-aminophenol (NAf). Nanocatalysts containing Pt/Pd/Fe NPs obtained from a real solution (produced as a result of the leaching of spent automotive catalysts) showed high catalytic activity (86% NPh conversion after 30 min of reaction at pH 11 with 3 mg of the nanocatalyst). | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6172 | Drosophila sosie functions with β(H)-Spectrin and actin organizers in cell migration, epithelial morphogenesis and cortical stability.
Morphogenesis in multicellular organisms requires the careful coordination of cytoskeletal elements, dynamic regulation of cell adhesion and extensive cell migration. sosie (sie) is a novel gene required in various morphogenesis processes in Drosophila oogenesis. Lack of sie interferes with normal egg chamber packaging, maintenance of epithelial integrity and control of follicle cell migration, indicating that sie is involved in controlling epithelial integrity and cell migration. For these functions sie is required both in the germ line and in the soma. Consistent with this, Sosie localizes to plasma membranes in the germ line and in the somatic follicle cells and is predicted to present an EGF-like domain on the extracellular side. Two positively charged residues, C-terminal to the predicted transmembrane domain (on the cytoplasmic side), are required for normal plasma membrane localization of Sosie. Because sie also contributes to normal cortical localization of β(H)-Spectrin, it appears that cortical β(H)-Spectrin mediates some of the functions of sosie. sie also interacts with the genes coding for the actin organizers Filamin and Profilin and, in the absence of sie function, F-actin is less well organized and nurse cells frequently fuse. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6173 | A new hand-held microfluidic cytometer for evaluating irradiation damage by analysis of the damaged cells distribution.
Space radiation brings uneven damages to cells. The detection of the distribution of cell damage plays a very important role in radiation medicine and the related research. In this paper, a new hand-held microfluidic flow cytometer was developed to evaluate the degree of radiation damage of cells. The device we propose overcomes the shortcomings (e.g., large volume and high cost) of commercial flow cytometers and can evaluate the radiation damage of cells accurately and quickly with potential for onsite applications. The distribution of radiation-damaged cells is analyzed by a simultaneous detection of immunofluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX and resistance pulse sensor (RPS) signal. The γ-H2AX fluorescence intensity provides information of the degree of radiation damage in cells. The ratio of the number of cells with γ-H2AX fluorescence signals to the total numbers of cells detected by RPS indicates the percentage of the cells that are damaged by radiation. The comparison experiment between the developed hand-held microfluidic flow cytometer and a commercial confocal microscope indicates a consistent and comparable detection performance. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6174 | Hymenoptera stings in the head region induce impressive, but not severe sting reactions.
Stings in the head region are considered to be a risk factor for severe systemic reactions to hymenoptera stings. We supposed that stings in skin areas, which are well supplied with blood, lead to more severe reactions and tested our hypothesis in 847 patients with confirmed hymenoptera venom allergy. However, symptom severity was independent from sting site: only 16.3% of patients with severe reactions were stung on the head (P = 0.017). But we confirmed age > 40 years (P < 0.001) as well as elevated basal tryptase levels (P = 0.001) as risk factors. Taking antihypertensive drugs seemed to have an influence: 41.7% of patients taking antihypertensive drugs experienced a severe reaction compared to 29.5% of patients, not taking such drugs (P = 0.019). However, considering patients' age in regression analysis, taking antihypertensive drugs had no effect on symptom severity (P = 0.342). Importantly, in most patients with severe reactions, cutaneous signs were absent (P < 0.001). | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6175 | The effect of simultaneous administration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpyruvic acid and L-dopa on the bioavailability of L-dopa in rat and mouse.
In the rat, administration of 3-(3,4-dihydroxy)-L-phenylalanine (L-dopa) simultaneously with the corresponding alpha-keto acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (DHPPA), gives significantly higher concentrations of L-dopa in the serum and of dopamine and homovanillic acid in the brain than the same dose of L-dopa alone. Correspondingly, DHPPA potentiates the effect of L-dopa on the locomotor activity in reserpine-treated mice. DHPPA is postulated to increase the absorption of intact L-dopa from the gut by preventing the transamination reaction between L-dopa and the physiological alpha-keto acids. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6176 | [Quantitative histoenzymological characteristics of changes in the red and white fibers of skeletal muscle tissue of the extremities in temporary ischemia and postischemic recirculation].
Histoenzymological study of red and white fibers of limb skeletal muscles was performed in dogs with experimental acute occlusion of aorta trifurcation during ischemic and postischemic periods. A dramatic fall in the activity of aerobic enzymes was recorded in all observation periods (3, 6, 9 and 12 h). LDH activity rose considerably during short-term and descended slowly in prolonged ischemia. Red muscle fibers showed more substantial disorders in metabolism than white fibers. Recirculation after 6, 9 and 12 h of ischemia led to an appreciable decrease in the metabolic rate in muscle tissue. Irreversibility of metabolic alterations in acute ischemia lasting over 6 h may attest to the failure of the compensatory-adaptive mechanisms. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6177 | [Parathyroid carcinoma: a rare and aggressive tumor].
Parathyroid carcinoma is a very rare disease that is accompanied by a poor prognosis. Diagnosis is based on laboratory tests (calcium, parathyroid hormone), sonography, and scintigraphy. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Adjuvant therapy is controversial. The lack of treatment guidelines and experience with this disease often delay timely therapy. In the following article, we report on two female patients with parathyroid carcinoma who underwent surgery in our clinic. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6178 | In vitro reactivation of the cytokinetic contractile ring of fission yeast cells.
Cytokinesis is a process by which a mother cell is divided into two daughter cells after chromosome segregation. In both animal and fungal cells, cytokinesis is carried out by the constriction of the contractile ring made up of actin, myosin-II, and other conserved proteins. Detailed genetic and cell biological analysis of cytokinesis has led to the identification of various genes involved in the process of cytokinesis including the cytological description of the process. However, detailed biochemical analysis of the process is lacking. Critical questions that aim to understand aspects, such as the organization of actin and myosin in the contractile ring, the architecture of the ring, and the molecular process of ring contraction, remain unanswered. We have developed a method to address these aspects of cytokinesis. Using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we present a method whereby cell-ghosts containing functional contractile rings can be isolated and used to perform various biochemical analysis as well as detailed electron microscopy studies. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6179 | A systematic review of the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and post-contrast acute kidney injury after ioversol in more than 57,000 patients: part 1-intravenous administration.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) and post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI), after intravenous (IV) administration of ioversol.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature search (1980-2021) of studies documenting IV use of ioversol and presence or absence of ADRs, HSRs, or PC-AKI was performed. Key information including patients' characteristics, indication and dose of ioversol, safety outcome incidence, intensity and seriousness were extracted.
RESULTS
Thirty-one studies (> 57,000 patients) were selected, including 4 pediatric studies. The incidence of ADRs in adults was reported in 12 studies from ioversol clinical development with a median (range) of 1.65% (0-33.3%), and 3 other studies with an incidence between 0.13 and 0.28%. The incidence of HSRs (reported in 2 studies) ranged from 0.20 to 0.66%, and acute events (4 studies) from 0.23 to 1.80%. Severe reactions were rare with a median (range) of 0 (0-4%), and none were reported among pediatric patients. The incidence of ADRs and HSRs with ioversol, especially those of severe intensity, was among the lowest in studies comparing different iodinated contrast media (ICM) of the same class. PC-AKI incidence was variable (1-42% in 5 studies); however, ioversol exposure per se did not increase the incidence.
CONCLUSIONS
When administered by the IV route, ioversol has a good safety profile comparable to that of other ICM within the same class, with a low incidence of severe/serious ADRs overall, and particularly HSRs. PC-AKI incidence does not seem to be increased compared to patients who did not receive ioversol. Further well-designed studies are warranted to confirm these results.
KEY POINTS
• Ioversol has a good safety profile in adult and pediatric patients when IV administered. • ADR and HSR incidence with ioversol, especially those of severe intensity, was among the lowest compared to other ICM. • IV administration of ioversol per se did not increase PC-AKI incidence. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6180 | Dynamic fluorescence properties of bacterial luciferase intermediates.
Three fluorescent species produced by the reaction of bacterial luciferase from Vibrio harveyi with its substrates have the same dynamic fluorescence properties, namely, a dominant fluorescence decay of lifetime of 10 ns and a rotational correlation time of 100 ns at 2 degrees C. These three species are the metastable intermediate formed with the two substrates FMNH2 and O2, both in its low-fluorescence form and in its high-fluorescence form following light irradiation, and the fluorescent transient formed on including the final substrate tetradecanal. For native luciferase, the rotational correlation time is 62 or 74 ns (2 degrees C) derived from the decay of the anisotropy of the intrinsic fluorescence at 340 nm or the fluorescence of bound 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (470 nm), respectively. The steady-state anisotropy of the fluorescent intermediates is 0.34, and the fundamental anisotropy from a Perrin plot is 0.385. The high-fluorescence intermediate has a fluorescence maximum at 500 nm, and its emission spectrum is distinct from the bioluminescence spectrum. The fluorescence quantum yield is 0.3 but decreases on dilution with a quadratic dependence on protein concentration. This, and the large value of the rotational correlation time, would be explained by protein complex formation in the fluorescent intermediate states, but no increase in protein molecular weight is observed by gel filtration or ultracentrifugation. The results instead favor a proposal that, in these intermediate states, the luciferase undergoes a conformational change in which its axial ratio increases by 50%. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6181 | Ankylosing spondylitis complicating Turner syndrome: Two case reports and a literature review.
RATIONALE
Turner syndrome (TS) is an anomaly caused by loss of part of or all the X chromosomes. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an HLA-B27-associated autoimmune disease with a male predominance. It is widely accepted that TS patients are at higher risk of autoimmune diseases, but AS in TS patients has only rarely been reported.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 13-year-old TS patient presented with intermittent pain in both hip joints, and a 27-year-old TS patient presented with thoracic kyphosis and a history of AS.
DIAGNOSES
Both patients were diagnosed with AS according to their symptoms, laboratory results, and imaging.
INTERVENTIONS
The first patient was treated with tocilizumab for 8 months, whereas the second patient was treated with diclofenac initially with subsequent surgery for thoracic kyphosis.
OUTCOMES
Treatment relieved the symptoms of both patients and laboratory parameters improved.
LESSONS
Even though AS has a male predominance, clinicians should be aware that AS and TS may co-exist and that the clinical features are atypical in TS patients with AS. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6182 | Terminal warm blood cardioplegia in mitral valve replacement: prospective study.
Terminal warm blood cardioplegia has had a profound impact on cardiac surgery, especially in coronary artery bypass surgery, but there have been few studies on its use in mitral valve replacement. The purpose of this study was to determine whether terminal warm blood cardioplegia offers any advantages in mitral valve replacement. Forty patients with mitral valve disease were prospectively randomized to one of two groups of 20 with different techniques of myocardial protection: group A had cold blood cardioplegia, and group B had cold blood cardioplegia with terminal warm blood cardioplegia. Intraoperative and postoperative variables were used to assess primary outcomes. Postoperative troponin T release was measured as a secondary outcome. Improved spontaneous recovery of sinus rhythm was observed in group B, but the difference was not significant. The maximum doses of inotropics, duration of inotropic support, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction were similar in both groups. Troponin T release at 0 and 6 h postoperatively was not different between the two groups. This study did not find any benefit of terminal warm blood cardioplegia in either clinical outcome or troponin T release after mitral valve replacement. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6183 | Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in two horses using three parallel 5.5-mm cortical screws.
The distal interphalangeal joint was successfully arthrodesed in two horses using three parallel 5.5-mm cortical screws and an autogenous cancellous bone graft. The screws were directed from the palmar proximal border of the second phalanx dorso-distally across the joint space and into the third phalanx. The technique was first developed on a normal horse. The second horse, a clinical case, ruptured its deep digital flexor tendon with complete luxation of the distal interphalangeal joint. Bony fusion of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred in both horses, but both also had residual lameness at a walk. Twenty-one months after the arthrodesis procedure, the clinical patient died from complications related to a subsolar abscess in the operated limb. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6184 | Iron complexes derived from {nacnac-(CH2py)2}- and {nacnac-(CH2py)(CHpy)}n ligands: stabilization of iron(II) via redox noninnocence.
Nacnac-based tetradentate chelates, {nacnac-(CH2py)2}(-) ({nn(PM)2}(-)) and {nacnac-(CH2py)(CHpy)}(n) ({nn(PM)(PI)}(n)) have been investigated in iron complexes. Treatment of Fe{N(TMS)2}2(THF) with {nn(PM)2}H afforded {nn(PM)2}FeN(TMS)2 [1-N(TMS)2], which led to {nn(PM)2}FeCl (1-Cl) from HCl and to {nn(PM)2}FeN3 (1-N3) upon salt metathesis. Dehydroamination of 1-N(TMS)2 was induced by L (L = PMe3, CO) to afford {nn(PM)(PI)}Fe(PMe3)2 [2-(PMe3)2] and {nn(PM)(PI)}FeCO (3-CO). Substitution of 2-(PMe3)2 led to {nn(PM)(PI)}Fe(PMe3)CO [2-(PMe3)CO], and exposure to a vacuum provided {nn(PM)(PI)}Fe(PMe3) (3-PMe3). Metathesis routes to {nn(PM)(PI)}FeL2 (2-L2; L = PMe3, PMe2Ph) and {nn(PM)(PI)}FeL (3-L; L = PMePh2, PPh3) from [{nn(PM)(PI)}(2-)]Li2 and FeBr2(THF)2 in the presence of L proved feasible, and 1e(-) and 2e(-) oxidation of 2-(PMe3)2 afforded 2(+)-(PMe3)2 and 2(2+)-(PMe3)2 salts. Mössbauer spectroscopy, structural studies, and calculational assessments revealed the dominance of iron(II) in both high-spin (1-X) and low-spin (2-L2 and 3-L) environments, and the redox noninnocence (RNI) of {nn(PM)(PI)}(n) [2-L2, 3-L, n = 2-; 2(+)-(PMe3)2, n = 1-; 2(2+)-(PMe3)2, n = 0]. A discussion regarding the utility of RNI in chemical reactivity is proffered. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6185 | Improved image registration by sparse patch-based deformation estimation.
Despite intensive efforts for decades, deformable image registration is still a challenging problem due to the potential large anatomical differences across individual images, which limits the registration performance. Fortunately, this issue could be alleviated if a good initial deformation can be provided for the two images under registration, which are often termed as the moving subject and the fixed template, respectively. In this work, we present a novel patch-based initial deformation prediction framework for improving the performance of existing registration algorithms. Our main idea is to estimate the initial deformation between subject and template in a patch-wise fashion by using the sparse representation technique. We argue that two image patches should follow the same deformation toward the template image if their patch-wise appearance patterns are similar. To this end, our framework consists of two stages, i.e., the training stage and the application stage. In the training stage, we register all training images to the pre-selected template, such that the deformation of each training image with respect to the template is known. In the application stage, we apply the following four steps to efficiently calculate the initial deformation field for the new test subject: (1) We pick a small number of key points in the distinctive regions of the test subject; (2) for each key point, we extract a local patch and form a coupled appearance-deformation dictionary from training images where each dictionary atom consists of the image intensity patch as well as their respective local deformations; (3) a small set of training image patches in the coupled dictionary are selected to represent the image patch of each subject key point by sparse representation. Then, we can predict the initial deformation for each subject key point by propagating the pre-estimated deformations on the selected training patches with the same sparse representation coefficients; and (4) we employ thin-plate splines (TPS) to interpolate a dense initial deformation field by considering all key points as the control points. Thus, the conventional image registration problem becomes much easier in the sense that we only need to compute the remaining small deformation for completing the registration of the subject to the template. Experimental results on both simulated and real data show that the registration performance can be significantly improved after integrating our patch-based deformation prediction framework into the existing registration algorithms. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6186 | Major histocompatibility class I folding, assembly, and degradation: a paradigm for two-stage quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Protein folding in living cells is a complex process involving many interdependent factors. The primary site for folding of nascent proteins destined for secretion is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Several disease states, including cystic fibrosis, are brought about because of irregularities in protein folding. Under normal cellular conditions, "quality control" mechanisms ensure that only correctly folded proteins are exported from the ER, with incorrectly folded or incompletely assembled proteins being degraded. Quality control mechanisms can be divided into two broad processes: (1) Primary quality control involves general mechanisms that are not specific for individual proteins; these monitor the fidelity of nascent protein folding in the ER and mediate the destruction of incompletely folded proteins. (2) Partially folded or assembled proteins may be subject to secondary quality control mechanisms that are protein- or protein-family-specific. Here we use the folding and assembly of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I as an example to illustrate the processes of quality control in the ER. MHC class I, a trimeric complex assembled in the ER of virally infected or malignant cells, presents antigenic peptide to cytotoxic T lymphocytes; this mediates cell killing and thereby prevents the spread of infection or malignancy. The folding and assembly of MHC class I is subjected to both primary and secondary quality control mechanisms that lead either to correct folding, assembly, and secretion or to degradation via a proteasome-associated mechanism. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6187 | [Saccharomyces cerevisiae: an efficient tool and model system for anticancer research].
The major mechanisms of cell function, such as metabolic pathways, DNA repair and cell cycle control have been conserved throughout DNA evolution from yeast to human, despite the former lacks cancer-related features. The S. cerevisiae genome has been entirely sequenced and not only reveals sequence similarity to the human, but a number of proteins also have a conserved function. Owing to its genetic features, yeast has been used as a remarkable model and tool to study important enzymes that are also targets for anticancer drugs, particularly in the field of the pyrimidine salvage pathway. In this review, we describe the recent developments in using yeast for anticancer research, focusing on metabolic pathway analysis, systematic drugs screening with yeast mutants or prospects in gene therapy with yeast enzymes. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6188 | The Use of a Preoperative Mitral Valve Model to Guide Mitral Valve Repair.
BACKGROUND
Mitral valve repair is commonly used to address degenerative or functional changes to the mitral valve apparatus and surrounding ventricular anatomy. Preoperative transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is routinely used to evaluate and identify the precise anatomic location of mitral valve pathology in order to guide repair. However, surgeons currently lack specific guidance regarding the approximate dimensions of the mitral valve they should aim for in order to achieve optimal valve function and avoid adverse outcomes. Therefore, through an observational study, we aimed to develop and test the accuracy of a preliminary mathematical model which represents the geometric relationship between various clinically relevant components of the mitral valve and its surrounding structures.
METHODS
Using established trigonometric principles, the geometric relationship shared between several mitral valve components was represented in a two-dimensional (2D) model and described in a mathematical equation. The output variable of the model is the anteroposterior diameter of the mitral valve. To assess the accuracy of the mathematical model, we compared the model-predicted anteroposterior (AP) diameter against AP diameter measured by postoperative TOE in 42 cases.
RESULTS
The root mean squared error (RMSE) of model predicted AP diameter compared to measured AP diameter was 0.43 cm. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the model was 17.7%. In 34 out of 42 cases, model-predicted AP diameters were within 25% of AP diameters measured by postoperative TOE.
CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary testing of a simple mathematical model has shown its relative accuracy in representing the geometric relationship between several mitral valve variables. Further research and refinement of the model is required in order to improve its accuracy. We are encouraged that, with further improvement, the model has the potential for clinical application. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6189 | SU-E-J-158: A Prototype of a Real-Time Respiratory Motion Monitoring System Using Microsoft Kinect Sensor.
PURPOSE
To investigate the feasibility of a low-cost respiratory motion monitoring system based on the Microsoft Xbox Kinect sensor.
METHODS
We improved Kinect's inherent depth resolution from 1 cm to 1 mm via a motion magnification system. Using the Kinect software development kit, we programmed the Kinect to capture depth images and determine the average depth over a thoracic region of interest, viewed almost parallel to the subject's surface. Kinect respiratory traces (average depth vs time at a rate of 30 Hz) were acquired from four volunteers and compared with those simultaneously acquired using a commercially available strain gauge respiratory gating system.
RESULTS
The correlation coefficient (CC) between Kinect and strain gauge traces varied from 0.958 to 0.978, with a mean CC of 0.969. This strong correlation was also demonstrated by the joint probability distribution and visual inspection.
CONCLUSIONS
This work demonstrates the feasibility of using the Kinect for respiratory motion tracking. Traces are similar to those of a clinically used strain gauge system. The Kinect-based system provides a new and economical way to monitor respiratory motion. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6190 | Dopamine agonists.
Dopamine agonists have been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) since the mid 1970s. With the approval of two new agents in 1997, the number available in the United States is up to four; bromocriptine, pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole. These agents differ in dopamine receptor affinities and chemical structure, which, in turn, may possibly result in differences in efficacy tolerability and safety. Dopamine have historically been used in combination with levodopa in patients with advanced PD, but indicators are now expanding. With is expansion comes increasing controversy. This article reviews dopamine receptor pharmacology and the results of the clinical trials that have used for agonists available in the United States as well as a discussion of three minor agonists. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6191 | The effect of algorithms on the cost and quality of patient care.
In a Veterans Administration ambulatory care facility staffed by experienced nurse practitioners, we observed the length of visits, time utilization for various activities, and the use of diagnostic tests before and after introducing algorithms for 12 common chief complaints. Charges for diagnostic tests decreased as much as 40 per cent, primarily because of reduced utilization of radiographs such as spine films. Nurse practitioner productivity was unaffected once the nurse practitioners became familiar with the algorithms. Outcome of illness did not change measurably, but the process of care improved as reflected by more complete data collection documented in the medical record. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6192 | Plastocyanin conformation: the effect of the oxidation state on the pKa of nitrotyrosine-83.
Plastocyanin treated with tetranitromethane was nitrated at a single location, Tyr-83. Tyr-83 and its neighboring negative charges have been implicated as a binding site for positively charged redox agents (Chapman, S.K., Watson, A.D. and Sykes, A.G. (1983) J. Chem. Soc. Dalton Trans. 1983, 2543-2548). No effect was observed on either the plastocyanin midpoint redox potential or its reaction kinetics with P-700+ and cytochrome f. This makes nitration an ideal spectroscopic probe for monitoring changes in the environment of Tyr-83. The pKa of the nitrotyrosine was 8.6 and 8.3 for reduced and oxidized plastocyanin, respectively, indicating that the charge on the copper atom is 'felt' at Tyr-83. The high pKa value for both forms indicates that Tyr-83 is in a negatively charged environment, near residues Nos. 42-45 and Nos. 59-61. The extinction of the nitrotyrosine chromophore at 360 nm was not affected by a change in redox state. However, the ellipticity of this transition was greater for the oxidized form, indicating that environment of Tyr-83 is dependent upon the charge on the copper atom. This suggests an electrostatically driven conformational change at Tyr-83. A conformational change at Tyr-83 could regulate the binding of plastocyanin with its reaction partners in order to promote smooth electron transport. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6193 | How CD95 stimulates invasion.
CD95 is best known for its capacity to induce apoptosis, but also activates multiple non-apoptotic signalling pathways. In particular, CD95 promotes migration and tissue invasion of apoptosis-resistant cell types, and this plays a central role in inflammation, neurobiology, and tumor biology. CD95 induces invasion by stimulating the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteases, and by stimulating the formation of actin-driven cell protrusions through Rac and the cofilin pathway. In this review we discuss how CD95-initiated signalling pathways may cooperate to facilitate cell migration and tissue invasion. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6194 | Lymphocyte count in peripheral blood is not associated with the level of clinical response to treatment with fingolimod.
BACKGROUND
Fingolimod is an efficient and safe drug for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In vivo, fingolimod is phosphorylated and binds to "sphingosine-1-phosphate"(S1P) receptors that are expressed in a wide range of cells, including lymphocytes. Under the effect of fingolimod, lymphocytes are retained in lymphoid tissues through the regulation of S1P1 receptors. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the degree of lymphopenia was correlated to the positive treatment response of RRMS patients with fingolimod.
METHODS
Data was sourced from the MSBase Registry. Patients were divided into two groups, according to the lymphocyte count on peripheral blood examination. Annualized Relapse Rate (ARR), time to first relapse and time to six-month confirmed disability progression were compared between groups.
RESULTS
Group one consisted of 202 patients who reached 750 lymphocytes/mm3 during treatment while the comparison group two included 101 patients who never reached less than 1000 lymphocytes/mm3 in peripheral blood during the observation period. There were no differences between groups in ARR, time to first relapse or time to six-month confirmed disability progression.
CONCLUSION
The degree of lymphopenia in peripheral blood was not associated to the positive treatment response of fingolimod in RRMS patients. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6195 | Oral findings and dental behaviour before and after liver transplantation - a single-centre cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this single-centre, cross-sectional study was to evaluate dental, periodontal and mycological findings, as well as oral behaviour, in patients before (pre-LTx) and after (post-LTx) liver transplantation.
METHODS
A total of 47 patients pre-LTx and 119 patients post-LTx were asked to participate. Oral health behaviour was assessed using a standardised questionnaire. Oral examinations included dental [decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index] and periodontal [papillary bleeding index (PBI), periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL)] findings. For Candida screening, swabs from the oral mucosa were cultured. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney U-test, depending on whether or not the data followed a normal distribution; Fisher's exact test was also performed. The significance level was α = 5%.
RESULTS
A total of 110 patients were included (pre-LTx, n = 35; post-LTx, n = 75). Different patients were investigated in the post-LTx and pre-LTx groups. Lack of use of supplemental oral-hygiene aids was noted. Between-group comparisons failed to find significant overall differences in DMFT and periodontal status. The post-LTx group showed fewer decayed teeth (P = 0.03). A total of 86% of patients pre-LTx and 84% of patients post-LTx were found to need dental treatment, and 60% of patients pre-LTx and 55% of patients post-LTx showed a need for periodontal treatment. The prevalence of Candida albicans was high; however, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in regard to fungal infection.
CONCLUSION
Improved dental care pre- and post-transplant, including screening for fungal infections, is recommended to avoid systemic infections in LTx patients. Increased attention to oral health care, and interdisciplinary collaboration to provide guidance, is needed to improve the oral health of patients before and after LTx. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6196 | Distance- and error-related discharge of cells in premotor cortex of rhesus monkeys.
Previous work on the premotor cortex has emphasized its role in preparation for movement. In this study, we concentrated on the activity that occurs during a movement, particularly when the required movement amplitude is unexpectedly changed by introduction of a visuo-spatial error. In two rhesus monkeys, discharge of premotor neurons was recorded during a multi-joint reaching movement. Units could be divided into two categories: (1) those whose discharge monotonically increased or decreased with movement amplitude; and (2) those whose discharge was modulated with the unexpected change in amplitude but not monotonically. We suggest that the latter class of cells may be detecting or responding to a visuo-motor error. Thus, the premotor cortex is not only involved in preparation but plays a role in the ongoing control of movement execution. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6197 | Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor encephalitis mimics viral encephalitis.
We describe the clinical courses of 3 children with a psychochoreiform encephalitis associated with anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor autoantibodies. These cases, including the most severely medically complicated survivor to date, illustrate the challenges of diagnosis, supportive care, and immune-modulating therapy. Clinical and laboratory features are similar to those of viral encephalitis, and the condition is often reversible with appropriate diagnosis and treatment. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6198 | Effects of prilocaine local anaesthetic solutions on pulpal blood flow in maxillary canines.
The effects of prilocaine local anaesthetic solutions on pulpal blood flow (PBF) in maxillary canines were investigated in nine adult subjects. Buccal infiltration of 2 ml of the following solutions were carried out: 3% prilocaine; 3% prilocaine with 0.03 IU/ml felypressin; and 3% prilocaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline. Blood flow in the anaesthetized tooth was monitored by a laser Doppler flowmeter and data stored in a computer. An electric pulp tester was used to assess pulpal anaesthesia. The duration of anaesthesia was recorded. After administration of plain prilocaine, PBF changed little throughout the experiment in all nine subjects. When prilocaine with felypressin was injected. PBF fluctuated greatly, but there was no sustained increase or decrease. In comparison, prilocaine with adrenaline caused a significant decline in PBF in every subject (p < 0.05), but then gradually started to return to the pre-injection level: there was no such change in PBF of the contralateral tooth. Injection of 3% plain prilocaine achieved a short duration of pulpal anaesthesia (median 7 min) in only three subjects. When prilocaine with felypressin was injected, eight out of nine subjects experienced pulpal anaesthesia (median duration 10.5 min). Injection of prilocaine with adrenaline caused pulpal anaesthesia in six of nine subjects (median duration 10.5 min). The use of vasoconstrictors with prilocaine anaesthetics had less pronounced effects on blood flow and shorter periods of anaesthesia than those reported previously for lignocaine with adrenaline. | No pos | No neg |
Retriever6199 | MAST suit update.
In recent years, the use of the MAST suit has become commonplace. While no controlled human studies have shown the device's efficacy, extensive clinical experience suggests that it is practical and useful in combating shock, stabilizing fractures, and promoting hemostasis. Studies indicate that the antishock trousers elevate blood pressure primarily by increasing peripheral vascular resistance. Proper application and removal of the device are crucial. A number of potential complications exist, but are infrequent and rarely should preclude MAST suit use. Further studies are necessary to prove the efficacy of the device and clearly define its role in patient management. | No pos | No neg |
Subsets and Splits