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Retriever1100
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Potentiation of the hypoxic ventilatory response by 1 day of hyperoxia in neonatal rats.
The O(2) sensitivity of the neonatal rat carotid body is increased after 1 day in moderate hyperoxia (60% O(2)) (Donnelly et al., 2009). We investigated whether this enhanced peripheral chemosensitivity increases the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) and tested the hypothesis that this plasticity is mediated by the superoxide anion. Neonatal rats (7 d old) were injected with saline or MnTMPyP, a superoxide scavenger, and placed into 60% O(2) for 23-28h. Baseline ventilation was reduced and the acute HVR (12% O(2)) was enhanced in hyperoxia-treated rats relative to age-matched controls; MnTMPyP did not block these effects. An additional group of rats was studied after only 30min in 60% O(2). This shorter exposure had no effect on normoxic ventilation or the HVR. We conclude that 1 d, but not 30min, of 60% O(2) augments the HVR of neonatal rats and that production of the superoxide anion does not contribute to this plasticity.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1101
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Profiling Pre-MicroRNA and Mature MicroRNA Expressions Using a Single Microarray and Avoiding Separate Sample Preparation.
Mature microRNA is a crucial component in the gene expression regulation network. At the same time, microRNA gene expression and procession is regulated in a precise and collaborated way. Pre-microRNAs mediate products during the microRNA transcription process, they can provide hints of microRNA gene expression regulation or can serve as alternative biomarkers. To date, little effort has been devoted to pre-microRNA expression profiling. In this study, three human and three mouse microRNA profile data sets, based on the Affymetrix miRNA 2.0 array, have been re-analyzed for both mature and pre-microRNA signals as a primary test of parallel mature/pre-microRNA expression profiling on a single platform. The results not only demonstrated a glimpse of pre-microRNA expression in human and mouse, but also the relationship of microRNA expressions between pre- and mature forms. The study also showed a possible application of currently available microRNA microarrays in profiling pre-microRNA expression in a time and cost effective manner.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1102
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Synergistic engineering of CRISPR-Cas nucleases enables robust mammalian genome editing.
The naturally occurring prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas systems provide valuable resources for the development of new genome-editing tools. However, the majority of prokaryotic Cas nucleases exhibit poor editing efficiency in mammalian cells, which significantly limits their utility. Here, we have developed a method termed Improving Editing Activity by Synergistic Engineering (MIDAS). This method exerts a synergistic effect to improve mammalian genome-editing efficiency of a wide range of CRISPR-Cas systems by enhancing the interactions between Cas nuclease with the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) substrate in the catalytic pocket simultaneously. MIDAS robustly and significantly increased the gene-editing efficiency of Cas12i, Cas12b, and CasX in human cells. Notably, a Cas12i variant, Cas12i , exhibited robust activity with a very broad PAM range (NTNN, NNTN, NAAN, and NCAN) and higher efficiency than the current widely used Cas nucleases. A high-fidelity version of Cas12i (Cas12i ) has been further engineered to minimize off-target effects. Our work provides an expandable and efficacious method for engineering Cas nucleases for robust mammalian genome editing.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1103
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Molecular cloning, functional expression and characterization of (E)-beta farnesene synthase from Citrus junos.
We cloned the gene of the acyclic sesquiterpene synthase, (E)-beta-farnesene synthase (CJFS) from Yuzu (Citrus junos, Rutaceae). The function of CJFS was elucidated by the preparation of recombinant protein and subsequent enzyme assay. CJFS consisted of 1867 nucleotides including 1680 bp of coding sequence encoding a protein of 560 amino acids with a molecular weight of 62 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence possessed characteristic amino acid residues, such as the DDxxD motif, which are highly conserved among terpene synthases. This is the first report of the cloning of a terpene synthase from a Rutaceous plant. A possible reaction mechanism for terpene biosynthesis is also discussed on the basis of sequence comparison of CJFS with known sesquiterpene synthase genes.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1104
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Safety and efficacy of weekly oral oltipraz in chronic smokers.
Cigarette smoking is thought to contribute to carcinogenesis by formation of DNA adducts of tobacco smoke constituents leading to genotoxic damage. The dithiolethione, oltipraz, is a putative cancer chemopreventive agent that induces phase II detoxifying enzymes in preclinical models and reduces aflatoxin adducts in humans living in areas with high dietary levels. To determine if oltipraz could reduce adduct levels of tobacco smoke constituents in the lungs and other target organs, chronic smokers were enrolled to one of three arms: 400 or 200 mg/wk oral oltipraz or placebo. Endobronchial tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage were done before and after 12 weeks of drug treatment; peripheral blood, urine, and oral saline rinse were also collected. Toxicity was assessed every 4 weeks. Fifty-nine of the 77 enrolled subjects completed the study. Of those receiving oltipraz, 15% experienced grade 2/3 toxicity, which was predominantly gastrointestinal. All subject withdrawals occurred in the oltipraz groups. There was no significant difference between pre- and post-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adduct levels in lung epithelial cells measured by immunoperoxidase staining between treatment and placebo groups. Likewise, no significant differences were found in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon or benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide adducts measured in blood, oral lining cells, or bladder lining cells. There was also no increase in mRNA or enzymatic activity of phase II enzymes and no change in glutathione levels. Thus, despite moderate drug-related toxicity, there was no significant effect on pharmacodynamic or surrogate risk biomarkers. Other agents with lower toxicity and greater activity to induce phase II enzymes are needed to definitively test the detoxification-induction paradigm in smokers.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1105
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Vaccination with Eimeria tenella elongation factor-1α recombinant protein induces protective immunity against E. tenella and E. maxima infections.
Avian coccidiosis is caused by multiple species of the apicomplexan protozoan, Eimeria, and is one of the most economically devastating enteric diseases for the poultry industry worldwide. Host immunity to Eimeria infection, however, is relatively species-specific. The ability to immunize chickens against different species of Eimeria using a single vaccine will have a major beneficial impact on commercial poultry production. In this paper, we describe the molecular cloning, purification, and vaccination efficacy of a novel Eimeria vaccine candidate, elongation factor-1α (EF-1α). One day-old broiler chickens were given two subcutaneous immunizations one week apart with E. coli-expressed E. tenella recombinant (r)EF-1α protein and evaluated for protection against challenge infection with E. tenella or E. maxima. rEF-1α-vaccinated chickens exhibited increased body weight gains, decreased fecal oocyst output, and greater serum anti-EF-1α antibody levels following challenge infection with either E. tenella or E. maxima compared with unimmunized controls. Vaccination with EF-1α may represent a new approach to inducing cross-protective immunity against avian coccidiosis in the field.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1106
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[Quality of manuscript evaluation in Gaceta Sanitaria].
OBJECTIVE
To describe strengths and weaknesses of peer reviews of manuscripts received in Gaceta Sanitaria in order to guide reviewers selection, to improve quality of peer reviews and to establish an internal system to be incorporated to the editorial process of handling manuscripts.
METHODS
100 peer reviews of 55 manuscripts received during 2000 and 2001 were included. A questionnaire containing closed questions assessing specific and general components of reviews' quality was applied (answers Yes/No or on a 5-points scale). Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed for the different items in the questionnaire. An Index of Quality was obtained by adding the ratings on the items in the questionnaire measuring specific quality components.
RESULTS
Peer reviews were rated high regarding completeness of the forms for reviewers (84%), constructiveness of the comments (reviews over 3: 63%), identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the method (reviews over 3: 59%) and substantiation of the reviewer comments (reviews over 3: 58%). Assessment of the manuscript's relevance (reviews over 3: 40%) or originality (reviews over 3: 35%) were less frequent.
CONCLUSIONS
Quality of peer reviews in Gaceta Sanitaria is good. Some weaknesses in the reviews have been pointed out. It is possible to establish a systematic process for assessing peer reviewers using simple indicators such as general utility of the review for the editorial decision and general quality of the review.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1107
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Perinatal post-mortem ultrasound (PMUS): radiological-pathological correlation.
There has been an increasing demand and interest in post-mortem imaging techniques, either as an adjunct or replacement for the conventional invasive autopsy. Post-mortem ultrasound (PMUS) is easily accessible and more affordable than other cross-sectional imaging modalities and allows visualisation of normal anatomical structures of the brain, thorax and abdomen in perinatal cases. The lack of aeration of post-mortem foetal lungs provides a good sonographic window for assessment of the heart and normal pulmonary lobulation, in contrast to live neonates.In a previous article within this journal, we published a practical approach to conducting a comprehensive PMUS examination. This covered the basic principles behind why post-mortem imaging is performed, helpful techniques for obtaining optimal PMUS images, and the expected normal post-mortem changes seen in perinatal deaths. In this article, we build upon this by focusing on commonly encountered pathologies on PMUS and compare these to autopsy and other post-mortem imaging modalities.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1108
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The alignment and crystallization of family size preferences.
"A Monte Carlo simulation model of reproductive histories is used to derive inferences about preferred family sizes from those achieved at various durations of marriage. The method consists [of] inverting the relationships between these two distributions, which form respectively an input to and an output of the model. It emerges that in cohorts married in England and Wales at ages 20-24 in 1951, 1955 and 1961, there is an increasing preference for family sizes of two children." The results indicate that "estimated family size preferences appear to be remarkably stable within marriage cohorts, at least after 10 years duration of marriage. The methodological problems arising in the estimation of these preferences at short durations of marriage, with differential birth spacing, are discussed." (summary in FRE)
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1109
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Intravenous clomipramine for obsessive-compulsive disorder refractory to oral clomipramine: a placebo-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Uncontrolled reports suggest that intravenous clomipramine hydrochloride may be effective for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who are nonresponsive to oral clomipramine.
METHODS
Fifty-four patients with oral clomipramine-refractory OCD were randomized to receive 14 infusions of either placebo or clomipramine hydrochloride, starting at 25 mg/d and increasing to 250 mg/d. Ratings were conducted double-blind after infusion 14 among 54 patients, single-blind 1 week later among 39 patients, and nonblind 1 month later among 31 patients. Response was based on a Clinical Global Impressions rating of at least "much improved."
RESULTS
Six (21%) of 29 patients randomized to receive intravenous (i.v.) clomipramine vs 0 of 25 patients given i.v. placebo were responders after 14 infusions (df = 1, P<.02). Dimensional ratings after infusion 14 revealed significant (P = .007) improvement on the National Institute of Mental Health-Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (P = .03), but not the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. One week later, all dimensional measures of OCD showed significant improvement. At 1 week post-i.v., 9 (43%) of 21 patients initially randomized to i.v. clomipramine and treated subsequently with oral clomipramine were responders, whereas 0 of 18 patients initially randomized to receive i.v. placebo and treated subsequently with several days of open-label i.v. clomipramine responded (df = 1, P<.002). Of the 31 patients assessed 1 month after i.v. infusion (treatment not controlled), 18 (58.1%) were responders. Intravenous clomipramine treatment was safe with no serious adverse consequences.
CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous clomipramine is more effective than i.v. placebo for patients with OCD with a history of inadequate response or intolerance to oral clomipramine. Further study of this promising treatment for refractory OCD is needed.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1110
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HIV-1 Tat and cocaine coexposure impacts piRNAs to affect astrocyte energy metabolism.
Aim: To understand the effect of HIV infection and cocaine exposure on piRNA expression in human primary astrocytes. Materials & methods: We used small RNA sequencing analysis to investigate the impacts of HIV-1 Tat and cocaine coexposure on the expression of piRNAs in human primary astrocytes. Results: We identified 27,700 piRNAs and analyzed them by small RNA next-generation sequencing. A total of 239 piRNAs were significantly altered by HIV-1 Tat and cocaine coexposure. We also identified PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3 and PIWIL4 as interacting partners of piRNAs that were affected by cocaine and HIV-1 Tat coexposure. Epigenetic changes in the expression levels of these piRNA targets were associated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways of energy metabolism and neurodegeneration. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that cocaine exposure and HIV infection affect the expression levels of piRNA, PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3 and PIWIL4.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1111
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Expanding the glycoengineering toolbox: the rise of bacterial N-linked protein glycosylation.
Glycosylation is the most prevalent post-translational modification found on proteins, occurring in all domains of life. Ever since the discovery of asparagine-linked (N-linked) protein glycosylation pathways in bacteria, major efforts have been made to harness these systems for the creation of novel therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics. Recent advances such as the ability to produce designer glycans in bacteria, some containing unnatural sugars, and techniques for evolving glycosylation enzymes have spawned an entirely new discipline known as bacterial glycoengineering. In addition to their biotechnological and therapeutic potential, bacteria equipped with recombinant N-linked glycosylation pathways are improving our understanding of the N-glycosylation process. This review discusses the key role played by microorganisms in glycosciences, particularly in the context of N-linked glycosylation.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1112
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Promotion or suppression of glucose isomerization in subcritical aqueous straight- and branched-chain alcohols.
The influence of water-miscible alcohols (methanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, and t-butyl alcohol) on the isomerization of glucose to fructose and mannose was investigated under subcritical aqueous conditions (180-200 °C). Primary and secondary alcohols promoted the conversion and isomerization of glucose to afford fructose and mannose with high and low selectivity, respectively. On the other hand, the decomposition (side-reaction) of glucose was suppressed in the presence of the primary and secondary alcohols compared with that in subcritical water. The yield of fructose increased with increasing concentration of the primary and secondary alcohols, and the species of the primary and secondary alcohols tested had little effect on the isomerization behavior of glucose. In contrast, the isomerization of glucose was suppressed in subcritical aqueous t-butyl alcohol. Both the conversion of glucose and the yield of fructose decreased with increasing concentration of t-butyl alcohol. In addition, mannose was not detected in reactions using subcritical aqueous t-butyl alcohol.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1113
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Lack of growth inhibition or enhancement of gap junctional intercellular communication and connexin43 expression by beta-carotene in murine lung epithelial cells in vitro.
The carotenoid, beta-carotene, has been examined in human trials as a possible lung cancer chemopreventive agent, but initial results indicate that the compound is ineffective. Here we have considered whether beta-carotene could enhance gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and affect the growth of lung epithelial cells, since these effects may be involved in the carotenoid's chemopreventive actions. In accordance with its lack of lung cancer chemopreventive activity, beta-carotene (1-10 microM; 1-5 days treatment durations) did not affect GJIC, gap junction protein (connexin43; Cx43) expression, or growth in vitro of non-transformed (C10) or neoplastic (E9 and 82-132) murine lung epithelial cells. beta-Carotene enhanced GJIC and Cx43 expression and reduced the growth of C3H10T1/2 murine fibroblasts, however. These data indicate that the effects of beta-carotene on GJIC and growth are cell-specific which may partly explain why the carotenoid is an ineffective lung cancer chemopreventive agent.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1114
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Patterns of CRISPR/Cas9 activity in plants, animals and microbes.
The CRISPR/Cas9 system and related RNA-guided endonucleases can introduce double-strand breaks (DSBs) at specific sites in the genome, allowing the generation of targeted mutations in one or more genes as well as more complex genomic rearrangements. Modifications of the canonical CRISPR/Cas9 system from Streptococcus pyogenes and the introduction of related systems from other bacteria have increased the diversity of genomic sites that can be targeted, providing greater control over the resolution of DSBs, the targeting efficiency (frequency of on-target mutations), the targeting accuracy (likelihood of off-target mutations) and the type of mutations that are induced. Although much is now known about the principles of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, the likelihood of different outcomes is species-dependent and there have been few comparative studies looking at the basis of such diversity. Here we critically analyse the activity of CRISPR/Cas9 and related systems in different plant species and compare the outcomes in animals and microbes to draw broad conclusions about the design principles required for effective genome editing in different organisms. These principles will be important for the commercial development of crops, farm animals, animal disease models and novel microbial strains using CRISPR/Cas9 and other genome-editing tools.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1115
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In-Depth Study of Heavy Metal Removal by an Etidronic Acid-Functionalized Layered Double Hydroxide.
Sorption methodologies play a pivotal role in heavy metal removal to meet the global requirements for uninterrupted access to drinkable water. Standard sorption technologies lack efficiency due to weak adsorbent-metal interaction. To this end, a layered cationic framework material loaded with phosphonate was first fabricated by a facile intercalation method to capture hazardous metals from an aqueous solution. To inquire the removal mechanisms, batch experiments, detection technologies, and simulation calculations were employed to study the interactions at the interface of clay/water. Specifically, the functionalized layered double hydroxide possessed excellent chelation adsorption properties with Zn2+ (281.36 mg/g) and Fe3+ (206.03 mg/g), in which model fitting results revealed that the adsorption process was chemisorption and monolayer interaction. Further, the interfacial interaction between the phosphonate and clay surface was evaluated by molecular dynamics simulation, and a new concept named the interaction region indicator was used to characterize weak interaction and coordinate bonds. The deep insight into the chelation mechanism was visually presented via the orbital interaction diagram. In addition, the regeneration of the spent adsorbent, adsorption column test, and acute toxicity analysis demonstrated that the synthesized material has immense potential in terms of practical usage for the treatment of toxic pollutants. These results provide a novel path for researchers to properly understand the adsorption behavior.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1116
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Contracture of the third toe as a delayed presentation of a foreign body in the foot.
Foreign body retention in the foot after a penetrating injury is an unusual occurrence with varied presentation. A degree of suspicion needs to be present in situations where there is an inexplicable swelling, sinus, abscess, or tenderness. The authors present a case with a contracture of the third toe that had been caused by plantar fascial fibrosis secondary to retention of a rubber foreign body in the foot. This case report highlights the fact that an ultrasound to rule out retention of the foreign body might be a judicious investigation if common causes of toe contracture are excluded. It may also have therapeutic implications.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1117
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Long-term expression of human contextual fear and extinction memories involves amygdala, hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex: a reinstatement study in two independent samples.
Human context conditioning studies have focused on acquisition and extinction. Subsequent long-term changes in fear behaviors not only depend on associative learning processes during those phases but also on memory consolidation processes and the later ability to retrieve and express fear and extinction memories. Clinical theories explain relapse after successful exposure-based treatment with return of fear memories and remission with stable extinction memory expression. We probed contextual fear and extinction memories 1 week (Day8) after conditioning (Day1) and subsequent extinction (Day2) by presenting conditioned contexts before (Test1) and after (Test2) a reinstatement manipulation. We find consistent activation patterns in two independent samples: activation of a subgenual part of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex before reinstatement (Test1) and (albeit with different temporal profiles between samples) of the amygdala after reinstatement (Test2) as well as up-regulation of anterior hippocampus activity after reinstatement (Test2 > Test1). These areas have earlier been implicated in the expression of cued extinction and fear memories. The present results suggest a general role for these structures in defining the balance between fear and extinction memories, independent of the conditioning mode. The results are discussed in the light of hypotheses implicating the anterior hippocampus in the processing of situational ambiguity.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1118
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Stereological sex difference during development of the magnocelluar subdivision of the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN mag).
In Syrian hamsters, reproductive behaviors are initiated in the presence of appropriate hormonal and chemosensory cues. These cues are detected and integrated within a highly conserved pathway that converges on a small nuclear group in the lateral aspect of the medial preoptic area, the magnocellular subdivision of the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN mag). The MPN mag plays a critical role in the regulation of male mating behavior--bilateral ablation of the MPN mag eliminates copulation. The MPN mag is sexually differentiated in both neuron number and density, but not in overall volume or volume of individual neurons. The current study used unbiased stereological methods to determine when the MPN mag becomes sexually differentiated. Our data indicate that the MPN mag becomes sexually dimorphic in volume and cell number after the critical period when steroid treatment induces male sexual behavior.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1119
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Simultaneous hard and soft tissue augmentation for implants in the esthetic zone: report of 37 consecutive cases.
BACKGROUND
A recent report documented a tissue engineering approach to simultaneously augment hard and soft tissues for implant site preparation. The technique used freeze-dried mineralized bone allograft (FDBA), recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor mixture with a titanium-reinforced membrane, and a pediculated connective tissue graft (PCTG) to simultaneously augment the hard and soft tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of this technique in delayed and immediate implant cases in which specific augmentation materials differed.
METHODS
This retrospective analysis reports on the clinical treatment of subjects requiring maxillary anterior extractions with concomitant loss of the buccal plate. In preparation for an implant-supported restoration, 37 defects were treated with FDBA, differing guided bone regeneration barrier membranes, and PCTG. Twelve subjects underwent immediate implant placement.
RESULTS
All 37 grafted sites healed uneventfully with no complications. Thirty-six implants osseointegrated and were stable and successful at the 6- and 12-month post-restoration evaluations. One immediate implant failed to integrate. The overall success rate was 97.3%.
CONCLUSIONS
This analysis suggested that the interpositional vascularized augmentation neogenesis (IVAN) technique can be used effectively to simultaneously augment hard and soft tissue. This technique is effective when used in conjunction with the immediate or delayed placement of dental implants in the maxillary anterior segment. Furthermore, when using this technique, the specific membrane and FDBA source can be chosen by the practitioner to treat individual defects.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1120
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[Clinical analysis of 59 cases of pediatric nasal dermal sinus cysts with midfacial infection as the first symptom].
Objective:To review the clinical and radiological presentation and management of infected nasal dermal sinus cysts（NDSC） in children. Methods:Clinical data were collected from 59 NDSC children with secondary fronto-orbital area infection who presented to Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2007 to December 2021. All patients underwent preoperative imaging workup, including MRI and CT. All patients underwent endoscopic excision of a NDSC under general anesthesia. Results:A total of 59 patients were included in the study,while 58 presented with a sinus, 1 presented with a cyst.The main lesions of NDSC included nasal root in 20 cases （33.9%）, nasal bridge in 34 cases （57.6%）, nasal tip in 4 cases （6.8%）, and nasal tip and nasal root in 1 case （1.7%）. The depth of lesions included 6 cases （10.2%） of superficial type of nasal frontal bone, 33 cases （55.9%） of nasal frontal bone, 19 cases （32.2%） of intracranial epidural type, and 1 case （1.7%） of intracranial epidural type. The main sites of infection included inner canthus in 15 cases （25.4%）, nasal dorsum in 22 cases （37.3%）, nasal root in 16 cases （27.1%）, and forehead in 6 cases （10.2%）. Among 59 cases, 7 cases （11.9%） were complicated with other diseases, and 4 cases（6.8%） had external nasal deformities. Surgical approaches included transverse incision in 12 cases（20.3%）, minimal midline vertical incision in 41 cases （69.5%）, external rhinoplasty in 4 cases （6.8%） and bicoronal incision with vertical incision in 2 cases （3.4%）. The range of lesions was completely consistent with MRI results.All cases were successfully operated without one-stage nasal dorsum reconstruction. All patients were followed up from 7 to 173 months（average 52.2 months）. There were 6 cases of recurrence, all of which were in situ recurrence. The operation was performed again, and no recurrence has occurred since the follow-up, No nasal deformity was noted, and cosmetic outcome were favorable for all patients. Conclusion:NDSC infection in children with midfacial infection as the first symptom is rare in clinical practice, and its manifestations are diverse. Early diagnosis and rational treatment are very important to improve the cure rate.Preoperative high resolution MRI combined with CT scanning is of great significance in judging the course of NDSC, especially the intracranial extension. The treatment goal is to achieve minimally invasive and individualized treatment under the premise of complete excision of the lesion, and take into account the cosmetic needs.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1121
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Differential expression of vascular endothelial growth factors and their receptors in multiple myeloma.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Bone marrow angiogenesis is increased in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and correlates with disease stage.
DESIGN AND METHODS
Previous studies of quantifying vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors (VEGFR) in plasma cells from patients at different stages of MM found no significant difference in expression between overt MM and earlier pre-malignant stages of the disease namely, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM).
RESULTS
In this report we used quantitative flow cytometry to study cytoplasmic VEGF (cyVEGF) expression (measured as antibody binding capacity) in plasma cells from patients with MM (n = 22), MGUS/SMM (n = 12), and AL-amyloidosis (AL) (n = 9). CyVEGF expression was higher in MM (169,591) than in MGUS/SMM (144,858), or AL (106,011) although these differences were not statistically significant. Using an indirect VEGFR assay that measures VEGF binding, we found VEGF receptors on plasma cells from all groups of patients, with the lowest expression on plasma cells from normal individuals. We detected VEGF R1, VEGF R2, and VEGF R3 on plasma cells from all groups of patients and found receptor expression predominantly in the subset of CD45-positive plasma cells.
INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the concept that VEGF is involved in the pathogenesis of MM, and suggests that VEGF may differentially affect a subset of plasma cells.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1122
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Explainable machine learning via intra-tumoral radiomics feature mapping for patient stratification in adjuvant chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to discover intra-tumor heterogeneity signature and validate its predictive value for adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
397 LA-NPC patients were retrospectively enrolled. Pre-treatment contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CET1-w) MR images, clinical variables, and follow-up were retrospectively collected. We identified single predictive radiomic feature from primary gross tumor volume (GTVnp) and defined predicted subvolume by calculating voxel-wised feature mapping and within GTVnp. We independently validate predictive value of identified feature and associated predicted subvolume.
RESULTS
Only one radiomic feature, gldm_DependenceVariance in 3 mm-sigma LoG-filtered image, was discovered as a signature. In the high-risk group determined by the signature, patients received CCRT + ACT achieved 3-year disease free survival (DFS) rate of 90% versus 57% (HR, 0.20; 95%CI, 0.05-0.94; P = 0.007) for CCRT alone. The multivariate analysis showed patients receiving CCRT + ACT had a HR of 0.21 (95%CI: 0.06-0.68, P = 0.009) for DFS compared to those receiving CCRT alone. The predictive value can also be generalized to the subvolume with multivariate HR of 0.27 (P = 0.017) for DFS.
CONCLUSION
The signature with its heterogeneity mapping could be a reliable and explainable ACT decision-making tool in clinical practice.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1123
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Effect of glutaurine and its derivatives and their combinations with radiation protective substances upon irradiated mice.
The radiation protective effects of glutaurine (gamma-L-glutamyl-taurine, Litoralon), and of some of its derivatives, as well as of their combinations with substances of the amino-alkyl-thiol group, have been investigated in mice. The results suggest that glutaurine possesses a radiation protective effect in animals irradiated with LD50/30 of roentgen rays and 60Co gamma rays. The compound has a favourable effect also when administered after irradiation. Its protective effect is especially marked in case of prolonged irradiation. Among the combinations best results were obtained by its simultaneous administration with subminimal doses of AET or cystamine. Some of its derivatives also exhibited considerable protection against irradiation with roentgen rays.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1124
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[Fatty acid composition of lecithin and cholesterol esters of high density lipoproteins from blood of humans, some mammals, and fish].
Fatty acid composition of lecithin and cholesterol esters was studied in high density lipoproteins obtained from blood serum of 20 male volunteers, 10 pigs, 10 rats and 30 burbots (Lota lota); the study was carried out using isolation (precipitation) of the lipoproteins, thin-layer chromatography of lipoproteins and gas liquid chromatography of fatty acids. The findings suggest that the fatty acid composition of the preparations studied may serve as a more exact index of lipid metabolism than the serum levels of individual lipoproteins.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1125
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Youth Athletes' Perception of Existence and Prevalence of Aggression and Interpersonal Violence and Their Forms in Serbia.
Aggression and interpersonal violence (IV) against children and youth are issues in contemporary society. The current study reports on the youth athletes' perception of the aggression and IV prevalence and its manifestation forms in a Serbian context. The sample included athletes (N = 2091) between the age of 11 and 18 years. Data were collected through an ad-hoc questionnaire created by the authors. Respondents' answers to introductory questions about the frequency of IV indicated its absence (78.1%). However, the answers to the questions about specific forms of violent peer behavior indicated forms as well as the time and place where IV most often occurs. They underlined that IV takes place mainly after training or competition and during sports camps; and that the dressing room is the most favorable place for these behaviors. They also confirmed that the most prevalent subtypes of IV are psychological (roughly 40%) and physical (approximately 30%). The respondents' opinions and experiences about IV (psychological, physical, sexual) revealed that factors such as gender, location, and parents' education level may influence the IV manifestation. Highlighting the prevalence and the most frequently manifesting types of aggression and IV could help in awareness-raising of these social issues.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1126
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Some unique properties of gas chromatography coupled with atomic-emission detection.
The atomic-emission detector in gas chromatography is enormously versatile in applications in analytical chemistry. Its unique properties of high selectivity for most elements and low limits of detection combine to make it the preferred detector for many analytical problems. In this review the stress is laid on the possibility of using it for compound-independent calibration, for determination of the empirical formula of an unknown analyte, for isotope-selective detection, and on derivatization to give AED-active derivatives with advantageous detection properties. Both metals and non-metals are considered and examples of the use of atomic emission detection in real-world analysis are discussed.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1127
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Surface roughness and droplet contact angle measurement of various orthodontic bonding cements.
Surface characteristics that are considered important for bacterial attachment to thirteen orthodontic bonding composite cements and one glass ionomer cement were examined in vitro before and after toothbrush abrasion. The surface roughness and contact angle measurements were found to be statistically significantly different between the materials, both before and after brushing, and there were also statistically significant changes within materials after brushing. There were low correlation coefficients between surface roughness and contact angle for both pre-and post-brushed materials.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1128
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Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) binding fraction from Taenia solium metacestode improves the neurocysticercosis serodiagnosis.
Neurocysticercosis (NC) is one of the most important diseases caused by parasites affecting the central nervous system. We fractionated by ion-exchange chromatography using diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-sepharose resin the total saline extract (S) from Taenia solium metacestodes and evaluated obtained fractions (DEAE S1 and DEAE S2) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, n = 123) and immunoblotting (IB, n = 22) to detect human NC in serum. Diagnostic parameters were established by ROC and TG ROC curves for ELISA tests. IB was qualitatively analyzed. S and DEAE S1 presented sensitivity of 87. 5% and DEAE S2 90%. The best specificity was observed for DEAE S2 (90.4%). In IB, using DEAE S2 samples from NC patients presented bands of 20-25, 43-45, 55-50, 60-66, 82, 89, and 140 kDa. The great diagnostic parameters reached by DEAE S2 suggest the potential applicability of this fraction in NC immunodiagnosis.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1129
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[Young general practitioners in an area with oversupply of doctors: the case of Brussels].
Twelve GP's have been interviewed in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Brussels is known for its extremely high doctor-population ratio. In Belgium, most doctors have a private practice with fee-for-service payment. The interviews took place in early 1998, the GP's involved were graduated between 1985 and 1994. Most GP's were not satisfied with their low income. They adopted a number of strategies to cope with the challenge: increase of activities including numerous home visits, acceptance of low qualified work, practice of "parallel medicine", decrease of referral to specialists ... and so on. These behaviors lessened as the number of patients became higher. Nearly all interviewed GP's perceived a high pressure from patients for more visits, night visits, pharmaceutical prescriptions.... In a context of manpower oversupply, a transfer of power was seemingly occurring, from doctors to patients. Instead of evidencing supplier-induced demand, oversupply of care providers likely pushed patients to take the lead and a "demand-induced" demand appeared.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1130
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Depression type in Parkinson disease.
Thirty-three patients with Parkinson Disease were evaluated neurologically and neuropsychologically. Seventy percent without a previous psychiatric diagnosis, were depressed. This depression was not related to the presence of dementia, stage of the disease, a general estimate of memory and attention, years of Parkinsonism, age, or indices of frontal cortex-related functioning. Because the depression did not positively relate to factors suggestive of advancing disease, it is proposed that the depression is reactive to the disease rather than an integral part of it.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1131
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Is silent sinusitis a cause of chronic urticaria in children?
The etiologies of chronic urticaria (CU) comprise a wide variety of disorders including chronic infections. The association of sinusitis and CU is controversial due to the lack of a control group. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of silent sinusitis as a cause of CU in children. A sinus X-ray (SXR) was performed in 107 children with CU. SXR abnormalities were found in 52.3% of the patients. Nine patients (8.4%) had symptoms of sinusitis and were treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate. Five of these patients (55.6%) had CU remission. Forty-seven patients (43.9%) who had an abnormal SXR without sinusitis symptoms were randomized into treated (23 patients) and control (24 patients) groups. Eighteen patients (78.3%) in the treated group and 15 patients (62.5%) in the control group had CU remission (p = 0.24). These data did not support a causal relationship of sinusitis and CU in children.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1132
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Pharmacological Effects and Molecular Protective Mechanisms of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition for which there is now no authorized treatment. The search for new medications to treat MAFLD made from natural substances is gaining traction. The function of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, hypoglycaemic, antiviral, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory actions of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), a chemical molecule isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, has become the focus of therapeutic attention. We have a large number of papers on the pharmacological effects of APS on NAFLD that have never been systematically reviewed before. According to our findings, APS may help to slow the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Lipid metabolism, insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress (OS), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), inflammation, fibrosis, autophagy, and apoptosis are some of the pathogenic pathways involved. SIRT1/PPARα/FGF21, PI3K/AKT/IRS-1, AMPK/ACC, mTOR/4EBP-1/S6K1, GRP78/IRE-1/JNK, AMPK/PGC-1/NRF1, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad pathways were the most common molecular protective mechanisms. All of the information presented in this review suggests that APS is a natural medication with a lot of promise for NAFLD, but more study, bioavailability studies, medicine type and dosage, and clinical proof are needed. This review could be useful for basic research, pharmacological development, and therapeutic applications of APS in the management of MAFLD.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1133
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Pharmacological analysis of the heterogeneous discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol in rats using a three-choice ethanol-dizocilpine-water discrimination.
The present study used a three-choice operant drug discrimination procedure to determine if NMDA-mediated discriminative stimulus effects could be separated from other stimulus effects of 2.0 g/kg ethanol. Adult male Long-Evans rats (n = 7) were trained to discriminate dizocilpine (0.17 mg/kg; i.g.) from ethanol (2.0 g/kg; i.g.) from water (4.7 ml; i.g.) using food reinforcement. Substitution tests were conducted following administration of the GABA(A) positive modulators allopregnanolone (5.6-30.0 mg/kg; i.p.), diazepam (0.3-10.0 mg/kg; i.p.) and pentobarbital (1.0-21.0 mg/kg; i.p.), the non-competitive NMDA antagonist phencyclidine (0.3-10.0 mg/kg; i.p.), the 5-HT1 agonists TFMPP (0.3-5.6 mg/kg; i.p.) and RU 24969 (0.3-3.0 mg/kg; i.p.), and isopropanol (0.10-1.25 g/kg; i.p.). Allopregnanolone, diazepam and pentobarbital substituted completely (>80%) for ethanol. Isopropanol partially (77%) substituted for ethanol. Phencyclidine substituted completely for dizocilpine. RU 24969 and TFMPP did not completely substitute for either training drug, although RU 24969 partially (62%) substituted for ethanol. Successful training of this three-choice discrimination indicates that the discriminative stimulus effects of 0.17 mg/kg dizocilpine were separable from those of 2.0 g/kg ethanol. The finding that attenuation of NMDA-mediated effects of ethanol occurred without altering significantly GABA(A)- and 5-HT1-mediated effects suggests that the NMDA component may be independent of other discriminative stimulus effects of 2.0 g/kg ethanol.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1134
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CT evaluation of hepatic injury following proton beam irradiation: appearance, enhancement, and 3D size reduction pattern.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term imaging appearances of hepatic injury following proton beam irradiation. The time-attenuation curves, time of appearance and recovery, and 3D size reduction pattern are described in patients of different ages and genders with different irradiation doses, irradiated portals, and Child groups.
METHOD
Forty-six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent 50 to 84 Gy proton beam irradiation in periods of 14-52 days. CT including noncontrast and dynamic study was performed every 3 months starting 3 weeks after the end of irradiation. The 3D volume measurement of areas of radiation-induced hepatic injury was performed through incremental dynamic CT images in every follow-up study. CT follow-up study of the patients was done for 12-76 months.
RESULTS
Radiation-induced hepatic injury was observed as low attenuation areas on noncontrast CT and enhanced areas on dynamic study in the regions corresponding to the irradiation portals. Of our cases, 67.5% showed the appearance of radiation hepatitis in 3-4 weeks and 95.3% in 3-4 months after the end of irradiation. In both periods, there was a significant delay in the female patients. The time-attenuation curve showed an early and prolonged enhancement of the irradiated regions. The volume reduction pattern of the injured areas was found to be longstanding, exponential, and directed from periphery to the center.
CONCLUSION
Early appearance of radiation-induced hepatic injury was found only to be gender dependent, with a tendency to occur with higher irradiated doses; no other parameters affected this phenomenon in our cases. Disappearance of the injured areas, if present, takes a long time (at least 42 months).
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1135
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Alexithymia and health care utilization.
Alexithymia's link with health care utilization is unclear. Alexithymia may be overrepresented among clinical samples because of a proclivity to seek care, or alexithymia may prompt delay or avoidance of care, perhaps exacerbating illness. In 911 young adults, this study examined relationships between alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20; total and three factor scores) and the use of six health services during the past year: outpatient medical treatment, emergency room, hospitalization, psychotherapy, routine dental care, and nonprescription analgesics. Three potential mediators (insurance status, depression, and somatic complaints) were controlled to determine alexithymia's unique relation to utilization. The alexithymic difficulty in identifying feelings was linked to increased use of outpatient treatment, after controlling for potential mediators. Difficulty identifying feelings also was related to the use of psychotherapy and analgesics, but these relationships were accounted for by increased depression and somatic complaints, respectively. The alexithymic preference for externally oriented thinking was independently linked with the decreased use of outpatient treatment, to not having psychotherapy, and to being more likely to obtain preventive dental care. Our results may explain contradictions in the literature; separate alexithymic characteristics have different relationships with different types of health care utilization.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1136
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Genetic and Physical Localization of the Gene Controlling Leaf Pigmentation Pattern in Medicago truncatula.
In Medicago truncatula, some ecotypes form a black or purple stain in the middle of adaxial leaf surface due to accumulation of anthocyanins. However, this morphological marker is missing in some other ecotypes, although anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway is not disrupted. Genetic analysis indicated that the lack of the leaf spot of anthocyanins accumulation is a dominant trait, which is controlled by a single gene, LPP1 Genetic mapping indicated that the LPP1 gene was delimited to a 280 kb-region on Chromosome 7. A total of 8 protein-coding genes were identified in the LPP1 locus through gene annotation and sequence analysis. Of those, two genes, putatively encoding MYB-transcriptional suppressors, were selected as candidates for functional validation.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1137
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Image-guided surgery.
Interventional video tomography (IVT), a new imaging modality, achieves virtual visualization of anatomic structures in three dimensions for intraoperative stereotactic navigation. Partial immersion into a virtual data space, which is orthotopically coregistered to the surgical field, enhances, by means of a see-through head-mounted display (HMD), the surgeon's visual perception and technique by providing visual access to nonvisual data of anatomy, physiology, and function. The presented cases document the potential of augmented reality environments in maxillofacial surgery.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1138
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Different forms of blinks and their two-stage control.
The purpose of this paper is to examine blink kinematics and the neural basis of blinks evoked reflexively by different kinds of stimuli. The kinematics of the upper lid movement and the electromyographic response of lid muscles levator palpebrae and orbicularis oculi were recorded in the rabbit during trigeminally and visually-evoked blinks. We find that there is a basic, kinematic difference between blinks. A blink in response to an airpuff is more rapidly accomplished and achieves a higher velocity than does an equal amplitude blink in response to a flash of light. The two forms of the reflex blink result from differences in the nature and timing of activity in antagonistic lid muscle motoneurons. Nevertheless, most characteristics of blink neural control are common to both reflex blinks. Most importantly, it appears that blinks are produced by two-stage neural control, an early component that is preprogrammed and a late component that is under stimulus control.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1139
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HDL and Oxidation.
In this chapter, we will focus on HDLs' activity of inhibiting LDL oxidation and neutralizing some other oxidants. ApoA-I was known as the main antioxidant component in HDLs. The regulation of antioxidant capacity of HDL is mainly exhibited in regulation of apoA-I and alterations at the level of the HDL lipidome and the modifications of the proteome, especially MPO and PON1. HDL oxidation will influence the processes of inflammation and cholesterol transport, which are important processes in atherosclerosis, metabolic diseases, and many other diseases. In a word, HDL oxidation might be an effective antioxidant target in treatment of many diseases.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1140
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Utility of magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics for quantification of inflammatory lung injury.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and metabolic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are clinically available but have had little application in the quantification of experimental lung injury. There is a growing and unfulfilled need for predictive animal models that can improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention. Integration of MRI and NMR could extend the application of experimental data into the clinical setting. This study investigated the ability of MRI and metabolic NMR to detect and quantify inflammation-mediated lung injury. Pulmonary inflammation was induced in male B6C3F1 mice by intratracheal administration of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha under isoflurane anesthesia. Mice underwent MRI at 2, 4, 6, and 24 h after dosing. At 6 and 24 h lungs were harvested for metabolic NMR analysis. Data acquired from IL-1beta+TNF-alpha-treated animals were compared with saline-treated control mice. The hyperintense-to-total lung volume (HTLV) ratio derived from MRI was higher in IL-1beta+TNF-alpha-treated mice compared with control at 2, 4, and 6 h but returned to control levels by 24 h. The ability of MRI to detect pulmonary inflammation was confirmed by the association between HTLV ratio and histological and pathological end points. Principal component analysis of NMR-detectable metabolites also showed a temporal pattern for which energy metabolism-based biomarkers were identified. These data demonstrate that both MRI and metabolic NMR have utility in the detection and quantification of inflammation-mediated lung injury. Integration of these clinically available techniques into experimental models of lung injury could improve the translation of basic science knowledge and information to the clinic.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1141
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Abnormal response of dopaminergic neurons to nicotine without perturbation of nicotinic receptors in alphaCGRP knock-out mice.
Alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (alphaCGRP) is a neuropeptide with multiple biological properties, including the regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We have previously reported a reduction of somatic withdrawal symptoms in alphaCGRP knock-out mice exposed to chronic nicotine, leading us to investigate the contribution of alphaCGRP to the regulations of ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons and their response to nicotine. The electrophysiological activity of VTA dopaminergic (DA) neurons was recorded in vivo, under anesthesia. These neurons displayed identical spontaneous electrophysiogical activities in wild-type and alphaCGRP-/- mice. However, we found that intravenous administration of nicotine (30 microg/kg) had no significant effect on the activity of DA neurons in alphaCGRP-/- mice, whereas it induced a doubling of the firing rate in wild-type animals. A higher dose (90 microg/kg) produced a significant excitation in both strains, but this effect remained smaller in the mutants. To investigate this difference, we have studied the functional state of nAChRs in wild-type and alphaCGRP-/- mice. Both strains exhibited identical expression of alpha(7) and alpha(4)beta(2) nAChRs as revealed by autoradiographical studies in the VTA. In addition, focal application of acetylcholine on DA neurons recorded by patch-clamp revealed identical currents mediated by nAChRs in mutant animals, as compared to wild-type mice. These data outline the possibility of a contribution of alphaCGRP to the effects of nicotine on DA neurons, by a physiological pathway independent of VTA nicotinic receptors.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1142
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Parvovirus B19 myocarditis in children: a diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Parvovirus B19 is one of the most frequent causes of pediatric myocarditis, associating high mortality rates or need for cardiac transplantation. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical course of Parvovirus B19 myocarditis in children with emphasis on the role of endomyocardial biopsy and cardiac magnetic resonance, and the use of an innovative therapeutic strategy. Eleven patients and 12 episodes of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed Parvovirus B19 myocarditis were prospectively collected for 14 years. Diagnosis was confirmed either histopathologically or by magnetic resonance. A life-threatening clinical presentation is described, similar to previous series, but with 83.3% overall survival without transplantation. We also present a case of recurrent myocarditis, which is extraordinarily rare. Electrocardiographic patterns presented chiefly peaked p waves, low QRS voltages, and negative T waves on inferior or lateral leads. Endomyocardial biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic test; alternatively magnetic resonance could be a useful diagnostic tool. A good concordance between myocardial and blood PCRs was observed. Seven patients received treatment with corticosteroids and beta interferon and all underwent a significant cardiac function improvement.
CONCLUSION
A severe clinical presentation is reported, similar to previous reports but with better outcomes. Endomyocardial biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic test; alternatively magnetic resonance may be used. Both blood and myocardium PCR can be used in children to establish the microbiological etiology. Steroids with IFNß could be a useful therapeutic option, although further multicenter studies are needed to confirm these results.
WHAT IS KNOWN
• Parvovirus B19 is one of the most frequent causes of myocarditis in children. It is associated with a fulminant clinical presentation. • Endomyocardial biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic test but it is an invasive procedure.
WHAT IS NEW
• Myocarditis may recur in pediatrics, even it is extraordinarily rare. • IFNβ with steroids may be a useful therapeutic option to improve the outcomes.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1143
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alpha(1)-Agonists-induced Mg(2+) efflux is related to MAP kinase activation in the heart.
The stimulation of the alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor with phenylephrine results in the significant extrusion of Mg(2+) from the rat heart and cardiomyocytes. Phenylephrine-induced Mg(2+) extrusion is prevented by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+) or by the presence of Ca(2+)-channel blockers such as verapamil, nifedipine, or (+)BAY-K8644. Mg(2+) extrusion is almost completely inhibited by PD98059 (a MAP kinase inhibitor). The simultaneous addition of 5mM Ca(2+) and phenylephrine increases the extrusion of Mg(2+) from perfused hearts and cardiomyocytes. This Mg(2+) extrusion is inhibited by more than 90% when the hearts are preincubated with PD98059. ERKs are activated by perfusion with either phenylephrine or 5mM Ca(2+). This ERK activation is inhibited by PD98059. Overall, these results suggest that stimulating the cardiac alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor by phenylephrine causes the extrusion of Mg(2+) via the Ca(2+)-activated, Na(+)-dependent transport pathway, and the ERKs assists in Mg(2+) transport in the heart.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1144
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Stability and evaluation of siRNAs labeled at the sense strand with a 3'-azobenzene unit.
siRNAs bearing a 3'-azobenzene derivative on the sense strand were evaluated for their gene silencing ability in mammalian cell culture and nuclease stability in nuclease-rich media. Azobenzene can be isomerized between cis and trans isomers through the incubation of UV (cis isomer) and visible light (trans isomer). It was demonstrated that subtle differences in nuclease stability and activity were observed. These small changes can be used to photochemically fine-tune the activity of an siRNA for gene-silencing applications.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1145
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Management of native warm-season grasses for beef cattle and biomass production in the Mid-South USA.
Native grasses, such as switchgrass (SG; L.), big bluestem (BB; Vitman), indiangrass (IG; Nash), and eastern gamagrass (EG; [L.] L.) may be capable of providing desirable summer forage for cattle as well as a source of biomass for renewable energy. To evaluate that potential, experiments were conducted at 2 locations in Tennessee comparing weaned beef () steers (268 ± 25 kg initial BW) during early-season grazing (Early; 30 d, typically corresponding to May, followed by postdormancy biomass harvest) and full-season grazing (Full, mean duration = 98 d). For Exp. 1, which compared SG, a blend of BB and IG (BBIG), and EG, ADG was greater ( < 0.05) for BBIG (1.02 kg/d) than SG (0.85 kg/d), and both were greater ( < 0.05) than EG (0.66 kg/d). Grazing days for SG and EG were similar (389 and 423 animal unit days [AUD]/ha, respectively) and exceeded ( < 0.05) that of BBIG (233 AUD/ha) during Full. In Exp. 2 (SG and BBIG only), rates of gain were comparable to that of Exp. 1, but AUD were 425 (SG) and 299 (BBIG) AUD/ha. Such rates of gain and grazing days indicate that these grasses can provide desirable summer forage for growing cattle. Early produced 211 to 324 kg BW gain/ha, depending on experiment and forage, followed by dormant-season harvests of 7.5 to 10.5 Mg/ha of biomass, indicating a potential for beef cattle forage and biomass production on the same land resource. Native grasses provided productive summer pasture and good rates of gain on growing cattle and could contribute to forage programs, especially where cool-season grasses currently predominate.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1146
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Clipping of incidental aneurysm of middle cerebral artery through small temporal craniotomy and linear skin incision.
The authors introduced a new approach for clipping of the incidental aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and reported the clinical results. We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients with 27 incidental MCA aneurysms who were treated from January 2010 to December 2012. All clippings were performed through a small temporal craniotomy and linear skin incision. Follow-up imaging showed complete occlusion of 26 aneurysms (96.3%), residual neck in one (3.7%). In one case, residual neck of the aneurysm did not grow on serial follow up. In one of 26 cases (3.8%), approach-related complication was retraction injury of the temporal cortex. Two patients developed postoperative infarction on the MCA territories due to vasospasm and on the cerebellum due to unknown causes. These were not approach-related complications. Operation time was 95 min-250 min (mean 143 min). There were no complications of temporal muscle atrophy, scar deformity, paresthesia, or pain around the scalp incision and frontalis palsy. This approach offers good surgical possibilities and little approach related morbidity in the clipping of incidental MCA aneurysms.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1147
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Clinical and prognostic significance of OPN and VEGF expression in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.
BACKGROUND
Osteopontin (OPN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play important roles in cancer progression and angiogenesis. In the current study we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of OPN and VEGF expression in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to investigate their prognostic value for NSCLC.
METHODS
Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of OPN and VEGF in 146 NSCLC patients undergoing surgical resection in our hospital between 2006 and 2008. The associations between OPN and VEGF expression and clinicopathological data were analyzed using chi-square test analysis. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The prognostic values of OPN and VEGF were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis.
RESULTS
OPN and VEGF expression was positive in 94 and 86 out of 146 NSCLC specimens, respectively. OPN expression was significantly associated with gender (P=0.002), TNM stage (P<0.001) and tumor differentiation (P=0.008). VEGF expression was significantly associated with TNM stage (P=0.015), tumor differentiation (P=0.032) and lymph-node status (P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between OPN and VEGF expression (P=0.035). Survival analysis indicated that OPN(+)/VEGF(+) patients had the worst prognosis. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analysis suggested that tumor stage, lymph-node metastases, OPN expression and VEGF expression were independent prognostic factors for NSCLC.
CONCLUSION
The data suggest that OPN and VEGF expressions could serve as prognostic factors for NSCLC.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1148
|
Uncovering How Auxin Optimizes Root Systems Architecture in Response to Environmental Stresses.
Since colonizing land, plants have developed mechanisms to tolerate a broad range of abiotic stresses that include flooding, drought, high salinity, and nutrient limitation. Roots play a key role acclimating plants to these as their developmental plasticity enables them to grow toward more favorable conditions and away from limiting or harmful stresses. The phytohormone auxin plays a key role translating these environmental signals into developmental outputs. This is achieved by modulating auxin levels and/or signaling, often through cross talk with other hormone signals like abscisic acid (ABA) or ethylene. In our review, we discuss how auxin controls root responses to water, osmotic and nutrient-related stresses, and describe how the synthesis, degradation, transport, and response of this key signaling hormone helps optimize root architecture to maximize resource acquisition while limiting the impact of abiotic stresses.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1149
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Natural cocoa ingestion reduced liver damage in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK65).
PURPOSE
This study tested whether natural cocoa powder ingestion could mitigate hepatic injury coincident with murine malaria. Plasmodium berghei infection causes liver damage including hepatic sinusoidal distension, and elevated serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. According to literature, these pathologies largely result from activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may be extenuated by antioxidants.
ANIMALS AND METHODS
Thirty Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to three equal groups. One of two groups of mice inoculated with 0.2 mL of P. berghei-parasitized red blood cells (RBCs) was given unrestricted 24-hour access to a natural cocoa powder beverage (2% by weight) in place of water. The third group of mice were neither infected nor given cocoa. All mice were fed the same standard chow. After 6 days, mice were sacrificed and their livers processed for histomorphometric assessment of mean hepatic sinusoidal diameter as a quantitative measure of altered morphology. Serum ALT and AST were measured as a gauge of functional impairment.
RESULTS
Compared with uninfected mice, hepatic sinusoidal diameter in P. berghei-infected mice not given cocoa increased by 150%, whereas a smaller increase of 83% occurred in infected mice that ingested cocoa. Mean serum ALT increased by 127% in infected mice not given cocoa and 80% in infected mice that consumed cocoa, compared with the value for uninfected mice. Similarly, mean serum AST was raised by 141% in infected mice not given cocoa and 93% in infected mice that drank cocoa.
CONCLUSION
Distension of hepatic sinusoidal diameter in P. berghei-infected mice was reduced by 67%, whereas respective elevations of serum ALT and AST concentrations were reduced by 47% and 48% via ingestion of cocoa. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components of cocoa probably mediated the demonstrated hepatoprotective benefit by blunting pernicious ROS activity in P. berghei-infected mice.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1150
|
Alu-family repeat binding protein from HeLa cells which interacts with regulatory region of SV40 virus genome.
Using a gel retardation assay the protein which binds selectively to the Alu-family repeat (AFR) has been identified and partially purified from HeLa cell nuclear extract. The protein (AFR-binding protein, ABP) forms multiple discrete complexes with AFR even in the presence of 200 to 2000-fold excess of non-specific (E. coli) DNA. The most stable complex has a relative mobility in 4% polyacrylamide gel (as compared to the free Alu-fragment) of 0.54. Heterogeneity of protein-DNA bands seen in the polyacrylamide gel suggests that ABP is able to form multimeric complexes with AFR. Competition experiments show that ABP does not interact with the RNA polymerase III promoter and with the TGGCA-sequence, but a high affinity binding site for ABP was found within a 660 bp restriction fragment containing the SV40 virus promoter and replication origin.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1151
|
Triage Performance of School Personnel Using the SALT System.
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to determine if school personnel can understand and apply the Sort, Assess, Life-saving interventions, Treat/Transport (SALT) triage methods after a brief training. The investigators predicted that subjects can learn to triage with accuracy similar to that of medically trained personnel, and that subjects can pass an objective-structured clinical exam (OSCE) evaluating hemorrhage control.
METHODS
School personnel were eligible to participate in this prospective observational study. Investigators recorded subject demographic information and prior medical experience. Participants received a 30-minute lecture on SALT triage and a brief lecture and demonstration of hemorrhage control and tourniquet application. A test with brief descriptions of mass-casualty victims was administered immediately after training. Participants independently categorized the victims as dead, expectant, immediate, delayed, or minimal. They also completed an OSCE to evaluate hemorrhage control and tourniquet application using a mannequin arm.
RESULTS
Subjects from two schools completed the study. Fifty-nine were from a private school that enrolls early childhood through grade eight, and 45 from a public school that enrolls grades seven and eight (n = 104). The average subject age was 45 years and 68% were female. Approximately 81% were teachers and 87% had prior cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Overall triage accuracy was 79.2% (SD = 10.7%). Ninety-six (92.3%) of the subjects passed the hemorrhage control OSCE.
CONCLUSIONS
After two brief lectures and a short demonstration, school personnel were able to triage descriptions of mass-casualty victims with an overall accuracy similar to medically trained personnel, and most were able to apply a tourniquet correctly. Opportunities for future study include integrating high-fidelity simulation and mock disasters, evaluating for knowledge retention, and exploring the study population's baseline knowledge of medical care, among others.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1152
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A frequent mutation/polymorphism in tumor suppressor gene INK4B (MTS-2) in papillary and medullary thyroid cancer.
BACKGROUND
Structural genetic changes of tumor suppressor genes MTS-1/INK4A and MTS-2/INK4B were demonstrated in a variety of human cancers but not in thyroid cancer until now.
METHODS
Because MTS-2 encodes the tumor suppressor p15, a protein related to the transforming growth factor-beta inhibition of many epithelial cells such as thyrocytes, we investigated MTS-1 and MTS-2 genes in 87 thyroid cancers (29 papillary, 26 follicular, 31 medullary, and 1 anaplastic), 8 goiters, and 38 control DNAs by using a semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction technique.
RESULTS
We failed to demonstrate homozygous deletions of MTS-1 and MTS-2 in thyroid tumors, but we demonstrated a highly frequent base pair exchange of the MTS-2 gene 27 codons upstream the 5' end of exon 2. This genetic change formerly described as polymorphism was found to a lesser degree (15%), in control DNA when compared with papillary thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer (35% and 32%, respectively), and it paralleled a higher prevalence of extensive lymph node metastases in thyroid cancer (p < 0.01). In addition, we could demonstrate that genetic changes at site 27 upstream the 5' end of exon 2 were harbored as somatic mutations in 2 of 10 thyroid cancers with simultaneously investigated corresponding control tissue.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that base pair exchange at this site most likely has biologic importance for the tumor suppressor p15 and may contribute to tumorigenesis and lymphatic spread of differentiated and medullary thyroid cancer.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1153
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Establishment of an equivalence acceptance criterion for accelerated stability studies.
In this article, the use of statistical equivalence testing for providing evidence of process comparability in an accelerated stability study is advocated over the use of a test of differences. The objective of such a study is to demonstrate comparability by showing that the stability profiles under nonrecommended storage conditions of two processes are equivalent. Because it is difficult at accelerated conditions to find a direct link to product specifications, and hence product safety and efficacy, an equivalence acceptance criterion is proposed that is based on the statistical concept of effect size. As with all statistical tests of equivalence, it is important to collect input from appropriate subject-matter experts when defining the acceptance criterion.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1154
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Delicate and Independent Manipulation of Dynamic Fluorescence Behavior of Polymer Nanoparticles Based on a Core-Shell Strategy.
Fluorescent polymer nanomaterials with dynamic fluorescence properties hold great potential in many advanced applications, including but not limited to information encryption, adaptive camouflage, and biosensors. The key to improving the application value of materials is to establish an accurate control strategy for dynamic fluorescence behavior. Herein, we develop a core-shell engineering strategy to precisely and independently manipulate the dynamic fluorescence behavior through the shell polymeric matrix. The core-shell fluorescent polymer nanoparticles (CS-FPNPs) are constructed through a sequential process of miniemulsion polymerization and seeded emulsion polymerization. Taking advantage of the core-shell structure, the rigid core matrix ensures the strong initial emission of AIE units, while the photoisomerization behavior of spiropyrane (SP) units is delicately and independently regulated by the rigidness of the shell matrix. Thereby, CS-FPNPs exhibit bright time-dependent reversible dynamic fluorescence behavior under alternating UV/vis irradiation. Benefited from the excellent processability and film formation ability, we have successfully applied CS-FPNPs to dynamic decorative painting, warning labels, and dynamic QR code security. Impressively, the fluorescence manipulation strategy based on core-shell engineering allows the independent regulation of specific luminescent units in complicated emission systems to accurately embody designed emission behavior.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1155
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Spin-dependent magneto-thermopower of narrow-gap lead chalcogenide quantum wells.
A semi-classical analysis of magneto-thermopower behaviour, namely, the Seebeck and Nernst effect (NE) in quantum wells of IV-VI lead salts with significant extrinsic Rashba spin-orbit coupling (RSOC) is performed in this report. In addition to the spin-dependent Seebeck effect that has been observed before, we also theoretically predict a similar spin-delineated behavior for its magneto-thermal analog, the spin-dependent NE. The choice of lead salts follows from a two-fold advantage they offer, in part, to their superior thermoelectric properties, especially PbTe, while their low band gaps and high spin-orbit coupling make them ideal candidates to study RSOC governed effects in nanostructures. The calculations show a larger longitudinal magneto-thermopower for the spin-up electrons while the transverse components are nearly identical. In contrast, for a magnetic field free case, the related power factor calculations reveal a significantly higher contribution from the spin-down ensemble and suffer a reduction with an increase in the electron density. We also discuss qualitatively the limitations of the semi-classical approach for the extreme case of a high magnetic field and allude to the observed thermopower behaviour when the quantum Hall regime is operational. Finally, techniques to modulate the thermopower are briefly outlined.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1156
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Evaluation of the Succeeder SF-8200 Fully Automated Coagulation Analyzer.
BACKGROUND
The SF-8200 is a new coagulation analyzer developed by Beijing Succeeder Technology Inc., China. The SF-8200 is able to perform clotting, chromogenic, and immunoturbidimetric tests. System capability is a throughput of up to 360 tests per hour, 60 sample tubes can be loaded at any time, and its reaction cuvette capacity is 1,000. The analyzer also has an optional cap piercing module to reduce manual sampling time. We aimed to perform an analytical performance comparison study between Succeeder SF-8200 and Stago Compact Max3 because fully automated coagulation analyzers have become one of the most essential components of clinical laboratories.
METHODS
Routine coagulation tests were assessed, which are the most ordered in laboratories such as PT, aPTT, and fibrinogen. Stago Compact Max-3 was accepted as the reference instrument in the comparison study. The assay precisions were assessed using fresh and pooled plasma samples or consumer internal quality controls. Hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus interferences were also verified.
RESULTS
The coefficients of variation assessed in the intra and inter-assay precision analyses were below 5% representatively for assessed parameters. The inter-analyser comparison demonstrated good results. Results obtained by the SF-8200 showed high comparability predominantly to used reference analyzers, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.953 to 0.976. In our routine laboratory setting, SF-8200 reached a sample throughput rate of 360 tests per hour. No considerable influence on tests was found for elevated levels of free hemoglobin, bilirubin, or triglycerides.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the SF-8200 was an accurate, precise, and reliable coagulation analyzer in routine testing. According to our study, the results demonstrated excellent technical and analytical performance.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1157
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Iterative linear minimum mean-square-error image restoration from partially known blur.
We address the problem of space-invariant image restoration when the blurring operator is not known exactly, a situation that arises regularly in practice. To account for this uncertainty, we model the point-spread function as the sum of a known deterministic component and an unknown random one. Such an approach has been studied before, but the problem of estimating the parameters of the restoration filter to our knowledge has not been addressed systematically. We propose an approach based on a Gaussian statistical assumption and derive an iterative, expectation-maximization algorithm that simultaneously restores the image and estimates the required filter parameters. We obtain two versions of the algorithm based on two different models for the statistics of the image. The computations are performed in the discrete Fourier transform domain; thus they are computationally efficient even for large images. We examine the convergence properties of the resulting estimators and evaluate their performance experimentally.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1158
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Global genetic insight contributed by consanguineous Pakistani families segregating hearing loss.
Consanguineous Pakistani pedigrees segregating deafness have contributed decisively to the discovery of 31 of the 68 genes associated with nonsyndromic autosomal recessive hearing loss (HL) worldwide. In this study, we utilized genome-wide genotyping, Sanger and exome sequencing to identify 163 DNA variants in 41 previously reported HL genes segregating in 321 Pakistani families. Of these, 70 (42.9%) variants identified in 29 genes are novel. As expected from genetic studies of disorders segregating in consanguineous families, the majority of affected individuals (94.4%) are homozygous for HL-associated variants, with the other variants being compound heterozygotes. The five most common HL genes in the Pakistani population are SLC26A4, MYO7A, GJB2, CIB2 and HGF, respectively. Our study provides a profile of the genetic etiology of HL in Pakistani families, which will allow for the development of more efficient genetic diagnostic tools, aid in accurate genetic counseling, and guide application of future gene-based therapies. These findings are also valuable in interpreting pathogenicity of variants that are potentially associated with HL in individuals of all ancestries. The Pakistani population, and its infrastructure for studying human genetics, will continue to be valuable to gene discovery for HL and other inherited disorders.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1159
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Oral status of 81 subjects with eating disorders.
The aim was to explore possible correlations between the oral status of patients undergoing treatment at a special outpatient psychiatric clinic for eating disorders and such variables as psychiatric diagnosis and duration of illness, oral hygiene habits, salivary function, and dietary habits. Healthy volunteers of a similar age were recruited for comparison. The material comprised 100 consecutive referrals, of whom 79 were women and 2 were men (age range 17 to 47, median 25 yr) participated. The eating disorders were diagnosed according to the American Psychiatric Association's DSM III-R criteria. The clinical and radiographic examinations were supplemented by standardized intraoral photographs, study models and salivary analysis. The decayed, missing, filled surfaces (DMFS) index was 15.3+/-10.9, a significantly higher caries frequency than for the reference group. More than half the subjects had erosive tooth wear involving the dentine, and about one-third had very low unstimulated salivary flow rates and very high counts of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Erosive tooth wear was significantly correlated to the number of years of binge-eating. Compared to age-matched individuals, subjects with diagnosed eating disorders are more susceptible to both dental caries and erosion. They should be encouraged to adopt appropriately tailored preventive programmes and to have regular dental check-ups.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1160
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Dose calculations for preclinical radiobiology experiments conducted with single-field cabinet irradiators.
PURPOSE
To provide percentage depth dose (PDD) data along the central axis for dosimetry calculations in small-animal radiation biology experiments performed in cabinet irradiators. The PDDs are provided as a function of source-to-surface distance (SSD), field size, and animal size.
METHODS
The X-ray tube designs for four biological cabinet irradiators, the RS2000, RT250, MultiRad350, and XRAD320, were simulated using the BEAMnrc Monte Carlo code to generate 160, 200, 250, and 320 kVp photon beams, respectively. The 320 kVp beam was simulated with two filtrations: a soft F1 aluminium filter and a hard F2 thoraeus filter made of aluminium, tin, and copper. Beams were collimated into circular fields with diameters of 0.5-10 cm at SSDs of 10-60 cm. Monte Carlo dose calculations in 1-5-cm diameter homogeneous (soft tissue) small-animal phantoms as well as in heterogeneous phantoms with 3-mm diameter cylindrical lung and bone inserts (rib and cortical bone) were performed using DOSXYZnrc. The calculated depth doses in three test-cases were estimated by applying SSD, field size, and animal size correction factors to a reference case (40-cm SSD, 1-cm field, and 5-cm animal size), and these results were compared with the specifically simulated (i.e., expected) doses to assess the accuracy of this method. Dosimetry for two test-case scenarios of 160 and 250 kVp beams (representative of end-user beam qualities) was also performed, whereby the simulated PDDs at two different depths were compared with the results based on the interpolation from reference data.
RESULTS
The depth doses for three test-cases calculated at 200, 320 kVp F1, and 320 kVp F2 with half value layers (HVLs) ranging from ∼0.6 to 3.6 mm Cu, agreed well with the expected doses, yielding dose differences of 1.2%, 0.1%, and 1.0%, respectively. The two end-user test-cases for 160 and 250 kVp beams with respective HVLs of ∼0.8 and 1.8 mm Cu yielded dose differences of 1.4% and 3.2% between the simulated and the interpolated PDDs. The dose increase at the bone-tissue proximal interface ranged from 1.2 to 2.5 times the dose in soft tissue for rib and 1.3 to 3.7 times for cortical bone. The dose drop-off at 1-cm depth beyond the bone ranged from 1.3% to 6.0% for rib and 3.2% to 11.7% for cortical bone. No drastic dose perturbations occurred in the presence of lung, with lung-tissue interface dose of >99% of soft tissue dose and <3% dose increase at 1-cm depth beyond lung.
CONCLUSIONS
The developed dose estimation method can be used to translate the measured dose at a point to dose at any depth in small-animal phantoms, making it feasible for preclinical calculation of dose distributions in animals irradiated with cabinet-style irradiators. The dosimetric impact of bone must be accurately quantified as dramatic dose perturbations at and beyond the bone interfaces can occur due to the relative importance of the photoelectric effect at kilovoltage energies. These results will help improve dosimetric accuracy in preclinical experiments.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1161
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Correlation of bone alkaline phosphatase and iPTH with some basic biochemical markers in predialysis and dialysis patients.
BACKGROUND
Bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) is a direct and independent indicator of impaired bone turnover. We intended to find out whether there are any significant changes in BALP and iPTH levels, in comparison to total Ca, total Mg, inorganic P, total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in predialysis and dialysis patients.
METHODS
Out of 266 patients investigated, 114 were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, 112 were on maintenance haemodialysis, while 40 predialysis patients had end stage renal disease. The parameters were analysed according to the manufacturers' instructions.
RESULTS
Correlations were established for the bone marker concentrations analysed among the studied groups. The largest ranges were determined for BALP and iPTH. Predialysis and dialysis patients showed very low levels of BALP. Dialysis patients had lower levels of iPTH (p < 0.001), while in predialysis patients the levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than recommended for low bone turnover, according to K/DOQI.
CONCLUSIONS
The observations made in this study identify BALP as a good indicator of decreased bone turnover in predialysis and dialysis patients. However, in order to reveal a difference between bone activity and the level of parathyroid activity and its effect on bone turnover, it is always necessary to observe both BALP and iPTH levels.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1162
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Adverse events among Winnipeg Home Care clients.
Patient safety research has focused almost exclusively on hospitals, with few studies investigating the safety of other healthcare sectors, including home care. Before measuring patient safety in home care, this study first sought to translate hospital-focused patient safety definitions and concepts to home care. A context-appropriate approach to measuring adverse events (AEs) in home care was developed using chart reviews prompted by a mixed screening process. These methods were then applied to measure the incidence, type, severity, cause, preventability and ameliorability of AEs among Winnipeg Home Care clients.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1163
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Validation of an algorithm to evaluate the appropriateness of outpatient antibiotic prescribing using big data of Chinese diagnosis text.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the validity of an algorithm to classify diagnoses according to the appropriateness of outpatient antibiotic use in the context of Chinese free text.
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
A random sample of 10 000 outpatient visits was selected between January and April 2018 from a national database for monitoring rational use of drugs, which included data from 194 secondary and tertiary hospitals in China.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Diagnoses for outpatient visits were classified as tier 1 if associated with at least one condition that 'always' justified antibiotic use; as tier 2 if associated with at least one condition that only 'sometimes' justified antibiotic use but no conditions that 'always' justified antibiotic use; or as tier 3 if associated with only conditions that never justified antibiotic use, using a tier-fashion method and regular expression (RE)-based algorithm.
MEASURES
Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the classification algorithm, using classification made by chart review as the standard reference, were calculated.
RESULTS
The sensitivities of the algorithm for classifying tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 diagnoses were 98.2% (95% CI 96.4% to 99.3%), 98.4% (95% CI 97.6% to 99.1%) and 100.0% (95% CI 100.0% to 100.0%), respectively. The specificities were 100.0% (95% CI 100.0% to 100.0%), 100.0% (95% CI 99.9% to 100.0%) and 98.6% (95% CI 97.9% to 99.1%), respectively. The PPVs for classifying tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 diagnoses were 100.0% (95% CI 99.1% to 100.0%), 99.7% (95% CI 99.2% to 99.9%) and 99.7% (95% CI 99.6% to 99.8%), respectively. The NPVs were 99.9% (95% CI 99.8% to 100.0%), 99.8% (95% CI 99.7% to 99.9%) and 100.0% (95% CI 99.8% to 100.0%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The RE-based classification algorithm in the context of Chinese free text had sufficiently high validity for further evaluating the appropriateness of outpatient antibiotic prescribing.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1164
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How We Engage Graduating Professional Students in Interprofessional Patient Safety.
PROBLEM
Interprofessional curricula on patient safety do not acknowledge the culture and vulnerabilities of the student experience and often do not engage students.
METHODS
We describe a patient safety collaboration between graduating nursing and medical students during their Capstone courses that fostered conversations about the similarities and differences in professional school experiences around patient safety. Students wrote reflections about an unanticipated patient outcome. Qualitative content analysis was used to characterize themes within student reflections, and to create audience response system questions to highlight differences in each profession's reflections and to facilitate discussion about those differences during the collaboration.
FINDINGS
Medical students identified events in which perceived patient outcomes were worse than events identified by nursing students. Nursing students identified more near-miss events. Nursing students positively impacted the event and attributed action to the presence of a clinical instructor and personal responsibility for patient care. Medical students described themselves as "only a witness" and attributed inaction to hierarchy and concern about grades.
CONCLUSIONS
Students felt the session would change their future attitudes and behaviors. Stevenson Chudgar Molloy Phillips Engle Clay.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1165
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Diverse coordination of aroylhydrazones toward iron(III) in solid state and in solution: spectrometric, spectroscopic and computational study.
The coordination properties of N'-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylmethylidene)-3-pyridinecarbohydrazide (H2L1), N'-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenylmethylidene)-3-pyridinecarbohydrazide (H2L2) and N'-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenylmethylidene)-3-pyridinecarbohydrazide (H2L3) toward Fe(III) ions were studied by computational, spectrometric (MS) and spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, IR and Raman spectroscopy) in solid state and in solution. Free ligands were present in keto-amine form with intramolecular H-bond. In MeOH:H2O 1:1 system, the 1:1 complexes with Fe(III) were formed, characterized by lgK ≥ 6. The coordination to the metal ion was achieved via oxygen and azomethine nitrogen since the hydrolysis of hydrazone bond was suppressed. Unlike the 1:1 stoichiometry in methanolic solution, the composition of the complexes extracted to chloroform was Fe(L)(HL). The release of three protons upon complexation was determined by independent spectrophotometric measurements. The complexes isolated from MeOH/EtOH solution have also stoichiometry 1:2. However, depending on the position of the methoxy substituent, two types of complexes were formed. In Fe(H2L1)2Cl3 and Fe(H2L3)2Cl3, hydrazones acted as neutral ligands, while in Fe(HL2)2Cl the keto-enol tautomeric interconversion and release of one proton per ligand took place. All complexes were analyzed in gas phase as well, using triple quadrupole, ion trap and H/D exchange for determination of labile hydrogens. Based on the fragmentation pathways, the structural isomers were distinguished.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1166
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Diurnal changes in salivary amino acid concentrations.
It has been suggested that the features of saliva (e.g. fluidity, secretion and amino acid concentration) reflect physiological and psychological state of primates as well as subprimates, however, studies which revealed the relationship between the circadian rhythm and the concentrations of salivary amino acids have been limited. In order to better understand their physiological role, diurnal changes of salivary amino acids were investigated in three undergraduate students. Salivary amino acids were recovered after deproteinization with 5% trichloroacetic acid and determined by an amino acid analyzer. Most amino acids, except for methionine, cysteine and asparagine, were detected in the saliva. The intake of lunch or amino acid supplement transiently increased the salivary amino acids, and in the latter case, the amino acid levels returned to baseline within 10 minutes. Physical exercise also slightly elevated the salivary amino acid levels. During the university examination period, the secretion of saliva was slightly, but not significantly, increased, accompanied by the elevation of glycine, alanine, ornithine, histidine and threonine, and the decline of lysine, leucine, aspartic acid and hydroxyproline. Salivary amino acid levels may be useful to evaluate stressful conditions.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1167
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Insecticide susceptibility and dengue vector status of wild Stegomyia albopicta in a strategically important area of Assam, India.
BACKGROUND
Dengue vector control programmes are facing operational challenges due to resistance against commonly used insecticides throughout the endemic countries. Recently, there has been appreciable increase in the dengue cases in India, however, no recent data are available on susceptible status of dengue vectors. We have studied the susceptibility level of St. albopicta to commonly used insecticides in India. Adult mosquitoes were tested for the presence of dengue virus.
METHODS
St. albopicta larval bioassays were carried out to determine the lethal concentrations (LC10, LC50 and LC99) and the resistance ratios (RR10, RR50 and RR99) for temephos. Susceptibility to 4% DDT, 0.05% deltamethrin and 5% malathion was assessed following standard procedure. Knock-down times (KDT10, KDT50 and KDT99) were estimated and knock-down resistance ratios (KRR10, KRR50 and KRR99) were calculated. VectorTest™ dengue antigen assay was used to detect the dengue virus in the field collected mosquitoes.
RESULTS
In larval bioassays, the RR ranged from 1.4 (for RR99) to 1.7 (for RR50), which suggested that the tested St. albopicta were susceptible to temephos. There was no deviation among the lethal concentration data from linearity (r2=0.61). Adult St. albopicta mosquitoes were resistant to DDT, while fully susceptible to deltamethrin and malathion. The knock-down values (KDT10, KDT50 and KDT99) obtained for DDT displayed straight line in log-dose-probit analysis and follow linear regression model. The KRR99 for DDT was 4.9, which indicated a 4.9 folds increase in knock-down resistance to DDT. However, for malathion and deltamethrin, the KRR99 values were 1.6 and 1.5 respectively suggesting that mosquitoes were knock-down sensitive. None of the mosquito pool was dengue virus positive.
CONCLUSION
St. albopicta showed resistance to DDT and reduced sensitivity to deltamethrin and malathion. This data on insecticide resistance could help public health authorities in India to design more effective vector control measures. More dengue vector specimens need to be scanned to identify the potential dengue vector.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1168
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The Application of a Jigsaw Puzzle Flap Based on a Freestyle Perforator and an Aesthetic Unit for Large Facial Defects.
BACKGROUND
The single-stage reconstruction of large facial defects remains a conundrum due to the balance between function and aesthetics after skin cancer radical resection.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to explore a novel surgical procedure for large facial defects that not only resurfaces the large defect in single stage but also improves aesthetic outcomes for both defects and donor sites.
METHODS
The reconstructions were performed using local flaps in the form of a "jigsaw puzzle" flap based on a freestyle perforator and facial aesthetic unit. This procedure starts with a Doppler signal of the perforator and proceeds sequentially in conjunction with adjacent flaps, similar to fitting puzzle pieces, to create a new, large, jigsaw puzzle-like flap that complies with the concept of a facial aesthetic unit. All defects achieved tensionless primary closure with suturing in a concealed area.
RESULTS
Procedures were performed for 40 patients; the average size of the defects was 37 cm (range, 6-51 cm). The patients were followed up for a range of 6 months to 2 years, and reconstruction without flap loss was 100% successful.
CONCLUSION
Via a jigsaw puzzle flap based on a freestyle perforator and an aesthetic unit, we can take advantage of a greater freedom of flap selection and have a more versatile aesthetic design. The jigsaw puzzle flap concept represents a safe and favorable approach to the reconstruction of large facial defects.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1169
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Differential gene expression profiling of CD34+ CD133+ umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem progenitor cells.
Umbilical cord blood (CB)-derived primitive hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPC) are a promising source for stem cell-based gene therapy due to the reduced incidence and severity of graftversus- host disease (GVHD) after human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-disparate CB transplantation. Cell-surface markers such as CD34 and CD133 have been used in combination to enrich primitive HSPC for research and clinical applications. To understand the molecular characteristics of the CB HSPC, we compared the global gene expression of freshly isolated CB CD34+ CD133+ cells with their progenies using a cDNA microarray containing 22,000 human cDNA clones printed on a single chip. A total of 139 genes were differentially expressed between CB HSPC and their progenies. These transcripts included a number of known genes that might play roles in key functions of CB HSPC as well as many genes of unknown function. Among the genes showing the greatest differential expression levels in HSPC were: psoriasin 1, CRHBP, HDAC3, MLLT3, HBEX2, SPINK2, c-kit, H2BFQ, CD133, HHEX, TCF4, ALDH1A1, and FHL1. These data provide more information on the molecular phenotype of CB HSPC and may lead to the identification of new genes critical to stem cell function.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1170
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SOX2 knockdown slows cholangiocarcinoma progression through inhibition of transcriptional activation of lncRNA PVT1.
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has accounted for a high rate of mortality and morbidity in the recent years. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in different cellular environments, including cancer. As such, they have been used as potential targets during CCA therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lncRNA PVT1 on CCA and its mechanisms behind lncRNA PVT1 regulation. The interactions among SOX2, lncRNA PVT1, miR-186 and SEMA4D were verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to explore the modulatory effects of SOX2, lncRNA PVT1, miR-186 and SEMA4D on cell viability, migration and invasion of CCA by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. In vivo effects of lncRNA PVT1 or SEMA4D were studied in a nude mouse model. MiR-186 was poorly expressed while SOX2, lncRNA PVT1 and SEMA4D were highly expressed in CCA cells. SOX2 induced the transcriptional activation of lncRNA PVT1 expression to promote proliferation, migration and invasion of CCA cells. LncRNA PVT1 bound to miR-186 and miR-186 was found to target SEMA4D. The overexpression of lncRNA PVT1 and SEMA4D, as well as the inhibition of miR-186 led to elevated CCA cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In vivo experiments confirmed the inhibitory role of lncRNA PVT1 knockdown or SEMA4D knockdown in CCA. All in all, SOX2 down-regulated miR-186 through the transcriptional activation of lncRNA PVT1, whereas elevating SEMA4D expression, thus promoting the progression of CCA.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1171
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CD4 T cell control of acute and latent murine gammaherpesvirus infection requires IFNgamma.
Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (gammaHV68, MHV-68)-specific CD4 T cells control gammaHV68 infection by reducing the frequency of latently infected cells and by inhibiting viral replication. We have previously demonstrated that CD4 T cells do not require CD8 T or B cells to control gammaHV68 replication, demonstrating a helper-independent activity of CD4 T cells during gammaHV68 infection. The effector mechanism(s) required for this helper-independent function of CD4 T cells and for the inhibition of the establishment of latency by CD4 T cells are not known. Since IFNgamma has been previously shown to be important for control of acute, latent, and persistent gammaHV68 infection, we tested the hypothesis that CD4 T cells require IFNgamma to limit gammaHV68 latency and replication. We utilized a previously described system in which T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic T cells (DO.11.10) and a recombinant virus (gammaHV68.OVA) allow for evaluation of high numbers of virus-specific CD4 T cells during both acute and latent infection. We show here that virus-specific CD4 T cells require IFNgamma for their anti-viral function in both acute and latent gammaHV68 infection. We additionally show that an in vitro derived T helper type 1 (TH1) CD4 T cell clone, which produces IFNgamma, inhibits gammaHV68 replication after adoptive transfer into RAG mice. Together, data presented here demonstrate that both CD4 T cell-mediated helper-independent control of gammaHV68 replication and inhibition of the establishment of gammaHV68 latency require IFNgamma.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1172
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Liver and Pancreatic Involvement in Children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Related to SARS-CoV-2: A Monocentric Study.
Liver and pancreatic involvement in children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome related to SARS-CoV-2 (MIS-C) has been poorly investigated so far. We reviewed a cohort of MIS-C patients to analyze the prevalence of acute liver injury (ALI) and pancreatic injury and their correlation with clinical outcomes. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging features of children with MIS-C at admission and during hospital stay were prospectively collected. Fifty-five patients (mean age 6.5 ± 3.7 years) were included. At admission, 16 patients showed ALI and 5 had increased total serum lipase. During observation, 10 more patients developed ALI and 19 more subjects presented raised pancreatic enzymes. In comparison to those with normal ALT, subjects with ALI were significantly older (p = 0.0004), whereas pancreatic involvement was associated to a longer duration of hospital stay compared with patients with normal pancreatic enzymes (p = 0.004). Time between hospital admission and onset of ALI was shorter compared to the onset of raised pancreatic enzymes (3.2 ± 3.9 versus 5.3 ± 2.7 days, respectively; p = 0.035). Abdominal ultrasound showed liver steatosis in 3/26 (12%) and hepatomegaly in 6/26 (16%) patients with ALI; 2 patients presented enlarged pancreas. Although liver and pancreatic involvement is commonly observed in MIS-C patients, it is mild in most cases with a complete recovery.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1173
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Effects of vitamin E administration on platelet function and serum lipid peroxides in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats.
Effects of vitamin E on platelet function and serum lipid peroxide levels were investigated in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. In the hypertensive rats, ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation in whole blood were markedly attenuated and accompanied by a reduction of serotonin content as compared with the normotensive controls. These facts indicated the appearance of exhausted platelets, which have already been activated in vivo, due to the hypertension. Platelet vitamin E levels were decreased by 50%, while serum lipid peroxide levels were increased 3.6-fold in the hypertensive rats. Vitamin E administration (10 times the dietary intake) during the experimental periods did not influence either the aggregability or the serotonin content of platelets from the hypertensive rats. However, vitamin E administration significantly prevented the elevation of serum lipid peroxides due to the hypertension. These results suggest that vitamin E administration has little effect on platelet activation in vivo due to DOCA-salt hypertension.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1174
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A review of the epidemiologic literature on the role of environmental arsenic exposure and cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Arsenic is a ubiquitous metalloid in the crust of the earth. Chronic arsenic poisoning is becoming an emerging epidemic in Asia. Epidemiological studies have shown that chronic arsenic poisoning through ingestion of arsenic-contaminated water is associated with various cardiovascular diseases in dose-response relationships. These cardiovascular disorders include carotid atherosclerosis detected by ultrasonography, impaired microcirculation, prolonged QT interval and increased QT dispersion in electrocardiography, and clinical outcomes such as hypertension, blackfoot disease (a unique peripheral vascular disease endemic in southwestern Taiwan), coronary artery disease and cerebral infarction. Chronic arsenic poisoning is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The adverse cardiovascular effects of long-term arsenic exposure may be persistent and/or irreversible. Arsenic-induced cardiovascular diseases in human population may result from the interaction among genetic, environment and nutritional factors. The major adverse cardiovascular effect of chronic arsenic poisoning has been established qualitatively and quantitatively in the high arsenic exposure areas, but the low-dose effect of arsenic on cardiovascular diseases remains to be explored. Cardiovascular death is the major cause of mortality worldwide, and a small increased risk may imply a large quantity of excess mortality.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1175
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Similarities between obesity in pets and children: the addiction model.
Obesity in pets is a frustrating, major health problem. Obesity in human children is similar. Prevailing theories accounting for the rising obesity rates - for example, poor nutrition and sedentary activity - are being challenged. Obesity interventions in both pets and children have produced modest short-term but poor long-term results. New strategies are needed. A novel theory posits that obesity in pets and children is due to 'treats' and excessive meal amounts given by the 'pet-parent' and child-parent to obtain affection from the pet/child, which enables 'eating addiction' in the pet/child and results in parental 'co-dependence'. Pet-parents and child-parents may even become hostage to the treats/food to avoid the ire of the pet/child. Eating addiction in the pet/child also may be brought about by emotional factors such as stress, independent of parental co-dependence. An applicable treatment for child obesity has been trialled using classic addiction withdrawal/abstinence techniques, as well as behavioural addiction methods, with significant results. Both the child and the parent progress through withdrawal from specific 'problem foods', next from snacking (non-specific foods) and finally from excessive portions at meals (gradual reductions). This approach should adapt well for pets and pet-parents. Pet obesity is more 'pure' than child obesity, in that contributing factors and treatment points are essentially under the control of the pet-parent. Pet obesity might thus serve as an ideal test bed for the treatment and prevention of child obesity, with focus primarily on parental behaviours. Sharing information between the fields of pet and child obesity would be mutually beneficial.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1176
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[Colorectal serrated lesions: current insight on their role in colorectal carcinogenesis].
The classification of colorectal cancer precursor lesions has become more accurate after the discovery of serrated polyps. These are characterized by saw-tooth-like epithelial growth pattern, and are the most significant group of colorectal cancer precursors after conventional adenomas. While conventional adenomas are characterized by tumour suppressor gene mutations and chromosomal instability, serrated adenomas harbour KRAS/BRAF mutations, inhibition of apoptosis, DNA hypermethylation, and microsatellite instability. These alterations occur in about 20% of colorectal cancers, and along with preserved serrated morphology suggest their origin in serrated polyps. The recognition of serrated polyps as colorectal cancer precursors is crucial for their follow-up.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1177
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Temperature and wavelength dependence of nitrite photolysis in frozen and aqueous solutions.
While the photolysis of nitrite is an important source of hydroxyl radical (*OH) in some natural waters, its wavelength and temperature dependence have not been fully described in solution. In addition, there are no studies of this reaction on ice, although there is evidence of nitrite production in snow. To address these gaps, we have measured the wavelength and temperature dependence of the quantum yields of *OH from the photolysis of frozen and aqueous NO2-. From our solution and ice results, we derive a master equation that describes the *OH quantum yield from NO2 photolysis as a function of both temperature (240-295 K) and illumination wavelength (302-390 nm): phi(NO1- -->OH*)(T,lamda) = (Y0 + a/(1 + exp((lamda-c)/b)))exp-(((e lamda) + f)/R) x (1/295 - 1/T)) where Y0 = 0.0204 +/- 0.0010, a = 0.0506 +/- 0.0022, b = 11.2 +/- 1.2, c = 332 +/- 1, e = 20.5 +/- 3.2, f = 7553 +/- 1204, uncertainties represent 1 standard error, Tis the temperature (K), Ris the gas constant (8.314 J mol(-1) K(-1)), and lamda is the wavelength (nm). Using these results we predict the pseudo-steady-state concentrations of nitrite on sunlit polar snow grains and compare the relative importance of the photolysis of nitrite, nitrate, and hydrogen peroxide as sources of snow-grain *0H.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1178
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ARVCF genetic influences on neurocognitive and neuroanatomical intermediate phenotypes in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
There are notable similarities between velocardiofacial syndrome and schizophrenia in terms of neurocognitive deficits and brain structural abnormalities. These similarities have supported the role of the armadillo repeat gene deleted in velocardiofacial syndrome (ARVCF) as a susceptibility gene in schizophrenia. This study investigated the relationships between haplotypes of the ARVCF gene and specific intermediate phenotypes in schizophrenia. We hypothesized that ARVCF gene haplotypes influence caudate nucleus volume, fractional anisotropy, and neurocognitive functioning in schizophrenia.
METHOD
Between May 2006 and November 2009, 200 Chinese participants (125 patients with DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia and 75 controls) were genotyped using blood samples, and a subset of 166 participants (99 patients with DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia and 67 controls) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and completed neuropsychological testing.
RESULTS
The haplotype T-G-A-T-T-G-G-C-T-G-T (ARVCF-Hap1) was significantly associated with fractional anisotropy of the caudate nucleus and executive functioning in patients. Specifically, patients with more copies of ARVCF-Hap1 have lower white matter integrity in caudate nucleus (P = .0008) and greater perseverative errors (P = .00003) on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. A trend of lower caudate volume (P = .015) in patients with more copies of ARVCF-Hap1 was also observed.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings are consistent with known ARVCF gene effects on neurodevelopment in terms of cellular arrangement, migration, and intracellular signaling involving the striatum and may involve interactions with other brain networks such as prefrontal cortex, and they underscore the importance of imaging-genetic studies to elucidate the genetic influences underlying intermediate phenotypes in complex neurobehavioral disorders.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1179
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Mood disturbance in pregnancy and the mode of delivery.
OBJECTIVE
In prior studies, mood disturbance has been associated with poor obstetric outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether depression during pregnancy is associated with a higher frequency of cesarean or assisted vaginal delivery.
STUDY DESIGN
A mood disorders questionnaire, which included the standardized Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), was offered to all antenatal patients in their early third trimester from January 1996 to December 1999 at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Maternal demographics and pregnancy outcome data were collected from a computerized database on 1697 patients who completed the surveys. A CES-D score of 16 or higher was considered to indicate significant depressive symptoms. Rates of cesarean section and assisted vaginal delivery in women with and without scores of 16 or higher were compared by using the chi(2) test.
RESULTS
Of the study population, 264 women (15.6%) had CES-D scores of 16 or higher. Among all subjects, the cesarean section rate was 24.0%, and the assisted vaginal delivery rate was 10.0%. There was no statistically significant difference between the rate of cesarean section (26.5% vs 23.6%) or assisted vaginal delivery (8.0% vs 10.4%) in women with and without elevated CES-D scores (P =.34). These findings did not change when nulliparous and multiparous patients were analyzed separately, when the definition of patients at risk for depression was expanded to include women who indicated current or past use of antidepressants or when the cutoff CES-D score criteria was increased to 19 or 25. With our sample size, an alpha =.05 and a beta =.2, we had the power to detect a 7.5% difference between our two groups.
CONCLUSION
Data from this study did not support a relationship between depressive symptoms during pregnancy and mode of delivery.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1180
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Metabolic effects of discontinuing growth hormone treatment.
AIMS
To evaluate the effects of discontinuing growth hormone (GH) treatment on energy expenditure and body composition, which might help predict those most likely to benefit from early reintroduction of GH treatment in young adult life.
METHODS
Body composition was calculated from skinfold thicknesses and dual energy x ray absorptometry (DXA). Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and whole body bone mineral content (BMC) were also measured. Measurements were made before stopping treatment, at discontinuation of GH treatment, and two weeks, six months, and one year later in 11 adolescents with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and five adolescents without GHD who were treated with GH. Measurements were compared with 10 healthy controls, in whom measurements were repeated one year later.
RESULTS
During the nine months before discontinuation of GH there were no changes in body composition, RMR, or BMC of patients with GHD, nor differences when compared with controls. RMR was reduced by 11.3 kJ/kg fat free mass two weeks after stopping GH in GHD patients and remained suppressed thereafter compared with controls. Percentage body fat increased by 4.3%/year in patients with GHD after discontinuing GH, whereas no changes were noted in control or non-GHD patients at one year. The patients experiencing the greatest reductions in RMR/kg fat free mass at six months showed the largest increases in body fat at one year. No change in BMC was noted in patients one year after stopping treatment.
CONCLUSION
Important metabolic changes occur early after discontinuing GH treatment. In patients whose growth is complete, these changes might be used to predict those most likely to benefit from continuation of GH treatment into adult life.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1181
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Acupuncture and related therapies for carpal tunnel syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve compression syndrome of the upper limb. Plenty of studies showed the effects of acupuncture therapy on relieving pain and improving functional status for CTS patients. Diverse types of acupuncture therapies have been used in the treatment for CTS, but their relative treatment effects are poorly understood. This study will evaluate the effects of different acupuncture and related therapies for CTS by conducting a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS
We will search randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture and related therapies for CTS in MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wanfang Database, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, Chinese Clinical Trial Register, and OpenGrey from inception to November 2021. Then, we will select eligible studies, extract data, and conduct risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane tool. Pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian NMA will be performed in Stata 15.1 software and Aggregate Data Drug Information System 1.16.8 software. We will assess the quality of the evidence using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis application.
RESULTS
In this study, the treatment effects and safety of different acupuncture and related therapies for CTS will be evaluated.
CONCLUSION
This study will provide evidence for choosing the optimal acupuncture and related therapies in the treatment for CTS.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1182
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Superordinate category formation in pigeons: association with a common delay or probability of food reinforcement makes perceptually dissimilar stimuli functionally equivalent.
Training associated pairs of perceptually dissimilar stimulus classes with a common delay or probability of food reinforcement in pigeons. Then, different choice responses were trained to 1 component class in each pair. In a choice test, the untrained class in each pair occasioned the same response as did the choice-trained class. In a 3rd experiment, 2 classes had reinforcement delays of 1 s and 15 s, respectively, and 2 other classes had reinforcement probabilities of 0.1 and 0.9. Then, 1 choice response was reinforced to a class previously associated with a better condition of reinforcement (e.g., 1-s delay or 1.0 probability), and a different response was reinforced to a class previously associated with a worse condition of reinforcement (0.1 probability or 0-s delay). Testing with all classes suggested that categorization was based on the relative reinforcement or hedonic value and not on the parametric details of reinforcement.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1183
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Preoperative anemia is associated with adverse outcome in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder following radical cystectomy.
PURPOSE
Radical cystectomy (RC) can be associated with significant blood loss, whereas many patients are presenting with anemia preoperatively. To date, there is a lack of data addressing the impact of preoperative anemia (PA) on survival of patients undergoing RC for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB).
METHODS
This retrospective multicenter study includes 684 patients with UCB undergoing RC with pelvic lymph node dissection. The median follow-up was 50 (IQR 29,78) months. Anemia was defined in line with the WHO classification (hemoglobin (Hb): male ≤13 g/dL, female ≤12 g/dL) and based on contemporary gender- and age-adjusted classification (Hb: white male aged <60 years: ≤13.7 g/dL; ≥60 years: ≤13.2 g/dL; white female of all ages ≤12.2 g/dL). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to assess the effects of PA on oncological outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 269 (39.3 %) and 302 (44.2 %) patients were anemic according to the WHO classification versus contemporary classification. Age, increased ECOG performance status, advanced tumor stages, lymph node metastasis, positive surgical margin and anemia were associated with disease recurrence (DR), cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and all-cause mortality (ACM). In multivariable analysis, anemia was an independent predictor of DR, CSM and ACM (WHO and/or contemporary classification). Blood transfusion was significantly associated with ACM in both classifications of anemia.
CONCLUSIONS
PA is significantly associated with worse oncological outcome in patients undergoing RC. Based on the additional unfavorable influence of blood transfusion, this emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and correction of anemia and implementation of alternative methods of blood volume management.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1184
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Incidence of uveal melanoma in Europe.
PURPOSE
To estimate incidence rates of uveal melanoma in Europe from 1983 to 1994.
DESIGN
Incidence analysis of data from cancer registries adhering to the European Cancer Registry-based study on survival and care of cancer patients (EUROCARE) (cases diagnosed from 1983 to 1994).
PARTICIPANTS
Data of 6673 patients with ocular melanoma (as defined by International Classification of Diseases for Oncology morphology codes 8720 to 8780 [melanoma] and International Classification of Diseases 9 (ICD9) codes 190.0 [iris and ciliary body], 190.5 [retina], 190.6 [choroid], and 190.9 [unspecified ocular location]) from 33 cancer registries of 16 European countries.
METHODS
Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were obtained from a multilevel Poisson regression model.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Incidence rates and IRRs associated with demographic and geographic variables.
RESULTS
Standardized incidence rates increased from south to north across registries, from a minimum of <2 per million in registries of Spain and southern Italy up to >8 per million in Norway and Denmark. The inclusion of tumors with unspecified ocular location (code 190.9) increased incidence rates in most United Kingdom registries, but not in the other geographic areas, where this code was seldom used for uveal melanomas. Incidence increased noticeably up to age 55 (IRR, 1.46 per 5 years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-1.57) but leveled off after age 75 (IRR, 0.99 per 5 years; 95% CI, 0.93-1.05), with intermediate levels midway (IRR, 1.18 per 5 years; 95% CI, 1.12-1.23). It was also higher in males (IRR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.16-1.28). Rates were stable during the study period, but a cohort effect was evidenced, accounting for higher incidence rates in people born during the period 1910 to 1935 (P = 0.005). Incidence increased with latitude (P = 0.008), which explained most differences in rates among areas.
CONCLUSIONS
In this large series of uveal melanomas, we found stable incidence during the years 1983 to 1994. The north-to-south decreasing gradient supports the protective role of ocular pigmentation. European ophthalmologists should develop guidelines to standardize the coding of tumors treated conservatively using the ICD classification to improve the registration and surveillance of uveal melanoma by cancer registries.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1185
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Expulsion of intrauterine devices after postpartum placement by timing of placement, delivery type, and intrauterine device type: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
To provide updated and more detailed pooled intrauterine device expulsion rates and expulsion risk estimates among women with postpartum intrauterine device placement by timing of insertion, delivery type, and intrauterine device type to inform current intrauterine device insertion practices in the United States.
DATA SOURCES
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov through June 2019.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included all studies, of any study design, that examined postpartum placement of Copper T380A (copper) or levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine devices that reported counts of expulsion.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
We evaluated intrauterine device expulsion among women receiving postpartum intrauterine devices in the "immediate" (within 10 minutes), "early inpatient" (>10 minutes to <72 hours), "early outpatient" (72 hours to <4 weeks), and interval (≥4 weeks) time periods after delivery. We assessed study quality using the US Preventive Services Task Force evidence grading system. We calculated pooled absolute rates of partial and complete intrauterine device expulsion separately and estimated adjusted relative risks by the timing of postpartum placement, delivery type, and intrauterine device type using log-binomial multivariable regression.
RESULTS
We identified 48 level I to II-3 studies of poor to good quality that reported a total of 7661 intrauterine device placements. Complete intrauterine device expulsion rates varied by timing of placement as follows: 10.2% (range, 0.0-26.7) for immediate; 13.2% (3.5-46.7) for early inpatient; 0% for early outpatient; and 1.8% (0.0-4.8) for interval placements. Complete intrauterine device expulsion rates also varied by delivery type: 14.8% (range, 4.8-43.1) for vaginal and 3.8% (0.0-21.1) for cesarean deliveries. Among immediate postpartum vaginal placements, the expulsion rate for levonorgetrel intrauterine devices was 27.4% (range, 18.8-45.2) and 12.4% (4.8-43.1) for copper intrauterine devices. Compared with interval placement, immediate and early postpartum placements (inpatient and outpatient combined) were associated with greater risk of complete expulsion (adjusted risk ratio, 8.33; 95% confidence interval, 4.32-16.08, and adjusted risk ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 2.56-10.85, respectively). Among immediate postpartum placements, risk of expulsion was greater for placement after vaginal compared with cesarean deliveries (adjusted risk ratio, 4.57; 95% confidence interval, 3.49-5.99). Among immediate placements at the time of vaginal delivery, levonorgestrel intrauterine devices were associated with a greater risk of expulsion compared with copper intrauterine devices (adjusted risk ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-2.65).
CONCLUSION
Although intrauterine device expulsion rates vary by timing of placement, type, and mode of delivery, intrauterine device insertion can take place at any time. Understanding the risk of intrauterine device expulsion at each time period will enable women to make an informed choice about when to initiate use of an intrauterine device in the postpartum period based on their own goals and preferences.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1186
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PROMIS: a valid and efficient outcomes instrument for patients with ACL tears.
PURPOSE
The current study compares the Patient Reported Outcomes Information System Physical Function Computer Adaptive Test (PROMIS PF CAT) to traditional knee PRO instruments in a healthy population undergoing surgery for ACL injuries with the following objectives: (1) identify and determine the strength of any correlations between the scores of PROMIS PF CAT and current knee PROs or their subscales that measure physical function; (2) evaluate PROMIS PF CAT's test burden; and (3) determine if PROMIS PF CAT has any floor or ceiling effects in this population.
METHODS
Patients indicated for ACL surgery completed the Short Form-36 Physical Function (SF-36 PF), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Marx Knee Activity Rating Scale (Marx), the EuroQol 5-dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), and PROMIS PF CAT. Correlations between PROs were defined as follows: High (≥ 0.7); high-moderate (0.61-0.69); moderate (0.4-0.6); moderate-weak (0.31-0.39); and weak (≤ 0.3). Floor or ceiling effects were considered significant if 15% or more patients reported the lowest or highest possible total score, respectively.
RESULTS
100 patients participated with a mean age of 26 years (range 11-57). The PROMIS PF CAT demonstrated high correlations with SF-36 PF (r = 0.82, p < 0.01), EQ-5D (r = - 0.70, p < 0.01) KOOS ADL (r = 0.74, p < 0.01), and KOOS Sport (r = 0.70, p < 0.01). There were no ceiling or floor effects for PROMIS PF CAT (0%). The mean number of items completed for the PROMIS PF CAT was 4.2 (median 4; range 4-11).
CONCLUSIONS
The PROMIS PF CAT shows a high correlation with commonly employed PROs that also measure physical function with low test burden and without ceiling effects in this relatively young and healthy population.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1187
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Depression in the elderly.
Depression in the elderly is difficult to classify and may be more of a symptom than a disease entity. The core problem with the elderly is inability to handle multiple losses. Feelings of helplessness and reduced self-esteem are significant. The resultant depression often appears mild but the risk of suicide cannot be ignored. The family physician is the key person in the diagnosis of depression. The close relationship between physical factors and depression may make differentiation difficult. Treatment involves a sympathetic but firm approach, particularly when dealing with the hypochondriacal patient. Regression in the elderly is a serious problem that requires staff teamwork. Reactivation techniques which combat feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are of particular importance. When the patient no longer responds well to appropriate drugs, electroconvulsive treatment may be of value. Family and marital therapy should not be overlooked. The nihilist has no place in geriatric medicine.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1188
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Yeast systems biotechnology for the production of heterologous proteins.
Systems biotechnology has been established as a highly potent tool for bioprocess development in recent years. The applicability to complex metabolic processes such as protein synthesis and secretion, however, is still in its infancy. While yeasts are frequently applied for heterologous protein production, more progress in this field has been achieved for bacterial and mammalian cell culture systems than for yeasts. A critical comparison between different protein production systems, as provided in this review, can aid in assessing the potentials and pitfalls of applying systems biotechnology concepts to heterologous protein producing yeasts. Apart from modelling, the methodological basis of systems biology strongly relies on postgenomic methods. However, this methodology is rapidly moving so that more global data with much higher sensitivity will be achieved in near future. The development of next generation sequencing technology enables an unexpected revival of genomic approaches, providing new potential for evolutionary engineering and inverse metabolic engineering.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1189
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Electrospun fibrous scaffolds of Poly(glycerol-dodecanedioate) for engineering neural tissues from mouse embryonic stem cells.
For tissue engineering applications, the preparation of biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds is the most desirable but challenging task. Among the various fabrication methods, electrospinning is the most attractive one due to its simplicity and versatility. Additionally, electrospun nanofibers mimic the size of natural extracellular matrix ensuring additional support for cell survival and growth. This study showed the viability of the fabrication of long fibers spanning a larger deposit area for a novel biodegradable and biocompatible polymer named poly(glycerol-dodecanoate) (PGD)(1) by using a newly designed collector for electrospinning. PGD exhibits unique elastic properties with similar mechanical properties to nerve tissues, thus it is suitable for neural tissue engineering applications. The synthesis and fabrication set-up for making fibrous scaffolding materials was simple, highly reproducible, and inexpensive. In biocompatibility testing, cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells could adhere to and grow on the electrospun PGD fibers. In summary, this protocol provided a versatile fabrication method for making PGD electrospun fibers to support the growth of mouse embryonic stem cell derived neural lineage cells.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1190
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Addictive illegal drugs: structural neuroimaging.
Illegal addictive drugs can lead to functional or structural impairment of the central nervous system. This review provides an overview of the structural imaging findings on CT, MR imaging, and conventional angiography related to chronic and acute abuse of the most commonly abused illegal drugs, including cannabis, organic solvents, and amphetamines and opioids and their respective derivatives. Pathomechanisms include excitotoxicity, which may lead to an acute or subacute leukoencephalopathy, and vascular complications, including vasoconstriction, vasculitis, or hypertension, which may lead to intracranial hemorrhage or ischemia. Because clinical findings alone are often nonspecific, and afflicted patients are unlikely to admit to the substance abuse, the neuroradiologist may play an important role in establishing the diagnosis and, thereby, initiating treatment.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1191
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Solubilization of human erythrocyte membrane glycoproteins by triton X-100.
1. The enzymic removal of sialic acid residues from the glycoproteins of the human erythrocyte decreases the solubilization of membrane glycoprotein by Triton X-100. 2. The solubilization of asialoglycoprotein by Triton X-100 may be restored by the addition of borate. 3. Use of this non-ionic detergent in the presence of borate, as a general procedure for the mild solubilization of membrane glycoproteins deficient in sialic acid residues, is discussed.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1192
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Frontotemporal epi- and subdural approach to a cavernous sinus tumor for sphenobasal vein preservation--technical case report.
In cavernous sinus (CS) surgery, venous complication may occur in some types of venous drainage. The sphenobasal vein (SBV) drains from the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) to the pterygoid venous plexus at the temporal skull base. A frontotemporal epi- and interdural approach (Dolenc approach), which is one of the CS approaches, may damage the SBV's route. We report a case of intracavernous trigeminal schwannoma that contained the SBV and discuss our modified surgical procedure that combined epi- and subdural approaches to preserve the SBV. A 64-year-old man complained of right progressive oculomotor palsy and was referred to our hospital for surgery. MR images revealed a hemorrhagic tumor in the right CS. Three-dimensional venography revealed that the SMCV drained into the pterygoid venous plexus via the SBV. After identifying the first branch of the trigeminal nerve epidurally, we incised the dura linearly along the sylvian fissure and entered the subdural space to visualize the SBV. The incision was continued to the meningeal dura of the lateral wall of the CS along the superior margin of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, and the Parkinson's triangle was opened from the subdural side. The tumor was grossly totally removed, and the SBV was preserved. In conclusion, a frontotemporal epi- and subdural approach to the intracavernous trigeminal schwannoma can effectively preserve the SBV.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1193
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Expression of a single gene produces both forms of skeletal muscle cyclic nucleotide-gated channels.
Cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels in skeletal muscle are responsible for insulin-activated sodium entry into this tissue (J. E. M. McGeoch and G. Guidotti. J. Biol. Chem. 267: 832-841, 1992). These channels have previously been isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle by 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcGMP) affinity chromatography, which separates them into two populations differing in nucleotide affinity [L. C. Santy and G. Guidotti. Am. J. Physiol. 271 (Endocrinol. Metab. 34): E1051-E1060, 1996]. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction approach was used to identify skeletal muscle cyclic nucleotide-gated channel cDNAs. Rabbit skeletal muscle expresses the same cyclic nucleotide-gated channel as rabbit aorta (M. Biel, W. Altenhofen, R. Hullin, J. Ludwig, M. Freichel, V. Flockerzi, N. Dascal, U. B. Kaupp, and F. Hofmann. FEBS Lett. 329: 134-138, 1993). The entire cDNA for this gene was cloned from rabbit skeletal muscle and an antiserum to this protein produced. Expression of this cDNA produces a 63-kDa protein with cyclic nucleotide-gated channel activity. A similarly sized immunoreactive protein is present in sarcolemma. Purification of the expressed channels reveals that this single gene produces both native skeletal muscle channel populations.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1194
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The ABCs of ATP-sensitive potassium channels: more pieces of the puzzle.
ATP-sensitive potassium channels, KATP channels are critical for the normal regulation of insulin secretion. The cloning of cDNAs encoding the subunits of these channels shows that they are a novel combination of an ATP-binding protein and a small inward rectifier. Loss of pancreatic beta-cell KATP channels has been shown to cause familial hyperinsulinism.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1195
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Frequent occurrence of postbreakfast syncope due to carotid sinus syndrome after surgery for hypopharyngeal cancer: A case report.
RATIONALE
Syncope often occurs in patients with advanced head and neck cancers due to the stimulation of the autonomic nervous system by the tumor. Here, we describe a case of frequent syncopal episodes after laryngopharyngectomy for hypopharyngeal cancer. As all syncopal episodes were observed during the forenoon, we also evaluated the heart rate variability using ambulatory electrocardiography to determine why the syncopal episodes occurred during a specified period of the day.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 73-year-old Japanese man who underwent laryngopharyngectomy for recurrent hypopharyngeal cancer started experiencing frequent episodes of loss of consciousness that occurred during the same time period (10:00-12:00). He had never experienced syncopal episodes before the operation. From 23 to 41 days postoperatively, he experienced 9 syncopal episodes that occurred regardless of his posture.
DIAGNOSES
Pharyngo-esophagoscopy revealed an anastomotic stricture between the free jejunum graft and the upper esophagus. Swallowing videofluoroscopy confirmed the dilatation of the jejunal autograft and a foreign body stuck on the oral side of the anastomosis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed that the carotid artery was slightly compressed by the edematous free jejunum. The patient was diagnosed with carotid sinus syndrome (CSS) as the free jejunum was dilated when consuming breakfast, which may have caused carotid sinus hypersensitivity and induced a medullary reflex.
INTERVENTIONS
Administration of disopyramide was effective in preventing syncope. Heart rate variability analysis using ambulatory electrocardiography showed that parasympathetic dominancy shifted to sympathetic dominancy during 10:00 to 12:00. The significant time regularity of the syncopal episodes may have been affected by modified diurnal variation in autonomic tone activity.
OUTCOMES
After the surgical release and re-anastomosis of the pharyngoesophageal stenosis via an open-neck approach, no recurrent episodes of syncope were reported.
LESSONS
We reported a case of frequent syncopal episodes limited to the forenoon due to CSS after surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma. The patient was treated with anticholinergics followed by the release and re-anastomosis of the pharyngoesophageal stenosis. When syncope occurs after surgery for head and neck lesions, CSS due to postoperative structural changes should be considered as a differential diagnosis of syncope.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1196
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Pathology of AIDS in children.
AIDS in children is a multisystem disease. The various infections, degenerative, proliferative and vascular lesions can be classified into three categories based on the known, presumed or undetermined pathogenesis. The primary lesions are due to HIV infection. The associated lesions are related to direct or indirect sequelae of HIV infection or its treatment. The third category is of lesions of undetermined pathogenesis. The pediatric pathologist plays an important role in the study and management of AIDS by demonstrating new pathologic lesions, by making the etiologic diagnosis of infection in children with AIDS, and by providing clinicopathologic correlation which leads to better understanding of the disease process and its natural history. Diagnosis of neoplastic disorders is also made by the pathologist. There is a dearth of systematic pathologic study of AIDS in children in developing countries. Although no basic differences between pathologic lesions in pediatric AIDS in Western countries, and in developing countries is expected, such a study would lead to better understanding and better management of the disorder as it affects children from the developing countries.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1197
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Kynurenine pathway metabolites are associated with gray matter volume in subjects with schizophrenia.
Background
There has been growing evidence of the existence of abnormalities in the kynurenine pathway (KP) and structural gray matter volume (GMV) in schizophrenia (SCZ). Numerous studies have suggested that abnormal kynurenine metabolism (KM) in the brain is clearly associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and may be one of the pathological mechanisms of SCZ. In this pilot study, we investigated whether there was a correlation between KP and GMV in schizophrenia patients.
Methods
The plasma levels of KM were measured in 41 patients who met the Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic IV criteria for schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and cortical thickness (as measured via magnetic resonance imaging) was obtained.
Results
Our study showed no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of kynurenine (KYN), tryptophan (TRP), and KYNA/TRP (all p > 0.05), but kynurenic acid (KYNA) and the KYNA/KYN ratio were significantly higher in the schizophrenia subjects than in the healthy controls (F = 4.750, p = 0.032; F = 6.153, p = 0.015, respectively) after controlling for age and sex. Spearman's tests showed that KYN concentrations in SCZ patients were negatively correlated with GMV in the left front cingulate belt (r = -0.325, p = 0.046) and that KYN/TRP was negatively correlated with GMV in the left island (r = -0.396, p = 0.014) and right island (r = -0.385, p = 0.017).
Conclusion
Our findings appear to provide new insights into the predisposition of an imbalance in the relative metabolism of KYN/TRP and KYN to GMV in schizophrenia.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1198
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[Effect observation of cleaning up the external auditory canal by otoendoscope combined with Clotrimazole Ointment in the treatment of pregnancy with otitis externa mycotica].
Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of cleaning up the external auditory canal under otoendoscope combined with Clotrimazole Ointment in the treatment of pregnancy with otitis externa mycotica.Method:From May 2015 to May 2017,16 cases of pregnant patients(19 ears)with otitis externa mycotica were divided into two groups:pure cleaning up group and cleaning up combined with medication group.In the pure cleaning up group,external auditory canal were only cleaned up under otoendoscope conventionally in 9 patients(11 ears),while in the cleaning up combined with medication group,Clotrimazole Ointment was topically applied after cleaning up the external auditory canal under otoendoscope in 7 patients(8 ears).After treatment of 2 weeks,the clinical curative effect,adverse reaction and average time interval to take effect were compared at the end of treatment.Result:The total effective rate(100%)in cleaning up combined with medication group's was significantly better than that in pure cleaning up group's(81.81%)(P<0.05);The average time interval to take effect in cleaning up combined with medication groupwas significantly shorter than that in pure cleaning up group's[(2.71±0.70)d vs(5.40±1.96)d,P<0.05].After the two-week treatment,there was a four-week follow-up.Only one patient in pure cleaning up group relapsed.After two-week treatment by Clotrimazole Ointment,this patient was cured.Conclusion:Cleaning up the external auditory canal under otoendoscope combined with Clotrimazole Ointment is effective and safe for the treatment of otitis externa mycotica in pregnant women.The addition of topical application of Clotrimazole Ointment further improve the therapeutic efficacy,as compared to the conventional method of cleaning up the external auditory canal under otoendoscope.We suggest clinical application of this method.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1199
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An ion-sensitive microelectrode study on the effect of a high concentration of ivermectin on chloride balance in the somatic muscle bag cells of Ascaris suum.
Ivermectin has been shown to increase chloride conductances of invertebrate cells. On the muscle cells of the parasitic nematode Ascaris, ivermectin acts as both a GABA receptor antagonist and a chloride channel opener. In this study, ion-sensitive microelectrodes were used to investigate the effect of ivermectin on intracellular Cl- concentration of the somatic muscle bag cells of Ascaris suum. Incubation of muscle cells with ivermectin (10 microM in 1% dimethyl sulphoxide vehicle for 60 min) increased intracellular Cl- by 2.9 mM or 15% compared to controls (P < 0.01, n = 6).
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No pos
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No neg
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