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Retriever1900
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[Preliminary application of PCR-based assay for the detection of Neospora caninum in bovine aborted fetus].
OBJECTIVE
To establish a PCR diagnostic method based on Nc-5 gene of Neospora caninum, for being used to detect Neospora in brain tissues of bovine aborted fetus.
METHODS
Specific primers were designed and synthesized based on the reported Nc-5 gene of N. caninum (GenBank Accession No. AY459289). Using genomic DNA from N.caninum as templates, Nc-5 gene was amplified by PCR. The PCR product was cloned into pMD18-T vector, transformed into Escherichia coli JM109 and then sequenced. To evaluate the specificity of the PCR, genomic DNA of Theileria annulata, Babesia bovis, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania donovani and standard strain of N. caninum were used as a template in the PCR. For determining the detection limit of amplification procedure, PCR was run on a dilution series of genomic DNA from N. caninum (1.562 5-200 ng/ml). Brain tissue samples of 32 aborted fetuses were detected by PCR-based assay, and 23 blood samples from mothers were tested by ELISA.
RESULTS
The amplified DNA fragment (350 bp) had a high identity of 98% with the Nc-5 gene sequence of N. caninum (GenBank Accession No. AY459289). The PCR was specific for N. caninum and allowed the detection of 3.125 pg DNA of the parasite, while no amplification occurred with the other four species of protozoa. PCR-based assay and ELISA showed a positive rate of 18.8% (6/32) and 17.4% (4/23) of the samples tested, respectively. Moreover, all the 4 antibody positive samples showed PCR positive. There is no significant difference between the two assays (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
PCR diagnostic method is promising in detecting Neospora infection in brain tissues of aborted bovine.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1901
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Anatomy, Histology, and Ultrastructure of Salivary Glands of the Burrower Bug, Scaptocoris castanea (Hemiptera: Cydnidae).
The burrower bug Scaptocoris castanea Perty, 1830 (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) is an agricultural pest feeding on roots of several crops. The histology and ultrastructure of the salivary glands of S. castanea were described. The salivary system has a pair of principal salivary glands and a pair of accessory salivary glands. The principal salivary gland is bilobed with anterior and posterior lobes joined by a hilus where an excretory duct occurs. The accessory salivary gland is tubular with a narrow lumen that opens into the hilus near the excretory duct, suggesting that its secretion is stored in the lumen of the principal gland. The cytoplasm of the secretory cells is rich in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, secretory vesicles with different electron densities and mitochondria. At the base of the accessory gland epithelium, there were scattered cells that do not reach the gland lumen, with the cytoplasm rich in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, indicating a role in protein production. Data show that principal and accessory salivary glands of S. castanea produce proteinaceous saliva. This is the first morphological description of the S. castanea salivary system that is similar to other Hemiptera Pentatomomorpha, but with occurrence of basal cells in the accessory salivary gland.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1902
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Interference effects in laser-induced plasma emission from surface-bound metal micro-particles.
The light-matter interaction of an optical beam and metal micro-particulates at the vicinity of an optical substrate surface is critical to the many fields of applied optics. Examples of impacted fields are laser-induced damage in high power laser systems, sub-wavelength laser machining of transmissive materials, and laser-target interaction in directed energy applications. We present a full-wave-based model that predicts the laser-induced plasma pressure exerted on a substrate surface as a result of light absorption in surface-bound micron-scale metal particles. The model predictions agree with experimental observation of laser-induced shallow pits, formed by plasma emission and etching from surface-bound metal micro-particulates. It provides an explanation for the prototypical side lobes observed along the pit profile, as well as for the dependence of the pit shape on the incident laser and particle parameters. Furthermore, the model highlights the significance of the interference of the incident light in the open cavity geometry formed between the micro-particle and the substrate in the resulting pit shape.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1903
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Looking for two targets at the same time: one search or two?
A considerable amount of evidence suggests that, under conditions of high discriminability, subjects are able to process multiple elements in a visual display simultaneously when searching for a single target among distractors. Relatively little emphasis, however has been placed on the question of whether subjects can search for and detect multiple targets simultaneously. This latter question is the focus of the present report. In two experiments, we compare performance in single-target and multiple-target detection tasks in order to investigate whether or not multiple targets can be detected simultaneously. In Experiment 1, subjects searched for one or two targets that were defined by color. In Experiment 2, subjects searched for a color and/or a letter target. When the two targets were presented in the same location (e.g., a red X when Target 1 was red and Target 2 was an X), they seemed to be detected simultaneously. Implications for object-based processing of visual information are discussed.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1904
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Breast cancer diagnosis in Inner-City African American and Hispanic women: The importance of early screening.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the diagnosis of breast cancer in inner-city African-American and Hispanic women under age 50 to support the importance of screening in this population.
METHODS
This retrospective chart review included women newly diagnosed with breast cancer from 1/1/2015 to 1/1/2019 in a city hospital mainly serving minority patients. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for analysis.
RESULTS
In this cohort of 108 newly diagnosed African-American (63%) and Hispanic (31%) women, 60/108 (56%) presented with a site of palpable concern for diagnostic workup, and the remaining were diagnosed via asymptomatic screening. Women ages 30-49 were significantly more likely to present with a site of palpable concern when compared to women ages 50-69 (68% vs. 44%, p = 0.045). Additionally, women ages 30-49 were more likely to have triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) than women ages 50-69 (20% vs. 10%, p = 0.222). However, women ages 30-49 were less likely to have prior mammogram than women ages 50-69 (24% vs. 46%, p = 0.062).
CONCLUSION
African-American and Hispanic women ages 30-49 were more likely to present with a site of palpable concern and TNBC than those ages 50-69. However, these young minority women ages 30-49 were less likely to have prior screening mammograms when compared to those ages 50-69. Our data highlights the importance of starting screening mammography no later than age 40 in African-American and Hispanic women. In addition, these women should have risk assessment for breast cancer no later than age 30 and be screened appropriately.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1905
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Spin-exchange NMR spectroscopy in studies of the kinetics of enzymes and membrane transport.
Spin-exchange NMR techniques enable the measurement of the rates of exchange of solutes between chemically or physically distinct sites in reactions taking place at chemical equilibrium. The time scale of the events that are able to be investigated lies in the neighbourhood of 1 s. The earliest studies in this area of NMR spectroscopy involved chemical reactions in vitro but the procedures have been adapted to the study of enzyme-catalysed reactions both in vitro and in vivo, and more recently to transmembrane exchange processes. The emphasis in this review is on the various types of spin-exchange experiments, the analysis of data derived from them, estimates of uncertainty in measured rate constants, and their shortcomings. Those methods given special attention are saturation transfer, two-dimensional exchange spectroscopy (2D EXSY), the 'accordion' experiment and 'overdetermined' one-dimensional exchange spectroscopy.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1906
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Structural changes in dengue virus when exposed to a temperature of 37°C.
Previous binding studies of antibodies that recognized a partially or fully hidden epitope suggest that insect cell-derived dengue virus undergoes structural changes at an elevated temperature. This was confirmed by our cryo-electron microscopy images of dengue virus incubated at 37°C, where viruses change their surface from smooth to rough. Here we present the cryo-electron microscopy structures of dengue virus at 37°C. Image analysis showed four classes of particles. The three-dimensional (3D) map of one of these classes, representing half of the imaged virus population, shows that the E protein shell has expanded and there is a hole at the 3-fold vertices. Fitting E protein structures into the map suggests that all of the interdimeric and some intradimeric E protein interactions are weakened. The accessibility of some previously found cryptic epitopes on this class of particles is discussed.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1907
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HIV infection in England and Wales: a changing pattern.
Of 32,983 specimens from 307 sources in England and Wales tested in the Virus Reference Laboratory for anti-HIV between 1984 and 1987, 6491 (20%) were positive. Ninety-five per cent of the positive subjects were male and 44% of them were from three London genito-urinary medicine clinics. In 1987 the numbers of newly diagnosed HIV infections decreased in homosexual men and haemophiliacs and increased in injecting drug abusers; 148/1199 (12%) of all the positive findings in 1987 were in females. Between 1984 and 1987 the proportion of anti-HIV positive individuals who were asymptomatic fell by nearly 10% and the proportion with AIDS/ARC rose by nearly 10%. Of the requests leading to positive results 1280 (20%) were recognized as duplicates of previous positive results, while for 34% of the requests no clinical information was provided. These deficiencies in the data compromise HIV surveillance based on diagnostic testing, and supplementary bias-free data are needed.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1908
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Sudden infant death syndrome and unclassified sudden infant deaths: a definitional and diagnostic approach.
The definition of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) originally appeared in 1969 and was modified 2 decades later. During the following 15 years, an enormous amount of additional information has emerged, justifying additional refinement of the definition of SIDS to incorporate epidemiologic features, risk factors, pathologic features, and ancillary test findings. An expert panel of pediatric and forensic pathologists and pediatricians considered these issues and developed a new general definition of SIDS for administrative and vital statistics purposes. The new definition was then stratified to facilitate research into sudden infant death. Another category, defined as unclassified sudden infant deaths, was introduced for cases that do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of SIDS and for which alternative diagnoses of natural or unnatural conditions were equivocal. It is anticipated that these new definitions will be modified in the future to accommodate new understanding of SIDS and sudden infant death.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1909
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Essential Newborn Care Service Readiness and Barriers in Northwest Ethiopia: A Descriptive Survey and Qualitative Study.
BACKGROUND
Despite the efforts put forth in improving neonatal survival, there is still a high rate of neonatal morbidity and mortality in northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the essential newborn care service readiness scores and explore the health facility-related barriers in North Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 16 health facilities (14 health centers and two hospitals) and twelve in-depth interviews were included in the study in three randomly selected districts of North Gondar Zone. A pretested health facility inventory questionnaire customized from the World Health Organization (WHO) service readiness assessment tool was used for a facility audit. Basic emergency and essential obstetric and newborn care (BEmONC), and child immunization service readiness scores were determined using unweighted averages according to the WHO guideline. Descriptive statistics were done for the quantitative data, and thematic content analysis was employed using NVivo 12 software for the qualitative data.
RESULTS
All the surveyed health facilities had no specialist medical doctors, and 50% (8/16) of them had no inpatient beds. The overall BEmONC service readiness score was 62.7% (10/16) (95% CI: 34.8, 83.8) and only one facility had all the tracer items. Trained staff and guidelines had a 27.5% (4/16) readiness score, followed by 71.9% (12/16) readiness score for equipment, and 88.6% (14/16) readiness score for medicine and commodities. The overall child immunization service readiness score was 90.3% (15/16) (95% CI: 51.4, 94.7) and eleven facilities (68.8%) had all the tracer items. The immunization service readiness score was higher; 84.4% (14/16) for trained staff and guidelines, 92.8% (15/16) for equipment, and 93.8% (15/16) for medicines and commodities. Unavailability of equipment, shortage of supplies, and lack of respectful and compassionate healthcare practices were the key facility-related barriers compromising essential newborn care service readiness.
CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE
The survey revealed that the essential newborn care service readiness score of the health facilities was low, and it calls for improving BEmONC service readiness in particular. Provision of timely training for newly recruited staff, fulfilling essential equipment, and steady supply is imperative.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1910
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Humans recognize affective cues in primate vocalizations: acoustic and phylogenetic perspectives.
Humans are adept at extracting affective information from vocalizations of humans and other animals. However, the extent to which human recognition of vocal affective cues of other species is due to cross-taxa similarities in acoustic parameters or the phylogenetic closeness between species is currently unclear. To address this, we first analyzed acoustic variation in 96 affective vocalizations, taken from agonistic and affiliative contexts, of humans and three other primates-rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), chimpanzees and bonobos (Pan troglodytes and Pan paniscus). Acoustic analyses revealed that agonistic chimpanzee and bonobo vocalizations were similarly distant from agonistic human voices, but chimpanzee affiliative vocalizations were significantly closer to human affiliative vocalizations, than those of bonobos, indicating a potential derived vocal evolution in the bonobo lineage. Second, we asked 68 human participants to categorize and also discriminate vocalizations based on their presumed affective content. Results showed that participants reliably categorized human and chimpanzee vocalizations according to affective content, but not bonobo threat vocalizations nor any macaque vocalizations. Participants discriminated all species calls above chance level except for threat calls by bonobos and macaques. Our results highlight the importance of both phylogenetic and acoustic parameter level explanations in cross-species affective perception, drawing a more complex picture to the origin of vocal emotions.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1911
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Chromium picolinate.
Chromium picolinate is a dietary supplement gaining in popularity among Americans, especially those seeking a weight-reduction program. Although the mechanism(s) responsible for the purported actions of chromium picolinate have not been thoroughly investigated, studies suggest that the biochemical, physiological, and behavioral actions of chromium picolinate may be a consequence of the effects of picolinic acid on the central nervous system. Analogues of picolinic acid have been shown to induce profound alterations in the metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and norepnephrine in brain. Thus, caution should be used with chromium picolinate supplements especially by individuals prone to behavioral disorders.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1912
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Geographic patterning of variation in segment number in geophilomorph centipedes: clines and speciation.
Since their origin as a metameric group, arthropods have diversified considerably in their number of segments. Present-day geophilomorph centipedes provide a model system for investigating the evolutionary origins of this diversification, because they exhibit intraspecific variation in segment number. (This variation is, however, derived; it is not a plesiomorphic condition within the Chilopoda.) Previous studies have shown that there are significant differences in segment number between populations within several geophilomorph species. In one (arguably two) species, it has been demonstrated that there is a particular form of geographic patterning of the variation, namely a latitudinal cline, with the segment number decreasing with increasing distance north. Here, we provide additional data on four more species, all of which show evidence of a latitudinal cline in either one or both sexes. It is therefore becoming clear that this is a general phenomenon, applying widely (perhaps universally) across the Geophilomorpha, a group consisting of some 1,000 known species. It may be that latitudinal clines are a frequent part of the speciation cycle in this group.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1913
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Oral Lycopene Administration Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress by Regulating Plasma Lipids in Rats with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Epididymitis.
Purpose
Epididymitis histological alterations and related long-term reproductive issues cannot be cured by antibiotics alone. Few studies have been done on the effect of lycopene on epididymitis, despite the fact that it is an efficient antioxidant. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of lycopene on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced epididymis and lipid metabolism.
Methods
Thirty-one 260-290g rats were separated into the blank control group (n=10), the oil-control group (n=10), the single intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg LPS (n=5), and the continuous intragastric of 5 mg/kg lycopene (n=6). The animals were euthanized after four weeks, and blood and the epididymis were removed for analysis.
Results
Lycopene significantly decreased IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6 and lipid peroxidation product Malondialdehyde in serum and epididymis. It significantly increased the epididymis's antioxidant enzyme and total antioxidant capacity. According to LC-MS plasma lipidomics, lycopene increased phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, decreased phosphatidylethanolamine, triacylglycerol, and diacylglycerol levels, changed the composition of lipids, altered metabolic pathways, and these changes were related to the mechanism of anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress. 20 lipids, including PC (20:5e) and LPC (14:0), were identified through additional Spearman correlation analysis as being related to cytokines and oxidation indices. They served as possible lipid markers that may be utilized to gauge the severity of inflammation.
Conclusion
Lycopene has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that improve histopathological and functional damage in LPS-induced epididymitis and is an alternate supplement for treating epididymitis. Lipidomics provide new perspectives on the possible mechanism of lycopene in protecting against LPS-induced epididymitis by integrating lipid metabolism and inflammation.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1914
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HDL-subpopulation patterns in response to reductions in dietary total and saturated fat intakes in healthy subjects.
BACKGROUND
Little information is available about HDL subpopulations during dietary changes.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to investigate the effect of reductions in total and saturated fat intakes on HDL subpopulations.
DESIGN
Multiracial, young and elderly men and women (n = 103) participating in the double-blind, randomized DELTA (Dietary Effects on Lipoproteins and Thrombogenic Activities) Study consumed 3 different diets, each for 8 wk: an average American diet (AAD: 34.3% total fat,15.0% saturated fat), the American Heart Association Step I diet (28.6% total fat, 9.0% saturated fat), and a diet low in saturated fat (25.3% total fat, 6.1% saturated fat).
RESULTS
HDL(2)-cholesterol concentrations, by differential precipitation, decreased (P < 0.001) in a stepwise fashion after the reduction of total and saturated fat: 0.58 +/- 0.21, 0.53 +/- 0.19, and 0.48 +/- 0.18 mmol/L with the AAD, Step I, and low-fat diets, respectively. HDL(3) cholesterol decreased (P < 0.01) less: 0.76 +/- 0.13, 0.73 +/- 0.12, and 0.72 +/- 0.11 mmol/L with the AAD, Step I, and low-fat diets, respectively. As measured by nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, the larger-size HDL(2b) subpopulation decreased with the reduction in dietary fat, and a corresponding relative increase was seen for the smaller-sized HDL(3a, 3b), and (3c) subpopulations (P < 0.01). HDL(2)-cholesterol concentrations correlated negatively with serum triacylglycerol concentrations on all 3 diets: r = -0.46, -0.37, and -0.45 with the AAD, Step I, and low-fat diets, respectively (P < 0.0001). A similar negative correlation was seen for HDL(2b), whereas HDL(3a, 3b), and (3c) correlated positively with triacylglycerol concentrations. Diet-induced changes in serum triacylglycerol were negatively correlated with changes in HDL(2) and HDL(2b) cholesterol.
CONCLUSIONS
A reduction in dietary total and saturated fat decreased both large (HDL(2) and HDL(2b)) and small, dense HDL subpopulations, although decreases in HDL(2) and HDL(2b) were most pronounced.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1915
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Impact of Prescription Patterns on Compliance With Follow-Up Visits at an Urban Teaching Primary Care Continuity Clinic.
BACKGROUND
Although limiting prescription refills is considered as a strategy to increase compliance with the treatment regimen and follow-up, no literature exists to support its effectiveness. We sought to investigate whether decreasing the number of prescription refills affects no-show rate at an urban teaching primary care continuity clinic in New York.
METHODS
Eight teaching attending physicians and 19 residents implemented a "new prescribing strategy" from February 9 to 22, 2012, which limited the number of refills only to cover until the next intended clinic visit. All adult patient visits were included if follow-up visits were requested to be scheduled within 3 months and prescriptions were given through an electronic prescription system. No-show rates for the first follow-up visits up to 120 days from the initial visits during the interventional period were compared with those during the baseline period (December 15-28, 2011).
RESULTS
Two hundred twenty-one patients in the baseline period and 278 in the interventional period were included in the analysis. Median total supply of prescription was 6 and 3 months, respectively (P < .001). The no-show rates were not significantly different between the 2 periods (19.0% [42/221] vs 16.6% [46/278], P = .5). In multivariate regression analysis, the no-show rate did not change significantly during the interventional period compared with the baseline period (odds ratio [OR] 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.5; P = .8). Younger age (OR 1.03 per year, P = .008), male gender (OR 2.0, P = .003), Medicaid or Medicare insurance (OR 3.7, P = .01; OR 4.2, P = .02), and diagnosis of diabetes (OR 1.8, P = .04) or asthma (OR 2.0, P = .03) were associated with higher no-show rates.
CONCLUSIONS
Reducing the number of refills did not significantly affect no-show rates in the immediate follow-up. Alternative strategies should be considered to minimize no-shows.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1916
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Intramuscular aripiprazole for the treatment of acute agitation in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: a double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison with intramuscular haloperidol.
INTRODUCTION
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the efficacy and safety of intramuscular (IM) aripiprazole and IM haloperidol for the treatment of acute agitation in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four-hundred and forty-eight patients were randomized (2:2:1 ratio) to IM aripiprazole 9.75 mg, IM haloperidol 6.5 mg, or IM placebo. Patients could receive up to three injections over the first 24 h, with second and third injections administered > or =2 and > or =4 h, respectively, after the first if deemed clinically necessary. Primary efficacy measure was mean change in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Excited Component (PEC) score from baseline to 2 h.
RESULTS
Mean improvement in PEC at 2 h was significantly greater for IM aripiprazole (-7.27) vs placebo (-4.78; p<0.001); IM aripiprazole was noninferior to IM haloperidol (-7.75) on PEC. All secondary efficacy measures showed significantly greater improvements at 2 h for IM aripiprazole and IM haloperidol over placebo. Mean number of injections/patient and percentage of patients requiring benzodiazepines were significantly lower for IM aripiprazole vs placebo (p<0.01). IM aripiprazole was well tolerated. Extrapyramidal symptom-related adverse events were similar for aripiprazole (1.7%) and placebo (2.3%) and lower than with haloperidol (12.6%).
CONCLUSION
These results show that IM aripiprazole is an effective treatment, comparable to IM haloperidol, and well-tolerated for acute agitation in patients with schizophrenia.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1917
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Emerging trends in oral delivery of peptide and protein drugs.
Most peptide and protein drugs are currently used as parenteral formulations because of their poor oral bioavailability. Development of an effective oral delivery system for these macromolecular drugs requires a thorough understanding of their physicochemical properties, such as molecular weight, hydrophobicity, ionization constants, and pH stability, as well as biological barriers that restrict protein and peptide absorption from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including pH variability, enzymatic degradation, and membrane efflux. Various strategies currently under investigation include amino acid backbone modifications, formulation approaches, chemical conjugation of hydrophobic or targeting ligand, and use of enzyme inhibitors, mucoadhesive polymers, and absorption enhancers. However, there is only limited success because of the hostile environment of the GI tract--e.g., strong pH extremes and abundant presence of potent luminal enzymes. This review focuses on the challenges posed by the GI system and how different pharmaceutical approaches can be used to make oral delivery of protein and peptide drugs more feasible. The roles of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 in controlling the extent of intestinal absorption and metabolism will also be discussed.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1918
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The kinetochore protein NNF1 has a moonlighting role in the vegetative development of Arabidopsis thaliana.
The kinetochore is a supramolecular protein complex assembled on the chromosomes, essential for faithful segregation of the genome during cell divisions. More than 100 proteins are known to constitute the eukaryotic kinetochore architecture, primarily identified using non-plant organisms. A majority of them are fast evolving and are under positive selection. Thus, functional characterization of the plant kinetochore proteins is limited as only a few conserved orthologs sharing sequence similarity with their animal counterparts have been examined. Here, we report the functional characterization of the Arabidopsis thaliana homolog of the yeast NNF1/human PMF1 outer kinetochore protein and show that it has both kinetochore and non-kinetochore functions in plant growth and development. Knockout of NNF1 causes embryo lethality implying its essential role in cell division. AtNNF1 interacts with MIS12 in Y2H and co-immunoprecipitation assays, confirming it is one of the constituents of the plant MIS12 complex. GFP-NNF1 localizes to the kinetochore, rescuing the embryo lethal nnf1-1-/- phenotype, but the rescued plants (GFP-NNF1nnf1-/- ) are dwarf, displaying hypomorphic phenotypes with no evidence of mitotic or meiotic segregation defects. GFP-NNF1nnf1-/- dwarf plants have reduced levels of endogenous polyamines, which are partially rescued to wild-type levels upon exogenous application of polyamines. Mutations in the putative leucine zipper-like binding motif of NNF1 gave rise to a dominant-negative tall plant phenotype reminiscent of constitutive gibberellic acid (GA) action. These contrasting hypomorphic dwarf and antimorphic tall phenotypes facilitated us to attribute a moonlighting role to Arabidopsis NNF1 affecting polyamine and GA metabolism apart from its primary role in kinetochores.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1919
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Augmented inhibitory effect of superoxide dismutase on superoxide anion release from macrophages by chemical modification with polysaccharide and attenuation effects on radiation-induced inflammatory cytokine expression in vitro.
To improve the ability of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated injury, chemically modified derivatives of SOD with N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC) and heparin, cationized SOD (TMC-SOD), and anionized SOD (heparin-SOD) were designed and prepared. In this study, the inhibitory effect of TMC-SOD and heparin-SOD on superoxide anion release from macrophages was studied in vitro. Both TMC-SOD and heparin-SOD exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on superoxide anion release from macrophages, and the effects of TMC-SOD surpassed those of native SOD and heparin-SOD. The effects of TMC-SOD and heparin-SOD on inflammatory cytokine expression in vitro were also evaluated. The results showed that both TMC-SOD and heparin-SOD could significantly lower the levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and interleukine-1beta (IL-1beta) expressed by irradiated 3T3 fibroblasts. These results demonstrated that cationic polysaccharide or anionic polysaccharide SOD derivatives might be useful in the prevention and treatment of ROS-mediated inflammatory diseases. This study also demonstrated that chemical modification of SOD, especially cationization, greatly enhanced SOD's intracellular delivery and, consequently, produced a significant protective effect against ROS-mediated injury.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1920
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Octylphenol and nonylphenol affect decidualization of human endometrial stromal cells.
This study investigated the effect of octylphenol (OP) and nonylphenol (NP) on decidualization of endometrial stromal cells. Telomerase-immortalized human endometrial stromal cells were cultured for 12 days and decidualization was induced in vitro. The cells were exposed to OP (5 or 10 μM) or NP (5 μM) during in vitro decidualization. The expression levels of decidualization markers were analyzed using qRT-PCR. The amount of prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) was measured in medium using ELISA. The expression levels of PRL and IGFBP1 were significantly decreased by treatment with OP or NP. The amounts of PRL and IGFBP1 were also significantly decreased by treatment with OP or NP. The patterns of PRL and IGFBP1 secretion into medium were consistent with their expression patterns. The findings indicate that OP or NP may disrupt the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells and eventually affect the reproductive health of women.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1921
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Psychosocial Technology and Telehealth-Based Interventions for Adults With and Beyond Cancer (2018-2022).
Systematic review briefs provide a summary of the findings from systematic reviews evaluated in conjunction with the American Occupational Therapy Association's Evidence-Based Practice Program. Each systematic review brief summarizes the evidence on a theme related to a systematic review topic. This systematic review brief presents findings related to psychosocial technology and telehealth-based interventions for adults with and beyond cancer.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1922
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Survival analysis of elderly patients with a fracture of the odontoid peg.
Fractures of the odontoid peg are common spinal injuries in the elderly. This study compares the survivorship of a cohort of elderly patients with an isolated fracture of the odontoid peg versus that of patients who have sustained a fracture of the hip or wrist. A six-year retrospective analysis was performed on all patients aged > 65 years who were admitted to our spinal unit with an isolated fracture of the odontoid peg. A Kaplan-Meier table was used to analyse survivorship from the date of fracture, which was compared with the survivorship of similar age-matched cohorts of 702 consecutive patients with a fracture of the hip and 221 consecutive patients with a fracture of the wrist. A total of 32 patients with an isolated odontoid fracture were identified. The rate of mortality was 37.5% (n = 12) at one year. The period of greatest mortality was within the first 12 weeks. Time made a lesser contribution from then to one year, and there was no impact of time on the rate of mortality thereafter. The rate of mortality at one year was 41.2% for male patients (7 of 17) compared with 33.3% for females (5 of 15). The rate of mortality at one year was 32% (225 of 702) for patients with a fracture of the hip and 4% (9 of 221) for those with a fracture of the wrist. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of mortality following a hip fracture and an odontoid peg fracture (p = 0.95). However, the survivorship of the wrist fracture group was much better than that of the odontoid peg fracture group (p < 0.001). Thus, a fracture of the odontoid peg in the elderly is not a benign injury and is associated with a high rate of mortality, especially in the first three months after the injury.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1923
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Large-scale movement of functional domains facilitates aminoacylation by human mitochondrial phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase.
Structural studies suggest rearrangement of the RNA-binding and catalytic domains of human mitochondrial PheRS (mtPheRS) is required for aminoacylation. Crosslinking the catalytic and RNA-binding domains resulted in a "closed" form of mtPheRS that still catalyzed ATP-dependent Phe activation, but was no longer able to transfer Phe to tRNA and complete the aminoacylation reaction. SAXS experiments indicated the presence of both the closed and open forms of mtPheRS in solution. Together, these results indicate that conformational flexibility of the two functional modules in mtPheRS is essential for its phenylalanylation activity. This is consistent with the evolution of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases as modular enzymes consisting of separate domains that display independent activities.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1924
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Signs of alveolar bone damage in early stages of periodontitis and its prevention by stimulation of cannabinoid receptor 2. Model in rats.
The aims of the present study were, first, to identify signs of alveolar bone damage in early stages of experimental periodontitis (EP) and, second, to assess its possible prevention by treatment with cannabinoid receptor 2 agonist HU 308. Experimental periodontitis was induced by injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1mg/ml) in gums surrounding maxillary and mandibular first molar, 3 days per week, and untreated controls were kept for comparison. Then, a 3-week study was conducted including eighteen new rats (six rats per group): 1) controls; 2) experimental periodontitis rats; and 3) experimental periodontitis rats treated daily with HU 308 (500 ng/ml). After euthanasia, alveolar bone loss was assessed by morphometric and histomorphometric techniques, and the content of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in gingival tissue was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. The first signs of alveolar bone loss were apparent at 3 weeks of experimental periodontitis (ρ<0.05) in the mandibular first molar, but there was no detectable change at 1 week, leading us to establish 3 weeks as an early stage of experimental periodontitis. Rats subjected to 3-week experimental periodontitis showed less interradicular bone volume, less whole bone perimeter and fewer bone formation areas, and higher periodontal space height, bone resorption areas, number of osteoclasts and gingival content of prostaglandin E2 than controls, while HU 308 prevented, at least partially, the deleterious effects (ρ<0.001). We can conclude that a 3-week term of lipopolysaccharide-induced periodontitis in rats provides a valid model of the early stage of the disease, as emerging damage is observed in bone tissue. Furthermore, harmful effects at 3 weeks could be prevented by local stimulation of cannabinoid receptor 2, before greater damage is produced.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1925
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Hominid cranium from Omo: Description and taxonomy of Omo-323-1976-896.
Omo-323-1976-896, a partial hominid cranium dated to ca. 2.1 from the Member G, Unit G-8 of the Shungura Formation, lower Omo Basin of Ethiopia, is described. It is suggested that the specimen is an adult male based on the well-developed and completely fused sagittal crest; heavily worn teeth; relatively large canine; and size of the articular eminence. Omo-323 consists of fragments of the frontal, both temporals, occipital, parietals, and the right maxilla, and is attributed to Australopithecus boisei, making it the oldest known cranium of this species. The specimen shares features with Australopithecus aethiopicus (KNM-WT 17000), thus supporting the existence of an evolving East African robust lineage between ca. 2.6-1.2 Ma. The morphology of Omo-323 increases our knowledge of the intraspecific variability of A.boisei.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1926
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C-peptide predicts the remission of type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery.
BACKGROUND
C-peptide is a surrogate of the pancreatic beta cell mass. However, the clinical significance of C-peptide in a diabetic patient after bariatric surgery has not been studied clearly.
METHODS
From February 2005 to January 2009, a total of 205 (124 females and 81 males) consecutive morbidly obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) enrolled in a surgically supervised weight loss program with at least 1 year follow-up were examined. Among them, 147 patients (71.7%) received gastric bypass procedures, while the other 58 patients (28.3%) received restrictive-type procedures.
RESULTS
The mean C-peptide before the surgery was 5.3 ± 3.5 ng/ml. One hundred nineteen patients (58.0%) had an elevated C-peptide (>4 ng/ml), while 2 patients (1.0%) had a low C-peptide (<1.0 ng/ml). Multivariate analysis confirmed that waist circumference, triglycerides, and HbA1c were the independent predictors for the elevation of C-peptide. It was observed that the mean C-peptide levels decreased to 1.7 ± 0.9 ng/ml 1 year after bariatric surgery with a mean reduction of 64.1%. One year after surgery, 160 patients (78.0%) out of a total of 205 patients had a remission of their T2DM. Patients in the bypass group had a higher diabetes remission rate (91.2%; 134 out of 147) in comparison to patients in the restrictive group (44.8%; 26 out of 58, p < 0.001). The diabetes remission rates for those with preoperative C-peptide <3, 3-6, and > 6 ng/ml were 26 out of 47 (55.3%), 87 out of 108 (82.0%), and 47 out of 52 (90.3%), p < 0.001, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Baseline C-peptide is commonly elevated in morbidly obese patients with T2DM. There was a marked reduction in C-peptide after a significant weight reduction 1 year after surgery with a T2DM remission rate of 78.0%. Thus, bariatric surgery is recommended for obesity-related T2DM patients with elevated C-peptide.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1927
|
[Parent psychoeducation groups in the treatment of adolescents with eating disorders].
Parents of adolescents with eating disorders show high levels of emotional distress, which may contribute to less functional coping with the illness of their child. In our department a psychoeducational group program is been offered to the parents of 153 children and adolescents with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. According to their own reports parents are highly interested in gaining information about the eating disorder and appreciate this means of support to help them to cope with the illness of their child.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1928
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Ghrelin cell-expressed insulin receptors mediate meal- and obesity-induced declines in plasma ghrelin.
Mechanisms underlying postprandial and obesity-associated plasma ghrelin reductions are incompletely understood. Here, using ghrelin cell-selective insulin receptor-KO (GhIRKO) mice, we tested the impact of insulin, acting via ghrelin cell-expressed insulin receptors (IRs), to suppress ghrelin secretion. Insulin reduced ghrelin secretion from cultured gastric mucosal cells of control mice but not from those of GhIRKO mice. Acute insulin challenge and insulin infusion during both hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamps and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps lowered plasma ghrelin in control mice but not GhIRKO mice. Thus, ghrelin cell-expressed IRs are required for insulin-mediated reductions in plasma ghrelin. Furthermore, interventions that naturally raise insulin (glucose gavage, refeeding following fasting, and chronic high-fat diet) also lowered plasma ghrelin only in control mice - not GhIRKO mice. Thus, meal- and obesity-associated increases in insulin, acting via ghrelin cell-expressed IRs, represent a major, direct negative modulator of ghrelin secretion in vivo, as opposed to ingested or metabolized macronutrients. Refed GhIRKO mice exhibited reduced plasma insulin, highlighting ghrelin's actions to inhibit insulin release via a feedback loop. Moreover, GhIRKO mice required reduced glucose infusion rates during hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamps, suggesting that suppressed ghrelin release resulting from direct insulin action on ghrelin cells usually limits ghrelin's full potential to protect against insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1929
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Using proteins in their natural environment: potential and limitations of microbial whole-cell hydroxylations in applied biocatalysis.
The unique catalytic properties of oxygenases (the regio-specific and/or enantio-specific hydroxylation of non-activated carbons) are of undisputed biosynthetic value. Factors that govern the economics of their industrial use include a low k(cat), a frequently decreased k(cat) in recombinant strains, limiting oxygen transfer rates in bioreactors, product inhibition, and the demanding discovery (screening) process.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1930
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Influence of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiamethoxam on miRNA Expression in the Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae).
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding single-stranded RNAs regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. They play important roles in regulating caste differentiation, behavior development, and immune defences in the honey bee, Apis mellifera (Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae). In this study, we explored the effect of the neonicotinoid insecticide, thiamethoxam, on miRNA expression in this species using deep small RNA sequencing. The results showed that seven miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (q-value <0.01 and |log2(fold-change)| >1) upon exposure to 10 ppb thiamethoxam over 10 d. Some candidate target genes were related to behavior, immunity, and neural function. Several miRNAs, including ame-miR-124, ame-miR-981, ame-miR-3791, and ame-miR-6038, were selected and further validated using real-time quantitative PCR analysis. The findings expand our understanding of the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on honey bees at the molecular level.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1931
|
Differential reaction to touch by men and women.
An experimenter placed biofeedback electrodes on seven different locations of each subject's body. The electrodes were held in place by the experimenter for 2 min. (at each location) after which the subject rated his or her degree of comfort-relaxation. A three-factor design was employed in which the variables were touch type (hand top, forearm top and bottom, upperarm top and bottom, shoulder, back), sex of subject, and sex of experimenter. It was assumed that males would react more adversely to same-sex touch than would females when the type of touch was typical of female-female interactions (hand or arm touch) but not when the touch was typical of male-male interactions (shoulder or back touch). Results were consistent with expectations.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1932
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Acceptability of a mHealth strategy for hypertension management in a low-income and middle-income country setting: a formative qualitative study among patients and healthcare providers.
BACKGROUND
Understanding contextual needs and preferences is important for a successful design and effective outcome of a mHealth strategy.
OBJECTIVES
This formative study aimed to explore the perspectives of patients and providers on the acceptability of a mHealth (text message) strategy and elicit preferred features of a mHealth strategy for hypertension management.
DESIGN
A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions guided by the technology acceptance model.
SETTING
The study was conducted at primary healthcare facilities and at a tertiary level referral hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.
PARTICIPANTS
A total of 61 participants, patients with hypertension (n=41), their family members (n=5), healthcare workers (n=11) and key informants (n=4) were included. We purposively recruited patients with hypertension aged 30-70 who attended the selected healthcare facilities to obtain maximum variation based on their age, sex and literacy.
RESULTS
The respondents perceived the mHealth strategy to be useful as it would reinforce medication compliance and behaviour change. Participants valued the trustworthiness of information from health authorities that could be delivered privately. Some implementation challenges were identified including a lack of technical manpower, resources for software development, gaps in recording a patient's essential information and digital illiteracy. Solutions proposed were having system-level preparedness for recording the patient's details, establishing a separate technical department in the hospital and involving a family member to assist illiterate/elderly patients. In addition, participants preferred text messages in the local language, containing comprehensive contextual content (disease, treatment, cultural foods and misconceptions) delivered at regular intervals (2-3 times/week) preferably in the morning or evening.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that a simple text messaging strategy was acceptable for hypertension management in this low/middle-income country setting. However, meticulous planning must address the needs of a diverse range of participants to ensure the mHealth strategy is acceptable to wider groups.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1933
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Embryonic stem cell-derived photoreceptor precursor cells differentiated by coculture with RPE cells.
Purpose
To describe the derivation of photoreceptor precursor cells from human embryonic stem cells by coculture with RPE cells.
Methods
Human embryonic stem cells were induced to differentiate into neural precursor cells and then cocultured with RPE cells to obtain cells showing retinal photoreceptor features. Immunofluorescent staining, reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and microarray analysis were performed to identify photoreceptor markers, and a cGMP assay was used for in vitro functional analysis. After subretinal injection in rat animal models, retinal function was determined with electroretinography and optokinetic response detection, and immunofluorescent staining was performed to assess the survival of the injected cells.
Results
Cocultured cells were positive for rhodopsin, red and blue opsin, recoverin, and phosphodiesterase 6 beta on immunofluorescent staining and RT-PCR. Serial detection of stem cell-, neural precursor-, and photoreceptor-specific markers was noted in each stage of differentiation with microarray analysis. Increased cGMP hydrolysis in light-exposed conditions compared to that in dark conditions was observed. After the subretinal injection in the rats, preservation of optokinetic responses was noted up to 20 weeks, while electroretinographic response decreased. Survival of the injected cells was confirmed with positive immunofluorescence staining of human markers at 8 weeks.
Conclusions
Cells showed photoreceptor-specific features when stem cell-derived neurogenic precursors were cocultured with RPE cells.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1934
|
Physical activity and body mass index among US adolescents: youth risk behavior survey, 1999.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate associations of underweight and overweight with physical activity among high school students in the United States.
METHODS
A nationally representative sample of 15 349 US high school students participated in the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey; 13 295 were included in these analyses. Five measures of physical activity were examined as dichotomous variables: (1) vigorous-intensity physical activity (>/=3 vs <3 sessions lasting at least 20 minutes each per week); (2) moderate-intensity physical activity (>/=5 vs <5 sessions lasting at least 30 minutes each per week); (3) strength training (>/=3 vs <3 sessions per week); (4) enrollment in physical education (yes or no); and (5) sports participation (yes or no). Using body mass indexes, students were categorized by percentiles as underweight (</=5th percentile), at risk for underweight (>5th to </=15th percentiles), normal weight (>15th to <85th percentiles), at risk for overweight (>/=85th to <95th percentiles), or overweight (>/=95th percentile). Potential associations between physical activity and body mass index were examined using logistic regression.
RESULTS
On several measures, adolescent boys who were underweight or overweight were less likely to be physically active than boys of normal weight (eg, odds ratio [OR], 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.45; and OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.93; for boys who were underweight and overweight, respectively, for strength training). Adolescent girls who were overweight or at risk for overweight were less likely (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.50-0.78; and OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46-0.85; respectively) to be involved with sports than girls of normal weight; and girls who were underweight were less likely (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.91) to be enrolled in physical education.
CONCLUSIONS
Weight status among high school students is correlated with selected physical activity behavior, especially among adolescent boys. Interventions to increase physical activity for high school students should target adolescents of all shapes and sizes, and may best be achieved by school policies requiring physical education or after-school sports.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1935
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Cholinergic suppression of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in hippocampal region CA3 exhibits laminar selectivity: Implication for hippocampal network dynamics.
Acetylcholine may help set the dynamics within neural systems to facilitate the learning of new information. Neural models have shown that if new information is encoded at the same time as retrieval of existing information that is already stored, the memories will interfere with each other. Structures such as the hippocampus have a distinct laminar organization of inputs that allows this hypothesis to be tested. In region CA1 of the rat (Sprague Dawley) hippocampus, the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) suppresses transmission in stratum radiatum (SR), at synapses of the Schaffer collateral projection from CA3, while having lesser effects in stratum lacunosum-moleculare (SLM), the perforant path projection from entorhinal cortex (Hasselmo and Schnell, 1994). The current research extends support of this selectivity by demonstrating laminar effects in region CA3. CCh caused significantly greater suppression in SR than in SLM at low concentrations, while the difference in suppression was not significant at higher concentrations. Differences in paired-pulse facilitation suggest presynaptic inhibition substantially contributes to the suppression and is highly concentration and stratum dependent. This selective suppression of the recurrent excitation would be appropriate to set CA3 dynamics to prevent runaway modification of the synapses of excitatory recurrent collaterals by reducing the influence of previously stored associations and allowing incoming information from the perforant path to have a predominant influence on neural activity.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1936
|
Upper urinary tract stone analysis using X-ray diffraction: results from a tertiary referral centre in northern India.
BACKGROUND
The spectrum of urinary stone disease has changed considerably in India from the common childhood bladder stone to the more frequent upper tract calculi. We analysed the gravel retrieved from the upper urinary tract using X-ray diffraction analysis in an attempt to evaluate the composition of the stones.
METHODS
We analysed 434 upper urinary tract calculi from May 1993 to June 1994 obtained endourologically, as well as by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and open surgery. The stones were analysed using a Phillips compact X-ray diffractometer (PW1840). The PC-APD software was used for data collection and peak search. The phase matching was done by the software using the JCPDS reference database.
RESULTS
Oxalate stones comprised 97% of the total stones with calcium oxalate monohydrate forming 90% and calcium oxalate dihydrate and mixed stones forming the remainder. Struvite stones were found in 1.4%, while uric acid and apatite stones were less than 1%. There were no cystine calculi. Seventy per cent of calcium oxalate monohydrate and 40% of calcium oxalate dihydrate stones were pure. All the struvite and apatite calculi were almost pure. Only 15% of staghorns did not consist of oxalate. Nine of the ten stones in children were of the calcium oxalate monohydrate variety. The stone composition in females was similar to that in males.
CONCLUSIONS
X-ray diffraction data indicate that urinary stone disease in north India is different from that in the western world. Calcium oxalate monohydrate stones predominate. These stones are hard to break and have a different metabolic origin from those consisting of calcium oxalate dihydrate. These findings might help in selecting the most appropriate method of treatment in north India and they indicate directions in which further metabolic studies might be planned.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1937
|
Two or 24 h of daily contact with sexually active males results in different profiles of LH secretion that both lead to ovulation in anestrous goats.
Two experiments were conducted to (a) determine whether sexually active males are able to stimulate the sexual activity of anestrous female goats when duration of contact is reduced to an intermittent contact shorter than 4 daily hours and (b) compare the pattern of secretion of LH when anestrous goats are exposed either permanently or intermittently to males. In the first experiment, 4 groups of anovulatory goats were exposed to sexually active males for 24, 4, 2, or 1 h/d during 15 consecutive days, whereas control females remained isolated. More than 89% of females in the groups exposed to the sexually active bucks ovulated, whereas only 5% did so in the control group (P < 0.001). However, the proportion of females ovulating before day 4 was greater in the 2-, 4-, or 24-h contact groups than in the control, whereas it did not differ between the control group and the 1-h contact group (P = 0.02, <0.001, <0.001 and 0.23, respectively). In the second experiment, 3 groups of anovulatory goats were exposed permanently (24 h/d) or intermittently (2 h/d) to bucks during 5 d or remained isolated. We found that pulsatility of luteinizing hormone (LH) increased in the intermittent and permanent contact groups after males were introduced to females (P = 0.05); this pulsatility of LH remained elevated in the permanent-contact group, whereas it decreased in the intermittent-contact group, once the male was removed (P = 0.32 and 0.05, respectively). We conclude that 1 or 2 daily hours of contact with sexually active males is sufficient to stimulate ovulatory activity in anovulatory goats; however, ovulation is obtained through a different pattern of secretion of LH.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1938
|
Structure-function relations, physiological roles, and evolution of mammalian ER-resident selenoproteins.
Selenium is an essential trace element in mammals. The major biological form of this micronutrient is the amino acid selenocysteine, which is present in the active sites of selenoenzymes. Seven of 25 mammalian selenoproteins have been identified as residents of the endoplasmic reticulum, including the 15-kDa selenoprotein, type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase and selenoproteins K, M, N, S, and T. Most of these proteins are poorly characterized. However, recent studies implicate some of them in quality control of protein folding in the ER, retrotranslocation of misfolded proteins from the ER to the cytosol, metabolism of the thyroid hormone, and regulation of calcium homeostasis. In addition, some of these proteins are involved in regulation of glucose metabolism and inflammation. This review discusses evolution and structure-function relations of the ER-resident selenoproteins and summarizes recent findings on these proteins, which reveal the emerging important role of selenium and selenoproteins in ER function.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1939
|
Special Operations individual medical equipment part 2 - the in-use and survival medical kits.
Special Operations Forces (SOF) Operators need a variety of individual medical items that can generally be broken down into three types of medical kits: a major trauma kit, to treat major traumatic wounds; an in-use medical kit, to prevent or treat anticipated common medical conditions during operations; and a survival medical kit, to treat minor injuries and ailments when in a survival/evasion situation.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1940
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Validation of the Artificial Floor Technique in First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis.
BACKGROUND
Patient function after arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) relies on proper positioning of the first MTPJ. To maximize the likelihood of good postoperative function, the dorsiflexion angle, referred to as the fusion sagittal angle, should range between 20° and 30°, corresponding to 10° to 15° of dorsiflexion off the weightbearing axis. However, achieving appropriate sagittal alignment intraoperatively is challenging. The artificial floor technique (AFT) uses a rigid, flat surface to simulate the weightbearing position of the foot intraoperatively to accurately position the first MTPJ without fluoroscopy. This technique has been previously described and is commonly used but, to our knowledge, it has never been validated.
QUESTIONS/PURPOSES
(1) Is the AFT a valid and repeatable technique for positioning the fusion sagittal angle between 20° and 30° of dorsiflexion from the first metatarsal? (2) Does the fusion sagittal angle obtained using the AFT vary with foot size?
METHODS
In this retrospective study, a search was performed using Current Procedural Terminology codes for patients undergoing first MTPJ arthrodesis by one surgeon between June 2012 and June 2020. The surgical technique used during this time did not vary and consisted of the use of a rigid, flat, sterile surface. The entire foot was placed flat on the surface, simulating the weightbearing position and allowing for an evaluation of the fusion sagittal angle of the first MTPJ. The target sagittal alignment was achieved when the soft tissue of the plantar surface at the distal-most aspect of the proximal phalanx was measured (using a sterile ruler) as 1 cm off the artificial floor. The recommended fusion sagittal angle falls within a range of 20° to 30°, which allows for 1-mm to 2-mm variations in measuring the elevation of the proximal phalanx off the artificial floor. Fixation was achieved with two 2.8-mm threaded, double-pointed Steinmann pins placed through the intramedullary canal of the proximal and distal phalanges and into the first metatarsal. Once fixation was achieved, the fusion sagittal angle was confirmed with the AFT without using fluoroscopy. Postoperatively, patients were allowed to bear weight fully on their heels in a postoperative, rigid-soled shoe. During the study period, 117 patients (135 feet) underwent first MTPJ arthrodesis utilizing the AFT for either first MTPJ arthritis/hallux rigidus, hallux valgus, or inflammatory arthropathy. Of those, we considered patients with preoperative AP and lateral weightbearing radiographs and patients with AP and lateral weightbearing radiographs at 3 months postoperatively after the removal of the internal fixation construct as eligible for analysis. Based on these criteria, 84% (113 of 135) of feet were included in the final radiographic analysis. Sixteen percent (22 of 135) of the feet were excluded because postoperative radiographs demonstrating the removal of the internal fixation construct were absent from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in these cases. The length of the whole foot, first metatarsal, and proximal phalanx were measured on preoperative weightbearing radiographs. In addition, fusion sagittal angles were measured on weightbearing radiographs after removal of internal fixation construct at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively (mean 3.5 ± 2.2 months). No patients were lost to follow-up before obtaining those radiographs. Two qualified reviewers independently evaluated each radiograph. We ascertained inter- and intraobserver reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). We determined whether the fusion sagittal angle obtained using the AFT varied with foot size by using a multiple linear regression model.
RESULTS
In the entire study group, the mean fusion sagittal angle using the AFT was 27° ± 4°. The interobserver ICC of the fusion sagittal angle measurements was 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56 to 0.97; p < 0.001). The intraobserver ICC for reviewer 1 was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.97; p < 0.001) and the intraobserver ICC for reviewer 2 was 0.97 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.98; p < 0.001). Ninety-one percent (103 of 113) of the study group fell within the acceptable range of 20° to 30° ± 2°. The multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that the preoperative lengths of the whole foot (β =-0.05 [95% CI -0.12 to 0.02]; p = 0.16), proximal phalanx (β =-0.13 [95% CI -0.46 to 0.20]; p = 0.44), and first metatarsal (β = 0.13 [95% CI -0.10 to 0.35]; p = 0.27) were not independently associated with the postoperative fusion sagittal angle.
CONCLUSION
The AFT allows for accurate and reproducible positioning of the first MTPJ within the appropriate functional range of dorsiflexion, regardless of foot size. Additionally, this technique can be performed without fluoroscopy and so avoids radiation exposure to the patient and the surgical team.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, therapeutic study.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1941
|
Sunscreen allergy in Singapore.
We report the epidemiology of sunscreen allergy over a period of 5 years at the National Skin Centre. A total of 61 patients with suspected allergy to sunscreen underwent patch or photopatch testing to our sunscreen series from 1992 to 1996. The results were retrospectively analysed and evaluated. Out of these 61 patients, 5 were found to have positive patch test reactions to sunscreens. 2 were photoallergic, and 3 were allergic to active ingredients in sunscreens. The main causative allergens were 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (Parsol MCX) and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (oxybenzone). We conclude that sunscreen contact allergy is uncommon in our practice.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1942
|
[Continuous in vitro culture of Plasmodium falciparum using microaerophilic gas generators and portable incubator].
AnaeroPack Malaria Culture System (SUGIYAMA-GEN Co., Ltd.) using AnaeroPack.plas (5% O2, 5% CO2) and AnaeroPack.CO2 (15% O2, 6% CO2) was evaluated by comparing with the standard laboratory in vitro continuous culture technique. Two culture-adapted strains of Plasmodium falciparum, SGE-1 (chloroquine sensitive strain) and K1 (chloroquine resistant strain), were continuously cultured for 26 days in vitro under the 3 systems. The parasite proliferation curves under the different set systems were paralleled in both strains, which demonstrate that this AnaeroPack Malaria Culture System is useful for the culture-adapted strains of P. falciparum. Although further test using isolates from falciparum malaria patients should be carried out, the AnaeroPack Malaria Culture System seems promising for the culture in the field studies.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1943
|
[Muscle fiber type abnormalities in bulbospinal muscular atrophy. Comparison with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].
Bulbospinal muscular atrophy (BSA) is a distinct clinical type of chronic spinal muscular atrophy of adult onset, which was first reported by Kennedy et al. Histochemical findings of involved muscles are poorly described. In the present study, the muscle fiber type was studied on biopsied specimens by the histochemical method. The results were compared with those of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Muscle specimens were obtained mainly from biceps brachii muscles of 7 cases of BSA and 10 cases of ALS. Both group of patients were matched in respect to age, sex and stage of muscle weakness. The following results were obtained. Histopathological findings of BSA are classed as stage 4 abnormalities of Jennekins. Both fiber type grouping and type 2B deficiency are more frequent in BSA than in ALS. Type 2C fiber seems to be more in ALS than in BSA. Atrophy factor of Dubowitz is the same in BSA and in ALS. Hypertrophy factor is more prominent in BSA than in ALS. Significant correlation between fiber type grouping and type 2B deficiency was confirmed in muscles from other neurogenic atrophy. Since there is a significant association of the type 2B deficiency with fiber type grouping, type 2B fiber might be transformed to type 2A during the reinnervation process. The adaptation to the increased activities of the survived muscles and motoneurons might be contributory to the transformation, which is already known to occur in normal subjects during the endurance training.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1944
|
Clinical profile of Guillain Barre syndrome.
OBJECTIVES
To study clinical presentation, hospital care and outcome of patients of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) and number of patients of respiratory failure and need for ventilators. To study efficacy of IVIg in patients of GBS.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
40 patients of GBS studied in detail including history, clinical examination and investigations (Nerve conduction velocity and C.S.F. examination). All patients were watched for respiratory insufficiency and those who developed respiratory paralysis were given assisted mechanical ventilation. Patients were treated with IVIG and outcome was observed. Outcome of 2 groups of patients one treated with IVIg and other not treated with IVIg (supportive line of treatment) were compared.
RESULTS
Commonest age group affected was 13-40 yrs. The male:female ratio was 1.5:1. Antecedent infection in form of fever, cough [11 patients], loose motions [10 patients] were present in 21 out of 40 patients. Quadriparesis was present in 39 patients and paraparesis in 1 patient. Cranial nerve involvement was seen in 25 out of 40 patients. Facial nerve was involved in 12 [30%] patients and Glossopharyengeal, vagus nerves were involved in 12 [30%] patients. Areflexia was found in all 40 patients. In CSF examination, albuminocytologic dissociation was present in 17 out of 26 patients. NCV findings show conduction velocity slowing, delayed f latencies in 90% patients. Out of 40 patients, 13 [30%] required mechanical ventilation. Out of 40 patients, 14 were treated with IVIg, 4 patients treated with plasmapheresis and 22 patients received only supportive treatment. Out of 40 patients 30 [75%] patients recovered completely, 8 [20%] patients died and 2 [5%] patients developed severe neurologic deficit.
CONCLUSION
GBS is more common in 13-40 yrs age group with male:female ratio of 1.5:1. Antecedent infection is seen in 55% patients. Commonest presentation was paresthesia in legs and ascending paralysis. One third [32.5%] patients developed respiratory paralysis and needed ventilatory support. Patients who received IVIg early in the course of disease had faster recovery as compared to patients who received only supportive line of treatment.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1945
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Feeding a High Concentrate Diet Down-Regulates Expression of ACACA, LPL and SCD and Modifies Milk Composition in Lactating Goats.
High concentrate diets are fed to early and mid-lactation stages dairy ruminants to meet the energy demands for high milk production in modern milk industry. The present study evaluated the effects of a high concentrate diet on milk fat and milk composition, especially, cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in milk and gene expression of lactating goats. Eight mid-lactating goats with rumen fistula were randomly assigned into a high concentrate diet (HCD) group and low concentrate diet (LCD) group. High concentrate diet feeding significantly increased lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in plasma and decreased milk fat content, vaccenic acid (VA) and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk of the lactating goats. The mRNA expression levels of sterol regulatory element binding protein B 1c (SREBP1c), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthetase (FASN) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACACA, ACCα) involving in lipid metabolism were analyzed, and ACACA and LPL all decreased in their expression level in the mammary glands of goats fed a high concentrate diet. DNA methylation rate of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) was elevated and decreased, and SCD mRNA and protein expression was reduced significantly in the mammary glands of goats fed a high concentrate diet. In conclusion, feeding a high concentrate diet to lactating goats decreases milk fat and reduced expression of SCD in the mammary gland, which finally induced cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in milk.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1946
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Risk and Protective Factors for Gastrointestinal Symptoms associated with Antibiotic Treatment in Children: A Population Study.
PURPOSE
Gastrointestinal symptoms are often related to antibiotic treatment. Their incidence, risk and protective conditions in children are not well defined and represent the aims of this study.
METHODS
We prospectively enrolled inpatient children submitted to antibiotic treatment. Indication, type, dose and duration of treatment, probiotic supplementation and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded at recruitment, after two and four weeks. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) was defined as the presence of at least 3 loose/liquid stools within 14 days from antibiotic onset.
RESULTS
AAD occurred in 59/289 (20.4%) of patients, with increased risk in children younger than 3 years (relative risk [RR]=4.25), in lower respiratory (RR=2.11) and urinary infections (RR=3.67), intravenous administration (RR=1.81) and previous AAD episodes (RR=1.87). Abdominal pain occurred in 27/289 (9.3%), particularly in children >6 years (RR=4.15), with previous abdominal pain (RR=7.2) or constipation (RR=4.06). Constipation was recorded in 23/289 (8.0%), with increased risk in children having surgery (RR=2.56) or previous constipation (RR=7.38). Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced AAD (RR=0.30) and abdominal pain (RR=0.36). Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and L. reuteri significantly reduced AAD (RR=0.37 and 0.35) and abdominal pain (RR=0.37 and 0.24).
CONCLUSION
AAD occurred in 20.4% of children, with increased risk at younger age, lower respiratory and urinary tract infections, intravenous treatment and previous AAD. LGG and L. reuteri reduced both AAD and associated abdominal pain.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1947
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The cancer targeting potential of D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate tethered multi walled carbon nanotubes.
Our main aim in the present investigation was to explore the in vitro and in vivo cancer targeting potential of the doxorubicin (DOX) laden d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (vitamin E TPGS) tethered surface engineered MWCNTs nanoformulation (DOX/TPGS-MWCNTs) and compare it with pristine MWCNTs and free doxorubicin solution. The developed MWCNTs nanoformulations were extensively characterized by Fourier-transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and in vitro and in vivo studies using MCF-7 cancer cell line. The entrapment efficiency was determined to be 97.2 ± 2.50% (DOX/TPGS-MWCNTs) and 92.5 ± 2.62% (DOX/MWCNTs) ascribed to π-π stacking interactions. The developed formulations depicted the sustained release pattern at the lysosomal pH (pH 5.3). The DOX/TPGS-MWCNTs showed enhanced cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and were most preferentially taken up by the cancerous cells via endocytosis mechanism. The DOX/TPGS-MWCNTs nanoconjugate depicted the significantly longer survival span (44 days, p < 0.001) than DOX/MWCNTs (23 days), free DOX (18 days) and control group (12 days). The obtained results also support the extended residence time and sustained release profile of the drug loaded surface engineered nanotubes formulations in body as compared to DOX solution. Overall we can conclude that the developed MWCNTs nanoconjugate have higher cancer targeting potential on tumor bearing Balb/c mice.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1948
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Stereotactic laser interstitial thermal therapy for brainstem cavernous malformations: two preliminary cases.
Brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) often have high hemorrhage rates and significant posthemorrhage morbidity. The authors present two cases in which magnetic resonance thermography-guided laser interstitial therapy was used for treatment of pontine CMs after recurrent hemorrhage. Both patients showed significant symptomatic improvement and were hemorrhage-free at 12- and 6-month follow-up, respectively. Each had radiographic evidence of lesion involution on serial follow-up imaging. These early results demonstrate this treatment modality may be technically safe; however, larger case numbers and longer follow-up are needed to demonstrate efficacy.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1949
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Persistent neuroleptic-induced rigidity and dystonia in AIDS dementia complex: a clinico-pathological case report.
Patients with AIDS dementia complex (ADC) appear to have an increased likelihood of developing acute onset parkinsonism and dystonia when treated with dopamine antagonists. It has been hypothesized, based on clinical evidence, that hypersensitivity to these drugs in ADC is probably related to direct invasion of the basal ganglia by the HIV virus and a secondary alteration in dopaminergic mechanisms. We report the first pathological description of a patient with ADC who developed acute onset, generalized rigidity and dystonia after a brief trial of low dose neuroleptic therapy administered for psychotic symptoms. An unusual clinical feature of this case was the persistence of his movement disorder. Pathological examination revealed a generalized encephalitic process with substantial neuronal loss observed primarily in the medial and lateral globus pallidus. Correlation with a current model of basal ganglia pathophysiology and other disorders with pallidal lesions is discussed. Clinical and pathological features of this case confirm the previous contention and indicate that dopamine antagonists should be utilized with extreme caution in patients with ADC.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1950
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Not all protein-mediated single-wall carbon nanotube dispersions are equally bioactive.
Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been dispersed with proteins to increase biocompatibility and specificity, but examinations of dispersion parameters on functional cellular uptake are required for utilization of SWCNTs in biological applications. Here we correlate conditions of SWCNT dispersion with various proteins to uptake these SWCNTs in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and J774A.1 macrophage-like cells. We varied protein types (bovine serum albumin - BSA, lysozyme - LSZ, and γ-globulins - γG), protein : SWCNT ratio and sonication time. Each protein created stable, high yield (~25%) dispersions in water while preserving intrinsic SWCNT fluorescence, but SWCNT-LSZ flocculated in media and SWCNT-γG formed clusters in both water and media, drastically altering cellular internalization. Dispersion quality and yield improved with increased protein : SWCNT - without substantial effects from depletion attraction, even at 100 : 1 protein : SWCNT - and slightly increased internalized SWCNTs for both NIH-3T3 and J774A.1 cells. Longer sonication time (12 versus 2 h) improved the dispersion yield and quality but caused minor damage to SWCNTs and altered protein structure. Cell association of SWCNT-BSA was homogenous and unaltered by sonication time. Bulk assay showed that cell association of SWCNT-LSZ and SWCNT-γG was altered with 12 versus 2 h sonication, but imaging of individual cells showed that these differences are likely from precipitation of clusters of SWCNT-LSZ and SWCNT-γG in media onto cells. Hence, the quality of SWCNT-protein dispersions in water does not necessarily correlate with bulk cellular uptake, and quantification at the level of individual cells is required to determine delivery efficacy.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1951
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Percutaneous coronary interventions in diabetics: The never-ending challenge.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multisystem disorder and a recognized risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and DM patient are particularly challenging for revascularization. In this "real world" retrospective study post-PCI DM patients showed a high risk profile compared to the non-DM group, given by the higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, multiple vessel disease, and renal dysfunction, with the highest rates seen in the ITDM. Only ITDM patients present higher 30-day mortality compared to non-DM patients in the urgent and primary PCI setting. Also ITDM, but not those NITDM patients, had an increased long-term mortality in the overall cohort and in all PCI setting.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1952
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Selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry for relative quantification of proteins involved in cellular life and death processes.
Monitoring of proteins involved in cellular life and death processes is of high scientific interest since it permits the elucidation of functional changes in a variety of diseases. In this study, we have developed a nanoLC-MS/MS assay for the simultaneous detection and quantification of 24 selected proteins that are known to be important for cellular homeostasis. The Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) assay applies heavy-labeled peptide analogues for the relative quantification of proteins with central functions in cellular stress and metabolism, including many mitochondrial proteins. The assay includes proteins involved in the quality control of mitochondrial proteins, oxidative stress, respiratory chain, and fatty acid degradation, as well as the cytosolic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and ribosomal proteins. The assay can thus quantitate the balance between mitochondrial and cytosolic pathways, which is relevant in many disease states, and can be studied by comparing patient and control samples. The measured validation parameters showed satisfactory results for the proteins included in the analysis. The linear range of the monitored proteins was 0.01-20nM, with a median precision of less than 10%. The assay performed well in monitoring proteins in both cultured human skin fibroblast cells as well as in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We therefore believe that this assay is applicable for the study of cellular stress response in various types of cell defects and disease states.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1953
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Food-stimulated acid secretion measured by intragastric titration with bicarbonate in patients with duodenal and gastric ulcer disease and in controls.
Gastric acid secretion stimulated by a normally eaten beefsteak meal was measured for 4 h in 16 patients with duodenal ulcer disease (DU), in 9 patients with gastric ulcer disease (GU), and in 14 controls by intragastric titration with bicarbonate to a constant pH 5.5. Reproducibility of the method investigated in 6 DU and in 5 controls gave similar acid secretory values (var. coeff. = 7.5%). DU produced acid on a higher level and with longer duration after food than controls and GU (p less than 0.001). Apart from the second half of the first hour after food, when the acid secretion was higher in controls than in GU (p less than 0.025), there was no significant difference in acid output after food between GU and controls. Maximum gastrin values and 'total gastrin output' after food were significantly higher in GU than in controls, but these differences were not significant between GU and DU and between DU and controls. Fasting gastrin and gastrin levels after food were not correlated to basal acid output or acid output after pentagastrin or food in any of the groups. The maximal acid output after food was higher than the peak acid output after pentagastrin in controls, DU and GU. The relation between food- and pentagastrin-stimulated acid output was not statistically significantly different between the three groups. Instead, acid secretion after food was well correlated to acid secretion after pentagastrin in controls, DU and GU (r = 0.85).
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1954
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No time for education? Creative teaching tools for educators.
The creative teaching methods discussed in this paper have been successfully integrated into orientation, mandatory education, and continuing education programs. The response to all of the creative teaching methods discussed has been very positive. Nursing staff appreciates the effort educator's take to communicate information effectively and increase learner satisfaction.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1955
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Molecular imprinted electrochemical sensor for ovalbumin detection based on boronate affinity and signal amplification approach.
Ovalbumin (OVA), a class of glycoproteins, is the main allergen in hen egg white that often causes allergies in humans, especially in babies. Therefore, it is pivotal to be able to detect and separate OVA. This work presents an ingenious sandwich-structured magnetic molecular imprinted electrochemical sensor for OVA detection by utilizing boronate affinity and signal amplification strategy. With anti-OVA antibody-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as amplifiers, the imprinted cavities in the probe could capture protein to form a sandwich structure. Due to its specific recognition of antibody and molecular imprinted polymers and the signal amplification of AuNPs, the sensor had good selectivity and sensitivity toward OVA and a low detection limit of 3.0 fg/mL. The sensor also had excellent stability and could satisfactorily detect OVA in real red wine samples.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1956
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Survey on Usage of Medical Referral Information in Japanese Physicians.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this survey was to explore physicians' opinions to identify an adequate time range for clinical information to be provided with a referral that would help minimize wasteful retesting.
METHODS
In 2011, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 193 physicians. Examining the degree of utilization of provided medical information, we determined the range of clinical information of referral documents.
RESULTS
Less than three months of prescription history and blood sample test results in patient referral was most frequent. Less than one year of image information was most frequent. Most doctors answered there is no need to repeat the same type of blood test in their institute when they had information less than half a month old. Less than half to one month of image information was most frequent. Also, it appeared many doctors think "fundamentally they do not change their mind from their own medical department standpoint." At the actual site, those who would even review referral clinical notes accounted for about 30% of all participants.
CONCLUSIONS
Medical referral eventually takes place after the establishment of mutual communication and should consider the workflow and system environment of the receiver of the information.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1957
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Effect of season on the sensory quality of sea urchin (Evechinus chloroticus) roe.
The influence of season, gender, and reproductive maturity on the sensory properties (appearance, odor, taste, flavor, texture/mouth feel, and after taste) of roe from sea urchins (Evechinus chloroticus) was investigated. A trained sensory panel applied descriptive analysis, with a comprehensive sensory vocabulary of 35 descriptors to analyze sea urchin roe obtained from samples collected during the austral autumn, winter, summer, and spring, over a 2-y period. Sensory differences between genders were less pronounced in autumn (March to May) and winter (June to August) when more nutritive cells were present in the roe, and more pronounced over spring (September to November) and summer (December to February) months as the gametogenic cells matured. Roe from female sea urchins were commonly associated with sulfur odor, bitter taste, and metallic flavor, while roe from the male sea urchins were associated with sweet taste. During autumn, female roe were closest in sensory quality to male roe (least bitter and most sweet compared to other seasons), while there were little differences in sweetness and bitterness of male roe over the 4 seasons. Despite the relative size of the roe being lowest in autumn, it appeared to be the optimum season to harvest E. chloroticus sea urchins to obtain high-quality roe.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1958
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Low-grade small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is common in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis on quantitative jejunal aspirate culture.
BACKGROUND
Though pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is unclear, association with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth [SIBO] and fecal dysbiosis is suggested. We evaluated SIBO in NASH using quantitative jejunal aspirate culture (conventional criteria: ≥ 105 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL and newer cutoff ≥ 103 CFU/mL) and glucose hydrogen breath test.
METHODS
Thirty-eight patients with NASH (age 37.5 years, range 20-54, 9, 24% female), diagnosed by ultrasonography, alanine aminotransferase >1.5 times normal and liver biopsy (in 27/38, 71%) and exclusion of other causes and 12 constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome as historical controls (age 39.5-y, 26-44; 3, 25% female) without fatty liver were studied.
RESULTS
Jejunal aspirates, obtained in 35/38 patients, were sterile in 14/35 (40%) and bacteria isolated in 21 (60%) (all aerobic, in one anaerobe also; Gram positive 5, negative 13, both 3). In contrast, bacteria (two Gram negative) were isolated in 3/12 (25%) controls (odds ratio 4.5, 95% CI 1.0-19.5; p = 0.04); colony counts were higher in NASH than controls (median 380 CFU/mL, 0-200,000 vs. 0 CFU/mL, 0-1000; p = 0.02). Gram negative bacteria tended to be commoner in NASH than controls (16/35 vs. 2/12; p = 0.07). Seven out of 35 (20%) patients with NASH (≥ 105 CFU/mL in 5 and 2 other on glucose hydrogen breath test) and no control had SIBO (p = ns); low-grade SIBO (≥103 CFU/mL) was commoner in NASH than controls (14/35, 40%, vs. 1/12, 8.3%; p = 0.04). There was no correlation between bacterial colony count and bacterial type and anthropometric and biochemical parameters.
CONCLUSION
Low-grade bacterial overgrowth, particularly with Gram negative bacteria, was commoner in NASH than controls.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1959
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Maximal-Helicity-Violating Scattering of Gluons and Gravitons in Chiral Strong Fields.
We present all-multiplicity formulas for the tree-level scattering of gluons and gravitons in the maximal helicity violating (MHV) helicity configuration, calculated in certain chiral strong fields. The strong backgrounds we consider are self-dual plane waves in gauge theory and general relativity, which are treated exactly and admit a well-defined S matrix. The gauge theory background-coupled MHV amplitude is simply a dressed analog of the familiar Parke-Taylor formula, but the gravitational version has nontrivial new structures due to graviton tails. Both formulas have just one residual integral rather than the n-2 expected at n points from space-time perturbation theory; this simplification arises from the integrability of self-dual backgrounds and their corresponding twistor description. The resulting formulas pass several consistency checks and limit to the well-known expressions for MHV scattering of gluons and gravitons when the background becomes trivial.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1960
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m6A-induced repression of SIAH1 facilitates alternative splicing of androgen receptor variant 7 by regulating CPSF1.
Androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-v7), a constitutively active transcription factor, plays a crucial role in the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Here, we found that the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 1 (CPSF1) (the largest subunit of the multi-protein cleavage and polyadenylation specificity complex), regulated by the E3 ubiquitin ligases SIAH1, promoted AR-v7 expression. The data from microarray-based analysis and clinical specimen-based analysis showed that SIAH1 expression was decreased in PCa and was negatively correlated with aggressive phenotypes of PCa. SIAH1 repressed PCa cell growth and invasion under castrate conditions. SIAH1 directly interacted with CPSF1 and promoted ubiquitination and degradation of CPSF1. CPSF1 expression was negatively correlated with SIAH1 expression, but positively with PCa progression. CPSF1 overexpression switched the AR splicing pattern and facilitated the generation of the oncogenic isoform (AR-v7) by binding to the AAUAAA polyadenylation signal contained in AR-cryptic exon CE3. Functionally, SIAH1 acted as a tumor suppressor in PCa pathogenesis by repressing CPSF1-mediated AR-v7 generation. Finally, we demonstrated that m6A methylation was concerned with the repression of SIAH1 in PCa. Our results define SIAH1/CPSF1/AR-v7 axis as a regulatory factor of PCa progression, providing a promising target for treating PCa.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1961
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Structured sonic tube with carbon nanotube-like topological edge states.
A single-wall carbon nanotube can be viewed as a one-dimensional material created by rolling up a sheet of graphene. Its electronic band structure depends on the chirality, i.e., how the sheet has been rolled up, yet synthesizing the symmetry at will is rather challenging. We structure an artificial honeycomb lattice in both a zigzag and an armchair tube and explore their topological features for sound. Our findings reveal how armchair tubes remain gapless, whereas the zigzag counterparts host nontrivial edge states of non-zero quantized Zak phase, which are dictated by the circumferential number of units. Unlike man-made planar lattices whose underling symmetry must be broken to harvest quantum Hall and pseudospin phases, interestingly, the structured tubular lattice symmetry remains intact, while its nontrivial phase alone is governed by the chirality and the tube diameter. We foresee that our results, not only for sound, but also in photonics, mechanics and electronics will broaden future avenues for fundamental and applied sciences.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1962
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Correction to: Protective effects of dioscin against alcohol‑induced liver injury.
During the course of writing and revision of this paper, the band of GAPDH.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1963
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Autoradiographic studies of oral lichen planus.
3H cytidine autoradiographic labeling patterns have been categorized into those characteristic for neoplastic, preneoplastic, and normal cell types. Specific differences in the patterns of transcription (RNA synthesis) revealed that the histology of a particular lesion generally correlated with (1) the percentage of cells labeled with the isotope, (2) the number of grains per cell, and (3) their intracellular distribution. When these three criteria of labeling were applied to lesions of the oral mucosa, very interesting data were collected on cases of lichen planus. The benign histologic appearance of the oral lichen planus epithelium exhibited a preneoplastic-appearing autoradiogram, an observation which is of particular interest in view of the fact that a small number of patients with this disease develop intraoral squamous cell carcinoma.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1964
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Histological changes and wound healing response following noncontact holmium: YAG laser thermal keratoplasty.
PURPOSE
To evaluate acute histological changes and the induced wound healing response in corneal tissue following noncontact holmium:YAG laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK).
METHODS
LTK using 10 pulses and a range of radiant energies was performed on 3 human corneas one day prior ro their removal at penetrating keratoplasty. Rabbit corneas were treated with 10-pulse and 5-pulse LTK and followed for up to 3 months. Tissues were studies with light and transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
The amount of acute tissue injury increased with increasing pulse radiant energy. In human corneas, changes in the irradiated zones included epithelial cell injury and death loss of fine filamentous structure in Bowman's layer, disruption of stromal lamallae, and keratocyte injury and death. In the rabbit corneas, similar acute changes were noted. By 3 weeks, epithelial hyperplasia and stromal contraction were present. Wound healing in the rabbit corneas included repair of the epithelial attachment complex, keratocyte activation, synthesis of type I collagen, partial restoration of stromal keratan sulfate and type VI collagen, and retrocorneal membrane formation. Compared to 10-pulse treatments, 5-pulse treatments produced less acute tissue injury and had more rapid restoration of normal stromal architecture.
CONCLUSION
Noncontact LTK produces acute epithelial and stromal tissue changes and in rabbit corneas stimulates a brisk wound healing response. These changes could contribute to postoperative regression of induced refractive correction. Further work is required to determine if reductions in the magnitude of acute tissue injury and induced wound healing response will enhance the efficacy and stability of LTK.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1965
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Increasing of HER2 membranar density in human glioblastoma U251MG cell line established in a new nude mice model.
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) remains the most devastating primary tumour in neuro-oncology. Human Epithelial Receptor Type 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane tyrosine/kinase receptor that is important for cancer growth. HER2 is not expressed in adult glial cells, but its expression increases with the degree of astrocytomas anaplasia. We have recently demonstrated the ability of anti-HER2 antibodies to induce in vitro apoptosis GBM cell lines; this ability is correlated to HER2 density. A decreasing of tyrosine/kinase receptors density during in vitro culture was reported. No information exists about the variation of HER2 expression after in vivo implantation. For that, the two cell lines in vitro tested (U251MG, A172) were in vivo implanted. We established a U251MG in vivo model in balb/c nude mice showing an important increasing of HER2 density. The HER2 density is correlated to anti-HER2 antibody efficiency so this model will be useful for the evaluation of in vivo anti-HER2 antibody treatment.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1966
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The use of molecular beacons to detect and quantify microRNA.
Molecular beacons are oligonucleotide (DNA or RNA) probes that have become increasingly important tools for RNA sensitive detection both in vitro and in living cells. From their inception, molecular beacons have been used to determine the expression levels of RNA transcripts, but they also have the specificity to identify splice variants and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Our group has performed extensive studies on molecular beacon design, molecular beacon hybridization assays, and cellular imaging of mRNA molecules. Compared to other methods for assessing RNA transcript expression, such as qRT-PCR, the beacon-based approach is potentially simpler, faster, more cost effective, and more specific. Recently, our group demonstrated that molecular beacons can readily distinguish mature- and precursor microRNAs, and reliably quantify microRNA expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short (19-25 nt), single-stranded, noncoding RNAs that regulate an array of cellular functions through the degradation and translational repression of mRNA targets. Importantly, tissue levels of specific miRNAs have been shown to correlate with pathological development of diseases. Thus, a rapid and efficient method of assessing miRNA expression is useful for diagnosing diseases and identifying novel therapeutic targets. Here, we describe the methods for designing and using molecular beacons to detect and quantify miRNA.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1967
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Esophageal cancer in the Caspian littoral of Iran: initial studies.
A peculiar distribution of esophageal cancer was observed in the Caspian littoral of Iran, where an ad hoc cancer registry has been in operation since 1968. A very high incidence, among the hghest recorded in the world, with a higher incidence in women than in men (male: 108.8 cases per 100,000 population; female: 174.1 per 100,000), was recorded in the northeastern corner of the region; this sparsely populated, semidesert area of the central Asian type, with predominantly saline soils, was settled by Turkomans. A lower incidence with a change in the male-to-female ratio was observed in the southeastern and central parts of the region, which are located in the piedmont area of the Elburz Mountains; these areas have more abundant rainfall and nonsaline soils, and are densely populated by Iranians. A steady decline in the incidence with an increase in the preponderance of male cases was observed toward the west, reaching the lowest figures (male: 17.2 cases per 100,000 population; female: 5.5 per 100,000) in the Caspian rain belt, with its heavily leached soils and somewhat subtropical characteristcs. Changes in the natural vegetation and in the agricultural practices parallel the changing features of the climate. A multidisciplinary, multidisease, and multifactorial study is in preparation. By plotting the detailed physical, biotic, and cultural characteristics of the selected ecological regions on the intrinsic characteristics of the population groups experiencing different esophageal cancer risk, new and profitable working hypotheses as to the etiology of esophageal cancer might be produced.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1968
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Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD) scale: A Latent Profile Analysis with At-Risk Adolescents.
The Proposed Specifiers for Conduct Disorder (PSCD; Salekin in Pers Disord: Theory Res Treat 7:180-191, 2016) scale was designed to assess interrelated psychopathic trait domains in conjunction with symptoms of Conduct Disorder (CD) in children and adolescents (i.e., grandiose-manipulative, callous-unemotional, daring-impulsive). Variable-centered studies have provided support for a four-factor PSCD structure (Salekin et al. in Psychol Assess 34(10):985-992, 2022) in line with other adolescent and adult studies. The current person-centered study used latent profile analysis of the PSCD domains to examine whether theoretically meaningful and empirically robust PSCD subtypes emerged from a diverse sample (70.9% White, 20.1% Black, 3.6% Hispanic, and 5.4% other) of adolescents (modal age = 17) in a military style residential facility (N = 409; Males = 80.6%). As hypothesized, a four-class solution was best, consistent with adult psychopathy subtyping research (Hare et al. in Handbook of Psychopathy 39-79, 2018; Roy et al. in Pers Disord: Theory Res Treat, in press). The PSCD subtype profiles were uniform across sex and race/ethnicity. Adolescents evincing a psychopathic trait propensity profile (elevated on all four PSCD domains) displayed the greatest number of arrests and higher overall externalizing psychopathology, compared to the other three latent classes, as well as higher internalizing psychopathology compared to adolescents with general delinquency. The PSCD provides a sound measure of psychopathic trait propensities in youth and our results offer investigators and clinicians a means for understanding person-centered psychopathic traits versus antisocial profiles among at-risk adolescents. Taken together, the current results may offer a viable approach for examining specific treatment targets based on PSCD subtype profiles.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1969
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An Ag(I) energetic metal-organic framework assembled with the energetic combination of furazan and tetrazole: synthesis, structure and energetic performance.
A novel Ag(I) energetic MOF [Ag16(BTFOF)9]n·[2(NH4)]n () assembled with Ag(iI ions and a furazan derivative, 4,4'-oxybis[3,3'-(1H-5-tetrazol)]furazan (H2BTFOF) was successfully synthesized and structurally characterized, featuring a three-dimensional porous structure incorporating ammonium cations. The thermal stability and energetic properties were determined, revealing that the 3D energetic MOF had an outstanding insensitivity (IS > 40 J), an ultrahigh detonation pressure (P) of 65.29 GPa and a detonation velocity (D) of 11.81 km cm(-3). In addition, the self-accelerating decomposition temperature (TSADT) and the critical temperature of thermal explosion (Tb) are also discussed in detail. The finding exemplifies that the assembly strategy plays a decisive role in the density and energetic properties of MOF-based energetic materials.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1970
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Plasmacytoid dendritic cell dichotomy: identification of IFN-α producing cells as a phenotypically and functionally distinct subset.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) produce large amounts of type I IFN in response to invading pathogens, but can also suppress immune responses and promote tolerance. In this study, we show that in mice, these functions are attributable to two distinct pDC subsets, one of which gives rise to the other. CD9(pos)Siglec-H(low) pDC secrete IFN-α when stimulated with TLR agonists, induce CTLs, and promote protective antitumor immunity. By contrast, CD9(neg)Siglec-H(high) pDC secrete negligible amounts of IFN-α, induce Foxp3(+) CD4(+) T cells, and fail to promote antitumor immunity. Although newly formed pDC in the bone marrow are CD9(pos) and are capable of producing IFN-α, after these cells traffic to peripheral tissues, they lose CD9 expression and the ability to produce IFN-α. We propose that newly generated pDC mobilized from the bone marrow, rather than tissue-resident pDC, are the major source of IFN-α in infected hosts.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1971
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Evaluation of a prevention program for pathological gambling among adolescents.
Many adolescents gamble, some gamble regularly and 2% to 5% suffer from pathological gambling (Jacobs, 1989; Ladouceur & Mireault, 1988; Lesieur & Klein, 1987). This study evaluated the efficacy of a pathological gambling prevention program conducted in five high schools in the Quebec City area. Based on an alcohol prevention program (Rhodes & Jason, 1988), it included the following components: the legality of gambling, the commercial nature of the activity, automatic gambling behaviors, pathological gambling and coping skills. Nine junior and senior classes participated in the program (N=134) and nine equivalent classes served as a control group (N=155). It was predicted that experimental subjects would increase their knowledge of gambling and pathological gambling, decrease their frequency of gambling and change their attitudes toward gambling. A six month follow-up confirmed the maintenance of newly acquired information toward gambling. Results confirmed the efficacy of the program in improving knowledge and skills for controlling gambling behavior at the end of treatment. The clinical implications of prevention programs for pathological gambling are discussed.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1972
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Consolidative radiation therapy for stage III Hodgkin lymphoma in patients who achieve complete response after ABVD chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the role of consolidation radiation therapy (RT) for patients with stage III Hodgkin lymphoma.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 118 patients with stage III Hodgkin lymphoma who were diagnosed and treated at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from 1993 through 2006. We evaluated the influence of site and size of initial involvement and use of consolidative RT on survival and patterns of failure after complete response (CR) to ABVD chemotherapy (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine).
RESULTS
After chemotherapy, 104 patients (88%) achieved CR; median follow-up time was 68 months (range, 8 to 190). Seventy-one patients (68%) received ≥6 cycles of ABVD, and 40 patients (38.5%) received consolidative RT. Comparing patients who received RT with those who did not, the 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year overall survival (OS) rates were 98%, 80%, and 80% versus 91%, 72%, and 29%, respectively (P=0.08). Disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 94%, 81%, 65% versus 78%, 45%, and 15%, respectively (P=0.04). On multivariate analysis, the presence of initial mediastinal involvement (P=0.001) and bulky head and neck disease (P=0.001) was associated with worse DFS; mediastinal RT was associated with improved DFS (P=0.003) and OS (P=0.029). Use of ≥6 cycles of ABVD was associated with improved OS (P=0.001). The pattern of failure analysis showed that most failures (23 of 28) occurred above the diaphragm.
CONCLUSIONS
Consolidative RT after CR may benefit patients with initial disease above the diaphragm, whereas below-the-diaphragm disease seems to be well managed by chemotherapy alone.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1973
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Feasibility trial of high-dose 7-day continuous-infusion ifosfamide given on an outpatient basis.
High-dose ifosfamide (HD-IFX) has shown significant antitumor activity in advanced sarcoma and breast carcinoma. The use of uroprotective agents and the availability of ambulatory continuous-infusion pumps has allowed dose escalation in the administration of ifosfamide (IFX) on an outpatient schedule. We report the results of a phase II trial of IFX given at high doses to heavily pretreated patients. IFX was infused at 2 g/m2 per day for a total of 7 days through a central venous access, with cycles being repeated every 21 days. Mesna was given concomitantly at equimolar doses. No hematopoietic support was used. A total of 27 heavily pretreated patients whose disease had progressed during conventional-dose chemotherapy were included (14 sarcomas, 10 breast carcinomas, and 3 bladder carcinomas). Reversible neutropenia and gastrointestinal toxicity were the most frequently encountered toxicities. Only two patients developed transient renal failure, and two others developed central nervous system toxicity. No treatment-related death was observed. Of 22 patients who were evaluable for response, 6 (27%) showed an objective response (OR), all ORs being partial responses (PRs) with a median duration of 6 months, and 12 patients had stable disease (SD; 55%) with a median duration of 3.5 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 6 months. Three patients underwent high-dose chemotherapy after showing a response to our IFX schedule. We conclude that continuous-infusion IFX given in an outpatient setting is a feasible and active regimen that produces, a manageable toxicity profile in heavily pretreated breast cancer and sarcoma patients. Early institution of this schedule in less advanced stages could improve the results obtained.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1974
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Response to, "On the origins of the linear no-threshold (LNT) dogma by means of untruths, artful dodges and blind faith.".
It is not true that successive groups of researchers from academia and research institutions-scientists who served on panels of the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS)-were duped into supporting a linear no-threshold model (LNT) by the opinions expressed in the genetic panel section of the 1956 "BEAR I" report. Successor reports had their own views of the LNT model, relying on mouse and human data, not fruit fly data. Nor was the 1956 report biased and corrupted, as has been charged in an article by Edward J. Calabrese in this journal. With or without BEAR I, the LNT model would likely have been accepted in the US for radiation protection purposes in the 1950's.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1975
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Employee's Provident Fund (Amendment) Act (No. 42 of 1988), 1988.
This Act amends the Sri Lanka Employee's Provident Fund Act to permit members of the Fund to pledge their balances to state lending institutions in order to obtain loans for housing purposes. One goal of the legislation is to help Fund members who cannot provide the exacting security required by these institutions.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1976
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Bilateral Fracture Neck Femur in Child with Bilateral Delayed Union and Bilateral AVN: A Rare Occurrence and Literature Review.
A bilateral neck of femur fracture in children is a rare occurrence with only twelve cases reported till the date. We report a case of a 3-year-old schoolgirl with bilateral Delbet type 2 fracture neck femur after a fall from height. She was managed elsewhere by bilateral closed reduction and screw fixation within 24 h. She presented to us three months after surgery with painful hip movements and inability to walk. Her X-ray showed bilateral Ratliff type three avascular necrosis and bilateral delayed union with visible fracture lines. We placed her in double hip spica for three months. Fortunately, on both sides fractures united well with complete resolution of avascular changes. At one year follow-up, she had no functional limitation, no limb length discrepancy, and an x-ray showed mild coxa vara on left. Bilateral delayed union and avascular necrosis of fracture neck femur has not been reported till date.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1977
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[Microcirculation and hemostasis in influenza and acute viral respiratory infections complicated with pneumonia].
AIM
To study microcirculation (MC), hemostasis and blood viscosity (BV) in influenza and acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) complicated by pneumonia.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Conjunctival biomicroscopy, hemostasis and BV were studied in 232 patients with influenza and ARVI. In 91 of them the disease complicated with acute pneumonia (AP), in 87--with obstructive bronchitis.
RESULTS
Irrespectively of the disease course, patients with influenza and ARVI showed intravascular changes in MC system, hypercoagulation, deterioration of fibrinolysis. In convalescence platelet aggregation increased, fibrinolytic blood activity enhanced. In influenza and ARVI complicated with AP intravascular changes and hypercoagulation were most pronounced. In uncomplicated influenza and ARVI accompanied by bronchitis such changes are less severe. BV was the highest in development of AP.
CONCLUSION
MC and hemostatic disorders arising in influenza and ARVI seem to be essential pathogenetic links provoking development of AP. In intravascular aggregation of platelets and red cells, activation of plasmic hemostasis differentiated treatment with desaggregants and anticoagulants are indicated.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1978
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Atypical lymphocytic lobular panniculitis.
BACKGROUND
Although subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma (SCTCL) is considered an aggressive form of lymphoma, some patients manifest a long waxing and waning phase unaccompanied by constitutional symptoms.
METHODS
Twelve patients were prospectively encountered, presenting with a lymphocytic panniculitis accompanied by lymphoid atypia, although not fulfilling criteria for SCTCL. Clinical, histologic, phenotypic, and genotypic analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
There were five men, one boy, and six women; none had symptoms compatible with lupus erythematosus or aggressive SCTCL. All but two had a waxing and waning course of years. Four patients had periodic cytopenias accompanied by fevers. While responding somewhat to prednisone, the lesions relapsed. In one patient, treatment with alemtuzumab (CAMPATH-1) led to complete lesional resolution with no recurrence. Light microscopy showed expansion of the interstices of the fat lobule by mildly atypical lymphocytes of the CD4 subset in 10 biopsies from eight patients; in the other four patients, there was an increase in CD8 lymphocytes. There was diminished expression of CD5 and/or CD7 in the majority of biopsies. Ten of 13 biopsies showed clonal T-cell receptor-gamma rearrangements.
CONCLUSIONS
We apply the term atypical lymphocytic lobular panniculitis to this distinctive form of lymphocytic panniculitis manifesting this light microscopic, phenotypic, and genotypic profile.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1979
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Estimation of fault strength: reconstruction of stress before the 1995 Kobe earthquake.
We have estimated the stress field before the 1995 Kobe, Japan, earthquake (moment magnitude 6.9) using in situ post-shock stress measurements obtained from hydraulic fracturing experiments near the fault. We reconstructed the pre-shock stress field using a kinematic source model inverted from seismic waveforms and geodetic deformations. We found that at the center of the fault, two sides of the fault surface coupled completely before the earthquake, with a coefficient of friction of 0.6, which is equivalent to strong crust. At the edge of the fault, a possible aseismic slip is expected to occur from the pre-shock stress orientation.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1980
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Ioffe-Regel criterion and viscoelastic properties of amorphous solids.
We show that viscoelastic effects play a crucial role in the damping of vibrational modes in harmonic amorphous solids. The relaxation of a given plane elastic wave is described by a memory function of a semi-infinite one-dimensional mass-spring chain. The initial vibrational energy spreads from the first site of the chain to infinity. In the beginning of the chain, there is a barrier, which significantly reduces the decay of vibrational energy below the Ioffe-Regel frequency. To obtain the parameters of the chain, we present a numerically stable method, based on the Chebyshev expansion of the local vibrational density of states.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1981
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Correlation of preoperative computed tomography and postoperative ocular motility in orbital blowout fractures.
PURPOSE
To determine a relationship between preoperative soft tissue disruption and postoperative ocular motility in orbital blowout fractures.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study reviewed 30 patients who met all criteria: retrievable coronal computed tomography (CT) scans; internal fractures of the orbital floor, with or without medial wall extension; preoperative diplopia; repair by a single surgeon; complete release of entrapped tissues; and postoperative binocular visual fields (BVFs). Motility outcomes were quantified by one group of the authors, who measured the vertical fusion within BVFs. Other authors analyzed CT scans, designating each fracture as either A or B, based on lesser or greater soft tissue distortion relative to the configuration of bone fragments. The interval between trauma and surgery was also determined.
RESULTS
Among the 15 patients with a postoperative motility outcome poorer than the median (86 degrees or less), four (27%) had A fractures; 11 (73%) had B fractures. Among the 15 patients with an outcome better than the median (88 degrees or more), 10 (67%) had A fractures; five (33%) had B fractures. Differences were more defined away from the median. Among five patients with B fractures and better than the median result, three (60%) had surgical repair during the first week after injury. Among the 11 patients with B fractures and less than the median result, one (9%) had repair during the first week.
CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative motility is influenced by soft tissue-bone fragment relationships. Whether the outcome can be altered by earlier surgery in selected cases will be determined by prospective studies.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1982
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Circulating exosomes from Alzheimer's disease suppress VE-cadherin expression and induce barrier dysfunction in recipient brain microvascular endothelial cell.
Background
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is a component of the progression and pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). BBB dysfunction is primarily caused by reduced or disorganized tight junction or adherens junction proteins of brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC). While there is growing evidence of tight junction disruption in BMECs in AD, the functional role of adherens junctions during BBB dysfunction in AD remains unknown. Exosomes secreted from senescent cells have unique characteristics and contribute to modulating the phenotype of recipient cells. However, it remains unknown if and how these exosomes cause BMEC dysfunction in AD.
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the potential roles of AD circulating exosomes and their RNA cargos in brain endothelial dysfunction in AD.
Methods
We isolated exosomes from sera of five cases of AD compared with age- and sex-matched cognitively normal controls using size-exclusion chromatography technology. We validated the qualities and particle sizes of isolated exosomes with nanoparticle tracking analysis and atomic force microscopy. We measured the biomechanical natures of the endothelial barrier of BMECs, the lateral binding forces between live BMECs, using fluidic force miscopy. We visualized the paracellular expressions of the key adherens junction protein VE-cadherin in BMEC cultures and a 3D BBB model that employs primary human BMECs and pericytes with immunostaining and evaluated them using confocal microscopy. We also examined the VE-cadherin signal in brain tissues from five cases of AD and five age- and sex-matched cognitively normal controls.
Results
We found that circulating exosomes from AD patients suppress the paracellular expression levels of VE-cadherin and impair the barrier function of recipient BMECs. Immunostaining analysis showed that AD circulating exosomes damage VE-cadherin integrity in a 3D model of microvascular tubule formation. We found that circulating exosomes in AD weaken the BBB depending on the RNA cargos. In parallel, we observed that microvascular VE-cadherin expression is diminished in AD brains compared to normal controls.
Conclusion
Using in vitro and ex vivo models, our study illustrates that circulating exosomes from AD patients play a significant role in mediating the damage effect on adherens junction of recipient BMEC of the BBB in an exosomal RNA-dependent manner. This suggests a novel mechanism of peripheral senescent exosomes for AD risk.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1983
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Influence of lung volume on the interaction between cardiac output and cerebrovascular regulation during extreme apnoea.
What is the central question of this study? Does the reduction in cardiac output observed during extreme voluntary apnoea, secondary to high lung volume, result in a reduction in cerebral blood flow, perfusion pressure and oxygen delivery in a group of elite free divers? What is the main finding and its importance? High lung volumes reduce cardiac output and ventricular filling during extreme apnoea, but changes in cerebral blood flow are observed only transiently during the early stages of apnoea. This reveals that whilst cardiac output is important in regulating cerebral haemodynamics, the role of mean arterial pressure in restoring cerebral perfusion pressure is of greater significance to the regulation of cerebral blood flow. We investigated the role of lung volume-induced changes in cardiac output (Q̇) on cerebrovascular regulation during prolonged apnoea. Fifteen elite apnoea divers (one female; 185 ± 7 cm, 82 ± 12 kg, 29 ± 7 years old) attended the laboratory on two separate occasions and completed maximal breath-holds at total lung capacity (TLC) and functional residual capacity (FRC) to elicit disparate cardiovascular responses. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), internal jugular venous pressure and arterial blood gases were measured via cannulation. Global cerebral blood flow was quantified by ultrasound and cardiac output was quantified by via photoplethysmography. At FRC, stroke volume and Q̇ did not change from baseline (P > 0.05). In contrast, during the TLC trial stroke volume and Q̇ were decreased until 80 and 40% of apnoea, respectively (P < 0.05). During the TLC trial, global cerebral blood flow was significantly lower at 20%, but subsequently increased so that cerebral oxygen delivery was comparable to that during the FRC trial. Internal jugular venous pressure was significantly higher throughout the TLC trial in comparison to FRC. The MAP increased progressively in both trials but to a greater extent at TLC, resulting in a comparable cerebral perfusion pressure between trials by the end of apnoea. In summary, although lung volume has a profound effect on Q̇ during prolonged breath-holding, these changes do not translate to the cerebrovasculature owing to the greater sensitivity of cerebral blood flow to arterial blood gases and MAP; regulatory mechanisms that facilitate the maintenance of cerebral oxygen delivery.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1984
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[Quality control of defrosted cord blood units: results from an inter-laboratory study].
PURPOSE
Today, haematopoietic stem cell graft from placental blood concerns more than 15 % of allogeneic grafts. An inter-laboratory study of the quality control of defrosted cord blood units has been coordinated by the French society for cell and tissue bioengineering (SFBCT), with the cord blood bank of Bourgogne Franche-Comté and controlled by the French health products safety agency (Afssaps). The aim of this study is to ensure the inter-laboratory reproducibility of the quality controls practised by the banks during defrosting. The cellular outputs were analyzed according to the defrosting techniques, according to the method used in flow cytometry: single-platform (SP) versus double-platform (DP), or the product nature, i.e. in total blood or miniaturized.
METHODS
Forty-two units of placental blood (USP), which were out of range were provided for defrosting to 14 participating sites. USP were defrosted and controlled according to the procedures of each bank. Once the USP is defrosted, a part of the product was controlled by the site and the other part by Afssaps. Following controls were carried out: numeration of the total nucleated cells (TNC) and of CD34+ cells (made by a SP method in Afssaps) and functional assay.
RESULTS
Concerning TNC, the defrosting sites obtained a cellular output of 94 %+/-28 in day 0 compared with an output of 72 %+/-24 in Afssaps showing a rather good stability of the USP transmitted with an average deviation of 23 %+/-22. The freezing process with or without reduction of volume does not affect this variation. Concerning the numeration of CD34+ cells, the average deviation between the participating sites and Afssaps was 29 %+/-23 compared with 21 %+/-16 for the sites using a SP method against 47 %+/-25 for those using a DP method. The CD34+ outputs are equal to 82 % +/- 60 in day 0 for the participating sites against 52 %+/-20 for Afssaps. For the sites using a DP method, it is stressed that this output is particularly high with a rate of 126 %+/-90 (n=15) whereas it is 62 %+/-20 (n=32) for the sites using a SP method.
CONCLUSION
These results underline a good stability of viable CD34+ cells and a greater reliability of the SP methods for the CD34+ cell numeration for these defrosted USP. Lastly, the results of the functional assay regarding the average clonogenicities (equal to 15 %) reinforce the conclusions on the quality of the defrosted products.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1985
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HOW TO…: Use Videodiscs in Medical Education, Part 1.
The videodisc system was first demonstrated 10 years ago but it was only in mid-1982 that the first commercially available system was launched in the UK. One advantage of the videodisc is that the video image is much better than with videotape players. Another is that the optical videodisc never wears out. In addition it is possible randomly to allocate, in a short space of time, any of 54,000 frames of information. The disadvantages are that the videodisc cannot be used to record video information, there is not much software available, and the disc master and copies have to be made by a commercial production house. Specific applications will be described in part 2.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1986
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Mechanism of Arsenic Partitioning During Sulfidation of As-Sorbed Ferrihydrite Nanoparticles.
Knowledge of how arsenic (As) partitions among various phases in Fe-rich sulfidic environments is critical for understanding the fate and mobility of As in such environments. We studied the reaction of arsenite and arsenate sorbed on ferrihydrite nanoparticle surfaces with dissolved sulfide at varying S/Fe ratios (0.1-2.0) to understand the fate and transformation mechanism of As during sulfidation of ferrihydrite. By using aqueous As speciation analysis by IC-ICP-MS and solid-phase As speciation analysis by synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), we were able to discern the mechanism and pathways of As partitioning and thio-arsenic species formation. Our results provide a mechanistic understanding of the fate and transformation of arsenic during the codiagenesis of As, Fe, and S in reducing environments. Our aqueous-phase As speciation data, combined with solid-phase speciation data, indicate that sulfidation of As-sorbed ferrihydrite nanoparticles results in their transformation to trithioarsenate and arsenite, independent of the initial arsenic species used. The nature and extent of transformation and the thioarsenate species formed were controlled by S/Fe ratios in our experiments. However, arsenate was reduced to arsenite before transformation to trithioarsenate.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1987
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Uniparental markers of contemporary Italian population reveals details on its pre-Roman heritage.
BACKGROUND
According to archaeological records and historical documentation, Italy has been a melting point for populations of different geographical and ethnic matrices. Although Italy has been a favorite subject for numerous population genetic studies, genetic patterns have never been analyzed comprehensively, including uniparental and autosomal markers throughout the country.
METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
A total of 583 individuals were sampled from across the Italian Peninsula, from ten distant (if homogeneous by language) ethnic communities--and from two linguistic isolates (Ladins, Grecani Salentini). All samples were first typed for the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and selected coding region SNPs (mtSNPs). This data was pooled for analysis with 3,778 mtDNA control-region profiles collected from the literature. Secondly, a set of Y-chromosome SNPs and STRs were also analyzed in 479 individuals together with a panel of autosomal ancestry informative markers (AIMs) from 441 samples. The resulting genetic record reveals clines of genetic frequencies laid according to the latitude slant along continental Italy--probably generated by demographical events dating back to the Neolithic. The Ladins showed distinctive, if more recent structure. The Neolithic contribution was estimated for the Y-chromosome as 14.5% and for mtDNA as 10.5%. Y-chromosome data showed larger differentiation between North, Center and South than mtDNA. AIMs detected a minor sub-Saharan component; this is however higher than for other European non-Mediterranean populations. The same signal of sub-Saharan heritage was also evident in uniparental markers.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
Italy shows patterns of molecular variation mirroring other European countries, although some heterogeneity exists based on different analysis and molecular markers. From North to South, Italy shows clinal patterns that were most likely modulated during Neolithic times.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1988
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Strong infrared radiation through passive dispersive wave generation and its control.
We observe strong infrared (IR) radiation as a result of passive dispersive wave generation for a realistic microstructured fiber having two zero-dispersion wavelengths. The IR radiation frequency can be suitably controlled by varying the operational wavelength, which falls in the first normal dispersion regime. The amplitude of the radiation can be significantly increased by introducing a suitable amount of chirp in the input pulse. This strong phase-matching radiation can be considered as an alternative solution for the IR laser for different applications.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1989
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Diffusion tensor imaging in schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a relatively new neuroimaging technique that can be used to examine the microstructure of white matter in vivo. A systematic review of DTI studies in schizophrenia was undertaken to test the hypothesis that DTI can detect white matter differences between schizophrenia patients and normal control subjects.
METHODS
EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, and PsychInfo were searched online and key journals were searched manually for studies comparing anisotropy (a measure of white matter integrity) between patients and control subjects. Nineteen articles were systematically reviewed.
RESULTS
Though 16 studies found differences, methodological and data differences prevented a meta-analysis. Fourteen studies found reduced anisotropy in patients; two studies found only a loss of normal asymmetry. The region of investigation varied across studies, however, and when the same region (for example, the cingulum) was examined in different studies, as many failed to find a difference as found one. These inconsistencies may be the result of small sample sizes and differences in methodology.
CONCLUSIONS
Diffusion tensor imaging has yet to provide consistent findings of white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia. Its potential as a means of examining anatomical connectivity may be realized with the study of larger, more homogenous groups of subjects and with ongoing improvements in image analysis.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1990
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[Discussion on the key points of building modern theory of acupuncture treatment].
Acupuncture treatment is different from treatment of materia medica. However, syndrome differentiation system of internal medicine is adopted all the time for the present acupuncture textbooks. It is held that the characteristics of acupuncture can not be fully reflexed, and advantages of acupuncture can not be brought into full play. Therefore, it's urgent to build up a modem theory on acupuncture treatment which is fit for the clinical practice of acupuncture and can give a better play for the treatment of acupuncture. A clear target is one of the characteristics of acupuncture treatment. And it is based on the understanding of the location of disease, therefore, disease differentiation is held as the basis of acupuncture treatment. The aim of meridian differentiation is to select distal effective points on the base of diseases differentiation, which is also taken as the characteristics of acupuncture treatment. Syndrome differentiation is a process of understanding the general pathological states of the human body, it is an important process to enhance the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. Thus, the key point for establishing the modern acupuncture theory is clarifying the values of disease differentiation, meridian differentiation and syndrome differentiation.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1991
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Morphometric abnormalities in spleen and kidney of the progeny of mice fed American cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) during pregnancy and lactation.
Cranberries and cranberry-derived diet supplements are often recommended for the treatment of urinary tract infections, also during pregnancy. These products contain strongly anti-angiogenic chemical compounds which could not be indifferent to the developing fetus. In the present work we evaluated the effect of feeding pregnant and lactating mice American cranberry extract (daily dose 0.88 mg) on the morphology and some parameters of spleen and kidney function of their adult progeny. Six weeks after delivery the morphometry of spleen and kidney, cytometric analysis of spleen lymphocytes, evaluation of humoral response to SRBC (Sheep Red Blood Cells), and examination of serum creatinine/urea concentration, were performed in the offspring. Spleens of progeny from experimental (E) group differed from the spleens of progeny of control mice in the lower number of lymphatic nodules and their larger diameter. Cytometry of spleen cells from progeny of E mothers revealed more CD19+ and CD8+ lymphocytes than in the control group. No difference was seen in the response to immunization by red blood cells of sheep (SRBC) between control and E offspring. An increase in the diameter of glomeruli was observed in the kidneys of the experimental group in comparison with the control group. No abnormalities in creatinine and urea serum level were observed. A higher concentration of VEGF and bFGF in E offspring sera in comparison to the controls was seen.
CONCLUSION
Although the observed differences between the control and experimental group were not large, caution is recommended in using cranberries and their extracts during pregnancy until more research will be done on this topic.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1992
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Designing Cardin-Motif Peptide and Heparin-Based Multicomponent Advanced Bioactive Hydrogel Scaffolds to Control Cellular Behavior.
Recently, peptide and sugar-based multicomponent systems have gained much interest in attaining the sophisticated structure and biofunctional complexity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). To this direction, we have designed for the first time a biologically relevant minimalist Cardin-motif peptide capable of binding ECM-derived glycosaminoglycans. Herein, we explored Cardin-motif peptide and heparin-based biomolecular matrix by employing simple noncovalent interactions at the molecular level. Interestingly, this peptide was inadequate to induce hydrogelation at ambient pH due to the presence of basic amino acids. However, addition of heparin successfully triggered its gelation at physiological pH following favorable electrostatic interactions with heparin. Importantly, the newly developed scaffolds displayed tunable nanofibrous morphology and superior mechanical properties as controlled simply by the differential mixing ratio of both biomolecular entities. Additionally, these composite scaffolds could closely mimic the complexity of ECM as they demonstrated superior biocompatibility and enhanced growth and proliferation of neural cells as compared to the peptide scaffold.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1993
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Functionalization of cellulose acetate fibers with engineered cutinases.
In the present work, we describe for the first time the specific role of cutinase on surface modification of cellulose acetate fibers. Cutinase exhibits acetyl esterase activity on diacetate and triacetate of 0.010 U and 0.007 U, respectively. An increase on the hydroxyl groups at the fiber surface of 25% for diacetate and 317% for triacetate, after a 24 h treatment, is estimated by an indirect assay. Aiming at further improvement of cutinase affinity toward cellulose acetate, chimeric cutinases are genetically engineered by fusing the 3'-end coding sequence with a bacterial or a fungal carbohydrate-binding module and varying the linker DNA sequence. A comparative analysis of these genetic constructions is presented showing that, the superficial regeneration of cellulose hydrophilicity and reactivity on highly substituted cellulose acetates is achieved by chimeric cutinases.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1994
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Ovarian follicular morphometry of South American fur seal pups (Arctophoca australis).
The aim of this study was to analyze the morphometric characteristics of ovarian follicles and their distribution in the ovarian cortex in South American fur seal pups (Arctophoca australis). Samples were obtained from animals stranded in the Uruguayan Atlantic coast. Ovaries were dissected, fixed, weighed, and processed by standard histological techniques. Ovarian weight increased with pup age and body length. There was an increase in the diameter of the oocytes (22.24 ± 0.6 to 68.2 ± 5.3 µm), the nuclei (10.04 ± 0.2 to 20.7 ± 1.6 µm), and follicles (30.4 ± 1.2 to 252.6 ± 53.6 µm) of type 1 to type 5 follicles; there was a wide range of variation in the diameter of follicle type 4 and 5. Granulosa layer thickness increased between follicles type 3 and 4, whereas between type 4 and 5 there was a reduction. Thecal layer from follicles type 3 and 4 consisted of 1-2 layers of cells, whereas type 5 showed an increase in thickness (3.13 ± 0.3 to 13.8 ± 5.2 µm). Follicles type 1 and 2 occupied superficial regions within the ovarian cortex while the remaining follicles had a deeper location. These results provide a basis for comparison with females of other age categories as well as follicular dynamics studies in South American fur seals.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1995
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Notch and TGFβ: Functional partners facilitating tumor progression.
Cell signals integral to the tumor microenvironment influence cancer progression. Tumor-associated myeloid cells secrete pro-tumorigenic agents including, but not limited to, the potent cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). We have discovered a network of extrinsic signals including delta-like 4 (Dll4), Notch and TGFβ, linking malignant cells and tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, a nexus portending a clinically-relevant anticancer treatment.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1996
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Glyphosate: A Review on the Current Environmental Impacts from a Brazilian Perspective.
The indiscriminate use of glyphosate is one of the main agricultural practices to combat weeds and grasses; however, its incorrect application increases soil and water contamination caused by the product. This situation is even more critical due to its great versatility for use in different cultivars and at lower prices, making it the most used pesticide in the world. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of in-depth studies regarding the damage that its use may cause. Therefore, this review focused on the analysis of environmental impacts at the soil-water interface caused by the use of glyphosate. In this sense, studies have shown that the intensive use of glyphosate has the potential to cause harmful effects on soil microorganisms, leading to changes in soil fertility and ecological imbalance, as well as impacts on aquatic environments derived from changes in the food chain. This situation is similar in Brazil, with the harmful effects of glyphosate in nontarget species and the contamination of the atmosphere. Therefore, it is necessary to change this scenario by modifying the type of pest control in agriculture, and actions such as crop rotation and biological control.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1997
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Effect of contrast water therapy duration on recovery of running performance.
PURPOSE
To investigate whether contrast water therapy (CWT) assists acute recovery from high-intensity running and whether a dose-response relationship exists.
METHODS
Ten trained male runners completed 4 trials, each commencing with a 3000-m time trial, followed by 8 × 400-m intervals with 1 min of recovery. Ten minutes postexercise, participants performed 1 of 4 recovery protocols: CWT, by alternating 1 min hot (38°C) and 1 min cold (15°C) for 6 (CWT6), 12 (CWT12), or 18 min (CWT18), or a seated rest control trial. The 3000-m time trial was repeated 2 h later.
RESULTS
3000-m performance slowed from 632 ± 4 to 647 ± 4 s in control, 631 ± 4 to 642 ± 4 s in CWT6, 633 ± 4 to 648 ± 4 s in CWT12, and 631 ± 4 to 647 ± 4 s in CWT18. Following CWT6, performance (smallest worthwhile change of 0.3%) was substantially faster than control (87% probability, 0.8 ± 0.8% mean ± 90% confidence limit), however, there was no effect for CWT12 (34%, 0.0 ± 1.0%) or CWT18 (34%, -0.1 ± 0.8%). There were no substantial differences between conditions in exercise heart rates, or postexercise calf and thigh girths. Algometer thigh pain threshold during CWT12 was higher at all time points compared with control. Subjective measures of thermal sensation and muscle soreness were lower in all CWT conditions at some post-water-immersion time points compared with control; however, there were no consistent differences in whole body fatigue following CWT.
CONCLUSIONS
Contrast water therapy for 6 min assisted acute recovery from high-intensity running; however, CWT duration did not have a dose-response effect on recovery of running performance.
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No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1998
|
Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain with massage.
The management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) has proven to be very challenging in North America, as evidenced by its mounting socioeconomic burden. Choosing amongst available nonsurgical therapies can be overwhelming for many stakeholders, including patients, health providers, policy makers, and third-party payers. Although all parties share a common goal and wish to use limited health-care resources to support interventions most likely to result in clinically meaningful improvements, there is often uncertainty about the most appropriate intervention for a particular patient. To help understand and evaluate the various commonly used nonsurgical approaches to CLBP, the North American Spine Society has sponsored this special focus issue of The Spine Journal, titled Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain without surgery. Articles in this special focus issue were contributed by leading spine practitioners and researchers, who were invited to summarize the best available evidence for a particular intervention and encouraged to make this information accessible to nonexperts. Each of the articles contains five sections (description, theory, evidence of efficacy, harms, and summary) with common subheadings to facilitate comparison across the 24 different interventions profiled in this special focus issue, blending narrative and systematic review methodology as deemed appropriate by the authors. It is hoped that articles in this special focus issue will be informative and aid in decision making for the many stakeholders evaluating nonsurgical interventions for CLBP.
|
No pos
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No neg
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Retriever1999
|
KChIP2b modulates the affinity and use-dependent block of Kv4.3 by nifedipine.
Rapidly activating Kv4 voltage-gated ion channels are found in heart, brain, and diverse other tissues including colon and uterus. Kv4.3 can co-assemble with KChIP ancillary subunits, which modify kinetic behavior. We examined the affinity and use dependence of nifedipine block on Kv4.3 and its modulation by KChIP2b. Nifedipine (150 microM) reduced peak Kv4.3 current approximately 50%, but Kv4.3/KChIP2b current only approximately 27%. Nifedipine produced a very rapid component of open channel block in both Kv4.3 and Kv4.3/KChIP2b. However, recovery from the blocked/inactivated state was strongly sensitive to KChIP2b. Kv4.3 Thalf,recovery was slowed significantly by nifedipine (120.0+/-12.4 ms vs. 213.1+/-18.2 ms), whereas KChIP2b eliminated nifedipine's effect on recovery: Kv4.3/KChIP2b Thalf,recovery was 45.3+/-7.2 ms (control) and 47.8+/-8.2 ms (nifedipine). Consequently, Kv4.3 exhibited use-dependent nifedipine block in response to a series of depolarizing pulses which was abolished by KChIP2b. KChIPs alter drug affinity and use dependence of Kv4.3.
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No pos
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No neg
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