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24211023 | Development and preliminary validation of a new scale to assess functional ability of older population in India. | Identifying the decline in functional ability and preventing disability is the critical element of the quality of life of an old age. However, the lack of contextual scale to assess the decline in functional capacity is a major issue. Objective of this study is to design the functional ability assessment scale for elderly people in India and test its psychometric properties. Random sample of 659 individuals above 60 years of age from western part of India was recruited. This paper outlines the construction, reliability and validity of a newly developed 14 item scale named as Pune-Functional Ability Assessment Tool (Pune-FAAT). The factors were extracted using the ponent analysis. Two-factor-structure of scale was accepted after applying the K1 rule, scree plot and parallel analysis method. The two factor structure yielded variance of 64.4%. The psychometric properties of the scale were examined using confirmatory factor analysis. The scale has an excellent reliability (Cronbach's α 0.928) and very good test-retest reliability (r=0.884). Each subscale demonstrated good internal consistency (Subscale I - Cronbach's α 0.938 and Subscale II - Cronbach's α 0.762). Excellent convergent validity with Standford's health assessment questionnaire (r=0.959). Discriminant validity was very good as FAAT index showed significant difference in young adults (mean±SD 1.11±0.24) and older adults (mean±SD 1.69±0.70). This new measure is a potentially valuable research tool for investigating older adult's functional ability to perform basic plex daily activities. |
24211026 | The use of antidepressant medication in pregnancy. | The use of antidepressant medications during pregnancy has stimulated much professional and public debate. As a consequence, considerable data on the reproductive safety of antidepressants has been generated that exceeds the available information for most, if not all, other classes of medications that may be used in the perinatal period. Despite progress to date, definitive conclusions are limited by the methodological issues inherent to clinical research involving illness versus treatment effects in pregnancy. A notable ing is the limited discussion of statistically significant (a mathematical determination) versus clinically significant (incorporation of incidence and effect sizes into practical relevance). Research pleting an individualised 'risk-benefit' assessment, which is a laudable goal but falls short in providing succinct practical guidelines that includes the key educational points for patients. In this chapter, we focus on areas in which the preponderance of data are consistent, and there is concordance with the preclinical literature to generate a practical approach for antidepressant use in pregnancy. |
24211027 | Longitudinal study of remission among older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. | Although studies have found that as many as half of munity-dwelling adults with schizophrenia were in symptomatic remission, these findings had been based on cross-sectional data. This study examines longitudinal changes in symptom remission rates and predictors of remission. |
24211024 | Older person behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPS) and functional limitations mediate the association between older person cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in the caregiver. | We assess for the mediation of the association between older person cognitive impairment and caregiver depressive symptoms through older person BPS and functional limitations, and whether the mediation varies by caregiver-older person relationship (spouse/adult child). Data for 1111 older person (aged 75+ with activity of daily living (ADL) limitation)-caregiver dyads from Singapore were used. The e variable was dichotomous (caregiver clinically significant depressive symptoms [CSDS]: yes/no) in the primary analysis and continuous (caregiver depressive symptoms score) in the sensitivity analysis. The causal steps approach assessed for the mediation of the association between older person cognitive impairment (yes/no) and the e variable through the two potential mediators. A bootstrapping approach calculated point estimates and confidence intervals (CIs) of the indirect (∼mediated) effects. Variation of the indirect effects by caregiver-older person relationship was also assessed. In the primary analysis, the causal steps approach supported older person BPS and functional limitations as mediators. The bootstrapping approach confirmed both as significant mediators, though BPS (indirect effect odds ratio (OR) 1.32 [95% bootstrap CI 1.19,1.48]; %mediation: 70.6%) was a stronger mediator than functional limitations (1.04 [1.01,1.11]; %mediation: 11.5%). Variation of the indirect effects by caregiver-older person relationship was not supported. Results of the sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. We conclude that while caring for an older person with cognitive impairment is detrimental for the caregiver's mood, management of associated BPS and functional limitations, especially the former, among such older persons may reduce depressive symptoms among their caregivers. Spouse as well as adult child caregivers benefit. |
24211028 | Depressive symptoms, symptom dimensions, and white matter lesion volume in older adults: a longitudinal study. | White matter lesions (WMLs) are associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. However, it is not clear whether different symptom dimensions of depression have distinct associations with WMLs. The authors assessed the longitudinal relationships of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) total score and subscale scores with WML volume in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. |
24211029 | Increased risk among older veterans of prescribing psychotropic medication in the absence of psychiatric diagnoses. | This study uses Veterans Health Administration (VHA) pharmacy and encounter claims to evaluate the use of psychotropic medications without a psychiatric diagnosis across age groups. |
24211030 | Enantioseletive bioaccumulation and metabolization of diniconazole in earthworms (Eiseniafetida) in an artificial soil. | Degradation and enantioselective bioaccumulation of diniconazole in earthworms (Eiseniafetida) in artificial soil was investigated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method under laboratory condition. Three exposure concentrations (1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg) of diniconazole in soil (dry weight) to earthworms were used. The uptake kinetics fitted the first-order kinetics well. The bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of R, S isomers were 6.6046 and 8.5115 in 25 mg/kg dose exposure, 2.6409 and 2.9835 in 10mg/kg dose exposure, 1.7784 and 2.0437 in 1 mg/kg dose exposure, respectively. Bioaccumulation of diniconazole in earthworm tissues was enantioselective with a preferential accumulation of S-diniconazole and the enantiomer fractions were about 0.45-0.50 in all three level dose exposures. In addition, it was obvious that both R-diniconazole and S-diniconazole had bioaccumulation effect in earthworm. Diniconazole was metabolized to 1,2,4-triazole, (E)-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) acrylaldehyde, (E, S)-4-(2, 4-dichlorophenyl)-2, 2-dimethyl-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-4-ene-1,3-diol, and (E)-4-(2, 4-dichlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) pent-4-enoic acid in earthworms; the metabolites of 1,2,4-triazole and (E)-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)acrylaldehyde could be detected in soil as well. |
24211031 | [Choice of career by French medical students after the national ranking exam in 2012]. | Since 2011, the French medical students ranked after a national ranking exam (NRE) are making their career choice among 11 disciplines detailing the chosen one. Before 2011, this precise choice was unknown. Our work is the first descriptive study of French medical students choice of career after the NRE, precising the medical specialty chosen and the city of practical formation. |
24211032 | Building a picture: Prioritisation of exotic diseases for the pig industry in Australia using multi-criteria decision analysis. | Diseases that are exotic to the pig industry in Australia were prioritised using a multi-criteria decision analysis framework that incorporated weights of importance for a range of criteria important to industry stakeholders. Measurements were collected for each disease for nine criteria that described potential disease impacts. A total score was calculated for each disease using a weighted sum value function that aggregated the nine disease criterion measurements and weights of importance for the criteria that were previously elicited from two groups of industry stakeholders. One stakeholder group placed most value on the impacts of disease on livestock, and one group placed more value on the zoonotic impacts of diseases. Prioritisation lists ordered by disease score were produced for both of these groups. Vesicular diseases were found to have the highest priority for the group valuing disease impacts on livestock, followed by acute forms of African and classical swine fever, then highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. The group who valued zoonotic disease impacts prioritised rabies, followed by Japanese encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis and Nipah virus, interspersed with vesicular diseases. The multi-criteria framework used in this study systematically prioritised diseases using a multi-attribute theory based technique that provided transparency and repeatability in the process. Flexibility of the framework was demonstrated by aggregating the criterion weights from more than one stakeholder group with the disease measurements for the criteria. This technique allowed industry stakeholders to be active in resource allocation for their industry without the need to be disease experts. We believe it is the first prioritisation of livestock diseases using values provided by industry stakeholders. The prioritisation lists will be used by industry stakeholders to identify diseases for further risk analysis and disease spread modelling to understand biosecurity risks to this industry. |
24211034 | Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in patients with chronic pain in Maputo, Mozambique. | Because there is only one study to our knowledge on the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in sub-Saharan Africa and RLS is mon in patients with some pain syndromes, we aimed to determine the prevalence of RLS in a population with chronic pain in Maputo, Mozambique. |
24211035 | Screening for sleep dysfunction after traumatic brain injury. | Numerous studies on the high prevalence of sleep disorders in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been conducted in the past few decades. These disorders can accentuate other consequences of TBI, negatively impacting mood, exacerbating pain, heightening irritability, and diminishing cognitive abilities and the potential for recovery. Nevertheless, sleep is not routinely assessed in this population. In our review, we examined the selective screening criteria and the scientific evidence regarding screening for post-TBI sleep disorders to identify gaps in our knowledge that are in need of resolution. We retrieved papers written in the English-language literature before June 2012 pertinent to the discussion on sleep after TBI found through a PubMed search. Within our research, we found that sleep dysfunction is highly burdensome after TBI, treatment interventions for some sleep disorders result in favorable es, sensitive and specific tests to detect sleep disorders are available, and the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of screening have been determined from other populations. The evidence we reviewed supports screening for post-TBI sleep dysfunction. This approach could improve the es and reduce the risks for post-TBI adverse health and nonhealth effects (e.g., secondary injuries). A joint sleep and brain injury collaboration focusing on es is needed to improve our knowledge. |
24211036 | Whole-body MRI vs. CT for staging lymphoma: patient experience. | To assess pare patient experience of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to that puted tomography (CT) for staging newly diagnosed lymphoma. |
24211037 | Advanced computed tomographic anatomical and morphometric plaque analysis for prediction of fractional flow reserve in intermediate coronary lesions. | To determine the application of advanced puted tomography angiography (CCTA) plaque analysis for predicting invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) in intermediate coronary lesions. |
24211038 | Purification, characterization, molecular cloning, and extracellular production of a novel bacterial glycerophosphocholine cholinephosphodiesterase from Streptomyces sanglieri. | A novel metal ion-independent glycerophosphocholine cholinephosphodiesterase (GPC-CP) of Streptomyces sanglieri was purified 53-fold from culture supernatant with 1.1% recovery (583 U/mg-protein). The enzyme functions as a monomer with a molecular mass of 66 kDa. The gene encoding the enzyme consists of a 1941-bp ORF that produces a signal peptide of 38 amino acids for secretion and a 646 amino acid mature protein with a calculated molecular mass of 70,447 Da. The maximum activity was found at pH 7.2 and 40°C. The enzyme hydrolyzed glycerol-3-phosphocholine (GPC) over a broad temperature range (37-60°C) and within a narrow pH range near pH 7. The enzyme was stable at 50°C for 30 min and between pH 5-10.5. The enzyme exhibited specificity toward GPC and glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine and hydrolyzed glycerol-3-phosphate and lysophosphatidylcholine. However, the enzyme showed no activity toward any diacylglycerophospholipids and little activity toward other glycerol-3-phosphodiesters and lysophospholipids. The enzyme was not inhibited in the presence of 2 mM SDS and Mg(2+); however, Cu(2+), Zn(2+), and Co(2+) remarkably inhibited activity. Enzyme activity was also slightly enhanced by Ca(2+), Na(+), EDTA, DTT, and 2-mercaptoethanol. During the hydrolysis of GPC at 37°C and pH 7.2, apparent Vmax and turnover number (kcat) were determined to be 24.7 μmol min(-1) mg-protein(-1) and 29.0 s(-1), respectively. The apparent Km and kcat/Km values were 1.41 mM and 20.6 mM(-1) s(-1), respectively. GPC hydrolysis by GPC-CP might represent a new metabolic pathway for acquisition of a phosphorus source in actinomycetes. |
24211040 | Reasons for rarity of Th17 cells in inflammatory sites of human disorders. | T helper 17 (Th17) cells have been reported to be responsible for several chronic inflammatory diseases. However, a peculiar feature of human Th17 cells is that they are very rare in the inflammatory sites parison with Th1 cells. The first reason for this rarity is the existence of some self-regulatory mechanisms that limit their expansion. The limited expansion of human Th17 cells is related to the retinoic acid orphan (ROR)C-dependent up-regulation of the interleukin (IL)-4 induced gene 1 (IL4I1), which encodes for a l-phenylalanine oxidase, that has been shown to down-regulate CD3ζ expression in T cells. This results in abnormalities of the molecular pathway which is responsible for the impairment of IL-2 production and therefore for the lack of cell proliferation in response to T-cell receptor (TCR) signalling. IL4I1 up-regulation also associates with the increased expression of Tob1, a member of the Tob/BTG anti-proliferative protein family, which is involved in cell cycle arrest. A second reason for the rarity of human Th17 cells in the inflammatory sites is their rapid shifting into the Th1 phenotype, which is mainly related to the activity of IL-12 and TNF-α. We have named these Th17-derived Th1 cells as non-classic because they differ from classic Th1 cells for the expression of molecules specific for Th17 cells, such as RORC, CD161, CCR6, IL4I1, and IL-17 receptor E. This distinction may be important for defining the respective pathogenic role of Th17, non-classic Th1 and classic Th1 cells in many human inflammatory disorders. |
24211039 | The plasticity of human Treg and Th17 cells and its role in autoimmunity. | CD4(+) T helper cells are a central element of the adaptive immune system. They protect the organism against a wide range of pathogens and are able to initiate and control many immune reactions bination with other cells of the adaptive and the innate immune system. Starting from a naive cell, CD4(+) T cells can differentiate into various effector cell populations with specialized function. This subset specific differentiation depends on numerous signals and the strength of stimulation. However, recent data have shown that differentiated CD4(+) T cell subpopulations display a high grade of plasticity and that their initial differentiation is not an endpoint of T cell development. In particular, FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) and Th17 effector T cells demonstrate a high grade of plasticity, which allow a functional adaptation to various physiological situations during an immune response. However, the plasticity of Treg and Th17 cells might also be a critical factor for autoimmune disease. Here we discuss the recent developments in CD4(+) T cell plasticity with a focus on Treg and Th17 cells and its role in human autoimmune disease, in particular multiple sclerosis (MS). |
24211041 | Induction and stability of the anergic phenotype in T cells. | One of the mechanisms that are in place to control the activation of mature T cells that bear self-reactive antigen receptors is anergy, a long-term state of hyporesponsiveness that is established in T cells in response to suboptimal stimulation. T cells receive signals that result not only from antigen recognition and costimulation but also from other sources, including cytokine receptors, inhibitory receptors or metabolic sensors. Integration of those signals will determine T cell fate. Under conditions that induce anergy, T cells activate a program of gene expression that leads to the production of proteins that block T cell receptor signaling and inhibit cytokine gene expression. In this review we will examine those signals that determine functional e following antigen encounter, review current knowledge of the factors that ensure signaling inhibition and epigenetic gene silencing in anergic cells and explore the mechanisms that lead to the reversal of anergy and the reacquisition of effector functions. |
24211045 | Coincidental vascular anomalies at the foramen magnum: dural arteriovenous fistula and high flow aneurysm on perimedullary fistula. | We report the case of a 59-year-old woman admitted for a sudden headache due to a subarachnoid haemorrhage. On CT scan, the clots predominated into the posterior fossa without high-density in the sylvian or interhemispheric fissures. The vertebral angiography revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula at the foramen magnum associated to an aneurysm of the cervical anterior spinal artery. Due to the high rebleeding risk of a dural shunt, we proposed curative treatment using microsurgical interruption of the intradural draining vein. On the postoperative angiography at 15-day follow-up, the 2 malformations were corrected and the e at 6 months was excellent. Based on the literature, we assess this exceptional association and suggest its possible management. |
24211046 | Detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in sylvatic lagomorphs from an epidemic area of Madrid using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. | An outbreak of human leishmaniasis was confirmed in the southwest of the province of Madrid, Spain, between July 2009 and December 2012. Incidence of Leishmania infection in dogs was unchanged in this period, prompting a search for alternative sylvatic infection reservoirs. We evaluated exposure to Leishmania in serum samples from animals in the area with an indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT). Using promastigotes from six culture passages and a 1/25 threshold titer, we found anti-Leishmania infantum seroreactivity in 9.3% of cats (4 of 43), 45.7% of rabbits (16/35) and 74.1% of hares (63/85). Use of promastigotes from >10 in vitro passages resulted in a notably IFAT lower titer, suggesting antigenic changes during extended culture. Postmortem inspection of seropositive animals showed no clinical signs of infection. The results clearly suggest that asymptomatic hares were the main reservoir in the outbreak, and corroborate IFAT as a sensitive serological surveillance method to detect such cryptic Leishmania infections. |
24211047 | Factors affecting stress experienced by surrogate decision makers for critically ill patients: implications for nursing practice. | This study explores surrogate decision-makers' (SDMs) challenges making decisions related to the care of patients in critical care, to (1) characterise the SDM stress, (2) identify personal, social, care-related factors influencing stress and (3) consider implications of findings to improving critical care practice. |
24211048 | Providing critical care patients with a personalised discharge summary: a questionnaire survey and retrospective analysis exploring feasibility and effectiveness. | This paper reports on the potential value and feasibility of providing patients with a personalised discharge summary of their critical care stay. |
24211049 | Attitudes of legal guardians in the ICU - a qualitative report. | Decision-making in intensive care units (ICUs) is often made by surrogates, since patients are unconscious or petent. In Israel, Legal Guardians (LGs), appointed by the court, are required to make these decisions. |
24211051 | Gastrocnaemius-propeller extended miocutanous flap: a new chimaeric flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the knee. | Soft tissue defects involving the anterior aspect of the knee are a frequent finding in a number of pathological conditions. The aim of this article is to describe a new pedicled flap consisting of a conventional medial gastrocnaemius muscle flap associated with a propeller flap based on a perforator of the medial sural artery. |
24211052 | Aspirin resistant patients with recent ischemic stroke. | Some patients with a recent ischemic stroke who are being treated with aspirin as an antiaggregant suffer a new ischemic stroke. These patients (15-25%) have been called unresponsive to aspirin or aspirin resistant. The aspirin-resistant patients have a four-time greater risk of suffering a stroke. Furthermore, these strokes are generally more severe, with increased infarct volume and greater risk of recurrence. There is currently no ideal laboratory test to detect the resistance to the antiaggregant effect of aspirin. The study of resistance to aspirin would only be indicated in selected cases. In these patients, one should first rule out any "pseudo-resistance" to aspirin (lack pliance, itant treatments that interfere with the action of the aspirin). |
24211053 | A simple method minimizes chylothorax after minimally invasive esophagectomy. | Postoperative chylothorax is a rare, but potentially plication after esophagectomy. Preventive measures aimed at decreasing the incidence of chyle leakage after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) could potentially reduce the high postoperative mortality associated with plication. However, previous techniques are traumatic and time consuming. We present a simple method in the prophylaxis of chylothorax after MIE. |
24211054 | Effect of preoperative renal insufficiency on postoperative outcomes after pancreatic resection: a single institution experience of 1,061 consecutive patients. | Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to adversely affect cardiac and vascular surgery es. We examined the effect of preoperative renal insufficiency on postoperative es after pancreatic resection. |
24211057 | Total joint arthroplasty and preoperative low back pain. | Lower extremity osteoarthritis with itant low-back pain (LBP) may obscure a clinician's ability to properly evaluate the status of hip or knee osteoarthritis and subsequent total joint arthroplasty (TJA) candidacy. A prospective cohort study was conducted to determine prevalence and severity of preoperative LBP among TJA patients, and the effect of TJA on alleviating LBP. Preoperative moderate to worst imaginable LBP pain on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was significantly higher among pared to knees (28.8% vs. 16.1%, P < 0.0001). Compared to knees, hips also saw significant ODI improvement from preoperative to one-year postoperative. TJA candidates with considerable preoperative LBP should be counselled that TJA e may be impaired by the coexistence of spine disease, and that residual spine pain may continue following otherwise successful TJA. |
24211058 | Concomitant therapy in people with epilepsy: potential drug-drug interactions and patient awareness. | People with epilepsy (PWE) may use prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for the treatment of itant diseases. Combinations of these drugs, as well as dietary supplements, with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may lead to reduced control of seizures and of coexisting medical conditions and increased risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aims of this study were to prehensive lists of medications, dietary supplements, botanicals, and specific ponents used by adult PWE and to evaluate the potential for interactions involving AEDs and patients' awareness of such potential interactions. We conducted a prospective, questionnaire-based study of PWE attending the Hadassah-Hebrew University Epilepsy Clinic over a period of 7months. The questionnaire interview included the listing of medications, medicinal herbs, dietary supplements, and specific ponents consumed and the knowledge of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs), and it was conducted by a pharmacist. Drug-drug interactions were analyzed via the Micromedex online database. Out of 179 patients who attended the clinic over the study period, we interviewed 73 PWE, of which 71 were included in our final analysis. The mean number of AEDs consumed per subject was 1.7 (SD: 0.8, range: 1-4). Forty (56%) subjects were also treated with other prescription and/or OTC medications, and thirty-four (48%) took dietary supplements. Drug families most prone to DDIs involving AEDs included antipsychotic agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and statins. Two-thirds of study participants (67%) knew that DDIs may lead to ADRs, but only half (56%) were aware of the potential for reduced seizure control. Only 44% always reported treatment with AEDs to medical professionals. This study provides for the first time prehensive picture of prescription and OTC drugs and food supplements used by PWE. Despite a considerable potential for DDIs involving AEDs, patient awareness is limited, highlighting the importance of patient and caregiver education. |
24211060 | CYP2D6 phenotypes and Parkinson's disease risk: a meta-analysis. | CYP2D6 polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) susceptibility, but the results of these previous studies were inconsistent. |
24211059 | Effect of cilostazol in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis. | Previous studies with small sample size have shown that cilostazol can reduce the risk of cerebral vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to determine whether cilostazol is effective in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Studies investigating the effect of cilostazol in patients with aneurysmal SAH were identified using without language or publication-type restrictions. We used the random-effect model bine data. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Two randomized controlled trials and two quasi-randomized controlled trials with a total of 340 patients were included. The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm (RR=0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.72; p<0.001), severe vasospasm (RR=0.48; 95% CI, 0.28-0.82; p=0.007), vasospasm-related new cerebral infarctions (RR=0.38; 95% CI, 0.22-0.67; p=0.001), and poor e (RR=0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.88; p=0.011) were significantly lower in the cilostazol group. The numbers needed to treat for these es were 6.4, 6.3, 5.7, and 5.4, respectively. Mortality rate differences between the two groups were insignificant. No statistical heterogeneity was found for all es. These results show that cilostazol can decrease the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm, severe vasospasm, vasospasm-related new cerebral infarctions, and poor e in patients with aneurysmal SAH. |
24211061 | Central nervous system vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus infection: a brain MRI-supported diagnosis. | The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with various extrahepatic manifestations, being the Central Nervous System (CNS) rarely involved. |
24211062 | Chronic migraine does not increase posterior circulation territory (PCT) infarct-like lesions. | Two population-based studies have found an increased prevalence of posterior circulation territory (PCT) infarct-like lesions in migraine, which seemed to increase with attack frequency. |
24211063 | Relationships between ophthalmic artery flow direction and cognitive performance in patients with unilateral carotid artery stenosis. | Cerebral hypoperfusion is responsible for cognitive impairment in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis (CAS). The manifestation of reversed ophthalmic artery flow (ROAF) is not mon in patients with CAS, suggesting a state of intensified cerebral hypoperfusion. This study aimed to examine whether the presence of ROAF can exacerbate cognitive impairment in patients with severe unilateral CAS. |
24211064 | High risks of all-cause and cardiovascular deaths in apparently healthy middle-aged people with preserved glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria: A prospective cohort study. | The reason why coexistence of preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria contributes to a high risk of death and which cause of death increases all-cause mortality have not been elucidated. |
24211065 | Proximal coronary artery intervention: stent thrombosis, restenosis and death. | Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of lesions in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) may confer a worse pared with the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) and left circumflex coronary artery (LCX). |
24211066 | Autotransplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells from bone-marrow to heart in patients with severe stable coronary artery disease and refractory angina--final 3-year follow-up. | The study assessed long-term safety and efficacy of intramyocardial injection of autologous bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) in patients with severe stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and refractory angina. |
24211070 | Influence of population versus convenience sampling on sample characteristics in studies of cognitive aging. | We examined whether differences in findings of studies examining mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were associated with recruitment methods paring sample characteristics in two contemporaneous Australian studies, using population-based and convenience sampling. |
24211071 | Reference values for respiratory events in overnight polygraphy from infants aged 1 and 3months. | We aimed to determine reference values for respiratory indices in polygraphies (PGs) performed in infants aged 1 and 3months. |
24211069 | Gene expression patterns in wheat coleorhiza under cold- and biological stratification. | This study assessed germination of wheat seeds under cold and biological stratification and determined the expression level of gibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) genes in coleorhiza. Both cold and biological stratification significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the rate and efficacy of germination. The spatial distance between the fungal endophyte and the seed can be a determining factor of biological stratification as seeds in direct contact with fungal endophyte showed the highest rate and efficacy of germination. Consistently high expression of GA3ox2 gene was found in wheat coleorhiza throughout the tested period of germination. The expression of ABA biosynthesis gene, TaNCED, was substantially higher in cold stratification seeds, reflecting the role of abscisic acid in stress-adaptation. Overall, this study provides molecular evidence of the importance of coleorhiza in germinating wheat seeds, in addition to reporting that the spatial distance between symbiotic partners may be a critical factor driving mycovitality. |
24211073 | Determination of anti-Müllerian hormone at estrus during a synchronized and a natural bovine estrous cycle. | Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been correlated with phenotypic indicators of fertility. However, the effects of exogenous hormones used during estrus synchronization on AMH have not been evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine whether concentrations of AMH at estrus are similar between a pared with a natural estrous cycle. Nulliparous dairy and beef heifers (n = 68) were synchronized with the Select Synch + controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol (GnRH + CIDR-7 d-CIDR removal + PG). Heifers were observed for expression of estrus every 6 h until 84 h after the injection of PG. Visual detection of the subsequent estrus, considered natural estrus, occurred every 6 h from day 16 to 24 after synchronized estrus. At the time of standing estrus, ovarian structures in heifers were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected at estrus for analysis of concentrations of AMH during the synchronized and natural estrous cycles. The GLM and CORR procedures of SAS were used to analyze data. Concentrations of AMH between natural and synchronized estrus were positively correlated (r = 0.67; P < 0.001). Mean concentration of AMH did not differ (P > 0.05) between the natural (0.0543 ± 0.0076 ng/mL) or synchronized (0.0428 ± 0.0076 ng/mL) estrous cycles. In conclusion, concentrations of AMH were similar between natural and synchronized estrous cycles. Concentrations of AMH in natural and synchronized estrous cycles were highly correlated within individual heifers and varied among heifers with beef heifers having increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of pared with dairy heifers (0.0638 ± 0.01 and 0.0402 ± 0.01 ng/mL, respectively). |
24211072 | Nonapnea sleep disorders are associated with subsequent ischemic stroke risk: a nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study. | Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is related to an increased risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease. However, studies investigating the relationship between nonapnea sleep disorders (NSD) and the risk for subsequent ischemic stroke are scant. The objective of our study was to assess the association between NSD and the risk for acute ischemic stroke among patients in Taiwan. |
24211068 | [Scales to evaluate pain in elderly patients suffering from dementia. Help-tools for the physiotherapist, doctor, nurse and occupational therapist]. | The purpose of this study was to determine which scales are being used to evaluate pain in old people suffering from dementia. A search strategy was developed to retrieve all articles (randomized controlled trials and clinical trials without randomization) published in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Plus, PEDro and Dialnet and BMC Geriatrics from January 2000 to January 2012. Exclusion criteria were articles that did not use scales for evaluating pain in elderly patients suffering from dementia, and other type of articles (case studies, reviews...). Finally, 13 studies were included in this review. From the results obtained it appears that more studies are needed to confirm the pain scales used for the elderly suffering from dementia. Observational scales may be useful to evaluate pain in these patients. |
24211074 | Particle retention in suspension-feeding fish after removal of filtration structures. | The suspension-feeding cichlids Oreochromis aureus (blue tilapia) and Oreochromis esculentus (ngege tilapia) are able to selectively retain small food particles. The gill rakers and microbranchiospines of these species have been assumed to function as filters. However, surgical removal of these oral structures, which also removed associated mucus, did not significantly affect the total number of 11-200 μm particles ingested by the fish. This result supports the hypothesis that the branchial arch surfaces themselves play an important role in crossflow filtration. Both species selectively retained microspheres greater than 50 μm with gill rakers and microbranchiospines intact as well as removed, demonstrating that neither these structures nor mucus are necessary for size selectivity to occur during biological crossflow filtration. After removal of the gill rakers and microbranchiospines, O. esculentus retained significantly more microspheres 51-70 μm in diameter and fewer 91-130 μm pared to retention with intact structures, but the particle size selectivity of O. aureus was not affected significantly. These results support conclusions from putational fluid dynamics simulations indicating that particle size can have marked effects on particle trajectory and retention inside the fish oropharyngeal cavity during crossflow filtration. The substantial inter-individual variability in particle retention by suspension-feeding fish is an unexplored area of research with the potential to increase our understanding of the factors influencing particle retention during biological filtration. |
24211075 | A cationic cholesterol based nanocarrier for the delivery of p53-EGFP-C3 plasmid to cancer cells. | The p53 protein mediated anti-tumor strategy is limited due to the lack of suitable delivery agent with insignificant immunogenic response, patibility, and early and easy detection of the transfected cell population. To e these problems, we generated a p53-EGFP-C3 fusion construct which expressed easily detectable green fluorescence protein (GFP) and allowed an estimation of p53 mediated anti-tumor activity. A mixture of cationic cholesterol gemini (Chol-5L) with natural lipid, DOPE (molar ratio 1:4), acronymed as Chol-5LD, formed a nano-liposome as characterized by various physical methods. The prepared clone was evaluated for the expression of GFP and functional p53 in HeLa and two additional cell lines with varied p53 status namely, H1299 (p53(-/-)) and HEK293T (p53(+/+)). Transfected cells were screened using RT-PCR, Western blotting, FACS analysis, MTT, Trypan blue assay and visualized under a fluorescence microscope. The p53-EGFP-C3 fusion protein induced apoptosis in cancer cells as evident from DNA fragmentation, cell cycle analysis, Annexin-V staining and PARP cleavage assays. The transfection and apoptosis induction efficiency of Chol-5LD was significantly higher mercial reagents Lipofectamine2000 and Effectene irrespective of the cell lines examined. Further it significantly decreases the xenograft tumor volume in nude mice tumors via apoptosis as observed in H&E staining. |
24211076 | Controlling stem cell-mediated bone regeneration through tailored mechanical properties of collagen scaffolds. | Mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) play an essential role in cell fate determination. To study the role of mechanical properties of ECM in stem cell-mediated bone regeneration, we used a 3D in vivo ossicle model that recapitulates endochondral bone formation. Three-dimensional gelatin scaffolds with distinct stiffness were developed using 1-Ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) mediated zero-length crosslinking. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds was significantly increased by EDC treatment, while the microstructure of the scaffold was preserved. Cell behavior on the scaffolds with different mechanical properties was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. EDC-treated scaffolds promoted early chondrogenic differentiation, while it promoted both chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation at later time points. Both puted tomography and histologic data demonstrated that EDC-treatment significantly increased trabecular bone formation by transplanted cells transduced with AdBMP. Moreover, significantly increased chondrogenesis was observed in the EDC-treated scaffolds. Based on both in vitro and in vivo data, we conclude that the high mechanical strength of 3D scaffolds promoted stem cell mediated bone regeneration by promoting endochondral ossification. These data suggest a new method for harnessing stem cells for bone regeneration in vivo by tailoring the mechanical properties of 3D scaffolds. |
24211077 | A review of polypeptide-based polymersomes. | Self-assembled systems from biodegradable amphiphilic polymers at the nanometer scale, such as nanotubes, nanoparticles, polymer micelles, nanogels, and polymersomes, have attracted much attention especially in biomedical fields. Among these nano-aggregates, polymersomes have attracted tremendous interests as versatile carriers due to their colloidal stability, tunable membrane properties and ability of encapsulating or integrating a broad range of drugs and molecules. Biodegradable block polymers, especially aliphatic polyesters such as polylactide, polyglycolide and poly (ε-caprolactone) have been widely used as biomedical materials for a long time to well fit the requirement of biomedical drug carriers. To have a precise control of the aggregation behavior of nano-aggregates, the more ordered polypeptide has been used to self-assemble into the drug carriers. In this review we focus on the study of polymersomes which also named pepsomes formed by polypeptide-based copolymers and attempt to clarify the polypeptide-based polymersomes from following aspects: synthesis and characterization of the polypeptide-based copolymers, preparation, multifunction and application of polypeptide-based polymersomes. |
24211078 | A systems toxicology approach to the surface functionality control of graphene-cell interactions. | The raised considerable concerns about the possible environmental health and safety impacts of graphene nanomaterials and their derivatives originated from their potential widespread applications. We performed prehensive study about biological interaction of grapheme nanomaterials, specifically in regard to its differential surface functionalization (oxidation status), by using OMICS in graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) treated HepG2 cells. Differential surface chemistry (particularly, oxidation - O/C ratio) modulates hydrophobicity/philicity of GO/rGO which in turn governs their biological interaction potentiality. Similar toxic responses (cytotoxicity, DNA damage, oxidative stress) with differential dose dependency were observed for both GO and rGO but they exhibited distinct mechanism, such as, hydrophilic GO showed cellular uptake, NADPH oxidase dependent ROS formation, high deregulation of antioxidant/DNA repair/apoptosis related genes, conversely, hydrophobic rGO was found to mostly adsorbed at cell surface without internalization, ROS generation by physical interaction, poor gene regulation etc. Global gene expression and pathway analysis displayed that TGFβ1 mediated signaling played the central role in GO induced biological/toxicological effect whereas rGO might elicited host-pathogen (viral) interaction and innate immune response through TLR4-NFkB pathway. In brief, the distinct biological and molecular mechanisms of GO/rGO were attributed to their differential surface oxidation status. |
24211079 | Fibrin-binding, peptide amphiphile micelles for targeting glioblastoma. | Glioblastoma-targeted drug delivery systems facilitate efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to malignant gliomas, while minimizing systemic toxicity and side effects. Taking advantage of the fibrin deposition that is characteristic of tumors, we constructed spherical, Cy7-labeled, targeting micelles to glioblastoma through the addition of the fibrin-binding pentapeptide, cysteine-arginine-glutamic acid-lysine-alanine, or CREKA. Conjugation of the CREKA peptide to Cy7-micelles increased the average particle size and zeta potential. Upon intravenous administration to GL261 glioma bearing mice, Cy7-micelles passively accumulated at the brain tumor site via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, and Cy7-CREKA-micelles displayed enhanced tumor homing via active targeting as early as 1 h after administration, as confirmed via in vivo and ex vivo imaging and immunohistochemistry. Biodistribution of micelles showed an accumulation within the liver and kidneys, leading to micelle elimination via renal clearance and the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Histological evaluation showed no signs of cytotoxicity or tissue damage, confirming the safety and utility of this nanoparticle system for delivery to glioblastoma. Our findings offer strong evidence for the glioblastoma-targeting potential of CREKA-micelles and provide the foundation for CREKA-mediated, targeted therapy of glioma. |
24211080 | Maximizing gene delivery efficiencies of cationic helical polypeptides via balanced membrane penetration and cellular targeting. | The application of non-viral gene delivery vectors is often panied with the poor correlation between transfection efficiency and the safety profiles of vectors. Vectors with high transfection efficiencies often suffer from high toxicities, making it unlikely to improve their efficiencies by increasing the DNA dosage. In the current study, we developed a plex system which consisted of a highly membrane-active cationic helical polypeptide (PVBLG-8), a low-toxic, membrane-inactive cationic helical polypeptide (PVBLG-7) capable of mediating mannose receptor targeting, and DNA. The PVBLG-7 moiety notably enhanced the cellular uptake and transfection efficiency of PVBLG-8 in a variety of mannose receptor-expressing cell types (HeLa, COS-7, and Raw 264.7), while it did promise the membrane permeability of PVBLG-8 or bring additional cytotoxicities. Because of the simplicity and adjustability of the self-assembly approach, optimal formulations of the plexes with a proper balance between membrane activity and targeting capability were easily identified in each specific cell type. The optimal plexes displayed desired cell tolerability and markedly outperformed the PVBLG-8/DNA plexes as well mercial reagent Lipofectamine™ 2000 in terms of transfection efficiency. This study therefore provides an effective and facile strategy to e the efficiency-toxicity poor correlation of non-viral vectors, which contributes insights into the design strategy of effective and safe non-viral gene delivery vectors. |
24211081 | Effect of stereochemistry, chain length and sequence pattern on antimicrobial properties of short synthetic β-sheet forming peptide amphiphiles. | In the face of mounting global antibiotics resistance, the identification and development of membrane-active antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an alternative class of antimicrobial agent have gained significant attention. The physical perturbation and disruption of microbial membranes by the AMPs have been proposed to be an effective means to e conventional mechanisms of drug resistance. Recently, we have reported the design of a series of short synthetic β-sheet folding peptide prised of recurring (X1Y1X2Y2)n-NH2 sequences where X: hydrophobic amino acids, Y: cationic amino acids and n: number of repeat units. In efforts to investigate the effects of key parameters including stereochemistry, chain length and sequence pattern on antimicrobial effects, systematic d-amino acid substitutions of the lead peptides (IRIK)2-NH2 (IK8-all L) and (IRVK)3-NH2 (IK12-all L) were performed. It was found that the corresponding D-enantiomers exhibited stronger antimicrobial activities with minimal or no change in hemolytic activities, hence translating very high selectivity indices of 407.0 and >>9.8 for IK8-all D and IK12-all D respectively. IK8-all D was also demonstrated to be stable to degradation by broad spectrum proteases trypsin and proteinase K. The membrane disrupting bactericidal properties of IK8-all D effectively prevented drug resistance development and inhibited the growth of various clinically isolated MRSA, VRE, Acinetobacter baumanni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cryptococcus. neoformans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Significant reduction in intracellular bacteria counts was also observed following treatment with IK8-all D in the Staphylococcus. aureus infected mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the d-amino acids substituted β-sheet forming peptide IK8-all D with its enhanced antimicrobial activities and improved protease stability, is a promising therapeutic candidate with potential bat antibiotics resistance in various clinical applications. |
24211082 | Copper-free azide-alkyne cycloaddition of targeting peptides to porous silicon nanoparticles for intracellular drug uptake. | Porous silicon (PSi) has been demonstrated as a promising drug delivery vector for poorly water-soluble drugs. Here, a simple and efficient method based on copper-free click chemistry was used to introduce targeting moieties to PSi nanoparticles in order to enhance the intracellular uptake and tumor specific targeting hydrophobic drug delivery. Two RGD derivatives (RGDS and iRGD) with azide-terminated groups were conjugated to bicyclononyne-functionalized PSi nanoparticles via copper-free azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The surface functionalization was performed in aqueous solution at 37 °C for 30 min resulting in conjugation efficiencies of 15.2 and 3.4% (molar ratios) and the nanoparticle size increased from 165.6 nm to 179.6 and 188.8 nm for RGDS and iRGD, respectively. The peptides modification enhanced the cell uptake efficiency of PSi nanoparticles in EA.hy926 cells. PSi-RGDS and PSi-iRGD nanoparticles loaded with sorafenib showed a similar trend for the in vitro antiproliferation pared to sorafenib dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. Furthermore, sorafenib-loaded PSi-RGDS deliver the drug intracellulary efficiently due to the higher surface conjugation ratio, resulting in enhanced in vitro antiproliferation effect. Our results highlight the surface functionalization methodology for PSi nanoparticles applied here as a universal method to introduce functional moieties onto the surface of PSi nanoparticles and demonstrate their potential active targeting properties for anticancer drug delivery. |
24211083 | Air-bone gap in ears with a well-repaired tympanic membrane after Type III and Type IV tympanoplasty. | To investigate the air-bone conduction hearing gap (A-B gap) after Type III and Type IV stapes columella tympanoplasty in ears with mobile stapes and a well repaired tympanic membrane (TM). |
24211084 | Distant metastasis in p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a critical analysis of patterns and outcomes. | With good loco-regional control, disease failure in p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) mainly results from distant metastasis (DM). Our objective was to characterize the patterns and clinical es of DM in p16-positive OPSCC pare these to patients with p16-negative disease. |
24211085 | Hyperactivity and impulsivity in children with untreated allergic rhinitis: corroborated by rating scale and continuous performance test. | Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the mon chronic allergic disease in school-age children. An increased prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in AR patients has been reported; however, inattention and hyperactivity in AR children have not been investigated using objective and scientific measurements. |
24211086 | Asthma exacerbation in children: a practical review. | Asthma is the mon chronic lower respiratory tract disease in childhood throughout the world. Despite advances in asthma management, acute exacerbations continue to be a major problem in patients and they result in a considerable burden on direct/indirect health care providers. A severe exacerbation occurring within 1 year is an independent risk factor. Respiratory tract viruses have emerged as the most frequent triggers of exacerbations in children. It is ing increasingly clear that interactions may exist between viruses and other triggers, increasing the likelihood of an exacerbation. In this study, we provide an overview of current knowledge about asthma exacerbations, including its definition, impact on health care providers, and associated factors. Prevention management in intermittent asthma as well as intermittent wheeze in pre-school children and those with persistent asthma are discussed. Our review findings support the importance of controlling persistent asthma, as indicated in current guidelines. In addition, we found that early episodic intervention appeared to be crucial in preventing severe attacks and future exacerbations. Besides the use of medication, timely education after an exacerbation along with prehensive plan in follow up is also vitally important. |
24211089 | Loads on a vertebral body replacement during locomotion measured in vivo. | Walking is one of the most important activities in daily life, and walking exposes the spine to a high number of loading cycles. Little is known about the spinal loads during walking. Telemeterized spinal implants can provide data about their loading during different activities. The aim of this study was to measure the loads on a vertebral body replacement (VBR) during level and staircase walking and to determine the effects of walking speed and using walking aids. Telemeterized VBRs were implanted in five patients suffering pression fractures of the L1 or L3 lumbar vertebral body. The implant allows measurements of three force and three ponents. The resultant force on the VBR was measured during level and staircase walking, when walking on a treadmill at different speeds, and when using a wheeled invalid walker or crutches. On average, the resultant force on the VBR for level walking was 171% of the value for standing. This force value increased to 265% of the standing force when ascending stairs and to 225% when descending stairs. Walking speed had a strong effect on the implant force. Using a walker during ambulation on level ground reduced the force on the implant to 62% of standing forces, whereas using two crutches had only a minor effect. Walking causes much higher forces on the VBR than standing. A strong force reduction can be achieved by using a walker. |
24211088 | Characterisation of SCCmec elements in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from burn patients. | Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen, especially in burn units all around the world. Because of the emergence of the β-lactam antibiotic-resistant strains since 1961, concern about the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has increased in these units. Resistance to methicillin is mediated by penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that have enough affinity for binding to the β-lactam ring, but another kind of protein (PBP2α), which is encoded by the mecA gene, has a lower affinity for binding to these antibiotics. The mecA gene is transferred by SCCmec (staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec) as a mobile genetic element, exclusively found in the Staphylococcus genus. Identification of the frequency of the mecA gene, different SCCmec types and also its incidence may have benefit in surveillance prevention and control of MRSA strains in burn units. In this study, 40 S. aureus isolates were collected from patients hospitalised in Motahari burn center of Tehran, during 2012-2013. Conventional microbiological methods were applied and the confirmed isolates were stored at -20°C for molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The antibiotic resistance pattern was performed by disc diffusion method and finally the different SCCmec types were determined by specific primers. During this research, 40 isolates of S. aureus were collected from burn patients, of which (37.5%) of the specimens belonged to female patients and 62.5% to male patients. The aetiology of the burn was classified as follows: open flame (35%), liquid (32.5%), chemical (5%) and other (27.5%). By a disc diffusion method, no resistance pattern was observed to ycin and fosfomycin. Based on a multiplex PCR assay, the five different SCCmec types were detected as: 47.5% type III, 25% type IV, 10% type V, 10% type II and 7.5% type I. |
24211092 | [Medical students and drug marketing]. | To determine the exposure of medical students to the marketing activities of the pharmaceutical industry, and identify their opinions and attitudes, and also the possible effects this exposure on their training and future professional practice. |
24211090 | The relative associations of β-cell function and insulin sensitivity with glycemic status and incident glycemic progression in migrant Asian Indians in the United States: the MASALA study. | We assessed the relative associations of β-cell dysfunction and insulin sensitivity with baseline glycemic status and incident glycemic progression among Asian Indians in the United States. |
24211091 | The economic burden of progressive chronic kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes. | To estimate the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and calculate medical costs associated with progression. |
24211094 | WT1 isoform expression pattern in acute myeloid leukemia. | WT1 plays a dual role in leukemia development, probably due to an imbalance in the expression of the 4 main WT1 isoforms. We quantify their expression and evaluate them in a series of AML patients. Our data showed a predominant expression of isoform D in AML, although in a lower quantity than in normal CD34+ cells. We found a positive correlation between the total WT1 expression and A, B and C isoforms. The overexpression of WT1 in AML might be due to a relative increase in A, B and C isoforms, together with a relative decrease in isoform D expression. |
24211095 | Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemic cells through down-regulation of survivin via the p53-dependent signaling pathway. | Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) can induce apoptosis in many tumors. However, the associated mechanisms are not clearly understood. We found that As2O3 significantly inhibited the proliferation of WSU-CLL cells and induced apoptosis in dose- and time-dependent manners. WSU-CLL cells treated with 2μM As2O3 showed survivin down-regulation and p53 up-regulation. Survivin bined with As2O3 further inhibited the proliferation of WSU-CLL cells. p53 inhibition by siRNA prevented the down-regulation of survivin by As2O3 and prevented the As2O3-induced cytotoxicity of WSU-CLL cells. These results suggest that As2O3 may be of therapeutic value for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. |
24211097 | A predictive model of complications after spine surgery: the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) 2005-2010. | There is increasing scrutiny by several regulatory bodies regarding plications of spine surgery. Precise delineation of the risks contributing to plications remains a topic of debate. |
24211098 | Adult thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis treated with long vertebral fusion to the sacropelvis: a comparison between new hybrid selective spinal fusion versus anterior-posterior spinal instrumentation. | Combined anteroposterior spinal fusion with instrumentation has been used for many years to treat adult thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. This surgery remains a technical challenge to spine surgeons, and current literature reports plication rates. |
24211099 | Early postoperative fear of movement predicts pain, disability, and physical health six months after spinal surgery for degenerative conditions. | The fear-avoidance model offers a promising framework for understanding the development of chronic postoperative pain and disability. However, limited research has examined this model in patients undergoing spinal surgery. |
24211096 | Investigating the role of DNA damage in tobacco smoking-induced spine degeneration. | Tobacco smoking is a key risk factor for spine degeneration. However, the underlying mechanism by which smoking induces degeneration is not known. Recent studies implicate DNA damage as a cause of spine and intervertebral disc degeneration. Because tobacco smoke contains many genotoxins, we hypothesized that tobacco smoking promotes spine degeneration by inducing cellular DNA damage. |
24211100 | Changes in metal contamination levels in estuarine sediments around India--an assessment. | This review is the first attempt prehend the changes in metal contamination levels in surface estuarine sediments with changing time around India. Contamination factor, geoaccumulation index, pollution load index, effects range low and effects range median analysis were used to evaluate the quality of the estuarine sediments (by using the available literature data). This study suggests that estuarine sediments from the east coast of India paratively less contaminated by metals than the west coast. Sediments from those estuaries were found to be more contaminated by metals on which major cities are located. An improvement in estuarine sediment quality (in terms of metal contamination) over time around India was noticed. This study provides managers and decision-makers of environmental protection agency with a better scientific understanding for decision-making in controlling metal pollution in estuarine sediments around India. |
24211101 | Impact of environmental pollution on caged mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis using NMR-based metabolomics. | Metabolic responses to environmental pollution, mainly related to Hg and PAHs, were investigated in mussels. Specimens of Mytilus galloprovincialis, sedentary filter-feeders, were caged in anthropogenic-impacted and reference sites along the Augusta coastline (Sicily, Italy). The gills, mainly involved in nutrient uptake, digestion and gas exchange, were selected as target organ being the first organ to be affected by pollutants. Severe alterations in gill tissue were observed in mussels from the industrial pared with control, while gill metabolic profiles, obtained by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and analyzed by multivariate statistics, exhibited significant changes in amino acids, energy metabolites, osmolytes and neurotransmitters. Overall, the morphological changes and metabolic disturbance detected in gill tissues may suggest that the mussels transplanted to the contaminated field site were suffering from adverse environmental condition. The concurrent morphological and metabolomic investigations as applied here result effective in assessing the environmental influences on health status of aquatic organisms. |
24211102 | Neurovascular quantitative study of the uterosacral ligament related to nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. | To analyze the distribution of autonomic nerves and blood and lymphatic vessels in the uterosacral ligament, elucidate detailed anatomy at a surgical level and provide pathobiological evidence for improvement of nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy. |
24211103 | Effects of monitoring strategies on seizures in pregnant women on lamotrigine: a meta-analysis. | Pregnant women with epilepsy have a significantly increased risk of mortality and pared to non-pregnant women. At least one in 250 pregnancies is exposed to anti-epileptic drugs (AED). Seizure deterioration occurs in up to a third of pregnant women. AED levels fall in most pregnant women, although it is uncertain that this is responsible for seizure deterioration rather than a hormonal effect. Current practice of AED monitoring is either therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) or clinical features monitoring (CFM) to adjust the AED dose. We have systematically reviewed the effectiveness of the two monitoring regimens for AEDs, especially lamotrigine, the monly used AED in pregnancy on maternal and fetal es. |
24211106 | Identifying and measuring stakeholder preferences for disease prioritisation: A case study of the pig industry in Australia. | We describe stakeholder preference modelling using bination of new and recently developed techniques to elicit criterion weights to incorporate into a multi-criteria decision analysis framework to prioritise exotic diseases for the pig industry in Australia. Australian pig producers were requested to rank disease prising nine criteria in an online questionnaire. Parallel coordinate plots were used to visualise stakeholder preferences, which aided identification of two diverse groups of stakeholders - one group prioritised diseases with impacts on livestock, and the other group placed more importance on diseases with zoonotic impacts. Probabilistic inversion was used to derive weights for the criteria to reflect the values of each of these groups, modelling their choice using a weighted sum value function. Validation of weights against stakeholders' rankings for scenarios based on real diseases showed that the elicited criterion weights for the group who prioritised diseases with livestock impacts were a good reflection of their values, indicating that the producers were able to consistently infer impacts from the disease information in the scenarios presented to them. The highest weighted criteria for this group were attack rate and length of clinical disease in pigs, and market loss to the pig industry. The values of the stakeholders who prioritised zoonotic diseases were less well reflected by validation, indicating either that the criteria were inadequate to consistently describe zoonotic impacts, the weighted sum model did not describe stakeholder choice, or that preference modelling for zoonotic diseases should be undertaken separately from livestock diseases. Limitations of this study included sampling bias, as the group participating were not necessarily representative of all pig producers in Australia, and response bias within this group. The method used to elicit criterion weights in this study ensured value trade-offs between a range of potential impacts, and that the weights were implicitly related to the scale of measurement of disease criteria. Validation of the results of the criterion weights against real diseases - a step rarely used in MCDA - added scientific rigour to the process. The study demonstrated that these are useful techniques for elicitation of criterion weights for disease prioritisation by stakeholders who are not disease experts. Preference modelling for zoonotic diseases needs further characterisation in this context. |
24211105 | Evaluation of the benefit of emergency vaccination in a foot-and-mouth disease free country with low livestock density. | Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is highly contagious and one of the most economically devastating diseases of cloven-hoofed animals. Scientific-based preparedness about how to best control the disease in a previously FMD-free country is therefore essential for veterinary services. The present study used a spatial, stochastic epidemic simulation model pare the effectiveness of emergency vaccination with conventional (non-vaccination) control measures in Switzerland, a low-livestock density country. Model results revealed that emergency vaccination with a radius of 3 km or 10 km around infected premises (IP) did not significantly reduce either the cumulative herd incidence or epidemic duration if started in a small epidemic situation where the number of IPs is still low. However, in a situation where the epidemic has e extensive, both the cumulative herd incidence and epidemic duration are reduced significantly if vaccination were implemented with a radius of 10 km around IPs. The effect of different levels of conventional strategy measures was also explored for the non-vaccination strategy. It was found that a pliance level of farmers for movement restrictions and delayed culling of IPs significantly increased both the cumulative IP incidence and epidemic duration. Contingency management should therefore focus mainly on improving conventional strategies, by increasing disease awareness munication with stakeholders and preparedness of culling teams in countries with a livestock structure similar to Switzerland; however, emergency vaccination should be considered if there are reasons to believe that the epidemic may e extensive, such as when disease detection has been delayed and many IPs are discovered at the beginning of the epidemic. |
24211104 | Observed changes in first metatarsal and medial cuneiform positions after first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. | The first intermetatarsal angle (IMA) is known to decrease after first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis, although the exact mechanism by which this decrease occurs is not known. We measured the first IMA and obliquity of the medial cuneiform on anteroposterior weightbearing preoperative and postoperative radiographs in 86 feet and analyzed the statistical correlation between the IMA and the medial cuneiform angle. A change in the first IMA after first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion showed a strong positive correlation with a change in cuneiform obliquity (p < .0001). This finding was consistent in the direction and magnitude in each of 3 clinical subgroups: normal, p = .087; moderate deformity, p = .011; and severe deformity, p = .10. parison of the preoperative IMA and cuneiform obliquity revealed a trend toward a positive relationship but did not reach statistical significance (p = .08). The preoperative association between the IMA and medial cuneiform obliquity was not significant in any clinical subgroup, and the postoperative association between the IMA and cuneiform obliquity was not significant (p = .65). Clinical subgroup analysis showed no significant association between the IMA and the normal (p = .73) and moderately (p = .69) deformed feet, although the postoperative association between the IMA and cuneiform obliquity in the severely deformed group was significantly (p = .034) positive. A linear relationship between the reduction of the first IMA and medial cuneiform obliquity after metatarsophalangeal joint fusion was observed. Our findings suggest that frontal plane rotation influences cuneiform obliquity. |
24211108 | [Is a patient's knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors better after the occurrence of a major ischemic event? Survey of 135 cases and 260 controls]. | We hypothezised that patients (cases) who are hospitalized for a major ischemic event--myocardial infarction, stroke, pensation of peripheral arterial disease--acquire better knowledge than a control population--atheromatous patients without a major ischemic event, patients consulting for a vein disease or a diabetes evaluation, and panists--about cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity) and have a better understanding of the usefulness of making changes in their lifestyle (quit smoking, regular exercise, Mediterranean diet, low salt diet, weight control, diabetes care). |
24211109 | Mutation in the first Ig-like domain of Kit leads to JAK2 activation and myeloproliferation in mice. | Myeloproliferative neoplasms constitute a group of hematopoietic neoplasms at the myeloid stem cell level. Although mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT have been identified in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm, the functional causality is unknown because of a lack of animal models. Here, we describe a mouse strain harboring a point mutation in the first Ig-like domain of Kit. Intriguingly, the mutant mice develop a myeloproliferative disorder with typical loss-of-function phenotypes in other tissues. The mutant Kit is pletely N-glycosylated, promised receptor dimerization, and down-regulates Akt and extracellular signal-regulating kinase 1/2 signaling. However, the mutation increases the association of Kit to Janus kinase (JAK)2 and hence the activation of JAK2. The mon receptor of the gp140 family interacts and synergizes with Kit to promote JAK2 phosphorylation, which is further enhanced by the Kit mutation. Inhibition of JAK2 suppresses the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitors in vitro and partially rescues myeloproliferation in mice. Our data suggest that overactivation of JAK2 leads to myeloproliferation in Kit mutant mice and provide mechanistic insights for the diagnosis and treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms in humans. |
24211110 | Ras-Mek-Erk signaling regulates Nf1 heterozygous neointima formation. | Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) results from mutations in the NF1 tumor-suppressor gene, which encodes neurofibromin, a negative regulator of diverse Ras signaling cascades. Arterial stenosis is a nonneoplastic manifestation of NF1 that predisposes some patients to debilitating morbidity and sudden death. Recent murine studies demonstrate that Nf1 heterozygosity (Nf1(+/-)) in monocytes/macrophages significantly enhances intimal proliferation after arterial injury. However, the downstream Ras effector pathway responsible for this phenotype is unknown. Based on in vitro assays demonstrating enhanced extracellular signal-related kinase (Erk) signaling in Nf1(+/-) macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells and in vivo evidence of Erk amplification without alteration of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling in Nf1(+/-) neointimas, we tested the hypothesis that Ras-Erk signaling regulates intimal proliferation in a murine model of NF1 arterial stenosis. By using a well-established in vivo model of inflammatory cell migration and standard cell culture, neurofibromin-deficient macrophages demonstrate enhanced sensitivity to growth factor stimulation in vivo and in vitro, which is significantly diminished in the presence of PD0325901, a specific inhibitor of Ras-Erk signaling in phase 2 clinical trials for cancer. After carotid artery injury, Nf1(+/-) mice demonstrated increased intimal pared with wild-type mice. Daily administration of PD0325901 significantly reduced Nf1(+/-) neointima formation to levels of wild-type mice. These studies identify the Ras-Erk pathway in neurofibromin-deficient macrophages as the aberrant pathway responsible for enhanced neointima formation. |
24211111 | Pulmonary endothelial protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ) regulates neutrophil migration in acute lung inflammation. | Excessive neutrophil migration across the pulmonary endothelium into the lung and release of oxidants and proteases are key elements in pathogenesis of acute lung injury. Previously, we identified protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ) as an important regulator of proinflammatory signaling in human neutrophils and demonstrated that intratracheal instillation of a TAT-conjugated PKCδ inhibitory peptide (PKCδ-TAT) is lung protective in a rat model of sepsis-induced indirect pulmonary injury (cecal ligation and puncture). In the present study, intratracheal instillation of this PKCδ inhibitor resulted in peptide distribution throughout the lung parenchyma and pulmonary endothelium and decreased neutrophil influx, with itant attenuation of sepsis-induced endothelial ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in this model. To further delineate the role of PKCδ in regulating neutrophil migration, we used an in vitro transmigration model with human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs). Consistent with in vivo findings, inhibition of PMVEC PKCδ decreased IL-1β-mediated neutrophil transmigration. PKCδ regulation was stimulus-dependent; PKCδ was required for transmigration mediated by IL-1β and fMLP (integrin-dependent), but not IL-8 (integrin-independent). PKCδ was essential for IL-1β-mediated neutrophil adherence and NF-κB-dependent expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. In PMVECs, IL-1β-mediated production of ROS and activation of redox-sensitive NF-κB were PKCδ dependent, suggesting an upstream signaling role. Thus, PKCδ has an important role in regulating neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions and recruitment to the inflamed lung. |
24211113 | Postoperative patency of the retrograde internal mammary vein anastomosis in free flap transfer. | A caudal limb of the internal mammary vein (IMV) can be used as an additional venous drainage route in free flap transfer. However, there remains the possibility that unrecognised occlusion of the retrograde IMV occurs in the early postoperative period due to non-physiologic flow, thus affecting venous drainage. There are no reports regarding the postoperative patency rates of the anastomosed retrograde IMV. This study aimed to clarify the efficacy of the retrograde IMV as an additional venous drainage route in the case of two-vein anastomosis in free flap transfer. |
24211114 | Nasalance scores for normal Korean-speaking adults and children. | There are numerous nasometric studies to date, including normative nasalance scores for various languages as well as nasometric differences in age, gender, race and region except the Korean language. In this regard, we sought to establish normative nasalance scores for Koreans. We created speech samples based on the everyday use of phonemes in the Korean language which were syntactically simple for children. In addition, we analysed nasometric features based on age and gender and confirmed test-retest reliability. The study included 108 children (54 girls and 54 boys, aged 7-11 years) and 108 adults (54 women and 54 men, aged 18-29 years) with normal articulation, resonance, voice and hearing. Nasometer II 6400 was used to measure the nasalance scores. The subjects read or repeated three speech stimuli, each consisting of 33, 36 and 24 syllables: (1) an oral passage devoid of nasal consonants, (2) an oro-nasal passage and (3) nasal sentences. For each stimulus, mean nasalance scores were obtained and gender or age dependence was analysed, using two-way analyses of variance. The mean nasalance scores for the oral passage, oro-nasal passage and nasal sentences were 11.69% (standard deviation (SD) 3.68), 34.04% (SD 4.88) and 63.72% (SD 6.07), respectively. Female speakers exhibited significantly higher nasalance scores than male speakers on the oro-nasal passage (p = 0.000) and nasal sentences (p = 0.004). Children exhibited significantly higher nasalance scores than adults on nasal sentences (p = 0.000). The nasalance scores in children and females were a little higher. Korean normative data will provide reference information in the evaluation and treatment of resonance problems. |
24211107 | Toxicity of the micropollutants Bisphenol A, Ciprofloxacin, Metoprolol and Sulfamethoxazole in water samples before and after the oxidative treatment. | The amount of organic micropollutants detected in surface waters increases steadily. Common waste water treatment plants are not built to remove these substances. Thus there is a need for new technologies. A promising technology is the use of advanced oxidation processes through which organic micropollutants can be removed from waste water. However, the formation of oxidation by-products is likely and needs to be investigated since the by-products not only differ from their pounds in regard to their chemical and physical properties but they can also differ in toxicity. Therefore this study was designed bine chemical and toxicological analyses of the advanced oxidation (O3 [5mg/L] or UV/H2O2 [Hg-LP lamp; 15W; 1g/L H2O2]) of waste water treatment plant effluents and pure water. Effluent samples from conventional activated sludge waste water treatment (mechanical treatment, activated sludge basin, and primary as well as secondary treatment steps) and high-purity deionized water (pure water) were spiked with Bisphenol A, Ciprofloxacin, Metoprolol or Sulfamethoxazole and treated with O3 or UV/H2O2. For the toxicological analyses mammalian cells (CHO-9, T47D) were exposed to the water samples for 24h and were tested for cytotoxicity (MTT Test), genotoxicity (Alkaline Comet Assay) and estrogenicity (ER Calux(®)). The results indicate that the oxidative treatment (O3 or UV/H2O2) of Bisphenol A, Metoprolol, Sulfamethoxazole or Ciprofloxacin in waste water did not result in toxic oxidation by-products, whereas the UV/H2O2 treatment of Bisphenol A and Ciprofloxacin in pure water resulted in by-products with cytotoxic but no estrogenic effects after 60min. |
24211115 | The use of a microscope with near-infrared imaging function in indocyanine green lymphography and lymphaticovenous anastomosis. | Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography has e an important investigation in lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). Near-infrared (NIR) imaging systems are available in the market for the production of ICG lymphography. These machines, however, may be difficult to obtain owing to their costs. In our institute, these NIR imaging devices are not available. Alternatively, microscopy with NIR imaging function was used for LVA. The experiences of the production of ICG lymphography with an NIR microscope are described. |
24211116 | Shoulder silhouette and axilla reconstruction with free composite elbow tissue transfer following interscapulothoracic amputation. | Interscapulothoracic amputation (ISTA) passes the removal of the upper limb, scapula and clavicle. As the reconstructive and oncologic limb-saving techniques improved, the indications for this formidable procedure decreased. However, it is still the appropriate procedure in cases with extensive oncologic or traumatic involvement of the shoulder girdle. Following ISTA, the surgeon is not only faced with a large defect but also with severe functional and aesthetic impairments. A solution to these problems is the immediate reconstruction with a posite transfer from the amputated extremity. We successfully treated three oncologic cases and one traumatic case using this technique. The recipient vessels included the subclavian artery and vein in three cases and the internal thoracic vessels in one case. After a mean follow-up time of 4.5 years, two of the three tumour patients were free of recurrent disease. In all cases stable wound closure was achieved. Three out of four patients would opt for surgery again, in spite of the high occurrence plications. One patient died after a 14-year event-free postoperative course. We conclude that the defect following ISTA can be successfully covered using a posite tissue transfer of the amputated disease-free elbow and forearm, while simultaneously reconstructing the shoulder silhouette and axilla. This procedure reduces functional and aesthetic impairments and improves the quality of life. |
24211117 | Multiple-digit resurfacing using a thin latissimus dorsi perforator flap. | Traumatic digit defects of plexity and with inadequate local tissue represent challenging surgical problems. Recently, perforator flaps have been proposed for reconstructing large defects of the hand because of their thinness and pliability and minimal donor site morbidity. Here, we illustrate the use of thin latissimus dorsi perforator flaps for resurfacing multiple defects of distal digits. We describe the cases of seven patients with large defects, including digits, circumferential defects and multiple-digit defects, who underwent reconstruction with thin latissimus dorsi perforator flaps between January 2008 and March 2012. Single-digit resurfacing procedures were excluded. The mean age was 56.3 years and the mean flap size was 160.4 cm(2). All the flaps pletely. Two patients had plications including partial flap loss and scar contracture. The mean follow-up period was 11.7 months. The ideal flap for digit resurfacing should be thin and amenable to moulding, have a long pedicle for microanastomosis and have minimal donor site morbidity. Thin flaps can be harvested by excluding the deep adipose layer, and their high pliability enables resurfacing without multiple debulking procedures. The latissimus dorsi perforator flap may be the best flap for plex defects of the digits, such as large, multiple-digit or circumferential defects, which plete wrapping of volar and dorsal surfaces. |
24211118 | Complications following body contouring surgery after massive weight loss: a meta-analysis. | Bariatric surgery is a way to achieve lasting weight loss in the obese. Body contouring surgery seeks to alleviate some of the fort caused by the excessive loose skin following massive weight loss. plication rates are described in this type of surgery when done post-bariatric. The purpose of this article is plication rates of body contouring surgery when performed on patients with weight loss due to bariatric pared to patients who lost weight due to dietary changes and/or exercise. |
24211120 | The mechanics behind cell division. | It is now well established that the orientation of the plane of cell division highly depends on cell geometry in plants. However, the related molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Recent data in animal systems highlight the role of the cytoskeleton response to mechanical stress in this process. Interestingly, these results are consistent with some data obtained in parallel in plants. Here we review and confront these studies, across kingdoms, and we explore the possibility that the intrinsic mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton play a key role in the nexus between cell division and mechanical stress. This opens many avenues for future research that are also discussed in this review. |
24211112 | A pilot test of an integrated self-care intervention for persons with heart failure and concomitant diabetes. | Studies show 30% to 47% of people with heart failure (HF) have itant diabetes mellitus (DM). Self-care for persons with both of these chronic conditions is plex, and often inadequate. This pilot study tested an integrated self-care program for its effects on HF and DM knowledge, self-care efficacy, self-care behaviors, and quality of life (QOL). Hospitalized HF-DM participants (N = 71) were randomized to usual care or intervention using a 1:2 allocation and followed at 30 and 90 days after intervention. Intervention was an integrated education and counseling program focused on HF-DM self-care. Variables included demographic and clinical data, knowledge about HF and DM, HF- and DM-specific self-efficacy, standard HF and DM QOL scales, and HF and DM self-care behaviors. Analysis included descriptive statistics, multilevel longitudinal models for group and time effects, post hoc testing, and effect size calculations. Sidak adjustments were used to control for type 1 error inflation. The integrated HF-DM self-care intervention conferred effects on improved HF knowledge (30 days, p = .05), HF self-care maintenance (30 and 90 days, p < .001), HF self-care management (90 days, p = .05), DM self-efficacy (30 days, p = .03; 90 days, p = .004), general diet (30 days, p = .05), HF physical QOL (p = .04), and emotional QOL scores (p = .05) at 90 days within the intervention group. The participants in the usual care group also reported increased total and physical QOL. Greater percentages of participants in the intervention group improved self reported exercise between 0 and 30 days (p = .005 and moderate effect size ES = .47) and foot care between 0 and 90 days (p = .03, small ES = .36). No group differences or improvements in DM-specific QOL were observed. An integrated HF-DM self-care intervention was effective in improving ponents of self-care and had sustained (90 day) effects on selected self-care behaviors. Future studies testing HF-DM integrated self-care interventions in larger samples with longer follow-up and on other es such as hospitalization and clinical markers are warranted. |
24211124 | Correlates of emotional congruence with children in sexual offenders against children: a test of theoretical models in an incarcerated sample. | Emotional congruence with children is a psychological construct theoretically involved in the etiology and maintenance of sexual offending against children. Research conducted to date has not examined the relationship between emotional congruence with children and other psychological meaningful risk factors for sexual offending against children. The current study derived potential correlates of emotional congruence with children from the published literature and proposed three models of emotional congruence with children that contain relatively unique sets of correlates: the blockage, sexual deviance, and psychological immaturity models. Using Area under the Curve analysis, we assessed the relationship between emotional congruence with children and offense characteristics, victim demographics, and psychologically meaningful risk factors in a sample of incarcerated sexual offenders against children (n=221). The sexual deviance model received the most support: emotional congruence with children was significantly associated with deviant sexual interests, sexual self-regulation problems, and cognition that condones and supports child molestation. The blockage model received partial support, and the immaturity model received the least support. Based on the results, we propose a set of further predictions regarding the relationships between emotional congruence with children and other psychologically meaningful risk factors to be examined in future research. |
24211125 | Histological characteristics of induced membranes in subcutaneous, intramuscular sites and bone defect. | The induced membrane technique was proposed as a treatment of large segmental bone defects. The influence of the surrounding tissues on its characteristics remains unknown. It is therefore not known which kind of plastic surgery procedure (muscular or facio-cutaneous flap) would optimize bone osteointegration within a bone defect reconstructed using the induced-membrane technique. |
24211122 | Dosimetric and clinical outcome in image-based high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for anal cancer. | To evaluate dosimetric and clinical e in patients of anal cancer treated with image-based interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy following chemoradiation. |
24211123 | Re-irradiation with interstitial pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy for unresectable recurrent head and neck carcinoma. | To assess the long-term results of protocol-based interstitial pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) bined with simultaneous chemotherapy in selected patients with recurrent head and neck tumors not amenable to salvage surgery. |
24211126 | Isolated anterior interosseous nerve deficit due to a false aneurysm of the humeral artery: an unusual complication of penetrating arm injury. Case report and literature review. | Anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) injuries account for only 1% of all the nerve injuries at the upper limb. We report the case of a 22-year-old male who sustained a penetrating injury to the arm. No neurological deficit was found at the initial evaluation. However, 6 weeks later, he had a motor deficit confined to the territory of the AIN with weakness of the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum longus to the index. He also reported paraesthesia. Tinel's test was positive over the pinpoint wound in the arm, where a painful swelling was felt. Electroneurophysiological testing indicated a deficit of the AIN. Surgical exploration identified a thrombosed false aneurysm of the humeral artery responsible pression of the median nerve. One month later, the patient had achieved a full recovery. Immediate routine exploration of deep penetrating wounds, although mandatory, may fail to detect any lesions. Close monitoring must be provided subsequently, as gradual pression can result in delayed neurological deficits. |
24211127 | High rate of fracture in the cementless modular Extrême™ (Mark I) femoral prosthesis in revision total hip arthroplasty: 33 cases at more than 5 years' follow-up. | The modular concept has been mended in femoral revision surgery with extensive bone loss, but entails plications: disassembly and fracture. The present retrospective study assessed the Mark I Extrême™ modular prosthesis at a minimum 5 years' follow-up. |
24211128 | Rotator cuff tears after 70 years of age: a prospective, randomized, comparative study between decompression and arthroscopic repair in 154 patients. | Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears leads to better clinical es than subacromial pression alone; however the former is rarely proposed to patients above 70 years of age. Our hypothesis was that arthroscopic repair would be superior to pression in patient 70 years or older. The primary goal was pare the clinical results obtained with each technique. The secondary goal was to analyze the effects of age, tendon retraction and fatty infiltration on the e. |
24211129 | Rotator cuff tear imaging in patients over 70 years: specific MRI findings? | During the symposium held by the French Arthroscopy Society on rotator cuff tears in patients over 70 years of age, the absence of studies into potential specific pathological features in this age group was pointed out. Here, our main objective was to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in this patient population. |
24211131 | Frequency of acute worsening events in fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis patients. | Patients with fibrotic sarcoidosis can develop worsening of pulmonary symptoms for various reasons. We studied acute worsening events defined as episodes treated with limited courses of either antibiotics and or increased corticosteroid doses which resolved within four weeks. The prevalence of acute worsening events in patients with fibrotic sarcoidosis was investigated. Of 740 sarcoidosis patients seen in our clinic over a four month period, 129 (17%) had fibrotic sarcoidosis. We noted the age, race, puter tomography (CT) results, and pulmonary function as measured by forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. In a retrospective manner, the fibrotic sarcoidosis patients reported a median of three acute worsening events (range zero to eight) in the prior year. Bronchiectasis was noted on CT imaging in 63 of 129 (49%) of the fibrotic sarcoidosis patients. Fibrotic sarcoidosis patients reported a higher frequency of acute worsening events (3 (0-6)) than those without bronchiectasis (2 (0-8), p = 0.0001). Sixteen patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies reported a higher frequency of acute worsening pared to those not receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies (p = 0.0297). There was no relationship between the number of acute worsening events and race, gender, smoking history, or FVC, FEV1, or FEV1/FVC ratio. We conclude that acute worsening events are frequent in patients with fibrotic sarcoidosis patients and are mon in patients with bronchiectasis and those receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody therapies. |
24211132 | Chenopodolans A-C: phytotoxic furopyrans produced by Phoma chenopodiicola, a fungal pathogen of Chenopodium album. | Three tetrasubstituted furopyrans, named chenopodolans A-C, were isolated together with the well known fungal metabolite (-)-(R)-6-hydroxymellein from the liquid culture of Phoma chenopodiicola, a fungal pathogen proposed for the biological control of Chenopodium album, mon worldwide weed of arable crops. The structures of chenopodolans A-C were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods as 2-(3-methoxy-2,6-dimethyl-7aH-furo[2,3-b]pyran-4-yl)-butane-2,3-diol, 1-(3-methoxy-2,6-dimethyl-7aH-furo[2,3-b]pyran-4-yl)ethanol and 3-methoxy-2,6-dimethyl-4-(1-methylpropenyl)-7aH-furo[2,3-b]pyran, respectively. The absolute configuration R to the hydroxylated secondary carbon (C-11) of the side chain at C-4 of chenopodolan A was determined by applying an advanced Mosher's method. Assayed by leaf puncture on host and non-host weeds chenopodolans A and B, and the 11-O-acetylchenopodolan A showed a strong phytotoxicity. These results showed that the nature of the side chain attached to C-4 is an important feature for the phytotoxicity. A weak zootoxic activity was only showed by chenopodolan B. |
24211133 | Interrater reliability assessment using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. | The aim was to examine interrater reliability of the object control subtest from the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 by live observation in a school field setting. |
24211134 | [Recognition of excretory/secretory antigens of Anisakis type I and evolution of IgE in experimentally infected rats]. | Anisakis spp., during parasitism, release excretory-secretory antigens that, in contact with the human immune system, can trigger a hypersensitivity response mediated by IgE, causing various allergic symptoms. |
24211136 | PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ inhibition by IPI-145 abrogates immune responses and suppresses activity in autoimmune and inflammatory disease models. | Phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)-δ and PI3K-γ are preferentially expressed in immune cells, and inhibitors targeting these isoforms are hypothesized to have anti-inflammatory activity by affecting the adaptive and innate immune response. We report on a potent oral PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ inhibitor (IPI-145) and characterize pound in biochemical, cellular, and in vivo assays. These studies demonstrate that IPI-145 exerts profound effects on adaptive and innate immunity by inhibiting B and T cell proliferation, blocking neutrophil migration, and inhibiting basophil activation. We explored the therapeutic value bined PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ blockade, and IPI-145 showed potent activity in collagen-induced arthritis, ovalbumin-induced asthma, and systemic lupus erythematosus rodent models. These findings support the hypothesis that inhibition of immune function can be achieved through PI3K-δ and PI3K-γ blockade, potentially leading to significant therapeutic effects in multiple inflammatory, autoimmune, and hematologic diseases. |
24211137 | Crystal structures of Sirt3 complexes with 4'-bromo-resveratrol reveal binding sites and inhibition mechanism. | Sirtuins are protein deacetylases regulating aging processes and various physiological functions. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, activates human Sirt1 and inhibits Sirt3, and it can mimic calorie restriction effects, such as lifespan extension in lower organisms. The mechanism of Sirtuin modulation by resveratrol is not well understood. We used 4'-bromo-resveratrol (5-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)vinyl)-1,3-benzenediol) to study Sirt1 and Sirt3 modulation. Despite its similarity to the Sirt1 activator resveratrol, pound potently inhibited both, Sirt1 and Sirt3. Crystal structures of Sirt3 plex with a fluorophore-labeled and with a native substrate peptide, respectively, in presence of 4'-bromo-resveratrol reveal pound binding sites. Biochemical studies identify the internal site and petition as the mechanism for inhibition, providing a drug target site, and homology modeling suggests that the second, allosteric site might indicate the site for Sirt1 activation. |
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