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Dietary supplementation with dried plum prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss while modulating the immune response in C57BL/6J mice.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of dried plum on the changes in bone metabolism and the immune response associated with ovarian hormone deficiency. Adult female C57BL/6J mice were either sham-operated (Sham) and fed AIN-93 diet (control) or ovariectomized (OVX) and fed a control diet with 0%, 5%, 15% or 25% dried plum (w/w), corresponding to control, low- (LDP), medium- (MDP) and high (HDP)-dose dried plum. Four weeks of HDP supplementation prevented the decrease in spine bone mineral density and content induced by OVX. The OVX compromise in trabecular bone of the vertebra and proximal tibia was prevented by the higher doses of dried plum, and in the vertebra these effects resulted in greater (P<.05) bone strength and stiffness. In the bone marrow, OVX suppressed granulocyte and committed monocyte populations and increased the lymphoblast population, but the MDP and HDP restored these myeloid and lymphoid populations to the level of the Sham. Dried plum also suppressed lymphocyte tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-á production ex vivo by splenocytes, in response to concanavalin (Con) A stimulation. These data indicate that dried plum's positive effects on bone structural and biomechanical properties coincide with the restoration of certain bone marrow myeloid and lymphoid populations, and suppressed splenocyte activation occurring with ovarian hormone deficiency.

['Animals', 'Biomarkers', 'Body Weight', 'Bone Density', 'Bone Marrow Cells', 'Bone and Bones', 'Concanavalin A', 'Cytokines', 'Dietary Supplements', 'Disease Models, Animal', 'Eating', 'Female', 'Femur', 'Gene Expression', 'Insulin-Like Growth Factor I', 'Mice', 'Mice, Inbred C57BL', 'Organ Size', 'Osteoporosis', 'Ovariectomy', 'Peptide Fragments', 'Procollagen', 'Prunus', 'Spleen', 'Tibia', 'Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha', 'Uterus']

[['B01.050'], ['D23.101'], ['C23.888.144', 'E01.370.600.115.100.160.120', 'E05.041.124.160.750', 'G07.100.100.160.120', 'G07.345.249.314.120'], ['G11.427.100'], ['A11.148', 'A15.378.316'], ['A02.835.232', 'A10.165.265'], ['D12.776.503.499.500', 'D12.776.765.678.500'], ['D12.644.276.374', 'D12.776.467.374', 'D23.529.374'], ['G07.203.300.456', 'J02.500.456'], ['C22.232', 'E05.598.500', 'E05.599.395.080'], ['G07.203.650.283', 'G10.261.330'], ['A02.835.232.043.150'], ['G05.297'], ['D12.644.276.937.400', 'D12.776.124.862.400', 'D12.776.467.937.400', 'D23.529.937.400'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500'], ['B01.050.050.199.520.520.420', 'B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500.400.420'], ['E01.370.600.115.100.660', 'E05.041.124.715', 'G07.100.100.660', 'G07.345.249.690'], ['C05.116.198.579', 'C18.452.104.579'], ['E04.270.282.685', 'E04.950.165.685', 'E04.950.300.680'], ['D12.644.541'], ['D12.776.811.690', 'D12.776.860.300.250.600'], ['B01.650.940.800.575.912.250.859.937.500.625'], ['A10.549.700', 'A15.382.520.604.700'], ['A02.835.232.043.650.883'], ['D12.644.276.374.500.800', 'D12.644.276.374.750.626', 'D12.776.124.900', 'D12.776.395.930', 'D12.776.467.374.500.800', 'D12.776.467.374.750.626', 'D23.529.374.500.800', 'D23.529.374.750.626'], ['A05.360.319.679']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]']

Concussion Attitudes and Beliefs, Knowledge, and Clinical Practice: Survey of Physical Therapists.

BACKGROUND: A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury that may cause physical, cognitive, affective, and sleep dysfunction. Physical therapists have been identified as health care providers involved in the multidisciplinary care of a patient with concussion.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the current attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, and practice of physical therapists in the treatment of patients with concussion.METHODS: A 55-question electronic survey divided into 6 sections-(1) demographics, (2) current practice in concussion, (3) youth concussion legislation, (4) attitudes and beliefs toward concussion management, (5) concussion knowledge, and (6) clinical decision making-was developed and distributed online through selected American Physical Therapy Association sections.RESULTS: A total of 1,272 physical therapists completed the survey. Seventy percent of the respondents (n=894) reported having concussion training. Although supportive of the role of the physical therapist in the treatment of a person with concussion, the respondents demonstrated less confidence when making return-to-play decisions. Respondents correctly answered, on average, 13 (out of 15) concussion knowledge questions, with gaps exhibited in understanding the clinical utilization of concussion severity scales, the conservative treatment of youth who sustain a concussion, and anticipated normal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging after a concussion. When provided with clinical scenarios, respondents were able to recognize when a referral to a physician was indicated; however, they demonstrated variability in identifying a need for vestibular or manual physical therapy.LIMITATIONS: Convenience sampling was utilized, limiting generalizability of the results of the study to the physical therapy profession as a whole.CONCLUSION: Physical therapists demonstrated a solid foundation of concussion knowledge, but gaps still existed. Future professional development opportunities should be developed to target identified gaps in knowledge and current practice patterns.

['Adult', 'Attitude of Health Personnel', 'Brain Concussion', 'Clinical Competence', 'Decision Making', 'Female', 'Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Physical Therapists', 'Referral and Consultation', 'Return to Sport', 'Self Efficacy', 'Surveys and Questionnaires', 'Trauma Severity Indices']

[['M01.060.116'], ['F01.100.050', 'N05.300.100'], ['C10.228.140.199.444.250', 'C10.900.300.087.235.250', 'C10.900.300.350.300', 'C26.915.300.200.194.250', 'C26.915.300.450.500', 'C26.974.382.200'], ['I02.399.630.210', 'N04.761.210', 'N05.715.175'], ['F02.463.785.373'], ['F01.100.150.500', 'N05.300.150.410'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['M01.526.485.790', 'N02.360.790'], ['N04.452.758.849'], ['I03.450.642.845.605'], ['F01.752.747.792.700'], ['E05.318.308.980', 'N05.715.360.300.800', 'N06.850.520.308.980'], ['E05.318.308.940.968.875', 'E05.944', 'N04.452.859.564.800', 'N05.715.360.300.715.500.800', 'N06.850.520.308.940.968.875']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Nerve conduction velocity in human limbs with late sequelae after local cold injury.

Cold-induced neuropathy may play a dominant role in the long-term sequelae with cold sensitivity after local cold injuries (LCIs). Somatosensory functions were assessed and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and motor distal delay (MDD) were measured in the limbs of 31 Norwegian former soldiers with persistent cold intolerance 3-4 years after the primary LCI. NCV measurements were performed in 24 lower and 16 upper extremities. NCV was related to degree of overall subjective complaints quantified by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Motor (MNCV) and sensory conduction velocity (SNCV) in the lower extremities and SNCV in the hands were significantly decreased compared with controls. MDD was pathologically increased in the feet. NCV of the forearms ranged from normal to significant reduction. The more pronounced effect on the lower extremities may be caused by deeper cooling of the calves compared with forearms for several reasons. No significant associations were found between VAS and NCV except for the right median nerve. NCV measurements may provide objective findings in cold-injured patients and in those with few or no conspicuous clinical signs.

['Adult', 'Cold Temperature', 'Forearm', 'Frostbite', 'Humans', 'Hypersensitivity', 'Leg', 'Motor Neurons', 'Neural Conduction', 'Neurons, Afferent', 'Pain Measurement']

[['M01.060.116'], ['G01.906.595.272', 'G16.500.275.063.725.710.300', 'G16.500.750.775.710.300', 'N06.230.300.100.725.154', 'N06.230.300.100.725.710.300'], ['A01.378.800.585'], ['C26.212.500', 'C26.417'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C20.543'], ['A01.378.610.500'], ['A08.675.655.500', 'A11.671.655.500'], ['G07.265.753', 'G11.561.601'], ['A08.675.650', 'A11.671.650'], ['E01.370.600.550.324']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Concomitant replacement of language and mtDNA in South Caspian populations of Iran.

The Gilaki and Mazandarani occupy the South Caspian region of Iran and speak languages belonging to the North-Western branch of Iranian languages . It has been suggested that their ancestors came from the Caucasus region, perhaps displacing an earlier group in the South Caspian . Linguistic evidence supports this scenario, in that the Gilaki and Mazandarani languages (but not other Iranian languages) share certain typological features with Caucasian languages . We analyzed patterns of mtDNA and Y chromosome variation in the Gilaki and Mazandarani. Based on mtDNA HV1 sequences, the Gilaki and Mazandarani most closely resemble their geographic and linguistic neighbors, namely other Iranian groups. However, their Y chromosome types most closely resemble those found in groups from the South Caucasus. A scenario that explains these differences is a south Caucasian origin for the ancestors of the Gilaki and Mazandarani, followed by introgression of women (but not men) from local Iranian groups, possibly because of patrilocality. Given that both mtDNA and language are maternally transmitted, the incorporation of local Iranian women would have resulted in the concomitant replacement of the ancestral Caucasian language and mtDNA types of the Gilaki and Mazandarani with their current Iranian language and mtDNA types. Concomitant replacement of language and mtDNA may be a more general phenomenon than previously recognized.

['Chromosomes, Human, Y', 'DNA, Mitochondrial', 'Female', 'Genetics, Population', 'Geography', 'Haplotypes', 'Humans', 'Iran', 'Language', 'Male', 'Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide']

[['A11.284.187.520.300.505.757', 'A11.284.187.865.983.500', 'G05.360.162.520.300.505.757', 'G05.360.162.865.983.500'], ['D13.444.308.283.225'], ['H01.158.273.343.335'], ['H01.277.500'], ['G05.380.360'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['Z01.252.245.500.350'], ['F01.145.209.399', 'L01.559'], ['G05.365.795.598']]

['Anatomy [A]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Information Science [L]']

[Activated coagulation time and the concentration of heparin in assessing the level of blood heparinization during operations using artificial blood circulation].

Blood heparinization was assessed, using two techniques (activated coagulation time--ACT and heparin concentration) in 31 patients during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. It has been shown that ACT-technique, not always revealing heparin concentration, may serve as a criterion for blood heparinization adequacy during cardiopulmonary bypass, as in every case it reflects individual changes in anticoagulant blood activity.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Blood Coagulation Tests', 'Cardiac Surgical Procedures', 'Child', 'Child, Preschool', 'Extracorporeal Circulation', 'Female', 'Heparin', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Whole Blood Coagulation Time']

[['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['E01.370.225.625.115', 'E05.200.625.115'], ['E04.100.376', 'E04.928.220'], ['M01.060.406'], ['M01.060.406.448'], ['E04.292'], ['D09.698.373.400'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E01.370.225.625.115.950', 'E05.200.625.115.950', 'G09.188.960']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

Eye health outreach services in the Pacific Islands region: an updated profile.

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal reports indicate a decreasing number of patients presenting for assessment, and in particular a reduction in the number of patients requiring cataract surgery in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Furthermore, research and routine surveillance is uncommon.AIM: To analyse and describe the records of eye health outreach clinics from a single provider in seven Pacific Islands.METHOD: Routine data collected at the Fred Hollows Foundation eye health outreach clinics in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu between 2009 and 2013 were analysed.RESULTS: Over the study period the number of patients treated per clinic fell in Fiji, Samoa and the Solomon Islands. Data from PNG show a higher mean number of patients per clinic and the numbers of patients presenting at PNG outreach clinics appears to be increasing. Cataract was the main eye health condition for between 40%-70% of visits overall, but this range varied between 14% (PNG) and 94% (Fiji). In all countries, males were more likely to receive cataract surgery than females. Refractive error was the most common presenting complaint at PNG outreach clinics; diabetic retinopathy was most common in Tonga. Cases of trachoma or trichiasis were identified in all countries, excepting Kiribati, Samoa and Tonga.CONCLUSION: Data from outreach eye health clinics show marked differences between PICs in the most common presenting conditions. In three countries, it appears there has recently been a reduction in the overall number of patients presenting for treatment. Cautious interpretation of the data is required due to concern about data completeness and quality.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Age Distribution', 'Aged', 'Ambulatory Care Facilities', 'Community Health Services', 'Community Networks', 'Community-Institutional Relations', 'Eye Diseases', 'Female', 'Health Services Accessibility', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Pacific Islands', 'Vision Disorders']

[['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['I01.240.050', 'N01.224.033', 'N06.850.505.400.050'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['N02.278.035'], ['N02.421.143'], ['I01.880.853.500.300', 'L01.313.500.750.300.184', 'N02.421.143.202'], ['N04.452.822.210'], ['C11'], ['N04.590.374.350', 'N05.300.430'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['Z01.639.760', 'Z01.678.100.873'], ['C10.597.751.941', 'C11.966', 'C23.888.592.763.941']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Geographicals [Z]']

Cost Efficacy of Metal Stents for Palliation of Extrahepatic Bile Duct Obstruction in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Endoscopic stents are placed for palliation of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction. Although self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) remain patent longer than plastic stents, they are more expensive. We aimed to evaluate which type of stent (plastic, uncovered SEMS [uSEMS], or partially covered SEMS [pcSEMS]) is the most effective and we assessed costs.METHODS: We performed a multicenter randomized trial in 219 patients at 18 hospitals in The Netherlands from February 2008 through February 2013. Patients were assigned randomly for placement of a plastic stent (n = 73), uSEMS (n = 75), or pcSEMS (n = 71) during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Patients were followed up for up to 1 year. Researchers were not blinded to groups. The main study end points included functional stent time and costs.RESULTS: The mean functional stent times were 172 days for plastic stents, 288 days for uSEMS, and 299 days for pcSEMS (P < .005 for uSEMS and pcSEMS vs plastic). The initial placement of plastic stents (€1042 or $1106) cost significantly less than placement of SEMS (€1973 or $2094) (P = .001). However, the total cost per patient at the end of the follow-up period did not differ significantly between plastic stents (€7320 or $7770) and SEMS (€6932 or $7356) (P = .61). Furthermore, in patients with short survival times (?3 mo) or metastatic disease, the total cost per patient did not differ between plastic stents and SEMS. No differences in costs were found between pcSEMS and uSEMS.CONCLUSIONS: Although placement of SEMS (uncovered or partially covered) for palliation of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction initially is more expensive than placement of plastic stents, SEMS have longer functional time. The total costs after 1 year do not differ significantly with stent type. Dutch Clinical Trial Registration no: NTR1361.

['Aged', 'Aged, 80 and over', 'Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic', 'Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde', 'Cholestasis, Extrahepatic', 'Cost-Benefit Analysis', 'Female', 'Follow-Up Studies', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Metals', 'Middle Aged', 'Palliative Care', 'Stents', 'Treatment Outcome']

[['M01.060.116.100'], ['M01.060.116.100.080'], ['A03.159.183.079'], ['E01.370.350.700.715.200.200', 'E01.370.372.200.200', 'E01.370.372.250.200', 'E01.370.388.250.250.160', 'E04.210.240.160', 'E04.502.250.250.160'], ['C06.130.120.135.150'], ['N03.219.151.125'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.249', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.350', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.350'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D01.552'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E02.760.666', 'N02.421.585.666'], ['E07.695.750'], ['E01.789.800', 'N04.761.559.590.800', 'N05.715.360.575.575.800']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]']

Angiosarcoma associated with germ cell tumors.

In two patients with malignant germ cell tumors angiosarcoma developed through two apparently different mechanisms. In one case the angiosarcoma probably developed as a complication of therapeutic radiation, since radiation changes were demonstrated in tissue adjacent to the neoplasm and since the angiosarcoma was not associated with elements of germ cell tumor. The absence of associated germ cell elements does not support the development of the angiosarcoma from a teratoma. In the second case, however, it is likely that the angiosarcoma developed as a result of malignant change within teratomatous foci, since angiosarcomatous elements were intermingled with teratomatous elements and the patient's primary germ cell tumor contained malignant and atypical teratomatous elements as well as prominent vascular proliferation. Malignant change within teratomatous components of germ cell tumors is a phenomenon of increasing importance in this era of effective chemotherapy for germ cell tumors. The development of angiosarcoma as a potential complication of testicular carcinoma has not been reported previously.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation', 'Hemangiosarcoma', 'Humans', 'Immunoenzyme Techniques', 'Male', 'Mediastinal Neoplasms', 'Microscopy, Electron', 'Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal', 'Radiotherapy', 'Teratoma', 'Testicular Neoplasms']

[['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['E05.799.513.500', 'G01.750.740.500', 'G04.712.500', 'G07.225', 'G07.738.500', 'N06.850.810.250.180'], ['C04.557.450.795.390', 'C04.557.645.390'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E05.478.566.350', 'E05.478.583.400', 'E05.601.470.350'], ['C04.588.894.479', 'C08.846.187.580'], ['E01.370.350.515.402', 'E05.595.402'], ['C04.557.465'], ['E02.815'], ['C04.557.465.910'], ['C04.588.322.762', 'C04.588.945.440.915', 'C12.294.260.937', 'C12.758.409.937', 'C19.344.762', 'C19.391.829.782']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Organisms [B]']

Creation of a safety culture: reducing workplace injuries in a rural hospital setting.

A newly organized employee safety program, with an 11-step design, has been introduced at Valley General Hospital in Monroe, Washington, with the intention of changing the "culture of safety." A 1-year report of the results indicates that the overall incidence of injury claims, lost-time injuries, and needlestick injuries were reduced after the program was implemented and timely reporting of claims within 24 hours was increased. The hypothesis, that by creating more visibility for the employee safety program a decrease in injury rates would occur, was confirmed.

['Absenteeism', 'Accidents, Occupational', 'Ergonomics', 'Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice', 'Hospitals, General', 'Hospitals, Rural', 'Humans', 'Incidence', 'Lifting', 'Needlestick Injuries', 'Needs Assessment', 'Occupational Health', 'Organizational Culture', 'Organizational Objectives', 'Personnel, Hospital', 'Philosophy, Nursing', 'Program Development', 'Safety Management', 'Washington', 'Workplace', 'Wounds and Injuries']

[['F02.784.692.107'], ['N06.850.135.240'], ['F02.784.412', 'J01.293.556'], ['F01.100.150.500', 'N05.300.150.410'], ['N02.278.421.389'], ['N02.278.421.518'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E05.318.308.985.525.375', 'N01.224.935.597.500', 'N06.850.505.400.975.525.375', 'N06.850.520.308.985.525.375'], ['G01.374.669'], ['C26.986.950.500'], ['I02.594', 'N03.349.380.565', 'N05.300.537'], ['N01.400.525'], ['N04.452.606'], ['N04.452.615'], ['M01.526.485.740', 'N02.360.740'], ['K01.752.712'], ['N04.452.760'], ['N04.452.871.900', 'N06.850.135.060.075.800'], ['Z01.107.567.875.560.900', 'Z01.107.567.875.580.900'], ['N01.824.245.925', 'N04.452.677.975'], ['C26']]

['Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Humanities [K]', 'Geographicals [Z]']

[Results of 75 lung transplantations performed in Groningen in 1990-1995. Lung Transplantation Group Groningen].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of the lung transplantation programme in Groningen, and the results of single and bilateral lung transplantations in the first 75 consecutive patients, up to December 1995.DESIGN: Retrospective.SETTING: Academic Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands.METHODS: The results of the lung transplantation programme were evaluated retrospectively.RESULTS: In November 1990 the first unilateral lung transplantation was performed in Groningen in a patient with pulmonary fibrosis. In February 1991 a national lung transplantation programme for the Netherlands was instituted in Groningen by the government. Of 500 patients referred from all over the Netherlands from 1990 to December 1995, 75 were transplanted, 16 unilaterally and 59 bilaterally. The actuarial survival for all patients was 85% after 1 year and 72% after 2 years. After transplantation 16 patients died (21%) after 15 months follow-up (median). Early mortality (5%) was caused by graft failure, late mortality (16%) by chronic rejection and lymphoproliferative disease. The mean time on the transplantation waiting list was 9.3 months; it increased during the programme. The limiting factor for further expansion of the programme was caused by donor scarcity. The lungs from only 16% of the multiorgan donors reported by Eurotransplant to our centre could be transplanted.CONCLUSION: The results of the lung transplantation programme in Groningen are good but with an increasing number of lung transplantation centres in the Eurotransplant region the further development of lung transplantation in the Netherlands will depend mainly on the availability of lung donors from the Netherlands.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Child', 'Cystic Fibrosis', 'Humans', 'Hypertension, Pulmonary', 'Lung Diseases', 'Lung Transplantation', 'Middle Aged', 'Netherlands', 'Patient Selection', 'Pulmonary Fibrosis', 'Retrospective Studies', 'Survival Rate', 'Tissue Donors', 'Waiting Lists']

[['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.406'], ['C06.689.202', 'C08.381.187', 'C16.320.190', 'C16.614.213'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C08.381.423', 'C14.907.489.556'], ['C08.381'], ['E04.928.600.495', 'E04.936.450.495'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['Z01.542.651'], ['E05.581.500.653', 'N04.590.731'], ['C08.381.765'], ['E05.318.372.500.500.500', 'E05.318.372.500.750.750', 'N05.715.360.330.500.500.500', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.825', 'N06.850.520.450.500.500.500', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.825'], ['E05.318.308.985.550.900', 'N01.224.935.698.826', 'N06.850.505.400.975.550.900', 'N06.850.520.308.985.550.900'], ['M01.898'], ['N04.452.095.738']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Health Care [N]']

Activation energy determinations suggest that thiols reverse autooxidation of tetrahydrobiopterin by a different mechanism than ascorbate.

In neutral aqueous solutions tetrahydrobiopterin is oxidized by dioxygen in a reaction that is succinctly described as autooxidation. Ascorbate and thiols moderate this reaction by reversing the oxidative process. In the present study the effect of various thiols on the apparent Arrhenius activation energy of tetrahydrobiopterin autooxidation was characterized and compared to that of ascorbate determined previously. We observed that - in sharp contrast to ascorbate - the efficiency of thiols to protect tetrahydrobiopterin decreased with the elevation of temperature from 22 to 37 degrees C. Accordingly, the apparent Arrhenius activation energies (in kJ/mol) measured in the presence of thiols were consistently greater than the value determined with tetrahydrobiopterin alone (59.6 +/- 1.4) or in the presence of ascorbate (59.9 +/- 2.8). Thus, the energy values were 88.8+/-1.1 with glutathione, 87.6 +/- 2.1 with N-acetylcysteine, 79.2 +/- 1.6 with cysteine, 75.1 +/- 2.4 with dithiotreitol and 70.3 +/- 0.9 with homocysteine. Since thiols are as potent reducing agents as ascorbate, these findings suggest that thiols and ascorbate protect tetrahydrobiopterin from oxidation acting at different steps of the oxidation process. It is likely that thiols reduce quinoidal dihydrobiopterin, whereas ascorbate scavenges the trihydrobiopterin radical to tetrahydrobiopterin. Furthermore, the results indicate that thiols are excellent tools to protect tetrahydrobiopterin from autooxidative decomposition in laboratory experiments conducted at relatively low temperatures, whereas the protective effect diminishes at 37 degrees C, i.e. under physiological conditions.

['Ascorbic Acid', 'Biopterin', 'Oxidation-Reduction', 'Sulfhydryl Compounds', 'Temperature']

[['D02.241.081.844.107', 'D02.241.511.902.107', 'D09.811.100'], ['D03.633.100.733.631.202', 'D08.211.090'], ['G02.700', 'G03.295.531'], ['D02.886.489'], ['G01.906.595', 'G16.500.275.063.725.710', 'G16.500.750.775.710', 'N06.230.150.450', 'N06.230.300.100.725.710']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Health Care [N]']

Isolation and preliminary characterization of amino acid substitution mutations that increase the activity of the osmoregulated ProP protein of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.

In Enterobacteriaceae, the ProP protein, which takes up proline and glycine betaine, is subject to a post-translational control mechanism that increases its activity at high osmolarity. In order to investigate the osmoregulatory mechanism of the Salmonella enterica ProP, we devised a positive selection for mutations that conferred increased activity on this protein at low osmolarity. The selection involved the isolation of mutations in a proline auxotroph that resulted in increased accumulation of proline via the ProP system in the presence of glycine betaine, which is a competitive inhibitor of proline uptake by this permease. This selection was performed by first-year undergraduates in two semesters of a research-based laboratory course. The students generated sixteen mutations resulting in six different single amino acids substitutions. They determined the effects of the mutations on the growth rates of the cells in media of high and low osmolarity in the presence of low concentrations of proline or glycine betaine. Furthermore, they identified the mutations by DNA sequencing and displayed the mutated amino acids on a putative three-dimensional structure of the protein. This analysis suggested that all six amino acid substitutions are residues in trans-membrane helices that have been proposed to contribute to the formation of the transport pore, and, thus, may affect the substrate binding site of the protein.

['Amino Acid Sequence', 'Amino Acid Substitution', 'Bacterial Proteins', 'Models, Molecular', 'Molecular Sequence Data', 'Mutation, Missense', 'Phenotype', 'Proline', 'Protein Conformation', 'Protein Engineering', 'Salmonella typhimurium', 'Water-Electrolyte Balance']

[['G02.111.570.060', 'L01.453.245.667.060'], ['E05.393.420.601.035', 'G05.558.109'], ['D12.776.097'], ['E05.599.595'], ['L01.453.245.667'], ['G05.365.590.650'], ['G05.695'], ['D12.125.072.401.623'], ['G02.111.570.820.709'], ['E05.393.420.601'], ['B03.440.450.425.800.200.825', 'B03.660.250.150.710.160.760'], ['G02.111.635.500', 'G03.615.500', 'G07.410.810.500']]

['Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]']

Quality of life and eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Eating disorders (EDs) can have a serious impact on various life domains and may lead to physical, mental and social impairment and consequently to poor quality of life (QOL). This study compared the QOL of ED patients and former ED patients in a large community based sample to the QOL of a normal reference group and to the QOL of patients with mood disorders. Differences between ED diagnostic groups were examined. The study investigated what factors contribute to QOL.METHODS: A generic health-related quality of life questionnaire, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire were administered to 156 ED patients--44 anorexia nervosa patients, 43 bulimia nervosa patients, 69 eating disorder not otherwise specified patients--and 148 former ED patients.RESULTS: ED patients reported significantly poorer QOL than a normal reference group. No differences were found between the diagnostic groups. Former ED patients still had poorer QOL than a normal reference group. ED patients reported significantly poorer QOL than patients with mood disorders. Self esteem contributed most to QOL.CONCLUSION: EDs have a severe impact on many domains of QOL. Therefore QOL needs to be addressed in effectiveness research and clinical practice.

['Adult', 'Attitude to Health', 'Feeding and Eating Disorders', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Mood Disorders', 'Netherlands', 'Personal Satisfaction', 'Quality of Life', 'Self Concept', 'Sickness Impact Profile', 'Stress, Psychological', 'Surveys and Questionnaires']

[['M01.060.116'], ['F01.100.150', 'N05.300.150'], ['F03.400'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['F03.600'], ['Z01.542.651'], ['F01.145.677'], ['I01.800', 'K01.752.400.750', 'N06.850.505.400.425.837'], ['F01.752.747.792'], ['E05.318.308.980.438.475.730', 'N05.715.360.300.800.438.375.730', 'N06.850.520.308.980.438.475.730'], ['F01.145.126.990', 'F02.830.900'], ['E05.318.308.980', 'N05.715.360.300.800', 'N06.850.520.308.980']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Humanities [K]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Effect of dietary advice and n-3 supplementation in newly diagnosed MS patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether supplementation with fish oil given together with dietary advice and vitamin supplementation influenced the clinical outcome in newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen consecutive, newly diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis were recruited to an open intervention study. They were given dietary advice and supplemented with 0.9 g/day of long-chain marine fatty acids and vitamins. The patients were followed for 2 years with respect to dietary habits, blood parameters and neurological assessment including exacerbation rate.RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the mean annual exacerbation rate and the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) as compared to pre-study values. The plasma total phospholipid n-3 fatty acids increased and n-6 fatty acids decreased significantly.CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that fish oil supplementation given together with vitamins and dietary advice can improve clinical outcome in patients with newly diagnosed MS.

['Acute Disease', 'Adult', 'Diet, Fat-Restricted', 'Fatty Acids, Omega-3', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting', 'Patient Education as Topic', 'Phospholipids', 'Prospective Studies', 'Secondary Prevention', 'Treatment Outcome', 'Vitamins']

[['C23.550.291.125'], ['M01.060.116'], ['E02.642.249.260', 'G07.203.650.240.260'], ['D10.212.302.380.410', 'D10.251.355.337', 'D10.627.430.450'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C10.114.375.500.600', 'C10.314.350.500.600', 'C20.111.258.250.500.600'], ['I02.233.332.500', 'N02.421.726.407.680'], ['D10.570.755'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.625', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.650', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.650'], ['E02.897', 'N02.421.726.825', 'N06.850.780.750'], ['E01.789.800', 'N04.761.559.590.800', 'N05.715.360.575.575.800'], ['D27.505.696.494.600', 'G07.203.300.681.500.600', 'J02.500.681.500.600']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]']

Intraoperative electroencephalographic monitoring during carotid surgery with routine shunting.

Fifty-nine patients undergoing sixty-four carotid reconstructions with routine intraluminal shunting had intraoperative electroencephalographic monitoring. The onset of rhythm or amplitude disturbances was demonstrated in 14 patients during exposure of the carotid artery, and in 24 patients during initial carotid clamping. Disturbances were seen in 15 patients during the period of intraluminal shunting and increased momentarily during the second clamping period. During closure of the surgical wound, all abnormalities disappeared except in one patient who ultimately developed a neurologic deficit upon awakening. Although patients who maintained normal electroencephalographic readings had higher carotid stump pressure (59 mm) than those who did not (42 mm), individual values were scattered. Intraoperative monitoring during carotid surgery with routine shunting has little usefulness.

['Aged', 'Anastomosis, Surgical', 'Blood Pressure', 'Brain Ischemia', 'Carotid Arteries', 'Carotid Artery Diseases', 'Electroencephalography', 'Endarterectomy', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Intraoperative Care', 'Intraoperative Complications', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Monitoring, Physiologic']

[['M01.060.116.100'], ['E04.035'], ['E01.370.600.875.249', 'G09.330.380.076'], ['C10.228.140.300.150', 'C14.907.253.092'], ['A07.015.114.186'], ['C10.228.140.300.200', 'C14.907.253.123'], ['E01.370.376.300', 'E01.370.405.245'], ['E04.100.814.456'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E02.760.731.400', 'E04.604.249', 'N02.421.585.722.400'], ['C23.550.505'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E01.370.520']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Health Care [N]']

The PEDALS stationary cycling intervention and health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following a stationary cycling intervention in children with cerebral palsy (CP).METHOD: This was a phase I multisite randomized controlled trial with single blinding. HRQOL was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory SF15 (PedsQL; children) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI; parent proxy) before and after a 3-month stationary cycling intervention. Sixty-two children (29 male, 33 female; mean age 11y; range 7-18y) with spastic diplegic CP, classified as levels I to III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System, were enrolled. Paired and independent t-tests were used to evaluate within- and between-group differences respectively.RESULTS: Between-group differences, favoring the cycling group, were found for PedsQL emotional functioning (p=0.046) and Parental PODCI treatment expectations scores (p=0.006). Between-group differences were not found for other scales. Within-group improvements were found in the cycling group: PedsQL total score (+5.8; p=0.006), psychosocial health summary (+6.9; p=0.008), and school functioning (+8.0; p=0.038). PODCI satisfaction with symptoms decreased significantly only in the control group (-12.0; p=0.046).INTERPRETATION: A beneficial influence of exercise on pediatric emotional well-being and parental treatment expectations was found. The evidence was not strong for other aspects of HRQOL. Results support the positive relationship between physical fitness and emotional well-being in the general population. A child's perception is important when examining change in his or her emotional well-being due to intervention.

['Adolescent', 'California', 'Cerebral Palsy', 'Child', 'Comorbidity', 'Exercise Therapy', 'Female', 'Health Status', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Missouri', 'Motor Skills', 'Quality of Life', 'Severity of Illness Index', 'Treatment Outcome']

[['M01.060.057'], ['Z01.107.567.875.580.200', 'Z01.107.567.875.760.200'], ['C10.228.140.140.254'], ['M01.060.406'], ['N05.715.350.225', 'N06.850.490.687'], ['E02.760.169.063.500.387', 'E02.779.483', 'E02.831.535.483'], ['I01.240.425', 'N01.224.425', 'N06.850.505.400.425'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['Z01.107.567.875.510.515'], ['F02.808.260'], ['I01.800', 'K01.752.400.750', 'N06.850.505.400.425.837'], ['E05.318.308.980.438.475.456.500', 'N05.715.360.300.800.438.375.364.500', 'N06.850.520.308.980.438.475.364.500'], ['E01.789.800', 'N04.761.559.590.800', 'N05.715.360.575.575.800']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Humanities [K]']

Structure-activity correlations in human kidney aldehyde reductase-catalyzed reduction of para-substituted benzaldehyde by 3-acetyl pyridine adenine dinucleotide phosphate.

Steady-state kinetic parameters of the human kidney aldehyde reductase-catalyzed reduction of para-substituted benzaldehydes by 3-acetyl pyridine dinucleotide phosphate (3-APADPH) were determined. The kcat of aldehyde reduction by 3-APADPH was 2- to 4-fold lower than by NADPH. The dissociation constant of 3-APADPH from the enzyme-coenzyme complex was higher (77 microM) than that of NADPH (5.3 microM). Primary deuterium kinetic isotope effects on both kcat and kcat/Km for para-substituted benzaldehyde reduction by 3-APADPH (with the exception of para-carboxybenzaldehyde) were equal and on average 2.82 +/- 0.21, suggesting that these reactions follow a rapid equilibrium-ordered reaction scheme in which the hydride transfer step is rate-limiting. Multiple regression analysis of the data suggests that benzaldehyde reduction depends upon electronic substituent effects, characterized by a rho value of 0.5. These data are consistent with a transition state in which the charge on the aldehyde carbonyl increases relative to the charge on this group in the ground state. A positive deviation of para-carboxybenzaldehyde from the linear correlation between other benzaldehydes and the substituent constant sigma + suggests a specific interaction of the carboxyl substituent of the substrate with the enzyme.

['Alcohol Dehydrogenase', 'Benzaldehydes', 'Catalysis', 'Humans', 'Kidney', 'Kinetics', 'NADP', 'Oxidation-Reduction', 'Structure-Activity Relationship']

[['D08.811.682.047.820.250'], ['D02.047.222'], ['G02.130'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['A05.810.453'], ['G01.374.661', 'G02.111.490'], ['D03.633.100.759.646.138.749', 'D08.211.625', 'D13.695.667.138.749', 'D13.695.827.068.749'], ['G02.700', 'G03.295.531'], ['G02.111.830', 'G07.690.773.997']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Hyperdynamic resuscitation improves survival in patients with life-threatening burns.

Our clinical experience has led to the conclusion, shared by others, that standard vital signs produce inadequate data for the resuscitation of severe burns. We reviewed three groups of burn patients including an index group (N = 53) whose resuscitation was guided by means of a pulmonary artery catheter, a control group (N = 33) collected from the burn registry for the period just before the index group, and a current group (N = 30) resuscitated with hyperdynamic end points defined empirically from surviving patients as guidelines. The mortality rate and organ failures decreased over time; the mortality rate of the control group was 48%, the index group 32%, and the protocol group 10% (p = 0.003). We concluded that hyperdynamic resuscitation does improve survival and reduces the incidence of organ failure.

['Adult', 'Burns', 'Cardiotonic Agents', 'Catheterization, Swan-Ganz', 'Colloids', 'Fluid Therapy', 'Hemodynamics', 'Humans', 'Resuscitation', 'Survival Rate']

[['M01.060.116'], ['C26.200'], ['D27.505.954.411.222', 'D27.720.799.080'], ['E01.370.370.380.140.210', 'E02.148.224.165', 'E02.148.442.165', 'E04.100.814.529.937.165', 'E04.502.382.937.165', 'E05.157.250.165', 'E05.157.375.165'], ['D20.280', 'D26.255.165'], ['E02.319.360'], ['G09.330.380'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E02.365.647'], ['E05.318.308.985.550.900', 'N01.224.935.698.826', 'N06.850.505.400.975.550.900', 'N06.850.520.308.985.550.900']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Health Care [N]']

Immediate pars plana vitrectomy improves outcome in retained intravitreal lens fragments after phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical features, visual acuity outcomes and the most appropriate intervention time in patients with retained lens fragments managed by pars plana vitrectomy.METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the records of 78 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for retained lens fragments at the Tri-Service General Hospital from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2006.RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 70 years (range, 24-92 years). There were 40 men (51%) and 38 women (49%). The mean follow-up period after surgery was 13.8 months. Forty-five patients (58%) had vitrectomy within 1 day of phacoemulsification (group A), 22 (28%) within 1 week (group B) and 11 (14%) after more than 1 week (group C). No patients in group A developed complications, and 76% achieved a final visual acuity of 6/12 or better. In group B, all patients had elevated intraocular pressure, and 45% achieved a final visual acuity of 6/12 or better. In group C, all patients presented with corneal edema, moderate or severe uveitis, and elevated intraocular pressure. Of these patients, 27% had cystoid macular edema, 36% developed retinal detachment, and 27% had a final visual acuity of 6/12 or better.CONCLUSION: Pars plana vitrectomy performed immediately after cataract surgery for retained lens fragments is a viable option and may achieve a better visual outcome, with reduced risk of secondary glaucoma, retinal detachment or cystoid macular edema.

['Adult', 'Aged', 'Aged, 80 and over', 'Female', 'Follow-Up Studies', 'Humans', 'Lens Subluxation', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Phacoemulsification', 'Retrospective Studies', 'Risk Factors', 'Time Factors', 'Treatment Outcome', 'Visual Acuity', 'Vitrectomy']

[['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['M01.060.116.100.080'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.249', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.350', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.350'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C11.510.598'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E04.540.825.249.704', 'E04.943.875'], ['E05.318.372.500.500.500', 'E05.318.372.500.750.750', 'N05.715.360.330.500.500.500', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.825', 'N06.850.520.450.500.500.500', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.825'], ['E05.318.740.600.800.725', 'N05.715.350.200.700', 'N05.715.360.750.625.700.700', 'N06.850.490.625.750', 'N06.850.520.830.600.800.725'], ['G01.910.857'], ['E01.789.800', 'N04.761.559.590.800', 'N05.715.360.575.575.800'], ['E01.370.380.850.950', 'F02.463.593.932.901', 'G14.940'], ['E04.540.960']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]']

How to Map Theory: Reliable Methods Are Fruitless Without Rigorous Theory.

Good science requires both reliable methods and rigorous theory. Theory allows us to build a unified structure of knowledge, to connect the dots of individual studies and reveal the bigger picture. Some have criticized the proliferation of pet "Theories," but generic "theory" is essential to healthy science, because questions of theory are ultimately those of validity. Although reliable methods and rigorous theory are synergistic, Action Identification suggests psychological tension between them: The more we focus on methodological details, the less we notice the broader connections. Therefore, psychology needs to supplement training in methods (how to design studies and analyze data) with training in theory (how to connect studies and synthesize ideas). This article provides a technique for visually outlining theory: theory mapping. Theory mapping contains five elements, which are illustrated with moral judgment and with cars. Also included are 15 additional theory maps provided by experts in emotion, culture, priming, power, stress, ideology, morality, marketing, decision-making, and more (see all at theorymaps.org ). Theory mapping provides both precision and synthesis, which helps to resolve arguments, prevent redundancies, assess the theoretical contribution of papers, and evaluate the likelihood of surprising effects.

['Cognition', 'Decision Making', 'Humans', 'Judgment', 'Knowledge', 'Morals', 'Psychological Theory', 'Thinking']

[['F02.463.188'], ['F02.463.785.373'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['F02.463.785.626'], ['K01.468'], ['F01.829.500', 'K01.752.566'], ['F02.739'], ['F02.463.785']]

['Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Humanities [K]']

Effects of sildenafil on maternal hemodynamics and fetal growth in normal rat pregnancy.

It has been suggested that the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil may be useful in the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy. However, we have reported a selective increase in renal inner medullary PDE5 that participates in the sodium retention of pregnancy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether oral sildenafil treatment impairs maternal plasma volume expansion and/or fetal growth during rat pregnancy. Rats received sildenafil (10 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1), 50 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1), or 90 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) or vehicle on days 4-20 of pregnancy. On days 14-19, rats were housed in metabolic cages for collection of urine and measurement of food and water intake. Terminal hemodynamic and fetal measurements were taken on day 20. None of the sildenafil doses lowered blood pressure, and although all doses increased plasma cGMP concentrations, only the highest dose increased aortic and inner medullary cGMP content. Sildenafil had no effect on maternal weight gain; however, the highest dose decreased both plasma volume and renal sodium retention. The pup number and size were similar among the groups. Therefore, these studies suggest that low doses of systemic sildenafil may be safe during pregnancy in the rat, but higher doses may interfere with the physiological sodium retention and volume expansion of pregnancy. The effects of systemic sildenafil on blood pressure and sodium retention during hypertension in human pregnancy remain to be examined.

['Animals', 'Blood Pressure', 'Creatinine', 'Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5', 'Female', 'Fetal Development', 'Fetus', 'Hematocrit', 'Hemodynamics', 'Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors', 'Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors', 'Piperazines', 'Plasma Volume', 'Pregnancy', 'Pregnancy, Animal', 'Purines', 'Rats', 'Rats, Sprague-Dawley', 'Regional Blood Flow', 'Sildenafil Citrate', 'Sodium', 'Sulfones', 'Vasodilator Agents']

[['B01.050'], ['E01.370.600.875.249', 'G09.330.380.076'], ['D03.383.129.308.207'], ['D08.811.277.352.640.150.500', 'D08.811.277.352.640.155.500', 'D12.644.360.008.500', 'D12.644.360.009.500', 'D12.776.476.008.500', 'D12.776.476.009.500'], ['G07.345.500.325.235', 'G08.686.784.170.157'], ['A16.378'], ['E01.370.225.625.400', 'E05.200.625.400', 'G09.188.370.374'], ['G09.330.380'], ['D27.505.519.389.735.500'], ['D27.505.519.389.735'], ['D03.383.606'], ['G09.188.130.610', 'G09.330.380.092.610'], ['G08.686.784.769'], ['G08.686.784.769.498'], ['D03.633.100.759'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700.750'], ['G09.330.100.780'], ['D02.065.884.675', 'D02.886.590.700.675', 'D03.383.606.854', 'D03.633.100.759.824'], ['D01.268.549.750', 'D01.268.557.650', 'D01.552.528.850', 'D01.552.547.725'], ['D02.886.590'], ['D27.505.954.411.918']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Anatomy [A]']

In vivo evaluation of [11C]- and [18F]-labelled cocaine analogues as potential dopamine transporter ligands for positron emission tomography.

Four analogues of the potent dopamine transporter ligand, WIN 35,428, were radiolabelled with 11C and 18F at the 2-beta-carboxy position for evaluation as potential ligands for imaging dopamine uptake sites by positron emission tomography (PET) namely, methyl (1R-2-exo-3-exo)-8- methyl-3-(4-methylphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylate (RTI-32), its 4-chlorophenyl analogue (RTI-31), 2'-fluoroethyl (1R-2-exo-3-exo)-8-methyl-3-(4-methylphenyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2 - carboxylate (FETT) and its 4-chlorophenyl analogue (FECT). Upon intravenous injection in rats, all four radiotracers displayed preferential accumulation of radioactivity in regions known to contain high concentrations of dopamine uptake sites. Competition studies with two of the analogues, [11C]RTI-32 and [18F]FETT, demonstrated that, for both radiotracers, binding was saturable and displayed the appropriate pharmacology as potential PET ligands for imaging the dopamine transporter. Striatum to cerebellar ratios for [11C]RTI-32 (at 90 min post-injection) and [18F]FETT (at 120 min post-injection) were 27 and 21, respectively.

['Animals', 'Carbon Radioisotopes', 'Carrier Proteins', 'Cocaine', 'Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins', 'Fluorine Radioisotopes', 'Injections, Intravenous', 'Ligands', 'Male', 'Membrane Glycoproteins', 'Membrane Transport Proteins', 'Nerve Tissue Proteins', 'Rats', 'Rats, Sprague-Dawley', 'Tissue Distribution', 'Tomography, Emission-Computed']

[['B01.050'], ['D01.268.150.075.328', 'D01.496.123.328', 'D01.496.749.154'], ['D12.776.157'], ['D02.145.074.722.388', 'D03.132.889.354', 'D03.605.084.500.722.388', 'D03.605.869.388'], ['D12.776.157.530.450.625.124', 'D12.776.157.530.562.374.500.500', 'D12.776.157.530.937.500', 'D12.776.543.585.450.625.124', 'D12.776.543.585.562.374.500.500', 'D12.776.543.585.937.500'], ['D01.496.749.340'], ['E02.319.267.082.750', 'E02.319.267.530.540'], ['D27.720.470.480'], ['D12.776.395.550', 'D12.776.543.550'], ['D12.776.157.530', 'D12.776.543.585'], ['D12.776.631'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700.750'], ['G03.787.917', 'G07.690.725.949'], ['E01.370.350.350.800', 'E01.370.350.600.350.800', 'E01.370.350.710.800', 'E01.370.350.825.800', 'E01.370.384.730.800']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Partitiviridae.

The Partitiviridae is a family of small, isometric, non-enveloped viruses with bisegmented double-stranded (ds) RNA genomes of 3-4.8 kbp. The two genome segments are individually encapsidated. The family has five genera, with characteristic hosts for members of each genus: either plants or fungi for genera Alphapartitivirus and Betapartitivirus, fungi for genus Gammapartitivirus, plants for genus Deltapartitivirus and protozoa for genus Cryspovirus. Partitiviruses are transmitted intracellularly via seeds (plants), oocysts (protozoa) or hyphal anastomosis, cell division and sporogenesis (fungi); there are no known natural vectors. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Partitiviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/partitiviridae.

['Alveolata', 'Fungi', 'Genome, Viral', 'Phylogeny', 'Plants', 'RNA Viruses', 'RNA, Viral', 'Terminology as Topic', 'Virion', 'Virus Replication']

[['B01.043'], ['B01.300'], ['G05.360.340.358.840'], ['G05.697', 'G16.075.605', 'L01.100.697'], ['B01.650'], ['B04.820'], ['D13.444.735.828'], ['L01.559.598.400'], ['A21.249'], ['G06.920.925']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Cross-subtype antibody and cellular immune responses induced by a polyvalent DNA prime-protein boost HIV-1 vaccine in healthy human volunteers.

An optimally effective AIDS vaccine would likely require the induction of both neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immune responses, which has proven difficult to obtain in previous clinical trials. Here we report on the induction of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV-1)-specific immune responses in healthy adult volunteers that received the multi-gene, polyvalent, DNA prime-protein boost HIV-1 vaccine formulation, DP6-001, in a Phase I clinical trial conducted in healthy adult volunteers of both genders. Robust cross-subtype HIV-1-specific T cell responses were detected in IFNgamma ELISPOT assays. Furthermore, we detected high titer serum antibody responses that recognized a wide range of primary HIV-1 Env antigens and also neutralized pseudotyped viruses that express the primary Env antigens from multiple HIV-1 subtypes. These findings demonstrate that the DNA prime-protein boost approach is an effective immunization method to elicit both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in humans, and that a polyvalent Env formulation could generate broad immune responses against HIV-1 viruses with diverse genetic backgrounds.

['AIDS Vaccines', 'Adolescent', 'Adult', 'HIV Antibodies', 'HIV Envelope Protein gp120', 'Human Experimentation', 'Humans', 'Immunoglobulin G', 'Interferon-gamma', 'Middle Aged', 'Neutralization Tests', 'T-Lymphocytes', 'Vaccines, DNA']

[['D20.215.894.899.050'], ['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['D12.776.124.486.485.114.254.150.440', 'D12.776.124.790.651.114.254.150.440', 'D12.776.377.715.548.114.254.150.440'], ['D12.776.964.775.325.164.249', 'D12.776.964.775.562.500.500', 'D12.776.964.970.880.325.164.249', 'D23.050.327.520.350'], ['E05.445', 'H01.770.644.145.365'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D12.776.124.486.485.114.619.393', 'D12.776.124.790.651.114.619.393', 'D12.776.377.715.548.114.619.393'], ['D12.644.276.374.440.893', 'D12.644.276.374.480.615.350', 'D12.776.467.374.440.893', 'D12.776.467.374.480.615.350', 'D23.529.374.440.893', 'D23.529.374.480.615.350'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E01.370.225.812.735.550', 'E05.200.812.735.550', 'E05.478.594.760.550'], ['A11.118.637.555.567.569', 'A15.145.229.637.555.567.569', 'A15.382.490.555.567.569'], ['D12.776.828.868.910', 'D20.215.894.865.910', 'D23.050.865.910']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Anatomy [A]']

A liquor contacting area in the pineal recess of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus).

The wall of the third ventricle in the pineal recess of the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) has been investigated by light and electron microscopy. Deep in the pineal recess, where the ependymal lining is thin and non-ciliated, clusters of pinealocytes protrude into the ventricular lumen. They force the ependyma apart so that their surface is directly exposed to the CSF, while basal processes extend towards the hypependymal pineal tissue. It is assumed that these cells may secrete melatonin into the CSF which is known to contain varying amounts of this hormone.

['Animals', 'Cerebral Ventricles', 'Cerebrospinal Fluid', 'Cricetinae', 'Ependyma', 'Male', 'Melatonin', 'Mesocricetus', 'Microscopy, Electron', 'Pineal Gland']

[['B01.050'], ['A08.186.211.140'], ['A12.207.270.210'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.075.250'], ['A08.186.211.140.460', 'A10.755.260'], ['D03.633.100.473.914.481', 'D06.472.506'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.075.250.500'], ['E01.370.350.515.402', 'E05.595.402'], ['A06.300.635', 'A06.688.733', 'A08.186.211.180.200.680', 'A08.186.211.200.317.200.620', 'A08.713.733']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Incidence of microcracks in maxillary first premolars after instrumentation with three different mechanized file systems: a comparative ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine the potential for microcracks in the radicular dentin of first maxillary premolars using three different mechanized endodontic instrumentation systems.METHODS: Eighty extracted maxillary first premolars with two root canals and no externally visible microcracks were selected. Root canal instrumentation was performed with either the ProTaper file system, the WaveOne primary file, or the self-adjusting file (SAF). Teeth with intact roots served as controls. The roots were cut into segments and examined with an intensive, small-diameter light source that was applied diagonally to the entire periphery of the root slice under ?20 magnification; the presence of microcracks and fractures was recorded. Pearson's chi-square method was used for statistical analysis, and significance was set at p < 0.05.RESULTS: Microcracks were present in 30 and 20 % of roots treated with the ProTaper and WaveOne systems, respectively, while no microcracks were present in the roots treated with the SAF (p = 0.008 and p = 0.035, respectively). Intact teeth presented with cracks in 5 % of the roots. The intensive, small-diameter light source revealed microcracks that could not be detected when using the microscope's light alone.CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it could be concluded that mechanized root canal instrumentation with the ProTaper and WaveOne systems in maxillary first premolars causes microcracks in the radicular dentin, while the use of the SAF file causes no such microcracks.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Rotary and reciprocating files with large tapers may cause microcracks in the radicular dentin of maxillary first premolars. Less aggressive methods should be considered for these teeth.

['Bicuspid', 'Dental Instruments', 'Equipment Design', 'Humans', 'In Vitro Techniques', 'Maxilla', 'Root Canal Preparation']

[['A14.549.167.860.150'], ['E06.186.501', 'E07.222.501'], ['E05.320'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E05.481'], ['A02.835.232.781.324.502.645', 'A14.521.645'], ['E06.397.778.889', 'E06.931.625']]

['Anatomy [A]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Organisms [B]']

Characterisation of the water-isopropyl myristate system.

Partition coefficients for compounds (solutes) from water to isopropyl myristate, IPM, have been obtained from the literature, either as directly determined partition coefficients or from solubilities in water and in IPM. The general solvation equation of Abraham has been applied to 141 such partition coefficients, as logPipm, and it is shown that the main solute factors that influence partition are dipolarity/polarisability, hydrogen bond acidity and hydrogen bond basicity that reduce partition, and volume that increases partition. These factors are quantitatively very similar to those that influence partition in the water to olive oil system, and indicate that IPM has the expected behaviour of a long chain, hydrophobic ester. It is shown that the water to IPM system is a poor model for partition between water and human stratum corneum and for permeation from water through human skin.

['Epidermis', 'Humans', 'Myristates', 'Water']

[['A10.272.497', 'A17.815.250'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D10.251.640.610'], ['D01.045.250.875', 'D01.248.497.158.459.650', 'D01.650.550.925']]

['Anatomy [A]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]']

The influence of the host cell on standardisation of influenza vaccine potency.

Conventional influenza vaccines are standardised using the single-radial-immunodiffusion (SRD) test where reagents are produced from egg-grown viruses. It is important to ensure homology between SRD antigen reagents and test vaccines. There was concern that cell-grown vaccines may differ antigenically from corresponding egg-grown vaccines, which may in turn affect vaccine standardisation. In an examination of five cell-grown vaccines from two companies, only one vaccine was affected by the specificity of the SRD test. Options for standardisation of cell-grown vaccines are considered and recommendations are made for further studies.

['Animals', 'Antigens, Viral', 'Cell Line', 'Chick Embryo', 'Dogs', 'Humans', 'Immunodiffusion', 'Influenza A virus', 'Influenza Vaccines', 'Radioimmunoassay', 'Virus Cultivation']

[['B01.050'], ['D23.050.327'], ['A11.251.210'], ['A13.350.150', 'A16.331.200'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.750.250.216.200'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E01.370.225.812.735.645.350', 'E05.200.812.735.645.350', 'E05.478.594.760.645.350', 'E05.478.605.492.350'], ['B04.820.480.968.405.400'], ['D20.215.894.899.302'], ['E01.370.384.700', 'E05.478.566.639', 'E05.601.470.639'], ['E01.370.225.875.970', 'E05.200.875.970']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Brachybacterium saurashtrense sp. nov., a halotolerant root-associated bacterium with plant growth-promoting potential.

A Gram-positive-staining, aerobic, non-motile, coccoid shaped, halotolerant bacterium (strain JG 06(T)) was isolated from the roots of Salicornia brachiata, an extreme halophyte. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the novel strain had sequence similarities of 99.2% to Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum JCM 11608(T), 99.0% to Brachybacterium conglomeratum DSM 10241 and 98.2% to Brachybacterium faecium DSM 4810(T). DNA-DNA hybridization with B. paraconglomeratum DSM 46341(T), B. conglomeratum DSM 10241(T), B. faecium DSM 4810(T), Brachybacterium tyrofermentans DSM 10673(T), Brachybacterium alimentarium DSM 10672(T), Brachybacterium fresconsis DSM 14564(T), Brachybacterium sacelli DSM 14566(T) and Brachybacterium muris DSM 15460(T) resulted in reassociation values of 36.2%, 36.5%, 35.8%, 27.6%, 27.9%, 28.2%, 28.7% and 11.2%, respectively. The peptidoglycan type of strain JG 06(T) was variant A4ã. The menaquinone content was MK7 (100%). The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, monogalactosyl diglyceride, three unidentified phospholipids and three glycolipids. The predominant fatty acid was anteiso-C(15:0) (52.07%); significant amounts of iso-C(16:0)(12.38%), iso-C(15:0 )(8.59%) and anteiso-C(17:0)(10.03%) were also present. The G+C content of the DNA was 73.0 mol%. The strain formed a growth pellicle in nitrogen-free semisolid NFb medium containing NaCl at levels of up to 4% (w/v) and reduced acetylene to ethylene, a result indicative of N(2) fixation. In nutrient broth medium the novel strain grew at NaCl concentrations up to 15% (w/v). It also had the ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores, utilized 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) as a sole source of nitrogen and possessed the ACC deaminase enzyme. On the basis of physiological, biochemical data and phylogenetic analyses, strain JG 06(T) should be placed in the genus Brachybacterium. Strain JG 06(T) represents a novel species of the genus Brachybacterium for which the name Brachybacterium saurashtrense sp. nov. is proposed (type strain JG 06(T)=DSM 23186(T)=IMCC 252(T)).

['Actinomycetales', 'Base Composition', 'Chenopodiaceae', 'DNA, Bacterial', 'DNA, Ribosomal', 'Fatty Acids', 'Molecular Sequence Data', 'Phylogeny', 'Plant Roots', 'RNA, Ribosomal, 16S', 'Sodium Chloride']

[['B03.510.024.049'], ['G02.111.080'], ['B01.650.940.800.575.912.250.200'], ['D13.444.308.212'], ['D13.444.308.475'], ['D10.251'], ['L01.453.245.667'], ['G05.697', 'G16.075.605', 'L01.100.697'], ['A18.400'], ['D13.444.735.686.670'], ['D01.210.450.150.875', 'D01.857.650']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Anatomy [A]']

A study of sensory recovery following carpal tunnel release.

The purpose of this study was to define the testing parameters that are most sensitive to sensory loss in carpal tunnel syndrome and then to track recovery of these sensations postoperatively. Two dozen patients underwent standard nerve decompression and were subsequently re-evaluated at six weeks, three months, and six months. The test battery included provocative maneuvers, light-touch threshold determined by manually applied monofilaments and skin indentation with the Automated Tactile Tester (ATT), manual two-point discrimination, manual high-frequency vibration and ATT low-frequency vibration, and ATT warmth detection. The most sensitive indicators of sensory abnormality were the ATT low-frequency vibration and skin indentation tests. Responses to all but these two tests returned to normal within two months postoperatively. The ATT indentation and vibration tests showed continual improvement over the study period, returning to nearly normal values by six months. Recommendations concerning the use of automated methods for testing sensory function are made in light of these findings.

['Adult', 'Aged', 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome', 'Discrimination, Psychological', 'Female', 'Hand', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Neurologic Examination', 'Sensation', 'Sensory Thresholds', 'Thermosensing', 'Touch', 'Vibration']

[['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['C10.668.829.500.500.200', 'C10.668.829.550.200', 'C26.844.150.206'], ['F02.463.593.257'], ['A01.378.800.667'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E01.370.376.550', 'E01.370.600.550'], ['F02.830.816', 'G11.561.790'], ['F02.463.593.710'], ['F02.830.816.781', 'G07.850', 'G11.561.790.781'], ['F02.830.816.850', 'G11.561.790.850'], ['G01.374.930']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

The effects of recombinant human leptin on visceral fat, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-associated lipoatrophy and hypoleptinemia.

CONTEXT: Leptin deficiency is associated with dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in animals and humans with lipoatrophy; leptin replacement ameliorates these abnormalities.OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of leptin therapy in lipoatrophic HIV-infected patients with dyslipidemia and hypoleptinemia.DESIGN: This was a 6-month, open-label, proof-of-principle pilot study.SETTING: Metabolic ward studies were performed before and 3 and 6 months after leptin treatment.PARTICIPANTS: Participants included eight HIV-infected men with lipoatrophy, fasting triglycerides greater than 300 mg/dl, and serum leptin less than 3 ng/ml.INTERVENTION: Recombinant human leptin was given by sc injection (0.01 mg/kg and 0.03 mg/kg twice daily for successive 3 month periods).OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures included fat distribution by magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; fasting lipids; insulin sensitivity by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp; endogenous glucose production, gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and whole-body lipolysis by stable isotope tracer studies; oral glucose tolerance testing; liver fat by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and safety.RESULTS: Visceral fat decreased by 32% (P = 0.001) with no changes in peripheral fat. There were significant decreases in fasting total (15%, P = 0.012), direct low-density lipoprotein (20%, P = 0.002), and non-high-density lipoprotein (19%, P = 0.005) cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased. Triglycerides, whole-body lipolysis, and free fatty acids decreased during fasting and hyperinsulinemia. Fasting insulin decreased. Endogenous glucose production decreased during fasting and hyperinsulinemia, providing evidence of improved hepatic insulin sensitivity. Leptin was well tolerated but decreased lean mass.CONCLUSIONS: Leptin treatment was associated with marked improvement in dyslipidemia. Hepatic insulin sensitivity improved and lipolysis decreased. Visceral fat decreased with no exacerbation of peripheral lipoatrophy. Results from this pilot study suggest that leptin warrants further study in patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy.

['Adipose Tissue', 'Adult', 'Body Composition', 'Cholesterol', 'HIV Infections', 'Humans', 'Leptin', 'Lipodystrophy', 'Middle Aged', 'Oxygen Consumption', 'Recombinant Proteins', 'Triglycerides', 'Viscera']

[['A10.165.114'], ['M01.060.116'], ['G02.111.130', 'G03.180', 'G07.100.049'], ['D04.210.500.247.222.284', 'D04.210.500.247.808.197', 'D10.570.938.208'], ['C01.221.250.875', 'C01.221.812.640.400', 'C01.778.640.400', 'C01.925.782.815.616.400', 'C01.925.813.400', 'C20.673.480'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D06.472.699.042.500', 'D12.644.276.024.500', 'D12.644.548.011.500', 'D12.776.467.024.500', 'D23.529.024.500'], ['C17.800.849.391', 'C18.452.584.625', 'C18.452.880.391'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['G03.680'], ['D12.776.828'], ['D10.351.801'], ['A01.960']]

['Anatomy [A]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Organisms [B]']

Success of medical therapy in a rare case of cecal ameboma.

INTRODUCTION: Colitis caused by Entamoeba histolytica (EH) is prevalent in developing countries. Clinical presentation ranges from mild diarrhoea episodes to dysentery and liver abscess. Ameboma, a complication caused by EH invasion of the intestinal wall, is a rare presentation of amebiasis, occurring approximately in 1.5% of cases. Because of its insidious and variable clinical presentation only few cases are diagnosed previous to surgical intervention. We report a 52 years old Mexican-mestizo female, presenting with a pain-less right lower quadrant abdominal mass and diagnosed of cecal ameboma prior to surgery by colonoscopy and histopathologic examination. The present case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and medical therapy with antiparasitic drugs in order to avoid complications that could lead these patients to unnecessary surgical management.

['Amebiasis', 'Cecal Diseases', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Middle Aged', 'Remission Induction']

[['C01.610.752.049'], ['C06.405.469.110'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E02.860']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Pre-operative localization of aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenomas.

Techniques for pro-operative localization of aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenomas were studied in thirty-seven patients, each with hypertension and biochemical evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism and each later having adrenal surgery (thirty-two adenomas, five bilateral hyperplasia). Bilateral adrenal vein catheterization was attempted in all cases; it was successful on the left side in all patients and in 92% of cases on the right. Adrenal vein plasma samples were obtained from the left side in 92% and from the right in 73% of cases. Adrenal vein plasma aldosterone measurements correctly indicated the presence of tumour in twenty-eight cases but falsely predicted unilateral adenoma in two cases of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Adrenal venography also correctly predicted unilateral adrenal adenomas in twenty-six cases but falsely suggested the presence of tumour in three cases of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Computed tomography (CT) was used in the last eight cases. In seven instances the predictions (six adenomas, one bilateral adrenal hyperplasia) were confirmed at surgery. However, the remaining patient harboured an adenoma 20 mm in diameter which was not detected by CT although diagnosed both by adrenal venography and adrenal vein aldosterone measurements. Ultrasound detected adenoma in only three of twenty-two cases examined. Although further comparative studies of the type described here are required, the results of computed tomography are promising and suggest that this non-invasive technique might well become the first choice procedure in localizing aldosterone-secreting adenomas.

['Adenoma', 'Adrenal Gland Neoplasms', 'Adrenal Glands', 'Adult', 'Aged', 'Aldosterone', 'Catheterization', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Hyperplasia', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Tomography, X-Ray Computed', 'Ultrasonography']

[['C04.557.470.035'], ['C04.588.322.078', 'C19.053.347', 'C19.344.078'], ['A06.300.071'], ['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['D04.210.500.745.745.654.062', 'D06.472.040.585.353.118'], ['E02.148', 'E05.157'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C23.550.444'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E01.370.350.350.810', 'E01.370.350.600.350.700.810', 'E01.370.350.700.700.810', 'E01.370.350.700.810.810', 'E01.370.350.825.810.810'], ['E01.370.350.850']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Organisms [B]']

Carbofuran-induced neurochemical and neurobehavioral alterations in rats: attenuation by N-acetylcysteine.

Carbofuran, a widely used carbamate pesticide, has been reported to cause neurotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in carbofuran neurotoxicity are not well understood. The present study was envisaged to investigate the possible role of oxidative stress in carbofuran neurotoxicity and to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly inhibited in all the regions of brain after carbofuran exposure (1 mg/kg body weight, orally, for 28 days). NAC, on the other hand, was found to partially restore the activity of acetylcholinesterase in carbofuran treated animals. Carbofuran exposure resulted in increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) in brain regions accompanied by decreased levels of glutathione. NAC administration to the carbofuran exposed animals lowered LPO along with partial repletion in glutathione levels. Concomitantly, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were significantly decreased after carbofuran exposure, while no significant change in the activity of glutathione-S-transferase was observed. NAC treatment to carbofuran treated rats resulted in protective effect on the activities of these enzymes. Marked impairment in the motor function was seen following carbofuran exposure, which is evident by significant decrease in the retention time of the rats on rotating rods. Cognitive deficits were also seen after carbofuran exposure as indicated by the significant decrease in active avoidance response. NAC treatment significantly improved the carbofuran-induced neurobehavioral deficits. The results clearly demonstrate that carbofuran exerts its neurotoxic effects by accentuating oxidative stress and suggest neuroprotective role of NAC in carbofuran neurotoxicity.

['Acetylcholinesterase', 'Acetylcysteine', 'Analysis of Variance', 'Animals', 'Avoidance Learning', 'Behavior, Animal', 'Brain', 'Brain Chemistry', 'Carbofuran', 'Cholinesterase Inhibitors', 'Drug Interactions', 'Free Radical Scavengers', 'Glutathione', 'Lipid Peroxidation', 'Male', 'Rats', 'Rats, Wistar', 'Rotarod Performance Test']

[['D08.811.277.352.100.170.176'], ['D02.886.030.230.259', 'D12.125.166.230.259'], ['E05.318.740.150', 'N05.715.360.750.125', 'N06.850.520.830.150'], ['B01.050'], ['F02.463.425.097', 'F02.463.785.373.173'], ['F01.145.113'], ['A08.186.211'], ['G02.111.150', 'G03.185'], ['D02.241.081.251.583.166'], ['D27.505.519.389.275', 'D27.505.519.625.120.300', 'D27.505.696.577.120.300'], ['G07.690.773.968'], ['D27.505.519.217.500'], ['D12.644.456.448'], ['G02.111.515', 'G03.295.531.587'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700.900'], ['E05.017.449']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

Immunofluorescence staining.

This unit provides a protocol for indirect immunofluorescence, which is a method that provides information about the locations of specific molecules and the structure of the cell. Antibody molecules for a specific target molecule are exposed to the cell or tissue being investigated. The binding of these molecules is detected by incubating the sample with a secondary antibody specific for immunoglobulin molecules and conjugated to fluorophore. This provides both a visible signal and amplification of the signal and the results are observed with a fluorescent microscope.

['Animals', 'Antigen-Antibody Reactions', 'Cells, Cultured', 'Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect', 'Fluorescent Dyes', 'Indicators and Reagents', 'Microscopy, Fluorescence', 'Specimen Handling', 'Staining and Labeling', 'Tissue Fixation']

[['B01.050'], ['G12.122'], ['A11.251'], ['E01.370.225.500.607.512.240.310', 'E01.370.225.750.551.512.240.310', 'E05.200.500.607.512.240.310', 'E05.200.750.551.512.240.310', 'E05.478.583.375.310'], ['D27.720.233.348', 'D27.720.470.410.505.500'], ['D27.720.470.410'], ['E01.370.350.515.458', 'E05.595.458'], ['E01.370.225.998', 'E05.200.998'], ['E01.370.225.500.620.670', 'E01.370.225.750.600.670', 'E05.200.500.620.670', 'E05.200.750.600.670'], ['E01.370.225.500.620.760.720', 'E01.370.225.750.600.760.720', 'E05.200.500.620.760.720', 'E05.200.750.600.760.720']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]']

Electrochemical screening of anti-microbial peptide LL-37 interaction with phospholipids.

LL-37 is an alpha-helical antimicrobial peptide of human origin. It is a 37 residue cathelicidin peptide. This paper explores the use of electrochemical methods to investigate the interaction of LL-37 with phospholipid and lipid A monolayers on a mercury drop electrode. Experiments were carried out in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline at pH approximately 7.6. The capacity-potential curves of the coated electrode in the presence and absence of LL-37 were measured using out-of-phase ac voltammetry. The frequency dependence of the complex impedance of the coated electrode in the presence and absence of LL-37 was estimated at -0.4 V versus Ag/AgCl 3.5 mol dm(-3) KCl. The monolayer permeability to ions was studied by following the reduction of Tl(I) to Tl(Hg) at the coated electrode. LL-37 shows no significant interaction with DOPC. However, LL-37 shows a small interaction with DOPG and lipid A within a DOPC monolayer where the monolayer permeability is marginally increased and the zero frequency capacitance (ZFC) is marginally decreased in both cases. LL-37 shows a significant interaction with a lipid A monolayer thereby decreasing the ZFC by 30%. The results concur with the known membrane active properties of LL-37 and establish this electrochemical approach as a key technique for screening peptides.

['Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides', 'Electric Impedance', 'Electrochemistry', 'Lipid Bilayers', 'Materials Testing', 'Phospholipids', 'Porosity', 'Spectrum Analysis']

[['D12.644.050', 'D12.776.543.695.054'], ['G01.358.500.249.277.350'], ['H01.181.529.307'], ['D10.570.510', 'J01.637.087.500.510'], ['E05.570'], ['D10.570.755'], ['G01.374.710'], ['E05.196.867']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Reconstitution of carotenoids into the light-harvesting complex B800-850 of Chromatium minutissimum.

Chromatophores and peripheral light-harvesting complexes B800-850 with a trace of carotenoids were isolated from Chromatium minutissimum cells in which carotenoid biosynthesis was inhibited by diphenylamine. Three methods previously used for the reconstitution of carotenoids into either the light-harvesting (LH1) type complexes or reaction centers (RC) of carotenoidless mutants were examined for the possibility of carotenoid reconstitution into the carotenoid depleted chromatophores. All these methods were found to be unsuitable because carotenoid depleted complex B800-850 from Chr. minutissimum is characterized by high lability. We have developed a novel method maintaining the native structure of the complexes and allowing reconstitution of up to 80% of the carotenoids as compared to the control. The reconstituted complex has a similar CD spectrum in the carotenoid region as the control, and its structure restores its stability. These data give direct proof for the structural role of carotenoids in bacterial photosynthesis.

['Bacterial Proteins', 'Carotenoids', 'Chromatium', 'Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid', 'Diphenylamine', 'Mutation', 'Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins']

[['D12.776.097'], ['D02.455.326.271.665.202', 'D02.455.426.392.368.367.379.249', 'D02.455.849.131', 'D23.767.261'], ['B03.440.425.410.290', 'B03.660.250.110.150'], ['E05.196.181.400.300'], ['D02.092.146.350'], ['G05.365.590'], ['D05.500.562.488', 'D08.811.600.710', 'D12.776.543.930.500', 'D12.776.765.199.750.750']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

Genomic and transcriptome analysis of triclosan response of a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain, MDR-ZJ06.

During the last decade, an increasing amount of attention has focused on the potential threat of triclosan to both the human body and environmental ecology. However, the role of triclosan in the development of drug resistance and cross resistance is still in dispute ascribed to largely unknown of triclosan resistance mechanism. In this work, Acinetobacter baumannii MDR-ZJ06, a multidrug-resistant strain, was induced by triclosan, and the genomic variation and transcriptional levels were investigated, respectively. The comparative transcriptomic analysis found that several general protective mechanisms were enhanced under the triclosan condition, including responses to reactive oxygen species and cell membrane damage. Meanwhile, all of the detected fifteen single nucleotide polymorphisms were not directly associated triclosan tolerance. In summary, this work revealed the crucial role of the general stress response in A. baumannii under a triclosan stress condition, which informs a more comprehensive understanding of the role of triclosan in the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.

['Acinetobacter baumannii', 'Anti-Bacterial Agents', 'Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial', 'Gene Expression Profiling', 'Genome, Bacterial', 'Genomics', 'Triclosan']

[['B03.440.400.425.537.050.099', 'B03.660.250.530.050.099'], ['D27.505.954.122.085'], ['G06.099.225.812', 'G06.225.347.812', 'G07.690.773.984.269.347.812', 'G07.690.773.984.300.500'], ['E05.393.332'], ['G05.360.340.358.207'], ['H01.158.273.180.350', 'H01.158.273.343.350'], ['D02.355.726.900', 'D02.455.426.559.389.657.654.900']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]']

Xanthine derivatives: comparison between suppression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha production and inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase activity.

Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated suppression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) synthesis by pentoxifylline. In the present study we compared the effect of pentoxifylline with that of five other xanthine derivatives. We addressed two questions. First, what is the relative potency of those chemically related compounds in suppressing the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of TNF-alpha in human mononuclear cells? Second, does suppression of TNF-alpha production by these xanthine derivatives correlate with their capacity to inhibit 3',5'-cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity? The experimental drug A 80 2715 [1-(5-hydroxy-5-methylhexyl)-3-methyl-7-propylxanthine] was identified as the most potent agent with an IC50 (concentration exerting 50% suppression of LPS-induced TNF-alpha production) of 41 microM (mean of 13 individuals). The IC50 values of the other substances ranged between 106 microM for HWA 138 and 419 microM for theophylline. The LPS-induced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) production was not influenced by all substances tested at comparable concentrations. Inhibition of PDE activity was determined in a cell-free system using PDE isolated from bovine heart. All xanthine derivatives dose-dependently inhibited PDE activity. Furthermore, with the exception of theophylline, there was a high degree of correlation between the potency to suppress TNF-alpha production in the cell culture system and the potency to inhibit PDE activity in the cell-free enzymatic assay. This argues for a crucial role of PDE inhibition in the suppression of TNF-alpha synthesis by xanthine derivatives.

["3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases", 'Cells, Cultured', 'Dose-Response Relationship, Drug', 'Humans', 'Pentoxifylline', 'Theophylline', 'Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha', 'Xanthines']

[['D08.811.277.352.640.150', 'D12.644.360.008', 'D12.776.476.008'], ['A11.251'], ['G07.690.773.875', 'G07.690.936.500'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D03.633.100.759.758.824.651.700'], ['D03.132.960.751', 'D03.633.100.759.758.824.751'], ['D12.644.276.374.500.800', 'D12.644.276.374.750.626', 'D12.776.124.900', 'D12.776.395.930', 'D12.776.467.374.500.800', 'D12.776.467.374.750.626', 'D23.529.374.500.800', 'D23.529.374.750.626'], ['D03.132.960', 'D03.633.100.759.758.824']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]']

A voltage-clamp study of calcium currents in neurons freshly isolated from the dorsal root ganglion of adult rats.

Calcium currents were studied in a preparation of freshly isolated neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of adult rats using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique in conditions of minimal current flow through sodium and potassium channels. A low-threshold (LT) and a high-threshold (HT) current were distinguished on the basis of a different potential of activation. Both currents also showed differences in their peak amplitude, their distribution among the cells, their kinetics, their steady-state inactivation curve and their sensitivity to cadmium. Comparison of the properties of both currents with the known properties of calcium currents in DRG neurons from immature animals indicates a slower rate of inactivation of the LT-current in the adult DRG neuron. The calcium entry blocker flunarizine (10 microM) caused a negative shift of the steady-state inactivation curve of the inactivating component of HT-current, an effect which suggests voltage-dependent inhibition.

['Animals', 'Cadmium', 'Calcium Channels', 'Electric Conductivity', 'Flunarizine', 'Ganglia, Spinal', 'Kinetics', 'Neurons', 'Nifedipine', 'Potassium Channels', 'Rats', 'Rats, Wistar', 'Sodium Channels']

[['B01.050'], ['D01.268.556.137', 'D01.268.956.061', 'D01.552.544.137'], ['D12.776.157.530.400.150', 'D12.776.543.550.450.150', 'D12.776.543.585.400.150'], ['G01.358.500.249.277'], ['D03.383.606.450'], ['A08.340.390.340', 'A08.800.350.340', 'A08.800.800.720.725.350'], ['G01.374.661', 'G02.111.490'], ['A08.675', 'A11.671'], ['D03.383.725.203.540'], ['D12.776.157.530.400.600', 'D12.776.543.550.450.750', 'D12.776.543.585.400.750'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700.900'], ['D12.776.157.530.400.875', 'D12.776.543.550.450.875', 'D12.776.543.585.400.875']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Nanotube surfactant design: the versatility of water-soluble perylene bisimides.

The synthesis of perylene-based single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) surfactants and the dispersion and exfoliation of SWCNTs in water by a variety of designed surfactants is investigated. The quality of the nanotube dispersions is evaluated by optical absorption and emission spectroscopy, zeta-potential measurements and statistical atomic force microscopy (AFM). Significantly the dispersion efficiency can be increased at higher pH, as water solubility of the surfactants is ensured by peripheral derivatization with carboxyl-functionalized first- and second-order Newkome dendrimers. Even at very low perylene concentrations of 0.1 g L(-1) and a nanotube-to-surfactant ratio of 1:1, the nanotube supernatant after centrifugation contains up to 73% of the pristine material with exfoliation degrees (the number of fractions of individualized nanotubes N(I)/N(T)) of up to 76%. The adsorption of the perylene core to the nanotube scaffold is indicated by red-shifted perylene-absorption and SWCNT-emission features except for the smallest perylene amphiphile, where solubilization is presumably based on a micellar arrangement. The nanotube fluorescence is significantly altered and reduced in intensity compared to nanotubes dispersed in sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) being strongly dependent on the structure of the perylene surfactant. We attribute this observation to the homogeneity of the surfactant coverage, e.g., the supramolecular arrangement onto the nanotube backbone. This study represents a step forward in understanding the structure-property relationship of nanotube surfactants. Furthermore high-quality nanotube dispersions with increased degrees of exfoliation are highly desirable, as the efficiency of nanotube separation techniques relies on highly individualized samples.

['Imides', 'Microscopy, Atomic Force', 'Nanotubes, Carbon', 'Perylene', 'Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet', 'Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared', 'Surface-Active Agents', 'Water']

[['D02.478'], ['E01.370.350.515.666.400', 'E05.595.666.400'], ['D01.268.150.250.500', 'J01.637.512.850.500'], ['D02.455.426.559.847.149.700', 'D02.455.426.559.847.680.500', 'D04.615.149.700', 'D04.615.680.500'], ['E05.196.712.726.802', 'E05.196.867.826.802'], ['E01.370.350.750', 'E05.196.867.851'], ['D27.720.877'], ['D01.045.250.875', 'D01.248.497.158.459.650', 'D01.650.550.925']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]']

The effects of different phosphoric acid concentrations on surface enamel.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different acid concentrations on the enamel surface morphology. The buccal surfaces of 25 extracted premolars from young patients were etched with 40%, 20%, 10%, 5%, and 2% phosphoric acid solutions for 60 seconds. The specimens were examined with a scanning electron microscope in the occlusal, central, and cervical regions. A great variation of the etching patterns was observed in almost all test groups. The extent of the appearance of prism outlines was smaller in the cervical region and at lower acid concentrations. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of lower concentrated acids are discussed.

['Acid Etching, Dental', 'Adolescent', 'Child', 'Dental Enamel', 'Dental Enamel Solubility', 'Humans', 'Microscopy, Electron, Scanning', 'Phosphoric Acids', 'Time Factors']

[['E06.931.475.111'], ['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.406'], ['A14.549.167.900.255'], ['G10.549.181'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E01.370.350.515.402.541', 'E05.595.402.541'], ['D01.029.260.700.675', 'D01.695.625.675'], ['G01.910.857']]

['Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]']

Conceptual views on quality of life.

Quality of life can be discussed in many ways. One way is to analyse the empirical quantitative approach to determine whether the research categories are operational, empirically unambiguous, and thematically relevant; progress, in the sense of changing the number of research categories, does not take place through a systematic empirical test but through a modification of the theory of quality of life. The current debate on quality of life has included a conflict between natural science and a humanistic approach. Our view is that quality of life must be defined through the difficult concept of happiness. When cancer threatens happiness, not one but two fundamental crises influence quality of life, which we regard as a key concept of a therapeutic method.

['Adaptation, Psychological', 'Choice Behavior', 'Humanism', 'Humans', 'Neoplasms', 'Quality of Life', 'Research Design', 'Science']

[['F01.058'], ['F02.463.785.373.346'], ['K01.752.566.479.174', 'N05.350.835'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C04'], ['I01.800', 'K01.752.400.750', 'N06.850.505.400.425.837'], ['E05.581.500', 'H01.770.644.728'], ['H01.770']]

['Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Humanities [K]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]']

Current use of preoperative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in high-risk cardiac surgery: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative introduction of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) reduced mortality in high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data on all patients who underwent cardiac surgery at a university hospital in Sydney, New South Wales, between 1 January 2002 and 20 August 2007. High risk was defined as the presence of two or more recognised risk factors. We compared the observed mortality to the mortality predicted by the EuroSCORE, and conducted a logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of preoperative IABC on mortality.RESULTS: Among 358 patients deemed high risk, 36 underwent preoperative IABC. This group had higher EuroSCORE-predicted mortality than the group that did not undergo IABC (38% v 18%, P = 0.008). Despite this, observed mortality was similar for those with and without preoperative IABC (both 2.8%) and was significantly lower than predicted in both groups. This equates to a riskadjusted reduction in mortality associated with the use of preoperative IABC (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95%CI, 0.26-0.84; P = 0.005). This result was not confirmed in the logistic regression analysis, with an adjusted odds ratio for mortality of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.09-7.6; P = 0.88). Rates of postoperative complications, including limb ischaemia, were low and similar in both groups.CONCLUSIONS: In this study of high-risk CABG patients, the use of preoperative IABC in the group with higher predicted mortality was associated with a relative reduction in observed mortality. These data provide cautious support for the use of preoperative IABC in selected high-risk patients.

['Aged', 'Coronary Artery Bypass', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping', 'Length of Stay', 'Male', 'New South Wales', 'Postoperative Complications', 'Preoperative Care', 'Regression Analysis', 'Retrospective Studies', 'Risk Factors']

[['M01.060.116.100'], ['E04.100.376.719.332', 'E04.100.814.868.750', 'E04.928.220.520.220'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E04.050.215.400'], ['E02.760.400.480', 'N02.421.585.400.480'], ['Z01.639.100.750', 'Z01.678.100.373.750'], ['C23.550.767'], ['E02.760.795', 'E04.604.750', 'N02.421.585.795'], ['E05.318.740.750', 'N05.715.360.750.695', 'N06.850.520.830.750'], ['E05.318.372.500.500.500', 'E05.318.372.500.750.750', 'N05.715.360.330.500.500.500', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.825', 'N06.850.520.450.500.500.500', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.825'], ['E05.318.740.600.800.725', 'N05.715.350.200.700', 'N05.715.360.750.625.700.700', 'N06.850.490.625.750', 'N06.850.520.830.600.800.725']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Diseases [C]']

Personality dysfunction in adults who stutter: another look.

PURPOSE: Given reports of the frequent occurrence of personality disorders (PD) among individuals who stutter, this investigation was designed to determine the presence of personality disorders (PD) for individuals seeking treatment for stuttering, using a different self-report measure.METHOD: The sample included 50 adults who were undergoing treatment for stuttering. The participants also completed a self-report measure (Assessment of the DSM-IV Personality Disorders, ADP-IV) that is known to have good differential validity in the assessment of personality disorders as well as good convergent validity with a structured interview administered by a skilled mental health professional.RESULTS: Four participants met threshold values for one personality disorder (PD) and one participant met criteria for two personality disorders. The remaining 45 participants (90%) did not meet criteria for a PD.CONCLUSION: Rates of observed PDs in this sample approximated rates that have been observed in general community samples using structured clinical interviews and trained interviewers. Related reports which have claimed high levels of personality disorders among adults who stutter appear to be inflated by the use of self-report devices that overestimate the occurrence and co-morbidity of these conditions. Implications for the treatment of adults who stutter are discussed.EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: The reader will be able to (a) summarize two basic perspectives of how individuals who stutter are influenced by the possibility of personality dysfunction (b) describe the factors that influence the detection of personality dysfunction using self-report procedures, discuss the important (c) theoretical and (d) clinical implications of accurately identifying personality dysfunction for adults who stutter.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Aged', 'Comorbidity', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Personality', 'Personality Disorders', 'Personality Inventory', 'Self Report', 'Stuttering', 'Young Adult']

[['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['N05.715.350.225', 'N06.850.490.687'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['F01.752'], ['F03.675'], ['F04.711.647.513'], ['E05.318.308.980.500', 'N05.715.360.300.800.500', 'N06.850.520.308.980.500'], ['C10.597.606.150.500.800.750', 'C23.888.592.604.150.500.800.750'], ['M01.060.116.815']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Diseases [C]']

Transcriptional Response of Multiple ESBL Genes Within Escherichia coli Under Oxyimino-Cephalosporin Stress.

The expression of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases directly interferes with the treatment options in a clinical setting. It is not clearly defined why bacteria acquire multiple beta-lactamases and how they are being expressed in antibiotic stress. With this key question, the study was designed to understand the transcriptional response in Escherichia coli harboring multiple blaESBLs against different oxyimino-cephalosporin stress. A total of 169 consecutive, nonduplicate oxyimino-cephalosporin-resistant isolates of E. coli were screened and were ESBL positive. Among them six isolates were found to harbor multiple beta-lactamase genes and we, as per our objective, selected them for this study. Molecular characterization was done by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration, transcriptional expression, transferability, and plasmid incompatibility typing of multiple blaESBLs were carried out. Plasmid stability and antibiotic susceptibility of donor and transconjugants were performed. A total of six isolates were found to be harboring multiple ESBL genes and MIC above the breakpoint level against all the tested antibiotics. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that in basal level without antibiotic stress, SHV-148 expressed more, but with ceftriaxone stressed, expression of CTX-M-15 and SHV-148 was high. In case of PER-1, expression was high with ceftazidime stress. blaESBLs were horizontally transferable and originated through multiple inc types. Plasmids were stable till 115 serial passages. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results showed that multiple ESBL genes were spread through six pulsotypes. Our study concludes that acquisition of multiple ESBL genes in E. coli was a specific adaptation for survival against multiple oxyimino-cephalosporin stress in this clinical setting.

['Adult', 'Aged', 'Anti-Bacterial Agents', 'Ceftazidime', 'Cephalosporins', 'Escherichia coli', 'Escherichia coli Infections', 'Escherichia coli Proteins', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Microbial Sensitivity Tests', 'Middle Aged', 'Plasmids', 'Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction', 'Transcription, Genetic', 'beta-Lactamases']

[['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['D27.505.954.122.085'], ['D02.065.589.099.249.210.150', 'D02.886.665.074.210.150', 'D03.633.100.300.249.210.150'], ['D02.065.589.099.249', 'D02.886.665.074', 'D03.633.100.300.249'], ['B03.440.450.425.325.300', 'B03.660.250.150.180.100'], ['C01.150.252.400.310.330'], ['D12.776.097.275'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E01.370.225.875.595', 'E05.200.875.595', 'E05.337.550.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['G05.360.600'], ['E05.393.620.500.706'], ['G02.111.873', 'G05.297.700'], ['D08.811.277.087.180']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

Influence of repeated sprint training on pulmonary O2 uptake and muscle deoxygenation kinetics in humans.

We hypothesized that a short-term training program involving repeated all-out sprint training (RST) would be more effective than work-matched, low-intensity endurance training (ET) in enhancing the kinetics of oxygen uptake (Vo(2)) and muscle deoxygenation {deoxyhemoglobin concentration ([HHb])} following the onset of exercise. Twenty-four recreationally active subjects (15 men, mean +/- SD: age 21 +/- 4 yr, height 173 +/- 9 cm, body mass 71 +/- 11 kg) were allocated to one of three groups: RST, which completed six sessions of four to seven 30-s RSTs; ET, which completed six sessions of work-matched, moderate-intensity cycling; and a control group (CON). All subjects completed moderate-intensity and severe-intensity "step" exercise transitions before (Pre) and after the 2-wk intervention period (Post). Following RST, [HHb] kinetics were speeded, and the amplitude of the [HHb] response was increased during both moderate and severe exercise (P < 0.05); the phase II Vo(2) kinetics were accelerated for both moderate (Pre: 28 +/- 8, Post: 21 +/- 8 s; P < 0.01) and severe (Pre: 29 +/- 5, Post: 23 +/- 5 s; P < 0.05) exercise; the amplitude of the Vo(2) slow component was reduced (Pre: 0.52 +/- 0.19, Post: 0.40 +/- 0.17 l/min; P < 0.01); and exercise tolerance during severe exercise was improved by 53% (Pre: 700 +/- 234, Post: 1,074 +/- 431 s; P < 0.01). None of these parameters was significantly altered in the ET and CON groups. Six sessions of RST, but not ET, resulted in changes in [HHb] kinetics consistent with enhanced fractional muscle O(2) extraction, faster Vo(2) kinetics, and an increased tolerance to high-intensity exercise.

['Adaptation, Physiological', 'Bicycling', 'Exercise', 'Exercise Test', 'Female', 'Hemoglobins', 'Humans', 'Lung', 'Male', 'Muscle, Skeletal', 'Oxygen', 'Oxygen Consumption', 'Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared', 'Young Adult']

[['G07.025', 'G16.012.500'], ['I03.450.642.845.140'], ['G11.427.410.698.277', 'I03.350'], ['E01.370.370.380.250', 'E01.370.386.700.250', 'E05.333.250'], ['D12.776.124.400', 'D12.776.422.316.762'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['A04.411'], ['A02.633.567', 'A10.690.552.500'], ['D01.268.185.550', 'D01.362.670'], ['G03.680'], ['E01.370.350.750', 'E05.196.867.851'], ['M01.060.116.815']]

['Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Named Groups [M]']

Prophylactic oophorectomy in the treatment of carcinoma of the breast.

Several prospective clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of prophylactic ovarium ablation in the primary treatment of carcinoma of the breast. The results have varied and the follow-up periods have been rather short. A prospective randomized study was done at our institution from 1961 to 1966 to test the value of prophylactic oophorectomy in the treatment of carcinoma of the breast. The patients have now been studied for 17 to 22 years. Patients were randomized into two groups: a control group and a group treated by surgical castration. By December 1983 280 patients were evaluable, 154 in the control group and 126 in the oophorectomy group. One hundred and forty-nine patients died during the observation time. All but 11 patients underwent autopsy. There are no significant differences between the group regarding age, axillary node involvement, menstrual status, perinodal tumor growth and distribution in the different TNM stages. The results of the study did not demonstrate any significant differences in cure rate, survival time, recurrence free intervals or intervals between recurrence of the disease and death. The results were independent of nodal status, TNM classification and menstrual status of the patient. These findings do not support the use of prophylactic oophorectomy in the treatment of operable carcinoma of the breast in TNM Stages I and II, whereas no conclusion can be drawn regarding TNM Stage III as the number of patients in this stage is small.

['Adult', 'Aged', 'Breast Neoplasms', 'Carcinoma', 'Clinical Trials as Topic', 'Female', 'Follow-Up Studies', 'Humans', 'Lymph Node Excision', 'Mastectomy', 'Menopause', 'Middle Aged', 'Neoplasm Recurrence, Local', 'Neoplasm Staging', 'Ovariectomy', 'Prospective Studies', 'Random Allocation']

[['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['C04.588.180', 'C17.800.090.500'], ['C04.557.470.200'], ['E05.318.372.250.250', 'N05.715.360.330.250.250', 'N06.850.520.450.250.250'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.249', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.350', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.350'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E04.446'], ['E04.466'], ['G08.686.157.500', 'G08.686.841.249.500'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['C04.697.655', 'C23.550.727.655'], ['E01.789.625'], ['E04.270.282.685', 'E04.950.165.685', 'E04.950.300.680'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.625', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.650', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.650'], ['E05.318.370.700', 'E05.581.500.805', 'N05.715.360.325.675', 'N06.850.520.445.700']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

Big or small, room for all.

In today's world of high demand, nurses have more of an opportunity than ever to get just what they want. Nurses find rewards in what they do no matter where they work. SH profiles nurses from two Texas hospitals.

['Career Choice', 'Health Facility Size', 'Job Satisfaction', 'Nursing Staff, Hospital', 'Personnel Selection', 'Salaries and Fringe Benefits', 'Texas']

[['F02.463.785.373.346.400'], ['N02.278.306', 'N05.300.430.410'], ['F02.784.692.425'], ['M01.526.485.680.490', 'M01.526.485.740.523', 'N02.360.680.490', 'N02.360.740.523'], ['N04.452.677.500'], ['N01.824.417.700', 'N04.452.677.800'], ['Z01.107.567.875.760.750']]

['Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Geographicals [Z]']

Ministers' perceptions of church-based programs to provide depression care for African Americans.

African Americans, compared with white Americans, underutilize mental health services for major depressive disorder. Church-based programs are effective in reducing racial disparities in health; however, the literature on church-based programs for depression is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore ministers' perceptions about depression and the feasibility of utilizing the church to implement evidence-based assessments and psychotherapy for depression. From August 2011 to March 2012, data were collected from three focus groups conducted with adult ministers (n = 21) from a black mega-church in New York City. Using consensual qualitative research to analyze data, eight main domains emerged: definition of depression, identification of depression, causal factors, perceived responsibilities, limitations, assessment, group interpersonal psychotherapy, and stigma. A major finding was that ministers described depression within a context of vast suffering due to socioeconomic inequalities (e.g., financial strain and unstable housing) in many African American communities. Implementing evidence-based assessments and psychotherapy in a church was deemed feasible if principles of community-based participatory research were utilized and safeguards to protect participants' confidentiality were employed. In conclusion, ministers were enthusiastic about the possibility of implementing church-based programs for depression care and emphasized partnering with academic researchers throughout the implementation process. More research is needed to identify effective, multidisciplinary interventions that address social inequalities which contribute to racial disparities in depression treatment.

['African Americans', 'Depressive Disorder, Major', 'Female', 'Focus Groups', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Mental Health Services', 'Middle Aged', 'New York City', 'Professional Role', 'Protestantism', 'Psychotherapy', 'Religion and Psychology']

[['M01.686.508.100.100', 'M01.686.754.100'], ['F03.600.300.375'], ['E05.318.308.112', 'N05.715.360.300.269', 'N06.850.520.308.112'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['F04.408', 'N02.421.461'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['Z01.107.567.875.350.530.530', 'Z01.107.567.875.500.530.530', 'Z01.433.741'], ['F01.829.316.616.625'], ['K01.844.188.644'], ['F04.754'], ['F02.880', 'K01.844.664']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Humanities [K]']

The randomized fast-track trial in palliative care: role, utility and ethics in the evaluation of interventions in palliative care?

BACKGROUND: Randomized trials are the gold standard method for evaluating treatments and services in health care. However, they are often difficult to complete in palliative care, and suffer from poor recruitment.AIM: To introduce the randomized fast-track trial and its potential use in palliative care.METHOD: The randomized fast-track trial is a form of randomized trial with two periods. In the first, the trial runs as a normal randomized trial. In the second period, the standard (control) group also are offered the intervention. The design is adapted from a 'wait list' design (sometimes called a deferred entry or delayed intervention trial) but is both less confusing for patients, who are not on waiting lists, and more appropriate to the nature of services offered. The methodology has the advantage of being more acceptable to many patients, clinicians and ethics committees than standard randomized trials, because all patients will eventually be offered the intervention. Yet it has the rigour of a traditional randomized trial. However, care is needed to ensure the correct timing for the first period, before the standard group receive the intervention. The analysis of data in the second period is complex.CONCLUSION: The fast-track trial has been used successfully in palliative care among patients severely affected by multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. It is best suited to evaluations of palliative care services among patients who have longer prognoses, for example of several months or more although it has been used in people with prognoses of weeks.

['Data Collection', 'Evaluation Studies as Topic', 'Humans', 'Multiple Sclerosis', 'Palliative Care', 'Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic', 'Research Design', 'Waiting Lists', 'Workforce']

[['E05.318.308', 'L01.399.250', 'N05.715.360.300', 'N06.850.520.308'], ['E05.337', 'N05.715.360.335'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C10.114.375.500', 'C10.314.350.500', 'C20.111.258.250.500'], ['E02.760.666', 'N02.421.585.666'], ['E05.318.372.250.250.365.500', 'N05.715.360.330.250.250.365.500', 'N06.850.520.450.250.250.365.500'], ['E05.581.500', 'H01.770.644.728'], ['N04.452.095.738'], ['N04.452.525']]

['Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]']

Comparison of an auto-stereoscopic display and polarized stereoscopic projection for macroscopic pathology.

We investigated stereoscopic imaging for gross examination in telepathology. A conventional macroscopic station was equipped with two cameras mounted 6.5 cm apart and images were produced of 30 different routine pathology specimens. Still images were displayed on a three-dimensional auto-stereoscopic display with a lenticular plate (which did not require the viewer to wear special glasses) and as a three-dimensional projection that required the viewer to wear glasses with polarized lenses. Nine observers (pathologists, laboratory technicians and engineers) viewed the three-dimensional images first on the auto-stereoscopic display and then with polarized projection. The observers scored the images for spatial reproduction, surface structure, proportions, colour and sharpness (10 indices in total, each rated on a five-point Likert scale of 1-5, with lower scores indicating better quality). Results were compared with those from five observers who had previously viewed the corresponding two-dimensional images on a conventional (two-dimensional) display. The mean scores across each of the 10 indices were 2.9 (two-dimensional display), 2.1 (auto-stereoscopic display) and 1.6 (polarized projection). All observers stated that the polarized projection had superior image quality with regard to resolution, colour and surface structures. The results obtained in the present study with still images have encouraged us to integrate stereoscopy into a dynamic telepathology system.

['Automation', 'Equipment Design', 'Humans', 'Image Processing, Computer-Assisted', 'Pathology']

[['J01.897.104'], ['E05.320'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['L01.224.308'], ['H02.403.650']]

['Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]']

Perceptions of Hospital-Dependent Patients on Their Needs for Hospitalization.

In the United States, older adults account for a significant proportion of hospitalizations, and a subset become hospital-dependent, for reasons that are unclear. We conducted a qualitative study to explore these individuals' perspectives on their need for hospitalizations. Twenty patients hospitalized at an academic medical center underwent semistructured qualitative interviews. Criteria for selection included age 65 and older, at least three hospitalizations over six months, admission to the medical service at the time of the study, did not meet criteria for chronic critical illness, was not comfort measures only, and did not have a conservator. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and inductively analyzed. The major themes derived were the necessity and inevitability of hospitalizations ("You have to bring me in here"), feeling safe in the hospital ("It makes me feel more secure"), patients hospitalized despite having outside medical and social support ("I have everything"), and inadequate goals-of-care discussions ("It just doesn't occur to me"). Results suggested that candid discussions about health trajectories are needed to ensure hospitalization is consistent with the patient's realistic health priorities. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2017;12:450-453.

['Aged', 'Aged, 80 and over', 'Female', 'Health Services Needs and Demand', 'Hospitalization', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Patient Satisfaction', 'Perception']

[['M01.060.116.100'], ['M01.060.116.100.080'], ['N03.349.380.420', 'N05.300.450'], ['E02.760.400', 'N02.421.585.400'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['F01.100.150.750.625', 'F01.145.488.887.625', 'N04.452.822.700', 'N05.300.150.800.625', 'N05.715.360.600'], ['F02.463.593']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]']

Three weeks of early-onset exercise prolongs obesity resistance in DIO rats after exercise cessation.

We assessed the effect of early-onset exercise as a means of preventing childhood obesity using juvenile male rats selectively bred to develop diet-induced obesity (DIO) or to be diet resistant (DR) when fed a 31% fat high-energy diet. Voluntary wheel running begun at 36 days of age selectively reduced adiposity in DIO vs. DR rats. Other 4-wk-old DIO rats fed a high-energy diet and exercised (Ex) for 13 wk increased their core temperature, gained 22% less body weight, and had 39% lighter fat pads compared with sedentary (Sed) rats. When wheels were removed after 6 wk (6 wk Ex/7 wk Sed), rats gained less body weight over the next 7 wk than Sed rats and still had comparable adipose pad weights to 13-wk-exercised rats. In fact, only 3 wk of exercise sufficed to prevent obesity for 10 wk after wheel removal. Terminally, the 6-wk-Ex/7-wk-Sed rats had a 55% increase in arcuate nucleus proopiomelanocortin mRNA expression vs. Sed rats, suggesting that this contributed to their sustained obesity resistance. Finally, when Sed rats were calorically restricted for 6 wk to weight match them to Ex rats (6 wk Rstr/7 wk Al), they increased their intake and body weight when fed ad libitum and, after 7 wk more, had higher leptin levels and adiposity than Sed rats. Thus, early-onset exercise may favorably alter, while early caloric restriction may unfavorably influence, the development of the hypothalamic pathways controlling energy homeostasis during brain development.

['Adipose Tissue', 'Animal Feed', 'Animals', 'Body Weight', 'Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor', 'Caloric Restriction', 'Eating', 'Hypothalamus', 'Insulin', 'Leptin', 'Male', 'Neuropeptide Y', 'Obesity', 'Physical Conditioning, Animal', 'Pro-Opiomelanocortin', 'RNA, Messenger', 'Rats', 'Rats, Inbred Strains', 'Receptors, Leptin', 'Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein', 'Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins']

[['A10.165.114'], ['G07.203.300.300.100', 'J02.500.300.100'], ['B01.050'], ['C23.888.144', 'E01.370.600.115.100.160.120', 'E05.041.124.160.750', 'G07.100.100.160.120', 'G07.345.249.314.120'], ['D12.644.276.860.100', 'D12.776.467.860.100', 'D12.776.631.600.100', 'D23.529.850.100'], ['E02.642.249.200', 'G07.203.650.240.340.150'], ['G07.203.650.283', 'G10.261.330'], ['A08.186.211.180.497', 'A08.186.211.200.317.357'], ['D06.472.699.587.200.500.625', 'D12.644.548.586.200.500.625'], ['D06.472.699.042.500', 'D12.644.276.024.500', 'D12.644.548.011.500', 'D12.776.467.024.500', 'D23.529.024.500'], ['D12.644.400.500', 'D12.776.631.650.500'], ['C18.654.726.500', 'C23.888.144.699.500', 'E01.370.600.115.100.160.120.699.500', 'G07.100.100.160.120.699.500'], ['G11.427.410.698.277.280'], ['D06.472.699.327.935', 'D06.472.699.631.525.600', 'D12.644.400.400.935', 'D12.644.548.365.935', 'D12.644.548.691.525.690', 'D12.776.631.650.405.935', 'D12.776.811.800'], ['D13.444.735.544'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700'], ['B01.050.050.199.520.760', 'B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700.400'], ['D12.776.543.750.650.500'], ['D12.644.360.024.374.750', 'D12.776.157.057.249.750', 'D12.776.476.024.437.750'], ['D12.644.360.024.374', 'D12.776.157.057.249', 'D12.776.476.024.437']]

['Anatomy [A]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]']

Identification of mimotopes by screening of a bacterially displayed random peptide library and its use in eliciting an immune response to native HBV-preS.

Bacterially-displayed peptide libraries have been widely used as an alternative to phage-displayed peptide libraries in screening epitopes or mimotopes of antibodies. Using a protective monoclonal antibody (mAb) 3B9 against hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS protein as target, mimotopes were successfully screened from a FliTrx random peptide library. To monitor the enrichment ratios of each round and to isolate higher affinity clones from the library, a modified procedure was performed in which the titer of eluted bacteria from an antibody-coated well (P value) was compared with that from a non-coated well (N value). After sufficient enrichment of the library, bacterial colonies were randomly picked and identified further by the monoclonal bacterial P/N value assay and Western blotting analysis. Immunization of mice with the selected bacterially-displayed mimotopes, including the enriched populations without clone identification, elicited strong specific immune responses against the recombinant preS protein. The present study provides a potentially rapid and effective strategy for the development of engineered live bacterial vaccines without the need for information about the aetiological agents or their antigens.

['Animals', 'Antibodies, Monoclonal', 'Antibodies, Viral', 'Blotting, Western', 'Cloning, Molecular', 'DNA', 'Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay', 'Epitopes', 'Female', 'Hepatitis B Surface Antigens', 'Hepatitis B virus', 'Mice', 'Mice, Inbred BALB C', 'Peptide Library', 'Protein Precursors']

[['B01.050'], ['D12.776.124.486.485.114.224', 'D12.776.124.790.651.114.224', 'D12.776.377.715.548.114.224'], ['D12.776.124.486.485.114.254', 'D12.776.124.790.651.114.254', 'D12.776.377.715.548.114.254'], ['E05.196.401.143', 'E05.301.300.096', 'E05.478.566.320.200', 'E05.601.262', 'E05.601.470.320.200'], ['E05.393.220'], ['D13.444.308'], ['E05.478.566.350.170', 'E05.478.566.380.360', 'E05.478.583.400.170', 'E05.601.470.350.170', 'E05.601.470.380.360'], ['D23.050.550'], ['D23.050.327.495.500.475'], ['B04.280.375.650.425', 'B04.450.390.650.425'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500'], ['B01.050.050.199.520.520.338', 'B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500.400.338'], ['D12.644.555', 'G02.111.570.060.620', 'G05.360.325.640'], ['D12.776.811']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

Restenosis after transluminal coronary angioplasty detected with exercise-gated radionuclide ventriculography.

Forty-one patients were evaluated with exercise-gated radionuclide ventriculography before and within 4 days after successful transluminal coronary angioplasty and 4 to 12 months later. Patients were subgrouped according to the degree of restenosis demonstrated angiographically at 4 to 12 months (Group I [n = 23]: less than or equal to 20%; Group II [n = 10]: greater than 20% but less than 50%; Group III [n = 8]: greater than or equal to 50%). Patients with abnormal findings on gated radionuclide ventriculography (less than 5 point increase in ejection fraction or wall motion deterioration) early after angioplasty were eventually found to have a greater degree of restenosis than were patients with normal findings (41.2 +/- 30.3 versus 19.0 +/- 25.4% restenosis, p less than 0.0001). The accuracy of abnormal radionuclide ventriculography in predicting 50% or greater restenosis was 73% immediately after angioplasty and 77% at the time of follow-up angiography. Gated radionuclide ventriculographic results were abnormal in 5% of Group I patients compared with 75% of Group III patients (p less than 0.01) early after angioplasty; at late follow-up, they were abnormal in 27% of Group I patients compared with 88% of Group III patients (p less than 0.01). Group I patients had a greater increase in ejection fraction than did Group III patients at early (+11.3 +/- 7.5 versus + 3.5 +/- 6.5 points, p less than 0.01) and late (+11.8 +/- 7.8 versus -1.9 +/- 8.7 points, p less than 0.0005) follow-up. It is concluded that gated radionuclide ventriculography is useful in predicting coronary restenosis after transluminal coronary angioplasty.

['Aged', 'Angioplasty, Balloon', 'Constriction, Pathologic', 'Coronary Disease', 'Coronary Vessels', 'Female', 'Follow-Up Studies', 'Heart', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Physical Exertion', 'Radionuclide Imaging', 'Recurrence', 'Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m', 'Stroke Volume', 'Time Factors']

[['M01.060.116.100'], ['E02.148.050.060', 'E04.100.814.529.124.060', 'E04.502.382.124.060', 'E05.157.016.060'], ['C23.300.287'], ['C14.280.647.250', 'C14.907.585.250'], ['A07.015.114.269', 'A07.015.908.194'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.249', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.350', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.350'], ['A07.541'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['G11.427.683'], ['E01.370.350.710', 'E01.370.384.730'], ['C23.550.291.937'], ['D01.925.800'], ['E01.370.370.380.150.700', 'G09.330.380.124.882'], ['G01.910.857']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]']

Influence of Block Copolymerization on the Antifreeze Protein Mimetic Ice Recrystallization Inhibition Activity of Poly(vinyl alcohol).

Antifreeze (glyco) proteins are produced by many cold-acclimatized species to enable them to survive subzero temperatures. These proteins have multiple macroscopic effects on ice crystal growth which makes them appealing for low-temperature applications-from cellular cryopreservation to food storage. Poly(vinyl alcohol) has remarkable ice recrystallization inhibition activity, but its mode of action is uncertain as is the extent at which it can be incorporated into other high-order structures. Here the synthesis and characterization of well-defined block copolymers containing poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) by RAFT/MADIX polymerization is reported, as new antifreeze protein mimetics. The effect of adding a large second hydrophilic block is studied across a range of compositions, and it is found to be a passive component in ice recrystallization inhibition assays, enabling retention of all activity. In the extreme case, a block copolymer with only 10% poly(vinyl alcohol) was found to retain all activity, where statistical copolymers of PVA lose all activity with very minor changes to composition. These findings present a new method to increase the complexity of antifreeze protein mimetic materials, while retaining activity, and also to help understand the underlying mechanisms of action.

['Antifreeze Proteins', 'Biomimetic Materials', 'Cryoprotective Agents', 'Crystallization', 'Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions', 'Ice', 'Polymerization', 'Polyvinyl Alcohol']

[['D12.776.053'], ['J01.637.087'], ['D27.505.696.706.320', 'D27.720.799.180'], ['E05.196.300', 'G02.171'], ['G02.409'], ['D01.045.250.875.400', 'D01.248.497.158.459.650.400', 'D01.650.550.925.400', 'G16.500.275.410', 'G16.500.750.775.342', 'N06.230.291'], ['G02.750'], ['D02.033.750', 'D02.455.326.271.884.533.532', 'D05.750.716.721.616', 'D25.720.716.721.616', 'J01.637.051.720.716.721.616']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Health Care [N]']

Penile cancer: importance of circumcision, human papillomavirus and smoking in in situ and invasive disease.

Few population-based case-control studies have assessed etiologic factors for penile cancer. Past infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor for penile cancer; however, few previous studies have related the HPV DNA status of the tumor to potential demographic and behavioral risk factors for the disease or evaluated whether in situ and invasive penile cancer share risk factors. Little information is available on the role and timing of circumcision in the etiology of penile cancer. We conducted a population-based case-control study in western Washington state that included 137 men diagnosed with in situ (n = 75) or invasive (n = 62) penile cancer between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 1998, and 671 control men identified through random digit dialing. Cases and controls were interviewed in person and provided peripheral blood samples. Case and control blood samples were tested for antibodies to HPV16 and HSV-2, and tumor specimens from cases were tested for HPV DNA. Men not circumcised during childhood were at increased risk of invasive (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.1) but not in situ (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-1.8) penile cancer. Approximately 35% of men with penile cancer who had not been circumcised in childhood reported a history of phimosis compared to 7.6% of controls (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 3.7-15.0). Penile conditions such as tear, rash and injury were associated with increased risk of disease. Among men not circumcised in childhood, phimosis was strongly associated with development of invasive penile cancer (OR = 11.4, 95% CI 5.0-25.9). When we restricted our analysis to men who did not have phimosis, the risk of invasive penile cancer associated with not having been circumcised in childhood was not elevated (OR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.1-2.5). Cigarette smoking was associated with a 4.5-fold risk (95% CI 2.0-10.1) of invasive penile cancer. HPV DNA was detected in 79.8% of tumor specimens, and 69.1% of tumors were HPV16-positive. The proportion of HPV DNA-positive tumors did not vary by any risk factors evaluated. Many risk factors were common for both in situ and invasive disease. However, 3 factors that did not increase the risk for in situ cancer proved significant risk factors for invasive penile cancer: lack of circumcision during childhood, phimosis and cigarette smoking. The high percentage of HPV DNA-positive tumors in our study is consistent with a strong association between HPV infection and the development of penile cancer regardless of circumcision status. Circumcision in early childhood may help prevent penile cancer by eliminating phimosis, a significant risk factor for the disease.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Aged', 'Case-Control Studies', 'Circumcision, Male', 'DNA, Viral', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Neoplasm Invasiveness', 'Papillomavirus Infections', 'Penile Neoplasms', 'Phimosis', 'Risk Factors', 'Smoking']

[['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['E05.318.372.500.500', 'N05.715.360.330.500.500', 'N06.850.520.450.500.500'], ['E02.218.085.170', 'E04.085.170', 'E04.950.774.860.226'], ['D13.444.308.568'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['C04.697.645', 'C23.550.727.645'], ['C01.925.256.650', 'C01.925.928.725'], ['C04.588.945.440.715', 'C12.294.260.500', 'C12.294.494.591', 'C12.758.409.500'], ['C12.294.494.684'], ['E05.318.740.600.800.725', 'N05.715.350.200.700', 'N05.715.360.750.625.700.700', 'N06.850.490.625.750', 'N06.850.520.830.600.800.725'], ['F01.145.805']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]']

How--and why--to request an autopsy.

Autopsy remains the touch-stone of diagnosis, but clinicians are often reluctant to request the procedure because of their discomfort in approaching the family. Fundamental to a successful autopsy request is sensitivity for the family's feelings, which bespeaks respect for the deceased and the family. For example, in announcing the death and requesting autopsy, the clinician should bring the family to the hospital and talk with them privately. If they have questions or reservations about autopsy, the clinician should answer honestly and simply, stressing the benefits of the procedure to the family and society as a whole. Since the manner of request influences the family's decision in about one third of cases, efforts at overcoming personal reluctance in requesting autopsy are worthwhile. Clinical excellence develops through effort and practice in this activity as in any other.

['Autopsy', 'Communication', 'Death', 'Family', 'Informed Consent', 'Mortuary Practice', 'Professional-Family Relations']

[['E01.370.060', 'E05.070', 'I01.198.780.937.120'], ['F01.145.209', 'L01.143'], ['C23.550.260'], ['F01.829.263', 'I01.880.853.150'], ['I01.880.604.473.650.718', 'I01.880.604.583.427', 'N03.706.437.650.312', 'N03.706.535.489'], ['H02.438'], ['F01.829.401.550']]

['Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]']

Characterization of acetate transport in colorectal cancer cells and potential therapeutic implications.

Acetate, together with other short chain fatty acids has been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention/therapy. Acetate was shown to induce apoptosis in CRC cells. The precise mechanism underlying acetate transport across CRC cells membrane, that may be implicated in its selectivity towards CRC cells, is not fully understood and was addressed here. We also assessed the effect of acetate in CRC glycolytic metabolism and explored its use in combination with the glycolytic inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3BP). We provide evidence that acetate enters CRC cells by the secondary active transporters MCT1 and/or MCT2 and SMCT1 as well as by facilitated diffusion via aquaporins. CRC cell exposure to acetate upregulates the expression of MCT1, MCT4 and CD147, while promoting MCT1 plasma membrane localization. We also observed that acetate increases CRC cell glycolytic phenotype and that acetate-induced apoptosis and anti-proliferative effect was potentiated by 3BP. Our data suggest that acetate selectivity towards CRC cells might be explained by the fact that aquaporins and MCTs are found overexpressed in CRC clinical cases. Our work highlights the importance that acetate transport regulation has in the use of drugs such as 3BP as a new therapeutic strategy for CRC.

['Acetates', 'Biological Transport', 'Cell Line, Tumor', 'Colorectal Neoplasms', 'Glycolysis', 'Humans', 'Monocarboxylic Acid Transporters', 'Muscle Proteins', 'Pyruvates', 'Symporters']

[['D02.241.081.018', 'D10.251.400.045'], ['G03.143'], ['A11.251.210.190', 'A11.251.860.180'], ['C04.588.274.476.411.307', 'C06.301.371.411.307', 'C06.405.249.411.307', 'C06.405.469.158.356', 'C06.405.469.491.307', 'C06.405.469.860.180'], ['G02.111.158.750', 'G03.191.750', 'G03.295.436', 'G03.493.360'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D12.776.157.530.450.074.500.400', 'D12.776.543.585.450.074.500.300'], ['D12.776.210.500'], ['D02.241.755.812'], ['D12.776.157.530.450.625', 'D12.776.543.585.450.625']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Organisms [B]']

[Performance of the Hemoccult test in the screening of colorectal cancer and adenoma. Results of 5 screening campaigns in Sa?ne-et-Loire].

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this population-based study was to specify the positivity rate, the positive predictive value of Hemoccult test as well as the characteristics of the cancers and adenomas screened during the successive colorectal cancer screening campaigns.METHODS: This study focused on five colorectal cancer mass screening campaigns by Hemoccult test carried out between 1988 and 1996. The test was offered every two years to a cohort of subjects born between 1914 and 1943 and living in some districts of the Sa?ne-et-Loire administrative area.RESULTS: The positivity rate of the test was higher in the first campaign (2.1%) than in the subsequent ones (mean 1.3%). It was also higher in males than in females and it increased with age. After a positive test, 85.4% of the subjects had a colonic exploration. The exploration rate was higher when the test was offered by general practitioners (88.0%) than when it was mailed (77.8%) (P < 0.01). Through this test, cancer was detected in 168 patients, and one adenoma or more in 414 patients. The positive predictive value was 11.4% for cancer, 17.1% for adenoma > or = 1 cm and 11.1 for adenoma < 1 cm. It was higher in males than in females and it increased with age. Depending on the campaigns, 35.9% to 47.3% of the subjects explored after a positive test had a cancer or an adenoma. The screened cancers or adenomas were more often localized in the sigmoid or the rectum. Three quarters of screened cancers were stage I or II (TNM classification). All together, 82.7% of cancers were treated with surgical resection for cure and 10.1% with endoscopic resection.CONCLUSIONS: This work confirms the feasibility of carrying out regular colorectal cancer screening campaigns, through which a few subjects can be selected for undergoing colonic explorations. These latter can detect a cancer or adenoma in 40% of cases.

['Adenoma', 'Aged', 'Aged, 80 and over', 'Colorectal Neoplasms', 'Female', 'France', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Mass Screening', 'Middle Aged', 'Occult Blood', 'Predictive Value of Tests', 'Retrospective Studies']

[['C04.557.470.035'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['M01.060.116.100.080'], ['C04.588.274.476.411.307', 'C06.301.371.411.307', 'C06.405.249.411.307', 'C06.405.469.158.356', 'C06.405.469.491.307', 'C06.405.469.860.180'], ['Z01.542.286'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E01.370.500', 'E05.318.308.980.438.580', 'N02.421.726.233.443', 'N05.715.360.300.800.438.500', 'N06.850.520.308.980.438.580', 'N06.850.780.500'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E01.370.225.925', 'E05.200.925'], ['E05.318.370.800.650', 'N05.715.360.325.700.640', 'N06.850.520.445.800.650'], ['E05.318.372.500.500.500', 'E05.318.372.500.750.750', 'N05.715.360.330.500.500.500', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.825', 'N06.850.520.450.500.500.500', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.825']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]']

Social and racial inequalities in preterm births in Western Australia, 1984 to 2006.

Preterm birth is associated with a range of childhood morbidities and in industrialised societies is the primary cause of infant mortality. Social and racial inequalities in preterm birth have been reported in North America, UK, Europe and New Zealand. This study utilised population-level data to investigate social and racial inequalities in preterm birth among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants in Western Australia. All live, singleton births between 1984 and 2006 (n = 567 468) were included, and multilevel multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate relative differences in preterm infants between socio-economic groups. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants were analysed separately. The prevalence of preterm births increased from 7.1% in 1984-88 to 7.5% in 1999-2003, before decreasing to 7.2% in 2004-06. Inequalities in preterm births between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants increased over time, with the percentage of preterm births being almost twofold higher for Aboriginal infants (14.8%), compared with non-Aboriginal infants (7.6%). A significant portion of the disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants is attributable to parental socio-economic and demographic characteristics, though the disparity continues to persist even after adjustment for these factors. While the overall rates of preterm birth in Western Australia have remained fairly static over the last two decades, the disparity between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal infants has increased and is now similar to inequalities seen 20 years ago. These findings highlight a major public health issue that should be of great concern, given the short- and long-term morbidities and complications associated with preterm birth.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Infant, Newborn', 'Logistic Models', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Oceanic Ancestry Group', 'Population Surveillance', 'Premature Birth', 'Prevalence', 'Socioeconomic Factors', 'Western Australia', 'Young Adult']

[['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.703.520'], ['E05.318.740.500.525', 'E05.318.740.600.800.450', 'E05.318.740.750.450', 'E05.599.835.875', 'N05.715.360.750.530.480', 'N05.715.360.750.625.700.450', 'N05.715.360.750.695.470', 'N06.850.520.830.500.525', 'N06.850.520.830.600.800.450', 'N06.850.520.830.750.450'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['M01.686.508.600'], ['E05.318.308.980.438.700', 'N05.715.360.300.800.438.625', 'N06.850.520.308.980.438.700', 'N06.850.780.675'], ['C13.703.420.491.500'], ['E05.318.308.985.525.750', 'N01.224.935.597.750', 'N06.850.505.400.975.525.750', 'N06.850.520.308.985.525.750'], ['I01.880.853.996', 'N01.824'], ['Z01.639.100.996', 'Z01.678.100.373.996'], ['M01.060.116.815']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Geographicals [Z]']

Allostery is an intrinsic property of the protease domain of DegS: implications for enzyme function and evolution.

DegS is a periplasmic Escherichia coli protease, which functions as a trimer to catalyze the initial rate-limiting step in a proteolytic cascade that ultimately activates transcription of stress response genes in the cytoplasm. Each DegS subunit consists of a protease domain and a PDZ domain. During protein folding stress, DegS is allosterically activated by peptides exposed in misfolded outer membrane porins, which bind to the PDZ domain and stabilize the active protease. It is not known whether allostery is conferred by the PDZ domains or is an intrinsic feature of the trimeric protease domain. Here, we demonstrate that free DegS(ÄPDZ) equilibrates between active and inactive trimers with the latter species predominating. Substrate binding stabilizes active DegS(ÄPDZ) in a positively cooperative fashion. Mutations can also stabilize active DegS(ÄPDZ) and produce an enzyme that displays hyperbolic kinetics and degrades substrate with a maximal velocity within error of that for fully activated, intact DegS. Crystal structures of multiple DegS(ÄPDZ) variants, in functional and non-functional conformations, support a two-state model in which allosteric switching is mediated by changes in specific elements of tertiary structure in the context of an invariant trimeric base. Overall, our results indicate that protein substrates must bind sufficiently tightly and specifically to the functional conformation of DegS(ÄPDZ) to assist their own degradation. Thus, substrate binding alone may have regulated the activities of ancestral DegS trimers with subsequent fusion of the protease domain to a PDZ domain, resulting in ligand-mediated regulation.

['Allosteric Site', 'Bacterial Proteins', 'Crystallography, X-Ray', 'Dimerization', 'Escherichia coli', 'Escherichia coli Proteins', 'Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial', 'Hydrogen Bonding', 'Kinetics', 'Mutation', 'Protein Binding', 'Protein Folding', 'Protein Structure, Tertiary']

[['G02.111.570.120.147'], ['D12.776.097'], ['E05.196.309.742.225'], ['G02.206', 'G03.230'], ['B03.440.450.425.325.300', 'B03.660.250.150.180.100'], ['D12.776.097.275'], ['G05.308.300'], ['G02.282'], ['G01.374.661', 'G02.111.490'], ['G05.365.590'], ['G02.111.679', 'G03.808'], ['G01.154.651', 'G02.111.688'], ['G02.111.570.820.709.610']]

['Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Organisms [B]']

One-step synthesis of methylene-bridged bis-carbazole and evaluation of its antitumor activity and G-quadruplex DNA binding property.

Most reported carbazolyl G-quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) ligands possess a rigid structure rather than a flexible one. The conformationally flexible ligands are paid much less attention. In this study, we report a novel class of non-rigid methylene-bridged biscarbazolyl ligand and their G4-DNA binding properties. Moreover, the antitumor activities of all these oligomers have been evaluated. The results show that this family of oligomers could be facilely synthesized via solely one step. Among them, compound 2, the bis-carbazole derivative, displays the best antitumor activity and IC50 values against HT-29, HepG2, A375 and MCF-7 cells are 0.69, 5.09, 3.15 and 3.8 ì mol/L, respectively. Although conformationally flexible, 2 is still capable of binding to as well as stabilizing G4-DNA via ð-ð stacking interaction. Moreover, 2 selectively binds to G4-DNA over duplex DNA. The current study enriches the category of carbazolyl G4-DNA ligands and paves the way for the search of more efficient G4-DNA ligands and antitumor leads.

['Antineoplastic Agents', 'Apoptosis', 'Carbazoles', 'Cell Proliferation', 'DNA', 'G-Quadruplexes', 'Humans', 'Ligands', 'Neoplasms', 'Structure-Activity Relationship', 'Tumor Cells, Cultured']

[['D27.505.954.248'], ['G04.146.954.035'], ['D03.633.100.473.144', 'D03.633.300.148'], ['G04.161.750', 'G07.345.249.410.750'], ['D13.444.308'], ['G02.111.570.820.486.550', 'G05.360.580.550'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D27.720.470.480'], ['C04'], ['G02.111.830', 'G07.690.773.997'], ['A11.251.860']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type R (PTPRR) antagonizes the Wnt signaling pathway in ovarian cancer by dephosphorylating and inactivating â-catenin.

Despite a lack of mutations, accumulating evidence supports an important role for the Wnt/â-catenin pathway in ovarian tumorigenesis. However, the molecular mechanism that contributes to the aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling cascade in ovarian cancer has not been fully elucidated. Here, we found that protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type R (PTPRR) suppressed the activation of the Wnt/â-catenin pathway in ovarian cancer. We performed an shRNA-based biochemical screen, which identified PTPRR as being responsible for tyrosine dephosphorylation of â-catenin on Tyr-142, a key site controlling the transcriptional activity of â-catenin. Of note, PTPRR was down-regulated in ovarian cancers, and ectopic PTPRR re-expression delayed ovarian cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo Using a proximity-based tagging system and RNA-Seq analysis, we identified a signaling nexus that includes PTPRR, á-catenin, â-catenin, E-cadherin, and AT-rich interaction domain 3C (ARID3C) in ovarian cancer. Immunohistochemistry staining of human samples further suggested that PTPRR expression is inversely correlated with disease prognosis. Collectively, our findings indicate that PTPRR functions as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer by dephosphorylating and inactivating â-catenin. These results suggest that PTPRR expression might have utility as a prognostic marker for predicting overall survival.

['Animals', 'Cell Line', 'Cell Line, Tumor', 'Female', 'Gene Expression Profiling', 'Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic', 'HEK293 Cells', 'Humans', 'Mice, Nude', 'Ovarian Neoplasms', 'Phosphorylation', 'RNA Interference', 'RNAi Therapeutics', 'Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 7', 'Survival Analysis', 'Wnt Signaling Pathway', 'Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays', 'beta Catenin']

[['B01.050'], ['A11.251.210'], ['A11.251.210.190', 'A11.251.860.180'], ['E05.393.332'], ['G05.308.370'], ['A11.251.210.172.750', 'A11.436.334'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500.550.500'], ['C04.588.322.455', 'C13.351.500.056.630.705', 'C13.351.937.418.685', 'C19.344.410', 'C19.391.630.705'], ['G02.111.665', 'G02.607.780', 'G03.796'], ['G05.308.203.374.790'], ['E02.095.301.250'], ['D08.811.277.352.650.775.400.700', 'D12.644.360.587.700', 'D12.776.476.592.700'], ['E05.318.740.998', 'N05.715.360.750.795', 'N06.850.520.830.998'], ['G02.111.820.925', 'G04.835.925'], ['E05.337.550.200.900', 'E05.624.850'], ['D12.776.091.249', 'D12.776.220.145.500', 'D12.776.930.130']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Health Care [N]']

Involvement of polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) in mitotic arrest by inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase-ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (MEK-ERK-RSK1) cascade.

Cell division is controlled through cooperation of different kinases. Of these, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1) play key roles. Plk1 acts as a G(2)/M trigger, and RSK1 promotes G(1) progression. Although previous reports show that Plk1 is suppressed by RSK1 during meiosis in Xenopus oocytes, it is still not clear whether this is the case during mitosis or whether Plk1 counteracts the effects of RSK1. Few animal models are available for the study of controlled and transient cell cycle arrest. Here we show that encysted embryos (cysts) of the primitive crustacean Artemia are ideal for such research because they undergo complete cell cycle arrest when they enter diapause (a state of obligate dormancy). We found that Plk1 suppressed the activity of RSK1 during embryonic mitosis and that Plk1 was inhibited during embryonic diapause and mitotic arrest. In addition, studies on HeLa cells using Plk1 siRNA interference and overexpression showed that phosphorylation of RSK1 increased upon interference and decreased after overexpression, suggesting that Plk1 inhibits RSK1. Taken together, these findings provide insights into the regulation of Plk1 during cell division and Artemia diapause cyst formation and the correlation between the activity of Plk1 and RSK1.

['Amino Acid Sequence', 'Animals', 'Artemia', 'Aurora Kinases', 'Base Sequence', 'Blotting, Western', 'Cell Cycle Checkpoints', 'Cell Cycle Proteins', 'Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases', 'Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental', 'Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic', 'HeLa Cells', 'Humans', 'Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases', 'Mitosis', 'Molecular Sequence Data', 'Phosphorylation', 'Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases', 'Proto-Oncogene Proteins', 'RNA Interference', 'Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction', 'Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases, 90-kDa', 'Sequence Homology, Amino Acid', 'Signal Transduction']

[['G02.111.570.060', 'L01.453.245.667.060'], ['B01.050'], ['B01.050.500.131.365.060.050'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700.103', 'D12.776.167.049'], ['G02.111.570.080', 'G05.360.080', 'L01.453.245.667.080'], ['E05.196.401.143', 'E05.301.300.096', 'E05.478.566.320.200', 'E05.601.262', 'E05.601.470.320.200'], ['G04.144.109'], ['D12.776.167'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700.567.249', 'D12.644.360.450.169', 'D12.776.476.450.169'], ['G05.308.310'], ['G05.308.320'], ['A11.251.210.190.400', 'A11.251.860.180.400', 'A11.436.340'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700.567', 'D12.644.360.450', 'D12.776.476.450'], ['G04.144.220.220.781', 'G05.113.220.781'], ['L01.453.245.667'], ['G02.111.665', 'G02.607.780', 'G03.796'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700'], ['D12.776.624.664.700'], ['G05.308.203.374.790'], ['E05.393.620.500.725'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700.862.500', 'D12.644.360.600.500', 'D12.776.476.600.500'], ['G02.111.810.200', 'G05.810.200'], ['G02.111.820', 'G04.835']]

['Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Discovery and Characterization of Cyclotides from Rinorea Species.

Cyclotides are macrocyclic cystine-knotted peptides most commonly found in the Violaceae plant family. Although Rinorea is the second-largest genera within the Violaceae family, few studies have examined whether or not they contain cyclotides. To further our understanding of cyclotide diversity and evolution, we examined the cyclotide content of two Rinorea species found in Southeast Asia: R. virgata and R. bengalensis. Seven cyclotides were isolated from R. virgata (named Rivi1-7), and a known cyclotide (cT10) was found in R. bengalensis. Loops 2, 5, and 6 of Rivi1-4 contained sequences not previously seen in corresponding loops of known cyclotides, thereby expanding our understanding of the diversity of cyclotides. In addition, the sequence of loop 2 of Rivi3 and Rivi4 were identical to some related noncyclic "acyclotides" from the Poaceae plant family. As only acyclotides, but not cyclotides, have been reported in monocotyledons thus far, our findings support an evolutionary link between monocotyledon-derived ancestral cyclotide precursors and dicotyledon-derived cyclotides. Furthermore, Rivi2 and Rivi3 had comparable cytotoxic activities to the most cytotoxic cyclotide known to date: cycloviolacin O2 from Viola odorata; yet, unlike cycloviolacin O2, they did not show hemolytic activity. Therefore, these cyclotides represent novel scaffolds for use in future anticancer drug design.

['Amino Acid Sequence', 'Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid', 'Cyclotides', 'Plant Extracts', 'Sequence Homology, Amino Acid', 'Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization', 'Tandem Mass Spectrometry', 'Violaceae']

[['G02.111.570.060', 'L01.453.245.667.060'], ['E05.196.181.400.300'], ['D12.644.641.243'], ['D20.215.784.500', 'D26.667'], ['G02.111.810.200', 'G05.810.200'], ['E05.196.566.600'], ['E05.196.566.880'], ['B01.650.940.800.575.912.250.859.797.962']]

['Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]']

Twenty-four hour blood pressure and heart rate profiles of diabetic patients with abnormal cardiovascular reflexes.

Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate profiles of 24 patients with diabetes were monitored in order to assess the effect of autonomic neuropathy on 24-h haemodynamic profiles. Eighteen patients had abnormal cardiovascular reflexes. Mean arterial pressure rose at night in six of the patients with autonomic neuropathy and fell by less than or equal to 5 mmHg in seven. In the remaining five patients with autonomic neuropathy and in the six diabetic patients with normal cardiovascular reflexes, the fall in nocturnal mean arterial pressure was comparable to that of 11 non-diabetic patients with essential hypertension. Median 24-h mean arterial pressure was similar in all four groups of diabetic patients. Prevalence of autonomic symptoms was not related to the change in blood pressure in those with autonomic neuropathy. Twenty-seven months after monitoring, three fatal and five severe non-fatal cardiovascular or renal events had occurred in four of the six patients with a rise in nocturnal blood pressure, compared with one non-fatal event in those with a small fall and no severe events in those with a pronounced fall (p = 0.02). Blood pressure rises at night in certain diabetic patients with abnormal cardiovascular reflexes and the nocturnal rise appears to be associated with a poor prognosis.

['Adult', 'Blood Pressure', 'Circadian Rhythm', 'Diabetes Mellitus', 'Diabetic Angiopathies', 'Diabetic Neuropathies', 'Female', 'Heart Rate', 'Humans', 'Hypertension', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Monitoring, Physiologic', 'Posture', 'Respiration', 'Valsalva Maneuver']

[['M01.060.116'], ['E01.370.600.875.249', 'G09.330.380.076'], ['G07.180.562.190'], ['C18.452.394.750', 'C19.246'], ['C14.907.320', 'C19.246.099.500'], ['C10.668.829.300', 'C19.246.099.937'], ['E01.370.600.875.500', 'G09.330.380.500'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C14.907.489'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E01.370.520'], ['G11.427.695'], ['G09.772.705'], ['E01.370.370.380.950', 'E01.370.386.700.950', 'G09.330.380.875', 'G09.772.910']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Organisms [B]']

The impact of histology on recurrence patterns in esophageal cancer treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: To assess the impact of histology on recurrence patterns and survival outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT).METHODS: We analyzed 590 consecutive EC patients who received definitive CRT from 1998 to 2014, including 182 patients (30.8%) with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 408 (69.2%) with adenocarcinoma. Recurrence pattern and timing, survival, and potential prognostic factors were compared.RESULTS: After a median follow-up time of 58.0months, the SCC group demonstrated a comparable locoregional recurrence rate (42.9% vs. 38.0%, P=0.264) but a significantly lower distant failure rate (27.5% vs. 48.0%, P<0.001) than adenocarcinoma group. No significant difference was found in overall survival or locoregional failure-free survival between groups, whereas the SCC group was associated with significantly more favorable recurrence-free survival (P=0.009) and distant metastasis-free survival (P<0.001). The adenocarcinoma group had higher hematogenous metastasis rates of bone, brain, and liver, whereas the SCC group had a marginally higher regional recurrence rate. Among patients who received salvage surgery after locoregional recurrence, no significant difference in survival was found between groups (P=0.12).CONCLUSIONS: The patterns and sites of recurrence, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors were significantly different between esophageal SCC and adenocarcinoma.

['Adenocarcinoma', 'Adult', 'Aged', 'Aged, 80 and over', 'Carcinoma, Squamous Cell', 'Chemoradiotherapy', 'Cisplatin', 'Esophageal Neoplasms', 'Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Neoplasm Recurrence, Local', 'Retrospective Studies', 'Salvage Therapy', 'Young Adult']

[['C04.557.470.200.025'], ['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['M01.060.116.100.080'], ['C04.557.470.200.400', 'C04.557.470.700.400'], ['E02.186.079', 'E02.319.164', 'E02.815.160'], ['D01.210.375', 'D01.625.125', 'D01.710.100'], ['C04.588.274.476.205', 'C04.588.443.353', 'C06.301.371.205', 'C06.405.117.430', 'C06.405.249.205'], ['C04.557.470.200.400.330', 'C04.557.470.700.400.565', 'C04.588.274.476.205.500', 'C04.588.443.353.500', 'C06.301.371.205.500', 'C06.405.117.430.500', 'C06.405.249.205.500'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['C04.697.655', 'C23.550.727.655'], ['E05.318.372.500.500.500', 'E05.318.372.500.750.750', 'N05.715.360.330.500.500.500', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.825', 'N06.850.520.450.500.500.500', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.825'], ['E02.895'], ['M01.060.116.815']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Health Care [N]']

Geographical distribution of Vip3Aa20 resistance allele frequencies in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The use of Bt plants has been the main strategy for controlling the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in Brazil. However, many resistance cases were already registered. The resistance of S. frugiperda to the Vip3Aa20 protein was recently characterized under laboratory conditions but it is still efficient under field conditions. Here, resistance monitoring studies were conducted using phenotypic (purified protein and Bt maize leaves) and genotypic (F1 and F2 screen) methods to support insect resistance management (IRM) programs and preserve Vip3Aa20 technology on maize.RESULTS: Phenotypic monitoring with purified protein showed two populations significantly different from the susceptible strain on the second crop season in 2016. This number increased for the first and second crop seasons in 2017 in several regions. The genotypic monitoring estimated a mean frequency of the resistance allele of 0.0027 for the F1 screen and 0.0033 for the F2 screen. Three new resistant strains to Vip3Aa20 were selected from F2 screen assays. Complementation tests on these new resistant strains were positive with the previous resistant strain.CONCLUSION: Here we showed that the resistance allele of S. frugiperda to Vip3Aa20 protein is widely distributed in maize-producing regions in Brazil and its frequency increases throughout crop seasons. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

['Animals', 'Bacterial Proteins', 'Brazil', 'Endotoxins', 'Gene Frequency', 'Hemolysin Proteins', 'Insect Proteins', 'Insecticide Resistance', 'Larva', 'Plants, Genetically Modified', 'Spodoptera', 'Zea mays']

[['B01.050'], ['D12.776.097'], ['Z01.107.757.176'], ['D23.946.123.329'], ['G05.330'], ['D12.776.543.695.444'], ['D12.776.093.500'], ['G07.690.773.984.491'], ['B05.500.500', 'G07.345.500.550.500.500'], ['B01.650.520', 'B05.620.600'], ['B01.050.500.131.617.720.500.500.937.650.700'], ['B01.650.940.800.575.912.250.822.966']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

A test of a mitochondrial gene-based phylogeny of woodpeckers (genus Picoides) using an independent nuclear gene, beta-fibrinogen intron 7.

A conservative estimate of the species tree for the woodpecker genus Picoides based on two mitochondrial protein-coding genes is tested using sequences of an independently evolving nuclear intron, beta-fibrinogen intron 7. The mitochondrial gene-based topology and the intron-based topology are concordant, and a partition-homogeneity statistical test did not detect phylogenetic heterogeneity. The intron evolves more slowly than the mitochondrial sequences and tends not to resolve relationships among recently evolved species. However, the intron is superior over mitochondrial genes in resolving older bifurcations in the phylogeny. The two data sets were combined resulting in a robust estimate of the Picoides species tree in which most every node is statistically supported by bootstrap proportions. The Picoides species tree clearly shows that many morphological and behavioral characters used to lump species into this single genus have evolved by convergent evolution. Picoides is considered the largest genus of woodpeckers, but the molecular-based species tree suggests that Picoides is actually a conglomerate of several smaller groups.

['Animals', 'Birds', 'Cell Nucleus', 'Cytochrome b Group', 'DNA', 'DNA, Mitochondrial', 'Electron Transport Complex IV', 'Fibrinogen', 'Introns', 'Molecular Sequence Data', 'Phylogeny', 'Sequence Analysis, DNA']

[['B01.050'], ['B01.050.150.900.248'], ['A11.284.430.106', 'A11.284.430.214.190.875.117'], ['D08.244.187', 'D12.776.422.220.187'], ['D13.444.308'], ['D13.444.308.283.225'], ['D05.500.562.374', 'D08.811.600.250.687', 'D08.811.682.285', 'D12.776.157.530.450.250.875.304', 'D12.776.543.277.687', 'D12.776.543.585.450.250.875.484'], ['D12.776.124.050.250', 'D12.776.124.125.500', 'D12.776.811.300', 'D23.119.490'], ['G05.360.340.024.220.400', 'G05.360.340.024.340.137.515'], ['L01.453.245.667'], ['G05.697', 'G16.075.605', 'L01.100.697'], ['E05.393.760.700']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Teicoplanin vs vancomycin: cost-effectiveness comparisons.

The rising incidence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci and resistant enterococci in recent years has led to increased use of vancomycin as an active combatant in the treatment of gram-positive infections. Teicoplanin is an investigational glycopeptide that shares a similar spectrum of activity with vancomycin and appears to have similar efficacy. Teicoplanin offers several theoretical advantages compared with vancomycin including once-daily dosing, fewer side effects, and the option for intramuscular administration. While these may be perceived as substantial advances in the glycopeptide class of antibiotics, teicoplanin will probably not replace the now generically available vancomycin on hospital formularies. If competitively priced as a once-daily dosing regimen, teicoplanin will likely gain initial acceptance as an alternative in patients with an intolerance to vancomycin infusion-related side effects or in patients placed on combination aminoglycoside therapy for extended periods of treatment, as an intramuscular antibiotic in patients with poor venous access, and for routine antibiotic prophylaxis where protection from resistant gram-positive pathogens is important. The use of teicoplanin in the hospital may become more widespread as its side effect profile and economic advantages of less frequent dosing compared with vancomycin become better understood.

['Cost-Benefit Analysis', 'Drug Costs', 'Formularies, Hospital as Topic', 'Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499', 'Humans', 'Michigan', 'Staphylococcal Infections', 'Teicoplanin', 'Vancomycin']

[['N03.219.151.125'], ['N03.219.151.400.350', 'N05.300.375.300'], ['L01.178.682.192.836.535.561'], ['N02.278.306.472.180'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['Z01.107.567.875.350.500', 'Z01.107.567.875.510.500'], ['C01.150.252.410.868'], ['D09.400.420.405.500', 'D12.644.233.352.500'], ['D09.400.420.925', 'D12.644.233.925']]

['Health Care [N]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]']

Identification of recurrent and novel mutations in the LDL receptor gene in Spanish patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Mutations in brief no. 135. Online.

We used the single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method to investigate 13 apparently unrelated Spanish patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) for mutations in the promoter region and the 18 exons and their flanking intron sequences of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene. We found 16 aberrant SSCP patterns, and the underlying mutations were characterized by DNA sequencing. Five novel missense mutations, Q71E, C74G, C95R, C281Y and D679E, and one nonsense mutation, Q133X, were identified. We also found six missense mutations, S156L, D200Y, D200G, E256K, T413K and C646Y, and one stop codon mutation, W(-18)X, that were previously described in patients from other populations. A new frameshift mutation, 2085del19, was found in one patient. We also identified three splicing mutations; two of them are novel mutations, 1706-10G->A and 2390-1G->A, and the other one has been reported recently, 313+1G->C. Four patients were found to carry two different mutations in the same allele: Q71E and 313+1G->C; C95R and D679E; W(-18)X and E256K, and C281Y and 1706-10G->A. Our results demonstrate that there is a broad spectrum of mutations in the LDL receptor gene in the Spanish population.

['DNA Mutational Analysis', 'Frameshift Mutation', 'Humans', 'Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II', 'Mutation, Missense', 'Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational', 'Receptors, LDL', 'Spain']

[['E05.393.760.700.300'], ['G05.365.590.265'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C16.320.565.398.481', 'C18.452.584.500.500.644.475', 'C18.452.648.398.481'], ['G05.365.590.650'], ['G05.365.795.600'], ['D12.776.543.750.710.450'], ['Z01.542.846']]

['Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Geographicals [Z]']

Peters' anomaly and combination with other malformations (series of 16 patients).

A series of 15 patients with Peters' anomaly observed from 1987-1991 and a patient showing Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome were studied retrospectively. Combined ocular anomalies were: microphthalmos (9x), myopia (4x), aniridia (2x), cataract (2x). Five of the patients had combined general anomalies: mental retardation, deafness, cardiac malformation (ASD II), and luxatio coxae. In two of them chromosomal anomalies were found: 4p minus syndrome, mosaic trisomy 9. After comparison of these data with those known from the literature the author confirms that Peters' anomaly is a morphologic finding rather than a distinct entity. Treatment depends on individual histopathologic findings and on the psychophysical development of the child.

['Abnormalities, Multiple', 'Adult', 'Anterior Eye Segment', 'Child', 'Child, Preschool', 'Corneal Opacity', 'Eye Abnormalities', 'Humans', 'Infant', 'Retrospective Studies']

[['C16.131.077'], ['M01.060.116'], ['A09.371.060'], ['M01.060.406'], ['M01.060.406.448'], ['C11.204.299'], ['C11.250', 'C16.131.384'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.703'], ['E05.318.372.500.500.500', 'E05.318.372.500.750.750', 'N05.715.360.330.500.500.500', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.825', 'N06.850.520.450.500.500.500', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.825']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]']

Characterization of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BetB) as an essential virulence factor of Brucella abortus.

The pathogenic mechanisms of Brucellosis used to adapt to the harsh intracellular environment of the host cell are not fully understood. The present study investigated the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of B. abortus betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BetB) (Gene Bank ID: 006932) using a betB deletion mutant constructed from virulent B. abortus 544. In test under stress conditions, including osmotic- and acid stress-resistance, the betB mutant had a lower osmotic-resistance than B. abortus wild-type. In addition, the betB mutant showed higher internalization rates compared to the wild-type strain; however, it also displayed replication failures in HeLa cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages. During internalization, compared to the wild-type strain, the betB mutant was more adherent to the host surface and showed enhanced phosphorylation of protein kinases, two processes that promote phagocytic activity, in host cells. During intracellular trafficking, colocalization of B. abortus-containing phagosomes with LAMP-1 was elevated in betB mutant-infected cells compared to the wild-type cells. In mice, the betB mutant was predominantly cleared from spleens compared to the wild-type strain after 2 weeks post-infection, and the vaccination test with the live betB mutant showed effective protection against challenge infection with the virulent wild-type strain. These findings suggested that the B. abortus betB gene substantially affects the phagocytic pathway in human phagocytes and in host cells in mice. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential use of the B. abortus betB mutant as a live vaccine for the control of brucellosis.

['Animals', 'Bacterial Adhesion', 'Bacterial Vaccines', 'Betaine-Aldehyde Dehydrogenase', 'Brucella abortus', 'Brucellosis', 'HeLa Cells', 'Humans', 'Macrophages', 'Mice', 'Mice, Inbred BALB C', 'Osmotic Pressure', 'Phagocytes', 'Sequence Deletion', 'Spleen', 'Virulence Factors']

[['B01.050'], ['G06.099.050'], ['D20.215.894.135'], ['D08.811.682.657.163.515'], ['B03.440.400.425.215.500.100', 'B03.660.050.070.100.100'], ['C01.150.252.400.167'], ['A11.251.210.190.400', 'A11.251.860.180.400', 'A11.436.340'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['A11.329.372', 'A11.627.482', 'A11.733.397', 'A15.382.670.522', 'A15.382.680.397'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500'], ['B01.050.050.199.520.520.338', 'B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500.400.338'], ['G01.374.715.578', 'G02.640.249', 'G02.723.661'], ['A11.733', 'A15.382.680'], ['G05.365.590.762', 'G05.558.800'], ['A10.549.700', 'A15.382.520.604.700'], ['D23.946.896']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Wounding-Induced Stomatal Closure Requires Jasmonate-Mediated Activation of GORK K+

Guard cells integrate various hormone signals and environmental cues to balance plant gas exchange and transpiration. The wounding-associated hormone jasmonic acid (JA) and the drought hormone abscisic acid (ABA) both trigger stomatal closure. In contrast to ABA however, the molecular mechanisms of JA-induced stomatal closure have remained largely elusive. Here, we identify a fast signaling pathway for JA targeting the K+ efflux channel GORK. Wounding triggers both local and systemic stomatal closure by activation of the JA signaling cascade followed by GORK phosphorylation and activation through CBL1-CIPK5 Ca2+ sensor-kinase complexes. GORK activation strictly depends on plasma membrane targeting and Ca2+ binding of CBL1-CIPK5 complexes. Accordingly, in gork, cbl1, and cipk5 mutants, JA-induced stomatal closure is specifically abolished. The ABA-coreceptor ABI2 counteracts CBL1-CIPK5-dependent GORK activation. Hence, JA-induced Ca2+ signaling in response to biotic stress converges with the ABA-mediated drought stress pathway to facilitate GORK-mediated stomatal closure upon wounding.

['Abscisic Acid', 'Arabidopsis', 'Arabidopsis Proteins', 'Phosphorylation', 'Plant Stomata', 'Potassium Channels', 'Signal Transduction']

[['D02.241.223.268.034', 'D02.455.326.271.665.202.061', 'D02.455.426.392.368.367.379.249.024', 'D02.455.849.131.061', 'D02.455.849.765.521.500'], ['B01.650.940.800.575.912.250.157.100'], ['D12.776.765.149'], ['G02.111.665', 'G02.607.780', 'G03.796'], ['A18.024.750.650', 'A18.024.812.650'], ['D12.776.157.530.400.600', 'D12.776.543.550.450.750', 'D12.776.543.585.400.750'], ['G02.111.820', 'G04.835']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Atm-, p53-, and Gadd45a-deficient mice show an increased frequency of homologous recombination at different stages during development.

Atm, p53, and Gadd45a form part of a DNA-damage cellular response pathway; the absence of any one of these components results in increased genomic instability. We conducted an in vivo examination of the frequency of spontaneous homologous recombination in Atm-, p53-, or Gadd45a-deficient mice. In the absence of p53, we observed the greatest increase in events, a lesser increase in the absence of Atm, and only a modest increase in the absence of Gadd45a. The striking observation was the difference in the time at which the spontaneous events occurred in atm and trp53 mutant mice. The frequency of homologous recombination in atm mutant mice was increased later during development. In contrast, p53 appears to have a role in suppressing homologous recombination early during development, when p53 is known to spontaneously promote p21 activity. The timing of the increased spontaneous recombination was similar in the Gadd45a- and p53-deficient mice. This temporal resolution suggests that Atm and p53 can act to maintain genomic integrity by different mechanisms in certain in vivo contexts.

['Animals', 'Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins', 'Cell Cycle Proteins', 'DNA-Binding Proteins', 'Eye Color', 'Female', 'Male', 'Mice', 'Mice, Inbred C57BL', 'Mutation', 'Nuclear Proteins', 'Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases', 'Recombination, Genetic', 'Tumor Suppressor Protein p53', 'Tumor Suppressor Proteins']

[['B01.050'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700.097', 'D12.776.157.687.125', 'D12.776.660.720.125'], ['D12.776.167'], ['D12.776.260'], ['G14.340', 'G16.690.360'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500'], ['B01.050.050.199.520.520.420', 'B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500.400.420'], ['G05.365.590'], ['D12.776.660'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700'], ['G05.728'], ['D12.776.157.687.650', 'D12.776.260.820', 'D12.776.624.776.775', 'D12.776.660.720.650', 'D12.776.744.845'], ['D12.776.624.776']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]']

Highly multiplexed antibody suspension bead arrays for plasma protein profiling.

Alongside the increasing availability of affinity reagents, antibody microarrays have become a powerful tool to screen for target proteins in complex samples. Applying directly labeled samples onto arrays instead of using sandwich assays offers an approach to facilitate a systematic, high-throughput, and flexible exploration of protein profiles in body fluids such as serum or plasma. As an alternative to planar arrays, a system based on color-coded beads for the creation of antibody arrays in suspension has become available to offer a microtiter plate-based option for screening larger number of samples with variable sets of capture reagents. A procedure was established for analyzing biotinylated samples without the necessity to remove excess labeling substance. We have shown that this assay system allows detecting proteins down into lower pico-molar and higher pg/ml levels with dynamic ranges over three orders of magnitude. Presently, this workflow enables the profiling of 384 samples for up to 384 proteins per assay.

['Antibodies, Immobilized', 'Biotinylation', 'Blood Proteins', 'Humans', 'Protein Array Analysis']

[['D12.776.124.486.485.114.207', 'D12.776.124.790.651.114.207', 'D12.776.377.715.548.114.207', 'D12.776.463.250'], ['E05.601.085', 'G02.111.109', 'G03.162'], ['D12.776.124'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E05.588.570.700', 'E05.601.680']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]']

Oral health status of vulnerable groups in a village of the Central Highlands, southern Vietnam.

OBJECTIVES: Oral health status of vulnerable people in developing countries tends to be given lower priority than other health issues. Consequently, few studies have examined the oral health status of the poor and minorities in developing countries. We aim to examine the dental caries and periodontal status, and explore the risk indicators of dental caries between two ethnic groups in rural villages in southern Vietnam.METHODS: We examined the caries status and its risk indicators of 150 participants (Co-Ho minority and Kinh majority) living in a hamlet of Dangphuong village in Vietnam. We also assessed periodontal status of the participants aged 14 and over by Community Periodontal Index.RESULTS: We first found that dental caries were highly prevalent among both the Co-Ho minority and Kinh majority groups. Second, the higher numbers of dental caries among children with primary teeth were associated with a higher frequency of consuming sweets. Third, most people (87%) aged 14 and over had periodontal problems. Finally, the Kinh majority tended to have more dental caries than Co-Ho among people aged less than 30.CONCLUSION: Oral health promotion should be considered as a part of the development programmes for vulnerable groups in Vietnam and other developing countries.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Aged', 'Aged, 80 and over', 'DMF Index', 'Dental Caries', 'Developing Countries', 'Dietary Sucrose', 'Ethnic Groups', 'Feeding Behavior', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Oral Health', 'Periodontal Diseases', 'Periodontal Index', 'Prevalence', 'Risk Factors', 'Rural Health', 'Surveys and Questionnaires', 'Vietnam', 'Vulnerable Populations']

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['Named Groups [M]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Geographicals [Z]']

Mangiferin Mitigates Gastric Ulcer in Ischemia/ Reperfused Rats: Involvement of PPAR-ã, NF-êB and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways.

Mangiferin (MF), a xanthonoid from Mangifera indica, has been proved to have antisecretory and antioxidant gastroprotective effects against different gastric ulcer models; however, its molecular mechanism has not been previously elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test its modulatory effect on several signaling pathways using the ischemia/reperfusion model for the first time. Animals were treated with MF, omeprazole (OMP), and the vehicle. The mechanistic studies revealed that MF mediated its gastroprotective effect partly via inducing the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and PPAR-ã along with downregulating that of NF-êB. Surprisingly, the effect of MF, especially the high dose, exceeded that mediated by OMP except for Nrf2. The molecular results were reflected on the biomarkers measured, where the antioxidant effect of MF was manifested by increasing total antioxidant capacity and glutathione, besides normalizing malondialdehyde level. Additionally, MF decreased the I/R-induced nitric oxide elevation, an effect that was better than that of OMP. In the serum, MF, dose dependently, enhanced endothelial nitric oxide synthase, while reduced the inducible isoform. Regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of MF, it reduced serum level of IL-1â and sE-selectin, effects that were mirrored on the tissue level of myeloperoxidase, the neutrophil infiltration marker. In addition, MF possessed an antiapoptotic character evidenced by elevating Bcl-2 level and reducing that of caspase-3 in a dose related order. As a conclusion, the intimated gastroprotective mechanisms of MF are mediated, partially, by modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis possibly via the Nrf2/HO-1, PPAR-ã/NF-êB signaling pathways.

['Animals', 'Anti-Inflammatory Agents', 'Anti-Ulcer Agents', 'Antioxidants', 'Gene Expression Regulation', 'Heme Oxygenase-1', 'Male', 'Mangifera', 'NF-E2-Related Factor 2', 'NF-kappa B', 'Omeprazole', 'PPAR gamma', 'Rats', 'Rats, Wistar', 'Reperfusion Injury', 'Signal Transduction', 'Stomach Ulcer', 'Xanthones']

[['B01.050'], ['D27.505.954.158'], ['D27.505.954.483.203'], ['D27.505.519.217', 'D27.505.696.706.125', 'D27.720.799.047'], ['G05.308'], ['D08.811.682.690.708.410.500'], ['B01.650.940.800.575.912.250.044.416'], ['D12.776.260.108.737', 'D12.776.930.127.737'], ['D05.500.672', 'D12.776.260.600', 'D12.776.660.600', 'D12.776.930.600'], ['D02.886.640.074.500', 'D03.383.725.024.500', 'D03.633.100.103.034.500'], ['D12.776.826.239.588'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700.900'], ['C14.907.725', 'C23.550.767.877'], ['G02.111.820', 'G04.835'], ['C06.405.469.275.800.849', 'C06.405.748.586.849'], ['D03.633.300.953.852']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Diseases [C]']

Stereodynamics of tetramezine.

The antidepressant drug tetramezine [1,2-bis-(3,3-dimethyldiaziridin-1-yl)ethane] consists of two bridged diaziridine moieties with four stereogenic nitrogen centers, which are stereolabile and, therefore, are prone to interconversion. The adjacent substituents at the nitrogen atoms of the diaziridines moieties exist only in an antiperiplanar conformation, which results in a coupled interconversion. Therefore, three stereoisomers exist (meso form and two enantiomeric forms), which epimerize when the diaziridine moieties are regarded as stereogenic units due to the coupled interconversion. Here, we have investigated the epimerization between the meso and enantiomeric forms by dynamic gas chromatography. Temperature-dependent measurements were performed, and reaction rate constants were determined using the unified equation of chromatography implemented in the software DCXplorer. The activation barriers of the epimerization were found to be ÄG(?) = 100.7 kJ mol(-1) at 25°C and ÄG(?) = 104.5 kJ mol(-1) at 37°C, respectively. The activation enthalpy and entropy were determined to be ÄH(?) = 70.3 ± 0.4 kJ mol(-1) and ÄS(?) = -102 ± 2 J mol(-1) K(-1) .

['Algorithms', 'Antidepressive Agents', 'Aziridines', 'Chromatography, Gas', 'Molecular Conformation', 'Stereoisomerism', 'Thermodynamics']

[['G17.035', 'L01.224.050'], ['D27.505.954.427.700.122'], ['D03.383.097.217'], ['E05.196.181.349'], ['G02.111.570.820'], ['G02.607.445.682'], ['G01.906']]

['Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Information Science [L]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Physical activity and ischaemic heart disease in middle-aged British men.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between reported physical activity and the risk of heart attacks in middle aged British men.DESIGN: Prospective study of middle-aged men followed for a period of eight years (The British Regional Heart Study).SETTING: One general practice in each of 24 British towns.PARTICIPANTS: 7735 men aged 40-59 years at initial examination.END POINT: Heart attacks (non-fatal and fatal).MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During the follow up period of eight years 488 men suffered at least one major heart attack. A physical activity score used was developed and validated against heart rate and lung function (FEV1) in men without evidence of ischaemic heart disease. Risk of heart attack decreased significantly with increasing physical activity; the groups reporting moderate and moderately vigorous activity experienced less than half the rate seen in inactive men. The benefits of physical activity were seen most consistently in men without preexisting ischaemic heart disease and up to levels of moderately vigorous activity. Vigorously active men had higher rates of heart attack than men with moderate or moderately vigorous activity. The relation between physical activity and the risk of heart attack seemed to be independent of other cardiovascular risk factors. Men with symptomatic ischaemic heart disease showed a reduction in the rate of heart attack at light or moderate levels of physical activity, beyond which the risk of heart attack increased. Men with asymptomatic ischaemic heart disease showed an increasing risk of heart attack with increasing levels of physical activity, but with a progressive decrease in case fatality. Overall, men who engaged in vigorous (sporting) activity of any frequency had significantly lower rates of heart attack than men who reported no sporting activity. However, when all men reporting regular sporting activity at least once a month were excluded from analysis, there remained a strong inverse relation between physical activity and the risk of heart attack in men without pre-existing ischaemic heart disease.CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the overall level of physical activity is an important independent protective factor in ischaemic heart disease and that vigorous (sporting) exercise, although beneficial in its own right, is not essential in order to obtain such an effect.

['Adult', 'Age Factors', 'Coronary Disease', 'Follow-Up Studies', 'Forced Expiratory Volume', 'Heart Rate', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Myocardial Infarction', 'Physical Exertion', 'Prospective Studies', 'Risk Factors', 'Sports', 'United Kingdom']

[['M01.060.116'], ['N05.715.350.075', 'N06.850.490.250'], ['C14.280.647.250', 'C14.907.585.250'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.249', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.350', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.350'], ['E01.370.386.700.660.230', 'G09.772.650.430'], ['E01.370.600.875.500', 'G09.330.380.500'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['C14.280.647.500', 'C14.907.585.500', 'C23.550.513.355.750', 'C23.550.717.489.750'], ['G11.427.683'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.625', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.650', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.650'], ['E05.318.740.600.800.725', 'N05.715.350.200.700', 'N05.715.360.750.625.700.700', 'N06.850.490.625.750', 'N06.850.520.830.600.800.725'], ['I03.450.642.845'], ['Z01.542.363']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Geographicals [Z]']

Allopurinol Administration for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Network Meta-analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis.

Contrast-induced nephropathy represents a major source of morbidity in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Various preventive measures have been proposed, although the optimal one remains still unknown. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to accumulate current literature knowledge and evaluate the renoprotective effects of allopurinol administration before contrast medium exposure. To achieve this, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to November 8, 2018. Statistical meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager 5.3, TSA 0.9.5.5 and R-3.4.3. Six studies were included with a total of 918 patients. Quantitative synthesis revealed that allopurinol leads to significantly reduced incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy compared with hydration alone [odds ratio: 0.29, 95% confidence interval: (0.09-0.90)]. Trial sequential analysis suggested that Z-curve crossed the O'Brien-Fleming significance boundaries, although required information size was not reached. Network meta-analysis indicated that allopurinol had the highest probability (81.2%) to rank as the most effective intervention compared with hydration and N-acetyl cysteine; however, significant overlap with the rest treatments was noted. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis suggests that allopurinol may represent a promising measure for the prevention of acute kidney injury after coronary angiography. Future large-scale randomized controlled trials should verify this finding, while combinations of allopurinol with other novel interventions should be evaluated to define the most effective strategy to be implemented in the clinical setting.

['Acute Kidney Injury', 'Allopurinol', 'Contrast Media', 'Cytoprotection', 'Fluid Therapy', 'Gout Suppressants', 'Humans', 'Incidence', 'Kidney', 'Network Meta-Analysis', 'Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic', 'Risk Factors', 'Treatment Outcome']

[['C12.777.419.780.050', 'C13.351.968.419.780.050'], ['D03.633.100.759.160'], ['D27.505.259.500', 'D27.720.259'], ['G07.690.773.500'], ['E02.319.360'], ['D27.505.954.329.337'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E05.318.308.985.525.375', 'N01.224.935.597.500', 'N06.850.505.400.975.525.375', 'N06.850.520.308.985.525.375'], ['A05.810.453'], ['E05.318.370.500.500', 'E05.581.500.501.500', 'N05.715.360.325.515.500', 'N06.850.520.445.500.500'], ['E05.318.372.250.250.365.500', 'N05.715.360.330.250.250.365.500', 'N06.850.520.450.250.250.365.500'], ['E05.318.740.600.800.725', 'N05.715.350.200.700', 'N05.715.360.750.625.700.700', 'N06.850.490.625.750', 'N06.850.520.830.600.800.725'], ['E01.789.800', 'N04.761.559.590.800', 'N05.715.360.575.575.800']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Anatomy [A]']

An EORTC international multicenter randomized trial (EORTC number 19923) comparing two dosages of liposomal amphotericin B for treatment of invasive aspergillosis.

This is the first completed prospective randomized clinical efficacy trial of antifungals in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and the first to compare the clinical efficacy of two dosages of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for IA in neutropenic patients with cancer or those undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Eighty-seven of 120 patients were eligible and evaluable. Clinical responses were documented for 26 (64%) of 41 patients receiving 1 mg/(kg.d) (L-AmB-1) and 22 (48%) of 46 receiving 4 mg/(kg.d) (L-AmB-4). Radiologic response rates were similar: 24 (58%) of the L-AmB-1 recipients and 24(52%) of the L-AmB-4 recipients. The six-month survival rates were 43% (L-AmB-1) and 37% (L-AmB-4). These differences were not significant. The numbers of deaths directly due to IA at 6 months were similar: 9 (22%) of 41 L-AmB-1 recipients and 9 (20%) of 46 L-AmB-4 recipients. No other variable independently influenced survival, apart from central nervous system IA. L-AmB is effective in treating approximately 50%-60% of patients who have IA. A 1-mg/(kg.d) dosage is as effective as a 4-mg/(kg.d) dosage, and no advantages to use of the higher, more expensive, dosage has been observed.

['Adult', 'Aged', 'Amphotericin B', 'Antifungal Agents', 'Aspergillosis', 'Drug Carriers', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Liposomes', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Prospective Studies', 'Survival Analysis', 'Treatment Outcome']

[['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['D02.540.576.500.500'], ['D27.505.954.122.136'], ['C01.150.703.080'], ['D26.255.260', 'E02.319.300.380'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D25.479.517', 'D26.255.260.517', 'J01.637.051.479.517', 'J01.637.087.500.517'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.625', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.650', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.650'], ['E05.318.740.998', 'N05.715.360.750.795', 'N06.850.520.830.998'], ['E01.789.800', 'N04.761.559.590.800', 'N05.715.360.575.575.800']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Health Care [N]']

Business oriented EU human cell and tissue product legislation will adversely impact Member States' health care systems.

The transplantation of conventional human cell and tissue grafts, such as heart valve replacements and skin for severely burnt patients, has saved many lives over the last decades. The late eighties saw the emergence of tissue engineering with the focus on the development of biological substitutes that restore or improve tissue function. In the nineties, at the height of the tissue engineering hype, industry incited policymakers to create a European regulatory environment, which would facilitate the emergence of a strong single market for tissue engineered products and their starting materials (human cells and tissues). In this paper we analyze the elaboration process of this new European Union (EU) human cell and tissue product regulatory regime-i.e. the EU Cell and Tissue Directives (EUCTDs) and the Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Regulation and evaluate its impact on Member States' health care systems. We demonstrate that the successful lobbying on key areas of regulatory and policy processes by industry, in congruence with Europe's risk aversion and urge to promote growth and jobs, led to excessively business oriented legislation. Expensive industry oriented requirements were introduced and contentious social and ethical issues were excluded. We found indications that this new EU safety and health legislation will adversely impact Member States' health care systems; since 30 December 2012 (the end of the ATMP transitional period) there is a clear threat to the sustainability of some lifesaving and established ATMPs that were provided by public health institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises under the frame of the EUCTDs. In the light of the current economic crisis it is not clear how social security systems will cope with the inflation of costs associated with this new regulatory regime and how priorities will be set with regard to reimbursement decisions. We argue that the ATMP Regulation should urgently be revised to focus on delivering affordable therapies to all who are in need of them and this without necessarily going to the market. The most rapid and elegant way to achieve this would be for the European Commission to publish an interpretative document on "placing on the market of ATMPs," which keeps tailor-made and niche ATMPs outside of the scope of the medicinal product regulation.

['Cell Transplantation', 'Commerce', 'Delivery of Health Care', 'Drug Industry', 'European Union', 'Humans', 'Legislation as Topic', 'Policy', 'Transplants']

[['E02.095.147.500', 'E04.936.225'], ['J01.219'], ['N04.590.374', 'N05.300'], ['J01.576.655.750'], ['I01.615.500.475'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['N03.706.615'], ['I01.655', 'N03.623'], ['A01.941']]

['Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Interactions between rat prolactin gene promoter and enhancer regions in mammosomatotrope and lactotrope cell lines.

Although both promoter and enhancer sequences of the PRL gene 5'-flanking DNA are required for cell-specific, high level expression in transgenic animals, reports of the relative contributions of these elements determined in transient transfection experiments have varied. In this study we examined the transcriptional activities of proximal promoter (-422/+33) and distal enhancer (-1956/-1530) sequences of the rat (r) PRL gene by transient transfection of hybrid genes containing these sequences into two rat pituitary cell lines, GC and 235-1. These cell lines exhibit characteristics either of mammosomatotropes, which express both PRL and the evolutionarily related GH gene (GC), or lactotropes, which express only PRL (235-1). As lactotropes are thought to differentiate from a mammosomatotrope precursor cell, comparisons between these cell lines provide the opportunity to examine the mechanisms that activate PRL and GH genes during development. We show that the relative contributions of promoter and enhancer elements differ between GC and 235-1 cells. Although maximal enhancer-driven activity was similar between these cell lines, promoter sequences were more active in GC (5-10% maximal) than 235-1 cells (1-2% maximal). However, no apparent differences in factor binding to the rPRL promoter region could be correlated with differences in activity, suggesting that differential factor modification, rather than different factors, is involved. As the rGH promoter exhibited a similar pattern of activity in these cell lines, these observations suggest that promoter as well as enhancer elements contribute to the cell specificity of PRL and GH gene expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

['Animals', 'DNA, Neoplasm', 'Enhancer Elements, Genetic', 'Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic', 'Growth Hormone', 'Pituitary Neoplasms', 'Prolactin', 'Promoter Regions, Genetic', 'Rats', 'Transfection', 'Tumor Cells, Cultured']

[['B01.050'], ['D13.444.308.425'], ['G02.111.570.080.689.330', 'G05.360.080.689.330', 'G05.360.340.024.340.137.750.249'], ['G05.308.370'], ['D06.472.699.631.525.425', 'D12.644.548.691.525.425'], ['C04.588.322.609', 'C04.588.614.250.195.885.500.600', 'C10.228.140.211.885.500.600', 'C10.228.140.617.477.600', 'C10.228.140.617.738.675', 'C10.551.240.250.700.500.500', 'C19.344.609', 'C19.700.734'], ['D06.472.699.322.576.773', 'D06.472.699.631.525.525', 'D12.644.548.691.525.525'], ['G02.111.570.080.689.675', 'G05.360.080.689.675', 'G05.360.340.024.340.137.750.680'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.700'], ['E05.393.350.810', 'G05.728.860'], ['A11.251.860']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Anatomy [A]']

Sexual Scripts and Criminal Statutes: Gender Restrictions, Spousal Allowances, and Victim Accountability After Rape Law Reform.

The author provides a mixed-methods assessment of U.S. rape statutes to assess progress in reform. Contemporary statutes offer restrictive frameworks for distinguishing criminal from noncriminal sexual violence, many of which are grounded in gendered and heterosexist assumptions. Fourteen states retain gender restrictions in rape statutes. Twenty maintain marital distinctions that limit accountability for spousal rape. Furthermore, whereas explicit resistance requirements have been eliminated nationwide, implicit resistance expectations manifest through emphasis on physical force and involuntary intoxication. Analyses conclude with recommendations for further legal reform and a discussion of the potential for legislation to affect broader social perceptions of rape.

['Crime', 'Crime Victims', 'Criminal Law', 'History, 20th Century', 'History, 21st Century', 'Humans', 'Rape', 'Sexual Behavior', 'Social Perception', 'Social Responsibility', 'United States']

[['I01.198.240', 'I01.880.735.191'], ['M01.135'], ['I01.198.290', 'I01.880.604.583.100'], ['K01.400.504.968'], ['K01.400.504.984'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['I01.198.240.748.640', 'I01.198.240.856.744', 'I01.880.735.900.772'], ['F01.145.802'], ['F02.463.593.752'], ['F01.829.500.760', 'K01.752.566.869'], ['Z01.107.567.875']]

['Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Humanities [K]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Geographicals [Z]']

Diagnostic value of symptom screening for pulmonary tuberculosis in China.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of symptom screening for tuberculosis (TB) case finding defined in National Tuberculosis Control Program in China (China NTP) among elderly people(?65 years) and younger people(<65 years).METHODS: We made a secondary analysis in a population-based TB prevalence survey in China in 2010. Questionnaire including information for cough and haemoptysis was completed by face to face interview, and then chest radiography was conducted in all eligible participants. Sputum smear and culture were followed for all TB suspects. We calculated the odds ratios (OR), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of using different symptoms for screening to detect bacteriologically positive TB in subpopulations stratified by age 65, to evaluate the performance of symptom screening for TB.FINDINGS: Of 315 newly diagnosed bacteriologically positive TB, 131 patients (41.59%) were elderly, and 48.57% of TB patients were asymptomatic. Nearly 50% patients did not present cough of any duration, and less than half present cough more than 2 weeks, a defined suspected symptom in China NTP. Cough of any duration was reported more in patients aged under 65 than those in elderly, especially for the acute cough (9.78% vs 6.87%). Those symptoms defined by China NTP were reported by less than half participants in two subpopulations. Acute cough (<2 weeks) was an independent predictor of TB in people aged under 65 (adjusted OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 2.0-5.5), but not in those aged 65 and above (adjusted OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.7-2.9). The specificity for each symptom was significantly higher in participants aged under 65 (P<0.01), and sensitivities of most symptoms were significantly higher among elderly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). When compared with cough for 2 weeks and more, using cough of any duration for symptom screening increased the sensitivity from 42.9% to 51. % for all participants, and the AUC increased from 0.70 to 0.74 for participants aged under 65 without significant difference.CONCLUSIONS: There is a high percent of asymptomatic TB patients, and those symptoms adopted in China NTP for screening is poorly predictive for TB. The presence of TB symptoms, the sensitivities and specificities of symptoms for TB were distinct between two subpopulations cut by age 65, implying different case finding strategies should be established for them. The current case finding strategy should be improved, and further studies should be done to evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of different symptom screening strategy.

['Adolescent', 'Adult', 'Aged', 'Aged, 80 and over', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Mass Screening', 'Middle Aged', 'Predictive Value of Tests', 'Prevalence', 'Radiography, Thoracic', 'Sensitivity and Specificity', 'Sputum', 'Tuberculosis, Pulmonary']

[['M01.060.057'], ['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['M01.060.116.100.080'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E01.370.500', 'E05.318.308.980.438.580', 'N02.421.726.233.443', 'N05.715.360.300.800.438.500', 'N06.850.520.308.980.438.580', 'N06.850.780.500'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['E05.318.370.800.650', 'N05.715.360.325.700.640', 'N06.850.520.445.800.650'], ['E05.318.308.985.525.750', 'N01.224.935.597.750', 'N06.850.505.400.975.525.750', 'N06.850.520.308.985.525.750'], ['E01.370.350.700.730'], ['E05.318.370.800', 'E05.318.740.872', 'G17.800', 'N05.715.360.325.700', 'N05.715.360.750.725', 'N06.850.520.445.800', 'N06.850.520.830.872'], ['A12.200.808'], ['C01.150.252.410.040.552.846.899', 'C01.748.939', 'C08.381.922', 'C08.730.939']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Diseases [C]']

Genetic diversities of cytochrome B in Xinjiang Uyghur unveiled its origin and migration history.

BACKGROUND: Uyghurs are one of the many populations of Central Eurasia that is considered to be genetically related to Eastern and Western Eurasian populations. However, there are some different opinions on the relative importance of the degree of Eastern and Western Eurasian genetic influence. In addition, the genetic diversity of the Uyghur in different geographic locations has not been clearly studied.RESULTS: In this study, we are the first to report on the DNA polymorphism of cytochrome B in the Uyghur population located in Xinjiang in northwest China. We observed a total of 102 mutant sites in the 240 samples that were studied. The average number of mutated nucleotides in the samples was 5.126. A total of 93 different haplotypes were observed. The gene diversity and discrimination power were 0.9480 and 0.9440, respectively. There were founder and bottleneck haplotypes observed in Xinjiang Uyghurs. Xinjiang Uyghurs are more genetically related to Chinese population in genetics than to Caucasians. Moreover, there was genetic diversity between Uyghurs from the southern and northern regions. There was significance in genetic distance between the southern Xinjiang Uyghurs and Chinese population, but not between the northern Xinjiang Uyghurs and Chinese. The European vs. East Asian contribution to the ten regional Uyghur groups varies among the groups and the European contribution to the Uyghur increases from north to south geographically.CONCLUSION: This study is the first report on DNA polymorphisms of cytochrome B in the Uyghur population. The study also further confirms that there are significant genetic differences among the Uyghurs in different geographical locations.

['Asian Continental Ancestry Group', 'China', 'Cytochromes b', 'Genetic Variation', 'Genotype', 'Haplotypes', 'History, Ancient', 'Human Migration', 'Humans', 'Polymorphism, Genetic', 'Sequence Analysis, DNA']

[['M01.686.508.200'], ['Z01.252.474.164'], ['D08.244.187.249', 'D12.776.422.220.187.249'], ['G05.365'], ['G05.380'], ['G05.380.360'], ['K01.400.470'], ['I01.240.600.525', 'N01.224.625.525', 'N06.850.505.400.700.525'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['G05.365.795'], ['E05.393.760.700']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Humanities [K]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

[Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in a group of pre-school and school children, living in conditions of poverty].

Iron deficiency is common during the first years of life. Yet, there is a paucity of data on scholar children. Our main objective was to estimate the prevalence of ferropenic anemia in children 3 to 12 years of age living under conditions of poverty. A total of 323 children were included, 171 attended to a day care institution (group A) and 152 were from the same community but not attended in the day care institution (group B). Hemoglobin (Hb), medium corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum ferritin (SF) were measured in all children. In those with Hb < or = 11 g/dl and/or MCV < or = 73 fl and/or SF < or = 15 microg/l, transferrin saturation (TS) and soluble transferrin receptors (sTR) were also measured. Iron deficiency was defined as SF < or = 15 mg/l and ferropenic anemia was defined as Hb < or = 11 g/dl or MCV < or = 73 fl with sTR > or = 38 mmol/l and SF < or = 10 microg/l or TS < or = 10%. There were no differences between the groups regarding age, weight, height, education, gender and housing conditions. Mean hemoglobin level was 12.6 g/dl (group A: 12.4 g/dl vs. group B: 12.7 g/dl; p=0.012), and mean SF was 45 mg/l, without significant differences between groups. Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 2.5% (8/323) and iron deficiency was 4.4% (14/317), without significant differences between groups. These results persisted after controlling for confounding variables. In this group of children living under conditions of poverty in Argentina, iron deficiency anemia was uncommon. We attribute this phenomenon to local affordability of some inexpensive cuts of red meat.

['Anemia, Iron-Deficiency', 'Argentina', 'Child', 'Child Day Care Centers', 'Child, Preschool', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Male', 'Poverty', 'Prevalence']

[['C15.378.071.196.300', 'C18.452.565.100'], ['Z01.107.757.077'], ['M01.060.406'], ['J03.160', 'N02.421.143.098'], ['M01.060.406.448'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['I01.880.735.634', 'I01.880.853.996.535', 'N01.824.600'], ['E05.318.308.985.525.750', 'N01.224.935.597.750', 'N06.850.505.400.975.525.750', 'N06.850.520.308.985.525.750']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Anthropology, Education, Sociology, and Social Phenomena [I]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]']

Is an antiemetic prophylactic treatment needed for patients submitted to consecutive days of 5-fluorouracil? An observational study.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The necessity of an antiemetic prophylaxis in patients treated with chemotherapy of low emetogenic potential, such as 5-fluorouracil +/- folinic acid fractionated over several consecutive days, is controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic behavior of oncologists on this issue.METHODS: All consecutive in and out patients who started chemotherapy in 33 Italian oncological departments from June 24 to July 6,1996, were studied. The antiemetic prescription pattern and its effectiveness, in patients submitted to 5-fluorouracil +/- folinic acid were evaluated.RESULTS: Of the 1956 patients submitted to cancer chemotherapy, 259 patients received 5-fluorouracil +/- folinic acid. Of these, 186 patients were treated for 5 consecutive days, 47 for 4 days, 20 for 3 days and 6 for 2 days. A total of 219 (84.5%) received an antiemetic prophylaxis: 43.4% a 5-HT3 antagonist +/- steroids, 37.5% an antidopaminergic drug, 10.9% a steroid +/- antidopaminergic drug, and 8.2% other drugs. Only 40 patients (15.5%) did not receive an antiemetic prophylaxis. Overall complete protection from vomiting/nausea was 225/259 (86.9%)/163/259 (62.9%). The complete protection from vomiting/nausea during the 5 days in the 186 patients was not significantly different among patients receiving or not an antiemetic prophylaxis (88.1%/64.9% vs 88.9%/55.6%). At unifactorial analysis, the previous experience of vomiting/nausea caused by chemotherapy was found to be a significant prognostic factor. In fact, overall complete protection from vomiting/nausea was significantly inferior in patients who had previous experience of vomiting/nausea (65.1%/35.0%) with respect to those who did not (91.2%/75.4%, P < 0.001/ > 0.001, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that in clinical practice patients submitted to 5-fluorouracil +/- folinic acid obtained a similar high protection from vomiting and nausea regardless of whether or not antiemetic prophylaxis was given. It would be therefore reasonable not to treat patients undergoing such chemotherapy, whereas patients with previous experience of vomiting/nausea caused by chemotherapy should be given an antiemetic prophylaxis.

['Aged', 'Antiemetics', 'Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic', 'Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols', 'Drug Administration Schedule', 'Drug Prescriptions', 'Female', 'Fluorouracil', 'Humans', 'Incidence', 'Italy', 'Leucovorin', 'Male', 'Medical Oncology', 'Middle Aged', 'Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care', "Practice Patterns, Physicians'", 'Surveys and Questionnaires', 'Vomiting']

[['M01.060.116.100'], ['D27.505.696.663.050.030', 'D27.505.954.427.095', 'D27.505.954.483.200'], ['D27.505.519.186.144', 'D27.505.954.248.144', 'D27.888.569.042.030'], ['E02.183.750.500', 'E02.319.077.500', 'E02.319.310.037'], ['E02.319.283'], ['E02.319.307', 'N02.421.668.778.500'], ['D03.383.742.698.875.404'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E05.318.308.985.525.375', 'N01.224.935.597.500', 'N06.850.505.400.975.525.375', 'N06.850.520.308.985.525.375'], ['Z01.542.489'], ['D03.633.100.733.631.400.800.350.450', 'D08.211.840.300.500'], ['H02.403.429.515'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['N04.761.559', 'N05.715.360.575'], ['N04.590.374.577', 'N05.300.625'], ['E05.318.308.980', 'N05.715.360.300.800', 'N06.850.520.308.980'], ['C23.888.821.937']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Geographicals [Z]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]', 'Diseases [C]']

Immunomodulatory properties of novel nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (nod2) agonistic desmuramyldipeptides.

There is a pressing need for the development of novel adjuvants for human use. The minimal bioactive structure of bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN), muramyldipeptide (MDP), and its derivative murabutide (MB) have long been known for their adjuvant activities. For this reason, a series of novel desmuramyldipeptides have been designed and synthesized as part of our search for therapeutically useful MDP analogues. Since nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (Nod2) is a putative receptor for MDP, we used engineered HEK293 cells overexpressing Nod2 to screen and validate our compounds for their Nod2-agonist activity. Their immunomodulatory properties were subsequently assessed in vitro by evaluating their effect on proinflammatory cytokine production of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Herein, we present novel desmuramyldipeptides, the most active of them possessing immunoenhancing properties as a result of their potent Nod2-agonistic effect.

['Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine', 'Cytokines', 'Dipeptides', 'Dose-Response Relationship, Drug', 'Drug Design', 'HEK293 Cells', 'Humans', 'Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions', 'Immunologic Factors', 'Leukocytes, Mononuclear', 'Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein', 'Time Factors']

[['D09.067.550.050', 'D09.811.522.050', 'D12.644.233.050'], ['D12.644.276.374', 'D12.776.467.374', 'D23.529.374'], ['D12.644.456.345'], ['G07.690.773.875', 'G07.690.936.500'], ['E05.290.500', 'H01.158.703.007.338.500', 'H01.181.466.338.500'], ['A11.251.210.172.750', 'A11.436.334'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['G02.409'], ['D27.505.696.477'], ['A11.118.637.555', 'A15.145.229.637.555', 'A15.382.490.555'], ['D12.644.360.024.131.500', 'D12.644.360.024.313.500', 'D12.644.360.075.358.500', 'D12.644.360.539.500.500', 'D12.776.157.057.006.500', 'D12.776.157.057.078.500', 'D12.776.476.024.139.500', 'D12.776.476.024.391.500', 'D12.776.476.075.358.500'], ['G01.910.857']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Disciplines and Occupations [H]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Organisms [B]']

Carotid artery stenting in the first 100 consecutive patients: results and follow up.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting is now used as an alternative to surgical endarterectomy. The availability of cerebral protection systems has expanded the area of application of this procedure.OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, safety, and immediate and late clinical outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous carotid interventions.METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2000, 100 consecutive patients with 102 carotid artery stenoses were treated (71 men, 29 women, mean (SD) age 67 (8) years): 49 had coronary artery disease, 28 had previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). On the basis of the Mayo Clinic carotid endarterectomy risk scale, 73 patients were grade III-IV and 13 grade VI.RESULTS: Baseline diameter stenosis was 78.8 (10)%, with a mean lesion length of 12.6 (5.8) mm. Angiographic success was obtained in 99 lesions (97.0%) with a final diameter stenosis of 2.4 (3.5)%. Procedural success was obtained in 96 patients (96%). Selective cannulation of three carotid arteries was impossible owing to severe vessel tortuosity. Carotid stenting was performed in 97 of the treated lesions, and protection devices were used in 67 lesions. In-hospital complications occurred in seven patients (six TIA, one (category 1) minor stroke). No major stroke or death occurred. All patients were discharged from the hospital after an average of 2.5 days. At 12 (6.2) months of follow up restenosis occurred in three patients (3.4%) (one patient with carotid occlusion had TIA). Six patients had died: two from cerebrovascular events (5 and 11 months after the procedure) and four from cardiovascular causes.CONCLUSIONS: Carotid stenting appears feasible and safe, with few major complications. Long term follow up is affected by a high incidence of cardiovascular mortality.

['Adult', 'Aged', 'Aged, 80 and over', 'Carotid Stenosis', 'Feasibility Studies', 'Female', 'Follow-Up Studies', 'Humans', 'Ischemic Attack, Transient', 'Male', 'Middle Aged', 'Recurrence', 'Stents']

[['M01.060.116'], ['M01.060.116.100'], ['M01.060.116.100.080'], ['C10.228.140.300.200.360', 'C14.907.137.230', 'C14.907.253.123.360'], ['E05.318.372.550', 'E05.337.675', 'N05.715.360.330.550', 'N06.850.520.450.550'], ['E05.318.372.500.750.249', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.350', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.350'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['C10.228.140.300.150.836', 'C14.907.253.092.836'], ['M01.060.116.630'], ['C23.550.291.937'], ['E07.695.750']]

['Named Groups [M]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]', 'Organisms [B]']

Pyriform sinus malformations: a cadaveric representation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The most important aspects in management of pyriform sinus malformations are awareness of the diagnosis, familiarity with the clinical manifestations, and complete surgical excision of the entire tract. Pyriform sinus anomalies are the least common branchial apparatus malformations and present anatomically as sinus tracts with or without cystic dilatation. The clinical presentations can include lateral neck mass, thyroid abscess, suppurative thyroiditis, retropharyngeal abscess, neonatal airway obstruction, and even carcinoma. Recurrent symptoms after surgery suggest incomplete identification and excision of the tract.METHODS: Cadaveric dissections were performed to show both the proposed embryologic course and clinical manifestations of third and fourth branchial apparatus pyriform sinus anomalies.RESULTS: Illustrations and digital camera images of the cadaveric models are presented to explain the course of pyriform sinus fistula tracts.CONCLUSIONS: The authors discuss 3 case presentations of pyriform sinus anomalies with emphasis on their proposed embryologic origin and anatomic basis for surgical management. Surgical excision is the mainstay of therapy. Understanding the embryologic basis for pyriform sinus malformations aids in recognition of the diagnosis despite the myriad of clinical presentations. Laryngoscopy with sinus cannulation facilitates removal of the entire sinus tract with preservation of the recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves.

['Abscess', 'Adolescent', 'Airway Obstruction', 'Branchial Region', 'Bronchial Neoplasms', 'Cadaver', 'Child', 'Female', 'Humans', 'Hypopharynx', 'Infant, Newborn', 'Larynx', 'Male', 'Models, Anatomic', 'Pharyngeal Neoplasms', 'Retropharyngeal Abscess', 'Thyroiditis, Suppurative']

[['C01.830.025', 'C23.550.470.756.100'], ['M01.060.057'], ['C08.618.846.185'], ['A16.142'], ['C04.588.894.797.520.109', 'C08.127.265', 'C08.785.520.100'], ['C23.550.260.224'], ['M01.060.406'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['A04.623.490', 'A14.724.490'], ['M01.060.703.520'], ['A04.329'], ['J01.897.280.500.545.129', 'L01.178.820.090.545.129'], ['C04.588.443.665.710', 'C07.550.745', 'C09.647.710', 'C09.775.549'], ['C01.748.561.625', 'C01.830.025.780', 'C07.550.781.625', 'C08.730.561.625', 'C09.775.649.625'], ['C01.830.840', 'C19.874.871.910']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]', 'Information Science [L]']

Precipitation, stabilization and molecular modeling of ZnS nanoparticles in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.

ZnS nanoparticles were precipitated in aqueous dispersions of cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The sphere radii of ZnS nanoparticles calculated by using band-gap energies steeply decreased from 4.5 nm to 2.2 nm within CTAB concentrations of 0.4-1.5 mmol L(-1). Above the concentration of 1.5 mmol L(-1), the radii were stabilized at R=2.0 nm and increased up to R=2.5 nm after 24 h. The hydrodynamic diameters of CTAB-ZnS structures observed by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method ranged from 130 nm to 23 nm depending on CTAB concentrations of 0.5-1.5 mmol L(-1). The complex structures were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At the higher CTAB concentrations, ZnS nanoparticles were surrounded by CTA(+) bilayers forming positively charged micelles with the diameter of 10nm. The positive zeta-potentials of the micelles and their agglomerates were from 16 mV to 33 mV. Wurtzite and sphalerite nanoparticles with R=2.0 nm and 2.5 nm covered by CTA(+) were modeled with and without water. Calculated sublimation energies confirmed that a bilayer arrangement of CTA(+) on the ZnS nanoparticles was preferred to a monolayer.

['Cetrimonium', 'Cetrimonium Compounds', 'Chemical Precipitation', 'Light', 'Models, Molecular', 'Nanoparticles', 'Particle Size', 'Scattering, Radiation', 'Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet', 'Surface Properties', 'Surface-Active Agents', 'Zinc Sulfate']

[['D02.092.877.883.111.500', 'D02.675.276.190.500'], ['D02.092.877.883.111', 'D02.675.276.190'], ['E05.196.150', 'G02.159'], ['G01.358.500.505.650', 'G01.590.540', 'G01.750.250.650', 'G01.750.770.578'], ['E05.599.595'], ['J01.637.512.600'], ['G02.712'], ['E05.196.822', 'G01.867'], ['E05.196.712.726.802', 'E05.196.867.826.802'], ['G02.860'], ['D27.720.877'], ['D01.875.800.800.850.950', 'D01.975.987']]

['Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Technology, Industry, and Agriculture [J]']

Survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants.

Survival of preterm infants, which increased dramatically during the years after the introduction of neonatal intensive care, reached a plateau in the mid- to late 1990s. Neonatal morbidity, which increased initially, has decreased since 2000 and resulted in a decrease in the rates of cerebral palsy. Follow-up of preterm infants to early childhood and school age reveals higher rates of asthma, cerebral palsy, subnormal cognitive function, poorer academic achievement, and behavioral problems. Although many of the problems persist into adulthood, preterm survivors regard their overall health and quality of life similar to that of normal birth weight controls.

['Cerebral Palsy', 'Child', 'Child Development', 'Child, Preschool', 'Developmental Disabilities', 'Humans', 'Infant', 'Infant Mortality', 'Infant, Newborn', 'Infant, Premature', 'Prognosis', 'Survival Analysis']

[['C10.228.140.140.254'], ['M01.060.406'], ['F01.525.200', 'G07.345.374.750'], ['M01.060.406.448'], ['F03.625.421'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['M01.060.703'], ['E05.318.308.985.550.475', 'N01.224.935.698.489', 'N06.850.505.400.975.550.475', 'N06.850.520.308.985.550.475'], ['M01.060.703.520'], ['M01.060.703.520.520'], ['E01.789'], ['E05.318.740.998', 'N05.715.360.750.795', 'N06.850.520.830.998']]

['Diseases [C]', 'Named Groups [M]', 'Psychiatry and Psychology [F]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]']

Choledochotomy and primary repair of extrahepatic biliary duct rupture in seven dogs and two cats.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings and outcome in dogs and cats undergoing choledochotomy or primary repair of extrahepatic biliary duct rupture.METHODS: Retrospective study of dogs (n=7) and cats (n=2) that had choledochotomy or primary bile duct repair.RESULTS: Extrahepatic biliary obstruction was confirmed at surgery in all cases. The underlying cause in four dogs and both cats was choledocholithiasis, two dogs had gall bladder mucocoeles with associated bile duct rupture, and one dog had inspissated bile obstructing the bile duct secondary to gall bladder carcinoid tumour. Three dogs and both cats had choledochotomies performed to relieve extrahepatic biliary obstruction, and four dogs with bile duct rupture underwent primary repair of the defect. One dog with a bile duct rupture was re-explored four days postoperatively and had suffered dehiscence of the repair; this rupture was re-repaired. All animals were discharged from the hospital, and did not have clinical recurrence of extrahepatic biliary obstruction.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Choledochotomy and primary repair of extrahepatic biliary duct rupture were associated with low perioperative morbidity and no mortality in this small cohort of cases. These techniques are reasonable options either alone or in conjunction with other procedures when bile duct patency cannot be re-established by catheterisation or bile duct discontinuity exists.

['Animals', 'Bile Duct Diseases', 'Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic', 'Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures', 'Cat Diseases', 'Cats', 'Choledocholithiasis', 'Cholestasis, Extrahepatic', 'Dog Diseases', 'Dogs', 'Female', 'Gallbladder', 'Gallbladder Diseases', 'Male', 'Retrospective Studies', 'Rupture, Spontaneous', 'Treatment Outcome']

[['B01.050'], ['C06.130.120'], ['A03.159.183.079'], ['E04.210.120'], ['C22.180'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.750.377.750.250.125'], ['C06.130.120.250.174', 'C06.130.409.267'], ['C06.130.120.135.150'], ['C22.268'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.750.250.216.200'], ['A03.159.439'], ['C06.130.564'], ['E05.318.372.500.500.500', 'E05.318.372.500.750.750', 'N05.715.360.330.500.500.500', 'N05.715.360.330.500.750.825', 'N06.850.520.450.500.500.500', 'N06.850.520.450.500.750.825'], ['C23.300.909'], ['E01.789.800', 'N04.761.559.590.800', 'N05.715.360.575.575.800']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Health Care [N]']

Repeated whole cigarette smoke exposure alters cell differentiation and augments secretion of inflammatory mediators in air-liquid interface three-dimensional co-culture model of human bronchial tissue.

In vitro models of human bronchial epithelium are useful for toxicological testing because of their resemblance to in vivo tissue. We constructed a model of human bronchial tissue which has a fibroblast layer embedded in a collagen matrix directly below a fully-differentiated epithelial cell layer. The model was applied to whole cigarette smoke (CS) exposure repeatedly from an air-liquid interface culture while bronchial epithelial cells were differentiating. The effects of CS exposure on differentiation were determined by histological and gene expression analyses on culture day 21. We found a decrease in ciliated cells and perturbation of goblet cell differentiation. We also analyzed the effects of CS exposure on the inflammatory response, and observed a significant increase in secretion of IL-8, GRO-á, IL-1â, and GM-CSF. Interestingly, secretion of these mediators was augmented with repetition of whole CS exposure. Our data demonstrate the usefulness of our bronchial tissue model for in vitro testing and the importance of exposure repetition in perturbing the differentiation and inflammation processes.

['Bronchi', 'Cell Differentiation', 'Coculture Techniques', 'Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1', 'Cytokines', 'Epithelial Cells', 'Fibroblasts', 'Gene Expression', 'Humans', 'NF-kappa B', 'Smoke', 'Tissue Culture Techniques', 'Tobacco']

[['A04.411.125'], ['G04.152'], ['E05.481.500.374'], ['D08.244.453.005.332', 'D08.244.453.100.500', 'D08.811.682.690.708.170.010.277', 'D08.811.682.690.708.170.020.500', 'D12.776.422.220.453.010.332', 'D12.776.422.220.453.100.500'], ['D12.644.276.374', 'D12.776.467.374', 'D23.529.374'], ['A11.436'], ['A11.329.228'], ['G05.297'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['D05.500.672', 'D12.776.260.600', 'D12.776.660.600', 'D12.776.930.600'], ['D20.633.937'], ['E05.481.500.617'], ['B01.650.940.800.575.912.250.908.500.900']]

['Anatomy [A]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Organisms [B]']

Cell transformation by v-Jun deactivates ERK MAP kinase signalling.

Previous studies have shown that v-Jun accelerates G1 progression and enables cells to sustain S phase entry in the absence of serum growth factors. Since growth factor-dependent ERK MAP kinase signalling plays an important role in regulating the G1/S transition, we investigated whether aberrant ERK regulation might contribute to cell cycle deregulation by v-Jun. Contrary to expectation, we find that cells transformed by v-Jun exhibit a profound reduction in the basal level of active, dual-phosphorylated ERK. In addition, ERK becomes refractory to stimulation by a subset of agonists including serum, LPA, and EGF, but remains partially responsive to the phorbol ester, TPA. Biochemical analysis indicates that these defects are attributable to a combination of inefficient signal propagation between Ras and Raf within the ERK pathway and increased tonic deactivation by MAP kinase phosphatases. Taken together, these results demonstrate that cell transformation by v-Jun induces alterations in cell physiology which antagonize ERK signalling at multiple levels. The potential significance of this phenotype for oncogenesis by v-Jun is discussed.

['Animals', 'Blotting, Western', 'Cell Division', 'Cell Transformation, Neoplastic', 'Chick Embryo', 'Down-Regulation', 'Fibroblasts', 'Humans', 'Immunoenzyme Techniques', 'MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 1', 'Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases', 'Oncogene Protein p65(gag-jun)', 'Phosphorylation', 'Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases', 'Retroviridae', 'Signal Transduction', 'Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate', 'Tumor Cells, Cultured']

[['B01.050'], ['E05.196.401.143', 'E05.301.300.096', 'E05.478.566.320.200', 'E05.601.262', 'E05.601.470.320.200'], ['G04.144.220', 'G04.161.750.500', 'G05.113', 'G07.345.249.410.750.500'], ['C04.697.098.500', 'C23.550.727.098.500'], ['A13.350.150', 'A16.331.200'], ['G02.111.240', 'G05.308.200', 'G07.690.773.937'], ['A11.329.228'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.988.400.112.400.400'], ['E05.478.566.350', 'E05.478.583.400', 'E05.601.470.350'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700.559.100', 'D12.644.360.400.100', 'D12.776.476.400.100'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700.567', 'D12.644.360.450', 'D12.776.476.450'], ['D12.776.602.500.500.320.700', 'D12.776.624.664.500.320.700', 'D12.776.624.664.520.750.320.700', 'D12.776.964.700.750.320.700', 'D12.776.964.775.350.320.700', 'D12.776.964.775.750.320.700'], ['G02.111.665', 'G02.607.780', 'G03.796'], ['D08.811.913.696.620.682.700'], ['B04.613.807', 'B04.820.650'], ['G02.111.820', 'G04.835'], ['D02.455.849.291.500.510.850'], ['A11.251.860']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Phenomena and Processes [G]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Anatomy [A]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]']

Altered metabolic incorporation of fucose and leucine into PNS myelin of 25-week-old diabetic (C57BL/Ks [db/db]) mice: effects of untreated diabetes on nerve metabolism.

Sciatic nerves of 25-week-old genetically diabetic (C57BL/Ks [db/db]) mice and their litter-mate controls were removed, and their metabolic incorporation of [3H]fucose and [14C]leucine into myelin was studied in vitro. Untreated diabetic animals showed significant increases (p less than 0.05) in the fucose/leucine incorporation into myelin when compared to values found for their litter-mates. These results correlated well with previous experiments performed on alloxan or streptozotocin-diabetic rats and thus show the in vitro incubation procedure to be a good indicator of altered metabolic conditions in peripheral nerves due to diabetes mellitus. The resulting ratio increases seen in diabetic animals is at variance with the decrease in ratios found in animals undergoing typical Wallerian degeneration. These results suggest that different metabolic processes operate in untreated diabetics than in normals or in those undergoing other degenerative nerve processes.

['Animals', 'Carbon Radioisotopes', 'Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental', 'Diabetic Neuropathies', 'Fucose', 'Leucine', 'Male', 'Mice', 'Mice, Mutant Strains', 'Myelin Proteins', 'Myelin Sheath', 'Sciatic Nerve', 'Tritium']

[['B01.050'], ['D01.268.150.075.328', 'D01.496.123.328', 'D01.496.749.154'], ['C18.452.394.750.074', 'C19.246.240', 'E05.598.500.374'], ['C10.668.829.300', 'C19.246.099.937'], ['D09.254.488'], ['D12.125.070.637', 'D12.125.142.441'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500'], ['B01.050.150.900.649.313.992.635.505.500.550'], ['D12.776.543.620', 'D12.776.631.580'], ['A08.637.600.500', 'A08.637.800.500', 'A08.675.542.512.560', 'A08.800.800.690.500', 'A10.755.503', 'A11.284.149.165.600', 'A11.650.600.500', 'A11.650.800.500', 'A11.671.501.512.560', 'A11.671.514.553'], ['A08.800.800.720.450.760'], ['D01.268.406.875', 'D01.362.340.875', 'D01.496.749.925']]

['Organisms [B]', 'Chemicals and Drugs [D]', 'Diseases [C]', 'Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment [E]', 'Anatomy [A]']