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A study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with AKI in a setting of multiracial developing country. BMC Nephrol 2024; 25:122. [PMID: 38580977 PMCID: PMC10998399 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-024-03498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commonest indication for hospitalization in COVID-19 patients is hypoxemia or severe respiratory symptoms. However, COVID-19 disease may result in extrapulmonary complications including kidney-related pathology. The reported incidence of renal involvement related to COVID infection varies based on geographical location. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the incidence rate of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and identify risk factors and prognostic predictors. METHOD In this retrospective study, we recruited hospitalized COVID-19 patients from January 2021 until June 2021 at the University Malaya Medical Center. The inclusion criteria were hospitalized for ≥ 48 h with confirmed COVID-19 infection and at least 18 years old. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. The staging of AKI was based on criteria as per KDIGO guidelines. RESULTS One thousand five hundred twenty-nine COVID patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a male-to-female ratio of 759 (49.6%) to 770 (50.3%). The median age was 55 (IQR: 36-66). 500 patients (32.7%) had diabetes, 621 (40.6%) had hypertension, and 5.6% (n = 85) had pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The incidence rate of AKI was 21.1% (n = 323). The percentage of COVID patients in different AKI stages of 1,2 and 3 were 16.3%, 2.1%, and 2.7%, respectively. Fifteen hospitalized patients (0.98%) required renal replacement therapy. 58.8% (n = 190) of AKI group had complete recovery of kidney function. Demographic factors included age (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.012), CKD (p < 0.001), and vaccination status (p = 0.042) were associated with an increased risk of developing AKI. We found that the AKI cohort had statistically significant lower platelet counts and higher ferritin levels than the non-AKI cohort. AKI is a risk predictor of prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.001) and higher mortality rates (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION AKI is a common clinical complication among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The etiology of AKI is multifactorial and may have an adverse impact on patient morbidity and mortality.
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Need analysis of a dietary application among caregivers of patients with disorders of amino acid metabolism (AAMDs): A mixed-method approach. Int J Med Inform 2023; 177:105120. [PMID: 37295139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A dietary application can assist the caregivers of AAMDs children in auto-calculating the protein intake, hence improving dietary compliance. However, existing dietary application for patients with AAMDs only focus on delivering the nutritional content of food and monitoring the dietary intake but were lacking in other educational components. OBJECTIVE To assess the uses, needs and preferences towards a dietary application among the caregivers of AAMDs patients. METHODS We conducted a mixed-method study comprising focus group discussion (FGD) and a quantitative questionnaire survey among caregivers of patients aged between 6-month-old to 18-year-old with AAMDs who are receiving active treatment, both medical and dietetic treatment in the genetic clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). RESULTS A total of 76 and 20 caregivers participated in the survey and FGD respectively. All the caregivers (100%) possessed a smartphone and most of the caregivers (89.5%) had the experience of using smartphone or other technological devices to search for health or medical information. However, majority of the participants were not aware of the existence of any web-based or mobile application related to AAMDs (89.5%). While for the qualitative part, three themes emerged: (1) experience with current source of information; (2) needs for supporting self-management educational contents and needs for technological design application. Most of the caregivers used the nutritional booklet as sources of reference but some of them searched for web-based information. Features perceived by the caregivers included a digital food composition database, sharing diet recall with healthcare providers, self-monitoring diet intake as well as low protein recipes. Besides that, user-friendly and ease to use were also perceived as the important features by the caregivers. CONCLUSION The identified features and needs by the caregivers should be integrated into the design of the apps to promote acceptance and usage.
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A novel cardiac arrest severity score for the early prediction of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and in-hospital death. Eur Heart J 2023. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac779.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes are unsatisfactory despite postcardiac arrest care. Early prediction of prognoses might help stratify patients and provide tailored therapy.
Purpose
In this study, we derived and validated a novel scoring system to predict hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury (HIBI) and in-hospital death (IHD).
Methods
We retrospectively analysed Korean Hypothermia Network prospective registry data collected from in Korea between 2015 and 2018. Patients without neuroprognostication data were excluded, and the remaining patients were randomly divided into derivation and validation cohorts. HIBI was defined when at least one prognostication predicted a poor outcome. IHD meant all deaths regardless of cause. In the derivation cohort, stepwise multivariate logistic regression was conducted for HIBI and IHD scores, and model performance was assessed. We then classified patients into four categories and analysed associations between the categories and cerebral performance categories (CPCs) at hospital discharge. Finally, we validated our models in the internal validation cohort.
Results
Among 1373 patients, 240 were excluded, and 1133 were randomised into derivation (n=754) and validation cohorts (n=379). In the derivation cohort, 7 and 8 predictors were selected for HIBI (0–8) and IHD scores (0–11), respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85 (95% CI 0.82–0.87) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.77–0.82), respectively. Applying optimum cutoff values of ≥6 points for HIBI and ≥7 points for IHD, patients were classified as follows: HIBI (-)/IHD (-), Category 1 (n=424); HIBI (-)/IHD (+), Category 2 (n=100); HIBI (+)/IHD (-), Category 3 (n=21); and HIBI (+)/IHD (+), Category 4 (n=209). CPCs at discharge were significantly different in each category (p<0.001). In the validation cohort, the model showed moderate discrimination (AUC 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.87 for HIBI and AUC 0.77, 95% CI 0.72–0.81 for IHD) with good calibration. Each category of the validation cohort showed a significant difference in discharge outcomes (p<0.001) and a similar trend to the derivation cohort.
Conclusions
We presented a novel approach for assessing illness severity after OHCA. Although external prospective studies are warranted, risk stratification for HIBI and IHD could help provide OHCA patients with appropriate treatment.
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A field study on using soybean waste-derived superabsorbent hydrogel to enhance growth of vegetables. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158141. [PMID: 35995171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Food security is critical and has become a global concern with many of our basic food crops growing in areas with high drought risk. To improve soil water holding capacity, hydrogels are a promising solution. However, the current ones are mostly derived from petroleum products and are environmental unsustainable. In this study, the main objective is to determine if bio-based hydrogel can help in the growth of leafy vegetables while minimizing water use under field conditions. To achieve this, we developed an okara-derived hydrogel (Ok-PAA; OP) from by-products of bean curd and soybean milk production. We incorporated OP into soil and assessed the growth performance of leafy vegetables. We observed that vegetables grown with 0.2% (w/v) OP in soil with a watering frequency of 7 times per week resulted in >60 % and 35 % yield increase for the common Asian leafy vegetables, choy sum (CS) and pak choi (PC), respectively, as compared to without hydrogel supplementation. Both vegetables produced larger leaf areas (20-40 % increment) in the presence of the hydrogel as compared to those without. In addition, with OP amendment, the irrigation water use efficiency improved >60 % and 30 % for CS and PC, respectively. It is estimated that with the use of the hydrogel, a reduction in watering frequency from 21 times to 7 times per week could be achieved, and based on a per hectare estimation, this would result in 196,000 L of water saving per crop cycle. Statistical analysis and modelling further confirmed vegetables grown with 0.2 % (w/v) OP and with a watering frequency of 7 times per week showed the best growth performance and water use efficiency. Such a waste-to-resource approach offers a plant-based soil supplement for crop growers, contributes to waste valorization, and enhances the growth of plants especially under water-limited conditions.
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Knowledge and perception of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) among healthcare students at a selected public university in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2022; 11:125-132. [PMID: 36200028 PMCID: PMC9437999 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2022.01062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare providers play an important role in improving the health of Inborn Error of Metabolism (IEM) patients. However, IEM knowledge level among local healthcare students has yet to be determined. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of IEM among local healthcare students. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 378 students across the Faculty of Health Science, Pharmacy and Dentistry from a selected public university in Lembah Klang, Malaysia. For knowledge, a score of 1 is assigned to each correct answer with a maximum total score of 14. Likert scale was used to determine their perception of IEM. The total mean score of IEM knowledge among healthcare students is 5.8. There was no significant difference of mean score of IEM knowledge among the students from the Faculty of Health Science (6.1 ± 2.7), Pharmacy (5.5 ± 2.6) and Dentistry (5.8 ± 2.8). However, the score of knowledge is observed to be significantly different by ethnicity, religion and family history of IEM (p < 0.05). Furthermore, students with experience of meeting an IEM patient and attending IEM classes scored higher than those with no experience (p < 0.05). Most of the healthcare students (89.5%) perceived their knowledge to be insufficient and very poor. Majority of the students from faculty of pharmacy (70.8%) agreed that the IEM course should be mandatory compared to health sciences and dentistry (p < 0.05). This study identified an overall inadequacy of knowledge of IEM among healthcare students. There is a pressing need to improve the IEM-related knowledge and awareness of Malaysian healthcare students. This can be accomplished by incorporating online classes that emphasizes the treatment and management of IEMs in the university curriculum.
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Fat-to-lean mass ratio as a new anthropometric indicator in predicting metabolic syndrome among Malay adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia. PROCEEDINGS OF SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/20101058221106283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a cluster of risk factors for predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to develop a cut-off value for fat versus lean mass ratio (FLMR) in predicting MetS and to investigate the association between this indicator with MetS and its components. Methods Subjects comprised 238 Malay adolescents (79% female) aged 18–19 years old. Anthropometric assessment comprised weight, height and waist circumference (WC). Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis techniques while blood pressure was measured using a blood pressure monitor. Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol , triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined from an overnight fasting blood sample. MetS was determined based on International Diabetes Federation (2007) definition for adolescents aged 16-year-old and above. Results The prevalence of MetS was 2.1%. Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value for FLMR was 0.441 with an Area Under the Curve of 0.874 (95% CI: 0.825, 0.913); with sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 71.0%. FLMR cut-off of 0.441 was associated with high WC ( p < .001), low HDL-c ( p < .001) and MetS ( p < .05). Binary Logistic Regression analysis revealed that adolescents with high WC, low HDL-c and MetS had higher odds of developing increased FLMR than the cut-off value with an odds ratio (OR) of 43.4 (95% CI: 9.7,193.9), 4.7 (95% CI: 2.3,9.8) and 13.3 (95% CI: 1.5,121.2), respectively. Conclusion FLMR possesses fair discriminatory ability in identifying MetS among adolescents and significant association exists between FLMR and MetS and some of its components.
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Effect of nutritional intervention on nutritional status among children with disorders of amino acid and nitrogen metabolism (AANMDs): A scoping review. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2021; 10:246-256. [PMID: 34877236 PMCID: PMC8630465 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2021.01124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of amino acid and nitrogen metabolism (AANMDs) occur due to an enzyme deficiency in a normal biochemical pathway. Nutritional intervention is recognized as the mainstay of treatment for children diagnosed with AANMD. Hence, this scoping review aimed to identify the nutritional interventions available in managing AANMD disorders and their effects on nutritional status. A systematic search using PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) method was conducted across 4 databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect (Elsevier), EBSCOhost and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Inclusion criteria for the study to be selected are: subjects aged less than 18-year-old, article published in English, utilized an experimental design and published within the past 20 years. A total of 22 articles were included in this review. The majority of the subjects are boys (55.6%) and employed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study design (45.4%). Nutritional interventions were categorized into 4 categories which are: "protein substitute" (n = 5), "protein substitute with modified composition" (n = 6), "nutrient supplementation (n=8)", and "distribution and dosage of protein substitute (n = 3)". The most frequently assessed outcomes were biochemical parameters that gauge the effectiveness of metabolic control (68.2%). Overall, "protein substitute enriched with inhibitive amino acids", "long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation", and "evenly distributed protein substitute" demonstrated beneficial effects towards the nutritional status, especially in terms of biochemical parameters. In summary, nutritional intervention plays a significant role in improving the nutritional status of AANMD patients. Further investigations of nutritional intervention among AANMD children using a meta-analysis approach are necessary for better comprehension of their impact in management of AANMD disorders.
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1524 Design and Implementation Of ICE-COVID, A Double-Blind Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial on The Efficacy of Iota-Carrageenan Nasal and Throat Spray for Covid-19 Prophylaxis. Br J Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The severity of Covid-19 infection is associated with viral load. For infection to occur, viruses including SARS-CoV-2 must first penetrate the respiratory mucus to attach to the host cell surface receptors. Iota-carrageenan (I-C), a sulphated polysaccharide extracted from red edible seaweed, has shown efficacy against a range of viruses in clinical trials, through prevention of viral entry into respiratory host cells and in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. Our aim, as an academic surgical department, was to design and implement a clinical trial to investigate whether I-C nasal and throat sprays are effective in reducing the rate and severity of Covid-19 infection.
Method
The study is a single centre, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Recruitment of 480 participants aged ≥18 years without previous Covid-19 infection and who have not yet been vaccinated, commenced in December 2020. Participants are randomised to either the treatment (0.12% I-C in 0.5% saline spray) or placebo (0.5% saline spray) arm and will prophylactically apply the spray to their nose and throat while completing a daily symptom tracker for a total of 10 weeks. The primary outcome is the acquisition of Covid-19 infection. Secondary outcomes include symptom type, severity and duration, subsequent familial/household Covid-19 infection and infection with non-Covid-19 upper respiratory tract infections.
Discussion
Our hypothesis is that I-C sprays will reduce SARS-CoV-2 attachment to the naso- and oropharyngeal mucosal epithelial cells thus reducing the effective viral infective dose. If proven effective, the self-administered prophylactic spray would have wider utility for key workers and the general population.
Trial registration number
NCT04590365
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A longitudinal histologic evaluation of vitamin D receptor expression in the skeletal muscles of patients with a distal radius fracture. Osteoporos Int 2021; 32:1387-1393. [PMID: 33452895 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-020-05809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the expression of muscle vitamin D receptor (VDR) and cross-sectional area (CSA) in patients with a distal radius fracture (DRF). Significant increases in VDR expression and CSA were observed, especially in vitamin D-deficient patients. PURPOSE Vitamin D supplementation is known to enhance muscle mass and function, but whether the VDR is essential in this process remains unknown. We evaluated the change in VDR expression and CSA in the forearm muscles following vitamin D supplementation in patients with a DRF. METHODS We prospectively recruited 18 women with a median age of 63.5 years who have a DRF. We obtained two biopsies of the forearm muscle, first at the time of fracture repair and then during hardware removal. We supplemented 1000 IU of vitamin D per day during a median interval of 8 months. We examined the changes in VDR expression and CSA by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] increased from 14.3 to 32.1 ng/mL (P = 0.001). The median VDR expression increased from 0.72 to 0.78 (P = 0.002), and the median CSA increased from 1290.0 to 1685.8 μm2 (P = 0.022). Significant increases in VDR expression and CSA were observed in vitamin D-deficient patients [25(OH)D] < 20 ng/mL, but not in vitamin D-non-deficient patients. The changes in VDR expression and CSA were in the same direction in 13 patients, but in the opposite direction in 5 patients. CONCLUSION Vitamin D supplementation may increase muscle VDR expression and CSA in patients with a DRF, especially in vitamin D-deficient patients. The increase in CSA without an increase in VDR expression in some patients indicates that the effect of vitamin D supplementation on muscle mass could be mediated by indirect effect of serum vitamin D restoration and by VDR.
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Retroductal Delivery of Epidermal Growth Factor Protects Salivary Progenitors after Irradiation. J Dent Res 2021; 100:883-890. [PMID: 33754871 DOI: 10.1177/0022034521999298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland hypofunction after irradiation is associated with a deficit of epithelial stem/progenitors in salivary glands. Although epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to stimulate the proliferation of epithelial cells, the therapeutic effect of EGF on salivary epithelial stem/progenitors remains undetermined. In this study, we administered EGF to submandibular glands (SMGs) via a retrograde route through the SMG excretory duct before fractionated irradiation and examined whether EGF could protect salivary epithelial progenitor cells from radiation and alleviate radiation-induced salivary hypofunction. EGF-treated mice exhibited greater body and gland weights at 12 wk after irradiation than untreated mice. The retroductal delivery of EGF improved salivary secretory function and increased salivary amylase activity in a dose-dependent manner. Histological examinations highlighted the amelioration of the loss of keratine-14+ (KRT14+) basal ductal and/or MIST1+ acinar cells, as well as induction of fibrosis, following irradiation in EGF-treated mice. An additional in vitro experiment using a salivary gland organoid irradiation model indicated that the radioprotective effects of EGF promoted the growth and inhibited the apoptotic cell death of salivary epithelial cells. Our results suggest that retroductal delivery of EGF may be a promising therapeutic option for preventing radiation-induced salivary gland hypofunction.
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Slow Gait, Subjective Cognitive Decline and Motoric Cognitive RISK Syndrome: Prevalence and Associated Factors in Community Dwelling Older Adults. J Nutr Health Aging 2021; 25:48-56. [PMID: 33367462 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-020-1525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCR), slow gait speed (SG) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are known to be harbingers of dementia. MCR is known to be associated with a 3-fold increased risk of future dementia, while SG can precede cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE We aim to determine the prevalence and demographics of MCR, slow gait alone (SG-A) and subjective cognitive decline alone (SCD-A) in community-dwelling older adults and association with physical, functional, cognition and psychosocial factors. METHODS A total of 509 participants were classified into four groups according to presence of SG and/or SCD. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with SG-A, SCD-A and MCR. RESULTS The prevalence of MCR was 13.6%, SG-A 13.0% and SCD-A 35.0%. Prevalence of MCR doubled every decade in females with 27.7% of female ≥ 80 years old had MCR. Almost 4 in 10 had no SG or SCD (SG+SCD negative). MCR and SG-A groups were significantly older, had higher body mass index (BMI), lower education, lower global cognition scores especially in non-memory domains, higher prevalence of low grip strength and lower short physical performance battery scores than those with SCD-A and SG+SCD negative. In addition, the SG-A group had significantly higher prevalence of multi-morbidity and diabetes. The prevalence of pain, depression, frailty, social isolation and activity of daily living impairment were significantly higher in MCR. The global cognitive and functional scores for those with SCD-A were comparable to the SG+SCD negative group. The Malay ethnic group had the lowest prevalence of SCD but highest prevalence of SG. After adjusting for confounding factors, age, BMI, frailty status, instrumental activity of daily living, depression and pain remained significantly associated with MCR. For SG-A, age, BMI, education and number of chronic diseases remained significant. CONCLUSION Both MCR and SG-A are associated with global cognitive decline especially in the non-memory domains and lower functional scores. Gait speed is a good predictor of negative outcomes and should be considered as the 'sixth' vital sign. Long term prospective studies are needed to evaluate: i) the conversion to dementia in different ethnic groups and ii) effect of targeted physical and / or dual task exercise on delaying the conversion to dementia and / or improvement in physical measures and reduction of disability.
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Frailty and Quality of Life in Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome - Findings from the Healthy Older People Everyday (HOPE) Study. J Nutr Health Aging 2021; 25:637-644. [PMID: 33949631 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-021-1609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and frailty are both associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Frailty is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) but association of QoL with MetS have produced mixed results suggesting that other factors such as disease burden, obesity and depression may have a more significant influence. We aim to investigate the demographics of frail participants with MetS, and relationship between frailty and QoL in MetS. METHODS Cross-sectional population study involving 292 older adults ≥ 65 years with MetS. MetS was defined using the Modified ATP III for Asians which requires the presence of 3 or more of the following 5 components 1) waist circumference ≥ 90cm for males or ≥ 80cm for females, 2) TG ≥ 150mg/dL, 3) HDLc < 40mg/dL in males or < 50mg/dL in females, 4) blood pressure ≥ 130/85mmHg or use of anti-hypertensive medication, and 5) fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100mg/dL or use of pharmacological treatment for diabetes mellitus. Data were collected on demographics, frailty (FRAIL), QoL (Euroqol-5D), perceived health, functional status, cognition, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), and hand-grip strength (HGS). RESULTS 40.4% of the participants were pre-frail (MetSprefrail) and 7.2% were frail (MetSfrail). MetSfrail were significantly older, had lower education level, higher polypharmacy burden and higher prevalence of diabetes. The prevalence of at least 1 activity of daily living impairment was 4 times higher, and depression 9 times higher than their robust counterparts. MetSfrail also had longer TUG, higher prevalence of poor grip strength and poor perceived health. After adjusting for age, gender and education, MetSfrail was significantly associated with much higher odds of EQ-5D moderate to extreme problems with mobility (Odds Ratio (OR) =10.99, CI 2.62-46.14), usual activities (OR=37.82, CI 3.77-379.04) and pain (OR=10.79, CI 3.18-36.62). EQ-5D Index Value and Perceived Health improved by 0.1 (Mean Difference (MD) =0.07, CI 0.04-0.10) and 6.0 (MD=6.01, CI 3.29-8.73) respectively as frailty status improved. CONCLUSION Frailty in MetS is associated with depression, polypharmacy, greater functional impairment, poorer QoL and perceived health. Frailty screening and personalized management is crucial in MetS as frailty may be a mediator for negative outcomes in MetS, and frailty may be reversible.
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Association of Pain and Impact of Dual-Task Exercise on Function, Cognition and Quality of Life. J Nutr Health Aging 2021; 25:1053-1063. [PMID: 34725661 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-021-1671-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to assess the factors associated with pain and evaluate the impact of dual-task exercise on pain improvement, quality of life (QOL), cognition and function in older adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study is a secondary data analysis of the HAPPY (Healthy Ageing Promotion Program for You) study. At risk older adults ≥ 60 years old were enrolled in a community dual-task exercise program. Assessments for frailty, sarcopenia, falls, quality of life (QOL) and perceived health, depression, cognition and physical function were performed at baseline and 3 months. Pain intensity was derived from EQ-5D and stratified into no pain, slight pain and moderate to extreme pain. RESULTS Out of 296 participants, 37.2% had slight pain and 11.1% had moderate to severe pain. Both slight and moderate to extreme pain compared with no pain group were significantly associated with lower perceived health (68.2,63.6 vs 76.0) and QOL index (0.70,0.59 vs 0.93); moderate to extreme pain was also significantly associated with depression, low mental vitality, frailty, sarcopenia and poorer physical performance. After 3 months of dual-task exercise, pain improved in 70.8% of the moderate to extreme pain group and 50.8% of slight pain group. Significant improvement in perceived health, QOL, physical function and cognition were also observed. CONCLUSION Proactive efforts are required to screen for pain and manage frailty, sarcopenia and depression. Dual-task exercise proved safe and possibly effective in reducing pain and improving QOL, physical and cognitive function in older adults. Prospective randomized studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of dual-task vs single-task exercise, including impact of reversal of frailty and sarcopenia in pain management.
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Using lactic acid bacteria and packaging with grapefruit seed extract for controlling Listeria monocytogenes growth in fresh soft cheese. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:8761-8770. [PMID: 32713695 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Various cheese products are involved in outbreaks of listeriosis worldwide due to high consumption and prolonged refrigerated storage. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of using lactic acid bacteria and packaging with grapefruit seed extract (GSE) for controlling Listeria monocytogenes growth in soft cheese. Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus curvatus isolated from kimchi were used as a starter culture to make a soft cheese, which was inoculated with a cocktail strain of L. monocytogenes. The soft cheese was packed with low-density polyethylene, biodegradable polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), low-density polyethylene with GSE, or PBAT with GSE and stored at 10°C and 15°C. Leuconostoc mesenteroides (LcM) better inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes than Lb. curvatus. The PBAT with GSE film showed the best control for the growth of L. monocytogenes. When both LcM and PBAT with GSE were applied to the soft cheese, the growth of L. monocytogenes was inhibited significantly more than the use of LcM or PBAT with GSE alone. In all test groups, water activity, pH, and moisture on a fat-free basis decreased, and titratable acidity increased compared with the control group. These results suggest that LcM isolated from kimchi and PBAT with GSE packaging film can be used as a hurdle technology to lower the risk of L. monocytogenes in soft cheese at the retail market.
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Intrinsically p-type cuprous iodide semiconductor for hybrid light-emitting diodes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3995. [PMID: 32132624 PMCID: PMC7055318 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61021-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuprous halides, characterized by a direct wide band-gap and a good lattice matching with Si, is an intrinsic p-type I-VII compound semiconductor. It shows remarkable optoelectronic properties, including a large exciton binding energy at room temperature and a very small piezoelectric coefficient. The major obstacle to its application is the difficulty in growing a single-crystal epitaxial film of cuprous halides. We first demonstrate the single crystal epitaxy of high quality cuprous iodide (CuI) film grown on Si and sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Enhanced photoluminescence on the order of magnitude larger than that of GaN and continuous-wave optically pumped lasing were found in MBE grown CuI film. The intrinsic p-type characteristics of CuI were confirmed using an n-AlGaN/p-CuI junction that emits blue light. The discovery will provide an alternative way towards highly efficient optoelectronic devices compatible with both Si and III-nitride technologies.
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Abstract P6-18-26: Ado-trastuzumab for the treatment of metastatic HER2-amplified breast cancer patients previously treated with pertuzumab. Cancer Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs18-p6-18-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ado-trastuzumab (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate of trastuzumab and a cytotoxic microtubule-inhibitory agent, emtansine. T-DM1 is approved for the treatment of advanced HER2-amplified breast cancer that progressed following trastuzumab-based therapies based on improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to the therapy of physician choice. However, T-DM1 trials were conducted prior to the widespread adoption of docetaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab as standard frontline therapy for advanced HER2-amplified breast cancer. As such, none of the patients enrolled on T-DM1 studies had been exposed to pertuzumab, and the clinical benefit of T-DM1 in patients previously treated with pertuzumab therapy is unknown.
METHODS: We completed a retrospective review of patients at our institution over the age of 18 with metastatic HER2-amplified breast cancer treated with pertuzumab prior to T-DM1 between February 2013 and May 2018. Data was collected on patient and tumor characteristics, number and duration of therapies in the metastatic setting, and clinical outcomes. The primary endpoint of this study was PFS in patients given T-DM1 after earlier exposure to pertuzumab. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), prolonged duration of T-DM1 therapy (> 6 months), and OS. Adverse events following T-DM1 were collected using CTCAE 4.03, with a focus on cardiac dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy. Patient features and outcomes were summarized with descriptive statistics and time-to-event measures were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.
RESULTS: Twenty patients met the inclusion criteria and are included in this study. The patient population consisted of 18 non-Hispanic white and 2 black women, with a median age of 58.5 (range 34-68) years. The number of prior systemic therapies (excluding pertuzumab) ranged from 0-8 with a median of 1 therapy. The duration of T-DM1 therapy (started, on average, 24 months after metastatic diagnosis) ranged from < 1 month to 3.5 years with a median of 6 months. T-DM1 therapy was overall very well tolerated, with all adverse events being grade ≤2. Of note, 2 patients had grade 2 neuropathy, and one patient had grade 1 cardiotoxicity, without any change in left ventricular ejection.
Among 18 patients evaluable for response, ORR was 16.7% (95% CI: 3.6% to 41.4%), with 3 patients achieving a partial response. No complete responses were noted. 10/18 (55.6%) patients had prolonged duration of therapy with T-DM1. Median follow-up time after initiation of T-DM1 was 15 months and 6/20 (30%) patients died while under observation. At the time of data cut-off, 10/20 patients had disease progression on T-DM1. Median PFS was 16 months, with a 1-year PFS rate of 54.5% (95% CI: 36.4% to 81.7%). The 1-year OS rate was 75.0% (95% CI: 58.2% to 96.6%). Patients with liver metastases (n=8) had a significantly worse PFS (p=0.003).
CONCLUSION: T-DM1 following pertuzumab is well tolerated and shows excellent efficacy in the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Comparing T-DM1 following pertuzumab to T-DM1 in pertuzumab-naïve patients should be explored in this patient population.
Citation Format: Al Rabadi LS, Kaempf A, Lim JY, Saraceni MM, Savin MA, Mitri ZI. Ado-trastuzumab for the treatment of metastatic HER2-amplified breast cancer patients previously treated with pertuzumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-18-26.
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4927MicroRNA Let-7d-3p contributes to cardiac protection via targeting HMGA2. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy566.4927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Depth extraction with offset pixels. OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 26:15825-15841. [PMID: 30114838 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.015825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous depth extraction techniques have been proposed in the past. However, the utility of these techniques is limited as they typically require multiple imaging units, bulky platforms for computation, cannot achieve high speed and are computationally expensive. To counter the above challenges, a sensor with Offset Pixel Apertures (OPA) has been recently proposed. However, a working system for depth extraction with the OPA sensor has not been discussed. In this paper, we propose the first such system for depth extraction using the OPA sensor. We also propose a dedicated hardware implementation for the proposed system, named as the Depth Map Processor (DMP). The DMP can provide depth at 30 frames per second at 1920 × 1080 resolution with 31 disparity levels. Furthermore, the proposed DMP has low power consumption as for the aforementioned speed and resolution it only requires 290.76 mW. The proposed system makes it an ideal choice for depth extraction systems in constrained environments.
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Abstract
Radiation treatment often leads to irreversible damage to normal salivary glands (SGs) because of their proximity to head and neck cancers. Optimization of the in vitro model of irradiation (IR)-induced SG damage is warranted to investigate pathophysiology and monitor treatment outcome. Here, we present an organotypic spheroid culture model to investigate the impact of IR on SGs and the mechanisms underlying IR-induced structural and functional changes. Human parotid epithelial cells were obtained from human parotid glands and plated on either plastic plates or Matrigel. A number of 3-dimensional (3D) spheroids were assembled on Matrigel. After IR at 10 and 20 Gy, morphologic changes in cells in 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids were observed. As the structural integrity of the 3D spheroids was destroyed by IR, the expression levels of salivary epithelial and structural proteins and genes decreased proportionally with radiation dosage. Furthermore, the spheroid culture allowed better measurement of functional alterations following IR relative to the monolayer culture, in which IR-inflicted spheroids exhibited a loss of acinar-specific cellular functions that enable Ca2+ influx or secretion of α-amylase in response to cholinergic or β-adrenergic agonists. p53-mediated apoptotic cell death was observed under both culture conditions, and its downstream signals increased, such as p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3. These results suggest that the organotypic spheroid culture could provide a useful alternative model for exploration of radiobiology and mode of action of new therapies for prevention of radiation-induced salivary hypofunction.
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Cation exchange synthesis of uniform PbSe/PbS core/shell tetra-pods and their use as near-infrared photodetectors. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:14203-14212. [PMID: 27387963 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02579j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In this work we explore the preparation of complex-shaped semiconductor nanostructures composed of different materials via a cationic exchange process in which the cations of the original semiconductor nanostructure are replaced by cations of different metals with preservation of the shape and the anionic framework of the nanocrystals. Utilizing this cation exchange method, we synthesized two new tetrapods for the first time: Cu2-xSe/Cu2-xS and PbSe/PbS, both prepared from CdSe/CdS tetrapods as 'templates'. We also fabricated near-infrared (NIR) photodetectors with a very simple architecture comprising a PbSe/PbS tetrapod layer between two Au electrodes on a glass substrate. When illuminated by a NIR laser, these devices are capable of achieving a responsivity of 11.9 A W(-1) without the use of ligand-exchange processes, thermal annealing or hybrid device architecture. Transient absorption spectroscopy was carried out on these PbSe/PbS tetrapods, the results of which suggest that the branched morphology contributes in part to device performance. Investigation of the charge dynamics of the PbSe/PbS tetrapods revealed an extremely long-lived exciton recombination lifetime of ∼17 ms, which can result in enhanced photoconductive gain. Overall, these heterostructured tetrapods showcase simultaneously the importance of nanoparticle shape, band structure, and surface chemistry in the attainment of NIR photodetection.
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Screening Nuclear Field Fluctuations in Quantum Dots for Indistinguishable Photon Generation. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2016; 116:257401. [PMID: 27391751 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.116.257401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A semiconductor quantum dot can generate highly coherent and indistinguishable single photons. However, intrinsic semiconductor dephasing mechanisms can reduce the visibility of two-photon interference. For an electron in a quantum dot, a fundamental dephasing process is the hyperfine interaction with the nuclear spin bath. Here, we directly probe the consequence of the fluctuating nuclear spins on the elastic and inelastic scattered photon spectra from a resident electron in a single dot. We find the in-plane component of the nuclear Overhauser field leads to detuned Raman scattered photons, broadened over experimental time scales by field fluctuations, which are distinguishable from both the elastic and incoherent components of the resonance fluorescence. This significantly reduces two-photon interference visibility. However, we demonstrate successful screening of the nuclear spin noise, which enables the generation of coherent single photons that exhibit high visibility two-photon interference.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Teenage pregnancy is associated with poor neonatal outcomes, which may burden the young mothers and their families. The aim of this study was to determine the effect young maternal age and single motherhood has on neonatal outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 267 infants born to mothers aged ≤ 21 years in National University Hospital, Singapore, from January 2011 to December 2012. We compared the maternal demographics and neonatal outcomes of single mothers with those of married mothers. The neonatal outcomes of our study cohort were also compared to the hospital's birth cohort during the same period. RESULTS Unsatisfactory antenatal care was more prevalent among the young single mothers than among the young married mothers (odds ratio [OR] 2.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71-4.92, p < 0.01). The infants of the young single mothers had a lower mean birth weight (p = 0.01), with a significant proportion weighing < 2.5 kg (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.35-6.37, p < 0.01). Young maternal age was linked to a higher incidence of prematurity (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.18-2.43, p < 0.01), major congenital defects (OR 4.68, 95% CI 2.10-10.13, p < 0.01), and a perinatal mortality of 18.7 per 1,000 births (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.26-10.32, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Young single mothers were more likely to have unsatisfactory antenatal care and lighter infants. Young maternal age was associated with a higher risk of prematurity, major congenital malformations and perinatal mortality. More studies are needed to ascertain the cause of these adverse outcomes.
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Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in patients with low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery. Intensive Care Med Exp 2015. [PMCID: PMC4798453 DOI: 10.1186/2197-425x-3-s1-a546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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The prognostic significance of pretreatment [18F]FDG-PET/CT imaging in patients with uterine cervical cancer: preliminary results. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2015; 36:30-35. [PMID: 25872331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION To evaluate the prognostic significance of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients diagnosed with cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with cervical cancer in FIGO Stages IB1 to IVB were imaged with PET/CT prior to treatment during one of the staging work-ups. The patients were observed for a median of 31.4 months (range, six to 89 months) after the initial treatment. The standardized uptake value (SUV) max of the primary cervical tumor mass was compared with the prognostic factors. RESULTs: A total of 81 patients who were primarily treated with radical hysterectomy (RH, n = 45) or concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT, n = 36) were analyzed. Multivariate analysis indicated that larger tumor size (> 4 cm, OR 8.694, 95% CI, 1.638-46.146), deep stromal invasion (≥ 1 cm, OR 7.249, 95% CI, 1.141-46.039) by the primary tumor, and pathologically confirmed pelvic lymph node involvement (positive, OR 14.586, 95% CI, 2.072-102.674) were significantly associated with recurrence after treatment. However, pretreatment SUVmax was not a significant independent predictor of disease recurrence (OR 1.058, 95% CI, 0.255-4.398). CONCLUSION [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by the primary tumor showed a significant association with several risk factors that have been identified as treatment predictors. However, a high pretreatment SUVmax was not predictive of recurrence in uter- ine cervical cancer patients.
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Fabrication of GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As multiple quantum well nanostructures on (100) si substrate using a 1-nm InAs relief layer. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 14:2984-2989. [PMID: 24734721 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2014.8593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanometer scale thin InAs layer has been incorporated between Si (100) substrate and GaAs/Al0.3Ga0.7As multiple quantum well (MQW) nanostructure in order to reduce the defects generation during the growth of GaAs buffer layer on Si substrate. Observations based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) suggest that initiation and propagation of defect at the Si/GaAs interface could be suppressed by incorporating thin (1 nm in thickness) InAs layer. Consequently, the microstructure and resulting optical properties improved as compared to the MQW structure formed directly on Si substrate without the InAs layer. It was also observed that there exists some limit to the desirable thickness of the InAs layer since the MQW structure having thicker InAs layer (4 nm-thick) showed deteriorated properties.
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Multifocal microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma with extensive spread of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) into the uterine corpus, vagina, and left salpinx diagnosed five years after conization of cervical CIS. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2014; 35:600-603. [PMID: 25423715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multifocal microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with extensive spread of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) into the uterine corpus, salpinx, and vagina is extremely unusual. CASE The authors present a case of 69-year-old woman with hydrometra who was found to have multifocal microinvasive SCC in the endometrium. The CIS had spread superficially throughout the entire endometrium up to the fundus, completely replacing the epithelium. The uterine cervix, vaginal surface and left salpingeal mucosa were involved. She had previously undergone conization due to cervical CIS five years prior. The pathologic reports showed clear resection margins at that time. CONCLUSION The present case suggests that CIS in the endometrium spread back to the cervix and vagina, although the definite origin of the first CIS was not determined.
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Thoracic vessel injury. MINERVA CHIR 2013; 68:251-262. [PMID: 23774090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Thoracic trauma occurs in an estimated 25% of all trauma victims, with approximately 50% of trauma mortalities attributable to these injuries. Only 4% of thoracic traumas involve injuries to thoracic vessels, including the aorta, innominate veins and artery, left carotid artery, internal mammaries, and pulmonary hilar vessels. These vascular injuries can range from minor to major with advances in prehospital management increasing the number of patients surviving in the field and presenting to the hospital with life-threatening vascular injuries. Rapid assessment during the initial survey and interventions to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation of the patient can be life-saving. The patient's hemodynamic status will often dictate the extent of the initial workup or whether the patient requires emergent operation. Stable patients can undergo further assessment and detailed imaging, such as computed tomography and/or angiography. Treatment of thoracic vessel injuries may include advanced endovascular techniques, traditional open surgery, or non-operative management with observation. The following review systematically details the initial workup, evaluation and management techniques of thoracic vessel injuries.
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Elastic properties of polycaprolactone at small strains are significantly affected by strain rate and temperature. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2011; 225:1015-20. [DOI: 10.1177/0954411911413059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tensile tests were conducted on polycaprolactone at various strain rates and temperatures. Focusing on the mechanical properties within only the small-strain elastic region, i.e. up to the inflection point in the stress–strain diagram, it was found that strain rate and temperature had significant effects on the polymer. This finding implies that the effects of strain rate and temperature on the elastic properties of polycaprolactone should be considered in the design and manufacture of rigidity-sensitive, load-bearing applications, including use as biomaterial for scaffolds in tissue engineering applications.
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Delayed ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in an adult onset Still's disease patient with previous mitral valve and aortic root replacement. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010; 58:243-4. [PMID: 20514585 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1240745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A 59-year-old female patient with adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) presented with hemoptysis and pseudoaneurysm from an aortic root vent cannulation site that was created 4 years earlier for combined mitral and aortic valve surgery. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully repaired and the patient remained well during a follow-up period of 20 months.
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Assessment of post-stroke extrapersonal neglect using a three-dimensional immersive virtual street crossing program. Acta Neurol Scand 2010; 121:171-7. [PMID: 19839943 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2009.01194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential of our newly developed three-dimensional immersive virtual reality (VR) program modeled on a real street crossing as an assessment tool for extrapersonal neglect in stroke patients. METHODS Thirty-two patients with right-hemispheric stroke (neglect group, 16; non-neglect group, 16) were enrolled. The deviation angle, reaction time, left-to-right reaction time ratio, visual and auditory cue rates, and failure rate were evaluated during missions to keep a virtual avatar safe from a traffic accident in the VR program. The line bisection test and letter cancellation test were also evaluated. RESULTS The deviation angle, left-to-right reaction time ratio, left visual and auditory cue rates and left failure rate in the VR program showed significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). Depending on the direction of approach of the virtual car, the left parameters were significantly higher than the right parameters in the neglect group (P < 0.05). In the neglect group, the line bisection test correlated significantly with the deviation angle (P < 0.05). None of the other virtual reality parameters significantly correlated with the paper and pencil tests. CONCLUSION Post-stroke neglect in the extrapersonal space can be easily and safely detected and measured using our three-dimensional immersive virtual street crossing program.
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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to hemispatial neglect in patients after stroke: An open-label pilot study. J Rehabil Med 2010; 42:447-52. [DOI: 10.2340/16501977-0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube-adsorption onto poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2009; 9:1058-1061. [PMID: 19441455 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2009.c087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
We prepared multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) coated polymeric microspheres i.e., carboxylic acid functionalized MWNT (c-MWNT) adsorbed onto poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres. Initially, the MWNT was functionalized with carboxylic acid functional group and PMMA microspheres were synthesized via a dispersion polymerization method separately. The c-MWNT/PMMA microspheres were then fabricated by blending technique i.e., simple mixing of c-MWNT and PMMA microspheres dispersed solutions under ultrasonication. Surface morphologies of the c-MWNT-adsorbed PMMA microspheres were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, c-MWNT/PMMA microsphere suspension dispersed in silicone oil showed typical electrorheological characteristics of fibril structure under an applied electric field.
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Abstract
This study examined how stigma may impact HIV-positive women's disclosure to their children. Participants included HIV-infected women recruited from AIDS service organizations located in large midwestern cities. Using a questionnaire and guided interview, quantitative data were obtained regarding perceived HIV-related stigma and rates of maternal disclosure to children aged 5-18. According to the Kruskal-Wallis test, comparison between the disclosure groups showed non-significant differences in the total score of HIV stigma (chi(2)=0.518 with df = 2, p=0.77).
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Application of extended single-reaction multiplex polymerase chain reaction for toxin typing of Staphylococcus aureus isolates in South Korea. Int J Food Microbiol 2005; 97:137-45. [PMID: 15541800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2004.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2003] [Revised: 03/31/2004] [Accepted: 04/22/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The extended single-reaction multiplex PCR (esr-mPCR) developed in this study to detect staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs), including SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, SEE, SEH, SEI, and SEJ, requires fewer sets of primers than other conventional multiplex PCRs and can be used to detect newly identified staphylococcal enterotoxins SEs more readily. Esr-mPCR analysis of 141 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from abattoir and livestock product samples revealed that 27 of the S. aureus isolates were toxigenic, and two were 2 multitoxigenic isolates. The most prevalent SE type was SEI followed by SEA and SEH. In addition, we investigated the clonal relatedness of toxigenic S. aureus isolates by arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR). AP-PCR analysis of toxigenic S. aureus isolates revealed that the discriminatory power of AP-PCR was 9 (D=0.81), 8 (D=0.77), and 10 types (D=0.83) with primers AP1, ERIC2, and AP7, respectively. The combination of three each AP-PCR result could rearrange toxigenic S. aureus isolates into 10 types and five subtypes, with the D-value of 0.92. Interestingly, our data showed that toxigenic S. aureus isolates from different sources had different fingerprinting patterns although some of them carried the same types of SE genes. These data suggest that combinations of esr-mPCR and AP-PCR can provide a powerful approach for epidemiological investigation of toxigenic S. aureus isolates.
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Biomaterial characteristics important to skeletal tissue engineering. JOURNAL OF MUSCULOSKELETAL & NEURONAL INTERACTIONS 2004; 4:396-8. [PMID: 15758276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
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Expression of Na+/H+ and HCO3−-dependent transporters in Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 null mutant mouse brain. Neuroscience 2003; 122:37-46. [PMID: 14596847 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(03)00598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Acid-base transporters, such as the sodium-hydrogen exchangers (NHEs) and bicarbonate-dependent transporters, play an important role in the regulation of intracellular pH (pH(i)) in the CNS. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that the absence of the major NHE isoform 1 (NHE1) reduced the steady-state pH(i) and recovery rate from an acid load in the hippocampal neurons not only in HEPES but also in HCO(3)(-) solutions (Yao et al., 1999). The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the NHE1 null mutation affects the expression of pH-regulatory transporters in the mouse CNS. Immunoblotting and semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to examine the protein and mRNA levels of NHE1-4, electrogenic sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter 1 variants (NBCe1), and brain-specific anion exchanger 3 (AE3) in four brain regions (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and brainstem-diencephalon). NHE1 null mutant mice were compared with their wild type controls at the average age of approximately 4 weeks. Our results revealed that the NHE1 null mutation caused a significant increase in NHE3 in the cerebellum (84% for protein, 105% for mRNA), an increase in NBCe1 expression in the brainstem-diencephalon (approximately 40-50% for protein, 9-15% for mRNA), as well as a decrease in AE3 in the hippocampus (approximately 60% for protein, 24% for mRNA). We conclude that the NHE1 null mutation does alter the expression of other membrane transporters at both protein and mRNA levels. The alteration is region-specific. An increase in acid extruders (e.g. NHE3) and a decrease in acid loaders (e.g. AE3) suggest that there are some compensatory mechanisms that occur in NHE1 null mutant mice.
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Antimicrobial performance of alkaline ionic fluid (GC-100X) and its ability to remove Escherichia coli O157:H7 from the surface of tomatoes. J Food Prot 2003; 66:1604-10. [PMID: 14503713 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-66.9.1604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
An efficacy test of GC-100X, a noncorrosive alkaline ionic fluid (pH 12) composed of free radicals and supplemented with xylitol, was carried out against six major foodborne pathogens-Staphylococcus aureus FRI 913, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 Korean isolate, Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 17803, Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 43894, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 1637-at three different temperatures (4, 25, and 36 degrees C) with or without organic load (2% yeast extract). Results revealed a more than 4-log10 (CFU/ml) reduction (1.0 x 10(4) CFU/ml reduction) against all pathogens reacted at 37 degrees C for 3 h in the absence of organic material. GC-100X solution diluted with an equal volume of distilled or standard hard water (300 ppm CaCO3) showed effective bactericidal activity, particularly against gram-negative bacteria. Washing efficacy of GC-100X solution was compared against E. coli O157:H7 on cherry tomato surfaces with those of a commercially used detergent and chlorine water (100 ppm). Viable cell counts of E. coli O157:H7 that had penetrated to the cores of tomatoes after sanitizing treatment revealed that GC-100X stock and its 5% diluted solutions had similar washing effects to 100-ppm chlorine water and were more effective than the other kitchen detergent. These results indicate that GC-100X has good bactericidal and sanitizing activities and is useful as a new sanitizer for food safety and kitchen hygiene.
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Opposite role of Ras in tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced cell cycle regulation: competition for Raf kinase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 287:1140-7. [PMID: 11587542 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ras, a well-known oncogene, induces cell cycle stimulation through the Raf/Erk pathway and leads to cellular transformation, accompanied by other oncogenes such as c-myc and viral oncogenic protein. Here we suggest the interfering role of Ras in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced cell cycle regulation. In TSU-Pr1 and T24 (oncogenic Ras cell lines), TNF-alpha suppresses cell cycle progression without induction of apoptosis, whereas AGS (wild-type Ras) is stimulated in its cell cycle by TNF-alpha coupled with activation of Erk. However, in TSU-Pr1 and T24, TNF-alpha leads to dephosphorylation of Erk1/2. Inhibition or activation of Ras can restore or convert TNF-alpha-induced cell cycle regulation in the cell lines containing the oncogenic Ras (TSU-Pr1 and T24) or AGS, respectively. Regulation of Erk also shows the coincidental pattern. We suggest the competition between the Ras pathway and TNF signaling for the binding to Raf, a common downstream target, as the cause of such reciprocal response, based on co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) with antibodies against Raf and Ras or cellular Flice-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), which have been recently identified upstream of Raf in death-ligand-induced cell cycle stimulation. Overexpression of Raf in TSU-Pr1, to reduce the competition, overcomes TNF-induced cell cycle arrest, also supporting our hypotheses.
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Treatment of vitiligo with suction epidermal grafting by the use of an ultrapulse CO2 laser with a computerized pattern generator. Dermatol Surg 2001; 27:565-8. [PMID: 11442594 DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2001.00334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laser ablation is used to remove the recipient epidermis in the suction epidermal grafting in vitiligo surgery. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a suction epidermal grafting method after the removal of the epidermis by the use of the Ultrapulse CO2 laser with a computerized pattern generator. METHODS Eleven patients with 34 lesions of refractory stable vitiligo were studied. RESULTS Of the 34 lesion sites, excellent repigmentation was seen in 30 and the other 4 had good repigmentation. No complications occurred. CONCLUSION The Ultrapulse CO2 laser is particularly well suited for deepithelialization in vitiligo surgery.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To attain the standardized procedure for optimal facilitation, we analyzed motor-evoked potential (MEP) responses to the degree of voluntary contraction and stimulus intensity. METHODS Fifteen normal subjects were included. MEPs were elicited at thenar muscles during rest and at gradual voluntary contraction (MVC), using 10, 30, and 50% of MVC. During rest and each contraction, the excitability threshold at rest (RET) and at contraction (CET) were determined. Consecutive stimuli were applied, with the intensity of ratio increments (110-150% of ET). RESULTS The RET showed a remarkable decrease after contraction. Shortening of latency reached a saturation level at 10% of MVC. Amplitude reached a saturation level at 30% of MVC with 62.7+/-8.5% of the maximum output, which is equal to 140% intensity of CET, and 110% of RET. The MEP amplitudes at rest and at 10% MVC were influenced by their ETs, but those measured above 30% of MVC were not related. CONCLUSIONS The procedure recommended for optimal facilitation is as follows: to achieve minimal latency of MEPs, a minimal contraction (10% of MVC) with RET intensity is sufficient and for maximal amplitude, a moderate contraction (30% of MVC) with 110% of RET intensity is adequate.
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Transplacental transfer and age-related levels of serum IgG antibodies to the capsular polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae types 14 and 19 in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2001; 16:9-14. [PMID: 11289408 PMCID: PMC3054566 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2001.16.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the prevalence of naturally acquired IgG antibodies to the capsular polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal IgG) in Korea. In the present study, we investigated transplacental transfer and age-related levels of pneumococcal IgG to provide background seroepidemiologic data for S. pneumoniae in Korea. One hundred thirty eight sera were assayed by ELISA for IgG to pneumococcal polysaccharide capsular serotypes 14 and 19, the predominant serotypes for under 15 yr of age in Korea. The subjects were divided into 7 subgroups according to age. The cord/maternal geometric mean titer of pneumococcal were 4.47+/-5.88/5.21 +/- 5.88 for serotype 14, and 4.68 +/- 5.55/6.55 +/- 6.92 for serotype 1 9 (mean +/- standard deviation, microg/mL). After birth, the geometric mean titers of pneumococcal IgG for serotypes 14 and 19 expressed in microg/mL were 1.18+/-2.12 and 1.41+/-2.17 in the 0-6 months group, 0.27+/-0.19 and 0.69+/-0.93 in 7-12 months, 0.21+/-0.22 and 0.64+/-1.32 in 1-2 yr, 0.69+/-0.78 and 2.65+/-2.46 in 3-6 yr, 2.52+/-2.72 and 8.29+/-4.24 in 7-10 yr, respectively. In conclusion, reduced transplacental transfer and very low serum concentrations of pneumococcal IgG may contribute to the susceptibility of neonates, infants, and young children to S. pneumoniae infection.
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Analysis of expressed sequence tags from Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis. Mol Cells 2000; 10:399-404. [PMID: 10987136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-redundant expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated from six different organs at various developmental stages of Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis. Of the 1,295 ESTs, 915 (71%) showed significantly high homology in nucleotide or deduced amino acid sequences with other sequences deposited in databases, while 380 did not show similarity to any sequences. Briefly, 598 ESTs matched with proteins of identified biological function, 177 with hypothetical proteins or non-annotated Arabidopsis genome sequences, and 140 with other ESTs. About 82% of the top-scored matching sequences were from Arabidopsis or Brassica, but overall 558 (43%) ESTs matched with Arabidopsis ESTs at the nucleotide sequence level. This observation strongly supports the idea that gene-expression profiles of Chinese cabbage differ from that of Arabidopsis, despite their genome structures being similar to each other. Moreover, sequence analyses of 21 Brassica ESTs revealed that their primary structure is different from those of corresponding annotated sequences of Arabidopsis genes. Our data suggest that direct prediction of Brassica gene expression pattern based on the information from Arabidopsis genome research has some limitations. Thus, information obtained from the Brassica EST study is useful not only for understanding of unique developmental processes of the plant, but also for the study of Arabidopsis genome structure.
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Abstract
Increased incidences of Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoid malignancies have been observed in patients with pemphigus, and the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is very strongly associated with these tumors. Because the virus may be one of the triggering factors of pemphigus, we undertook this study to screen for the presence of HHV-8 in chronic blistering skin diseases including pemphigus. A total of 45 paraffin-embedded specimens were studied using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers to amplify a 160-base pair HHV-8 fragment. HHV-8 DNA could be detected in 7 of 9 patients with pemphigus vulagris, and 1 of 2 with pemphigus foliaceus. All specimens of other blistering skin diseases were negative for HHV-8. On sequencing PCR products, the sequences were almost identical with the prototypic sequence for HHV-8, and a few base- pair substitutions at 1086C-T and 1139A-C were detected. The results of our study suggests that HHV-8 might have trophism for pemphigus lesions. Further studies including comparison of HHV-8 DNA load in both lesional and normal skin in the same patient, serological and animal studies would be helpful to study the relationship between HHV-8 and pemphigus.
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Characterization of a bifunctional enzyme fusion of trehalose-6-phosphate synthetase and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase of Escherichia coli. Appl Environ Microbiol 2000; 66:2484-90. [PMID: 10831428 PMCID: PMC110565 DOI: 10.1128/aem.66.6.2484-2490.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To test the effect of the physical proximity of two enzymes catalyzing sequential reactions, a bifunctional fusion enzyme, TPSP, was constructed by fusing the Escherichia coli genes for trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) synthetase (TPS) and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP). TPSP catalyzes the sequential reaction in which T6P is formed and then dephosphorylated, leading to the synthesis of trehalose. The fused chimeric gene was overexpressed in E. coli and purified to near homogeneity; its molecular weight was 88,300, as expected. The K(m) values of the TPSP fusion enzyme for the sequential overall reaction from UDP-glucose and glucose 6-phosphate to trehalose were smaller than those of an equimolar mixture of TPS and TPP (TPS/TPP). However, the k(cat) values of TPSP were similar to those of TPS/TPP, resulting in a 3.5- to 4.0-fold increase in the catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)). The K(m) and k(cat) values of TPSP and TPP for the phosphatase reaction from T6P to trehalose were quite similar. This suggests that the increased catalytic efficiency results from the proximity of TPS and TPP in the TPSP fusion enzyme. The thermal stability of the TPSP fusion enzyme was quite similar to that of the TPS/TPP mixture, suggesting that the structure of each enzyme moiety in TPSP is unperturbed by intramolecular constraint. These results clearly demonstrate that the bifunctional fusion enzyme TPSP catalyzing sequential reactions has kinetic advantages over a mixture of both enzymes (TPS and TPP). These results are also supported by the in vivo accumulation of up to 0.48 mg of trehalose per g of cells after isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside treatment of cells harboring the construct encoding TPSP.
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Characterization of the pcbE gene encoding 2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoate hydratase in Pseudomonas sp. DJ-12. Arch Pharm Res 2000; 23:187-95. [PMID: 10836749 DOI: 10.1007/bf02975512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nucleotide sequence extending 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl 1,2-dioxygenase gene (pcbC) and 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-phenylhexa-2,4-dienoate hydrolase gene (pcbD) of Pseudomonas sp. DJ-12 was previously analyzed and the two genes were present in the order of pcbD-pcbC preceded by a promoter from Pseudomonas sp. DJ-12. In this study, a 3.8-kb nucleotide sequence located downstream of the pcbC gene was analyzed to have three open reading frames (ORFs) that are designated as orf1, pcbE and orf2 genes. All of the ORFs were preceded by each ribosome-binding sequence of 5-GGAXA-3 (X=G or A). However, no promoter-like sequence and transcription terminator sequence were found in the analyzed region, downstream of pcbC gene. Therefore, the gene cluster appeared to be present in the order of pcbD-pcbC-orf1-pcbE-orf2 as an operon, which is unique organization characterized so far in biphenyl- and PCB-degrading bacteria. The orf1 gene was composed of 1,224 base pairs which can encode a polypeptide of molecular weight 44,950 containing 405 amino acid residues. A deduced amino acid sequence of the orf1 gene product exhibited 21-33% identity with those of indole dioxygenase and phenol hydroxylase components. The pcbE gene was composed of 783 base pairs encoding 2-hydroxypenta-2,4-dienoate hydratase involved in the 4-chlorobiphenyl catabolism. The orf2 gene was composed of 1,017 base pairs encoding a polypeptide of molecular weight 37,378 containing 338 amino acid residues. A deduced amino acid sequence of the orf2 gene product exhibited 31% identity with that of a nitrilotriacetate monooxygenase component.
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Cloning and characterization of the UDP-sugar hydrolase gene (ushA) of Enterobacter aerogenes IFO 12010. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000; 269:526-31. [PMID: 10708587 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.2328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A bacterial alkaline phosphatase (BAP, the phoA gene product) is primarily responsible for the hydrolysis of the substrates 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolylphosphate-p-toluidine (XP) and p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP). Using these substrates and an E. coli phoA mutant, we have cloned Enterobacter aerogenes genes conferring an XP(+) phenotype. Two types of clones were identified based on phenotypic tests and DNA sequences. One of them is a E. aerogenes phoA gene (XP(+), pNPP(+)) as expected; surprisingly the other one was found to be a ushA gene (XP(+), pNPP(-)), which encodes an UDP (uridine 5'-diphosphate)-sugar hydrolase. The E. aerogenes ushA gene shares high sequence identity with ushA of E. coli and the mutationally silent ushA0 gene of Salmonella typhimurium at both the nucleotide (over 79%) and amino acid (over 93%) levels. Expression of the E. aerogenes ushA gene in E. coli produced high level of UDP-sugar hydrolase, as confirmed by TLC (thin layer chromatography) analysis together with a presence of a strong band due to a XP hydrolysis on a polyacrylamide gel.
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Abstract
By bioassay-guided fractionation using mushroom tyrosinase, p-coumaric acid was characterized as the principal tyrosinase inhibitor from the fresh leaves of Panax ginseng (Araliaceae). It inhibited the oxidation of L-tyrosine more strongly than that of L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) by this enzyme. On the basis of this finding, various related phenylpropanoid analogues were also tested in order to gain new insights into their structural criteria.
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Abstract
We report on a 13-year-old female with idiopathic acute sensory neuronopathy mimicking a sensory form of Guillain-Barré syndrome, which was identified by using electrodiagnosis and spine magnetic resonance imaging. Motor conduction results were normal, but no sensory nerve action potentials were seen in the four limbs. On magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine, the diffuse gadolinium enhancement of the dorsal roots in the spinal canal was detected, without evidence of intramedullary lesions. The clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings had persisted for more than 18 months of follow-up.
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Sequential postoperative appearance of radiofrequency pallidotomy lesions on MRI. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 1998; 69:46-53. [PMID: 9711733 DOI: 10.1159/000099851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed 10 radiofrequency (RF) lesions over time in 9 patients who had follow-up MRI 1 h to 43 weeks following stereotactic pallidotomies performed for medically intractable idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Pallidotomies were performed under MRI guidance, microelectrode recording, and electrical stimulation with neurological monitoring. We compared the MRI taken within 1 h after surgery for each patient to their respective follow-up MRI to determine the changes in size and signal characteristics of RF lesions over time. The postoperative follow-up MRI of RF lesions roughly fell into 4 time periods: 1 h (n = 10), 2 months (n = 3), 6 months (n = 3), and 10 months (n = 4). The average volume (+/- SD, mm3) of these lesions at each phase were as follows: 1 h = 124.35 +/- 58.48; 2 months = 50.5 +/- 30.71; 6 months = 32.36 +/- 21.07; 10 months = 53.19 +/- 28.91. The steep decline in the size of the lesion stabilizes by the 2-month period. Thereafter, the lesion size at 6 and 10 months remains stable. Eventually, the center of coagulative necrosis completely disappears, and the lesions persists as a cystic cavity. The contrast uptake of these RF lesions appears to resolve by the 6-month period. Immediate postoperative images show strong enhancement with gadolinium. There is a lesser degree of enhancement at 2 months, and no appreciable enhancement by 6 months. Interestingly, the patients with better outcome tended to have larger RF lesions. However, this difference was not statistically significant.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive deterioration of renal function in kidney transplant recipients is the leading cause of graft failure. Both nonimmunologic and immunologic mechanisms contribute to this deterioration. METHODS Twenty-eight cyclosporine (CsA)-treated renal transplant recipients (21 cadaveric, 5 living, 2 simultaneous kidney-pancreas) with progressive deterioration of renal function were prospectively enrolled in a clinical trial and had their immunosuppressive regimen changed 24.3+/-7.7 months after transplant. All patients had their CsA dose reduced by 50%, azathioprine was discontinued, and mycophenolate mofetil was added to the medical regimen. The mean creatinine of the patients at the initiation of the change in immunosuppression was 3.5+/-1.2 mg/dl (range 1.9 to 6.2 mg/dl). RESULTS Before the change in immunosuppression, the mean loss in renal function as indicated by the least-squares slope of the reciprocal of creatinine versus time was -0.006+/-0.002 (mg/dl)-1 per month. The change in immunosuppression significantly decreased the rate of loss in renal function for most patients when compared with their pretreatment values with a mean slope of 0.007+/-0.003 (mg/dl)-1 per month (P=0.003). Renal function improved in 21 of 28 patients. Only one patient had continued deterioration of renal function. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for CsA dose, mean arterial blood pressure, and baseline creatinine, the change in immunosuppression was significantly associated with improved renal function (P=0.02). There were no acute rejections after the immunosuppression change. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that adding mycophenolate mofetil and reducing CsA in patients with chronic deterioration of graft function is well tolerated and results in a short-term improvement in renal function.
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