Datasets:

reginaboateng

/

cleaned_pubmedqa

like 1

{ "contexts": [ "To determine the impact of catabolic hormones on the pattern of amino acid efflux from human skeletal muscle during stress.", "Cohort analytical study.", "Burn intensive care unit and clinical research facility at a university hospital.", "Five patients with severe burns and five healthy volunteers of similar size and age.", "The net balance of amino acids across the leg was determined in five healthy volunteers prior to and following a 2-hour infusion of the catabolic hormones epinephrine, cortisol, and glucagon into the femoral artery. These results were compared with amino acid net balance measurements in five severely burned patients.", "Hormonal simulation of stress in the normal volunteers increased glutamine efflux from the leg to an extent similar to that of the burn patients. Alanine efflux, however, was not affected by the hormonal infusion. Because alanine efflux constituted a major proportion of the total peripheral amino acid catabolism in the burn patients, there was significantly less total amino acid nitrogen loss from the healthy volunteers receiving the stress hormones." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Alanine", "Amino Acids", "Burns", "Energy Metabolism", "Epinephrine", "Glucagon", "Hormones", "Humans", "Hydrocortisone", "Male", "Muscles", "Stress, Physiological" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The prevalence of colon polyps increases with age in the general population. It is unknown whether a lack of adenomatous polyps determined at one time point after the age of 50 is predictive of a subsequent low risk of polyp development.", "Twenty-nine patients between ages 50 and 70 who had no prior history of polyps and had a normal colonoscopy at least 5 yr previously were recruited for follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate the incidence of neoplastic disease in this presumably low-risk group.", "The incidence of adenomatous polyps after a mean of 5.74 yr was 41.4% (95% confidence interval: 23.5-61.1%). A total of 20 adenomatous polyps were found in 12 patients. Seven polyps were 5 mm or more in size." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adenomatous Polyps", "Age Distribution", "Aged", "Colonic Polyps", "Colonoscopy", "Female", "Follow-Up Studies", "Humans", "Incidence", "Male", "Mass Screening", "Middle Aged", "Predictive Value of Tests", "Prevalence", "Risk Factors", "Time Factors" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Endotoxemia stimulates amino acid consumption by the liver, but the regulation of this response is poorly understood. We studied the effect of Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) on hepatic carrier-mediated plasma membrane amino acid transport and the role of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) in regulating this transport activity.", "We investigated the activities of the Na(+)-dependent amino acid transport systems A, ASC, and N in hepatic plasma membrane vesicles prepared from rats treated with endotoxin in vivo. Vesicle purity and functionality were evaluated by assaying marker enzymes and by the presence of classic overshoots.", "Endotoxin treatment did not alter sodium transport but resulted in time- and dose-dependent 6-fold (system A), 3.5-fold (system N), and 3-fold (system ASC) increases in transport activity secondary to an increase in carrier maximum velocity. Lipopolysaccharide treatment did not alter transporter affinity or plasma membrane sodium transport. Transport activity increased within 2 hours of endotoxin administration, peaked at 4 hours after exposure to lipopolysaccharide, and returned to basal levels within 24 hours. Pretreatment of animals with an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody diminished the endotoxin-induced enhancement in transport activity by 50% to 75% by decreasing carrier maximum velocity. In contrast, when the antibody was given after endotoxin challenge, transport activity was not attenuated." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Amino Acids", "Aminoisobutyric Acids", "Animals", "Antibodies, Monoclonal", "Biological Transport", "Cell Membrane", "In Vitro Techniques", "Lipopolysaccharides", "Liver", "Male", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley", "Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a potent intestinal secretagogue for chloride and a mediator of diarrhea in the carcinoid syndrome. 5-HT-induced chloride secretion is seen as a change in short circuit current (Isc) in muscle-stripped, chambered human jejunum. The aim of this study was to determine which 5-HT receptors mediate a 5-HT-induced change in Isc in the human jejunum.", "Segments of jejunum obtained from patients (n = 23) having obesity surgery were stripped of muscularis, and the mucosal sheets were mounted in flux chambers and short-circuited. By a cumulative method, a 5-HT-induced change in Isc was measured in the presence or absence of 0.2 mumol/L of neural conduction inhibitor tetrodotoxin or 5-HT receptor antagonists (n = 4 to 5): 10 mumol/L 5-HTP-DP, a 5-HT1p antagonist; 0.1 mumol/L ketanserin, a 5-HT2 antagonist; 0.3 mumol/L ondansetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist; 0.05 and 1 mumol/L ICS 205-930, a selective 5-HT3 antagonist at 0.05 mumol/L and also a 5-HT4 antagonist at 1 mumol/L or more; and 0.01 mumol/L GR 113808, a new selective 5-HT4 antagonist. A chloride-free solution or furosemide (100 mumol/L) was used to show the relationship of a 5-HT-induced change in Isc to chloride secretion.", "Data were analyzed by ANOVA; p < 0.05 was significant. The chloride-free solution and furosemide significantly (p < 0.05) depressed the maximum change in Isc. Significant shifts occurred in the median effective concentration (1.5 +/- 0.2 mumol/L) for 5-HT in the presence of 1 mumol/L ICS 205-930 (3 +/- 0.2) and 0.03 mumol/L GR 113808 (2.4 +/- 0.2), but not in the presence of 5-HTP-DP (1.2 +/- 0.4), methysergide (1.8 +/- 0.3), ketanserin (2.4 +/- 0.6), ondansetron (1.6 +/- 0.1), 0.05 micron ICS 205-930 (1.3 +/- 0.1), or tetrodotoxin (1.4 +/- 0.4)." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Chloride Channels", "Chlorides", "Dose-Response Relationship, Drug", "Humans", "Indoles", "Jejunum", "Receptors, Serotonin", "Serotonin", "Sulfonamides", "Tetrodotoxin", "Tropisetron" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "This study examines the hypothesis that the exaggerated splanchnic release of prostacyclin is due to new synthesis of both cyclooxygenase and prostacyclin synthase (PS) in the ileum muscularis/serosa.", "Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and subjected to acute hemorrhage to 30 mm Hg for 30 minutes (shock) or sham shock. The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was cannulated and removed with its end-organ intestine and perfused in vitro with Krebs-Henseleit buffer with and without cycloheximide (50 micrograms/ml) or indomethacin (20 micrograms/ml). Venous effluent was analyzed for eicosanoids by radioimmunoassay. The SMA, aorta and ileal mucosa, and muscularis/serosa were analyzed for PS and cyclooxygenase content by immunoblot analysis.", "The sham splanchnic bed released threefold more 6-keto-PGF1 alpha than prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane. Acute ischemia increased splanchnic release of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha threefold compared with sham, which was abolished by cycloheximide or indomethacin treatment. Acute ischemia increased content of PS and cyclooxygenase in the ileal muscularis/serosa twofold and PS in the aorta and SMA by 50%." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Cycloheximide", "Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System", "Eicosanoids", "Intramolecular Oxidoreductases", "Ischemia", "Isomerases", "Mesentery", "Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The authors determined the effect of glutamine-supplementation of TPN on postoperative peripheral blood T-cell response and proinflammatory cytokine production in patients undergoing colorectal resection.", "Several vital tissues, including the immune system, are very dependent on glutamine; however, this amino acid, which may be essential in conditions of stress, only now is becoming formulated suitably for incorporation into TPN. The effects of such supplementation on the immune function of stressed surgical patients is unknown.", "Patients (n = 20) were randomized to receive conventional TPN (0.2 g nitrogen/kg/d) or an isonitrogenous/isocaloric regimen with 0.18 g of glutamine/kg/d from days 1 to 6 postoperatively. T-cell DNA synthesis and interleukin (IL)-2 production and peripheral blood mononuclear cell IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production were measured in vitro preoperatively and on days 1 and 6 postoperatively.", "T-cell DNA synthesis after 5 days of TPN was increased compared with preoperative values in the glutamine-supplemented group (median preoperative tritiated thymidine uptake: 78.3 x 10(3) cpm, day 6: 95.0 x 10(3) cpm, p < 0.05). There was no such increase in the control TPN group (preoperative: 89.0 x 10(3) cpm, day 6: 69.4 x 10(3) cpm, p > 0.05). Glutamine supplementation did not influence IL-2 production or the production of TNF or IL-6." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Adult", "Aged", "Aged, 80 and over", "Cells, Cultured", "Colectomy", "Colonic Neoplasms", "DNA", "Elective Surgical Procedures", "Female", "Glutamine", "Humans", "Interleukin-2", "Interleukin-6", "Lipopolysaccharides", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Nitrogen", "Parenteral Nutrition, Total", "Phytohemagglutinins", "Prospective Studies", "T-Lymphocytes", "Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "An in vitro biomechanical investigation using human lumbar cadaveric spine specimens was undertaken to determine any relationship between intervertebral disc degeneration and nonlinear multidirectional spinal flexibility.", "Previous clinical and biomechanical studies have not established conclusively such a relationship.", "Forty-seven discs from 12 whole lumbar spine specimens were studied under the application of flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending pure moments. Three flexibility parameters were defined (neutral zone (NZ), range of motion (ROM), and neutral zone ratio (NZR = NZ/ROM)) and correlated with the macroscopic and radiographic degeneration." ], "labels": [ "METHODS", "BACKGROUND", "METHODS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Biomechanical Phenomena", "Data Interpretation, Statistical", "Humans", "In Vitro Techniques", "Intervertebral Disc", "Lumbar Vertebrae", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Radiography", "Rotation", "Spinal Diseases" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To determine whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a specific Km genotype or allele. Specific genetic markers located both within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and outside the MHC have been associated with SLE. However, serologic studies of Km allotypes have led to contradictory results.", "A novel molecular genetic technique was used to determine Km genotypes. First, the kappa constant segment (C kappa) was amplified from genomic DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then the resulting PCR product was subjected to restriction enzyme digestion. AccI cleavage of the C kappa PCR product correlated with Km (3) allotype, and presence or absence of an MaeII site correlated with Km (1) or Km (1, 2), respectively.", "There was no difference in the distribution of Km genotypes or alleles between Caucasian patients with SLE (n = 26) and controls (n = 107). Clinical features did not differ in 4 Km (1, 2) positive patients with SLE compared to 22 Km (1, 2) negative patients with SLE, nor did the frequency of anti-Sm or antinative DNA autoantibodies (2 Km (1, 2/3) versus 4 Km (3/3); and 1 versus 6, respectively). No Km (1, 2/3) positive individual had anti-La (anti-SSB) autoantibodies." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "European Continental Ancestry Group", "Female", "Genetic Markers", "Genotype", "Humans", "Immunoglobulin Allotypes", "Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains", "Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Polymerase Chain Reaction" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Sympathetic hyperactivity and parasympathetic withdrawal in patients with congestive heart failure correlate closely with disease severity and overall survival. The modulating effects of drugs on the autonomic dysfunction may contribute to improve survival. Low-dose scopolamine has a vagomimetic effect in normal subjects and patients after acute myocardial infarction. We assessed whether transdermal scopolamine would increase vagal activity in patients with congestive heart failure.", "Heart rate variability was assessed at baseline, 24 hours after one patch of transdermal scopolamine, and 48 hours after scopolamine withdrawal in 21 patients with moderate to severe heart failure. Scopolamine increased both time- and frequency-domain parameters of heart rate variability. Specifically, the mean RR interval and its SD increased by 5.5% (P < .001) and 45% (P < .001), respectively. The change remained significant when corrected for mean heart rate with a 39% (P < .01) increase of the coefficient of variation. The absolute power of the high-frequency component was also significantly augmented. All the parameters returned to baseline after scopolamine withdrawal. Individual analysis showed that in the 7 patients in whom scopolamine did not increase mean RR interval, heart rate variability did not change." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Administration, Cutaneous", "Electrocardiography", "Female", "Heart", "Heart Failure", "Heart Rate", "Humans", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Scopolamine", "Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted", "Vagus Nerve" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To determine whether the use of a diuretic would maintain the antianginal efficacy of isosorbide dinitrate during 1 week of therapy.", "During continuous therapy, organic nitrates have a reduction in antianginal effectiveness and cause fluid retention. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design examining the effect of 1 week of daily treatment with 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide/5 mg amiloride on the antianginal effectiveness of 30 mg isosorbide dinitrate administered every 6 hours. Exercise stress testing was performed before and 3 hours after administration of isosorbide dinitrate at the start and end of the placebo and diuretic treatment phases.", "The time to onset of angina (475 +/- 35 versus 490 +/- 29 seconds, difference not significant) and to moderate angina after administration of isosorbide dinitrate (542 +/- 40 versus 566 +/- 37 seconds, difference not significant) were similar at the start and end of the diuretic phase of the study but were reduced at the end of the placebo phase (471 +/- 40 versus 410 +/- 40 seconds, p < 0.05 and 531 +/- 38 versus 466 +/- 39 seconds, p < 0.05, respectively). Total exercise time and time to onset of angina 3 hours after administration of isosorbide dinitrate were longer (p < 0.005) at the end of the diuretic phase compared with the end of the placebo phase. Patients gained weight during the placebo phase and lost weight during the diuretic phase of the study. The change in weight was inversely correlated to the change in total exercise time (r = -0.53, p < 0.05)." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Aged", "Amiloride", "Angina Pectoris", "Blood Pressure", "Double-Blind Method", "Drug Therapy, Combination", "Exercise Test", "Humans", "Hydrochlorothiazide", "Isosorbide Dinitrate", "Male", "Middle Aged" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To evaluate the effect of high-dose oral contraceptives on serum and uterine luminal fluid progesterone-associated endometrial protein in the luteal phase.", "Five ovulatory women participated in the study. In a control cycle, serum and uterine lavage samples were collected on luteal day 11. In the next cycle, on luteal day 9, the participants were given two 50-micrograms ethinyl estradiol-norgestrel tablets, repeated 12 hours later. Serum and uterine lavage samples were collected 48 hours (luteal day 11) after the last dose and analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and radioimmunoassays of the serum.", "Progesterone-associated endometrial protein levels were lower in sera from treated compared with control cycles. Analysis of serum levels of this protein by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis did not reveal bands corresponding to the known size and charge characteristics (27 kd and pI of 4.9) in either control or treatment samples. On the other hand, in uterine lavage samples, a complete suppression of the 27-kd, pI-4.9 species was evident after treatment." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal", "Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal", "Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel", "Ethinyl Estradiol", "Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination", "Female", "Glycodelin", "Glycoproteins", "Humans", "Luteal Phase", "Norgestrel", "Pregnancy Proteins", "Therapeutic Irrigation", "Time Factors", "Uterus" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The aim of this study was to determine the current operative risks of the pedal bypass procedure, its durability, and the factors affecting long-term outcome.", "We prospectively observed 96 patients who consecutively underwent 100 pedal bypasses using autogenous vein grafts for chronic critical ischemia. Of the 100 limbs, 91 had ischemic ulcers or gangrene, and 9 produced rest pain only. Sixty-four patients were diabetic, 21 had renal failure, and 36 had coronary artery disease. Nonreversed saphenous vein grafts were used most frequently (68 translocated, 13 in situ), followed by composite (13) and reversed vein grafts (6). Fifty-two long grafts originated from the iliac or femoral arteries, and 48 short grafts originated from the popliteal or tibial arteries. For the 100 procedures, 102 distal anastomoses were performed--68 to the dorsalis pedis, 8 to the distal posterior tibial, 10 to the common plantar, 2 to the medial plantar, 9 to the lateral plantar, 4 to the lateral tarsal, and 1 to the first dorsal metatarsal arteries--with the aid of an operating microscope.", "No patient died during the perioperative period. Two had hemodynamically insignificant myocardial infarctions. Wound complications developed in 12 patients--infection in 7 and hematoma in 5. There were 10 early graft failures, 6 of which could be salvaged, and 96 grafts were patent at dismissal. Mean follow-up was 2.1 years (range 1 month to 6.4 years). Postoperative surveillance identified 33 failed or failing grafts, 16 of which were successfully revised. At 3 years, cumulative primary and secondary patency rates were 60% and 69%, respectively. Factors correlating with increased secondary patency were intraoperative flow rate > or = 50 mL/min (P = 0.004) and diabetes (P < 0.05). Major amputations were performed on 17 limbs. The cumulative foot salvage rate at 3 years was 79%." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [] }

{ "contexts": [ "The power spectrum of the electroencephalogram (EEG) may be analyzed to provide quantitative measures of EEG activity (e.g., spectral edge, which defines the highest EEG frequency at which significant activity is found). The current study tested the hypothesis that spectral edge and similar measures distinguish different functional depths of anesthesia in humans.", "Three groups were studied. Group 1 consisted of 34 surgical patients (ASA physical status 1 or 2) who received 0.6, 1.0 and 1.4 MAC isoflurane anesthesia. A subgroup (group 2) of group 1 was tested during 1.0 MAC isoflurane anesthesia at surgical incision. Group 3 consisted of 16 volunteers who listened to an audiotape while receiving 0.15, 0.3, and 0.45 MAC isoflurane or 0.3, 0.45, and 0.6 MAC nitrous oxide in oxygen. The audiotape contained information designed to test implicit and explicit memory formation. We tested the ability of six EEG parameters (spectral-edge, 95th percentile power frequency, median power, and zero crossing frequencies and total power in the alpha- [8-13 Hz] and delta- [< 4 Hz] power ranges) to predict movement after surgical incision, purposeful response to command, or memory of information presented during anesthetic administration.", "Isoflurane decreased EEG activity in group 1 in a dose-related fashion. The 55% of group 2 who made purposeful movements in response to incision did not differ in their EEG from nonresponders (e.g., spectral edge 19.8 +/- 3.1 vs. 19.3 +/- 2.6 Hz, mean +/- SD). In group 3, memory of the information presented did not correlate with values of any EEG parameter. Response to verbal command was associated with lower anesthetic concentrations and with smaller alpha- and delta-band power (298 +/- 66 vs. 401 +/- 80 watts; and 75 +/- 20 vs. 121 +/- 49 watts, mean +/- SD), but there was no difference in values for other parameters." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Adult", "Anesthesia, Inhalation", "Awareness", "Brain", "Dose-Response Relationship, Drug", "Electroencephalography", "Humans", "Isoflurane", "Male", "Memory", "Monitoring, Intraoperative", "Nitrous Oxide" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The origin of renal dysfunction associated with anesthesia and surgery is complex and incompletely understood. The effects of the volatile anesthetic agents isoflurane, enflurane, and halothane on the renal pacemaker and ureteral peristalsis may play an important role.", "Guinea pig ureter and pelvis were dissected and placed in a sample chamber that allowed immersion in a temperature-controlled bath with gas (O2 with or without volatile agent) bubbled through the chamber continuously. The baseline frequency and amplitude of peristaltic contractions were measured on a polygraph recorder. The preparations were then exposed to up to 4 vol% volatile agent incrementally to generate a cumulative dose-response curve, and the subsequent frequency of peristaltic contractions was determined. The concentration of the volatile agent in solution was measured by gas chromatography.", "There was a significant dose-related decrease in the frequency of ureteral contractions for all three agents. A statistical model relating percentage baseline frequency to millimolar concentrations of volatile anesthetics showed that halothane produced a more pronounced decrease in frequency than did isoflurane or enflurane. However, the decrease was directly related to the MAC multiples and did not differ for the three agents." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Dose-Response Relationship, Drug", "Enflurane", "Guinea Pigs", "Halothane", "In Vitro Techniques", "Isoflurane", "Muscle Contraction", "Ureter" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Dextromethorphan (DM), a widely used antitussive agent, has been shown to possess both anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties functionally related to its inhibitory effects on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. The current study was designed to determine whether DM administration prevents delayed neuronal degeneration in central nervous system areas after global forebrain ischemia and whether this correlates with inhibition of induction of the immediate early gene c-fos.", "Mongolian gerbils, anesthetized with 2% halothane in air at 37 degrees C, received either 0.9% sodium chloride (vehicle, n = 9) or 50 mg/kg DM in vehicle (n = 9) by intraperitoneal injection before bilateral carotid artery occlusion. After 1 h of reperfusion under anesthesia, the animals were killed and the brains removed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect neurons expressing Fos protein. Computer-assisted image analysis quantified changes in the number of labeled neurons as a function of drug treatment. To determine the extent of delayed neuronal degeneration within the hippocampus, other animals were treated with either DM (n = 7) or vehicle (n = 6) before carotid artery occlusion and allowed to survive for 1 week.", "Global forebrain ischemia produced consistent patterns of Fos-like immunoreactivity in the hippocampus and neocortex of vehicle-treated animals. DM inhibited the induction of c-fos from 65% to 91%. DM also protected against delayed neuronal degeneration in the CA1 region of the hippocampus (P < 0.001)." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Brain Ischemia", "Cell Death", "Dextromethorphan", "Gerbillinae", "Hippocampus", "Immunohistochemistry", "Male", "Nerve Degeneration", "Neurons", "Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To estimate the extent to which changes in the main coronary risk factors (serum cholesterol concentration, blood pressure, and smoking) explain the decline in mortality from ischaemic heart disease and to evaluate the relative importance of change in each of these risk factors.", "Predicted changes in ischaemic heart disease mortality were calculated by a logistic regression model using the risk factor levels assessed by cross sectional population surveys, in 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, and 1992. These predicted changes were compared with observed changes in mortality statistics.", "North Karelia and Kuopio provinces, Finland.", "14,257 men and 14,786 women aged 30-59 randomly selected from the national population register.", "Levels of the risk factors and predicted and observed changes in mortality from ischaemic heart disease.", "The observed changes in the risk factors in the population from 1972 to 1992 predicted a decline in mortality from ischaemic heart disease of 44% (95% confidence interval 37% to 50%) in men and 49% (37% to 59%) in women. The observed decline was 55% (51% to 58%) and 68% (61 to 74) respectively." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Blood Pressure", "Cholesterol", "Cohort Studies", "Cross-Sectional Studies", "Female", "Finland", "Humans", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Myocardial Ischemia", "Random Allocation", "Risk Factors", "Smoking" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The aim of this study was to test the proinflammatory action of human secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) in an animal model of synovitis-like inflammation and to compare it with a Group 1 (porcine pancreatic) and a Group 2 (Naja mocambique mocambique) PLA2.", "The subcutaneous injection of air in the rat pouch induced the formation of a connective tissue cavity lined with cells closely resembling a synovium. sPLA2 (0.01-10 micrograms/pouch) porcine pancreatic (10 micrograms/pouch), PLA2 or Naja mocambique mocambique PLA2 (10 micrograms/pouch) were injected in a 6-day rat air pouch.", "Our data show that recombinant human enzyme PLA2 (0.01-10 micrograms/pouch), but not Naja mocambique mocambique (Group 2 PLA2) and porcine pancreatic PLA2 (Group 1 PLA2), was able to exacerbate the inflammatory response without increasing eicosanoid release." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Disease Models, Animal", "Eicosanoids", "Leukocyte Count", "Male", "Phospholipases A", "Phospholipases A2", "Rats", "Rats, Wistar", "Recombinant Proteins", "Synovitis" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Still's disease is an acute systemic inflammatory disorder. There are no pathognomonic symptoms or specific laboratory abnormalities. Serum ferritin concentration in rheumatoid arthritis together with some plasma glycoproteins such as alpha 2-glycoprotein and C-reactive protein are part of the response to inflammation. Ferritin in plasma is glycosylated and the sialoglycosylated forms increase its microheterogeneity. Our purpose was to confirm in a large series that high values of ferritin can be found in adult Still's disease (ASD) and to see if a specific isoferritin can be isolated in this disease compared with the other systemic diseases.", "Thirty-one sera were investigated from 11 men and 9 women with ASD and compared with 27 sera from 27 patients with systemic diseases. We studied the course of one case of ASD for 15 months. Serum ferritin was determined by immunoenzymology (Abbott Ferrizin). The isoferritins were investigated by isoelectric focussing and the percentage of glycosylation by affinity for concanavalin A (Con-A).", "In patients with active ASD, the ferritin levels were higher than in patients with inactive ASD or other systemic diseases: p < 0.001. The glycoforms of ferritin were basic and the proportion of ferritin bound to Con-A was lower than other ASD: p < 0.001." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Adult", "Aged", "Female", "Ferritins", "Glycosylation", "Humans", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Retrospective Studies", "Still's Disease, Adult-Onset" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Vasoconstriction occurs after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) along the dilated vessel. The vasomotor changes, initiated by the mechanical stretch of the stenotic region, are thought to be due to various mechanisms but whether the sympathetic nervous system plays a role in this phenomenon remains unknown.", "Quantitative angiography (ARTREK) was performed in 45 patients undergoing an epicardial vessel PTCA for a stenosis of 76 +/- 1% (1) in basal conditions, (2) after PTCA, and (3) 30 minutes after PTCA (vasoconstriction). In 14 control patients, the same measurements were obtained up to 60 minutes after PTCA. Coronary diameters were measured along the PTCA vessel at the narrowest stenosis level and at a level peripheral to stenosis. In 36 patients two diameters were also measured at a proximal segment and at a distal segment along a nonmanipulated vessel. Thirty minutes after PTCA the dilated segment underwent a -31 +/- 2% (mean +/- SEM, ANOVA, P < .05) reduction in diameter when compared with PTCA values, and the segment peripheral to stenosis showed a reduction of -17 +/- 2% (P < .05). In all patients a significant vasoconstriction also was observed along the control vessel (proximal segment, -14 +/- 3%; P < .05 versus basal; and distal segment, -17 +/- 2%). At the time of maximal vasoconstriction (30 minutes after PTCA), the patients (treatment groups) received (1) 18 micrograms/kg IC phentolamine (Phe, n = 7), (2) 14 micrograms/kg IC yohimbine (YO, n = 7), (3) 16 micrograms/kg IC propranolol (Pro) followed by 18 micrograms/kg IC phentolamine (Pro+Phe, n = 7), and (4) 0.2 mg/kg IC bretylium (Bre, n = 10). In 14 patients (control groups) an intracoronary injection of warm saline was given. After drug injections, angiograms were repeated at 5-minute intervals for 20 minutes and ended after a 300-micrograms intracoronary trinitroglycerin injection. At stenosis level, Phe and Bre counteracted vasoconstriction, inducing a dilatation of +19 +/- 3% and +22 +/- 6%, respectively, while Pro+Phe caused a dilatation of +16 +/- 9% above the PTCA values (P < .05 versus PTCA). YO only partially reversed vasoconstriction (from -33 +/- 4% to -12 +/- 4%, P = NS versus PTCA). At peripheral-to-stenosis level, vasoconstriction was abolished by Phe (+26 +/- 7%, P < .05 versus basal), while it was still present after Pro+Phe (-23 +/- 2%) and Bre (-18 +/- 4%). In addition, Phe and Bre dilated the control vessel at the proximal segment (+17 +/- 6% and +8 +/- 4%, respectively, P < .05 versus basal), while YO and Pro+Phe only counteracted vasoconstriction (from -15 +/- 3% to +7.6 +/- 1% and from -16 +/- 3% to +4 +/- 5%, respectively, P = NS versus basal). At the distal segment only Phe produced a vasodilatation of +23 +/- 1%; YO counteracted constriction (from -16 +/- 2% to +9 +/- 6%, P < .05 versus basal), whereas after Pro+Phe and Bre, the vasoconstriction persisted." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary", "Bretylium Compounds", "Coronary Angiography", "Coronary Disease", "Coronary Vessels", "Female", "Humans", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Phentolamine", "Propranolol", "Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha", "Receptors, Adrenergic, beta", "Sympatholytics", "Vasoconstriction", "Yohimbine" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Smooth muscle cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation are the principal mechanisms leading to vascular restenosis. We have previously demonstrated the growth-inhibitory effect of antisense oligomers targeting the c-myc proto-oncogene in human smooth muscle cells. The goal of this study was to investigate whether c-myc antisense oligomers reduce neointimal formation in balloon-denuded porcine coronary arteries.", "First, type I collagen synthesis, which reflects synthetic function, was markedly reduced following c-myc antisense oligomers in porcine vascular smooth muscle cells independent of the growth inhibition. These effects in vitro provided the rationale for assessing c-myc antisense oligomers in the prevention of neointima in vivo. Second, the efficiency of single transcatheter delivery of oligomers into denuded porcine coronary arteries was determined. Despite rapid plasma clearance following local delivery, oligomers persisted at the site of injection for at least 3 days, exceeding by severalfold their concentration in peripheral organs. Third, morphometric analyses were carried out in balloon-denuded coronary arteries at 1 month after transcatheter c-myc antisense oligomer administration. Maximal neointimal area was reduced from 0.80 +/- 0.17 mm2 in the control group (n = 12) to 0.24 +/- 0.06 mm2 in the antisense-treated group (n = 13, P < .01). Likewise, a significant reduction in maximal neointimal thickness was observed in the antisense-treated group (P < .01). These changes in vascular remodeling following denuding injury resulted in an increase in residual lumen from 64 +/- 6% in the control group to 81 +/- 5% in the antisense-treated group (P < .05)." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary", "Animals", "Blotting, Western", "Cell Division", "Collagen", "Constriction, Pathologic", "Coronary Vessels", "Genes, myc", "Muscle, Smooth, Vascular", "Oligonucleotides, Antisense", "Swine", "Tunica Intima" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Myocardial stunning is characterized not only by a decreased regional postischemic function but also by a relatively high oxygen consumption (ie, decreased mechanical efficiency). Several lines of evidence suggest that the underlying mechanism may involve a decreased sensitivity of the myofibrils to calcium, but in vivo evidence is lacking. We therefore evaluated this hypothesis in vivo using EMD 60263, a calcium-sensitizing agent, which is devoid of any phosphodiesterase-inhibiting properties.", "We first established the effect of two consecutive doses of EMD 60263 (0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg i.v., n = 7), administered at 15-minute intervals, on segment length shortening (SLS), external work index (EW; the area inside the left ventricular pressure-segment length loop), myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2), and mechanical efficiency (EW/MVO2) in anesthetized pigs with normal myocardium. After the highest dose of EMD 60263, SLS in the distribution area of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA) increased from 13 +/- 1% at baseline to 17 +/- 1% (P < .05). However, EW, MVO2, and EW/MVO2 were not significantly affected (123 +/- 10%, 98 +/- 9%, and 85 +/- 13% of baseline, respectively). In 14 other anesthetized pigs, myocardial stunning was induced by two sequences of 10 minutes of LADCA occlusion and 30 minutes of myocardial reperfusion. After induction of stunning, the two doses of EMD 60263 (n = 7) or saline (3 and 6 mL, n = 7) were infused. In the distribution area of the LADCA, the stunning protocol caused decreases in SLS from 16 +/- 1% to 8 +/- 1% (P < .05) and in EW to 49 +/- 5% of baseline (P < .05), whereas MVO2 was only minimally affected (P > .05). Consequently, mechanical efficiency decreased to 59 +/- 8% of baseline (P < .05). Saline infusion did not affect any of these regional myocardial variables, but after administration of EMD 60263 SLS recovered dose-dependently to 15 +/- 2% after the highest dose of the drug. EW and mechanical efficiency also recovered dose-dependently to 89 +/- 4% (P < .05 versus stunning) and to 88 +/- 7% (NS versus baseline) of baseline, respectively. In the not-stunned segment, SLS increased from 15 +/- 2% (at baseline) to 18 +/- 2% (after the highest dose), and EW per beat was not changed significantly. An adrenergic mode of action of EMD 60263 was excluded by blocking the alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors with phentolamine and propranolol, respectively, 15 minutes before administration of EMD 60263 (ie, 15 minutes into the second reperfusion period) in five additional experiments. In these experiments the EMD 60263-induced increases in SLS and EW were not attenuated. Because EMD 60263 decreased heart rate from 106 +/- 4 to 76 +/- 3 beats per minute (P < .05) in the animals with stunned myocardium, we performed five experiments with the specific negative chronotropic compound zatebradine (UL-FS 49, 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg) to rule out bradycardia as a factor contributing to the effects of EMD 60263. These zatebradine doses lowered heart rate from 116 +/- 5 to 55 +/- 1 beats per minute (P < .05) but had no effect on SLS of stunned and not-stunned myocardium." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Benzazepines", "Calcium", "Cardiovascular Agents", "Female", "Hemodynamics", "Male", "Myocardial Contraction", "Myocardial Stunning", "Myocardium", "Myofibrils", "Oxygen Consumption", "Swine", "Thiadiazines" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To investigate the possible involvement of prostaglandin H2, an endothelium-derived contracting factor in the rat aorta, in the development of the contraction induced by endothelin-1.", "The aortic rings from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were prepared, and the changes of isometric tension of these rings developed by endothelin-1 were recorded with or without the treatment of several inhibitors or an antagonist. The concentrations of prostaglandins and thromboxane B2 in the bath solution with the rings contracted by endothelin-1 were measured by radioimmunoassay. The effects of a thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist (ONO-3708) on endothelin-1-induced contraction were compared in SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats.", "Indomethacin (10(-5) mol/l) and ONO-3708 (10(-6) mol/l) significantly diminished endothelin-1 (3 x 10(-8) mol/l)-induced contractions in the aortic rings from SHR with but not without endothelium. The thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitors OKY-046 (10(-5) mol/l) and RS-5186 (10(-5) mol/l) did not attenuate the contractions either with or without endothelium. Endothelin-1 significantly increased the release of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, which is the metabolite of prostaglandin I2 and its precursor prostaglandin H2, from rings with endothelium of SHR, but the concentration of thromboxane B2 from aortic rings was unchanged. In the rings without endothelium the endothelin-1-induced release of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha was also observed. The half-maximal effective concentration of endothelin-1 for rings from SHR was shifted to the right by ONO-3708, but that of WKY rats was not changed, and significantly greater amounts of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha were released in the rings from SHR than in those from WKY rats by endothelin-1." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha", "Animals", "Aorta", "Endothelins", "Endothelium, Vascular", "In Vitro Techniques", "Isometric Contraction", "Male", "Norepinephrine", "Prostaglandin H2", "Prostaglandins", "Prostaglandins H", "Rats", "Rats, Inbred SHR", "Rats, Inbred WKY", "Thromboxane A2", "Vasoconstriction", "Vasoconstrictor Agents" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To search for cosegregation of a change in specific blood cells with either the hypertension or the hyperactivity phenotype in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and two new inbred strains.", "Standard hematological procedures were used to examine erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets in blood drawn from adult SHR, WKY rats and the two new inbred strains of rats.", "The hypertensive strains exhibited significant erythrocytosis, microcytosis, lymphocytosis and monocytosis relative to the normotensive strains. The hyperactive strains exhibited significant neutrophilia and increased platelet count relative to the non-hyperactive strains." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Blood Cell Count", "Blood Cells", "Blood Platelets", "Erythrocytes", "Female", "Hemoglobins", "Hypertension", "Leukocytes", "Male", "Motor Activity", "Phenotype", "Rats", "Rats, Inbred Strains", "Sex Characteristics" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To examine the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) acts as an autocrine, antiproliferative regulator and that exogenous NO donor inhibitors the proliferation of cultured rat mesangial cells.", "The cellular effects of endogenous and exogenous NO were studied in rat mesangial cells in a two-dimensional culture of early mesangial cell passages. The proliferation of mesangial cells was determined by cell-counting and uptake of [3H]-thymidine. NO generation was induced by incubation with interleukin-1 beta (5 u/ml) or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (10 micrograms/ml) for 24 h. NO release by mesangial cells was assessed by measuring the accumulation of nitrite, the major stable end-product of NO, in mesangial cell supernates. In addition, cyclic GMP (cGMP) formation was measured by radioimmunoassay as an indicator for NO generation.", "The formation of nitrite and cGMP was significantly increased after incubation of mesangial cells with interleukin-1 beta or lipopolysaccharide. This effect was greatly reduced by an inhibitor of NO synthesis. NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 0.1 mmol/l). The NO donor 3-morpholino-sydnonimine-HCl also increased the cGMP concentrations in the mesangial cells. The proliferation of mesangial cells was analysed in growth-arrested and mitogen-stimulated (platelet-derived growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor plus ATP and fetal calf serum) mesangial cells in the presence and absence of L-NMMA and the NO synthase substrate L-arginine (1 mmol/l). At 48 h platelet-derived growth factor (50 ng/ml), and platelet-derived growth factor (50 ng/ml) plus ATP (0.1 mmol/l) and fetal calf serum 5% each significantly increased the uptake of [3H]-thymidine in mesangial cells. These effects were not altered in the presence of L-NMMA or L-arginine. Pretreatment with interleukin-1 beta or with lipopolysaccharide also failed to affect the uptake of [3H]-thymidine in resting or proliferating mesangial cells. 3-Morpholino-sydnonimine-HCl (10(-3) to 10(-6) mol/l) did not suppress the mitogen-induced proliferation of mesangial cells, even when it was administered three times a day." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Arginine", "Cell Division", "Cells, Cultured", "Cyclic GMP", "Glomerular Mesangium", "Interleukin-1", "Lipopolysaccharides", "Molsidomine", "Nitric Oxide", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley", "omega-N-Methylarginine" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The efficacy of specific immunotherapy has been verified. There is accumulating evidence focusing on the T lymphocyte-eosinophil interaction in the pathogenesis of asthma. The aim of this study was to clarify whether immunotherapy affects the production of eosinophil chemotactic activity (ECA) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).", "PBMC obtained from persons with bronchial asthma who were sensitive to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) or from healthy volunteers were cultured for 96 hours in the presence or absence of Df. ECA in culture supernatants was assayed by means of the modified Boyden's chamber method.", "There was no significant difference in the baseline levels of ECA between asthmatic persons treated with immunotherapy and those without immunotherapy. The addition of Df (10 to 10(4) ng/ml) enhanced the ECA production in a dose-dependent fashion in asthmatic persons without immunotherapy, and there was a statistically significant correlation between the concentrations of Df and the levels of ECA (rk = 0.34; p < 0.05). In contrast, Df-dependent ECA production was suppressed in asthmatic persons with immunotherapy, and the suppressive effect was observed from 4 weeks after rush immunotherapy." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Adult", "Allergens", "Animals", "Antigens", "Antigens, Dermatophagoides", "Asthma", "Cells, Cultured", "Chemotaxis, Leukocyte", "Desensitization, Immunologic", "Eosinophils", "Female", "Glycoproteins", "Humans", "Leukocytes, Mononuclear", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Mites" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been identified in breast and many other carcinomas. It is not clear, however, when these mutations occur during breast carcinogenesis. Overexpression of 53 protein has been reported in some ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions. To further study the overexpression of p53 in DCIS of the breast and correlate these findings with changes at the molecular level, we performed p53 immunostaining and direct sequencing in noncomedo and comedo DCIS.", "Archival blocks were obtained on cases of noncomedo DCIS, (including encysted, noninvasive papillary carcinoma) and comedo DCIS. Immunohistochemical staining with the p53 antibody DO7 was performed on all cases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of exons 5, 6, and 7 of the p53 gene was performed and the PCR products were directly sequenced. Four comedo DCIS cases that were p53 immunopositive were further screened for p53 mutations by PCR/single strand conformation polymorphism in exons 8 and 9 of the p53 gene. One of these cases showing a mobility shift was directly sequenced.", "We examined 39 lesions including comedo DCIS (N = 12) and noncomedo DCIS (N = 27), the latter including 17 encysted noninvasive papillary carcinomas. Immunostaining with DO7 was positive in 4 of 12 comedo DCIS lesions (33%) while all noncomedo lesions including encysted noninvasive papillary carcinomas were negative. Direct sequencing of PCR products confirmed wild-type DNA in exons 5 and 6 in all noninvasive papillary carcinomas, 3 randomly selected noncomedo DCIS lesions, and 4 p53 antibody-positive comedo DCIS lesions. In these latter 4 cases, wild-type DNA sequences were preserved in exon 7 for all cases. A single case had a conformational shift in exon 8 within the four cases screened in exons 8 and 9. Direct DNA sequencing of this exon revealed a G to A point mutation resulting in an arginine-to-histidine substitution at codon 273 of the protein." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Aged", "Aged, 80 and over", "Base Sequence", "Breast Neoplasms", "Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast", "Female", "Humans", "Immunohistochemistry", "Middle Aged", "Molecular Sequence Data", "Mutation", "Oligonucleotide Probes", "Tumor Suppressor Protein p53" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Thyrotropin-releasing hormone is an endogenous tripeptide with endocrine-independent neurophysiologic properties that may be relevant to affective or seizure disorders. We studied the effect of carbamazepine, which has both mood-stabilizing and anticonvulsant properties, on cerebrospinal fluid thyrotropin-releasing hormone levels in affectively ill patients.", "Paired cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from nine inpatients with mood disorders, both while medication free and while taking carbamazepine for an average of longer than 1 month at 950 mg/d, achieving blood levels of 8.8 mg/L.", "Carbamazepine treatment was consistently and significantly associated with increased cerebrospinal fluid thyrotropin-releasing hormone levels (P < .0001)." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Carbamazepine", "Depressive Disorder", "Double-Blind Method", "Female", "Hospitalization", "Humans", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Placebos", "Radioimmunoassay", "Spinal Puncture", "Stimulation, Chemical", "Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To evaluate the long-term effects and safety of aminohydroxy propylidene bisphosphonate (APD) treatment on the frequency and severity of the clinical skeletal manifestations of Gaucher's disease.", "Five adolescents who suffered from recurrent bone crisis episodes and atraumatic bone fractures due to Gaucher's disease were treated with APD for 14 to 83 months.", "During the 6 years before treatment, the patients suffered from 6 to 17 bone crisis episodes, or 1 to 2.8 episodes per patient per year. Three patients were free from bone crisis episodes during 14 to 32 months of ADP treatment, while two patients had two such episodes during 60 and 83 months of APD treatment (these represent a decrease in bone crisis episodes from 1 and 2.8 per year to 0.4 and 0.3 per year, respectively). Although four patients suffered from 1 to 3 atraumatic bone fractures during the 6 years preceding treatment (a total of 10 fractures), only one patient sustained a fracture on APD treatment (total of 219 months of treatment). Using APD was not associated with clinical side effects, biochemical aberrations, significant changes in liver and kidney function, or changes in serum levels of the hormones regulating mineral metabolism. In all patients, a band-like metaphyseal sclerosis appeared on radiography of the long bone. However, APD did not interfere with bone growth." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Bone Diseases", "Diphosphonates", "Female", "Femur", "Follow-Up Studies", "Fractures, Spontaneous", "Gaucher Disease", "Hand", "Humans", "Male", "Pamidronate", "Radiography", "Tibia", "Time Factors" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Maintenance of cytoplasmic pH (pHi) close to the physiologic range is vital to normal cellular homeostasis. We have previously reported that a vacuolar-type H(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase) situated in the plasma membrane of macrophages and poised to extrude protons from the cytoplasmic to the extracellular space is an important pHi regulatory mechanism. Since the inflammatory microenvironment is frequently characterized by the influx of cells known to release reactive oxygen metabolites, we performed studies to examine the effect of oxidant stress on pHi regulation in peritoneal macrophages. Specifically, the effect of hydrogen peroxide on V-ATPase-mediated proton extrusion from acid-loaded macrophages was investigated.", "Thioglycollate-elicited murine peritoneal macrophages were exposed to varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and examined for their ability to recover from an acid-load. pHi was studied by preloading cells with the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye, bis-carboxyethyl-carboxyfluorescein, and monitoring changes in fluorescence under various conditions using a fluorescence spectrometer.", "Hydrogen peroxide caused a time- and dose-dependent decrease in proton pump-mediated pHi recovery in peritoneal macrophages. This effect occurred without cytotoxicity and was a specific effect as evidenced by the ability of catalase to reverse the inhibition. Since hydrogen peroxide is known to deplete intracellular ATP, a substrate for V-ATPase activity, we hypothesized that ATP depletion may underlie the effect. These studies showed that hydrogen peroxide-mediated ATP depletion was both necessary and sufficient for the effect. Finally, depletion of intracellular glutathione in vivo by using diethyl maleate increased the sensitivity of V-ATPase activity to oxidant stress." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adenosine Triphosphate", "Animals", "Female", "Hydrogen Peroxide", "Hydrogen-Ion Concentration", "Macrophages, Peritoneal", "Mice" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The mechanisms by which volatile anesthetics produce general anesthesia are unknown. Voltage-gated calcium currents in central neurons are potential target sites for general anesthetics because they are involved in the regulation of excitability and are essential for synaptic transmission.", "Freshly isolated rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons were studied using the whole-cell patch clamp method. Calcium currents were isolated from other voltage-activated currents by blocking sodium and potassium channels. Calcium current subtypes were studied using the specific blockers nitrendipine and omega-conotoxin GVIA.", "Isoflurane inhibited multiple voltage-gated calcium currents in hippocampal neurons. Isoflurane inhibited both the high- and low-voltage-activated calcium current in a clinically relevant concentration range, giving half-maximal inhibition of the peak high-voltage-activated current (measured at current maximum) at about 2% gas phase concentration, and the sustained current (measured at the end of an 800-ms depolarization) at about 1%. Isoflurane also accelerated both components of the two-component exponential decay of the high-voltage-activated current. Studies using specific channel blockers showed that the calcium current contained contributions from T, L, N, and other channels, including probably P channels. Isoflurane inhibited all of these in clinically relevant concentrations, although detailed analysis of the effects on the individual channel types was not attempted." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Calcium Channel Blockers", "Calcium Channels", "Female", "Ion Channel Gating", "Isoflurane", "Kinetics", "Male", "Neurons", "Pyramidal Cells", "Rats" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To determine the levels and correlates of maternal nutritional status.", "Cross-sectional maternal weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) data were correlated with sociodemographic data.", "Slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh.", "Weight, height and MUAC were collected from a representative sample of 2417 nonpregnant mothers. Socioeconomic data such as age, education, religion and household economic status was collected from 2048 mothers; data on reproductive experiences such as number of pregnancies and number of children born alive now dead was available from 1314 mothers; and both sets of data from 1185 mothers.", "Using weight, height, MUAC and body mass index (BMI) data, the levels of maternal nutritional status were estimated. Bivariate and multivariate relationships of maternal nutritional status with socioeconomic and reproductive experiences variables were examined.", "Mothers' mean weight, height, MUAC and BMI were 41.8 kg, 148.8 cm, 232.5 mm, and 18.8 respectively. In multivariate regression analyses, mothers' weight, BMI and MUAC were significantly positively correlated with mothers' years of schooling (P < 0.05) and household economic status (P < 0.01). Mothers' height was significantly positively correlated with years of schooling (P < 0.05), but not with household economic status. Maternal height and weight were significantly negatively correlated with number of child deaths (P < 0.05)." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Anthropometry", "Bangladesh", "Body Mass Index", "Developing Countries", "Female", "Humans", "Middle Aged", "Mothers", "Nutrition Surveys", "Nutritional Status", "Reference Values", "Urban Population" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Parenteral nutrition (PN) suppresses spontaneous food intake in rats by stimulating dopamine in lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), which is attenuated by vagotomy. Sensors for glucose and for some individual amino acids exist in hepatoportal areas sending signals via hepatic vagal afferents to LHA. Hypothesizing that the decrease in spontaneous food intake occurs because a PN amino acid solution is recognized by portal vein sensors, we measured afferent nerve discharges in hepatic vagus in response to PN.", "Hepatic vagus was divided in 11 rats, and an isolated nerve filament was placed on recording electrodes. Afferent firing rate was recorded before and after injecting during 1 minute a well-balanced crystalline amino acid mixture into either the portal or peripheral vein. Isotonic glucose was used as standard solution.", "A significant decrease in hepatic vagal afferent discharge rate was recorded after both intraportal and intravenous injection of the PN amino acid mixture. The mean discharge rate was inversely related to the concentration of the solution. Successive injections produced further decreases in discharge rate, and the effect was more sustained." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Afferent Pathways", "Animals", "Eating", "Hypothalamus", "Liver", "Male", "Parenteral Nutrition", "Portal Vein", "Rats", "Rats, Wistar", "Vagus Nerve" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The current quantity and diversity of hospital clinical, laboratory, and pharmacy records have resulted in a glut of information, which can be overwhelming to house staff. This study was performed to measure the impact of artificial intelligence analysis of such data on the junior surgical house staff's workload, time for direct patient care, and quality of life.", "A personal computer was interfaced with the hospital computerized patient data system. Artificial intelligence algorithms were applied to retrieve and condense laboratory values, microbiology reports, and medication orders. Unusual laboratory tests were reported without artificial intelligence filtering.", "A survey of 23 junior house staff showed a requirement for a total of 30.75 man-hours per day, an average of 184.5 minutes per service twice a day for five surgical services each with an average of 40.7 patients, to manually produce a report in contrast to a total of 3.4 man-hours, an average of 20.5 minutes on the same basis (88.9% reduction, p < 0.001), to computer generate and distribute a similarly useful report. Two thirds of the residents reported an increased ability to perform patient care." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Artificial Intelligence", "Hospital Information Systems", "Humans", "Surgery Department, Hospital" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To determine the effect of interferon-alpha for severe, zidovudine-resistant, HIV-1-related thrombocytopenia.", "Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, crossover trial.", "Outpatient clinics in Central Northern Italy.", "15 sequential patients positive for HIV-1 with platelet counts less than 25 x 10(9)/L who were refractory to 1 month of full-dose (1000 mg/d) zidovudine.", "Interferon-alpha (3 million units) or placebo (1 mL saline) three times a week subcutaneously for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Patients were then switched to the alternative treatment for the next 4 weeks, followed by another 4 weeks of washout, and they were randomly assigned to either sequence of treatment. Patients received zidovudine (200 mg three times daily) throughout the study.", "The primary end point was the platelet count (measured weekly). Secondary end points were qualitative assessment of the platelet response; bleeding time; p24 antigen in serum; CD4/CD8 counts; beta 2-microglobulin in serum; and platelet-associated IgG.", "Interferon-alpha significantly increased platelet counts in the 12 patients who completed the study (baseline level, 15.6 +/- 7.1 x 10(9)/L; after 4 weeks of interferon-alpha therapy, 82.2 +/- 52.2 x 10(9)/L). The estimated increase in the platelet count after interferon-alpha compared with placebo was 60.0 x 10(9)/L (95% CI, 23.2 to 96.8 x 10(9)/L). The increase was already statistically significant after 3 weeks (66.6 +/- 49.7 x 10(9)/L) and remained significantly increased 1 week after discontinuing interferon-alpha therapy (58.2 +/- 45.0 x 10(9)/L). Placebo did not modify the platelet count. The bleeding time was significantly shortened by interferon-alpha. Four of 12 patients who had more serious alterations of some measures reflecting disease severity did not respond to interferon-alpha. No relevant side effects were observed." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome", "Adult", "Bleeding Time", "Double-Blind Method", "Female", "HIV-1", "Humans", "Interferon-alpha", "Male", "Platelet Count", "Prospective Studies", "Thrombocytopenia", "Zidovudine" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Altered microcirculatory perfusion may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of necrotizing pancreatitis. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) can measure dynamic alterations in the microcirculation over a larger area than intravital microscopy.", "We used DRS to characterize changes in the microcirculation during the evolution of pancreatitis of varying severity. Male Sprague Dawley rats (330 to 400 g) were randomly allocated to four groups: control (n = 18), mild pancreatitis (n = 18), moderate pancreatitis (n = 18), or severe pancreatitis (n = 34). Within each group, rats were studied 0.5, 3.0, or 6.0 hours after induction of pancreatitis to determine total hemoglobin content (IHb) and hemoglobin oxygenation (ISO2).", "Total hemoglobin content in the pancreas remained constant in all groups. Hemoglobin oxygenation increased significantly in rats in the control group and in rats with mild pancreatitis for the duration of the experiment, but not in rats with moderate or severe pancreatitis. Rats with severe pancreatitis had a significant decrease in ISO2 six hours after the induction of pancreatitis compared with baseline values (49.18 +/- 1.55 versus 52.01 +/- 0.19, p < 0.01) as well as rats in the control group that were studied after six hours (49.18 +/- 1.55 versus 55.92 +/- 1.07, p < 0.02). Furthermore, there was marked variability in IHb and ISO2 at different locations within the same pancreas in rats with severe pancreatitis, which was not observed in the control group or in the rats with mild or moderate pancreatitis." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Acute Disease", "Animals", "Hemoglobins", "Male", "Microcirculation", "Necrosis", "Pancreas", "Pancreatitis", "Random Allocation", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley", "Spectrum Analysis" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Recoverin, a calcium-binding protein that selectively localizes to the retina and pineal gland, has been identified as the target for the putative pathogenic autoimmune process of cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR). The present study was aimed at testing the capacity of recoverin to induce experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis and pinealitis in Lewis rats.", "Lewis rats were immunized against recombinant myristoylated recoverin by a single footpad injection of the protein, at various doses, emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. Development of uveoretinitis was monitored by clinical and histologic examinations, whereas pinealitis was detected by histologic examination.", "Immunization with recoverin induced severe panuveitic changes that closely resemble those induced by S-antigen (arrestin). The effect was dose-dependent, with 10 micrograms/rat the lowest immunopathogenic dose. Rats immunized with recoverin also developed pineal inflammation." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Autoimmune Diseases", "Calcium-Binding Proteins", "Dose-Response Relationship, Drug", "Eye Proteins", "Female", "Hippocalcin", "Lipoproteins", "Male", "Nerve Tissue Proteins", "Pineal Gland", "Rats", "Rats, Inbred Lew", "Recoverin", "Retinitis", "Uveitis" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To obtain 6 month and 1 year outcomes for all people over age 60 years admitted in one year to a base hospital with fracture of the proximal femur.", "Telephone follow up of all patients admitted with fracture of the proximal femur and administration of a basic, Barthel, and extended, Nottingham, index of activities of daily living.", "Six month and 1 year mortality was 16 and 28%. Those people living in an institution at the time of fracture and those with higher prefracture dependency had a higher mortality. Reoperation rate at one year was 9%. Average dependency increased at 6 months and 1 year compared to prefracture dependency. Forty eight percent of survivors regained their prefracture Barthel score and 28% their prefracture Nottingham score at 1 year." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Activities of Daily Living", "Aged", "Aged, 80 and over", "Follow-Up Studies", "Geriatric Assessment", "Hip Fractures", "Humans", "Institutionalization", "Middle Aged" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "It has been reported that ketamine produces sympathoexcitation by directly stimulating the central nervous system. It also has been shown that nitric oxide (NO) may play a role in signal transduction of the nervous system. Therefore, we hypothesized that the sympathoexcitation of ketamine may be linked to central NO formation. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of L-arginine, a substrate of NO formation, on renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) during ketamine anesthesia.", "Using 45 rabbits given basal anesthesia with alpha-chloralose, we measured changes in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and RSNA in response to intravenous ketamine (1 mg/kg) and investigated the effect of intravenous L-arginine and D-arginine (bolus 30 mg/kg followed by continuous 30 mg.kg-1.min-1). The animals were divided into intact, sinoaortic- and vagal-deafferented, and spinal cord-transected groups.", "Ketamine caused significant increases in RSNA (172 +/- 16%), heart rate (12 +/- 2 beats/min), and mean arterial pressure (8 +/- 1 mmHg) in the intact rabbits. Ketamine also increased RSNA in sinoaortic- and vagal-deafferented rabbits, but not in spinal cord-transected rabbits. L-Arginine attenuated the ketamine-induced increase in RSNA in intact and deafferented rabbits, whereas D-arginine had no effect on RSNA. In addition, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a NO synthase inhibitor, increased RSNA and the increase was attenuated by L-arginine." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Arginine", "Blood Pressure", "Drug Interactions", "Heart Rate", "Ketamine", "Kidney", "NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester", "Rabbits", "Spinal Cord", "Stereoisomerism", "Sympathetic Nervous System" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Nitrous oxide (N2O)-induced teratogenicity in rats is commonly believed to be due to decreased tetrahydrofolate, which results in decreased DNA synthesis. The role of decreased methionine has been largely ignored as have the sympathomimetic effects of N2O.", "A rat whole-embryo culture system was used to determine whether N2O-induced teratogenicity can be prevented with supplemental methionine or folinic acid and whether N2O-induced situs inversus is mediated by alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation. Embryos were explanted on day 9 of gestation, and those at stage 10b (late primitive streak stage) were cultured with or without N2O and the various chemicals, methionine (25 micrograms.ml-1), folinic acid (5 micrograms.ml-1), phenylephrine (range 0.5-50 microM) and prazosin (10 microM). Embryos in the N2O groups were exposed to a concentration of 75% for the first 24 h of culture. After 50 h of culture, embryos were examined for abnormalities including situs inversus.", "Treatment with N2O alone resulted in increased incidences of malformations and growth retardation. Methionine, but not folinic acid or prazosin, almost completely prevented N2O-induced malformations and growth retardation. N2O itself did not cause situs inversus but increased the incidence of phenylephrine-induced situs inversus. This additive effect was blocked by prazosin." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Abnormalities, Drug-Induced", "Animals", "Culture Techniques", "Embryo, Mammalian", "Female", "Leucovorin", "Male", "Methionine", "Models, Biological", "Nitrous Oxide", "Phenylephrine", "Pregnancy", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley", "Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1", "Situs Inversus" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Isoflurane causes vasodilation in the coronary circulation. The current study employed a canine model permitting selective intracoronary administrations of isoflurane (1) to test the hypothesis that coronary vasodilation by isoflurane is mediated by nitric oxide and (2) to evaluate the persistence of coronary vasodilation during an extended exposure to isoflurane.", "Open-chest dogs anesthetized with fentanyl and midazolam were studied. The left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was perfused via extracorporeal system with normal arterial blood or with arterial blood equilibrated with 1.4% (1 MAC) isoflurane. In the LAD bed, coronary blood flow (CBF) was measured with an electromagnetic flowmeter and used to calculate myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). In series 1, performed at constant coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), the LAD was exposed to 3 h of isoflurane in two groups of eight dogs: control group, normal coronary endothelium; and experimental group, intracoronary infusion of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (0.15 mg/min for 30 min). Series 2 was performed with CBF constant; thus, CPP varied directly with coronary vascular resistance. In this series, initial steady-state changes in CPP by isoflurane were evaluated in the same four dogs before and after L-NAME.", "In the control group of series 1, isoflurane caused a maximal, initial increase in CBF of 444%; however, CBF decreased progressively reaching a value not significantly different from baseline after 3 h of isoflurane. Isoflurane caused a significant (approximately 35%) decrease in MVO2, which persisted during the 3-h administration. Findings after L-NAME (experimental group) were not significantly different from those in control group. In series 2, isoflurane caused significant decreases in CPP that were not affected by L-NAME." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Arginine", "Coronary Circulation", "Coronary Vessels", "Dogs", "Drug Interactions", "Endothelium, Vascular", "Female", "Infusions, Intra-Arterial", "Isoflurane", "Male", "Models, Biological", "NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester", "Nitric Oxide", "Perfusion", "Time Factors", "Vasodilation" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Recent experimental data suggest that functional and metabolic changes in the myocardium caused during ischemia and subsequent reperfusion may be attenuated by the volatile anesthetics through the prevention of intracellular calcium accumulation. The main purpose of the current research is to identify a mechanism responsible for the alterations of ischemia-associated injury to the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC) in the sarcolemma during halothane anesthesia.", "The effect of 10 min myocardial ischemia in canine heart and 20 min reperfusion on the function of the VSCC in the sarcolemma was examined in the presence or absence of 1.6 vol% halothane administered in vivo. The membranes were isolated through differential centrifugation/filtration from the ischemic (left anterior descending territory) and normally perfused myocardium. Comparison of binding characteristics in the ischemic and nonischemic zones was made using equilibrium-binding studies of a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, [3H]isradipine (0.05-1.0 nM), to the VSCC in the sarcolemma. Control studies were performed on membranes prepared from the same perfusion zones, but from hearts who were not exposed to ischemia.", "The control studies (n = 5) showed no difference in binding kinetics between the different zones in the heart. After 10 min of ischemia, a 50 to 95% increase in specific [3H]isradipine binding to the sarcolemmal membranes was observed as compared to control membranes (P < 0.001). The maximal binding capacity (Bmax) increased by 85%, whereas the dissociation constant (Kd) remained unchanged. In the reperfusion experiments, a moderately increased binding (of 32%) was observed with a 40% increase in Bmax (P = NS). In the presence of 1.6% inhaled halothane, the effect of ischemia was attenuated. A decrease of 32.1% to 41.8% in equilibrium binding was observed (31% decrease in Bmax; P < 0.03 and 0.02, respectively)." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Binding Sites", "Calcium Channels", "Dogs", "Electrophysiology", "Halothane", "Isradipine", "Kinetics", "Membranes", "Myocardial Ischemia", "Myocardial Reperfusion", "Radioligand Assay", "Sarcolemma", "Tritium" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "We evaluated the effect of perfluorocarbon liquid ventilation (LV) on gas exchange and pulmonary function in the setting of respiratory failure and the distribution of the ventilating medium during LV when compared to gas ventilation (GV).", "Ten sheep, 17.3 +/- 4.2 kg in weight, underwent oleic acid induction of lung injury followed by either GV (n = 5) or perfluorocarbon LV (n = 5). After 1 hour animals were killed, and chest computed tomographic (CT) imaging was performed. Average CT attenuation number was assessed as an indicator of the distribution of gas or perfluorocarbon in the dependent (posterior) and nondependent (anterior) zones of the lung (air = -1000; soft tissue = 0; perfluorocarbon = +2300 Hounsfield units [H]).", "Significant increases in PaO2 (LV = 298 +/- 76 mm Hg, GV = 43 +/- 18 mm Hg, p < 0.001), SvO2 (LV = 74% +/- 6%, GV = 32% +/- 18%, p < 0.01), and lung compliance (LV = 1.65 +/- 0.50 ml/cm H2O/kg, GV = 0.58 +/- 0.06 ml/cm H2O/kg, p < 0.01) were observed. Significant decreases in physiologic shunt (LV = 24% +/- 6%, GV = 62% +/- 14%, p < 0.01) were noted. CT attenuation data showed the presence of minimal gas ventilation in the dependent regions during GV although the nondependent regions remained well aerated (CT attention number during GV: ND = -654 +/- 160 H; D = -92 +/- 160 H, p < 0.0001). During LV, there was a fairly homogenous distribution of perfluorocarbon in the lungs (CT attenuation number during LV: D = 1071 +/- 330 Hounsfield units; ND = 1112 +/- 287 Hounsfield units; p = 0.240). Lung biopsy analysis in the LV animals was consistent with a reduction in intraalveolar hemorrhage, intraalveolar edema, and the inflammatory infiltrate." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Fluorocarbons", "Lung", "Lung Compliance", "Oxygen", "Respiration, Artificial", "Respiratory Insufficiency", "Sheep" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To compare the effect of epidural and general anesthesia on the postoperative course and complication rate in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.", "Ninety-eight men scheduled for radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) were randomly assigned to receive epidural anesthesia only (EA, n = 34), combined epidural and general anesthesia (EG, n = 33) or general anesthesia only (GA, n = 31). In the EA group, epidural anesthesia was induced and maintained with bupivacaine. In the EG group, patients received epidural bupivacaine after the induction of general anesthesia. In the GA group, anesthesia was induced with morphine and maintained with isoflurane. In the postoperative period, epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was maintained in all patients for 3 to 5 days. Patients were evaluated throughout the hospitalization period and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks following surgery.", "The three groups did not differ with regard to postoperative pain, bleeding, urine output, fever, length of paralytic ileus, or length of hospitalization. No major cardiovascular, pulmonary, or neurologic complications occurred in any of the patients either perioperatively or in the first 3 months postoperatively." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Analgesia, Patient-Controlled", "Anesthesia, Epidural", "Anesthesia, General", "Follow-Up Studies", "Humans", "Length of Stay", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Pain, Postoperative", "Postoperative Complications", "Prostatectomy" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Men with chronic renal failure treated by haemodialysis have raised levels of bioactive LH (B-LH) and immunoreactive LH (I-LH) but reduced B-LH:I-LH (B:I) ratio and testosterone (T) secretion. This study investigated the LH isoform distribution in serum from normal adult males and males on regular haemodialysis treatment.", "Four blood samples (2 ml) were obtained at 15-minute intervals from a group of men on regular haemodialysis treatment. These samples were part of a larger pulse profile series and showed no evidence of LH pulsatility. The serum was pooled for each individual patient. Blood (10 ml) was also drawn randomly from healthy male volunteers. The sera were chromatofocused on a 4-ml mono-P column attached to a fast performance liquid chromatography system. This procedure separates the LH isoforms according to their isoelectric point. The pH gradient was between pH 7 and pH 4.", "The five men with chronic renal failure were aged between 18 and 40 years and had been on haemodialysis for a mean of 10 months (5-20). They were sampled the night prior to a dialysis session. The five normal healthy volunteers had never had any endocrine disorder diagnosed.", "An immunoradiometric assay and a commercially available (Delfia) immunofluorimetric assay were employed for detection of LH in the sera and in chromatofocusing fractions. B-LH and testosterone were also measured in the sera.", "Hormone data (mean +/- SEM for normal and renal subjects respectively) were 15.5 IU/l +/- 1.2 and 26.9 +/- 7.2 (B-LH), 6.0 IU/l +/- 0.3 and 16.5 +/- 4.8 (irmaLH), 5.7 +/- 0.5 and 13.6 +/- 4.8 (fluorLH), 25.2nmol/l +/- 2.0 and 12.1 +/- 1.2 (T). The serum B:I ratios were 2.6 +/- 0.1 and 2.6 +/- 0.2 (controls, irmaLH and fluorLH respectively) and 1.7 +/- 0.1 and 2.1 +/- 0.1 (chronic renal failure group). Recovery of LH from the column was 111 +/- 12% (mean +/- SEM) by IRMA and 104 +/- 7% by IFMA for the ten FPLC runs. The median pI for the LH distribution measured by both assays was in the region 6.54-6.40 for subjects with chronic renal failure and 6.09-5.95 for controls. Median pI was negatively correlated to the B-LH:irmaLH (P < 0.0001) and B-LH:fluorLH ratios (P = 0.002) in the serum. Furthermore, the proportion of isoforms recovered in the pH region 6.25-5.50 increased with increasing T levels in the serum (P < 0.004)." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Adult", "Fluoroimmunoassay", "Humans", "Hydrogen-Ion Concentration", "Immunoradiometric Assay", "Kidney Failure, Chronic", "Luteinizing Hormone", "Male", "Renal Dialysis", "Testosterone" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Brief episodes of ischemia induced by proximal coronary artery occlusion can precondition the myocardium. Whether other stressful stimuli have the potential to protect the myocardium from subsequent ischemia remains controversial.", "To study the hypothesis that transient alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation mimics preconditioning, for 5 minutes we administered 0.25 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 norepinephrine or saline 10 minutes before a 30-minute coronary occlusion and 4 hours of reperfusion in an in vivo rabbit model. The area of necrosis (AN) and area of risk (AR) were measured. We found that norepinephrine pretreatment caused a reduction in infarct size when compared with controls (AN/AR, 0.17 +/- 0.04 versus 0.31 +/- 0.04; P < .02). Ischemic preconditioning also reduced infarct size (AN/AR, 0.22 +/- 0.03). The protection observed with norepinephrine treatment was entirely eliminated by pretreatment with alpha-adrenergic blockade using prazosin (AN/AR, 0.42 +/- 0.06). Tyramine, an agent that causes release of endogenous catecholamines, was administered (1.5 mg/kg i.v.) 10 minutes before coronary occlusion in another group of rabbits. Tyramine pretreatment resulted in a smaller infarct size than in untreated controls (AN/AR, 0.16 +/- 0.04 versus 0.41 +/- 0.07; P < .01). Both norepinephrine and tyramine caused an increase in systemic arterial pressure during infusion; tyramine also increased heart rate. In rabbits pretreated with prazosin, heart rate and systemic pressure during the norepinephrine infusion were similar to baseline values. During coronary occlusion, the degree of ischemia was similar in all groups." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Blood Pressure", "Coronary Circulation", "Heart Rate", "Male", "Myocardial Infarction", "Myocardial Ischemia", "Norepinephrine", "Prazosin", "Premedication", "Rabbits", "Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha", "Tyramine" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The use of Dithiothreitol (DTT) to improve cell dispersion is an integral step in induced sputum examination, which has become an important noninvasive method of assessing airway inflammation. Several studies have shown that sputum treatment with DTT does not affect cell morphology, differential cell counts, and cytokine levels in the supernatant. However, the effect of DTT on cell surface marker expression has not been systematically studied.", "We have investigated the effect of different DTT concentrations on antigen expression on peripheral blood cells compared with antigen expression on PBS-treated cells.", "Peripheral blood from different healthy donors was incubated with either DTT or PBS, washed, and then incubated with different fluorescence-labeled antibodies. Analysis was performed after lysis of erythrocytes on a calibrated flow cytometer. Respective cell populations were identified, and the mean fluorescence intensity of surface-marker expression for each cell population was compared between DTT- and PBS-treated cells.", "We found that DTT decreased the expression of CD11a and CD49d on lymphocytes and eosinophils. The expression of CD11a on neutrophils was also decreased after DTT treatment. DTT increased CD11b expression on lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils. DTT might also have a mild effect on cell activation. It decreased the expression of CD2 on lymphocytes and variably affected the expression of EG2 in eosinophils, although it had no significant effect on HLA-DR expression on lymphocytes." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Antigens, Surface", "Blood Proteins", "CD11 Antigens", "Dithiothreitol", "Dose-Response Relationship, Drug", "Eosinophil Granule Proteins", "Eosinophils", "HLA-DR Antigens", "Humans", "Inflammation Mediators", "Integrin alpha4beta1", "Integrins", "Lymphocytes", "Neutrophils", "Receptors, IgG", "Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing", "Ribonucleases" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "It was the aim of these studies to examine the ability of an anorganic bovine bone matrix material as an alternative to autogenous bone grafts and demineralized cadaver bone to support the attachment, spreading, and proliferation of isolated osteoblastic cells.", "Primary culture osteoblastic cells were isolated from neonatal rat calvaria by sequential collagenase digestion. In the attachment studies, cells which had been labeled with 3H-leucine were incubated with the matrix material in sterile microfuge tubes for 15, 90, or 180 minutes or 24 hours. The attached cells were released and the radioactivity measured by liquid scintillation spectrometry. In the proliferation experiments, the cells were cultured with the matrix material for 24 hours and 3H-thymidine was added during the last 2 hours of the incubation. The cells were released and the radioactivity measured by liquid scintillation spectrometry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe osteoblastic cell interaction with the anorganic bone matrix. In these studies the cells were seeded on the bone graft material, then the material was removed and processed for SEM after 30, 60 or 120 minutes, or 24 or 48 hours.", "The cells attached to the matrix material in a time-dependent manner. There were significantly (P<0.05) more cells attached after 180 minutes than after the 15 and 90 minute incubations. The matrix material also supported proliferation of the attached osteoblastic cells. Cells seeded onto 100 mg of anorganic bovine bone resulted in significantly (P<0.05) more measurable proliferation than cells seeded onto 10 mg of material. The cells appeared to be round as they attached, then flatten and spread over time. There was also evidence of cellular processes extending into the pores of the material." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Bone Matrix", "Bone Substitutes", "Bone Transplantation", "Cattle", "Cell Adhesion", "Cell Division", "Male", "Microscopy, Electron, Scanning", "Osteoblasts", "Osteogenesis", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Normally, gelsolin functions in plasma as part of the actin-scavenging system to assemble and disassemble actin filaments. The Asp 187-->Asn (D187N) Asp 187-->Tyr (D187Y) gelsolin mutations facilitate two proteolytic cuts in the parent protein generating a 71-residue fragment that forms amyloid fibrils in humans, putatively causing Finnish type familial amyloidosis (FAF). We investigated the role of the D187N mutation in amyloidogenicity using biophysical studies in vitro.", "Both the recombinant wild-type and D187N FAF-associated gelsolin fragments adopt an ensemble of largely unfolded structures that do not self-associate into amyloid at pH 7. 5. Incubation of either fragment at low pHs (6.0-4.0) leads to the formation of well-defined fibrils within 72 hours, however." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Amyloidosis", "Gelsolin", "Humans", "Hydrogen-Ion Concentration", "Peptide Fragments", "Peptide Hydrolases", "Point Mutation", "Protein Conformation", "Recombinant Proteins" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound technique for measuring subcutaneous adipose tissue in infants.", "Twenty infants were investigated at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. All measurements were made by the same investigator in triplicate on the left side of the body at the triceps and subscapular anatomic landmarks and at the abdomen and thigh. An ultrasound system equipped with a linear 7.0-MHz transducer was used.", "The intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.88 to 0.99. Random errors ranged from 0.01 to 0.19 mm. For log-transformed values, the random error ranged from 2.4% to 5.7%." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Abdomen", "Adipose Tissue", "Arm", "Body Composition", "Female", "Humans", "Infant", "Male", "Reproducibility of Results", "Thigh", "Ultrasonography" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "In humans, fibrates are frequently used normolipidemic drugs. Fibrates act by regulating genes involved in lipoprotein metabolism via activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) in liver. In rodents, however, fibrates induce a peroxisome proliferation, leading to hepatomegaly and possibly hepatocarcinogenesis. Although this peroxisome proliferative response appears not to occur in humans, it remains controversial whether the beneficial effects of fibrates on lipoprotein metabolism can occur dissociated from such undesirable peroxisomal response. Here, we assessed the influence of fenofibrate on lipoprotein metabolism and peroxisome proliferation in the rabbit, an animal that, contrary to rodents and similar to humans, is less sensitive to peroxisome proliferators.", "First, we demonstrate that in normal rabbits, fenofibrate given at a high dose for 2 weeks does not influence serum concentrations or intestinal mRNA levels of the HDL apolipoprotein apoA-I. Therefore, the study was continued with human apoA-I transgenic rabbits that overexpress the human apoA-I gene under control of its homologous promoter, including its PPAR-response elements. In these animals, fenofibrate increases serum human apoA-I concentrations via an increased expression of the human apoA-I gene in liver. Interestingly, liver weight or mRNA levels and activity of fatty acyl-CoA oxidase, a rate-limiting and marker enzyme of peroxisomal beta-oxidation, remain unchanged after fenofibrate." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Acyl-CoA Oxidase", "Animals", "Animals, Genetically Modified", "Anticholesteremic Agents", "Apolipoprotein A-I", "Cholesterol, HDL", "Drug Resistance", "Fenofibrate", "Gene Expression Regulation", "Humans", "Intestinal Mucosa", "Intestines", "Lipoprotein Lipase", "Lipoproteins, HDL", "Liver", "Liver Neoplasms, Experimental", "Microbodies", "Organ Size", "Organ Specificity", "Oxidoreductases", "Peroxisome Proliferators", "Rabbits", "Recombinant Fusion Proteins", "Rodentia", "Species Specificity" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Caffeine acts mainly via blockade of adenosine receptors, which have been classified into A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 subtypes. We determined whether repeated caffeine administration (750 mg/d for 1 week) upregulates the human platelet A2A adenosine receptor and is accompanied by sensitization of platelet responses (increase in cAMP accumulation and decrease in platelet aggregation) to selective stimulation of the A2A receptors.", "Platelets were obtained from peripheral venous blood of 9 human volunteers at the end of 1 week of caffeine abstinence (control) and at 12 and 60 hours after the last dose of caffeine (withdrawal). The A2A receptor radioligand [3H]SCH 58261 (5-amino-7(phenylethyl)-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1, 5-c]-pyrimidine) bound to a single affinity class of sites in platelet membranes from controls with a Bmax of 98+/-2 fmol/mg protein and a KD of 1.29+/-0.05 nmol/L. At 12 and 60 hours after caffeine withdrawal, the radioligand bound with similar affinity (KD=1.36+/-0.06 and 1.21+/-0.05 nmol/L, respectively), but the Bmax was increased (P<0.01) to 128+/-3 and 132+/-2 fmol/mg protein. The A2A receptor agonist 2-hexynyl-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (HE-NECA) increased cAMP accumulation (EC50=59+/-3 nmol/L) and inhibited (IC50=90+/-6 nmol/L) aggregation of control platelets. The EC50 values for HE-NECA to increase cAMP accumulation of platelets were reduced (P<0.01) at 12 and 60 hours after caffeine withdrawal (31+/-3 and 21+/-2 nmol/L, respectively). The IC50 values for HE-NECA to inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation were 50+/-5 and 30+/-2 nmol/L at 12 and 60 hours after caffeine withdrawal, respectively." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide)", "Adult", "Blood Platelets", "Caffeine", "Cyclic AMP", "Female", "Humans", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors", "Platelet Aggregation", "Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors", "Receptors, Purinergic P1", "Signal Transduction" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Rapid identification of AML patients carrying the t(15;17) translocation for treatment decision-making is currently made on the basis of morphologic screening. However, the existence of both false positives and negatives highlights the need for more objective methods of screening AML cases and further molecular confirmation of the t(15;17) translocation.", "In the present study we analyzed a total of 111 AML cases in order to investigate whether immunophenotyping based on the assessment of multiple-stainings analyzed at flow cytometry could improve the sensitivity and specificity of morphologic identification of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) carrying the t(15;17) translocation. FISH analysis was used as a complementary technique for cases in which morphology and molecular biology yielded discrepant results.", "Concordant results between morphology and RT-PCR were found in 102/111 (91.8%) cases: 34 patients had M3/PML-RARalpha+ and 68 non-M3/PML-RARalpha- disease. Nine cases showed discrepants results. Multivariate analysis showed that the best combination of immunologic markers for discriminating between M3/PML-RARalpha+ and non-M3/PML-RARalpha- cases was that of the presence of heterogeneous expression of CD13, the existence of a single major blast cell population, and a characteristic CD34/CD15 phenotypic pattern (p<0.02). A score system based on these parameters was designed, and the 34 M3/PML-RARalpha+ cases showed a score of 3 (presence of the 3 phenotypic characteristics). In contrast, only 1 out of the 68 (1.3%) non-M3/PML-RARalpha- cases had this score, most o these latter cases (53/68, 78%) scoring either 0 or 1. Therefore, among these cases, immunophenotyping showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99% for predicting PML/RARalpha gene rearrangements. Of the 9 cases in which morphology and molecular biology results were discrepant, four cases displayed M3 morphology without PML/RARalpha rearrangements by RT-PCR. In only one of these 4 cases did the immunophenotype score 3, this being the only FISH positive case. From the remaining five discrepant cases (non-M3 morphology while positive for PML/RARalpha) two cases had a phenotypic score of 3 and were FISH positive while the other three were negative by FISH. Upon repeating RT-PCR studies, two of these latter three cases became negative." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Adult", "Aged", "Aged, 80 and over", "Antigens, CD", "Antigens, CD34", "CD13 Antigens", "Child", "Female", "Flow Cytometry", "Gene Rearrangement", "Humans", "Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute", "Lewis X Antigen", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Neoplasm Proteins", "Receptors, Retinoic Acid" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Platelets, on activation, release vesicular particles called platelet microparticles. Despite their procoagulant activity, their functional role in platelet-vessel wall interactions is not known.", "We examined the binding of microparticles to vessel wall components in vitro and in vivo. Microparticles bound to fibrinogen-, fibronectin-, and collagen-coated surfaces. Compared with activated platelets, we observed minimal binding of microparticles to vitronectin and von Willebrand factor. The glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitors abciximab and eptifibatide (Integrilin) inhibited the binding to fibrinogen and fibronectin but had minimal effect on binding to collagen. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies to GP Ib or anionic phospholipid-binding proteins (beta2-glycoprotein I or annexin V) had no effect in these interactions. Microparticles did not bind to monolayers of resting or stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), even in the presence of fibrinogen or von Willebrand factor. However, under similar conditions, microparticles bound to extracellular matrix produced by cultured HUVECs. Abciximab inhibited this interaction by approximately 50%. In a rabbit model of arterial endothelial injury, the infusion of 51Cr-labeled microparticles resulted in a 3- to 5-fold increase of microparticle adhesion to the injured site compared with the uninjured site (P<0.05%). Furthermore, activated platelets bound to surface-immobilized microparticles in a GP IIb/IIIa-dependent mechanism. This binding increased in the presence of fibrinogen by approximately 30%." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Animals", "Blood Platelets", "Cytoplasmic Granules", "Endothelium, Vascular", "Extracellular Matrix", "Humans", "Platelet Adhesiveness", "Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex", "Rabbits" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Ca(++)-permeable nonselective cation channels mediate the entry of extracellular Ca++ in vascular endothelium. They are also partly responsible for Ca++ entry in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The molecular identities of these channels have not been identified. The aim of this study is to examine whether rod-type nucleotide-gated nonselective cation (CNG1) channel, a channel which has been molecularly cloned, is related to the nonselective channels in vascular cells.", "We used RT-PCR, molecular cloning, northern Blot and in situ hybridization to examine the expression of CNG1 mRNA in a variety of guinea pig and rat blood vessels with different diameters and in cultured vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells.", "We have cloned a 402-bp partial cDNA of CNG1 channel from guinea pig mesenteric arteries. RT-PCR and southern blot results indicate that the CNG1 mRNA is expressed in both cultured vascular endothelial and cultured vascular SMCs. Northern blot revealed the transcripts of approximately 3.2 kb, approximately 5.0 kb, and approximately 1.8 kb in cultured endothelial cells. In situ hybridization yielded strong labeling in endothelium layer of aorta, medium-sized mesenteric arteries, and small mesenteric arteries." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Amino Acid Sequence", "Animals", "Base Sequence", "Blotting, Northern", "Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels", "Endothelium, Vascular", "Guinea Pigs", "In Situ Hybridization", "Ion Channels", "Male", "Mesenteric Arteries", "Molecular Sequence Data", "Muscle, Smooth, Vascular", "RNA, Messenger", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley", "Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Anthracycline drugs for cancer therapy often cause functional myocardial impairment even in relatively low doses. We investigated the left ventricular function in asymptomatic anthracycline-treated children by automatic border detection (ABD) to assess its clinical usefulness for unmasking latent anthracycline-induced myocardial damage.", "Thirty-four children (0.7 to 17.6 years old) during or after anthracycline chemotherapy (26 to 1100 mg/m2) for malignancy (Chemo group) were studied, and 40 children (2.8 to 15.6 years old) without cardiac involvement served as normal control subjects (Control group). All patients underwent complete echocardiographic examination, including M-mode, Doppler, and ABD. Conventional echocardiography disclosed no difference between groups with regard to ejection fraction and the ratio of early to late transmitral flow velocity. In marked contrast, an investigation using ABD revealed that the Chemo group appeared to have some anthracycline-induced myocardial damage. In the apical 4-chamber view, peak filling rate in the Chemo group [2.3+/-0.4 end-diastolic area (EDA)/s] was significantly lower than that in the Control group (3.1+/-0.5 EDA/s) (P<0.0001), and time to peak filling rate in the Chemo group (106+/-31 ms) was clearly prolonged compared with that in the Control group (74+/-22 ms) (P<0.0001)." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Antibiotics, Antineoplastic", "Cardiomyopathies", "Child", "Child, Preschool", "Diastole", "Echocardiography", "Evaluation Studies as Topic", "Feasibility Studies", "Female", "Hematologic Neoplasms", "Humans", "Image Processing, Computer-Assisted", "Infant", "Male", "Neoplasms", "Sensitivity and Specificity", "Ventricular Dysfunction, Left", "Ventricular Function, Left" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Thermal diffusion during laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) has not yet been fully investigated in heterogeneous tissue architecture such as liver. LITT was performed on rabbit liver tumours to analyse the role of biliary structures in thermal diffusion.", "Twenty-four VX2 tumours were grafted onto 12 rabbit livers. The animals were randomly separated into two groups when tumour size reached 8 mm. Thermotherapy was performed by delivering the 830-nm output of a diode laser to the centre of the tumour with a 300-,microm fibre. Irradiation conditions were 1.5 W over 900 sec. On day 7 or 14, the tumours were removed and stained with haematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red F3BA (PR). Thermal damage was evaluated by PR and electron microscopic examinations.", "Among the treated tumours, recurrences were found both at the periphery (one on day 7, seven on day 14) and within the treated area (two on day 7, two on day 14). All recurrences were located in the vicinity of the biliary structures, which are frequently spared from thermal injury." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic", "Diathermy", "In Vitro Techniques", "Laser Coagulation", "Liver Neoplasms", "Neoplasm Recurrence, Local", "Postoperative Complications", "Rabbits", "Tumor Cells, Cultured" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "On the basis of clinical and histopathologic similarities to human paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), we recently identified the first case of PNP in a nonhuman species, the dog.", "To determine a similar pathogenesis in both species, the present study aimed to define whether common antigens are targeted in dog and man.", "Canine and human PNP sera were used in parallel to immunoprecipitate 14C-labeled human keratinocyte antigens. The immunoreactive proteins were then identified by immunoprecipitation of canine keratinocyte extracts with specific antibodies to the antiplakin family members follwed by immunoblot analysis using canine and human PNP sera.", "Protein bands of 210, 190, 170, and 130 kd were identified in dogs and humans. In both species, envoplakin and periplakin were demonstrated as antigens. Anti-desmoglein 3 antibodies could not be demonstrated in canine PNP, but in human PNP." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Antibodies", "Antigens", "Autoantigens", "Cadherins", "Carbon Radioisotopes", "Cytoskeletal Proteins", "Desmoglein 3", "Desmosomes", "Disease Models, Animal", "Dogs", "Humans", "Immunoblotting", "Keratinocytes", "Membrane Proteins", "Molecular Weight", "Paraneoplastic Syndromes", "Pemphigus", "Plakins", "Precipitin Tests", "Protein Precursors", "Radiopharmaceuticals" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The role of antibodies against fetal or maternal antigens in maintaining or losing pregnancy is not clear.", "Term-pregnant mice were injected with monoclonal antibodies against only fetal or fetal and maternal major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. The development of pregnancy was then followed.", "Antibodies against maternal, but not fetal, major histocompatibility complex class I molecules induced abortion in mice. The abortion occurred 6-8 hr after the administration of autoreactive antibodies. The abortion could only be induced after the formation of placenta. Antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha could not prevent or postpone the abortion. Extensive bleeding has been detected in the placenta of aborting mice 3 hr after the administration of the antibodies." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Abortion, Spontaneous", "Animals", "Antibodies, Monoclonal", "Autoantibodies", "Female", "Histocompatibility Antigens Class I", "Immune Tolerance", "Mice", "Mice, Inbred BALB C", "Mice, Inbred C3H", "Placenta", "Pregnancy", "Risk Factors", "Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "CD8 T-cells are present at a lower frequency in human decidua than in peripheral blood. Because transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 2 down-regulates CD4 membrane expression, its contribution, as well as the contribution of TGF-beta 1 and prostaglandin (PG) E2, to the modulation CD8 expression was studied using human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs).", "PBLs were cultured with TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, PGE 2, PGI 2, or day-12 rabbit blastocoelic fluid (BF) that was or was not depleted of TGF-beta 2 and/or PGE 2. Quantum Simply Cellular Microbeads were then used to evaluate CD8 membrane expression levels.", "This study is the first demonstration that treatment of PBLs with TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, and PGE 2 leads to a dose-dependent decrease in CD8 expression. A significant inhibition was observed at 2.5 mg/mL for TGF-beta 2, 5 ng/mL for TGF-beta 1, and 10 ng/mL for PGE 2. In contrast, PGI 2 had no effect. Treatment of PBLs with BF day-12 decreased CD8 expression. This effect, however, was not observed when BF was depleted of TGF-beta 2 and/or PGE 2." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "CD8 Antigens", "CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes", "Decidua", "Dinoprostone", "Dose-Response Relationship, Drug", "Down-Regulation", "Female", "Flow Cytometry", "Humans", "Immunity, Mucosal", "Lymphocyte Activation", "Maternal-Fetal Exchange", "Pregnancy", "Rabbits", "Transforming Growth Factor beta" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The secosteroid 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) acts through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to elicit many activities that make it a promising drug candidate for the treatment of a number of diseases, including cancer and psoriasis. Clinical use of 1,25(OH)2D3 has been limited by hypercalcemia elicited by pharmacologically effective doses. We hypothesized that structurally distinct, nonsecosteroidal mimics of 1,25(OH)2D3 might have different activity profiles from vitamin D analogs, and set out to discover such compounds by screening small-molecule libraries.", "A bis-phenyl derivative was found to activate VDR in a transactivation screening assay. Additional related compounds were synthesized that mimicked various activities of 1,25(OH)2D3, including growth inhibition of cancer cells and keratinocytes, as well as induction of leukemic cell differentiation. In contrast to 1, 25(OH)2D3, these synthetic compounds did not demonstrate appreciable binding to serum vitamin D binding protein, a property that is correlated with fewer calcium effects in vivo. Two mimics tested in mice showed greater induction of a VDR target gene with less elevation of serum calcium than 1,25(OH)2D3." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Antineoplastic Agents", "Biological Transport", "Breast Neoplasms", "Calcitriol", "Calcium", "Calcium Channel Agonists", "Cell Differentiation", "Cell Division", "Female", "HL-60 Cells", "Humans", "Keratinocytes", "Ketones", "Macrophages", "Male", "Mice", "Molecular Mimicry", "Phenyl Ethers", "Prostatic Neoplasms", "Rats", "Receptors, Calcitriol", "Transcriptional Activation", "Vitamin D", "Vitamin D-Binding Protein" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Dihydropyridines block calcium channels; however, they also influence endothelial cells, which do not express calcium channels. We tested the hypothesis that nifedipine can prevent ischemia-induced endothelial permeability increases by inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) in cultured porcine endothelial cells.", "Ischemia was induced by potassium cyanide/deoxyglucose, and permeability was measured by albumin flux. Ion channels were characterized by patch clamp. [Ca2+]i was measured by fura 2. PKC activity was measured by substrate phosphorylation after cell fractionation. PKC isoforms were assessed by Western blot and confocal microscopy. Nifedipine prevented the ischemia-induced increase in permeability in a dose-dependent manner. Ischemia increased [Ca2+]i, which was not affected by nifedipine. Instead, ischemia-induced PKC translocation was prevented by nifedipine. Phorbol ester also increased endothelial cell permeability, which was dose dependently inhibited by nifedipine. The effects of non-calcium-channel-binding dihydropyridine derivatives were similar. Analysis of the PKC isoforms showed that nifedipine prevented ischemia-induced translocation of PKC-alpha and PKC-zeta. Specific inhibition of PKC isoforms with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides demonstrated a major role for PKC-alpha." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Calcium Channel Blockers", "Capillary Permeability", "Cells, Cultured", "Endothelium, Vascular", "Ischemia", "Nifedipine", "Poisons", "Potassium Cyanide", "Protein Kinase C", "Swine" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Inhibitors of poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) activity reduce the infarct size caused by regional myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion in the rabbit and rat in vivo. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is unclear. Here we investigate the effects of the PARS inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) on infarct size caused by ischaemia and reperfusion of the isolated, perfused heart of the rat. We also investigate the role of PARS in the hydrogen peroxide-mediated cell injury/necrosis in rat cardiac myoblasts.", "Rat isolated hearts perfused at constant pressure (80 mmHg) were subjected to 35 min of regional ischaemia and 2 h of reperfusion. Infarct size was determined at the end of the experiment using nitro-blue tetrazolium. 3-AB (300 microM) or 3-aminobenzoic acid (3-ABA, 300 microM) were infused during the reperfusion period. Rat cardiac myoblasts (H9c2 cells) were preincubated with the PARS inhibitors, 3-AB. nicotinamide (Nic) or 1,5-dihydroxyisoquinoline (ISO) or the inactive analogues 3-ABA or nicotinic acid (NicA) prior to exposure with hydrogen peroxide (1 mM). Cell injury was assessed by measuring mitochondrial respiration and cell necrosis by measuring the release of LDH. PARS activity was determined by measuring the incorporation of NAD into nuclear proteins.", "Regional ischaemia and reperfusion of the isolated rat heart resulted in an infarct size of 54% which was reduced by 3-AB, but not by 3-ABA. Exposure of rat cardiac myoblasts to hydrogen peroxide caused an increase in PARS activity and cell injury/necrosis which was attenuated by pretreatment with the PARS inhibitors." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Aminobenzoates", "Animals", "Benzamides", "Cell Death", "Cell Line", "Enzyme Inhibitors", "Heart", "Hydrogen Peroxide", "Isoquinolines", "Male", "Myocardial Reperfusion Injury", "Niacin", "Niacinamide", "Oxidative Stress", "Perfusion", "Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors", "Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases", "Rats", "Rats, Wistar", "meta-Aminobenzoates" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The purpose of this investigation was to establish a model system to facilitate identification of the sympathetic neuronal factor(s) that promotes improved contractility in neonatal cardiac myocytes. Conditioned medium from PC12 cells with sympathetic phenotype served as the source of the neuronal factor.", "Contraction frequency, amplitude and velocity of cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes were measured by online video analysis. Interventions included in vitro sympathetic innervation, exposure to PC12 conditioned medium, neurotransmitters and antagonists. Metabolic activity was assayed by 2-deoxyglucose uptake. Troponin T isoform expression was analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.", "Medium conditioned by neuronal PC12 cells induced contractility changes similar to those induced by in vitro sympathetic innervation. These effects of PC12 conditioned medium and innervation were not suppressed by adrenergic or muscarinic antagonists nor reproduced by neuropeptide Y or somatostatin. Neuronal PC12 conditioned medium but not chromaffin PC12 conditioned medium, increased metabolic activity of the myocytes as detected by [3H]-2-deoxyglucose, indicating that the effect was specific to the neuronal PC12 cells. The in vitro switch of troponin T isoform expression was not altered by exposure to PC12 conditioned medium." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Analysis of Variance", "Animals", "Atropine", "Culture Media, Conditioned", "Deoxyglucose", "Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel", "Immunoblotting", "Myocardial Contraction", "Myocardium", "Neuropeptide Y", "PC12 Cells", "Parasympatholytics", "Prazosin", "Propranolol", "Protein Isoforms", "Rats", "Rats, Inbred WKY", "Somatostatin", "Sympathetic Nervous System", "Sympatholytics", "Troponin T" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The Cdc2-dependent inhibition of S phase is required in G2 for the correct ordering of the S and M phases in yeasts and Drosophila. This function of Cdc2 has been ascribed to its ability to phosphorylate replication factors to prevent the assembly of a preinitiation complex at the origin of replication. Whether this is the sole mechanism of S phase inhibition by Cdc2 in higher metazoans is not known because the pleiotropic functions of this essential cell cycle regulator make genetic analysis difficult.", "We show that Cdc2 co-expressed with Cyclin A inhibits the S phase in Drosophila salivary glands and diploid abdominal histoblasts. A kinase defective mutant of Cdc2 failed to promote mitosis, but was still able to inhibit the S phase with the same efficiency as the wild-type protein. In addition, Cdc2 and Cyclin A cooperatively inhibit transcriptional activation by the essential S phase regulator E2F. Cdc2 binds to E2F in vitro, and post-transcriptionally promotes its accumulation in vivo. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of Cdc2 on S phase is overridden by E2F." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Abdomen", "Animals", "CDC2 Protein Kinase", "Carrier Proteins", "Cell Cycle", "Cell Cycle Proteins", "Cyclin A", "DNA Replication", "DNA-Binding Proteins", "Diploidy", "Drosophila", "Drosophila Proteins", "E2F Transcription Factors", "G2 Phase", "Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen", "Retinoblastoma-Binding Protein 1", "S Phase", "Salivary Glands", "Trans-Activators", "Transcription Factors", "Transfection" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The NPS1/STH1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is essential for mitotic growth, especially for the progression through the G2/M phase. It encodes a major component of the chromatin-remodelling complex, RSC, of unknown function. We attempted to address the function of NPS1 in meiosis.", "The homozygote of the temperature sensitive nps1 mutant, nps1-105, showed reduced and delayed levels of sporulation, accompanied with a notable decrease and delay of the expression of several early meiotic genes (IME2, SPO11 and SPO13). Deletion analysis of the IME2 promoter revealed that the defect in the gene expression occurred through the URS1 site. The sporulation defect of nps1-105 was alleviated by the over-expression of either IME1 or IME2. However, over-expression of IME1 did not permit the full expression of IME2, SPO11 and SPO13 in nps1-105. In addition, the expression of NPS1 itself increased transiently upon initiation of meiosis, before the appearance of the IME2 message but after that of IME1. The impaired increase in NPS1 transcription led to inefficient sporulation." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Cell Cycle Proteins", "Chromatin", "DNA-Binding Proteins", "Fungal Proteins", "Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal", "Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins", "Meiosis", "Mutation", "Myo-Inositol-1-Phosphate Synthase", "Nuclear Proteins", "Protein Kinases", "Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases", "Recombinant Proteins", "Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid", "Saccharomyces cerevisiae", "Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins", "Spores, Fungal", "Temperature", "Transcription Factors", "beta-Galactosidase" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To determine whether cell-free hemoglobin augments the inflammatory cascade, as detected by production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) elicited by bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]).", "In vivo and ex vivo study, using a mouse model of sepsis.", "Animal research facility", "Female Swiss Webster mice.", "For the in vivo experiments, an LD50 dose (500 microg) of Escherichia coli LPS was injected intraperitoneally into mice. Cell-free crosslinked hemoglobin (60 mg/mouse) or saline was administered intravenously 10 hrs before or coincident with LPS. For the ex vivo experiments, hemoglobin (60 mg/mouse) or saline was administered intravenously to mice, and, 10 hrs later, hepatic Kupffer cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or peritoneal macrophages were isolated.", "Intravenous infusion of hemoglobin either 10 hrs before or coincident with intraperitoneal LPS resulted in a peak of plasma TNF that was greater than in control mice administered LPS only. Cultured Kupffer cells, isolated from mice that had received hemoglobin in vivo 10 hrs before cell collection, produced more TNF in response to LPS in vitro than cells from normal mice. A trend toward greater TNF production in vitro by peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from hemoglobin-treated mice also was observed. Enhanced sensitivity to LPS was not observed with cultured peritoneal macrophages from mice that had received hemoglobin." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Disease Models, Animal", "Drug Evaluation, Preclinical", "Escherichia coli", "Escherichia coli Infections", "Female", "Hemoglobins", "Infusions, Intravenous", "Kupffer Cells", "Leukocytes, Mononuclear", "Lipopolysaccharides", "Macrophages, Peritoneal", "Mice", "Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome", "Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "IL-12 is a critical cytokine in the regulation of immune responses produced by phagocytic cells exposed to microorganism infection.", "We sought to study the effect of low doses and high doses of IL-12 on TH1 versus TH2 cytokine expression to elucidate the etiology of mite antigen-sensitive bronchial asthma in infants.", "We studied the effect of IL-12 on Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) antigen-induced IL-4 production and subsequent production of IgE by PBMCs from pediatric patients with asthma.", "Simultaneous addition of 1 to 10 ng/mL IL-12 to cultures enhanced Df-induced IL-4 production, although low doses (0.05 to 0.1 ng/mL) of IL-12 downregulated IL-4 production. Endogenous IL-12 is required for such production. These phenomena were not observed in Df-stimulated control PBMCs. In contrast, on stimulation with the same dose of Df, IFN-gamma production by patient PBMCs was enhanced in a dose-dependent fashion by addition of IL-12. Quantification analysis of RT-PCR-amplified DNA fragments by laser-induced fluorescence showed that a high dose of IL-12 augments mRNA expression for IL-4 protein synthesis, whereas a low dose of IL-12 inhibits IL-4 mRNA expression, and that the signal of mRNA for IFN-gamma protein synthesis was increased on Df stimulation in a dose-dependent fashion. Df-induced in vitro production of IgE and Df-specific IgE in serum from severe combined immunodeficient mice reconstituted with PBMCs were increased by treatment with high doses of IL-12, whereas low doses of IL-12 inhibited that production. The combined results indicate that at a low dose of IL-12, IL-4 and IFN-gamma production was regulated reciprocally; however, at high doses of IL-12, cells produced IL-4 and IFN-gamma simultaneously, and neither cytokine was regulated." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Antigens", "Antigens, Dermatophagoides", "Asthma", "Child", "Child, Preschool", "Female", "Glycoproteins", "Humans", "Immunization", "Immunoglobulin E", "Interleukin-12", "Interleukin-4", "Male", "Mice", "Mice, SCID", "Mites", "RNA, Messenger", "T-Lymphocytes" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To determine whether there is variation attributable to reproductive stage in lymphocyte subsets and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expressing cells in mammary glands of sows.", "8 healthy primiparous crossbred sows that had been nursing piglets for 30 to 35 days.", "Needle biopsy of the mammary gland was performed after parturition, at midlactation, and after weaning. Various lymphocyte subsets and MHC class II expressing cells were detected immunohistochemically, using monoclonal antibodies.", "The number of CD8+ cells was significantly lower after parturition than after weaning but not significantly lower than at midlactation. The number of IgA-bearing cells was lower after parturition and after weaning than at midlactation. There were more B cells at midlactation than after weaning. There was no change over time in the number of CD4+ cells or MHC class II expressing cells. Immunohistochemically positive cells were detected only in interalveolar tissue." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Biopsy, Needle", "Female", "Histocompatibility Antigens Class II", "Immunohistochemistry", "Labor, Obstetric", "Lactation", "Longitudinal Studies", "Lymphocyte Subsets", "Mammary Glands, Animal", "Pregnancy", "Swine" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To investigate whether body sodium content and blood volume contribute to the pathogenesis of orthostatic hypotension in patients with diabetes mellitus.", "Exchangeable sodium, plasma and blood volumes, and catecholamine, renin, and aldosterone levels were assessed in 10 patients with Type II diabetes mellitus who had orthostatic hypotension and control groups of 40 diabetic patients without orthostatic hypotension and 40 normal subjects of similar age and sex. In subgroups, clinical tests of autonomic function and cardiovascular reactivity to norepinephrine and angiotensin II infusions were performed.", "In diabetic patients with orthostatic hypotension, mean (+/- SD) supine blood pressure was 165/98 +/- 27/12 mm Hg (P <0.05 compared with other groups) and mean upright blood pressure was 90/60 +/- 38/18 mm Hg. Compared with controls, diabetic patients with orthostatic hypotension had a 10% lower blood volume. They also had less exchangeable sodium than patients with diabetes who did not have orthostatic hypotension (P <0.01). Compared with both groups of controls, diabetic patients with orthostatic hypotension had decreased 24-hour urinary norepinephrine excretion and a reduced diastolic blood pressure response to handgrip (P <0.05). Moreover, they displayed reduced products of exchangeable sodium or blood volume and sympathetic function indexes. Cardiovascular pressor reactivity to norepinephrine was enhanced (P <0.01) and beat-to-beat variation decreased (P <0.01) in both groups of diabetic patients. Microvascular complications were more prevalent in the diabetic patients with orthostatic hypotension (90% vs 35%)." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Aged", "Aldosterone", "Blood Glucose", "Blood Pressure", "Blood Volume", "Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2", "Epinephrine", "Female", "Humans", "Hypotension, Orthostatic", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Renin", "Sodium" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To review the diagnosis and management of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection and to discuss various preventative measures.", "Data used to prepare this article were drawn from published articles and work in progress.", "Articles were selected for relevance to the subject after location by a MEDLINE key word search.", "The literature was reviewed to summarize the etiology and pathophysiology of postsplenectomy sepsis. Preventative strategies were outlined with a particular emphasis on education, immunoprophylaxis, and chemoprophylaxis.", "Although physicians have become increasingly aware of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection in children, many remain unaware of the risk to asplenic or hyposplenic adults who may have no underlying medical problems. Recent studies have shown that many patients who have had splenectomies have had neither appropriate vaccinations nor teaching that would explain the lifelong nature of their risk. The increasing incidence of penicillin-resistant pneumococci represents a major area of therapeutic and prophylactic concern. The identification of Howell-Jolly bodies on a peripheral blood smear should alert physicians to the need for follow-up to document possible hyposplenism. Attention has focused on a three-pronged attack to this problem, including education, immunoprophylaxis, and chemoprophylaxis." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [] }

{ "contexts": [ "To study differences in organ sensitivity during progressive endotoxin shock tissue levels of hypoxanthine, used as an indicator of adenosine triphosphate depletion and cellular energy failure, were monitored simultaneously in several organs by in vivo microdialysis.", "Prospective, controlled animal study.", "University research laboratory.", "Seventeen landrace pigs.", "Tissue levels of hypoxanthine, assessed by in vivo microdialysis, were monitored (in the ileum, liver, lung, skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, and arterial blood) simultaneously in addition to central hemodynamics during endotoxin shock in ten pigs. Seven sham animals not receiving endotoxin served as controls. Marked changes were seen in central hemodynamic parameters in response to endotoxemia. Very prominent increases were seen in the ileum and liver, followed by the lung, whereas only limited changes were observed in subcutaneous fat. These results indicate a differentiated development of cellular energy failure in response to endotoxemia in different organs. By considering the high amounts of xanthine oxidase seen in the gut, the increases in hypoxanthine may provide an important substrate for reactive oxygen species formation in this organ. The limited changes seen in subcutaneous fat suggest that this tissue may provide limited sensitivity when monitoring the septic patient." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adipose Tissue", "Animals", "Bacteremia", "Biomarkers", "Disease Models, Animal", "Disease Progression", "Endotoxins", "Hemodynamics", "Hypoxanthine", "Ileum", "Liver", "Lung", "Microdialysis", "Muscle, Skeletal", "Prospective Studies", "Reactive Oxygen Species", "Shock, Septic", "Swine", "Tissue Distribution" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To determine if head-injured patients with premorbid nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus are at increased risk for S. aureus infection.", "Patients admitted over a 2-yr period were enrolled if they met the following criteria: Injury Severity Score > or = 9, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospitalization in another hospital < 24 hrs, no recent use of antibiotics.", "Acute care trauma facility.", "Any patient sustaining acute, blunt, or penetrating injury and meeting the enrollement criteria were eligible.", "Swab cultures of both internal nares were performed within 72 hrs of readmission and cultured for S. Aureus. Patients were prospectively monitored for S. Aureus infections until discharge.", "Admission nasal cultures were positive (NC+) for S. aureus in 144 of the 776 patients cultured. Forty of the 144 NC+ patients had isolated head (37) or high cervical spine (3) injury, and 11 of that group (27.5%) developed S. aureus infections. The remaining 104 patients positive for S. aureus on admission had no head injury (74) or head combined with torso and extremity injuries (30). S. aureus infection was diagnosed in 11 of the 104 patients (10.6%). The difference in incidence of infections is significant (p <.01), as is the difference in incidence of pneumonia (20% vs. 3.8%, respectively [p <.01]). Organisms causing pneumonia were often the same organisms isolated from the nares on admission." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Carrier State", "Craniocerebral Trauma", "Cross Infection", "Humans", "Incidence", "Infection Control", "Injury Severity Score", "Length of Stay", "Nasal Mucosa", "Pneumonia, Bacterial", "Prospective Studies", "Risk Factors", "Serotyping", "Staphylococcal Infections", "Staphylococcus aureus" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "To determine the efficacy of scleral expansion surgery in the treatment of human presbyopia.", "Experimental study.", "Three preoperative presbyopic subjects, three postoperative presbyopic subjects, and three young control subjects.", "Accommodative responses were recorded by an infrared dynamic optometer while subjects viewed an accommodative stimulus that stepped from 0 to 4 diopters in 1-diopter steps.", "Dynamic infrared optometer recordings of accommodation.", "Presbyopic patients showed no evidence of accommodation after scleral expansion surgery." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Accommodation, Ocular", "Adult", "Humans", "Middle Aged", "Presbyopia", "Sclera", "Tissue Expansion", "Vision Tests" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Hyperhomocysteinemia has been identified as a potential risk factor for atherosclerosis. This study examined whether a modest elevation of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) was an independent risk factor for increased carotid artery intimal-medial wall thickness (IMT) and focal plaque formation in a large, randomly selected community population. We also examined whether vitamin cofactors and the C677T genetic mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme were major contributors to elevated plasma tHcy and carotid vascular disease.", "In 1111 subjects (558 men, 553 women) 52+/-13 years old (mean+/-SD; range, 27 to 77 years) recruited from a random electoral roll survey, we measured fasting tHcy and performed bilateral carotid B-mode ultrasound. For the total population, mean tHcy was 12.1+/-4.0 micromol/L. Plasma tHcy levels were correlated with IMT (Spearman rank rs=0.31, P=0.0001). After adjustment for age, sex, and other conventional risk factors, subjects in the highest versus the lowest quartile of tHcy had an odds ratio of 2.60 (95% CI, 1.51 to 4.45) for increased IMT and 1.76 (95% CI, 1.10 to 2.82) for plaque. Serum and dietary folate levels and the C677T mutation in MTHFR were independent determinants of tHcy (all P=0.0001). The mutant homozygotes (10% of the population) had higher mean tHcy than heterozygotes or those without the mutation (14.2 versus 12.3 versus 11.6 micromol/L, respectively, P=0.0001). The inverse association of folate levels with tHcy was steeper in the mutant homozygotes. Despite this, the C677T MTHFR mutation was not independently predictive of increased carotid IMT or plaque formation." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Aged", "Amino Acid Substitution", "Arteriosclerosis", "Carotid Arteries", "Carotid Stenosis", "Comorbidity", "Diet", "Female", "Folic Acid", "Gene Frequency", "Genetic Predisposition to Disease", "Genotype", "Health Surveys", "Homocysteine", "Humans", "Hyperhomocysteinemia", "Hyperlipidemias", "Male", "Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)", "Middle Aged", "Mutation, Missense", "Obesity", "Odds Ratio", "Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors", "Point Mutation", "Pyridoxine", "Risk Factors", "Smoking", "Tunica Intima", "Ultrasonography", "Vitamin B 12", "Western Australia" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Although hepatocellular dysfunction occurs early after the onset of sepsis, the mechanism responsible for this remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the reduction in Kupffer cell (KC) numbers prior to the onset of sepsis prevents the occurrence of hepatocellular dysfunction and reduces levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-6 during the early stage of polymicrobial sepsis.", "The number of KC in male adult rats was reduced in vivo by intravenous injection of gadolinium chloride 48 h before the induction of sepsis. KC-reduced and KC-normal rats were then subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP, i.e., a model of polymicrobial sepsis) or sham operation followed by administration of normal saline solution. At 5 h after CLP (the early stage of sepsis), hepatocellular function [i.e., the maximal velocity of clearance (Vmax) and efficiency of active transport (Km) of indocyanine green] was measured using a fiber-optic catheter and in vivo hemoreflectometer. Whole blood was drawn to measure plasma levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.", "Hepatocellular function was depressed and the circulating levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 were increased significantly at 5 h after CLP. KC reduction by prior administration of gadolinium chloride, however, prevented the occurrence of hepatocellular dysfunction and the upregulation of IL-1beta and IL-6." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Biological Transport", "Cecum", "Cytokines", "Disease Models, Animal", "Gadolinium", "Inflammation", "Interleukin-1", "Interleukin-6", "Kupffer Cells", "Male", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley", "Reference Values", "Sepsis" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "We have shown that the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) thallium 201 myocardial perfusion imaging is lower in women than in men and that much of the difference can be explained by the smaller size of the left ventricle in women. Therefore attempts at improving the accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging in women should focus on the problem of lower accuracy in patients with small chamber size. We evaluated two strategies for this: size- and gender-based normal databases and inverse filtering with the Wiener filter.", "We identified 618 patients undergoing exercise SPECT TI-201 who either had a low pre-test probability of coronary artery disease or had catheterization-documented disease. Their images were analyzed on the basis of gender and chamber size: both gender and size- and gender-based normal databases were created. The studies were analyzed quantitatively, and the accuracy was evaluated by use of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Chamber size was significantly lower in women (size index 69+/-22 women vs 96+/-28 men; P < .0001). The accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging was lower in women compared with men (ROC area: 0.92+/-0.01 men vs 0.85+/-0.03 women; P = .03), and there was an even greater difference in accuracy between patients with large versus small chamber size (ROC area: 0.94+/-0.01 large vs 0.81+/-0.03 small; P < .001). There was no improvement in the diagnostic accuracy either in women or in patients with small chamber size when a size- and gender-based normal database, Wiener filter, or the Wiener filter with a size- and gender-based normal database was used." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Aged", "Coronary Disease", "Coronary Vessels", "Data Interpretation, Statistical", "Exercise Test", "Female", "Humans", "Image Processing, Computer-Assisted", "Male", "Middle Aged", "ROC Curve", "Reproducibility of Results", "Sensitivity and Specificity", "Sex Characteristics", "Thallium Radioisotopes", "Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "We used 2 dosage levels of postoperative opioid administration to determine whether the degree of postoperative analgesia after laparotomy during the last third of baboon pregnancy alters maternal pituitary-adrenal function, androgen secretion, and placental estrogen production. We also determined the relationship of estrogen production to surgery-induced increase in myometrial contraction activity.", "After laparotomy under halothane general anesthesia at 0.75 gestation, 10 pregnant baboons were administered intra-arterially either a normal dose or a double dose of the opioid analgesic buprenorphine for 48 hours. Maternal plasma samples for steroid hormone and oxytocin analyses were obtained at circadian time 1000 hours and at circadian time 1800 hours, 4 hours before and 4 hours after the lights went off, respectively. Myometrial electromyographic contraction activity was quantified for the 6 hours from circadian time 1100 hours to circadian time 1700 hours.", "Maternal plasma cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations were lower in the dark period (at circadian time 1800 hours) than during daylight (at circadian time 1000 hours) in the double-dose group but not the normal dose group. In contrast, maternal plasma estradiol level was higher at circadian time 1800 hours than at circadian time 1000 hours in the normal dose group but not in the double-dose group. Maternal plasma estrogen level was higher during the hours of darkness in the normal dose group than in the double-dose group. Furthermore the number of myometrial contractions around the onset of darkness was greater in the normal dose group than in the double-dose group." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Analgesia", "Animals", "Circadian Rhythm", "Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate", "Eating", "Electromyography", "Estradiol", "Female", "Gestational Age", "Halothane", "Humans", "Hydrocortisone", "Laparotomy", "Papio", "Postoperative Complications", "Pregnancy", "Pregnancy Trimester, Third", "Uterine Contraction" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "We tested 2 hypotheses: (1) Preeclampsia is characterized by an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration in lymphocytes. (2) Levels of intracellular free calcium are influenced by the calcium concentration in the extracellular milieu or by parathyroid hormone.", "Intracellular free calcium concentrations were measured in 4 groups of women: nonpregnant women (n = 25), normotensive pregnant women (n = 30), pregnant women with chronic hypertension (n = 15), and women with preeclampsia (n = 15). Intracellular free calcium concentration was measured in the basal state, at varying extracellular calcium ion concentrations, and in the presence of exogenous parathyroid hormone.", "Women with preeclampsia had the highest basal lymphocyte intracellular free calcium concentration (121 +/- 7 nmol/L, mean +/- SEM) compared with normotensive pregnant women during the third trimester (94 +/- 3 nmol/L, P <.001) and pregnant women in the third trimester with chronic hypertension (100 +/- 3 nmol/L, P <.01). During the third trimester normotensive women and women with chronic hypertension had significantly higher basal intracellular free calcium concentrations than were found in women during the first trimester. Exposure of lymphocytes to an extracellular milieu of low calcium concentration resulted in an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration. Incubation with parathyroid hormone had no effect on intracellular free calcium concentration." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Calcium", "Chelating Agents", "Egtazic Acid", "Extracellular Space", "Female", "Gestational Age", "Humans", "Intracellular Fluid", "Lymphocytes", "Parathyroid Hormone", "Pre-Eclampsia", "Pregnancy" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Adherent platelets in the coronary system can impair cardiac pump function. The volatile anesthetics sevoflurane, halothane, and isoflurane have been shown to reduce platelet adhesion. Additionally, an inhibitory effect on platelet cyclo-oxygenase-dependent formation of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) has been proposed for sevoflurane. Therefore, we analyzed the influence of sevoflurane on cardiac performance and TxA2 production after intracoronary application of platelets in isolated guinea pig hearts. Isolated guinea pig hearts perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer and performing pressure-volume work were employed. We compromised myocardial function by subjecting hearts to ischemia (20 min low-flow plus 10 min stopped-flow) and reperfusion. During low-flow perfusion the coronary endothelium was stimulated by thrombin prior to and during infusion of a bolus of 10(8) washed human platelets. Intervention groups contained either sevoflurane in a concentration being equivalent to 1 MAC in the platelet suspension or in the perfusate or 1 microM SQ29,548 (an isoprostane- and thromboxane-receptor antagonist) in the perfusate. The parameter external heart work (EHW), determined pre- and postischemically, served as criterion for loss of myocardial function. Additionally, formation of transudate and the production of TxA2 were measured during the reperfusion phase. Coronary perfusion pressure and myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate were also determined. Adherent platelets significantly enhanced loss of EHW after ischemia and reperfusion, but strongly attenuated coronary vascular leak. Sevoflurane reduced platelet adhesion when applied to the perfusate, but not when given only to the platelet suspension. However, platelets pretreated with sevoflurane lost their cardiodepressive effects, as did platelets in hearts treated with SQ29,548. Surprisingly, TxA2 formation in hearts was not different after platelet application in comparison to the ischemia control group but was significantly reduced when sevoflurane was applied to the perfusate. Neither metabolic parameters, coronary perfusion pressure, vascular leak nor glycoprotein expression of platelets were influenced by sevoflurane." ], "labels": [ "UNLABELLED" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Anesthetics, Inhalation", "Animals", "Blood Platelets", "Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic", "Fatty Acids, Unsaturated", "Guinea Pigs", "Humans", "Hydrazines", "Lactic Acid", "Male", "Methyl Ethers", "Myocardial Reperfusion", "Platelet Adhesiveness", "Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins", "Sevoflurane", "Thromboxane B2" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "High mobility group (HMG) non-histone chromosomal proteins HMG1 and HMG2 have been identified as novel antigens of perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCAs), and the existence of anti-HMG1 and anti-HMG2 antibodies in a population of patients with ulcerative colitis has been reported.", "To investigate whether HMG1 and HMG2 are target antigens for p-ANCAs in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).", "Serum samples from 28 patients with AIH, 44 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), 27 patients with chronic hepatitis C, and 23 patients with chronic hepatitis B were tested.", "ANCAs were detected by routine indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Anti-HMG1 and anti-HMG2 antibodies were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.", "p-ANCAs were detected in 89% (25/28) of patients with AIH, 36% (16/44) of patients with PBC, 11% (3/27) of patients with chronic hepatitis C, and 13% (3/23) of patients with chronic hepatitis B. Anti-HMG1 and/or anti-HMG2 antibodies were detected in 89% (25/28) of patients with AIH, 70% (31/44) with PBC, 26% (7/27) with chronic hepatitis C, and 9% (2/23) with chronic hepatitis B. In AIH, anti-HMG1 and/or anti-HMG2 antibodies were detected in 96% (24/25) of p-ANCA positive patients. The p-ANCA staining pattern detected by IIF using sera from patients with AIH disappeared or decreased in titre after preincubation with a mixture of HMG1/HMG2. The presence and titres of those antibodies in AIH correlated significantly with those of p-ANCA, but not with those of anti-nuclear antibody or anti-smooth muscle antibody." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Aged", "Aged, 80 and over", "Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic", "Autoantibodies", "Cathepsin G", "Cathepsins", "Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay", "Female", "Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect", "Hepatitis B, Chronic", "Hepatitis C, Chronic", "Hepatitis, Autoimmune", "High Mobility Group Proteins", "Humans", "Lactoferrin", "Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Serine Endopeptidases", "Statistics, Nonparametric" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Hypertonic saline (HTS) resuscitation exerts protective effects in reperfusion injury including a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance and an increase in microvascular perfusion and cerebral blood flow; however, the mediators of these effects are unknown. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is a paracrine mediator with two main effects, vasodilation and inhibition of platelet aggregation. We hypothesized that HTS may induce PGI2 production by endothelial cells.", "Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with varying concentrations of NaCl. After 12 h of incubation, the supernatant was assayed for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1, a stable metabolite of PGI2, by ELISA. Phospho-specific ERK-1 and ERK-2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) antibody, which recognizes only activated ERK, was used to determine ERK activation status by Western blotting.", "Addition of 20-100 mM NaCl or endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] induced PGI2 production by HUVECs. HTS and LPS induced ERK-1 and ERK-2 activation. PGI2 production was inhibited when the HUVECs were pretreated with PD 98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK phosphorylation." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha", "Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases", "Cells, Cultured", "Endothelium, Vascular", "Enzyme Activation", "Enzyme Inhibitors", "Epoprostenol", "Flavonoids", "Humans", "Kinetics", "Lipopolysaccharides", "Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1", "Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3", "Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases", "Saline Solution, Hypertonic", "Umbilical Veins" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "In a two-hit model of hemorrhagic shock and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we previously showed that hypertonic saline (HTS) resuscitation reduced lung sequestration of neutrophils and the accompanying injury. This effect was partially attributed to suppressed expression of the surface adhesion molecule CD11b. This study investigates the duration of this protective effect after a single HTS dose and the usefulness of repeated infusions.", "The previous two-hit rodent model was used. Neutrophil lung sequestration was measured by bronchoalveolar fluid cell count. CD11b expression was followed by flow cytometry. In vitro studies used isolated human neutrophils.", "Eighteen hours following resuscitation, the protective effect of HTS was lost. At this time, LPS caused an increase in both neutrophil lung sequestration and CD11b expression, regardless of the resuscitation regimen used. A second infusion of HTS prevented these changes and restored the lung protection observed earlier. In vitro studies showed that the duration of hypertonic pretreatment is an important determinant of cell responsiveness under the isotonic conditions: Four but not 2 h hypertonic exposure was able to prevent upregulation of CD11b induced by LPS added immediately after reestablishing isotonicity." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Antigens, CD", "Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid", "Cell Count", "Escherichia coli", "Flow Cytometry", "Gene Expression Regulation", "Humans", "Lipopolysaccharides", "Macrophage-1 Antigen", "Male", "Neutrophils", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley", "Resuscitation", "Saline Solution, Hypertonic", "Shock, Hemorrhagic" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Tolerance to hemorrhagic or endotoxic shock can be induced by prior sublethal hemorrhage (SLH). The purpose of this study was to explore whether alterations in signal transduction pathways involving NF-kappaB occur in macrophages (Mphi) following induction of tolerance by SLH.", "Using a model of SLH previously shown in our lab to impart a survival benefit to subsequent hemorrhagic or endotoxic shock, rats (n = 30) were conditioned by SLH. Peritoneal Mphi were harvested 24 h after conditioning and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 microg/mL). Nuclear and cytosolic proteins were isolated 1 h later for determination of NF-kappaB activation by gel-shift assay and IkappaB-alpha by Western blot. TNF mRNA gene expression was measured 4 h after LPS stimulation by reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR). TNF protein levels were measured in cellular supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 18 h after LPS. RESULTS. LPS stimulation of sham Mphi increased NF-kappaB activation with corresponding loss of its inhibitor IkappaB-alpha. In contrast, IkappaB-alpha was not detectable following conditioning, and conditioned Mphi had NF-kappaB activation at baseline which increased minimally with LPS stimulation. LPS increased TNF gene expression and significantly increased protein production by both sham and conditioned Mphi, but this increase was greater in the sham-conditioned group." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Cell Nucleus", "Cells, Cultured", "Cytosol", "DNA-Binding Proteins", "Hemorrhage", "I-kappa B Proteins", "Lipopolysaccharides", "Macrophages, Peritoneal", "Male", "NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha", "NF-kappa B", "RNA, Messenger", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley", "Shock, Hemorrhagic", "Shock, Septic", "Signal Transduction", "Survival", "Transcription, Genetic", "Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Acute cardiac allograft rejection is associated with early diastolic dysfunction. The development of chronic rejection is dependent on the frequency and severity of acute rejection episodes. Therefore, early diagnosis and therapy influence long-term survival significantly. For the first time, acoustic quantification, a new echocardiographic technology for on-line measurement of cardiac volumes and their changes, facilitates quantitative assessment of systolic and diastolic function noninvasively.", "Since May 1996, all consecutive patients after cardiac transplantation (n = 94) underwent 475 endomyocardial biopsies and the same number of echocardiographic studies within 6 hours after biopsy before the histological results were available.", "Nineteen patients showed 23 episodes of acute rejection (ISHLT > or = 2). There was a significant decrease in left ventricular peak filling rate [PFR: end-diastolic volume (EDV)/ second) as a parameter of diastolic function during rejection (2.9 +/- 0.4, n = 23) as compared to PFR measured under nonrejection status (4.5 +/- 0.8; n = 452; p < 0.0001). Most importantly we found that in these 19 patients showing rejection, the PFR was normal in the last examination before rejection, but was significantly reduced during rejection (2.9 +/- 0.4 vs 4.5 +/- 0.7; n = 23, p < 0.0001). After successful rejection therapy, PFR again normalized in all patients, with the exception of 1 patient with steroid-refractory humoral rejection. We calculated sensitivity and specificity for several cutpoints for the event \"first rejection\" in 15 patients and plotted them in a receiver operating characteristic curve, showing that a PFR > or = 4.0 EDV/second is never associated with treatable rejection. A decrease of PFR of more than 18% from its prevalue of the last biopsy with no rejection increases the accuracy for the diagnosis of rejection significantly." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Acute Disease", "Adolescent", "Adult", "Aged", "Biopsy", "Child", "Diastole", "Echocardiography", "Endocardium", "Female", "Graft Rejection", "Heart Transplantation", "Humans", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Myocardium", "ROC Curve", "Sensitivity and Specificity", "Ventricular Function, Left" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Involvement of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis has recently been demonstrated, but the mechanism of its production by rheumatoid synoviocytes is still poorly defined.", "The purpose of this study was to clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the spontaneous production of IL-6 by fibroblast-like synoviocytes obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.", "Cloned synoviocytes were established by the limiting dilution method. IL-6 synthesis was evaluated by ELISA and Northern blot analysis. IL-6 gene transcription and transcription factors were analyzed by the transient transfection of luciferase reporter plasmids and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, respectively.", "IL-6 synthesis by cloned rheumatoid synoviocytes was spontaneously upregulated at the transcriptional level. Enhanced IL-6 production by high-producing clones was independent of cytokines from other cell populations or autocrine production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-1. Deletion analysis showed that the IL-6 promoter was regulated by 2 positive elements (-159 to -142 base pair and -77 to -59 base pair). The transcriptional activity of the latter element was upregulated in clones showing high IL-6 production. The binding activity of NF-kappaB p50/p65 heterodimer and RBP-Jkappa was enhanced in these clones." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Arthritis, Rheumatoid", "Clone Cells", "Electrophoresis", "Fibroblasts", "Humans", "Interleukin-6", "Osteoarthritis", "Synovial Membrane", "Transcription, Genetic", "Up-Regulation" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "IL-5 is fundamentally involved in eosinophilic inflammation. Control of IL-5 production may be effective for the management of allergic diseases.", "We aimed to find the transcriptional mechanisms that regulate the IL-5 gene to selectively control IL-5 synthesis.", "Allergen-specific T-cell clones and T-cell hybridomas were established from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with asthma, and the transcriptional regulation of the IL-5 gene was investigated with transient transfection and electrophoretic mobility shift analysis.", "A human IL-5 promoter/enhancer-luciferase gene construct, pIL-5(-511)Luc, was transcribed on activation of IL-5-producing T-cell clones, but not IL-5-nonproducing clones. pIL-5(-511)Luc was transcribed by T-cell hybridomas derived from fusion between IL-5-producing T-cell clones and an IL-5 gene-nonexpressing T-cell line, but not by hybridomas derived from IL-5-nonproducing T-cell clones. IL-5 synthesis was not only induced by T-cell receptor stimulation but also by IL-2 receptor stimulation. Binding of NF-AT, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 was induced by T-cell receptor (TcR) stimulation, although there was no significant upregulation of binding by IL-2 stimulation." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Asthma", "Clone Cells", "DNA-Binding Proteins", "Gene Expression Regulation", "Humans", "Hybridomas", "Interleukin-2", "Interleukin-4", "Interleukin-5", "Leucine Zippers", "NF-kappa B", "NFATC Transcription Factors", "Nuclear Proteins", "Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun", "T-Lymphocytes", "T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer", "Transcription Factor AP-1", "Transcription Factors" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Adhesion molecules and eosinophils may play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammatory reactions.", "We attempted to clarify eosinophil activation, such as degranulation, by signaling through adhesion molecule and to determine whether degranulation is involved in adhesion molecule expression on endothelial cells.", "Eosinophils were cultured with or without recombinant soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and the levels of eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin were determined. The influence of these eosinophil granule proteins or supernatant from eosinophil cultured with ICAM-1 on the expression of ICAM-1 or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on endothelial cells was also examined by flow-cytometric analysis.", "Supernatant levels of eosinophil granule protein were significantly increased by culture for 4 hourss or 16 hours with recombinant soluble ICAM-1, suggesting degranulation by adherence to ICAM-1. Both granule proteins and the supernatants of eosinophils cultured with recombinant soluble ICAM-1 induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on endothelial cells, with the latter showing a more prominant increase." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Cell Adhesion Molecules", "Cell Degranulation", "Cells, Cultured", "Endothelium, Vascular", "Eosinophils", "Humans", "Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1", "Ligands", "Recombinant Proteins", "Signal Transduction", "Time Factors", "Umbilical Veins", "Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "It has been shown in mice that the integrin alpha4beta7 directs the migration of memory T cells into the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. However, little is known about T-cell homing mechanisms in children with food allergies.", "We investigated the expression of this and other integrins in children with different manifestations of cow's milk allergy (urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and wheezing).", "PBMCs were stimulated with beta-lactoglobulin, 1 of the major allergenic proteins in cow's milk, and tetanus toxoid. Integrin expression was studied by flow cytometric analysis after 1 week of culture.", "We found significantly higher expression of the alpha4beta7 integrin in cells from patients compared with control subjects with no allergies (P =. 005) when beta-lactoglobulin was used to stimulate the cells. alpha4beta7 integrin was also expressed at significantly higher levels in beta-lactoglobulin-stimulated cells than in tetanus toxoid-stimulated cells (P =.005). The alphaEbeta7 and the alpha4beta1 integrins were not upregulated by allergen stimulation. Most alpha4beta7 integrin-expressing cells were identified as CD4(+) T cells." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes", "Cells, Cultured", "Child", "Child, Preschool", "Female", "Fluorescence", "Humans", "Infant", "Integrins", "L-Selectin", "Lactoglobulins", "Lymphocyte Activation", "Male", "Milk Hypersensitivity", "T-Lymphocytes", "Time Factors" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "In the current study the authors describe the clinicopathologic characteristics of a low grade variant of spindle cell metaplastic tumors of the breast. Previously these tumors have been considered within a larger group recognized as metaplastic carcinoma, including cases with higher grade features.", "Breast tumors comprised predominantly of low grade spindle cells, with sparse low grade epithelial elements, were selected. Clinical features as well as macroscopic, microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings were reviewed with emphasis on the biologic behavior and the differential diagnosis from other spindle cell lesions.", "Of 30 tumors fulfilling strict criteria, 20 contained squamous or glandular elements associated with the spindle cells. Ten tumors were comprised entirely of low grade spindle cells with limited clustered epithelioid cells. At the periphery, all tumors showed a proliferation of bland spindle cells infiltrating the adjacent parenchyma and mimicking fibromatosis. The epithelioid cells and some spindle cells expressed both vimentin and one or more cytokeratins. Seven of eight patients treated by excisional biopsy developed local recurrence, whereas only one of ten patients treated with wide excisional biopsy developed a local recurrence. No distant or regional metastases occurred." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Aged", "Aged, 80 and over", "Breast Neoplasms", "Carcinoma", "Female", "Fibroma", "Follow-Up Studies", "Humans", "Immunohistochemistry", "Metaplasia", "Middle Aged", "Neoplasm Recurrence, Local", "Phenotype", "Prognosis", "Retrospective Studies" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "The main problem in the posterior instrumental treatment of periodontitis is the re-epithelization of the periodontal defects, leading to the formation of an unphysiological, long junctional epithelium inhibiting the regeneration of periodontal attachment. A precondition for the re-epithelization is the interaction between epithelial cells and their extracellular matrix mediated by integrins. Integrins are cellular adhesion molecules (CAM), binding to different structures of the extracellular matrix, e.g., collagen, laminin, or fibronectin.", "Biopsy specimens of marginal gingiva, composed of epithelium and subepithelial connective tissue, were cultivated on microporous membranes in tissue culture plates. The culture medium was supplemented with monoclonal antibodies directed against human integrin subunits. The period of cultivation was 6 days and the medium was replaced daily. After cultivation, the tissue development was analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical methods.", "We found that the combination of antibodies directed against the integrin subunits alpha6 and beta1 inhibited the migration of epithelium completely in 9 out of 10 cultures, whereas control cultures containing none or only irrelevant antibodies demonstrated connective tissues completely covered by epithelium." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Antibodies, Monoclonal", "Cell Adhesion", "Cell Movement", "Connective Tissue Cells", "Epithelial Cells", "Extracellular Matrix", "Gingiva", "Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal", "Humans", "Integrin alpha6beta1", "Integrins", "Organ Culture Techniques", "Periodontal Ligament" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Recent studies of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) subtype signaling in in vitro preparations have raised doubts as to whether the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling is activated in the same manner in response to beta2-AR versus beta1-AR stimulation.", "The present study compared, in the intact dog, the magnitude and characteristics of chronotropic, inotropic, and lusitropic effects of cAMP accumulation, PKA activation, and PKA-dependent phosphorylation of key effector proteins in response to beta-AR subtype stimulation. In addition, many of these parameters and L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) were also measured in single canine ventricular myocytes. The results indicate that although the cAMP/PKA-dependent phosphorylation cascade activated by beta1-AR stimulation could explain the resultant modulation of cardiac function, substantial beta2-AR-mediated chronotropic, inotropic, and lusitropic responses occurred in the absence of PKA activation and phosphorylation of nonsarcolemmal proteins, including phospholamban, troponin I, C protein, and glycogen phosphorylase kinase. However, in single canine myocytes, we found that beta2-AR-stimulated increases in both ICa and contraction were abolished by PKA inhibition. Thus, the beta2-AR-directed cAMP/PKA signaling modulates sarcolemmal L-type Ca2+ channels but does not regulate PKA-dependent phosphorylation of cytoplasmic proteins." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Actin Cytoskeleton", "Adrenergic Agents", "Animals", "Calcium-Binding Proteins", "Cardiotonic Agents", "Cyclic AMP", "Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases", "Dogs", "Heart", "Imidazoles", "Isoquinolines", "Muscle Relaxation", "Myocardial Contraction", "Myocardium", "Norepinephrine", "Phosphorylase Kinase", "Phosphorylase a", "Phosphorylase b", "Phosphorylation", "Protein Processing, Post-Translational", "Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-1", "Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2", "Reserpine", "Sarcolemma", "Second Messenger Systems", "Sulfonamides", "Thionucleotides", "Troponin C" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of intraperitoneal lidocaine, IM morphine, or both drugs together for pain relief in postpartum tubal ligation. Eighty postpartum patients scheduled to have tubal sterilization were randomly divided into four groups to receive IM isotonic sodium chloride solution (1 mL) and intraperitoneal instillation of 80 mL of isotonic sodium chloride solution (Group P); IM morphine (10 mg in 1 mL) and intraperitoneal instillation of 80 mL of isotonic sodium chloride solution (Group M); IM injection of isotonic sodium chloride solution and intraperitoneal instillation of 0.5% lidocaine in 80 mL (Group L); and both IM morphine and intraperitoneal lidocaine instillation (Group ML). The minilaparotomy was performed after local infiltration with 15 mL of 1% lidocaine. A numerical rating score was used to rate pain on a 0-10 scale during the surgical procedures. The mean pain scores were 1.2 in Group L and 0.8 in Group ML. These pain scores were significantly lower than those in Groups P and M, which were 5.5 and 6.0, respectively (P < 0.001)." ], "labels": [ "UNLABELLED" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Anesthetics, Local", "Double-Blind Method", "Female", "Humans", "Injections, Intraperitoneal", "Intraoperative Complications", "Lidocaine", "Pain", "Postpartum Period", "Pregnancy", "Sterilization, Tubal" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "This study gathers information in humans on the sites of sex-related differences in ventilatory depression caused by the mu-opioid receptor agonist morphine.", "Experiments were performed in healthy young men (n = 9) and women (n = 7). Dynamic ventilatory responses to square-wave changes in end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (7.5-15 mmHg) and step decreases in end-tidal oxygen tension (step from 110 to 50 mmHg, duration of hypoxia 15 min) were obtained before and during morphine infusion (intravenous bolus dose 100 microg/kg, followed by 30 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1)). Each hypercapnic response was separated into a fast peripheral and slow central component, which yield central (Gc) and peripheral (Gp) carbon dioxide sensitivities. Values are mean +/- SD.", "In carbon dioxide studies in men, morphine reduced Gc from 1.61 +/- 0.33 to 1.23 +/- 0.12 l x min(-1) x mmHg(-1) (P < 0.05) without affecting Gp (control, 0.41 +/- 0.16 and morphine, 0.49 +/- 0.12 l x min(-1) x mmHg(-1), not significant). In carbon dioxide studies in women, morphine reduced Gc, from 1.51 +/- 0.74 to 1.17 +/- 0.52 l x min(-1) x mmHg(-1) (P < 0.05), and Gp, from 0.54 +/- 0.19 to 0.39 +/- 0.22 l x min(-1) x mmHg(-1) (P < 0.05). Morphine-induced changes in Gc were equal in men and women; changes in Gp were greater in women. In hypoxic studies, morphine depressed the hyperventilatory response at the initiation of hypoxia more in women than in men (0.54 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.34 l x min(-1) x %(-1), respectively; P < 0.05). The ventilatory response to sustained hypoxia (i/e., 15 min) did not differ between men and women." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adolescent", "Adult", "Analgesics, Opioid", "Carbon Dioxide", "Chemoreceptor Cells", "Female", "Humans", "Hypoxia", "Male", "Morphine", "Receptors, Opioid, mu", "Reflex", "Respiration", "Sex Factors" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils, PMNs) have been shown to mediate vascular and tissue injury, leading to so-called systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The authors evaluated the effect of volatile anesthetics on neutrophil adhesion to human endothelial cells, focusing on whether the inhibitory effect observed is linked to an alteration in the function of endothelial cells or neutrophils.", "The adhesion of human PMNs was quantified using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The increase in the number of adhering PMNs was assessed when HUVECs (with 1 mM hydrogen peroxide), PMNs (with 10 nM N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine), or both were prestimulated. To determine the influence of volatile anesthetics on the adhesion of PMNs, the experiments were performed in the absence or presence of 0.5, 1, and 2 minimum alveolar concentration halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane, whereby HUVECs, PMNs, or both were pretreated with gas.", "Activation of HUVECs with hydrogen peroxide or stimulation of PMNs with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in PMN adhesion. Preincubation of PMNs, separately, with halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane, respectively, abolished enhanced neutrophil adhesion to hydrogen peroxide-activated HUVECs and adhesion of PMNs prestimulated with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine to unstimulated HUVECs (maximal effect at 1 minimum alveolar concentration). No decrease in adhesion was detected when only HUVECs were pretreated with volatile anesthetics. Additional exposure of HUVECs and PMNs to volatile anesthetics had no inhibitory effect on adhesion greater than that seen when only PMNs were treated. Appropriately, the volatile anesthetics abolished the upward regulation of the adhesion molecule CD11b on PMNs (as evaluated at 1 minimum alveolar concentration each), whereas 1 minimum alveolar concentration halothane failed to affect the expression of P-selectin, an adhesion molecule on endothelial cells." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Anesthetics, Inhalation", "Cell Adhesion", "Cells, Cultured", "Endothelium, Vascular", "Humans", "Macrophage-1 Antigen", "Neutrophil Activation", "P-Selectin" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Excess neuronal nitric oxide (NO) production might cause adenosine triphosphate loss and cellular damage in hypoxic brain parenchyma. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to study hypoxic intracellular responses in perfused respiring cerebrocortical slices, in which NO scavenging by hemoglobin is absent, during NO synthase blockade and NO augmentation.", "Adenosine triphosphate concentrations were monitored at 4.7 Tesla in respiring slices before, during, and after 60 min of hypoxia (oxygen tension < 5 mmHg). Slices were not treated or were pretreated with 27 microM L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 27 microM 7-nitroindozole (7-NI), or 27 microM L-nitroarginine. Nitrotyrosine:tyrosine ratios of slice extracts were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Cresyl violet-stained sections (2 microm) from random slices were examined histologically.", "After 60 min of hypoxia, adenosine triphosphate decreased to < or = 3, < or = 3, 65 +/- 6, and 25 +/- 4% of control in slices that were untreated or treated with L-nitroarginine, L-NAME, and 7-NI, respectively. After 120 min of hyperoxic recovery, adenosine triphosphate levels returned to control values in slices pretreated with L-NAME and 7-NI, but to only 30% of control in untreated or L-nitroarginine-treated slices. Nitric oxide donors administered during posthypoxic recovery partially antagonized the adenosine triphosphate recovery found with L-NAME and 7-NI. Nitric oxide synthase activity in slice homogenates, assayed via conversion of L-arginine to citrulline, was < or = 2% of control after all inhibitory treatments. The nitrotyrosine:tyrosine ratio increased by 52% in slices treated with 7-NI and by 200-300% in all other groups. Pretreatment with L-NAME and 7-NI reduced histologic evidence of cell swelling." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adenosine Triphosphate", "Animals", "Cerebral Cortex", "Enzyme Inhibitors", "Hypoxia", "Indazoles", "NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester", "Nitric Oxide", "Nitric Oxide Synthase", "Nitroarginine", "Rats", "Rats, Sprague-Dawley" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "With the German health care restructuring legislation (\"Gesundheitsstrukturgesetz\") the coding of diagnoses and operations according to ICD-9 and ICPM (OPS-301) was introduced for budget assignment (\"Fallpauschalen/Sonderentgelte\").", "Application of the structured coding system \"do it\" in orthopedics and traumatology in combination with a surgical documentation system. Results of 8,664 documented operative cases within three years.", "In total, 11,854 ICD-9 or ICD-10 and 20,178 ICPM (OPS-301) were coded. 2,914 \"Fallpauschalen\" and/or 3,456 \"Sonderentgelte\" were found. The System achieved high acceptance due to its userfriendliness and simple functionality." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Documentation", "Fee-for-Service Plans", "Fees and Charges", "Fees, Medical", "Germany", "Humans", "Legislation, Medical", "Orthopedics" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "LAR is a transmembrane receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP). Genetic studies of Drosophila LAR suggest that LAR may function to regulate cell adhesions or adhesion-mediated signal transduction. The over-expression of LAR in mammalian tissue culture cells does not affect cell adhesion but induces caspase-dependent apoptosis. This study investigates molecular mechanisms of LAR-induced apoptosis by searching for in vivo substrates of LAR which are responsible for LAR-induced apoptosis.", "The over-expression of LAR in tissue culture cells specifically decreased the steady state protein level of p130Cas, a multifunctional signal assembly protein in signal transduction, by reducing the tyrosine phosphorylation and protein stability of p130Cas. The reduction of p130Cas protein level could be inhibited by tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors. Phosphatase domain-deleted mutant LARs had no effect on p130Cas. LAR also preferentially dephosphorylated p130Cas in vitro. Subcellularly, LAR and p130Cas were co-localized along stress fibres and at focal adhesions. LAR over-expression eliminated p130Cas from focal adhesions without affecting focal adhesion assembly. Restoring the level of p130Cas alleviated LAR-induced apoptosis." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Apoptosis", "Blotting, Western", "Caspases", "Cell Adhesion", "Cell Line", "Gene Expression Regulation", "Phosphoproteins", "Phosphorylation", "Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases", "Proteins", "Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 4", "Receptors, Cell Surface", "Retinoblastoma-Like Protein p130", "Signal Transduction", "Tyrosine" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Physicians and their patients are greatly concerned about perioperative blood administration. Although isovolemic hemodilution is utilized to decrease the incidence of transfusion, it is unclear at what degree of hemodilution hepatoenteric ischemia and injury occurs. The authors hypothesized that hepatic ischemia, systemic ischemia, and tissue injury would occur during hemodilution in rabbits, and that the severity of ischemia and injury may be dependent on the fluid administered.", "Rabbits anesthetized with isoflurane were assigned randomly to a sham-operated group (n = 8) or groups that underwent four isovolemic hemodilutions (25% of the blood volume removed at hourly intervals), with blood replaced with one of three solutions: balanced electrolyte solutions containing 6% pentastarch (n = 8), 6% hetastarch (n = 9), or 5% human albumin in normal saline (n = 8). Arterial ketone body ratio and plasma lactate, respectively, served as measures of hepatic and systemic ischemia. Gastric, duodenal, and hepatic histologic injury was assessed post mortem.", "Hemodilution from a baseline hematocrit of about 33% to about 8% (third hemodilution) with all three colloids did not result in a significant increase in plasma lactate concentration or decrease in arterial ketone body ratio. At a hematocrit of about 5% (fourth hemodilution), the hetastarch group had a significantly (P < 0.05) greater plasma lactate concentration than the sham-operated and 5% human albumin groups. There were no significant differences in arterial ketone body ratio or histologic injury between the groups." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Animals", "Blood Proteins", "Electrolytes", "Glucose", "Hematocrit", "Hemodilution", "Hemodynamics", "Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives", "Ischemia", "Ketone Bodies", "Lactic Acid", "Liver", "Male", "Rabbits", "Serum Albumin" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Glutamate transporters located in the plasma membrane of cerebral astrocytes take up excitatory neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft. In diseases characterized by oxidative stress, the extracellular glutamate concentration increases and contributes to neuronal death. The authors wanted to determine whether propofol defends brain cells against oxidant-induced changes in their transport of glutamate.", "Primary cultures of rat cerebral astrocytes were exposed to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (1 mM) to serve as an in vitro model of oxidative stress. Astrocytes were incubated with propofol for 2 h and tert-butyl hydroperoxide was added for the final hour. Alternatively, astrocytes were incubated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide for 30 min and then with propofol for another 30 min. Control cells received drug vehicle rather than propofol. The rate of uptake of glutamate, the efflux of the nonmetabolizable analog D-aspartate, and the intracellular concentration of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione were measured.", "Tert-butyl hydroperoxide decreased the glutathione concentration and inhibited glutamate uptake but had a negligible effect on D-aspartate efflux. At clinically relevant concentrations, propofol did not affect the glutathione concentration but did prevent the effect of tert-butyl hydroperoxide on glutamate transport. Furthermore, the addition of propofol after tert-butyl hydroperoxide reversed the inhibition of glutamate uptake." ], "labels": [ "BACKGROUND", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Anesthetics, Intravenous", "Animals", "Astrocytes", "Biological Transport", "Cells, Cultured", "Glutamic Acid", "Lipid Peroxidation", "Mitochondria", "Neuroprotective Agents", "Propofol", "Rats", "Rats, Wistar", "tert-Butylhydroperoxide" ] }

{ "contexts": [ "Postoperative recurrence of pterygium occurs in many patients. Intraoperative and postoperative mitomycin therapy are two adjuvant treatment methods shown to lessen the high pterygium recurrence rate seen with simple excision alone. The authors designed a prospective, randomized study to explore the recurrence rate of pterygium after a single dosage of mitomycin C at the completion of pterygium excision, comparing it to postoperative mitomycin C therapy.", "Thirty-six patients with 40 primary and recurrent pterygia were randomized to 1 of 2 treatment groups: intraoperative mitomycin 0.2 mg/ml for 5 minutes (group 1) and postoperative mitomycin 0.2 mg/ml four times a day for 7 days (group 2). The mean follow-up time was 15 months (range, 6 to 24 months).", "The pterygium recurred in 3 (15%) of 20 eyes in group 1 and in 4 (20%) of 20 eyes in group 2 (p=0.41). One patient in group 1 had a mild scleral melting (1 x 1 mm) and a delay of reepithelialization for three weeks. Moderate superficial punctate keratitis (two eyes) and mild anterior chamber reaction (one eye) developed in group 2." ], "labels": [ "OBJECTIVE", "METHODS", "RESULTS" ], "meshes": [ "Adult", "Aged", "Antibiotics, Antineoplastic", "Chemotherapy, Adjuvant", "Female", "Follow-Up Studies", "Humans", "Intraoperative Care", "Male", "Middle Aged", "Mitomycin", "Ophthalmic Solutions", "Postoperative Care", "Prospective Studies", "Pterygium", "Recurrence" ] }