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Biomedical subjects

A Day

Publications and source records attributed to A Day.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Levels of soluble HLA-I and beta2M in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and advanced myelodysplastic syndrome: association with clinical behavior and outcome of induction therapy.

beta-2 Microglobulin (beta2M), a subunit of human leukocyte antigen-class I (HLA-I), is well established as a marker of prognosis in various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. The prognostic role of intact free-circulating HLA-I (sHLA-I) is less well understood. We compared the clinical relevance of plasma levels of sHLA-I and beta2M in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML; n=209) or advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; n=98). sHLA-1 and beta2M levels were significantly higher in AML and MDS patients than in control subjects, but did not differ significantly between the two disease groups. In AML patients, multivariate analysis showed both sHLA-1 and beta2-M to be highly predictive of complete remission (CR), survival and duration of complete response (CRD). In MDS, the predictive value of the two markers differed substantially from one another: beta2M was associated with survival, CR and CRD, whereas sHLA-I was not. These findings not only establish the role of sHLA-I as a tumor marker in AML but also support that MDS is clinically and biologically distinct from AML. sHLA-I has been reported to be an immunomodulator inhibiting the cytotoxic effects of T-lymphocytes, which may offset its predictive value for disease aggressiveness in patients with MDS.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Simplified sensitive method for the detection of B-cell clonality in lymphoid malignancies.

Molecular response and monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) is becoming an essential part of most protocols for treating leukemia and lymphoma patients. Detection of abnormal clones by PCR analysis of complementarity determining regions (CDRs) in immunoglobulin genes is currently standard practice for diagnosis, but is not widely used to monitor MRD because of the low sensitivity of assays that use consensus primers. Use of specific primers can improve the sensitivity of the assay, but is a cumbersome, expensive, and time-consuming process. We developed a simple and cost-effective approach to detect MRD in B-cell malignancies that is usable in clinical laboratories. The new assay uses ligase chain reaction (LCR) to detect clonality. The sensitivity of the LCR assay is 1 per 500,000 cells, and it can detect all subclones that were present in the pretherapy diagnostic sample.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed2006

Characterization of the porcine FSCN3 gene: cDNA cloning, genomic structure, mapping and polymorphisms.

Fascin 3 (FSCN3)is a testis-specific actin-bundling protein involved in spermatid development. Here we describe the molecular characterisation of the porcine FSCN3 gene. The 1,800-bp cDNA sequence contains a 1,497-bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 498 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 56.2 kDa and an isoelectric point of 6.82. The porcine FSCN3 protein shares high identity with other mammalian FSCN3. The FSCN3 gene contains seven exons, spans approximately 9 kb, and maps to pig chromosome 18. We also identified 24 DNA polymorphisms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Reuse of reactive dyes for dyeing of jute fabric.

The aim of the work was to find out suitable method of dyeing so that costly reactive dye can be reused without draining them. The bleached jute fabric was dyed with four different class of reactive dyes namely, cold brand, hot brand, vinyl sulphone and high exhaustion (HE) brand. It is found that the two-step two-bath method of reactive dyeing, where exhaustion and fixation step is separated, is most ideal for reuse of dye bath. Separate original samples produced K/S value same as that of original sample and the K/S value of separate reuse sample varied from 50% to 80% of the original sample depending on the class of dye. In case of same bath method, colour yield of original reuse samples varies from only 10% to maximum 30% of the original samples depending on the class of dyes. Reuse of reactive dyes following separate bath method is particularly suitable for higher depth of shade (4% and above). This process not only utilises costly reactive dyes to the maximum extent but it also produces low water pollution as the effluent contain minimum amount of dye. So the process is economic and eco-friendly as well.

Coloring Agents↗
PubMed2005

The effect of acute normovolaemic haemodilution on the inflammatory response and clinical outcome in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair--results of a pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of acute normovolaemic haemodilution (ANH) on the inflammatory response and clinical outcome in elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. DESIGN: Randomised controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were randomised to undergo ANH or act as controls. Cell salvage was permitted in both groups. Heterologous blood was transfused according to pre-determined triggers. Outcome measures were markers of the systemic inflammatory response in serum and urine observed at multiple time points, and clinical recovery. RESULTS: Median 890 (range 670-1620) ml of blood was removed at ANH in 16 patients. There were no differences in peri-operative changes in neutrophil count ( P = 0.13), serum C-reactive protein ( P = 0.38), interleukin-6 ( P = 0.50), total antioxidant capacity ( P = 0.73), urinary secretion of albumin ( P = 0.97) or retinol binding protein ( P = 0.41). There were no differences in the mortality and morbidity rates, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, ITU or hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: ANH, when used in combination with cell salvage, made no impact on systemic inflammatory response and clinical outcome when compared to cell salvage alone after AAA repair. ANH cannot be recommended for routine use in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery when cell salvage is available.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

ESTs from the fibre-bearing stem tissues of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.): expression analyses of sequences related to cell wall development.

In order to learn more about the diversity of genes expressed during flax fibre cell wall formation, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were obtained from a cDNA library derived from the outer fibre-bearing tissues of flax (Linum usitatissimum) stems (cv Hermes) harvested at the mid-flowering stage. After elimination of vector and unreadable sequences, 927 ESTs were grouped into 67 clusters and 754 singletons. The flax ESTs have been submitted to the dbEST and GenBank databases with the accession numbers 25939634 - 25940560 (dbEST) and CV478070 - CV478996 (GenBank). Functional analysis allowed the grouping of ESTs into 13 functional categories and revealed that 62 % of ESTs were similar to known sequences, while 12.4 % of ESTs presented no similarity to any known sequences and 25.6 % of ESTs corresponded to proteins of unknown function. The most highly expressed transcripts belonged to four functional categories: protein maturation and metabolism (31 ESTs), signalling (22 ESTs), the cell wall (21 ESTs) and photosynthesis (19 ESTs). 4.4 % (41) of the total ESTs were potentially related to cell wall formation and maturation. The most highly expressed cell wall EST (15 ESTs) corresponded to a beta-xylosidase gene--potentially involved in cell wall remodelling during growth and development. Other cell wall-related ESTs corresponded to cellulose synthase, xyloglucan endotranglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH), beta-galactosidases, and peroxidases. The expression patterns of different cell wall-related ESTs were determined at different developmental stages in flax plants grown under different field conditions. The potential roles of gene products associated with cell wall related ESTs in fibre cell wall development is discussed.

Cell Wall↗
PubMed2004

C reactive protein and skin temperature post total knee replacement.

We prospectively assessed 20 patients following uncomplicated total knee replacement (TKR). Clinical status, skin temperature and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured preoperatively and at intervals up to 18 weeks. The CRP rose postoperatively up to 5-7 days but returned to normal values by 6 weeks. The skin temperature remained elevated up to 18 weeks. We concluded that in uncomplicated cases, the CRP should be within normal limits by 6 weeks after operation, but skin temperature may remain elevated up to 18 weeks. A sustained rise in these values may indicate the development of a complication such as infection and the patient must be closely monitored.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Hepatocellular carcinoma in association with cirrhosis in a patient with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) occurs in 37% of patients with CF. To date and to the best of our knowledge, there has not been a documented case of hepatocellular carcinoma in association with cirrhosis and CF. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old lady with cystic fibrosis (CF) presented for her annual review. She had been diagnosed with CFLD since early adolescence. A routine ultrasound of her liver revealed lesions consistent with hepatocellular carcinoma. This was confirmed on histology. She had no risk factors for hepatitis, and thorough investigation revealed no other cause for her chronic liver disease. She was also found to be pregnant at the time of diagnosis. Her tumour was considered too large for resection and liver transplantation and she was referred to a national centre for laser ablative therapy. CONCLUSION: It is our concern that with the increased life expectancy of patients with CF and the chronic nature of CFLD that this may be an increasingly recognised complication amongst the CF adult population. Therefore, we have changed our practice to more intense surveillance of patients with established CFLD to incorporate biannual ultrasound imaging of the hepatic system and yearly serum concentration measurements of alpha-fetoprotein.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Temporal changes in factors associated with neutrophil elastase and coagulation in intensive care patients with a biphasic waveform and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Summary. The biphasic waveform is an early marker of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Neutrophil elastase (NE) cleaves coagulation factors; thus, elevated elastase levels or its dysregulation by alpha-1-protease inhibitor (Alpha1PI) may be linked to DIC. Time courses over a period were determined for factors associated with NE and coagulation in 14 Intensive Care Unit patients with a biphasic waveform who developed DIC. The data were analyzed using a random coefficient linear regression model to predict the variables' mean values on day 0 and their mean rates of change over the period in which the biphasic waveform appeared. The biphasic waveform was normal on day 0, maximized on day 1, and approached normal again by day 4. Alpha1PI/NE complex levels were 2.5-fold greater than normal for the entire period. The A1PI activity, antigen, and specific activity levels were normal on day 0 and increased thereafter by 21.0, 10.5, and 8.9% of normal per day, respectively. Factor II, V, VII, IX, and X activity levels were, respectively, 57, 46, 46, 77, and 46% of normal on day 0, whereas factor VIII and fibrinogen levels were normal. All coagulation factor levels trended upward with time but not significantly. The prothrombin time, but not the activated partial thromboplastin time, was prolonged, and the platelet counts and hematocrits were below normal on day 0 and remained so thereafter. We conclude that events associated with neutrophil activation, elastase release, and perturbations of coagulation precede both the appearance of the biphasic waveform and the diagnosis of DIC in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Refeeding syndrome: effective and safe treatment with Phosphates Polyfusor.

BACKGROUND: Severe hypophosphataemia associated with refeeding syndrome requires treatment with intravenous phosphate to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. However, evidence for replacement regimens is limited and current regimens are complex and replace phosphate inadequately. AIM: To assess the effectiveness and safety of 50 mmol intravenous phosphate infusion, given as a 'Phosphates Polyfusor', for the treatment of severe hypophosphataemia in refeeding syndrome. METHODS: Patients with refeeding syndrome and normal renal function received a Phosphates Polyfusor infusion for the treatment of severe hypophosphataemia (< 0.50 mmol/L). The outcome measures were serial serum phosphate, creatinine and calcium concentrations for 4 days following phosphate infusion and adverse events. RESULTS: Over 2 years, 30 patients were treated. Following treatment, 37% of cases had a normal serum phosphate concentration and 73% had a serum phosphate concentration of > 0.5 mmol/L within 24 h. Ten patients required more than one Phosphates Polyfusor infusion. Within 72 h, 93% of cases had achieved a serum phosphate concentration of > or = 0.50 mmol/L. No patient developed renal failure. Three episodes of transient mild hyperphosphataemia were recorded. Four patients developed mild hypocalcaemia. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest published series of the use of intravenous phosphate for the treatment of severe hypophosphataemia (< 0.50 mmol/L), and is the most effective regimen described. All patients had refeeding syndrome and were managed on general wards.

Feeding Methods↗
PubMed2002

Function and health status outcomes in a randomized trial comparing preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy in extremity soft tissue sarcoma.

PURPOSE: Morbidity associated with wound complications may translate into disability and quality-of-life disadvantages for patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities. Functional outcome and health status of extremity STS patients randomized in a phase III trial comparing preoperative versus postoperative RT is described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety patients with extremity STS were randomized after stratification by tumor size dichotomized at 10 cm. Function and quality of life were measured by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Rating Scale (MSTS), the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) at randomization, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-five patients had function data. Patients treated with postoperative RT had better function with higher MSTS (25.8 v 21.3, P <.01), TESS (69.8 v 60.6, P =.01), and SF-36 bodily pain (67.7 v 58.5, P =.03) scores at 6 weeks after surgery. There were no differences at later time points. Scores on the physical function, role-physical, and general health subscales of the SF-36 were significantly lower than Canadian normative data at all time points. After treatment arm was controlled for, MSTS change scores were predicted by a lower-extremity tumor, a large resection specimen, and motor nerve sacrifice; TESS change scores were predicted by lower-extremity tumor and prior incomplete excision. When wound complication was included in the model, patients with complications had lower MSTS and TESS scores in the first 2 years after treatment. CONCLUSION: The timing of RT has minimal impact on the function of STS patients in the first year after surgery. Tumor characteristics and wound complications have a detrimental effect on patient function.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Is your patient taking the medicine? A simple assay to measure compliance with 5-aminosalicylic acid-containing compounds.

BACKGROUND: Poor compliance with 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy has been reported amongst patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Currently, there is no easy method to monitor 5-aminosalicylic acid; however, the chemical similarity between 5-aminosalicylic acid and salicylate might provide a solution. AIM: To determine the feasibility of using salicylate levels to monitor compliance with 5-aminosalicylic acid medication. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with inflammatory bowel disease, taking maintenance 5-aminosalicylic acid, provided either a paired serum and urine sample or an intestinal biopsy. Samples were split into two: half were sent to the hospital biochemistry department for salicylate measurement, and half were analysed for 5-aminosalicylic acid and its metabolite, N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid, using high performance liquid chromatography. Correlation between the results was calculated. RESULTS: Serum and urine were available for 25 patients. Serum salicylate was undetectable, but urinary salicylate ranged from 31 to 3254 microg/mL. The correlations between urinary salicylate and 5-aminosalicylic acid and N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid were 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.98) and 0.9 (95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.96), respectively. Sixteen biopsies were available from 13 patients. The 5-aminosalicylic acid and N-acetyl-5-aminosalicylic acid concentrations were 0.2-657 ng/mg and 1.6-1598 ng/mg, respectively; there was no correlation with bowel salicylate. CONCLUSIONS: The close correlation between 5-aminosalicylic acid and salicylate levels offers a simple method to assess compliance with 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2002

Is fast mapping good mapping? A review of the benefits of high-speed orientation mapping using electron backscatter diffraction.

Orientation mapping using automated electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is now a common technique for characterizing microstructures. Improvements in software and hardware have resulted in high-speed mapping capabilities above 80,000 points h(-1). For 'routine' microstructural analyses of materials such as steel and aluminium (e.g. texture and grain size measurements and high angle boundary characterization), high-speed orientation mapping is an ideal approach with minimal penalty on the final statistics. However, for the accurate analysis of very low angle boundaries and for routine analyses of more difficult materials (e.g. most rock samples), we advocate a more patient approach to orientation mapping with an emphasis on data accuracy and reliability. It is important that the objectives of any EBSD analysis are carefully considered before starting--in this way the maximum potential of an EBSD system can be achieved.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Controlling factors in the synthesis of cucurbituril and its homologues.

The acid-catalyzed synthesis of cucurbit[n]urils from formaldehyde and glycoluril is poorly understood. In this paper, we examine a wide range of reaction conditions that include the effects of acid type, acid concentration, reactant concentrations, and temperature to both probe the mechanism and optimize the yields of isolated cucurbit[n]urils, where n = 5-10. A mechanism for the formation of these cucurbit[n]urils is presented. Individual cucurbit[n]urils were unambiguously identified in reaction mixtures using ESMS and (13)C NMR.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

The distributed annotation system.

BACKGROUND: Currently, most genome annotation is curated by centralized groups with limited resources. Efforts to share annotations transparently among multiple groups have not yet been satisfactory. RESULTS: Here we introduce a concept called the Distributed Annotation System (DAS). DAS allows sequence annotations to be decentralized among multiple third-party annotators and integrated on an as-needed basis by client-side software. The communication between client and servers in DAS is defined by the DAS XML specification. Annotations are displayed in layers, one per server. Any client or server adhering to the DAS XML specification can participate in the system; we describe a simple prototype client and server example. CONCLUSIONS: The DAS specification is being used experimentally by Ensembl, WormBase, and the Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project. Continued success will depend on the readiness of the research community to adopt DAS and provide annotations. All components are freely available from the project website http://www.biodas.org/.

Base Sequence↗