DNA fingerprinting of Riemerella anatipestifer isolates from ducks.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
J Nagy
Publications and source records attributed to J Nagy.
National character does not reflect mean personality trait levels in 49 cultures.
Most people hold beliefs about personality characteristics typical of members of their own and others' cultures. These perceptions of national character may be generalizations from personal experience, stereotypes with a "kernel of truth," or inaccurate stereotypes. We obtained national character ratings of 3989 people from 49 cultures and compared them with the average personality scores of culture members assessed by observer ratings and self-reports. National character ratings were reliable but did not converge with assessed traits. Perceptions of national character thus appear to be unfounded stereotypes that may serve the function of maintaining a national identity.
Adolescent↗
Comparison of various assays used for detection of beta-lactam antibiotics in poultry meat.
In this study, microbiological tests for the detection of beta-lactam antibiotics in meat and meat products were evaluated. The traditional FPT (four plate test, containing Bacillus subtilis and Kocuria rhizophila), BsDA (Bacillus stearothermophilus disc assay) and a newly developed microbiological test, Premi Test (containing Bacillus stearothermophilus) were included in the study. The limit of detection (LOD) of the Premi Test was compared with the LOD of the traditional methods. The detection limits of the tests were determined by using beta-lactam antibiotic standards dissolved in meat juice, as well as meat tissue obtained from laying hens after experimental administration of amoxicillin. Positive samples, based on inhibition of growth of the organism in the test, were confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Growth inhibition in the traditional tests is visible as a clear zone on the plate, whereas for Premi Test, this is based on the absence of a colour change of the test. The LODs of antibiotics tested were as follows: Penicillin G (PENG) 5 microg kg(-1), amoxicillin (AMOX) 10 microg kg(-1), ampicillin (AMP) 25 microg kg(-1), oxacillin (OXA) 30 microg kg(-1), and cloxacillin (CLOX) 30 microg kg(-1) on the plate with Bacillus stearothermophilus. Beta-lactam antibiotics can be detected also on one plate seeded with Kocuria rhizophila, although the LODs are higher: PENG 10 microg kg(-1), AMOX 25 microg kg(-1), AMP 30 microg kg(-1), OXA 50 microg kg(-1), and CLOX 50 microg kg(-1). Premi Test was performed according to the Standard Operating Procedure intended for detection of beta-lactam antibiotics in poultry tissues with following LODs: PENG 4 microg kg(-1), AMOX 5 microg kg(-1), AMP 5 microg kg(-1), OXA 40 microg kg(-1), CLOX 50 microg kg(-1). All tests are able to detect beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin G, ampicillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin and cloxacillin below the maximum residue level (MRL). However, the detection limits of the Premi Test for PENG, AMOX and AMP were below the limits of BsDA and the plate containing Kocuria rhizophila.
Animals↗
Serum levels of L-arginine analogues and glutathione peroxidase and catalase gene variants in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
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Aged↗
Oxidative stress and non-enzymatic glycation in IgA nephropathy.
AIM: Approximately 20-50% of IgA nephropathy patients develop end-stage renal disease. We have previously found enhanced oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity in red blood cells of IgA nephropathy patients. In this study we assess oxidative stress, non-enzymatic glycation, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Non-enzymatic glycation and oxidative stress were assessed in 88 IgA nephropathy patients by measuring advanced glycation end products, Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content. RESULTS: Advanced glycation end products (2659 +/- 958 a.u.) and Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine (563 +/- 215 ng/ml) were significantly higher in IgA nephropathy patients with decreased renal function compared to those with normal renal function (p < 0.002) or controls (p < 0.001). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma and associated with low-density lipoprotein were significantly elevated and oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein was significantly reduced in all groups of IgA nephropathy patients. There was no significant difference in circulating fluorescent advanced glycation end products, Nepsilon-carboxymethyl-lysine, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels, oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and its alpha-tocopherol content between patients with normal vs. impaired glucose metabolism. Low alpha-tocopherol content of low-density lipoprotein was accompanied with decreased oxidative resistance, depletion in polyunsaturated fatty acids, elevated saturated fatty acids and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances within low-density lipoprotein suggesting enhanced lipid peroxidation. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased oxidative resistance of low-density lipoprotein and enhanced oxidative stress are common features in IgA nephropathy, while increased non-enzymatic glycation occurs as renal function declines.
Adult↗
Kinetic study of zinc sulphate release from lipophilic matrices prepared for the therapy of Wilson's disease.
The rate and extent of drug release from the most controlled release wax matrices are influenced by the drug loading/embedding excipient ratio of the systems. In the present study hydrophobic wax - zinc sulphate matrices with different drug loadings were prepared for the therapy of Wilson's disease. The drug release was tested by the paddle method of USP and the dissolution data were analysed. Both the dissolution rate and kinetic profile can be controlled by alteration in the quantity of embedding material. Matrices of 75% zinc sulphate loadings showed steady state diffusion-controlled matrix release with good correlation in vitro. Good absorption of zinc sulphate from the gastrointestinal tract was proven by significant elevation of serum zinc level in patients with Wilson's disease.
Absorption↗
Randomized clinical trial of distal anastomotic interposition vein cuff in infrainguinal polytetrafluoroethylene bypass grafting.
BACKGROUND: The aim was to examine the effect of a Miller vein cuff at the distal anastomosis on the medium- to long-term patency and limb salvage rates of femoral to above-knee and femoral to below-knee popliteal artery polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bypasses. METHODS: This study involved extended follow-up of the original cohort of patients included in a previously reported multicentre randomized clinical study. Outcome measures were bypass graft patency and limb salvage. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-one bypass operations were originally randomized. For this study, full data were available on 235 (120 with a Miller cuff, 115 without). The cumulative 5-year patency rate for above-knee bypasses with a Miller cuff was 40 per cent, compared with 42 per cent for non-cuffed bypasses (P = 0.702). The cumulative 3-year patency rate for below-knee bypasses with a Miller cuff was 45 per cent, compared with 19 per cent for non-cuffed bypasses (P = 0.018). A Miller cuff had no significant effect on limb salvage for above-knee or below-knee bypasses. CONCLUSION: Three-year patency rates of femoral to below-knee popliteal PTFE bypasses were improved by a Miller cuff. Miller cuffs had no effect on patency rates for femoral to above-knee popliteal bypasses at 5 years and did not improve limb salvage in either group.
Aged↗
Prevalence of alpha1-antitrypsin phenotypes in patients with IgA nephropathy.
BACKGROUND: alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) is the main protease inhibitor in the blood. Several different AAT phenotypes exist. The most common variant is the MM phenotype, which is also associated with normal AAT levels. The less common phenotypes with Z and S variants are associated with low AAT levels. AAT deficiency is a risk factor for pulmonary emphysema, liver impairment and some immune-mediated diseases, some of which are also associated with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In fact, liver impairment resulting from AAT deficiency may directly contribute to renal abnormalities resembling IgAN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated AAT phenotype and AAT levels in 100 IgAN patients who did not have end-stage liver disease. Fifteen patients in our sample had secondary IgAN. We also tested for the presence of renal deposition of AAT in patients heterozygous for AAT variants as well as in a randomly chosen group of patients with MM phenotype. We checked for any association between AAT phenotype and the progression of IgAN as well as the prevalence of diseases associated with IgAN (i.e. secondary IgAN). RESULTS: Twelve patients in our sample were heterozygous for AAT variants. Phenotypes were MZ in 5 patients, MS in 3, MF in 1, ML in 2 and ME in 1 patient. AAT levels were lower in these 12 patients than in those homozygous for the M variant (1.17+/-0.46 vs. 1.44+/-0.34 g/l, p < 0.05). We found renal deposition of AAT in 2 heterozygous patients and in 1 of the 12 patients which were randomly chosen. End-stage renal (ESRF) failure developed in 3 of the 12 heterozygous patients and in 6 of the 88 homozygous patients (p = 0.07) during the follow-up. The prevalence of heterozygosity was significantly higher in patients with secondary IgAN than in those with primary IgAN ((5/15 vs. 7/85; p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: AAT phenotype is not associated with the risk of primary IgA nephropathy, but might have an impact on disease outcome as well as on the risk of secondary IgAN.
Adolescent↗
Zinc sulphate release and morphology of matrices prepared for the individual therapy of Wilson's disease.
Hydrophobic zinc sulphate wax matrices with different drug loadings were prepared for the individual hospital therapy of Wilson's disease. The drug release parameters, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) of the samples were analysed. The release mechanisms from matrices of 75% and 80% w/w zinc sulphate loadings were described with good correlation by the semi-empirical Fikkian diffusion based release model. Besides the zinc sulphate diffusion through the pores of the wax matrices, the parallel diffusion of zinc sulphate from the matrix surface is dominant in the case of samples of 83% and 90%w/w drug loadings. The combination of SEM and EDS analysis visualizes the morphology of the matrices and the related composition thus explaining the differences in the release characteristics.
Algorithms↗
[Extraction of the head at breech delivery].
OBJECTIVE: Review of method of head extraction at breech delivery. DESIGN: Review of literature. SETTING: Department Gynecology and Obstetric Nemocnice Milosrdných bratrí, Brno. METHODS: Review of textbooks, articles obtained through MEDLINE and authors' experience. RESULTS: Entrapment of head at breech delivery is a serious complication in about 8% deliveries. Two methods for extraction of head are available: forceps and manual maneuver. We compare advantage and disadvantage of both approaches and their evaluation in literature particularly in the Czech one. We describe own experience with forceps for after coming head. CONCLUSION: We find no evidence that these two methods exert different influence on perinatal outcome. Preference of one of them depends on tradition and conventions of the department. Obstetrician, familiar with forceps for cephalic presentation, need not be afraid to use this procedure for after coming head.
Breech Presentation↗
[External cephalic version in breech presentation of fetus].
OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive information on external cephalic version. DESIGN: Review of literature. SETTING: Department Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nemocnice Milosrdných bratrí, Brno. SUBJECT AND METHOD: Review of reasons, conditions, contraindications, technique, results, and complications of external cephalic version. CONCLUSION: External cephalic version is safe, simple and cheap procedure which should be applied as a common part of management of breech presentation.
Breech Presentation↗
Inhibition of C1q-beta-amyloid binding protects hippocampal cells against complement mediated toxicity.
Activation of complement by beta-amyloid (A beta) contributes to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we show that C1-Inhibitor (C1-Inh) protects cultured rat hippocampal cells against beta-amyloid induced complement lysis indicating a classical pathway-mediated activation mechanism. We report on screening of compound libraries to identify compounds that inhibit C1q binding to beta-amyloid. Characterization of these compounds revealed that C1q possessed distinct binding sites for beta-amyloid and antibodies. One selected compound protected cultured hippocampal cells against complement-dependent beta-amyloid toxicity. These results provide evidence that complement has the potential to damage hippocampal cells, and C1q is a relevant target to suspend this deleterious mechanism in Alzheimer's disease.
Amyloid beta-Peptides↗
Neonatal piglet losses associated with Escherichia coli and Clostridium difficile infection in a Slovakian outdoor production unit.
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Animal Husbandry↗
Cigarette smoke and its formaldehyde component inhibit bradykinin-induced calcium increase in pig aortic endothelial cells.
Bradykinin-induced increase in the intracellular concentration of free calcium evokes an activation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme, producing nitric oxide (NO). Cigarette smoke inhibits the eNOS-NO-cGMP signaling pathway. The pathomechanism of this deleterious effect of smoke on NO production is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gas phase smoke trapped in a buffer (smoke buffer, SB) on the bradykinin-induced calcium increase in cultured endothelial cells. FURA-2-AM was used to detect bradykinin-induced calcium increase. A sensitive, fluorescent method using O-phthaldialdehyde was used for the determination of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and protein-thiol levels. SB caused a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of bradykinin-induced calcium increase. Formaldehyde, a component of SB, inhibited bradykinin-induced calcium increase in concentrations characteristic for SB. SB decreased both the intracellular GSH (0.22 +/- 0.06 vs. 2.23 +/- 0.32 mumol/g protein, SB vs. control, p < .001) and protein-thiol levels (4.98 +/- 0.54 vs. 7.31 +/- 0.97 microEqu GSH/g protein, SB vs. control, p < .05) in the endothelial cells. Intracellular GSH and protein-thiol levels were not changed by 80 microM formaldehyde. GSH (4 mM) prevented the effect of SB (p < .001) and formaldehyde (p < .05) on the bradykinin-induced calcium increase. Our data support the premise that SB inhibits bradykinin-induced calcium increase. This inhibition is partially due to protein-thiol oxidation but may also be caused by the formaldehyde content of SB, which inhibits calcium increase in a protein-thiol-independent manner.
Animals↗
Effect of grapefruit juice or cimetidine coadministration on albendazole bioavailability.
The assumed metabolic breakdown of albendazole by mucosal CYP3A4 enzymes was studied by coadministering albendazole (10 mg/kg) with grapefruit juice. Concentrations of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSX), the active metabolite of albendazole, were compared with those after albendazole was administered with water, a fatty meal, or grapefruit juice plus cimetidine (10 mg/kg). In comparison to water, maximum ABZSX concentration (Cmax) was enhanced 6.5-fold by a fatty meal (from 0.24 +/- 0.09 mg/l to 1.55 +/- 0.30 mg/l; mean +/- SD; P < 0.001) and 3.2-fold by grapefruit juice (from 0.24 +/- 0.09 mg/l to 0.76 +/- 0.37 mg/L; P = 0.031). When grapefruit juice was combined with cimetidine, Cmax was significantly lower than with grapefruit juice alone (0.41 +/- 0.29 mg/l and 0.76 +/- 0.37 mg/l, respectively; P = 0.022). The area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC(0-omega)) followed a comparable pattern. Half-life (T(1/2)) was 8.8 +/- 4.2 hr and 8.2 +/- 4.3 hr after administration with water or a fatty meal (P = 1.000). Grapefruit juice shortened T(1/2) by 46% (P = 0.026). We hypothesize that albendazole is metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes in the intestinal mucosa. This process can be inhibited by grapefruit juice. Cimetidine decreased albendazole bioavailability.
Adult↗
Spontaneous iliac vein rupture: case report and literature review.
Spontaneous rupture of the iliac vein is a rare cause of exsanguinating haemorrhage. A case is described of a 66 year old woman who required immediate resuscitation in Accident and Emergency following a 24 hour history of left leg and lower quadrant abdominal pain. Emergency laparotomy revealed a 2 cm tear in the left iliac vein. The previously reported cases are reviewed, together with discussion of the patterns of presentation and possible underlying causes.
Aged↗
Role of iron in the interaction of red blood cells with methylglyoxal. Modification of L-arginine by methylglyoxal is catalyzed by iron redox cycling.
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased methylglyoxal (MG) production. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of iron in the cellular and molecular effects of MG. A red blood cell (RBC) model and L-arginine were used to study the effects of MG in the absence and presence of iron. Intracellular free radical formation and calcium concentration were measured using dichlorofluorescein and Fura-2-AM, respectively. Effects of MG were compared to the effect of ferrous iron. Reaction of L-arginine with MG was investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and by a spectrophotometric method. MG caused an iron dependent oxidative stress in RBCs and an elevation of the intracellular calcium concentration due to formation of reactive oxygen species. Results of co-incubation of MG with ferrous iron in the RBC model suggested an interaction of MG and iron; one interaction was a reduction of ferric iron by MG. A role of iron in the MG-L-arginine reaction was also verified by ESR spectroscopy and by spectrophotometry. Ferric iron increased free radical formation as detected by ESR in the MG-L-arginine reaction; however, ferrous iron decreased it. The reaction of MG with L-arginine yielded a brown product as detected spectrophotometrically and this reaction was catalyzed at a lower rate with ferric iron but at a higher rate with ferrous iron. These data suggest that MG causes oxidative stress in cells, which is due at least in part to ferric iron reduction by MG and to the modification of amino acids e.g. L-arginine by MG, which is catalyzed by iron redox cycling.
Arginine↗
[Endothelial dysfunction].
The endothelium is a major regulator of vascular tone, releasing vasoconstrictive (endothelin, cyclooxigenase-dependent factors, including prostanoids and oxygen free radicals) and vasodilating (endothelium--derived nitric oxid, endothelium--derived hyperpolarizing factor) mediators. These biologically active substances control not only the vascular tone but the vascular structure and permeability, coagulation and fibrinolysis, as well inflammatory response of the vascular wall. In endothelial dysfunction the balance in the endothelial production of vasodilating and vasoconstricting substances is altered resulting an apparent decrease in endothelium-dependent relaxations. Endothelial dysfunction is an important event in the pathogenesis of the early phase of atherosclerosis and hypertension. The testing and monitoring of endothelial dysfunction include tests of endothelium-dependent vasomotion, as well as circulating markers of endothelial damage. Further methods are needed to build up a panel of tests which measure the extent of endothelial dysfunction (= subclinical atherosclerosis), predict the subsequent risk and response to therapy.
Animals↗