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At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Myelin-associated inhibitory signaling and strategies to overcome inhibition.

Numerous studies in the last two decades have resulted in significant progress in our understanding of the role of inhibitors on axonal regeneration and conditions that influence mature neurons to regrow in an inhibitory environment. These studies have revealed putative therapeutic targets and strategies to interfere in the inhibitory signaling cascade and promote axonal regeneration. Some agents that were successful in animal models are now being tested in human patients. All of these advances have raised hope of a cure for an injury that was once thought to be 'an ailment for which nothing is done' (Quote from Edwin Smith surgical papyrus, 1600BC).

Axons↗

PubMed2000

Land use change alters malaria transmission parameters by modifying temperature in a highland area of Uganda.

As highland regions of Africa historically have been considered free of malaria, recent epidemics in these areas have raised concerns that high elevation malaria transmission may be increasing. Hypotheses about the reasons for this include changes in climate, land use and demographic patterns. We investigated the effect of land use change on malaria transmission in the south-western highlands of Uganda. From December 1997 to July 1998, we compared mosquito density, biting rates, sporozoite rates and entomological inoculation rates between 8 villages located along natural papyrus swamps and 8 villages located along swamps that have been drained and cultivated. Since vegetation changes affect evapotranspiration patterns and, thus, local climate, we also investigated differences in temperature, humidity and saturation deficit between natural and cultivated swamps. We found that on average all malaria indices were higher near cultivated swamps, although differences between cultivated and natural swamps were not statistically significant. However, maximum and minimum temperature were significantly higher in communities bordering cultivated swamps. In multivariate analysis using a generalized estimating equation approach to Poisson regression, the average minimum temperature of a village was significantly associated with the number of Anopheles gambiae s.l. per house after adjustment for potential confounding variables. It appears that replacement of natural swamp vegetation with agricultural crops has led to increased temperatures, which may be responsible for elevated malaria transmission risk in cultivated areas.

Agriculture↗

PubMed2002

Using stable isotope analyses to identify allochthonous inputs to Lake Naivasha mediated via the hippopotamus gut.

The hippopotamus grazes nocturnally on land and resides in water during the day. Much of the ingested material must therefore be defecated directly into the aquatic system and can thus be considered an allochthonous resource available to aquatic consumers. The utility of stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen to distinguish hippo faecal matter from other potential basal resources was tested at Lake Naivasha, Kenya. Hippopotami proved faithful to a short grass diet although supplementary grazing of aquatic macrophytes was observed. The typical isotopic ratios of C4 grasses ingested were not altered substantially by gut processes, and were clearly distinct from algal and aquatic macrophyte isotopic ratios. However, marginal plants such as Cyperus papyrus exhibit C4 ratios, and so the technique is suitable only for use in localities where 'contamination' from such sources is negligible.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Using component technologies for web based wavelet enhanced mammographic image visualization.

The poor contrast detectability of mammography can be dealt with by domain specific software visualization tools. Remote desktop client access and time performance limitations of a previously reported visualization tool are addressed, aiming at more efficient visualization of mammographic image resources existing in web or PACS image servers. This effort is also motivated by the fact that at present, web browsers do not support domain-specific medical image visualization. To deal with desktop client access the tool was redesigned by exploring component technologies, enabling the integration of stand alone domain specific mammographic image functionality in a web browsing environment (web adaptation). The integration method is based on ActiveX Document Server technology. ActiveX Document is a part of Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) extensible systems object technology, offering new services in existing applications. The standard DICOM 3.0 part 10 compatible image-format specification Papyrus 3.0 is supported, in addition to standard digitization formats such as TIFF. The visualization functionality of the tool has been enhanced by including a fast wavelet transform implementation, which allows for real time wavelet based contrast enhancement and denoising operations. Initial use of the tool with mammograms of various breast structures demonstrated its potential in improving visualization of diagnostic mammographic features. Web adaptation and real time wavelet processing enhance the potential of the previously reported tool in remote diagnosis and education in mammography.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

An image visualization tool in mammography.

The poor detectability of diagnostic mammographic features, due to their low contrast, is dealt with by a software visualization tool. The tool is domain specific to medical imaging and consequently mammographic imaging, and it is envisaged as part of medical image visualization and manipulation stations. Domain specificity is served by the tool conformance to DICOM 3.0 part 10 image format specifications, specifically PAPYRUS 3.0, window width/level display adjustments of image dynamic range of up to 16 bits, and application of visualization operations to user-defined regions of interest in addition to global operations. The software has been designed and implemented according to an object oriented approach in Visual C++. The tool user interface is friendly, based on a widely used windowing paradigm, the Microsoft Foundation Class library version 4.2, which provides interface items, such as windows, dialogue boxes, lists, slide bars, buttons, etc. The visualization functionality offered by the tool relies on the following three categories of image processing algorithms: dynamic range adjustments by pixel intensity transformations, contrast enhancement and noise suppression by spatial domain direct manipulation of image pixels or by manipulation of wavelet coefficients. The first two categories of algorithms are implemented in real time. Initial use of the tool has demonstrated its potential in improving the detectability of diagnostic mammographic image features.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1996

The history of spinal biomechanics.

The history of spinal biomechanics has its origins in antiquity. The Edwin Smith surgical papyrus, an Egyptian document written in the 17th century BC, described the difference between cervical sprain, fracture, and fracture-dislocation. By the time of Hippocrates (4th century BC), physical means such as traction or local pressure were being used to correct spinal deformities but the treatments were based on only a rudimentary knowledge of spinal biomechanics. The Renaissance produced the first serious attempts at understanding spinal biomechanics. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) accurately described the anatomy of the spine and was perhaps the first to investigate spinal stability. The first comprehensive treatise on biomechanics, De Motu Animalium, was published by Giovanni Borelli in 1680, and it contained the first analysis of weight bearing by the spine. In this regard, Borelli can be considered the "Father of Spinal Biomechanics." By the end of the 19th century, the basic biomechanical concepts of spinal alignment and immobilization were well entrenched as therapies for spinal cord injury. Further anatomic delineation of spinal stability was sparked by the anatomic analyses of judicial hangings by Wood-Jones in 1913. By the 1960s, a two-column model of the spine was proposed by Holdsworth. The modern concept of Denis' three-column model of the spine is supported by more sophisticated testing of cadaver spines in modern biomechanical laboratories. The modern explosion of spinal instrumentation stems from a deeper understanding of the load-bearing structures of the spinal column.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed1985

Dietary control of diabetes: reality or myth?

Recognition of the condition of diabetes mellitus and speculation as to its dietary treatment spans the period from its earliest mention in the Papyrus Ebers, before Christ, to the most recent publication of the American Diabetes Association. The relationship of carbohydrates to protein, fats, and total calories has consistently engaged the minds of clinicians over the centuries. Various combinations have been used, some highly unpalatable and some bordering on starvation; but to date our knowledge regarding the metabolic consequences of various dietary regimens is incomplete and in need of further research. The composition of a diet that will result in the best blood glucose control for diabetic persons is uncertain and controversial. Whether dietary changes can significantly delay or prevent long-term complications of diabetes has also been questioned. The insistence that a diabetic person rigidly adhere to a specific diet cannot be defended scientifically.

Diabetes Mellitus↗

PubMed2000

Historical perspective: history of spinal surgery.

The surgical treatment of spinal disorders did not develop before the 1970s of the last century. Previously limited technical possibilities and the danger of infections spinal surgery could not spread wider. This article reviews the history of spinal surgery from first trials as mentioned in the papyrus Smith in 1550 B.C. in Egypt to advanced techniques of today.

History, 18th Century↗

PubMed2005

Chronologic history of occupational medicine.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a chronologic review of growing knowledge in occupational medicine relating work and work hazards to health, and to provide a perspective on the lessons learned from the frequent inattention or misrepresentation of hazards. METHODS: Many books on the social and medical history of work including epidemiology and toxicology were reviewed, as well as published papers and interviews. RESULTS: Throughout history workplace hazards and occupational medicine have been shaped by the forces that shape work itself, social evolution, changing modes of production, shifting economic powers, and demographic changes in the workforce. Lest we think these changes are unique to the present time, this paper emphasizes the long-term and inevitable relationship between social structure and worker health. Hippocrates emphasized the relation between environment (air and water) and health, although he has less to say about the non-military work environment, perhaps because of the denigration of manual labor in Greece. The impact of work on health can be traced to the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, written approximately 1700 BC. The earliest occupational physicians served military forces, and Galen was physician to Roman gladiators. Finger and wrist guards worn by Bronze Age archers represent early personal protective equipment. Writers of the classic period mention diseases and hazards of miners, and Pliny (1st century AD) mentions veils to cover the face. In the Middle East Rhazes included occupation in his case studies (9th century). Paracelsus, and Agricola were prominent, figures in the 15th century, with an emphasis on mining and health. Ramazzini's (c1700) work was widely translated in ensuing decades and is now well-known to all, but its influence between about 1800 and 1940 is inapparent. The emergence of a public health movement in the mid-1800s focused attention on the abominable conditions of many factories and on the living conditions, poor nutrition, high stress, poverty and ill health of the new factory working class, while paying scant attention to specific workplace hazards. CONCLUSIONS: The recognition of occupational diseases in the United States has often lagged by a generation behind the recognition of the same diseases in Europe. We are now into a second industrial revolution led by multinational corporations and information technology, shifting production facilities, and jobs moving around the world in search of cheap labor in the countries with the fastest growing population and the greatest poverty. Occupational medicine must be alert to the new challenges imposed by this revolution.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Management of urinary tract infections: historical perspective and current strategies: Part 1--Before antibiotics.

PURPOSE: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) have plagued mankind long before bacteria were recognized as the causative agents of disease and before urology became an established medical specialty. To our knowledge a comprehensive review of the recorded medical history of UTI from its first description in ancient Egyptian papyri through today has not been attempted until now. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Numerous resources were used to collect the information described in this review. Older textbooks from the school of medicine library at our institution were used to collect information on UTI in ancient times. Medical texts from the 19th century contains information regarding the treatment of UTI during that era. Early volumes of the Journal of Urology from the beginning of the 20th century are rich with information on the first attempts at chemotherapy for UTI. MEDLINE searches were used to collect appropriate information after 1969. RESULTS: The Ebers papyrus from ancient Egypt recommended herbal treatments to ameliorate urinary symptoms without providing insight into pathological mechanisms. Hippocrates believed that disease was caused by disharmony of the 4 humors and accordingly diagnosed urinary disorders. Roman medicine further expanded the conservative approach (bed rest, diet, narcotics and herbs) advocated by Greek physicians, while also improving invasive techniques (surgical lithotomy for stones and catheterization for retention). The Arabian physician Aetius refined uroscopy and created a detailed classification and interpretation of urinary disease based on this technique. During the Middle Ages no major advances occurred, although existing therapies were refined and treatments for gonococcal urethritis were well described. The early 19th century provided vivid and detailed descriptions of UTIs without the knowledge that they were caused by microorganisms. Management included hospitalization, bed rest, attention to diet, plasters, narcotics, herbal enemas and douches, judicious bleeding (direct bleeding, cupping and leeches), and surgery for stones, abscess and retention. The discovery of microorganisms as the etiological agents of infectious diseases in general and inflammation associated with urinary diseases in particular provided an impetus for physicians critically to examine management approaches and develop evidence based strategies for UTI treatment. Various antibacterial agents, such as hexamine, mercurochrome and others (hexylresorcinol, methylene blue, pyridium, acriflavin and mandelic acid), showed promise in laboratory studies but their efficacy in clinical investigations was disappointing. CONCLUSIONS: Treatments for UTI until the discovery of antibiotics were largely palliative because the bacterial origin of UTI was not recognized and no specific antimicrobial therapies were available.

China↗

PubMed1996

Analyzing the Light Energy Distribution in the Photosynthetic Apparatus of C4 Plants Using Highly Purified Mesophyll and Bundle-Sheath Thylakoids.

The chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of mesophyll and bundle-sheath thylakoids from plant species with the C4 dicarboxylic acid pathway of photosynthesis were investigated using flow cytometry. Ten species with the NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) biochemical type of C4 photosynthesis were tested: Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Euphorbia maculata L., Portulaca grandiflora Hooker, Saccharum officinarum L., Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv., Zea mays L., and four species of the genus Flaveria. This study also included three species with NAD-ME biochemistry (Atriplex rosea L., Atriplex spongiosa F. Muell., and Portulaca oleracea L.). Two C4 species of unknown biochemical type were investigated: Cyperus papyrus L. and Atriplex tatarica L. Pure mesophyll and bundle-sheath thylakoids were prepared by flow cytometry and characterized by low-temperature fluorescence spectroscopy. In pure bundle-sheath thylakoids from many species with C4 photosynthesis of the NADP-ME type, significant amounts of photosystem II (PSII) emission can be detected by fluorescence spectroscopy. Simulation of fluorescence excitation spectra of these thylakoids showed that PSII light absorption contributes significantly to the apparent excitation spectrum of photosystem I. Model calculations indicated that the excitation energy of PSII is efficiently transferred to photosystem I in bundle-sheath thylakoids of many NADP-ME species.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Habitat characteristics of Anopheles gambiae s.s. larvae in a Kenyan highland.

Anopheline larval habitats associated with a swamp, were examined in a highland area (1910 m elevation) of western Kenya. A significant association was found between occurrence of Anopheles gambiae Giles s.s. (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae and two factors, habitat size and vegetation type. Over 80% of An. gambiae s.s. larvae were found in small isolated pools, characterized by short plants, occurring in both swamp margins and roadside ditches. However, Anopheles gambiae s.s. was not found in habitats marked by papyrus and floating plants. The larval habitat of An. gambiae s.s. was characterized by warmer daytime temperatures of water, which were significantly affected by habitat size and plant size. The density of indoor resting An. gambiae s.s. was 0.22 per house and negatively associated with distance from the swamp. These results indicate that the practice of swamp cultivation, in populated areas of the African highlands, increases availability and enhances habitat conditions for the malaria vector.

Altitude↗

PubMed1999

Pain and new cultural diseases.

The purpose of this article is to recount a piece of medical history, even though it has been told many times before. Everyone has heard about patients who visit their doctors time and again with physical complaints without the physician being able to find an adequate organic cause. The oldest descriptions of this illness can be found on ancient Egyptian papyrus rolls, dating back to about the year 1900 BC (Shorter F. A history of psychosomatic illness in the modern era. New York: Macmillan; 1992). The need to tell these stories repeatedly can be attributed to the chameleonic nature of the illness which is difficult to spot because of its changing expression, which one could say takes on the appearance of its surroundings. Throughout history, humans have had the capacity to develop symptoms almost identical with the real diseases of the time. The term somatize is often used descriptively about patients with physical complaints without any recognizable organic basis. Shorter proposes that mankind has a shared "symptom-pool" containing all existing symptoms. Patients who convert their mental state into bodily symptoms--somatization--take their symptoms from this symptom-pool, albeit it is possible for new symptoms to emerge. For centuries patients have presented with sensory symptoms such as paresthesias. In the 19th century patients began to exhibit motorial symptoms with attacks of hysteria. According to Shorte's theory, this multitude of manifestations should be perceived as culturally determined or as different expressions of the same underlying phenomenon.

Culture↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Tracing the tracheostomy.

The evolution of tracheostomy can be divided into five stages. The first and longest period (covering roughly 3,000 years from 1500 BC to 1500 AD) begins with references to incisions into the "wind pipe" in the Ebers Papyrus and the Rig Veda. However, Alexander the Great, Asclepiades, Aretaeus and Galen are all recorded as having used this operation. Between 1546 with the writings of Brassarolo until 1883, the procedure was considered futile and irresponsible and few surgeons had the courage to perform it. The third period starts with Trousseau's report of 200 cases in the therapy of diphtheria in 1833. Tracheostomy became a highly dramatized operation for asphyxia and acute respiratory obstruction. In 1932 Wilson suggested its prophylactic and therapeutic use in poliomyelitis. Tracheostomy was then recommended for a large variety of assorted maladies. This started a tremendous period of enthusiasm. Finally, the present era starting in 1965 comes as a period of rationalization. Complications, indications and interrelation with endotracheal intubation are clearly outlined. Tracheostomy has found its place.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Earliest historic reference of 'tinnitus' is controversial.

Tinnitus, that is defined as 'ringing in the ear', is and has probably always been a very common phenomenon in the health history of mankind. A variety of pathomechanisms for its onset has been proposed in the past and this trend sees no stopping. Precise pathomechanisms still remain unclear. From the historical point of view, tinnitus is a very interesting topic but there is a lack of scientific enquiries. As its earliest historic reference, the Papyrus Ebers is often cited. By reviewing the original source, however, it is very unlikely that this contains the earliest historic reference of tinnitus. It is rather likely indeed that tinnitus was a known symptom in the ancient Egypt but it has never been exclusively been written down. This article reviews data provided by this fascinating historical period on the questionable reference and highlights the impact of history on the modern status of tinnitus.

Egypt, Ancient↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A history of diabetes: from antiquity to discovering insulin.

This article, the first of a three-part series, gives a historical account of events for diabetes, dating from antiquity and its first recording in the Ebers Papyrus--an Egyptian document circa 1500 BC. This article describes initial thoughts that diabetes was linked to an alimentary complaint, and concludes with the discovery of it being a chronic systemic disease. It highlights the discoveries and also includes details of the failed attempts to locate the cause and identify a solution to the ancient mysterious disease which became known to all as diabetes mellitus. Early remedies and treatments are included. The article tells how for many centuries individuals suffered from the debilitating complaint with very little offered in terms of treatment or relief. Eventually the pancreas was identified as the causative organ and, some time later, animal experimentation resulted in the abstraction of the substance insulin. The article concludes with Frederick Banting and John Macleod being awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923 for their revolutionary discovery of insulin.

Diabetes Mellitus↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Diabetes: classification and strategies for integrated care.

This article is the third in a series of three in-depth literature reviews on diabetes. The first article (Vol 12(18): 1091-5) detailed the history of diabetes from the first recorded mention of the disease in the Ebers papyrus through to the discovery of insulin. The second (Vol 12(19): 1137-41) dealt with the history of insulin over the past 80 years and the development of possible alternatives. This final article in the series details the new classifications for diabetes and addresses the aetiology, pathophysiology and complications of the disease. While discussing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the article concentrates on the newly defined type 1 diabetes mellitus. An examination of the recently released National Service Framework for Diabetes: Delivery Strategy (DoH, 2003) is included, healthcare provision is discussed, as is the role of the diabetes specialist nurse. An insight is given into the challenges and opportunities available for healthcare practitioners to work in partnership to reform the way in which diabetes services are managed.

Delivery of Health Care, Integrated↗

PubMed2005

Meristematic activity of the Endodermis and the Pericycle in the primary thickening in monocotyledons: considerations on the "PTM".

This paper proposes a new interpretation for primary thickening in monocotyledons. The anatomy of the vegetative organs of the following species was examined: Cephalostemon riedelianus (Rapataceae), Cyperus papyrus (Cyperaceae), Lagenocarpus rigidus, L. junciformis (Cyperaceae), Echinodorus paniculatus (Alismataceae) and Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae). The endodermis with meristematic activity was observed in the root of all the species, in the stem of Cyperus, Cephalostemum and Lagenocarpus rigidus, and in the leaf trace of Cyperus and leaf of Echinodorus. Considering the continuity of tissues through the root, stem and leaf, the authors conclude that in the stem the pericycle remains active throughout the life of the plant as the generator of the vascular tissue. The "Primary Thickening Meristem" is in fact the pericycle plus the endodermis and its derivatives (or only the pericycle). Close to the stem apex, the assemblage of seems to be a unique meristem, giving rise to the inner cortex and vascular tissues.

Endoderm↗