Search

B Introduction: b Subclassifications of Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) based on genetic alterations has led to the identification of affected genes/pathways, as well as subtypes with prognostic and therapeutic significance. The I NR3C1 i gene encodes a glucocorticoid-activated transcription factor/receptor which we found expressed and active in the nucleus of normal GC B cells. However, these efforts have been largely based on coding genes, while we have recently reported that functionally relevant non-coding regulatory elements of the DLBCL genome, that is, super-enhancers (SEs) are highly and specifically hypermutated in >90% of DLBCL samples (Bal et al. I Nature i 2022). [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg L-1) of postharvest AminoethoxyVinylGlycine (AVG) on fruit quality, chilling injury, and bioactive compounds in cold-stored plum fruit (Prunus salicina L. cv Friar). Fruit were stored at 0-1°C with 90±5% Relative Humidity (RH) for 60 days. Weight loss, flesh firmness, Soluble Solids Content (SSC), titratable acidity, total anthocyanin content, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, respiration rate, and chilling injury were determined at the harvest and during the storage period at 15-day intervals. As compared to the control, AVG treatment delayed ripening and prolonged storage life, as indicated by prevented fruit softening, and retarded the increase in SSC. The 200 and 300 mg L-1 AVG treatments considerably reduced respiration rate and maintained higher bioactive compounds contents than other treatments. The severity of the chilling injury was reduced by AVG treatments compared to the control during storage. The results indicated that postharvest 200 and 300 mg L-1 AVG treatments could be an effective tool for prolonging storage of 'Friar' plums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, total phenolic compounds content and total anthocyanin content in skins of coloured and white grapes, consisting of four table grape and four wine grape varieties grown in Turkey were evaluated. Amounts of these bioactive compounds were determined by different spectrophotometric methods. Study results showed that total phenolic compounds content and total anthocyanin content varied with grape varieties and it was observed that wine grape varieties had higher contents of phenolic compounds and anthocyanin compared to table grape varieties. In research, total soluble solids contents were between 16.62 and 23.27% in Horoz Karasi and Merlot grape variety. The phenolic compounds contents ranged from 192.52 to 3550.37 mg GAE/kg fresh weight (fw) for Tekirdag Misketi and Merlot variety. However, the lowest mean of total anthocyanin content in coloured grape varieties was recorded for Horoz Karasi variety (627.18 mg GAE/kg fw), when the highest total anthocyanin content was 1509.38 mg GAE/kg fw for Merlot variety. It was determined that table and wine grape varieties from present study contained high amount phenolic compounds and anthocyanin, which were important bioactive compounds for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BTG2 SUPER-ENHANCER MUTATIONS DISRUPT TFAP4 BINDING AND DYSREGULATE BTG2 EXPRESSION IN DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA Coding-genome sequencing efforts identified several genes/pathways altered in this disease, as well as genetic subgroups of potential clinical relevance. B Introduction: b Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common lymphoid malignancy, remains incurable in ~40% of patients. [Extracted from the article]

Background: According to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis is contraindicated and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is preferred. However, PCI of the LMCA is performed under exceptional circumstances.Objective: To analyse the data of patients who underwent PCI of the unprotected LMCA in St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, Netherlands.Results: In a database of 17 683 PCI procedures, 71 patients (0.4%) were found with non-bifurcational LMCA stenosis who underwent an elective PCI between 1991 and 2001. Ages ranged from 26.7-86.5 years. Severe concomitant disease was the most frequent argument in favour of PCI instead of CABG. PCI consisted of only balloon angioplasty in 23 cases (32.4%). A stent was used in 46 cases (64.4%). Average follow up was 43 months (range 0-121 months). One patient died one day after the procedure. The total one year survival rate was 98.6% (70/71). Seven patients died during the follow up period, mostly because of non-cardiac reasons. The annual mortality rate was 2.5%. Recurrent elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for restenosis of the LMCA was performed in one patient (1.4%) six weeks after the initial procedure. CABG was required in 13 patients (18.3%) throughout the follow up period.Conclusion: These results suggest that at highly experienced centres, elective PCI of the non-bifurcational LMCA can be performed safely where the anatomy is suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of individual application and combination effect of salicylic acid treatments (0, 0.5, 1 mM) in both unpacked and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) on changing biochemical compounds and extending postharvest life of nectarine. Fruits were stored at 0°C with 90% RH for 40 days. Experimental fruits were analyzed for weight loss, soluble solids, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity and overall quality during the storage period at 10 day intervals. The results showed that total phenolic, flavonoid concentrations and antioxidant activity fluctuated progressively until the 30 days of storage, and then decreased until the end of the experiment in all applied treatments. Salicylic acid treatment especially at 1 mM salicylic acid concentration with MAP had a positive effect on biochemical compounds. Furthermore, the combined treatment of MAP had a clear advantage over the other treatments in reducing weight loss, retarding softening, increasing shelf life, and maintaining higher overall fruit quality. The results indicated that salicylic acid with MAP can be used as a safe alternative chemical to keep the quality and for storage of nectarine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of the differences temperature and relative humidity in cold storage on ambient factors of boxes. Apple was stored in experimental cold storage. Temperature and relative humidity were measured in boxes located at different levels. In addition, spatial variability of ambient factors in the boxes were modelled by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Models were compared with measurements for validation. Changing of stored apple quality was determined. Temperature was 2 C, and relative humidity 90%. Developed model estimated temperature with 5.68 % error and relative humidity with 3.23 % error. Effect of measurement levels on quality criteria didn't found statistically important. Although, there were difference between temperature and relative humidity for top, medium and base levels in the cold storage, these differences did not create negative effect on quality criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of edible coating as a way of prolonging the shelf-life of perishable fruits and vegetables is promising. Two plum cultivars (Stanley and Giant) were treated with 1% Chitosan and then stored at 0-1°C and relative humidity of 90±5% for 40 days. Changes in weight loss, respiration rate, fruit firmness, soluble solid content, titrable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid as well as decay rate were periodically recorded. The results indicated that Chitosan coating was effective in reducing weight loss, respiration rate as well as decay rate. A parallel trend in weight loss and decay rate was observed for both cultivars. Comparing the two cultivars, 'Giant' exhibited higher weight loss and respiration rate. Weight loss was mitigated through Chitosan application due to its positive effect in reducing respiration. In addition, Chitosan coating resulted in the retainment of a higher content of titrable acid, pH as well as firmness in either cultivar. However, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents were not significantly affected by the coating. The results finally indicated that Chitosan treatment is an effective strategy for maintaining organoleptic characteristics and as well for the prolonging of postharvest life in plums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to compare the effect of gender difference on hemodynamic consequences in the development of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in rat. The effect of antioxidant enzyme systems on the development of pulmonary hypertension mediated by the phytotoxin MCT and the effect of gender on these antioxidant systems were also investigated. For this purpose, the right ventricular pressures (RVPs) and right ventricular/heart weight (HW) ratios were compared between groups and the glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were determined in lung and liver tissue samples of rats. RVP and right ventricular/HW ratios significantly increased in the MCT group compared to the control group. In the MCT group, RVP was significantly higher in males than females. MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension resulted in decreased GSH level, decreased GST and SOD activities and increased CAT activity in lung and liver tissues of both male and female rats. In addition, the lung and liver GSH level and GST and SOD levels were higher in female control rats compared to male control rats. The results of the present study, that antioxidant enzyme activities were different between the groups, highlight the possible role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats. Moreover, the lower antioxidant defense capacity of male rats than female rats may be considered as a cause of more aggressive course of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension in males compared to females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue cases have increased during the last decades, particularly in non-endemic areas, and Argentina was no exception in the southern transmission fringe. Although temperature rise has been blamed for this, human population growth, increased travel and inefficient vector control may also be implicated. The relative contribution of geographic, demographic and climatic of variables on the occurrence of dengue cases was evaluated. Methods: According to dengue history in the country, the study was divided in two decades, a first decade corresponding to the reemergence of the disease and the second including several epidemics. Annual dengue risk was modeled by a temperature-based mechanistic model as annual days of possible transmission. The spatial distribution of dengue occurrence was modeled as a function of the output of the mechanistic model, climatic, geographic and demographic variables for both decades. Results: According to the temperature-based model dengue risk increased between the two decades, and epidemics of the last decade coincided with high annual risk. Dengue spatial occurrence was best modeled by a combination of climatic, demographic and geographic variables and province as a grouping factor. It was positively associated with days of possible transmission, human population number, population fall and distance to water bodies. When considered separately, the classification performance of demographic variables was higher than that of climatic and geographic variables. Conclusions: Temperature, though useful to estimate annual transmission risk, does not fully describe the distribution of dengue occurrence at the country scale. Indeed, when taken separately, climatic variables performed worse than geographic or demographic variables. A combination of the three types was best for this task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed 6549 hand injuries treated between 1992 and 2005 at a specialist hospital in Turkey to identify risk factors for amputations. There were 2899 (44%) hand amputations. Left-side injuries were more prone to amputation. The risk of amputation was higher in men, workers and those in the 15–24 and 45–54 year-old age groups. Compared to home, commercial areas were the places with highest risk, followed by farms and industrial/construction areas. The majority of amputations occurred in industrial/construction areas (87%). Among objects/substances producing injury, watercraft led to the highest risk of amputation and contact with machinery was the mechanism with highest risk. Press machines were the most frequent objects causing amputation both in men and women, followed almost equally by powered wood cutters in men. Doors were the most frequent objects of amputation in children, followed by powered wood cutters. Education, enforcement, and improved engineering are the keys to prevent amputations. Precluding illegal child labour is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A variety of flaps have been described to treat longitudinal soft tissue defects located on the dorsal aspect of the fingers. We report 13 dorsal soft tissue defects in four patients in which unipedicle laterodigital transposition flaps were used for reconstruction. This flap is especially useful for the reconstruction of long and narrow defects located on the dorsal region of the fingers in multi-digit injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study was to determine the interactions between alfalfa hay and corn grain particle sizes on nutrient intake, milk yield, milk composition, chewing activity, and ruminal pH of dairy cows. Alfalfa hay was chopped either at 4cm (long; L) or 1 cm (short; S) theoretical length of cut. Particle size of corn grain was obtained by grinding either at 1 mm (coarse; C) or less than 1 mm (fine; F) mean particle size. Four lactating multiparous Holstein cows were assigned in a 4x4 Latin Square design in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 21-day periods. Intakes of DM (DMI) and NDF (NDFI) were not different among treatments averaging 23.6 and 10.6 kg/d. Similarly, yields of milk and milk protein were not different among treatments averaging 22.8 and 0.75 kg/d, respectively. However milk fat yield tended to be higher for C (0.82 kg/d) than F (0.73 kg/d) corn grain. An interaction trend was observed between particle sizes of alfalfa hay and corn grain for milk protein percentage where it tended to be higher for SC (3.3 1%) compared to SF (3.23%). Chewing activity was not affected by any treatment. Ruminal pH was higher at 9 h of post-feeding for both SF (6.50) and SC (6.36) compared to LF (6.06) and LC (6.17). The data indicate that particle size of alfalfa hay had no effect on milk yield and any milk composition but diets containing C corn grain resulted in a higher milk fat yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen finger pulp defects were reconstructed using a homodigital dorsal middle phalangeal neurovascular island flap procedure based on a single neurovascular pedicle preserving the length of the finger. All flaps survived and achieved adequate functional and cosmetic results. The mean follow-up time was 22 months. The mean value of static two-point discrimination test of the healed flaps was 7 mm and the mean value of moving two-point discrimination test was 5 mm. Range of motion was considered satisfactory in all reconstructed fingers except one, in which a 20° extension deficit at the proximal interphalangeal joint was observed. This flap represents a useful alternative for reconstruction of the fingers with large pulp defects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A fully automated improved thermal transient test set is used to measure the thermoelectrical response of a number of different fuze heads. The fitted wire model is used to describe the heat dynamics in the fuze head and to calculate a number of intrinsic thermal properties. These properties are used as input for a parametric analysis of the reliability of igniter systems (PARIS). Comparison of PARIS with firing levels obtained with the classical Robbins–Monro method has been used to validate this new way to estimate the sensitivity of fuze heads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Revascularization is thought to improve prognosis better if ischaemia persists after so-called non-Q wave myocardial infarction, than after Q-wave myocardial infarction, because it is assumed that prognosis is better where there is less left ventricular function loss. This study evaluates the differences in clinical outcome between patients with Q wave and those with non-Q wave myocardial infarction who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty because of recurrent ischaemia. Methods We retrospectively analysed two consecutive groups of patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for ischaemia after either a non-Q wave (n=175) or a Q wave (n=175) myocardial infarction, and who were followed for 4 years. Results Initial angioplasty success rates were similar in both groups. At follow-up there were no significant differences between the two patient groups in rates of death (9% vs 11%, P=ns), myocardial infarction (3% vs 7%, P=ns) and target vessel revascularization by repeat percutaneous angioplasty (11% vs 15%, P=ns) or coronary bypass surgery (both 7%). Conclusion We conclude that elective coronary angioplasty in patients with angina pectoris after non-Q wave myocardial infarction does not lead to a better prognosis than after Q wave myocardial infarction. Thus, management strategies after myocardial infarction should not be based on the absence or presence of Q waves on the electrocardiogram. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In 109 out of 479 patients who were referred for cardiac transplantation it was considered to be too early to put them on the waiting list for a donor heart. The clinical course of these 109 patients was analysed in order to verify whether this decision had been right. The mean age of the patients was 43 years, half of them suffered from ischaemic heart disease. The systolic left ventricular function of the patients was severely depressed (mean left ventricular ejection fraction 21%) and the left ventricular cavitv was markedly dilated (mean echocardiographic end diastolic dimension 73 mm). Functional capacity, measured bv bicycle ergometry, was low: mean maximal workload 62% of the expected load for gender, height and age. The median follow-up duration was 31 months. The survival rate of the patients was better than that of 175 patients who were accepted for transplantation after referral, 92% 87%, 81%, 71% and 73%, 73%, 71%, 68% after 1,2,3 and 4 years respectively. Re-assessment was necessary in 29% of the patients within 1 year and in 52% within 3 years. Twenty patients died: 12 patients died before re-assessment had been initiated (eight sudden deaths), six patients because of progressive heart failure before heart transplantation could be performed and two patients died after heart transplantation. Left ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and transpulmonary gradient were not reliable predictors of the course of the patients. In retrospect, a systolic blood pressure rise of less than 20 mmHg during exercise and an echocardiographic ventricular end-diastolic dimension of more than 75 mm helped in defining a subgroup of patients with an increased risk of clinical deterioration, who needed strict medical supervision after the decision to defer transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To determine the value and limitations of quantitative analysis of thallium-201 imaging after intravenous dipyridamole in combination with low level exercise, 81 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) were evaluated prospectively. The results of quantitative analysis were compared with the results of visual analysis. All patients underwent coronary arteriography and left ventricular angiography. Significant CAD was present in 59 patients (73%); multivessel CAD was observed in 33 patients (42%). Mild side-effects such as headache, vertigo and nausea were experienced by 12patients (15%). To establish ‘test-specific’ normal limits in quantitative analysis of uptake and washout of thallium-201 after dipyridamole infusion with low level exercise we studied 20 healthy volunteers with a likelihood of CAD λ1%. Sensitivity and specificity of quantitative analysis for overall detection of significant CAD were 76% and 73%, respectively vs 78% and 86%, respectively with visual analysis (P = NS). Sensitivity for the detection of multivessel CAD was slightly higher with quantitative analysis (73%) than with visual analysis (70%), but the specificity was lower (75% vs 92%) (P=NS). Sensitivity of quantitative analysis in relation to vessels involved was slightly lower than with visual analysis (RCA andLAD:? = NS; LCX:?<005). Of 14 patients with false-negative results, four had multivessel CAD. Thus, quantitative analysis after the combination of dipyridamole infusion with low level exercise did not improve the diagnostic value as assessed by semi-quantitative visual analysis [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

If a sequential saphenous vein graft occludes proximally but its distal part remains open, it may act as a large intercoronary collateral. In such situations percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of a stenosis is one of the recipient native vessels may restore the function of the graft. In 250 of our patients who underwent PTCA after previous coronary artery bypass surgery, this technique could be used 20 times in 18 patients. PTCA was performed 3–101 months (mean 24.7 months) after bypass surgery. Complete revascularization could be achieved in all but three patients. Two patients had a small myocardial infarction during PTCA. The primary success rate was 95%. Two patients had a clinical and angiographic recurrence and underwent successful redilatation. Fourteen patients have remained symptom free during follow-up, which ranged from 4 to 44 months (mean 19.5 months). We conclude that this ‘back-door technique’ provides a new approach to symptomatic relief in patients with recurrent symptoms after previous sequential venous bypass grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty were studied in 1352 consecutive patients. The angioplasty procedure was angiographically successful in 1163 (86%) patients and the success rate increased gradually with time. There were no significant differences in success rates in different vessels or indications. The success rate for repeat coronary angioplasty was 92%. In 85% of the patients the clinical course was uncomplicated. Myocardial infarction occurred in 3.6%, emergency coronary bypass grafting in 2.6%, elective bypass surgery in 4.6%, and there were 10 deaths (0.7%). There were 16 deaths (10 non-cardiac) during follow up in the 1163 patients in whom the first procedure was successful. Actuarial analysis showed that after a first angioplasty 77.9% remained free of symptoms and cardiac events for five years and that after a second angioplasty 76% did so. Angiographic follow up showed restenosis in 24% of patients but the overall clinical success rate was 86.2%. On the basis of the intention to treat the procedure was successful in 74.3% of all 1352 patients. Coronary artery bypass surgery was eventually performed in 11.6% of all patients. The long term angiographic success rate of coronary angioplasty is higher than previously suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The role of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism is uncertain. Controversial results have been reported. The aim of this study was to explore the relevance of BsmI VDR gene polymorphism in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to adenomas. For this purpose, 36 postmenopausal patients with PHPT, mean age 64 years, were compared with a normal age-matched female population (n = 81). BsmI polymorphism distribution in PHPT group was as follows: Bb 50% (18/36); BB 22% (8/36); bb 28% (10/36). In the control group, the distribution was Bb 49% (40/81); BB 16% (13/81); bb 35% (28/81). No statistical differences were found between the two groups. In the PHPT group, no statistical associations were found between different allelic distribution and age, creatinine, hematocrit, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total calcium, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), or gland weight. By contrast, levels of serum calcium and iPTH values positively correlated with the PT weight (r = 0.421 and 0.599, respectively, P = 0.0001). Our data suggest that at least in this group, BsmI VDR gene polymorphism appears to be of minor relevance in clinical presentation and possibly, tumorigenesis in PHPT due to adenomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Regression Growth Evaluation Statin Study (REGRESS) is a placebo-controlled multicenter study designed to assess the effect of 2-year treatment with pravastatin on the progression and regression of angiographically documented coronary artery disease. One of the secondary end points was the occurrence of 2-year restenosis in the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) block. We randomly assigned eligible patients to receive pravastatin 40 mg once daily or placebo. The end point was the percent diameter stenosis of the target lesion at 24 months, as assessed by (semi)quantitative coronary angiography. Two hundred twenty-one patients underwent scheduled PTCA, which was considered successful in 201 patients. One hundred seventy-eight patients underwent angiographic restudy (89%). The patients in the pravastatin group (n = 109) and placebo group (n = 112) were similar at baseline. Percent diameter stenosis before angioplasty was 78 +/- 14% (mean +/- SD) in the pravastatin group and 80 +/- 14% in the placebo group (p = 0.46). At follow-up, the percent diameter stenosis was 32 +/- 23% in the pravastatin group and 45 +/- 29% in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Clinical restenosis was significantly lower in the pravastatin group (7%) compared with the placebo group (29%) (p < 0.001). Risk reduction for all events was 58%. We conclude that treatment with pravastatin reduces 2-year clinical and angiographic restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]