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Minimal Differences (minimal + difference)
Selected AbstractsThe meaning of clinical remission in polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Gene expression profiling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells identifies distinct disease statesARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 3 2009Nicholas Knowlton Objective The development of biomarkers to predict response to therapy in polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an important issue in pediatric rheumatology. A critical step in this process is determining whether there is biologic meaning to clinically derived terms such as "active disease" and "remission." The aim of this study was to use a systems biology approach to address this question. Methods We performed gene transcriptional profiling on children who fulfilled the criteria for specific disease states as defined by the consensus criteria developed by Wallace and colleagues. The study group comprised children with active disease (n = 14), children with clinical remission on medication (CRM; n = 9), children with clinical remission off medication (CR; n = 6), and healthy control children (n = 13). Transcriptional profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained using Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 arrays. Results Hierarchical cluster analysis and predictive modeling demonstrated that the clinically derived criteria represent biologically distinct states. Minimal differences were seen between children with active disease and those with disease in CRM. Thus, underlying immune/inflammatory abnormalities persist despite a response to therapy. The PBMC transcriptional profiles of children whose disease was in remission did not return to normal but revealed networks of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory genes, suggesting that remission is a state of homeostasis, not a return to a normal state. Conclusion Gene transcriptional profiling of PBMCs revealed that clinically derived criteria for JIA disease states reflect underlying biology. We also demonstrated that neither CRM nor CR status results in resolution of the underlying inflammatory process, but that these conditions are more likely to be states of balanced homeostasis between proinflammatory and antiinflammatory mechanisms. [source] Fluorescence lifetime imaging of activatable target specific molecular probesCONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 1 2010Raphael Alford Abstract In vivo optical imaging using fluorescently labeled self-quenched monoclonal antibodies, activated through binding and internalization within target cells, results in excellent target-to-background ratios. We hypothesized that these molecular probes could be utilized to accurately report on cellular internalization with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI). Two imaging probes were synthesized, consisting of the antibody trastuzumab (targeting HER2/neu) conjugated to Alexa Fluor750 in ratios of either 1:8 or 1:1. Fluorescence intensity and lifetime of each conjugate were initially determined at endosomal pHs. Since the 1:8 conjugate is self-quenched, the fluorescence lifetime of each probe was also determined after exposure to the known dequencher SDS. In vitro imaging experiments were performed using 3T3/HER2+ and BALB/3T3 (HER2,) cell lines. Changes in fluorescence lifetime correlated with temperature- and time-dependent cellular internalization. In vivo imaging studies in mice with dual flank tumors [3T3/HER2+ and BALB/3T3 (HER2,)] detected a minimal difference in FLI. In conclusion, fluorescence lifetime imaging monitors the internalization of target-specific activatable antibody,fluorophore conjugates in vitro. Challenges remain in adapting this methodology to in vivo imaging. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Factors affecting fluid flow in strike,slip fault systems: coupled deformation and fluid flow modelling with application to the western Mount Isa Inlier, AustraliaGEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2009A. FORD Abstract Deformation and focused fluid flow within a mineralized system are critical in the genesis of hydrothermal ore deposits. Dilation and integrated fluid flux due to coupled deformation and fluid flow in simple strike,slip fault geometries were examined using finite difference analysis in three dimensions. A series of generic fault bend and fault jog geometries consistent with those seen in the western Mount Isa Inlier were modelled in order to understand how fault geometry parameters influence the dilation and integrated fluid flux. Fault dip, fault width, bend/jog angle, and length were varied, and a cross-cutting fault and contrasting rock types were included. The results demonstrate that low fault dips, the presence of contrasts in rock type, and wide faults produce highest dilation and integrated fluid flux values. Increasing fault bend lengths and angles increases dilation and integrated fluid flux, but increasing fault jog length or angle has the opposite effect. There is minimal difference between the outputs from the releasing and restraining fault bend and jog geometries. Model characteristics producing greater fluid flows and/or gradients can be used in a predictive capacity in order to focus exploration on regions with more favorable fault geometries, provided that the mineralized rocks had Mohr,Coulomb rheologies similar to the ones used in the models. [source] Correlated, relativistic, and basis set limit molecular polarizability calculations to evaluate an augmented effective core potential basis setINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 15 2006Nicholas P. Labello Abstract Initial investigations have demonstrated that an augmented ECP basis set can be used to calculate valence electronic properties with deviations of less than 1% from all-electron basis sets. Past work has largely focused on molecules with relatively light atoms (Z<18) examined with time-dependent Hartree,Fock (TDHF) theory. In this work, the dipole moment and polarizability of a number of well-studied molecules are examined with HF, MP2, CCSD, and CCSD(T) correlated wave functions. Additionally, systems not as thoroughly studied due to the difficulty of all-electron calculations when Z=50,85 are included. The SBK ECP basis set, augmented with optimized valence functions, performs well across a broad range of methods, less than 3% different from all electron relativistic and correlated wave functions. Orders of magnitude time savings (101,104) are exchanged for a minimal difference from all-electron basis sets. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006 [source] Oesophageal resection for high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagusBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 8 2000Dr G. Zaninotto Background The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of invasive cancer in patients with high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus and to verify whether a second endoscopy with multiple biopsies could improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis. In addition, the mortality, morbidity and survival rates in patients with high-grade dysplasia having oesophageal resection were recorded. Methods Fifteen patients were observed from 1982 to 1998; the first seven patients were offered primary oesophageal resection after diagnosis. The other eight patients underwent a second endoscopy with a median of 12 biopsies examined. All later underwent oesophageal resection. Results Invasive adenocarcinoma was found in five patients, with a minimal difference between the first and second periods (two of seven versus three of eight). There were no perioperative deaths. Early morbidity was observed in eight patients and late morbidity in four. The actuarial survival rate was 79 per cent at 5 years. The Karnofsky status was unchanged from preoperative values in 13 of 15 patients after a median follow-up of 46 months. Conclusion These patients with high-grade dysplasia had a 33 per cent probability of harbouring invasive oesophageal carcinoma but even a second endoscopy failed to identify patients with invasive tumour. Oesophagectomy was performed with no deaths and remains a rational treatment in patients fit for surgery. © 2000 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd [source] Gender divergent expression of Nqo1 in Sprague Dawley and August Copenhagen x Irish ratsJOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Lisa M. Augustine In the mammalian liver, there is an abundance of enzymes that function to enable the safe and efficient elimination of potentially harmful xenobiotics that are encountered through environmental exposure. A variety of factors, including gender and genetic polymorphisms, contribute to the variation between an individual system's detoxification capacity and thus its ability to protect itself against oxidative stress, cellular damage, cell death, etc. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreducatase 1 (Nqo1) is an antioxidant enzyme that plays a major role in reducing reactive electrophiles, thereby protecting cells from free-radical damage and oxidative stress. The goal of this study was to determine the gender-specific expression and inducibility of Nqo1 in the Sprague Dawley (SD) and August Copenhagen x Irish (ACI) rat strains, two strains that are commonly used in drug metabolism and drug-induced enzyme induction, toxicity, and carcinogenesis studies. Nqo1 mRNA, protein, and activity levels were determined through 96 h in SD and ACI males and females following treatment with known Nqo1 inducers oltipraz and butylated hydroxyanisole. In the SD strain, gender dimorphic expression of Nqo1 was observed with female mRNA, protein, and activity levels being significantly higher than in males. In contrast, there were minimal differences in Nqo1 mRNA, protein, and activity levels between ACI males and females. The gender dimorphic expression of Nqo1 in the SD rats was maintained through the course of induction, with female-induced levels greater than male-induced levels indicating that SD females may have a greater capacity to protect against oxidative stress and thus a decreased susceptibility to carcinogens. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:93,100, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20224 [source] PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL AND SENSORY QUALITY EVALUATION OF POTATO VARIETIES (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.)JOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 2 2000J.E. PARDO ABSTRACT Seven table potato varieties were studied for pH, soluble solids content, moisture, firmness, color, external appearance of raw tubers and flavor and texture of the fried and boiled product. Monalisa was the most appreciated variety regarding external appearance, Bartina was preferred for the flavor of the fried product while Victoria and Desiree were the best for flavor and texture of boiled potatoes. The different scores by variety depending on frying or boiling suggest a specific use for each variety. Soluble solids content, pH, and moisture determinations showed minimal differences between varieties. Firmness was highest in the two varieties with the least moisture (Desiree and Victoria) and lowest in varieties with a high degree of moisture (Bartina and Caesar); fresh potato firmness had a positive correlation with these sensorial parameters when the product was boiled. All colorimetric parameters were useful to discriminate red skin from yellow-white skin varieties. [source] Emergency department visits attributed to selected analgesics, United States, 2004,2005,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 3 2009Mary Willy PhD Abstract Purpose To estimate the rate of emergency department (ED) visits attributed to selected analgesic-containing medications. Methods We used a nationally representative public health surveillance system to provide estimates of adverse events identified in EDs, and a national telephone survey to provide estimates of selected analgesic-containing medication usage in the US population, 2004,2005. Analysis was restricted to products containing acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Types of adverse events and outcomes were compared. Estimated numbers and rates of ED visits were calculated by analgesic groupings and patient age groups. Results The estimated overall rate of ED visits attributed to analgesic-containing medications was 1.6 visits /100,000 users per week. The very old and very young had the highest rates; there were minimal differences in rates by patient gender. Acetaminophen was the attributed drug with the most estimated ED visits and generally had the highest rates of ED visits. The highest estimated rate for a specific product group was among subjects 18,64 years of age taking narcotic-acetaminophen products (8.9 ED visits /100,000 users per week). Overall, 12% of patients presenting to EDs with analgesic-attributed events were hospitalized. Conclusions Rates of ED visits due to analgesics vary depending on the age of the patient and the product; most do not result in hospitalization. Although the rate of emergency visits is relatively low, because of the wide use of the analgesics, public health impact is considerable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A religious framework as a lens for understanding the intersection of genetics, health, and disease,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS, Issue 1 2009Tina M. Harris Ph.D. Abstract The primary goal of this study was to determine the extent to which religious frameworks inform lay public understandings of genes and disease. Contrary to existing research, there were minimal differences between racial groups. We did, however, observe two patterns in that data that are worthy of discussion. First, because participants were from the south, the finding that participants from both racial groups ascribe to a religious belief system to make sense of their lived experiences is not surprising. Rather, it appears to be reflective of the religious culture that is an integral part of the south and our identity as a nation. A second noteworthy finding is that while a significant number of participants believe that a relationship exists between health status, genes, and religious behaviors, they also recognize that positive health behaviors must also be adopted as a means for staving off disease. In some cases, however, there was a belief that health issues could dissolve or disappear as a result of certain religious behaviors such as prayer. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The clinical and neuroimaging studies in Holmes tremorACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010A. Gajos Gajos A, Bogucki A, Schinwelski M, So,tan W, Rudzi,ska M, Budrewicz S, Koszewicz M, Majos A, Górska-Chrz,stek M, Bie,kiewicz M, Ku,mierek J, S,awek J. The clinical and neuroimaging studies in Holmes tremor. Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 122: 360,366. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Munksgaard. Aim,,, Holmes tremor (HT) is a combination of rest, postural and action tremor. A parallel dysfunction of cerebello-thalamic and nigrostriatal pathways seems necessary to produce this kind of tremor. We present the clinical and neuroimaging study verifying that hypothesis. Material and methods,,, A total of 10 patients: five male, five female, fulfilling consensus criteria were included. Demographic, clinical and neuroimaging data (MRI = 9; CT = 1, SPECT with the use of 123-I-FP CIT: DaTSCAN in six patients to assess the presynaptic dopaminergic nigrostriatal system involvement, indices of asymmetry for ligand uptake for each striatum were calculated) were analyzed. Results,,, Hemorrhage was the most frequent etiology and thalamus , the most commonly involved structure. Contrary to the previous reports, the visual assessment did not reveal remarkable interhemispheric differences of DaTSCAN uptake. Quantitative measurements showed only minimal differences. Conclusions,,, It is open to debate whether nigrostriatal pathway damage is crucial for the phenomenology of HT. Alternative hypothesis is presented that HT represents the heterogeneous spectrum of tremors with similar phenomenology, but different pathophysiology. [source] | |||||||||||||