108 research outputs found
Imaging the electric field associated with mouse and human skin wounds
No full textWe have developed a noninvasive instrument called the bioelectric field imager (BFI) for mapping the electric field between the epidermis and the stratum corneum near wounds in both mouse and human skin. Rather than touching the skin, the BFI vibrates a small metal probe with a displacement of 180 ?m in air above the skin to detect the surface potential of the epidermis through capacitative coupling. Here we describe our first application of the BFI measuring the electric field between the stratum corneum and epidermis at the margin of skin wounds in mice. We measured an electric field of 177±14 (61) mV/mm immediately upon wounding and the field lines pointed away from the wound in all directions around it. Because the wound current flows immediately upon wounding, this is the first signal indicating skin damage. This electric field is generated at the outer surface of the epidermis by the outward flow of the current of injury. An equal and opposite current must flow within the multilayered epidermis to generate an intraepidermal field with the negative pole at the wound site. Because the current flowing within the multilayered epidermis is spread over a larger area, the current density and subsequent E field generated in that region is expected to be smaller than that measured by the BFI beneath the stratum corneum. The field beneath the stratum corneum typically remained in the 150–200 mV/mm range for 3 days and then began to decline over the next few days, falling to zero once wound healing was complete. The mean wound field strength decreased by 64±7% following the application of the sodium channel blocker, amiloride, to the skin near the wound and increased by 82±21% following the application of the Cl? channel activator, prostaglandin E2
Structure analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of defined key residues and motives for pilus-related sortase C1 in group B Streptococcus
No full textIn group B Streptococcus (GBS), 3 structurally distinct types of pili have been discovered as potential virulence factors and vaccine candidates. The pilus-forming proteins are assembled into high-molecular-weight polymers via a transpeptidation mechanism mediated by specific class C sortases. Using a multidisciplinary approach including bioinformatics, structural and biochemical studies, and in vivo mutagenesis, we performed a broad characterization of GBS sortase C1 of pilus island 2a. The high-resolution X-ray structure of the enzyme revealed that the active site, into the β-barrel core of the enzyme, is made of the catalytic triad His157-Cys219-Arg228 and covered by a loop, known as the “lid.” We show that the catalytic triad and the predicted N- and C-terminal transmembrane regions are required for the enzyme activity. Interestingly, by in vivo complementation mutagenesis studies, we found that the deletion of the entire lid loop or mutations in specific lid key residues had no effect on catalytic activity of the enzyme. In addition, kinetic characterizations of recombinant enzymes indicate that the lid mutants can still recognize and cleave the substrate-mimicking peptide at least as well as the wild-type protein.—Cozzi, R., Malito, E., Nuccitelli, A., D’Onofrio, M., Martinelli, M., Ferlenghi, I., Grandi, G., Telford, J. L., Maione, D., Rinaudo, C. D. Structure analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of defined key residues and motives for pilus-related sortase C1 in group B Streptococcus
THE CORTICAL REACTION IN THE EGG OF DISCOGLOSSUS PICTUS: A STUDY OF THE CHANGES OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM AT ACTIVATION.
No full textTHE CORTICAL REACTION IN THE EGG OF DISCOGLOSSUS PICTUS: A STUDY OF THE CHANGES OF ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM AT ACTIVATION.
No full textA highly localized activation current yet widespread intercellular calcium increase in the egg of the frog, Discoglossus pictus.
No full textA highly localized activation current yet widespread intercellular calcium increase in the egg of the frog, Discoglossus pictus.
No full textStrategies and clinical outcome of 250 cycles of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for single gene disorders.
No full textHum Reprod. 2006 Mar;21(3):670-84. Epub 2005 Nov 25.
Strategies and clinical outcome of 250 cycles of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for single gene disorders.
Fiorentino F, Biricik A, Nuccitelli A, De Palma R, Kahraman S, Iacobelli M, Trengia V, Caserta D, Bonu MA, Borini A, Baldi M.
Source EmbryoGen-Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, GENOMA-Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Via Po 102, 00198 Rome, Italy. [email protected]
Abstract BACKGROUND: We report on our experience with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for single gene disorders (SGDs), from 1999 to 2004, describing strategies and overall clinical outcome of 250 cycles in 174 couples for 23 different genetic conditions.METHODS: PGD cycles included 15 for autosomal dominant, 148 for autosomal recessive and 19 for X-linked SGDs. In addition, 68 cycles of PGD for SGDs were performed in combination with HLA matching. The strategy in each case used an initial multiplex PCR, followed by minisequencing to identify the mutation(s) combined with multiplex PCR for closely linked informative markers to increase accuracy. Linkage analysis, using intragenic and/or extragenic polymorphic microsatellite markers, was performed in cases where the disease-causing mutation(s) was unknown or undetectable. RESULTS: In 250 PGD cycles, a total of 1961 cleavage stage embryos were biopsied. PCR was successful in 3409 out of 3149 (92.4%) biopsied blastomeres and a diagnosis was possible in 1849 (94.3%) embryos. Four hundred and twenty-seven embryos were transferred in 211 cycles, resulting in 71 pregnancies (33.6% per embryo transfer), including 15 biochemical pregnancies, six spontaneous miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, which were terminated, and nine pregnancies which are still ongoing. The remaining pregnancies were confirmed to be unaffected and went to term without complications, resulting in the birth of 35 healthy babies. CONCLUSIONS: Minisequencing for mutation detection combined with multiplex fluorescence PCR for linkage analysis is an efficient, accurate and widely applicable strategy for PGD of SGDs. Our experience provides a further demonstration that PGD is an effective clinical tool and a useful option for many couples with a high risk of transmitting a genetic disease.
PMID: 16311287 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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A narrative-based study on working well-being of intensive care unit doctors
No full textIntroduction Intensive care unit (ICU) is a department with its own peculiarities. Organizational and relational pressures influence actions of ICU doctors.Their working well-being also depends on how they addressed them.The aim of thisstudy was to investigate the current work well-beingof ICU medical staffthrough anarrative approach.The purpose of the research wasn’t to determine the actual context of the events but to explore how individuals gave meaning to the eventsthemselves. Narrative medicine is a science that helps all professionals in the health system to welcome carefully the experiences of both people living with a disease, and those who care of them.We wanted to investigate needs and perceptions of ICUworking reality. Identify, where present, single or common elements of discomfort or aggregation.Materials and MethodsWe presented the project to involved ICU doctors.We explained the concepts of narrative medicine. Narrative Medicine means a methodology of clinical-care intervention based on a specificcommunicative competence. So weadministered a semi-structured script, in the form of a fairy tale (fig.1)The intensivists put their stories into a box in anonymous way.The stories were read by two groups separately. Thenthe two groups confronted each other. Multivariate information from stories was analyzed using cluster analysis. At the end of analysis we reported obtained results to involved people.ResultsWe collected 15 stories in a data gridreporting working age and sex of the participants(11F/4M, average age46.3years old).Stories followed the given trail.They were full of details, descriptions of colors and characters. Initial description represented two separate realities. The two houses, and their inhabitants, are different. The construction of a new home represented the breaking of a routine through the arrival of a diversity that was viewed with suspicion. Then cohabitation led to collaboration. Houses inhabitants help themselvesbut remain individual. We analized recurring words, emotions, today's feeling and future perspectives. (fig.2)Prevailing emotions were fear, sadness, irritation, loneliness, expectation, confidence.Recurring wordswere work, respect, freedom, diversity, landmark, cold. We noticed also the presence of conflicting words: silence/noise, little/big, young/old, vitality-liveliness. In the end the narratives shared a positive propensity towards the future. Future based on complicity but also in respect for identities.ConclusionsICU doctors work in contexts often in conflict with each other. They are subject to external and internal pressures. It may be difficult talk about emotional experiences. Narrative Medicine is careful to the person in its entirity. The analysis of texts written by health professionals allows usto understand their culture, values, needs, passions, personal and professional projects.Narrative approach allows them to share feelings and opinions. Furthermore, anonymity facilitated the externalization of deep emotionsthrough the narration of a fairy tale. Our study is qualitative and based on a small sample but suggests that narrative approach can be an effective means of investigation the ICU medical staff
A narrative-based study on working well-being of intensive care unit doctors | Request PDF. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327307337_A_narrative-based_study_on_working_well-being_of_intensive_care_unit_doctors [accessed Sep 04 2018]
Physical activity support or weight loss counseling for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
No full textAIM:
To determine the clinical effectiveness of intense psychological support to physical activity (PA) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), compared with cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT).
METHODS:
Twenty-two NAFLD cases received support to exercise, tailored to their motivational needs (PA group). The effects on body weight, physical fitness [6-min walk test, VO2max and the PA-rating (PA-R) questionnaire] and body fat (fatty liver indices and visceral adiposity index) were compared with data obtained in 44 NAFLD subjects enrolled in a CBT program for weight loss, after adjustment for propensity score, calculated on baseline data. Measurements were performed at baseline, at 4-mo and one-year follow-up. Changes in anthropometric, biochemical and PA parameters were tested by repeated measurement ANOVA. Outcome results were tested by logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS:
At the end of the intensive program, BMI was less significantly reduced in the PA group (-1.09 ± 1.68 kg/m(2) vs -2.04 ± 1.42 kg/m(2) in the CBT group, P = 0.019) and the difference was maintained at 1-year follow-up (-0.73 ± 1.63 vs -1.95 ± 1.88, P = 0.012) (ANOVA, P = 0.005). PA-R was similar at baseline, when only 14% of cases in PA and 36% in CBT (P = 0.120) recorded values ≥ 3. At 4 mo, a PA-R ≥ 3 was registered in 91% of PA and 46% of CBT, respectively (P 7% was significantly associated with CBT group at one year (OR = 6.21; 95%CI: 1.23-31.30), whereas PA-R > 3 was associated with PA group (10.31; 2.02-52.63). Liver enzymes decreased to values within normal limits in 36% of PA cases and 61% of CBT (P < 0.070). Estimated liver fat (Kotronen index) fell below the fatty liver threshold in 36% of PA and 34% and CBT cases at one-year (not different). Also the fatty liver index and the visceral adiposity index improved to a similar extent.
CONCLUSION:
Intensive psychological counseling for PA produces hepatic effects not different from standard CBT, improving physical fitness and liver fat independent of weight loss. Strategies promoting exercise are worth and effective in motivated patients, particularly in lean NAFLD patients where large weight loss cannot be systematically pursued.
KEYWORDS:
Behavior treatment; Liver enzymes; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Weight loss liver fa
Prevention of TNBS-induced colitis by different Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains is associated with an expansion of gammadeltaT and regulatory T cells of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes.
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