Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “MONSTERS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Release of exendin-4 is controlled by mechanical action in Gila monsters, Heloderma suspectum.

Exendin-4 is a peptide produced exclusively by the salivary glands of the Gila Monster, Heloderma suspectum. Although exendin-4 is considered a venom component, circulating plasma levels of exendin-4 have been shown to increase in response to feeding. Previous studies using mammals have demonstrated exendin-4 has prolonged plasma glucose-lowering properties. While these findings suggest a possible role of exendin-4 as a metabolic hormone in the Gila Monster, the mechanism controlling its release by the salivary gland has not previously been studied. We investigated possible factors driving exendin-4 release by testing Gila Monsters' response to one of six treatment groups: fed egg, fed juvenile rat, gastric intubation with egg while under anesthesia, olfactory stimulation from egg without ingestion, unfed control, and biting without feeding. These treatments were designed to separately test actions associated with feeding and different food types. We measured plasma exendin-4 levels using an immunoenzymetric assay before and at three time points after each treatment. Exendin-4 levels increased significantly in groups where considerable biting occurred but not in the other treatment groups. These results suggest that exendin-4 is released from the salivary glands in response to mechanical stimulation and not the detection of food either by smell, taste, or distention of the gut. Further study of exendin-4 in its natural organism is needed to elucidate the functional role of exendin-4 as a venom component and/or a metabolic regulator.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

In search of the sea monster.

The sea monster played an important part in launching the Danish Galathea Deep Sea Expedition of 1950-1952. Part scientific object, part media darling and part fundraising strategy, the sea monster brought scientists, journalists and politicians together in support of the expedition. The scientific leader of the expedition, Anton F. Bruun, contended the scientific reality of such a creature; the leader of the press section attached to the expedition, Hakon Mielche, dreamt of the grand headlines finding the sea monster would attract; and everyone involved used the 'poor little thing' to promote the expedition to sponsors and in public.

Denmark↗
PubMed2000

The understanding of monsters at the Royal Society in the first half of the eighteenth century.

In tune with an Enlightenment sensibility that focused on the search for order and regularities, monsters were given a marginal position in eighteenth-century medical works. By contrast, they had an important place at the Royal Society during the second half of the century. This article first focuses on the general interest in monsters within the context of the natural historical agenda and corporate activity of the Society and then addresses the medical understanding of monsters by members of the Society. Finally, it discusses some of the moral and social implications of their medicalization in eighteenth century England.

Abnormalities, Severe Teratoid↗
PubMed1984

A natural representation of the Fischer-Griess Monster with the modular function J as character.

We announce the construction of an irreducible graded module V for an "affine" commutative nonassociative algebra [unk]. This algebra is an "affinization" of a slight variant [unk] of the commutative nonassociative algebra B defined by Griess in his construction of the Monster sporadic group F(1). The character of V is given by the modular function J(q) = q(-1) + 0 + 196884q +.... We obtain a natural action of the Monster on V compatible with the action of [unk], thus conceptually explaining a major part of the numerical observations known as Monstrous Moonshine. Our construction starts from ideas in the theory of the basic representations of affine Lie algebras and develops further the calculus of vertex operators. In particular, the homogeneous and principal representations of the simplest affine Lie algebra A(1) ((l)) and the relation between them play an important role in our construction. As a corollary we deduce Griess's results, obtained previously by direct calculation, about the algebra structure of B and the action of F(1) on it. In this work, the Monster, a finite group, is defined and studied by means of a canonical infinite-dimensional representation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

MONSTER: inferring non-covalent interactions in macromolecular structures from atomic coordinate data.

A web application for inferring potentially stabilizing non-bonding interactions in macromolecular structures from input atomic coordinate data is described. The core software, called Monster, comprises a PERL wrapper that takes advantage of scripts developed in-house as well as established software in the public domain to validate atomic coordinate files, identify interacting residues and assign the nature of these interactions. The results are assembled and presented in an intuitive and interactive graphical format. Potential applications of Monster range from mining and validating experimentally determined structures to guiding functional analysis. Non-commercial users can perform Monster analysis free of charge at http://monster.northwestern.edu.

Internet↗
PubMed1999

Epileptic seizures induced by animated cartoon, "Pocket Monster".

PURPOSE: A large number of children had fits while watching the animated cartoon television (TV) program "Pocket Monster." To elucidate the seizures associated with the TV program, we administered a questionnaire survey in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. METHODS: The questionnaires were sent to 75 hospitals located in and around Aichi prefecture. The presence of epileptic seizures and the types of seizures were determined by three pediatric neurologists. RESULTS: Sixty-one hospitals responded to the questionnaire survey. Among 95 patients living in Aichi prefecture for whom enough information on seizure manifestations and EEG was available, < or =93 patients were considered to have epileptic seizures while watching the TV program. Most seizures occurred at a scene in which red and blue frames alternated at 12 Hz. Sixty-nine (74%) patients had no history of epilepsy. Thirty-nine patients had generalized seizures, and 49 patients had partial seizures. Partial seizures occurred more frequently in the younger age group than did generalized seizures. The EEG revealed a photoparoxysmal response (PPR) in 43% of patients. PPR was present not only in patients with a history of epilepsy (54%) but also in those with no history of epilepsy (38%). CONCLUSIONS: Almost all seizures induced by the TV program "Pocket Monster" were epileptic, and partial seizures were induced more frequently than generalized seizures. The incidence of this "Pocket Monster"-induced seizures was roughly estimated as > or =1 in 4,923 individuals aged 6-18 years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Epilepsies after Pocket Monster seizures.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a 5-year follow-up study in patients with a seizure induced by animated cartoon "Pocket Monster." METHODS: A recurrence of seizures was observed in 25 of 91 patients with a Pocket Monster seizure. The patients were divided into two groups: Epilepsy group of 12 patients with a history of epilepsy and Nonepilepsy group of 13 patients without a history of epilepsy. RESULTS: Age below 12 years and generalized seizures were more often in Nonepilepsy group than in Epilepsy group. Seizure recurrence was earlier in Epilepsy group than in Nonepilepsy group. Photoparoxysmal response was relatively infrequent in Epilepsy group. The majority of patients were classified into idiopathic generalized epilepsies in Nonepilepsy group, whereas most patients were categorized into localization-related epilepsies in Epilepsy group. CONCLUSIONS: Epilepsies after Pocket Monster seizures were different according to the presence or absence of a history of epilepsy. These results will be useful in order to determine the treatment of a patient with a visually induced seizure.

Cartoons as Topic↗
PubMed1993

Basal cell carcinoma with monster cells.

A case of basal cell carcinoma with "monster cells" is reported. Clinically, the lesion presented as a red nodule on the forearm of a 58-year-old male. The histologic picture was striking, with large, "monstrous" nuclei scattered throughout a well defined nodule. Basal cell carcinoma with monster cells appears to represent a histologic variant of nodular basal cell carcinoma. The prognostic significance of the monster cells remains to be established.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗
PubMed1990

[The history of the Pathologic Museum of the Berlin Charité Hospital. 4. The remarkable events concerning a twin monster from Eupen].

A legal dispute broke out in Eupen near Aachen, 1873, and was to be protracted through 14 years. The case was about a twin monster that had died at or after birth. A physician in Eupen, at the same time public servant in the local government, was aware of Virchow's interest in collecting cases. He obtained the two interconnected dead bodies from the parents and promised the latter a sizeable amount of money, obviously assuming that Virchow had at his disposal funds for compensation, as had been the case with Rudolphi and Müller, some time before. The twin monster was sent to Berlin, but no money showed up. The parents sought legal counsel with their local police commissioner who also held the post of local attorney. The attorney opened an investigation, and the district commissioner got involved. The physician was officially reproved by the Aachen government for having trespassed his authority in obtaining the twin monster. Two questions were now cropping up in Eupen: Did Virchow pay money to the local physician? If so, why did the latter fail to pass it on to the parents? This might be a case for civil action. The police commissioner promised the parents to see Virchow in Berlin and to ask him for clarification. The father, when interrogated, insisted that one of the children had definitely lived for a short time after birth. This would entail a penal case on the physician and a charge of law-breaking. But this could be averted. The police commissioner managed to go to Berlin not before 1887. Hoping to have a legal claim to embezzled money even after 14 years, he intended to call on Virchow for questioning. Yet, he missed him and left behind a letter with a request for information on those past developments.

Germany↗
PubMed1984

[Surgery in utero on a two-headed monster. The value of echography].

A binovular triplet pregnancy with a normal fetus and bicephalic monster was diagnosed by ultrasound after 19 weeks of amenorrhoea. After selective amniocentesis and genetic studies the diagnosis led us to kill the double monster in utero by injecting hypertonic saline into its aorta. The healthy twin went on growing normally in the following weeks. Premature vaginal delivery resulted in the expulsion of a macerated double monster and the birth of a baby weighing 1,650 g in blood health. This case history leads us to discuss the value of ultrasound in multiple pregnancies and the ability to carry out intra-uterine procedures in these special cases.

Abnormalities, Severe Teratoid↗
PubMed1998

The monster within: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and a patient's fears of childbirth and mothering.

This paper explores the fantasy, widespread among women, of giving birth to a monster, particularly a psychological monster. The author hypothesises two central intrapsychic issues underlying these fears: monsters are viewed as 'incest babies' or as reflections of maternal aggression--evil, destructive parts of the mother passed on to the infant. Shame about femaleness is postulated as a third factor in the fear of producing something monstrous. Mary Shelley's novel, 'Frankenstein', is an iconic literary representation of these themes. The author presents and discusses some psychobiographical material about Mary Shelley, speculating on her motives for writing this novel and tracing the intrapsychic concerns about incest and aggression as reflected in the novel itself. Some recent feminist and psychoanalytic critical readings of 'Frankenstein' are referenced as they reflect on the novel's concern with themes of female sexuality and procreation. Clinical material from the author's own practice is presented to illustrate these fears, so similar to those with which Mary Shelley was dealing. A discussion, citing some relevant literature, follows.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Characterization of bradykinin-related peptides generated in the plasma of six sarcopterygian species (African lungfish, amphiuma, coachwhip, bullsnake, gila monster, and Gray's monitor).

Incubation of heat-denatured plasma from six species occupying different evolutionary positions within the Sarcopterygian lineage [the dipnoan, Protopterus annectens (African lungfish); the urodele, Amphiuma tridactylum (three-toed amphiuma); the colubrid snakes, Pituophis melanoleucus sayi (bullsnake) and Masticophis flagellum (coachwhip); and the lizards Heloderma suspectum (Gila monster) and Varanus Grayi (Gray's monitor)] with trypsin generated bradykinin-related peptides that were detected by radioimmunoassay using an antiserum raised against mammalian bradykinin (BK). The peptides were purified by HPLC and their primary structures were established as lungfish [Tyr1,Gly2,Ala7,Pro8]BK, amphiuma [Phe1,Ile2, Leu5]BK, bullsnake and coachwhip [Val1,Thr6]BK, Gila monster [Leu2, Thr6]BK, and Gray's monitor [Thr6]BK. Monitor BK is identical to the peptide generated in turtle and alligator plasma and coachwhip/bullsnake BK shows one amino acid substitution (Ala1 --> Val) compared with the peptide generated in the plasma of the python. The data provide further evidence for the widespread occurrence of a kallikrein-kininogen system in nonmammalian vertebrates but indicate that the primary structure of BK has been poorly conserved during evolution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Are Cirripedia hopeful monsters? Cytogenetic approach and evidence for a Hox gene cluster in the cirripede crustacean Sacculina carcini.

The "hopeful monster" has haunted evolutionary thinking since Richard Goldschmidt coined the phrase in 1933. The phrase is directly related to genetic mechanisms in development and evolution. Cirripedes are peculiar crustaceans in that they all lack abdomens as adults. In a previous study aimed at describing the repertoire of Hox genes of the Cirripedia, we failed to isolate the abdominal-A gene in three species representative of all three cirripede orders. To address the question of whether the cirripede ancestor could have been a "hopeful monster" arising from a rearrangement of the Hox complex, we have performed a cytogenetic analysis of the Hox complex of the cirripede Sacculina carcini. We present here molecular and cytogenetic evidence for the grouping of the Hox genes on a single chromosome. This is the first direct evidence reported for the grouping of Hox genes on the same chromosome in a non-insect arthropod species.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Etiological aspects of double monsters.

Four cases of double monsters are reported, including a rare case of craniofacial duplication (diprosopus). Based on the findings observed, etiological factors of these malformations are discussed. We suggest that exogenous (environmental) factors such as habits, way of life or religious practices of certain populations can influence the development of double monsters.

Abnormalities, Severe Teratoid↗
PubMed1985

An acardiac acephalic monster.

A case of an acardiac acephalic monster is described, and the literature concerning the incidence, classification and etiology of acardia is reviewed. Acardia is a very rare congenital anomaly occurring in less than 1 in 34600 deliveries. The acardiac monster has been reported only in multiple, monochorionic pregnancies. This bizarre anomalous fetus is sustained in utero by parasitic anastomoses to the circulation of its usually normal co-twin and is therefore not compatible with extrauterine survival. Possibilities for prenatal diagnosis and complications during pregnancy and delivery are considered.

Abnormalities, Severe Teratoid↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Stimulatory effects of Gila monster venom on rat pancreatic acini.

The effects of Gila monster venom on dispersed rat pancreatic acini were compared with those of secretin and VIP. The efficacy of the venom in terms of amylase release was much higher (a 24-fold increase over basal secretion) than that of secretin (a 4-fold increase) and VIP (+ 40% only). On the other hand, cyclic AMP levels increased 12-fold with the venom, as compared to 18-fold with secretin and 16-fold with VIP. The venom, VIP and secretin all displaced 125I-VIP and the competition curve with the venom was steeper, suggesting that all VIP-recognizing receptors bound the venom with the same affinity. VIP receptors were, however, not responsible for the release of amylase provoked by the venom since VIP (and secretin) did not inhibit the secretory action of the venom. The venom exerted no effect on 45Ca efflux and its secretory effect did not depend on the presence of external calcium. Besides, the effect of CCK-8 on amylase release was additive with the effect of the venom. A first exposure to the venom induced a refractoriness to itself with respect to amylase release but not in terms of cyclic AMP increase. In conclusion, Gila monster venom may contain one component binding to VIP/secretin receptors with resulting cyclic AMP elevation. A second venom component may be responsible for the high secretory efficacy, without involving cyclic AMP or calcium efflux.

Amylases↗
PubMed2002

Differential bilingual laterality: mythical monster found in Wales.

Paradis (1992) likens studies of bilingual laterality to reported sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, in that although some studies claim differential laterality much conflicting research evidence does not-and like the mythical Scottish monster, what reason have we to suspect that any such phenomenon might exist? This study reexamines differential bilingual laterality using four groups of English-Welsh bilinguals which differ in their age of acquisition and in their environment of acquisition. Using a split visual field paradigm we present evidence which, supports the notion of greater right hemisphere processing in a later learned language. Our findings also suggest the pattern of lateralization in bilinguals is strongly affected by the specific language environment during development such that the shift toward greater right hemisphere involvement for the later learned language will be more pronounced in individuals which are brought up in areas where that language is not regularly heard.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Gila monster envenomation.

Envenomation from the bite of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) has been reported in the medical literature only nine times since 1956. We present an additional four cases to better define the signs and symptoms of envenomation. Frequent clinical manifestations are pain, hypotension, tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting. Gila monster teeth remaining in the wound are not detectable by soft tissue radiography. In our series, hypotension responded well to i.v. crystalloid fluid administration. We recommend at least 6 hours of observation after the bite to assess the potential for systemic toxicity.

Adult↗