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At least 1,513 records · Page 84Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Modern bacterial taxonomy: techniques review--application to bacteria that nodulate leguminous plants (BNL)].

Taxonomy is the science that studies the relationships between organisms. It comprises classification, nomenclature, and identification. Modern bacterial taxonomy is polyphasic. This means that it is based on several molecular techniques, each one retrieving the information at different cellular levels (proteins, fatty acids, DNA...). The obtained results are combined and analysed to reach a "consensus taxonomy" of a microorganism. Until 1970, a small number of classification techniques were available for microbiologists (mainly phenotypic characterization was performed: a legume species nodulation ability for a Rhizobium, for example). With the development of techniques based on polymerase chain reaction for characterization, the bacterial taxonomy has undergone great changes. In particular, the classification of the legume nodulating bacteria has been repeatedly modified over the last 20 years. We present here a review of the currently used molecular techniques in bacterial characterization, with examples of application of these techniques for the study of the legume nodulating bacteria.

Bacteria↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Theoretical foundation of Chinese medicine: a modern interpretation.

The theoretical foundation of Chinese medicine as laid down in Hwang Ti Nei Ching is presented and interpreted here in modern language and conception. Our attempt is to bring Chinese medicine in harmony with Western science. Three Yin-Yang laws are formulated based on I Ching and Nei Ching and are justified from physics, mathematics and biology. The Wu-Hsing dynamic model is explained on the basis of dynamic interactions rather than static elements. The Ching-Lo doctrine is stressed upon its apparent correlations with the autonomic nervous system. Finally, the Chi is taken to play a role in life as the fields (gravitational, magnetic, nuclear, etc.) do in the physical world.

China↗
PubMed1978

Radiation dose in hysterosalpingography: modern 100mm fluorography vs. full-scale radiography.

Radiation doses of modern 100mm fluorography and full-scale radiography were compared experimentally and applied to hysterosalpingography. It was determined that 100mm fluorography reduced the doses by 28-29% per exposure and 37-47% per examination compared with full-scale radiography performed with fast tungstate screens in identical conditions (70-80 kV, 400 mA). The dose during one minute of videofluoroscopy was equivalent to the doses produced by one exposure in full-scale filming and three to four exposures in 100mm filming. Although electronic magnification in 100mm fluorography increases the doses by two or threefold, these are still less than the doses in full-scale radiography.

Female↗
PubMed1987

Radiographic evaluation of modern orthopedic fixation devices.

Orthopedic surgeons employ a wide variety of modern fixation devices in the treatment of fractures. In order to assess these instruments correctly, the radiologist should be aware of both their purpose and their normal appearance. A review of the common internal and external fixation devices used at a major trauma center and the complications of their use has been presented.

Bone and Bones↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Importance and effects of altered workplace ergonomics in modern radiology suites.

The transition from a film-based to a filmless soft-copy picture archiving and communication system (PACS)-based environment has resulted in improved work flow as well as increased productivity, diagnostic accuracy, and job satisfaction. Adapting to this filmless environment in an efficient manner requires seamless integration of various components such as PACS workstations, the Internet and hospital intranet, speech recognition software, paperless electronic hospital medical records, e-mail, office software, and telecommunications. However, the importance of optimizing workplace ergonomics has received little attention. Factors such as the position of the work chair, workstation table, keyboard, mouse, and monitors, along with monitor refresh rates and ambient room lighting, have become secondary considerations. Paying close attention to the basics of workplace ergonomics can go a long way in increasing productivity and reducing fatigue, thus allowing full realization of the potential benefits of a PACS. Optimization of workplace ergonomics should be considered in the basic design of any modern radiology suite.

Asthenopia↗
PubMed1995

Suppression of men's responses to seasonal changes in day length by modern artificial lighting.

We recently reported that humans have conserved mechanisms, like those that exist in other animals, which detect changes in day length and make corresponding adjustments in the duration of nocturnal periods of secretion of melatonin and of other functions. We detected these responses in individuals who were exposed to artificial "days" of different durations. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether men who are exposed to natural and artificial light in an urban environment at 39 degrees N are still able to detect and respond to seasonal changes in duration of the natural photoperiod. We measured profiles of circadian rhythms during 24-h periods of constant darkness (< 1 lx) and found no summer-winter differences in durations of nocturnal periods of active secretion of melatonin, rising levels of cortisol, high levels of thyrotropin, and low levels of rectal temperature. The results of this and our previous study suggest that modern men's use of artificial light suppresses responses to seasonal changes in the natural photoperiod that might otherwise occur at this latitude.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2004

Eating, exercise, and "thrifty" genotypes: connecting the dots toward an evolutionary understanding of modern chronic diseases.

Survival of Homo sapiens during evolution was dependent on the procurement of food, which in turn was dependent on physical activity. However, food supply was never consistent. Thus it is contended that the ancient hunter-gatherer had cycles of feast and famine, punctuated with obligate periods of physical activity and rest. Hence, gene selection in the Late-Paleolithic era was probably influenced by physical activity and rest. To ensure survival during periods of famine, certain genes evolved to regulate efficient intake and utilization of fuel stores. Such genes were termed "thrifty genes" in 1962. Furthermore, convincing evidence shows that this ancient genome has remained essentially unchanged over the past 10,000 years and certainly not changed in the past 40-100 years. Although the absolute caloric intake of modern-day humans is likely lower compared with our hunter-gatherer ancestors, it is nevertheless in positive caloric balance in the majority of the US adult population mainly due to the increased sedentary lifestyle in present society. We contend that the combination of continuous food abundance and physical inactivity eliminates the evolutionarily programmed biochemical cycles emanating from feast-famine and physical activity-rest cycles, which in turn abrogates the cycling of certain metabolic processes, ultimately resulting in metabolic derangements such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. In this context, we postulate that perhaps a crucial mechanism to break the stall of the metabolic processes would be via exercise through the regulation of "physical activity genes," some of which may also be potential candidates for the "thrifty genes" of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Therefore, the identification of such "thrifty gene" candidates would help provide insight into the pathogenetic processes of the numerous physical inactivity-mediated disorders.

Biological Evolution↗
PubMed2001

How to measure the effects of fluoride treatments in clinical trials? Assessment: modern versus traditional methods.

In recent years there has been a pronounced change in the epidemiology and disease pattern of dental caries. In the current context, traditional methods of caries assessment, discriminating lesions at cavitation, are clinically inappropriate, and obsolete for research requiring detection of a very early phase of mineral loss. Modern prospective caries studies require sensitive methods permitting the measurement of small changes in tooth mineral content, and objective, quantitative measurements of such changes are now possible in a single caries lesion. For longitudinal studies there are noninvasive methods for assessment of new lesions as well as quantitative changes (progression or regression) in existing lesions. Among as yet unresolved issues are improved methods to assess the current activity of a lesion, methods for detection and quantification of secondary caries and root caries, calibration of methodologies between different research institutes, and methods capable of assessment of the whole continuum in the development of a caries lesion, from initial loss of mineral to cavitation.

Calibration↗
PubMed2000

Sensitivity of BCG to modern antibiotics.

The viability of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in intravesical instillation therapy has been demonstrated to be crucial for the prevention of bladder tumour recurrence. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of modern antibacterial chemotherapeutics on BCG viability, particularly cycloserine, which has been recommended in the treatment of BCG-induced sepsis. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 32 antibacterial drugs potentially effective against the Connaught BCG strain were measured in vitro by the radiometric BACTEC 460TB method. The MICs were compared with the drug concentrations achievable in blood and urine. Susceptibility testing of cycloserine was performed with three different strains (Connaught, Tice and RIVM), using the modified proportion method, as defined in the German guidelines for anti-tuberculosis drug testing. The Connaught BCG strain was highly susceptible to fluoroquinolones, but was resistant to beta-lactams, macrolides (except clarithromycin), and some aminoglycosides. It was also sensitive to doxycycline and gentamicin at dosages that typically occur in the urine of patients after a normal dose. Connaught BCG was susceptible to all the tuberculostatic drugs tested, except for pyrazinamide. All the BCG strains analysed were resistant to cycloserine. During intravesical BCG instillation therapy, simultaneous administration of fluoroquinolones, doxycycline or gentamicin should be avoided. In cases of severe systemic complications, or if one of the antituberculosis drugs is not tolerated, fluoroquinolones may be used. Cycloserine is no longer recommended for the early treatment of BCG sepsis.

Administration, Intravesical↗
PubMed2003

[Is there a place for tubal ligation in modern contraception?].

About 30% of women with completed family planning choose tubal ligation as a method of contraception. Contraceptive safety of tubal ligation, with a Pearl index of 0.18, is comparable to those of OC or modern intrauterine devices (IUD). Pregnancies that occur after tubal ligation are often ectopic, especially in young women. There is currently no evidence that tubal ligation causes menstrual abnormalities. The risk of breast cancer, cancer of the endometrium or cervix is not elevated after tubal ligation, whereas the risk of ovarian cancer is even reduced. The risk of post-sterilization regret is higher when the operation was performed in women with children aged younger than 30 years. Tubal ligation is recommendable for women over 35 years of age with completed family planning, especially if contraindications for the use of OC or IUD exist. In general, vasectomy should always be discussed as a possible alternative.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Iberogast: a modern phytotherapeutic combined herbal drug for the treatment of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome)--from phytomedicine to "evidence based phytotherapy." A systematic review].

Iberogast is a complex herbal preparation. As a fixed drug combination (9 constituents) it is composed of a fresh plant extract of Iberis amara and of extracts of 8 other dried herbal drugs ( Chelidonii herba, Cardui mariae fructus, Melissae folium, Carvi fructus, Liquiritiae radix, Angelicae radix, Matricariae flos, Menthae piperitae folium). The pharmacological effects as well as the therapeutic effectiveness, tolerability, and toxicity of Iberogast were experimentally and clinically recorded and documented using modern investigation tools. Both the experimental as well as the clinical studies indicated a regulatory influence of Iberogast on the whole gastrointestinal tract by a special dual action. While the included extracts of the dried herbal drugs have mainly spasmolytic properties, the fresh plant extract of Iberis amara has a tonic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the predistension of the gastric or intestinal wall, the tonic or the spasmolytic effects of Iberogast prevail. Both the fresh plant extract of Iberis amara and the combined preparation of Iberogast were found to be toxicologically safe in therapeutically effective doses. For the estimation of the clinical effectiveness a systematic review was performed (data research: January 1970 to September 2002). As shown in controlled (according GCP standard) as well as supportive and uncontrolled clinical studies, the symptoms of functional dyspepsia and of irritable bowel syndrome (one controlled study and one observational study) could be significantly reduced by these herbal preparation in comparison to placebo. Two trials comparing Iberogast with the prokinetics metoclopramide and cisapride demonstrated a comparable therapeutic effectiveness of the herbal preparation and the prokinetics in the treatment of dyspepsia. Adverse events were rare and, with respect to frequency and spectrum, partly the same as found with placebo. Another advantage of Iberogast is that it targets only the gastrointestinal tract and the enteral nervous system, but not the central nervous system. Because of its special dual action, its clinically proven effectiveness, and its good tolerability, Iberogast may be a drug of first choice in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal diseases and their corresponding symptoms.

Brassicaceae↗
PubMed2003

Antigen resorption from the gastrointestinal tract. A historical perspective on the pathophysiological foundation of modern sublingual/oral immunotherapy.

Resorption of small particles and proteins through the mucous membranes of the intestines has been extensively studied for well over a 100 years and the arrival of sublingual/oral immunotherapy in clinical practice has renewed interest in this process. The first line of immune response to a potential allergen is at the site of contact with a mucous membrane and both inhaled and ingested allergens usually lead to some level of direct clinically appreciable manifestation on the mucous membrane. The initial process of antigen resorption has been relatively well understood for almost one century; however, the metabolic and/or immunological fate of large particles is the subject of more recent studies. We now recognize that resorption and hematogenous spread of biologically intact allergens from the gastrointestinal tract occur despite extensive predigestion of particles and proteins within the gastrointestinal lumen and this phenomenon provides the pathophysiological underpinning of modern sublingual/oral immunotherapy.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Brain architecture and social complexity in modern and ancient birds.

Vertebrate brains vary tremendously in size, but differences in form are more subtle. To bring out functional contrasts that are independent of absolute size, we have normalized brain component sizes to whole brain volume. The set of such volume fractions is the cerebrotype of a species. Using this approach in mammals we previously identified specific associations between cerebrotype and behavioral specializations. Among primates, cerebrotypes are linked principally to enlargement of the cerebral cortex and are associated with increases in the complexity of social structure. Here we extend this analysis to include a second major vertebrate group, the birds. In birds the telencephalic volume fraction is strongly correlated with social complexity. This correlation accounts for almost half of the observed variation in telencephalic size, more than any other behavioral specialization examined, including the ability to learn song. A prominent exception to this pattern is owls, which are not social but still have very large forebrains. Interpolating the overall correlation for Archaeopteryx, an ancient bird, suggests that its social complexity was likely to have been on a par with modern domesticated chickens. Telencephalic volume fraction outperforms residuals-based measures of brain size at separating birds by social structure. Telencephalic volume fraction may be an anatomical substrate for social complexity, and perhaps cognitive ability, that can be generalized across a range of vertebrate brains, including dinosaurs.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Stroke research in the modern era: images versus dogmas.

Recovery of function following ischaemic stroke is a fascinating clinical observation. It comprises several modes, e.g. spectacular recovery in a matter of hours or days and gradual recovery over months or even years. That a non-functioning neural system can regain its function, even partially so, is challenging because of the obvious therapeutic implications. Until the mid-70s, however, dogmas largely prevailed which underpinned the then nihilistic approach to stroke patients. Proving these dogmas wrong has been a major achievement of modern stroke research. Thanks particularly to physiological imaging, key observations from the basic neurosciences have translated into the clinical realm in ways immediately understandable to the clinician, allowing the emergence of pathophysiology-based management.

Cerebral Cortex↗
PubMed2006

Modern psychophysics and the assessment of human oral sensation.

Psychophysical measures attempt to capture and compare subjective experiences objectively. In the chemical senses, these techniques have been instrumental in describing relationships between oral sensation and health risk, but they are often used incorrectly to make group comparisons. This chapter reviews contemporary methods of oral sensory assessment, with particular emphasis on suprathreshold scaling. We believe that these scales presently offer the most realistic picture of oral sensory function, but only when they are used correctly. Using converging methods from psychophysics, anatomy, and genetics, we demonstrate valid uses of modern chemosensory testing in clinical diagnosis and intervention.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

A modern analysis of intracranial tumors of infancy.

OBJECTIVE: The management results of pediatric brain tumors should have improved with progress in neurosurgery, intra- and perioperative care, and adjunctive therapy. We assessed the outcomes of 88 consecutive children under 2 years of age with brain tumors managed in the modern era, primarily by two neurosurgeons, and compared the results within the study group over time and to historical controls. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for diagnosis, location, surgery, surgical morbidity and mortality, adjunctive therapy, and long-term results. Outcomes were available on all 88 patients. RESULTS: Primitive neuroectodermal tumors, astrocytomas, ependymoma, and choroid plexus papillomas in descending order of frequency accounted for two thirds of tumors. Supratentorial location predominated (60%), although in the 1- to 2-year group, there was a slight majority of infratentorial tumors. Surgical mortality and immediate morbidity were 9 and 26%, respectively, with substantial improvements in the last half of the series (2 and 16% with long-term morbidity of 11%). 53 of 88 (60%) of our patients are alive, and all children treated since January 1, 1994, except for 1 operative death, remain alive. CONCLUSION: Children less than 2 years of age remain a multidisciplinary challenge. Improved neuroimaging, surgical and pediatric intensive care management, and neuro-oncological care seems to have improved outcome both with respect to tumor control and neurological function. Aggressive surgery is possible with a good outcome generally expected. Hopefully this will set the stage for either surgical cure in children with benign tumors or combined surgical and adjunctive cure in patients with malignant tumors.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1987

Study of the cuspal ridges of the upper first molars in a modern Japanese population.

Materials used were dental casts of the upper first molars of modern Japanese subjects, comprising 29 males and 25 females. Their molar occlusal surfaces were photographed by moiré contourography using the standard trigonal plane. The ridges of a cusp, comprising a central ridge and mesial and distal accessory ridges, were identified from the patterns of the moiré fringes. The central ridge was observed in all cusps except for the hypocone in both sexes. Frequencies of the mesial and distal accessory ridges of trigonal cusps were over 90% except for the distal accessory ridge of the metacone, and those of the hypocone were under 25% in both sexes. These values were generally higher in males than in females, especially for the distal accessory ridge of the metacone. The running pattern of the cuspal ridges showed little difference between sexes. The oblique ridge which was higher than the central groove formed a saddle-like structure. This ridge was observed in all materials, but its heights and structural components varied remarkably. In this study, the distal accessory ridge of the metacone was found to be incorporated into the oblique ridge in about 13% of cases. Variability in the running pattern of the ridges within a single cusp was highest in the hypocone and lowest in both the paracone and protocone. The results obtained are considered to represent the stability or reductive tendency of cusps in the upper first molars.

Child↗