Infection of endothelium with E1(-)E4(+), but not E1(-)E4(-), adenovirus gene transfer vectors enhances leukocyte adhesion and migration by modulation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD34, and chemokine expression.

Intravascular introduction of replication-deficient adenoviral vectors (Advectors) provides an ideal model of delivery of transgenes for the treatment of various vascular abnormalities. On the basis of the knowledge that Advectors can induce inflammatory responses after intravascular administration, we speculated that cellular activation by Advector infection could directly modulate the endothelial cell (EC) adhesion molecule/chemokine expression repertoire. Infection of human umbilical vein ECs or bone marrow microvascular ECs with an E1(-)E4(+) Advector resulted in the upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and CD34, but not E-selectin, P-selectin, CD36, CD13, CD44, HLA-DR or PECAM.

A dynamic adaptation of the propensity score adjustment for effectiveness analyses of ordinal doses of treatment.

The propensity score adjustment is a method to reduce bias in observational studies. We propose a strategy that involves a novel combination of three data analytic techniques, which adapts the propensity adjustment for additional perturbations of longitudinal, observational studies. First, ordinal logistic regression examines propensity for ordinal doses of treatment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1 stimulate postnatal hematopoiesis by recruitment of vasculogenic and hematopoietic stem cells.

Tyrosine kinase receptors for angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) are expressed not only by endothelial cells but also by subsets of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). To further define their role in the regulation of postnatal hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis, VEGF and Ang-1 plasma levels were elevated by injecting recombinant protein or adenoviral vectors expressing soluble VEGF(165), matrix-bound VEGF(189), or Ang-1 into mice. VEGF(165), but not VEGF(189), induced a rapid mobilization of HSCs and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)2(+) circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPs).

Nonlinear-dynamical arrhythmia control in humans.

Nonlinear-dynamical control techniques, also known as chaos control, have been used with great success to control a wide range of physical systems. Such techniques have been used to control the behavior of in vitro excitable biological tissue, suggesting their potential for clinical utility. However, the feasibility of using such techniques to control physiological processes has not been demonstrated in humans.

Extended continuation and maintenance ECT for long-lasting episodes of major depression.

While most major depressive episodes are relatively short lasting, a substantial minority of patients with severe mood disorders respond poorly to available treatments and remain ill for extended periods of time. The possible role of continuation and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the management of such patients has not been clearly established. Three patients are reported whose long-lasting, relatively medication refractory episodes of major depression were treated with ECT for both acute and continuation and maintenance purposes.

A case of cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae abscessus infection in a renal transplant patient.

Background: Mycobacterium chelonae is an atypical "fast-growing Mycobacteria" that is a rare cause of human infection. There have been several reports of cutaneous infection among immunosuppressed patients, as well as in immunocompetent individuals following trauma. Most cases to date seem to have occurred among renal transplant recipients, raising the possibility that there is something inherent to the renal transplant patient that increases their susceptibility more than other immunocompromised patients.

Clinical aspects of sentinel node biopsy.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy requires validation by a backup axillary dissection in a defined series of cases before becoming standard practice, to establish individual and institutional success rates and the frequency of false negative results. At least 90% success in finding the SLN with no more than 5-10% false negative results is a reasonable goal for surgeons and institutions learning the technique. A combination of isotope and dye to map the SLN is probably superior to either method used alone, yet a wide variety of technical variations in the procedure have produced a striking similarity of results.

Overview of complications of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures.

An in-depth understanding of potential adverse sequelae related to aesthetic facial rejuvenation and available management modalities, should such a complication occur, enables the aesthetic surgeon to reduce his or her complication profile and also minimize the results of such adverse sequelae, eventuating improved patient care and satisfaction.

Activation of Trk neurotrophin receptors in the absence of neurotrophins.

Neurotrophins regulate neuronal cell survival and synaptic plasticity through activation of Trk receptor tyrosine kinases. Binding of neurotrophins to Trk receptors results in receptor autophosphorylation and downstream phosphorylation cascades. Here, we describe an approach to use small molecule agonists to transactivate Trk neurotrophin receptors.

Paclitaxel, an active agent in nonsquamous carcinomas of the uterine cervix: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.

Purpose: A phase II trial of paclitaxel was initiated in advanced nonsquamous carcinoma of the cervix to determine its activity in patients who had failed standard chemotherapy.

Patients And Methods: Eligible patients had at least one measurable lesion. The starting dose of paclitaxel was 170 mg/m(2) (135 mg/m(2) for patients with prior pelvic radiation) given as a 24-hour continuous intravenous infusion with courses repeated every 3 weeks.

Comparison of partial body weight-supported treadmill gait training versus aggressive bracing assisted walking post stroke.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) provides more effective gait training than an equally supportive but less physiologic aggressive bracing assisted walking (ABAW) program.

Methods: Following informed consent, patients participating in an inpatient rehabilitation program with significant leg weakness and need for at least moderate assistance for walking, without orthostatic hypotension, symptomatic dyspnea, or angina pectoris were randomized to receive PBWSTT vs. ABAW.

Endermologie after external ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (EUAL) versus EUAL alone.

Background: Endermologie, despite its moderate success in the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite, has proven unsuccessful compared with lipoplasty for body contouring.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a body contouring program combining Endermologie with lipoplasty would produce better long-term body contouring results than lipoplasty alone.

Methods: A prospective study comparing 2 closely matched, nonrandomized groups of 25 women each was conducted.