PURPOSE The accurate and timely diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in lung cancer patients is important because MPE has a poor prognosis and is classified as stage IV disease. Molecular biomarkers for pleural effusion, such as circulating extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) isolated from pleural fluid, may help in the diagnosis of MPE. The present study examined whether miRNAs that are ...

PURPOSE We assessed the role of non-contrast spiral computerized tomography (CT) for prediction of a favorable clinical outcome in patients with ureterolithiasis, presenting with acute flank pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive 185 patients having acute flank pain were prospectively evaluated with physical examination, urinalysis and hemogram, and non-contrast spiral CT. Size (greatest wid...

The chromosomal replication cycle is strictly coordinated with cell cycle progression in Escherichia coli. ATP-DnaA initiates replication, leading to loading of the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. The DNA-loaded form of the beta clamp subunit of the polymerase binds the Hda protein, which promotes ATP-DnaA hydrolysis, yielding inactive ADP-DnaA. This regulation is required to repress overinitiat...

Early recognition and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is essential for survival. Idiopathic NF occurs in the absence of a known causative factor or portal of entry for bacteria, so it may not be considered immediately when patients are admitted. This study aimed to identify specific features of idiopathic NF that are important for early recognition and to assess factors associated with ...

Abdominal computed tomography (CT) provides great benefits for the differential diagnosis in patients complaining of acute abdominal pain. However, the use of diagnostic X-rays is associated with the cumulative risk of cancer development. In order to determine the relative usefulness of noncontrast and enhanced CT with intravenous contrast material for diagnosing acute appendicitis, the retrosp...