Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection and prevalence of α‐latrotoxin–like effects of serum from patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome

Anti‐GQ1b antibodies are associated with the Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), a variant of the Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). In the ex vivo mouse diaphragm, anti‐GQ1b–positive MFS serum induces muscle fiber twitching, a temporary dramatic increase of spontaneous quantal acetylcholine release, and transmission blockade at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). These effects resemble those of α‐latrotoxin (α‐LTx) and are induced by antibody‐mediated activation of complement. We developed an assay for detection of the α‐LTx–like effect, using muscle fiber twitching as indicator. We tested 89 serum samples from GBS, MFS, and control subjects, and studied correlations with clinical signs, anti‐ganglioside antibodies, micro‐electrode physiology, and complement deposition at NMJs. Twitching was observed with 76% of the MFS and 10% of the GBS samples. It was associated with ophthalmoplegia and anti‐GQ1b antibodies in patients, and with increased spontaneous acetylcholine release and C3c‐deposition at mouse NMJs. This study strongly suggests that antibodies to GQ1b (with cross‐reactivity to related gangliosides) are responsible for the α‐LTx–like activity. The twitching assay is an efficient test for detection of this effect, and allows for screening of large numbers of samples and modifying drugs. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002
How do spatial and angular resolution affect brain connectivity maps from diffusion MRI?

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is sensitive to the directionally-constrained flow of water, which diffuses preferentially along axons. Tractography programs may be used to infer matrices of connectivity (anatomical networks) between pairs of brain regions. Little is known about how these computed connectivity measures depend on the scans' spatial and angular resolutions. To determine this, we scanned 8 young adults with DTI at 2.5 and 3mm resolutions, and an additional subject at 4 resolutions between 2-4 mm. We computed 70×70 connectivity matrices, using whole-brain tractography to measure fiber density between all pairs of 70 cortical and subcortical regions. Spatial and angular resolution affected the computed connectivity for narrower tracts (internal capsule and cerebellum), but also for the corticospinal tract. Data resolution affected the apparent role of some key structures in cortical anatomic networks. Care is needed when comparing network data across studies, and interpreting apparent disagreements among findings.
The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Training on Cardiopulmonary Function in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Objective To observe the effect and safety of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise in ischemic cardiomyopathy and to compare the results between patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and reduced LVEF. Methods Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy with LVEF <50% were included as subjects. The patients were classified into the preserved LVEF (pLVEF; LVEF 41%–49%) group and the reduced LVEF (rLVEF; LVEF ≤40%) group. Patients underwent hourly aerobic exercise training sessions with an intensity of 60%–85% of heart rate reserve, three times a week for 6 weeks. Graded exercise test and transthoracic echocardiogram were performed in all study patients before and after completion of the CR exercise program. Results After completion of the CR exercise program, both groups (pLVEF, n=30; rLVEF, n=18) showed significant increases in LVEF and VO2max. In the pLVEF group, LVEF and VO2max increased from 45.1%±4.8% to 52.5%±9.6% (p<0.001) and from 24.1±6.3 to 28.1±8.8 mL/kg/min (p=0.002), respectively. In the rLVEF group, LVEF and VO2max increased from 29.7%±7.7% to 37.6%±10.3% (p<0.001) and from 17.6±4.7 to 21.2±5.1 mL/kg/min (p<0.001), respectively. Both groups completed their exercise program safely. Conclusion In both groups, patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who completed a 6-week supervised CR exercise program demonstrated remarkable improvements in cardiopulmonary function. This result implies that neither of the two groups showed higher efficacy in comparison to each other, but we can conclude that CR exercise in the rLVEF group was as effective and safe as that in the pLVEF group.
Institutional Characteristics and the Relationship Between Student's Last-Year University and Final-Year Secondary School Academic Performance

A study of academic results of a student cohort in a diverse faculty of a large multi-campus university indicates that students' first-year performance at university is related to their prior academic achievement at secondary school, both overall and discipline specific, but that the extent and form of the relationship can vary by subject area and institutional secondary school and university characteristics. This may have implications for university selection and specification of prerequisite subjects for courses.
Reagent Migration in Fabric Thickness in Pad-Dry-Cure Finishing

Migration of dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea in the thickness direction of fabric was examined under conditions of forced-draft drying at temperatures from 40°C to 160°C. The subsequently cured fabrics were subjected to de Boer migration mea surements to clarify extents of migration of reagent residues to fabric surfaces. Migration was a primary function of forced-draft drying; differences in temperature of drying exerted no additional distinguishable effect. Unhalanced and variable migrations were observed for forced-draft drying in common laboratory ovens. Durable-press ap pearance rating is discussed in relation to add-on of reagent for the products of these treatments.
Effects of SR141716A on Cognitive and Depression-Related Behavior in an Animal Model of Premotor Parkinson's Disease

A previous study from our laboratory revealed that moderate nigral dopaminergic degeneration caused emotional and cognitive deficits in rats, paralleling early signs of Parkinson's disease. Recent evidence suggests that the blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors might be beneficial to alleviate motor inhibition typical of Parkinson's disease. Here, we investigated whether antagonism of CB1 receptors would improve emotional and cognitive deficits in a rat model of premotor Parkinson's disease. Depression-like behavior and cognition were assessed with the forced swim test and the social recognition test, respectively. Confirming our previous study, rats injected with 6-hydroxydopamine in striatum presented emotional and cognitive alterations which were improved by acute injection of SR141716A. HPLC analysis of monoamine levels demonstrated alterations in the striatum and prefrontal cortex after SR141716A injection. These findings suggest a role for CB1 receptors in the early symptoms caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum, as observed in Parkinson's disease.
Subchronic racemic gamma vinyl‐GABA produces weight loss in Sprague Dawley and Zucker fatty rats

Given the growing obesity epidemic, pressure to develop an effective pharmacologic treatment is mounting. Following the completion of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial as well as two small open label trials, gamma vinyl‐GABA (GVG) has been shown to be safe and effective for treating cocaine and/or methamphetamine dependence. In an extension of these findings, the present study examined whether GVG could produce weight loss in adolescent as well as genetically obese animals. Specifically, adolescent Sprague Dawley and adolescent and adult Zucker fatty rats received GVG at various doses (75–300 mg/kg, i.p., racemic) for treatment periods lasting no longer than 14 consecutive days. GVG produced significant weight loss in a dose dependent fashion in all groups. These effects were marked, as average decreases of 12–20% of original body weight were observed. These findings suggest that GVG may be useful as a treatment for obesity. Further, that these results occurred in genetically obese animals offers the possibility that GVG may even help manage severe obesity resulting from binge‐eating, a disorder involving food consumption in a pattern similar to the compulsive drug‐seeking behavior observed in cocaine and methamphetamine dependent subjects. Synapse 62:870–872, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smoking Cessation Counseling Practices: A Survey of Alabama Obstetrician-Gynecologists

Background. Minimal interventions delivered by obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) to their pregnant patients who smoke could result in a substantial decrease in smoking during pregnancy. We examined performance and motivation levels of Alabama OB-GYNs for engaging in clinical practices based on National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines. Methods. Questionnaires assessing attitudes, intentions, and behaviors specified by the NCI's “4-A” model (ask, advise, assist, and arrange follow-up) were mailed to all OB-GYNs licensed in Alabama. Results. A total of 130 physicians completed the questionnaire. Nearly all reported that they ask (93%) and advise (90%) their patients who smoke to quit; however, significantly fewer reported that they assist (28%) or arrange follow-up (24%) with their pregnant patients. Conclusions. Interventions are needed to motivate, support, and guide OB-GYN physicians to assist and follow-up with their pregnant patients who smoke.
Aurora-A Phosphorylates, Activates, and Relocalizes the Small GTPase RalA

ABSTRACT The small GTPase Ras, which transmits extracellular signals to the cell, and the kinase Aurora-A, which promotes proper mitosis, can both be inappropriately activated in human tumors. Here, we show that Aurora-A in conjunction with oncogenic Ras enhances transformed cell growth. Furthermore, such transformation and in some cases also tumorigenesis depend upon S194 of RalA, a known Aurora-A phosphorylation site. Aurora-A promotes not only RalA activation but also translocation from the plasma membrane and activation of the effector protein RalBP1. Taken together, these data suggest that Aurora-A may converge upon oncogenic Ras signaling through RalA.
Identification of eight novel glucokinase mutations in Italian children with maturity‐onset diabetes of the young

Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by early onset non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, autosomal dominant inheritance, and primary defect in the function of the beta cells of the pancreas. Mutations in the glucokinase (GCK) gene account for 8%–56% of MODY, with the highest prevalences being found in the southern Europe. While screening for GCK mutations in 28 MODY families of Italian origin, we identified 17 different mutations (corresponding to 61% prevalence), including eight previously undescribed ones. The novel sequence variants included five missense mutations (p.Lys161Asn c.483G>C in exon 4, p.Phe171Leu c.511T>C in exon 5 and p.Thr228Ala c.682A>G, p.Thr228Arg c.683C>G, p.Gly258Cys c.772G>T in exon 7), one nonsense mutation (p.Ser383Ter c.1148C>A in exon 9), the splice site variant c.1253+1G>T in intron 9, and the deletion of 12 nucleotides in exon 10 (p.Ser433underscore;Ile436del c.1298_1309del12). Our study indicates that mutations in the GCK/MODY2 gene are a very common cause of MODY in the Italian population and broadens our knowledge of the naturally occurring GCK mutation repertoire. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Empirical Investigation on Documentation Usage Patterns in Maintenance Tasks

When developers perform a software maintenance task, they need to identify artifacts-e.g., classes or more specifically methods-that need to be modified. To this aim, they can browse various kind of artifacts, for example use case descriptions, UML diagrams, or source code. This paper reports the results of a study-conducted with 33 participants- aimed at investigating (i) to what extent developers use different kinds of documentation when identifying artifacts to be changed, and (ii) whether they follow specific navigation patterns among different kinds of artifacts. Results indicate that, although participants spent a conspicuous proportion of the available time by focusing on source code, they browse back and forth between source code and either static (class) or dynamic (sequence) diagrams. Less frequently, participants-especially more experienced ones-follow an "integrated" approach by using different kinds of artifacts.
Measurement of the Crystallographically Transformed Zone Produced by Fracture in Ceramics Containing Tetragonal Zirconia

During fracture of ceramics containing tetragonal zirconia particles, a volume of zirconia material on either side of the crack irreversibly transforms to the monoclinic crystal structure. Transformation zone sizes, measured using Raman microprobe spectroscopy, are presented for three sintered ceramics. In a single-phase ZrO2−3.5 mol% Y2O3 material, an upper bound measurement of 5 μm is obtained for the zone size. In the Al2O3/ZrO2 composites studied, the zone size is deduced to correspond to ∼1 grain in diameter. On the basis of the monoclinic concentrations derived from the Raman spectra it is further concluded that only a fraction of the ZrO2 grains within the transformation zone transform, providing indirect evidence for the effect of particle size on the propensity for transformation.
Plasma Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Interleukin-6 in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Aim. Recent research implicated place of an immune mechanism in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Despite increasing evidence involvement of cytokine release in OCD, results of the studies are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of the cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in OCD patients. Methods. Plasma concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured in 31 drug-free outpatients with OCD, and 31-year age and sex-matched healthy controls. TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations in blood were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Both TNF-α and IL-6 levels showed statistically significant increases in OCD patients compared to controls (P < .000, P < .001, resp.). In addition, the age of onset was negatively correlated with TNF-α level (r = −.402, P = .025) and duration of illness was weakly correlated with IL-6 levels (r : .357; P : .048) in patients group. Conclusion. OCD patients showed increases in TNF-α and IL-6 levels compared to the healthy controls. This study provides evidence for alterations in the proinflamatory cytokines which suggest the involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of OCD.
Larger neural responses produce BOLD signals that begin earlier in time

Functional MRI analyses commonly rely on the assumption that the temporal dynamics of hemodynamic response functions (HRFs) are independent of the amplitude of the neural signals that give rise to them. The validity of this assumption is particularly important for techniques that use fMRI to resolve sub-second timing distinctions between responses, in order to make inferences about the ordering of neural processes. Whether or not the detailed shape of the HRF is independent of neural response amplitude remains an open question, however. We performed experiments in which we measured responses in primary visual cortex (V1) to large, contrast-reversing checkerboards at a range of contrast levels, which should produce varying amounts of neural activity. Ten subjects (ages 22–52) were studied in each of two experiments using 3 Tesla scanners. We used rapid, 250 ms, temporal sampling (repetition time, or TR) and both short and long inter-stimulus interval (ISI) stimulus presentations. We tested for a systematic relationship between the onset of the HRF and its amplitude across conditions, and found a strong negative correlation between the two measures when stimuli were separated in time (long- and medium-ISI experiments, but not the short-ISI experiment). Thus, stimuli that produce larger neural responses, as indexed by HRF amplitude, also produced HRFs with shorter onsets. The relationship between amplitude and latency was strongest in voxels with lowest mean-normalized variance (i.e., parenchymal voxels). The onset differences observed in the longer-ISI experiments are likely attributable to mechanisms of neurovascular coupling, since they are substantially larger than reported differences in the onset of action potentials in V1 as a function of response amplitude.
Categorization of unprofessional behaviours identified during administration of and remediation after a comprehensive clinical performance examination using a validated professionalism framework

Background: Unprofessional behaviours by medical students predict future disciplinary outcomes. Comprehensive clinical performance examinations (CPXs) that are commonly employed to evaluate learners may provide an opportunity to identify unprofessional behaviours. Aims: To categorize the professionalism problems that occur during the CPX and subsequent remediation of students who perform poorly. Methods: We interviewed 33 individuals responsible for remediation after the CPX at 33 medical schools. We applied a validated framework for characterizing unprofessional behaviours to the professionalism problems described. We searched transcripts for 119 descriptors representing eight categories of unprofessional behaviour from this framework. Results: Eighteen interviewees identified professionalism as a problem during the examination and subsequent remediation. Unprofessional behaviours reported to occur in order of most to least mentioned, where a diminished capacity for self-improvement, impaired relationships with patients, irresponsibility, poor initiative and unprofessional behaviour associated with anxiety. Conclusions: Unprofessional behaviours are exhibited during the CPX and subsequent remediation. The frequently occurring behaviours of irresponsibility and diminished capacity for self-improvement are predictive of future professionalism problems and co-occur with behaviours that preclude meaningful patient relationships. A framework for identifying unprofessional behaviours may be useful in the formal assessment of professionalism during the CPX.
Suitability of Customer Relationship Management Systems for the Management of Study Participants in Biomedical Research

Summary Background: Longitudinal biomedical research projects study patients or participants over a course of time. No IT solution is known that can manage study participants, enhance quality of data, support re-contacting of participants, plan study visits, and keep track of informed consent procedures and recruitments that may be subject to change over time. In business settings management of personal is one of the major aspects of customer relationship management systems (CRMS). Objectives: To evaluate whether CRMS are suitable IT solutions for study participant management in biomedical research. Methods: Three boards of experts in the field of biomedical research were consulted to get an insight into recent IT developments regarding study participant management systems (SPMS). Subsequently, a requirements analysis was performed with stake-holders of a major biomedical research project. The successive suitability evaluation was based on the comparison of the identified requirements with the features of six CRMS. Results: Independently of each other, the interviewed expert boards confirmed that there is no generic IT solution for the management of participants. Sixty-four requirements were identified and prioritized in a requirements analysis. The best CRMS was able to fulfill forty-two of these requirements. The non-fulfilled requirements demand an adaption of the CRMS, consuming time and resources, reducing the update compatibility, the system’s suitability, and the security of the CRMS. Conclusions: A specific solution for the SPMS is favored instead of a generic and commercially-oriented CRMS. Therefore, the development of a small and specific SPMS solution was commenced and is currently on the way to completion.
Percutaneous Renal Angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal angiopl, technique in which a specially de catheter, introduced percutaneous dilate or reopen narrowed or occl in blood vessels. The procedure under local anaesthesia with flui angiographical control in the rad ment by a radiologist experienced i: techniques. The earliest methods of PTA Dotter & Judkins (1964) employe coaxial catheters as simple dilators. dilatation catheter followed, but ti by Gruntzig and Hopff in 1974 double-lumen catheter, with a stre loon, made the procedure much mo extended its application to a wideX including renal and coronary arter development of this catheter whic new wave of interest in the procedui First reports of successful I femoropopliteal arteries (Dotter & Percutaneous transluminal angio treatment of hypertension due to renal artery stenosis was reported I Gruntzig et al., using a coaxial bz system. Successful renal angiopl1 simpler peripheral type of angiol was described the following year 1979) and this has become the stand Dilatation of transplant renal can also be carried out (Sniderma Compared with surgical revascul; niques, renal PTA is a simple pr does not require general anaesthe patient to be ambulant again 24the procedure and usually requires hospital of only 3 or 4 days. The commonest indication for hypertension which is believed to re artery stenosis, but deteriorating associated with apparently significa stenosis may be conserved or impr plasty (Schwarten 1980). In pati nephrectomy for renal carcinoma, coincidental tight renal artery st contralateral side, before surgery, t( function. As with surgical revascularizz
Development of electroless silver plating on Para‐aramid fibers and growth morphology of silver deposits

The development of a conductive fiber with flame resistance is an urgent concern particularly in national defense and other specialized fields. Aramid fibers (para- or meta-) exihibit high strength and excellent fire resistance. Electroless silver plating on para-aramid fibers and growth morphology of silver deposits was investigated in the present work. The surface of para-aramid fibers was roughened using sodium hydride/dimethyl sulfoxide to guarantee successful electroless plating. Two complexing agents (ethylene diamine/ammonia) and two reducing agents (glucose/seignette salt) were used for the electroless silver plating bath design. Structure and properties of the resulting silver-deposited para-aramid fibers were evaluated based on scanning electron microscopy, silver weight gain percentage calculation, electrical resistance measurement, crystal structure analysis, and mechanical properties test. The results showed that a higher silver weight gain was advantageous to the improvement of conductivity for the silver-deposited para-aramid fibers. The obtained silver deposit was homogenous and compact. Electroless silver-plating deposits were considered to be three-dimensional nucleation and growth model (Volmer–Weber). Black, silver gray, and white deposits appeared sequentially with progressive plating. The breaking strength of silver-deposited para-aramid fibers remained at value up to 44 N. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012