Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between Central and Brachial Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Elderly Women and Men

Aim To compare the values of central and brachial systemic blood pressure (SBP) between women and men over 60 years of age with systemic arterial hypertension. Methods This study was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with elderly patients admitted to and selected from spontaneous and scheduled demand at basic health units in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between March 2013 and March 2014. We included 69 study participants and compared central and brachial SBP using a Sphygmocor® XCEL device (AtCor Medical, Sydney, Australia). Results Significant differences were found in the blood pressure values of the whole population in the central versus brachial systolic blood pressure (SP) [140(21) versus 153(23) mmHg] and in the central versus brachial pulse pressure (PP) [55(18) versus 70(18) mmHg]. Additionally, females exhibited higher blood pressure levels than males [central SP 144(23) versus 134(16) mmHg and brachial SP 161(26) versus 148(18) mmHg and central PP 62(17) versus 45(14) mmHg and brachial PP 80(21) versus 63(15) mmHg, resp. ]. Conclusion Elderly women exhibited higher blood pressure values than elderly hypertensive men.
Interspecies Variation in Axon-Myelin Relationships

The primary objective of this paper was to determine the extent and nature of interspecies differences in axon calibre and myelin sheath thickness and in the various relationships between these. Morphometric analysis of the axon perimeter-myelin sheath thickness relationship was performed on an equivalent nerve fibre population in a mammal, the rat, a bird, the chicken, an amphibian, the frog, a bony fish, the trout, and a cartilaginous fish, the dogfish. The abducent nerve was studied. It is especially suitable for this purpose because its fibres are closely similar in type and in peripheral distribution across the species studied. The relationship differed substantially between species. Differences were present in its setting, as described by the positions of the scatterplots, in the g ratio and in the regression and correlation data relating the parameters. Both parameters were markedly larger in the fish species than in all of the others. In addition, in rat, chicken, frog and trout, where large and small fibre classes could be differentiated clearly, the setting of the relationship between the two parameters was different for the two classes. In the main, variation in each of the parameters was greater between than within species. The larger fibres in the fish species were closely similar in axon perimeter and sheath thickness despite their long evolutionary separation. From this study and from others in the series, it may be concluded that there is no fixed or constant relationship between axon calibre and the thickness of the surrounding myelin sheath. Each nerve tends to have its own particular relationship and this differs between species.
Combined triamcinolone acetonide injection and grid laser photocoagulation: a promising treatment for diffuse diabetic macular oedema?

Diabetic macular oedema is a major cause of visual loss in patients with diabetes. The Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study showed that focal laser photocoagulation reduced moderate visual loss in eyes with clinically significant macular oedema.1–3 The efficacy of grid photocoagulation for treatment of diffuse diabetic macular oedema was reported in the 1980s.4–6 Those studies reported resolution of macular oedema and stabilisation or improvement of visual acuity (VA). Eyes treated with conventional grid photocoagulation for diffuse macular oedema, however, developed progressively expanding laser scars that resulted in decreased vision,7 subretinal fibrosis8 and visual field loss.6,9 Lee and Olk10 reported that VA improved in 14.5% and was unchanged in 60.9% of eyes with diffuse macular oedema treated with grid laser photocoagulation. However, the VA decreased by three lines or more in 24.6% of eyes. The limited efficacy of grid laser photocoagulation for treatment of diffuse macular oedema prompted interest in modified methods of grid photocoagulation and other treatments such as steroid injections and pars plana vitrectomy. In eyes with diffuse diabetic macular oedema, retinal opacification, macular swelling and fluid accumulation prevent …
Investigating the measurement capability of densely-distributed subdermal EEG electrodes

This paper studies the effect of bipolar subdermal EEG lead placement on measurement sensitivity distributions. The electrodes were subdermally located on the skull of a realistic human head and arranged in a 5×5 matrix of electrodes located at the apex of the cranial vault. The effects on the measurement sensitivity were studied by means of the half-sensitivity volume (HSV). The results indicate that subdermal measurements focus the accuracy and specificity of EEG measurement; however, the size of the half sensitivity volume varies due to electrode location across one or more gyri, gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) thickness. The results of the study suggest that subdermal needle electrodes could provide specific and accurate measurements of cortical activation but warrant further studies to understand how much the measurement sensitivity is influenced by placement of the subdermal electrodes over the gyri versus sulci.
Interleukin‐1: A master regulator of neuroinflammation

Interleukins 1α and 1β (IL‐1) are very potent signaling molecules that are expressed normally at low levels, but are induced rapidly in response to local or peripheral insults. IL‐1 coordinates systemic host defense responses to pathogens and to injury and not surprisingly it has similar effects within the central nervous system (CNS). Numerous reports have correlated the presence of IL‐1 in the injured or diseased brain, and its effects on neurons and nonneuronal cells in the CNS, but it is only recently that the importance of IL‐1 signaling has been recognized. This article reviews studies that demonstrate that IL‐1 is at or near the top of the hierarchical cytokine signaling cascade in the CNS that results in the activation of endogenous microglia and vascular endothelial cells to recruit peripheral leukocytes (i.e., neuroinflammation). The IL‐1 system thus provides an attractive target for therapeutic intervention to ameliorate the destructive consequences of neuroinflammation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of haemodialytic therapy on left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with end-stage renal disease quantified by speckle-tracking strain imaging.

BACKGROUND Abnormal myocardial loading can contribute to left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aims of this study were to characterize and quantify LV function and mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with ESRD, and to elucidate the impact of haemodialytic (HD) therapy on these parameters by speckle-tracking strain imaging. METHODS Twenty-three patients with ESRD (63 ± 11 years) before (pre-dialysis group) and after HD therapy (post-dialysis group) and 28 normal subjects (control group; 60 ± 10 years) were examined by echocardiography. Global and segmental LV peak systolic strain (PSS) were analysed, and LV mechanical dyssynchrony was assessed by calculating the standard deviation of the segmental time-to-PSS over longitudinal, circumferential or radial regions, respectively. RESULTS Global PSS and LV ejection fraction in the pre-dialysis group were similar to those in the control group, and were not altered by HD therapy. LV mechanical dyssynchronies in the longitudinal and radial directions, but not in the circumferential direction, were significantly greater in the pre-dialysis group than those in the control group [longitudinal direction: 63 ± 15 (P < 0.05 vs. the control group) vs. 49 ± 15 ms, circumferential direction: 44 ± 24 vs. 41 ± 23 ms, and radial direction: 47 ± 29 (P < 0.05 vs. the control group) vs. 16 ± 18 ms]. HD therapy dramatically improved only the radial LV dyssynchrony in the post-dialysis group (23 ± 24 ms, P < 0.05 vs. the pre-dialysis group). CONCLUSIONS The presence of ESRD was associated with longitudinal and radial LV dyssynchronies. In addition, HD therapy dramatically improved radial LV dyssynchrony, which strongly indicates that only radial LV dyssynchrony is preload dependent among the three LV systolic directions.
Transcutaneous oxygen pressure as predictive parameter for ulcer healing in endstage vascular patients treated with spinal cord stimulation.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN This study was designed to test the hypothesis that initial TcPO2 helps predict clinical outcome in vascular patients treated with spinal cord stimulation. A randomized-controlled study with one year follow-up was made in 86 Fontaine stage IV patients with endstage peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) undergoing 21 day intravenous prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) therapy for nonhealing ulcers. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients had arteriosclerosis, 13 also diabetes mellitus. Entry criteria included: non-reconstructible PAOD as proven by intra-arterial angiography or patient condition, ankle systolic pressure < 50 mmHg, severe rest pain despite analgetic medication, and presence of nonhealing foot ulcers or dry gangrene. One week after the start of PGE1 therapy, patients were randomized into receiving SCS plus PGE1 (n = 45 patients), or just PGE1 (n = 41 patients). Follow-up examinations were done at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. BASELINE: There were no significant differences between both groups in the following: age, sex distribution, ischemic skin lesions, risk factors and several key group mean physiological values including ankle systolic pressure, ankle/brachial ratio (ABI) and foot TcPO2. The SCS group had more prior vascular leg surgeries (1.77 vs 1.58 per patient). RESULTS AT 12 MONTHS: There was significantly better total healing of foot ulcers in the SCS-group (69 vs 17%; p < 0.0001). Significantly more SCS-patients achieved an outcome of Fontaine stage II (claudication pain, no rest pain or lesions) (40 vs 10%, p = 0.0014). The frequency of minor and major amputations was not different, respectively 13 vs 15% and 16 vs 20%. The mean ABI at 12 months of the treated limb of the SCS-patients was not significantly greater. Foot TcPO2 increased significantly for the SCS-group (+213 vs -2%; p < 0.0001). Patients in either group whose TcPO2 rose to 26.0 +/- 8.6 mmHg on average were able to heal ulcers or toe amputation wounds. PGE1-patients had temporary TcPO2 elevations of about 33% on average but this was gone by six months. SCS-patients had steady increases in TcPO2, and maintained them at 12 months. Among the SCS-patients, those with baseline TcPO2 < = 10 mmHg had significantly less success at 12 months, this was not observed for the OMT-patients. The regional perfusion index increased significantly, 187 vs 0%; p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Spinal cord stimulation appears to provide a major benefit for lesion improvement in stage IV patients with non-reconstructible PAOD. Patients with an initial TcPO2 > 10 mmHg will respond better to the stimulation therapy. With pain relief and ulcer healing quality of life improved. Effects on limb salvage do not appear.
Prostasin Is Required for Matriptase Activation in Intestinal Epithelial Cells to Regulate Closure of the Paracellular Pathway*

Background: Matriptase promotes intestinal epithelial barrier formation. Results: Matriptase and prostasin constitute a common proteolytic pathway where matriptase is indirectly activated by prostasin and functions on the cell surface to regulate barrier formation. Conclusion: A prostasin → matriptase protease cascade regulates barrier formation in simple intestinal epithelia. Significance: Cell surface serine proteases have complex cascade relationships that are context- and tissue-specific. The type II transmembrane serine protease matriptase is a key regulator of epithelial barriers in skin and intestine. In skin, matriptase acts upstream of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored serine protease, prostasin, to activate the prostasin zymogen and initiate a proteolytic cascade that is required for stratum corneum barrier functionality. Here, we have investigated the relationship between prostasin and matriptase in intestinal epithelial barrier function. We find that similar to skin, matriptase and prostasin are components of a common intestinal epithelial barrier-forming pathway. Depletion of prostasin by siRNA silencing in Caco-2 intestinal epithelium inhibits barrier development similar to loss of matriptase, and the addition of recombinant prostasin to the basal side of polarized Caco-2 epithelium stimulates barrier forming changes similar to the addition of recombinant matriptase. However, in contrast to the proteolytic cascade in skin, prostasin functions upstream of matriptase to activate the endogenous matriptase zymogen. Prostasin is unable to proteolytically activate the matriptase zymogen directly but induces matriptase activation indirectly. Prostasin requires expression of endogenous matriptase to stimulate barrier formation since matriptase depletion by siRNA silencing abrogates prostasin barrier-forming activity. Active recombinant matriptase, however, does not require the expression of endogenous prostasin for barrier-forming activity. Together, these data show that matriptase and not prostasin is the primary effector protease of tight junction assembly in simple columnar epithelia and further highlight a spatial and tissue-specific aspect of cell surface proteolytic cascades.
Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibition Depletes TrkA Levels and Signaling in Human Acute Leukemia Cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) induces autophosphorylation and downstream progrowth and prosurvival signaling from the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkA. Overexpression or activating mutation of TrkA has been described in human acute myeloid leukemia cells. In the present study, we show the chaperone association of TrkA with heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) and the inhibitory effect of the hsp90 inhibitor, 17-DMAG, on TrkA levels and signaling in cultured and primary myeloid leukemia cells. Treatment with 17-DMAG disrupted the binding of TrkA with hsp90 and the cochaperone cdc37, resulting in polyubiquitylation, proteasomal degradation, and depletion of TrkA. Exposure to 17-DMAG inhibited NGF-induced p-TrkA, p-AKT, and p-ERK1/2 levels, as well as induced apoptosis of K562, 32D cells with ectopic expression of wild-type TrkA or the constitutively active mutant ΔTrkA, and of primary myeloid leukemia cells. Additionally, 17-DMAG treatment inhibited NGF-induced neurite formation in the rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells. Cotreatment with 17-DMAG and K-252a, an inhibitor of TrkA-mediated signaling, induced synergistic loss of viability of cultured and primary myeloid leukemia cells. These findings show that TrkA is an hsp90 client protein, and inhibition of hsp90 depletes TrkA and its progrowth and prosurvival signaling in myeloid leukemia cells. These findings also support further evaluation of the combined activity of an hsp90 inhibitor and TrkA antagonist against myeloid leukemia cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(8); 2232–42. ©2010 AACR.
Developmentofmicrobial populations in theanaerobic hydrolysis ofgrass silage formethaneproduction

Six batch leach bed (LB) reactors, installed in parallel and connected to a common upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor, were fed with grass silage and operated at 35 ( 1) 1C. The development and distribution of microorganisms, which firmly and loosely attached to solid materials, and presented in the leachate in the LB reactors, were investigated by 16S rRNA gene-based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and clone library analyses. The phylotypes and their relative abundance changed in the respective bacterial community throughout the 49-day run and showed differences between the communities. Large numbers of phylotypes were detected from day 10 onwards. On day 17, the majority of phylotypes in the bacterial community firmly attached to solid residues affiliated to the classes Clostridia and Bacteroidetes. There were high numbers of the phylotypes in the leachate bacterial community. They were closely related to members of classes Clostridia, Bacteroidetes, Betaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and OP10. The Clostridium-like species clearly dominated the bacterial community. Archaea were only found in the solid residues on day 17 and in the leachate on days 10 and 17. The majority of the Archaea fell within the hydrogenotrophic genus Methanobacterium. The organism assigned to the aceticlastic genus Methanosarcina was only present in the solid residues.
Visceral Obesity and Hypoadiponectinemia are Significant Determinants of Hepatic Dysfunction: An Epidemiologic Study of 3827 Japanese Subjects

Background and Aim Adiponectin is an anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing adipocytokine, and its serum concentrations are reduced in obesity with visceral fat accumulation. Visceral fat accumulation is an independent determinant of elevated serum liver enzymes. Hypoadiponectinemia plays important roles in the clinical progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between visceral fat area (VFA), serum adiponectin concentration, and biochemical liver tests, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in normal subjects. Methods The study group comprised 3827 Japanese subjects [mean age±SD; 47.6±10.7 y: 2854 males (48.4±10.7 y), 973 females (45.3±10.1 y)], who underwent annual health checkup in 2004. In addition to parameters measured in the annual health checkup, VFA and serum adiponectin concentration were measured by the bioelectrical impedance analysis method and a latex particle-enhanced turbidimetric assay system, respectively. Results Pearson's correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between VFA and the levels of the above 3 liver enzymes in both sexes, and a significant negative correlation between adiponectin and all biochemical liver tests in men and with ALT and GGT in women. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that VFA was a significant determinant of serum liver tests in both sexes. Moreover, serum adiponectin concentration significantly and negatively influenced male ALT and GGT and female GGT. Conclusions Both visceral obesity and hypoadiponectinemia are significant determinants of subtle and asymptomatic hepatic dysfunction in normal Japanese subjects.
Thinking About the Recent Past and the Future of the EU

After the referendums in France and the Netherlands, the European Union was in disarray. However, political elites in all countries were insisting in the adoption of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe, which in turn was a slight modification of the text adopted in the European Convention. The solution was found in the IGC of Brussels in 2007, where the substance of the Treaty was adopted, and symbolic details (flag, anthem) were dropped out. The article explains the impact of the institutions adopted in the Convention, and argues that these institutions would help political decision-making in the EU. It then explains how such significant results became possible (because of the important role of the Presidium in terms of agenda-setting). Finally it argues that the text of the Constitution became a focal point for all negotiating governments. This is why elites came back to it despite the public disapproval of the referendums.
BONE COMPOSITION AND CA45 RETENTION IN FOWL AS INFLUENCED BY EGG FORMATION.

Ca 45 was intravenously administered to laying hens close to the time of ovulation. Groups of five birds were killed at intervals ranging from 30 min to 14 days, after dosing, and calcium, phosphorus, and radioassays were made on their blood plasma, on ends and cortical and medullary segments of their tibias and femurs, and on eggs laid previous to killing. Radioactivity in blood plasma and eggs decreased with time. There were no significant changes in amount and calcium and phosphorus content of tibia and femur segments during one and more reproductive cycles. Radioactivity of bone segments increased to 2 hr after dosing and later markedly declined, paralleling eggshell deposition. Specific activity of the medullary segment was higher than that of ends or cortical segment. It is suggested that the decline in radioactivity of bone is caused mainly by exchange with stable calcium during its transfer from gut to eggshell, although resorption of bone may also take place. The high specific activity of medullary bone 2 days after dosing suggests a greater turnover of calcium in this segment than in the other segment studied.
A review of bipolar disorder among adults.

OBJECTIVE This paper reviews the epidemiology, etiology, assessment, and management of bipolar disorder. Special attention is paid to factors that complicate treatment, including noncompliance, comorbid disorders, mixed mania, and rapid cycling. Advances in biopsychosocial treatments are briefly reviewed, including new health service models for providing care. METHODS A MEDLINE search was done for the period from January 1988 through October 1997 using the key terms of bipolar disorder, diagnosis, and treatment. Papers selected for further review included those published in English in peer-reviewed journals. Preference was given to articles reporting randomized, controlled trials. RESULTS Bipolar disorder is a major public health problem. The etiology of the disorder appears multifactorial. Diagnosis often occurs years after onset of the disorder. Comorbid conditions are common. Management includes a lifetime course of medication and attention to psychosocial issues for patients and their families. Standardized treatment guidelines for the management of acute mania have been developed. New potential treatments are being investigated. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of bipolar disorder must include careful attention to comorbid disorders and predictors of compliance. Randomized trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of medication, psychosocial interventions, and other health service interventions, particularly as they relate to the management of acute bipolar depression, bipolar disorder co-occurring with other disorders, and maintenance prophylactic treatment.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder and Psychotic Disorders During Pregnancy

s: Articles should not include an abstract. Please note that we will consider articles outside of the theme. The Residents’ Journal accepts manuscripts authored by medical students, resident physicians, and fellows; manuscripts authored by members of faculty cannot be accepted. To submit a manuscript, please visit http://mc.manuscriptcentral. com/appi-ajp, and select “Residents” in the manuscript type field.
Dynamics of the Human Eyeblink

&NA; High‐speed photography of eyeblinks in 4 subjects provided displacement and velocity time functions. The results from dynamic measurements made with a mechanical transducer connected physically to the upper eyelid gave estimates of the passive spring constant (Kp = 1.5 gmf/mm) and the passive viscosity (Bp = 0.09 gmf ‐ sec/mm) of the eyelid. Noting the similarity between the reciprocal‐innervation mechanisms in the eyelid and the eye‐movement systems, a mathematical eyelid model was derived based on the well‐known eye‐movement model and using similar ideal mechanical‐element representations. The model‐simulation time course shows the essential characteristics of an eyeblink and suggests that the force program consists of reciprocally acting pulse forces during the downblink, and pulsestep forces during the upblink. When 1 mm of lid displacement is equated with 5 deg of eyeball rotation and when the main sequences for lid movements and for time‐optimal saccadic eye movements are compared, the eyeblinks are not found to be time optimal for their various amplitudes.