Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency: A new paradigm for hepatocellular carcinoma in genetic liver disease

Liver disease in alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (α1AT) deficiency is caused by a gain‐of‐toxic function mechanism engendered by the accumulation of a mutant glycoprotein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The extraordinary degree of variation in phenotypical expression of this liver disease is believed to be determined by genetic modifiers and/or environmental factors that influence the intracellular disposal of the mutant glycoprotein or the signal transduction pathways that are activated. Recent investigations suggest that a specific repertoire of signaling pathways are involved, including the autophagic response, mitochondrial‐ and ER‐caspase activation, and nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB) activation. Whether activation of these signaling pathways, presumably to protect the cell, inadvertently contributes to liver injury or perhaps protects the cell from one injury and, in so doing, predisposes it to another type of injury, such as hepatocarcinogenesis, is not yet known. Recent studies also suggest that hepatocytes with marked accumulation of α1ATZ, globule‐containing hepatocytes, engender a cancer‐prone state by surviving with intrinsic damage and by chronically stimulating in ‘trans’ adjacent relatively undamaged hepatocytes that have a selective proliferative advantage. Further, this paradigm may apply to other genetic and infectious liver diseases that are predisposed to hepatocellular carcinoma. (HEPATOLOGY 2005.)
Activation of intracellular serine proteinase in Bacillus subtilis cells during sporulation

Cells of Bacillus subtilis 168 (trpC2) growing and sporulating in a single chemically defined medium carried out intracellular protein degradation and increased their levels of intracellular serine protease-1 in a manner very similar to what had previously been reported for cells sporulating in nutrient broth. The results were interpreted to mean that these processes are intrinsic to sporulation rather than medium dependent. To determine the cause of these increases in specific activity of proteinases, we purified the protease, prepared rabbit immunoglobulins directed against it, and monitored changes in protease antigen levels by performing rocket immunoelectrophoresis. In cells sporulating in nutrient broth, the protease antigen levels increased about 7-fold, whereas the specific activity increased about 150-fold, for an activation of about 20-fold. In cells sporulating in the single chemically defined sporulation medium, the protease antigen increased about 10-fold, whereas the specific activity increased at least 400-fold, for an activation of about 40-fold. These results were interpreted to mean that a posttranslational event activated the protease in vivo; a previously described endogenous proteinase inhibitor was confirmed to be present in the strain used. Chloramphenicol added to the cultures inhibited both the increases in antigen levels and in the specific activity of the proteinase.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder: a double-blind controlled investigation

ABSTRACT Background To determine the efficacy and tolerability of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Method Subjects with treatment-resistant OCD were randomized to rTMS (n=10) or sham rTMS (n=8) for 10 sessions of daily stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with subjects and raters being blind to the treatment. Subjects were offered an open extension of up to 20 sessions of rTMS. Results The two groups did not differ on change in Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) or Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory scores over 10 sessions, with or without correction for depression ratings. Over 20 sessions, there was a significant reduction in total YBOCS scores, but not after controlling for depression. rTMS over 20 sessions was well tolerated. Conclusion Two weeks of rTMS over the left DLPFC is ineffective for treatment-resistant OCD.
Influence of metabolic syndrome on risk stratification in hypertensive patients: differences between 2003 and 2007 ESH-ESC guidelines

Objective: To investigate the influence of metabolic syndrome (MS) on risk stratification and ulterior classification in hypertensive patients at entry into a hypertension unit by comparing the criteria of ESH-ESC 2003 and 2007 guidelines. Methods: 720 consecutive patients attending a hospital-located hypertension unit were included in the study. They were classified with or without MS according to the ATP-III 2005 report. Patients underwent repeated office BP measurements and routine blood/urine examinations. In addition ultrasensitive CRP (uCRP), echocardiogram, fasting insulin, urinary albumin excretion were determined and HOMA index was calculated. Results: The prevalence of MS was 58.8 %. Abdominal obesity and fasting glucose were the most prevalent components of MS, and HDL-cholesterol the least prevalent. MS group had higher levels of LDL-cholesterol and higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy and microalbuminuria. Patients with MS also presented a significant elevation in uCRP, fasting insulin and HOMA. BP was controlled in 55.6%. When we applied the 2003 guideline, 48.9% patients showed a high or very high added cardiovascular risk. With the applications of the 2007 guide the prevalence of this two categories reach 73.9%. Conclusions: A significant difference in the risk pattern distribution is found when MS is considered in risk stratification in our hypertensive population. The accompanying increase in the levels of other cardiovascular risk factors and in the prevalence of target organ damage justifies the global intervention on cardiovascular risk recommended by 2007 ESH-ESC guidelines.
Migrating Cells Retain Gap Junction Plaque Structure and Function

Cell migration is an essential process in organ development, differentiation, and wound healing, and it has been hypothesized that gap junctions play a pivotal role in these cell processes. However, the changes in gap junctions and the capacity for cell communication as cells migrate are unclear. To monitor gap junction plaques during cell migration, adrenocortical cells were transfected with cDNA encoding for the connexin 43–green fluorescent protein. Time-lapse imaging was used to analyze cell movements and concurrent gap junction plaque dynamics. Immunocytochemistry was used to analyze gap junction morphology and distribution. Migration was initiated by wounding the cell monolayer and diffusional coupling was demonstrated by monitoring Lucifer yellow dye transfer and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) in cells at the wound edge and in cells located some distance from the wound edge. Gap junction plaques were retained at sites of contact while cells migrated in a “sheet-like” formation, even when cells dramatically changed their spatial relationship to one another. Consistent with this finding, cells at the leading edge retained their capacity to communicate with contacting cells. When cells detached from one another, gap junction plaques were internalized just prior to cell process detachment. Although gap junction plaque internalization clearly was a method of gap junction removal during cell separation, cells retained gap junction plaques and continued to communicate dye while migrating.
Security, Privacy, and the Built Environment

The built environment is entering a period of great evolution, enabled by the adoption of building information modeling (BIM), the increased use of technologies in digital asset management, and the emergence of smart assets and the Internet of Things (IoT). This article considers the impact of these developments on security and privacy, and outlines the rationale for adopting a broader approach to cybersecurity than the confidentiality, integrity, and availability triad that's used by the information assurance community. It considers the impact of using new, predominantly wireless technologies in the built environment and discusses the need for security and privacy improvements.
Analysis of the application of critical chain project management in the product development process and portfolio management of an aircraft manufacturer

Products portfolio management, as a part of a product development process, presents challenges as the products life cycle of many sectors, has been continuously diminished. Though several academic studies support the thesis that the Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) method tends to bring good results in multi-project management, most of these studies do not focus on product development environments and, more specifically, the way in which CCPM endorses product portfolio management in these environments. This perception proves interesting when considering that some scientific studies show the difficulties of an effective portfolio management. This work aimed to study the CCPM application as a support method in the product development process in general, and for portfolio management specifically, seeking to verify, by means of a case study, its forms of application in a company with formal product development processes. The results lead to the conclusion that CCPM is relatively beneficial to the projects performance, contributing both to the product development and product portfolio management.
Vitamin and mineral supplement use by children and adolescents in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: relationship with nutrition, food security, physical activity, and health care access.

OBJECTIVE To determine if vitamin and mineral supplement use among children and adolescents in the United States is associated with nutrition, food security, physical activity, and health care access. DESIGN Secondary analysis of nationally representative data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. SETTING Questionnaires, household interviews, and medical examinations. PARTICIPANTS Children and adolescents 2 to 17 years of age (N = 10 828). MAIN EXPOSURE Vitamin and mineral supplement use in the past month. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Demographics, nutrition, food security, physical activity, and health care access. RESULTS Approximately 34% (SE 1.2) used vitamin and mineral supplements in the past month, with underweight subjects reporting greater intake. Younger age, non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, being born in the United States, higher milk intake, lower total fat and cholesterol intake, higher dietary fiber intake, higher income, greater food security, lower media/computer use, greater physical activity, lower body mass index, health insurance coverage, better health care access, and better self-reported health were associated with greater use of vitamin and mineral supplements. Such supplements contributed significantly to total daily dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals. CONCLUSIONS A large number of US children and adolescents use vitamin and mineral supplements, which for most may not be medically indicated. Such supplements contribute significantly to total dietary intakes of vitamins and minerals, and studies of nutrition should include their assessment. Since vitamin and mineral supplement users report greater health care access, health care providers may be in a position to provide screening and counseling regarding dietary adequacy and indications for supplement use.
Assessment of knowledge regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation of pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION The 2000-2002 triennial UK Report on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths concluded that over 50% of maternal deaths involved substandard care and that many could have been prevented. Catastrophic events leading to cardio-respiratory arrest may necessitate the resuscitation of pregnant women in various hospital locations. This study was designed to evaluate knowledge about resuscitation of parturients among anesthesiologists, obstetricians and emergency physicians. METHODS A 12-question survey was distributed anonymously to residents and faculty in the anesthesia (ANES), obstetrics (OB), and emergency medicine (EM) departments at Stanford University Medical Center/Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, California. Questions were designed to elicit knowledge deficiencies in four critical areas: need for left uterine displacement (LUD), advanced cardiac life support algorithms (ACLS), physiologic changes of pregnancy (PHYS), and the recommendation to perform cesarean delivery in parturients (>20 weeks gestation) after 4-5 min of unsuccessful resuscitation for cardiac arrest (5CD). RESULTS In total, 74/75 physicians (43% ANES, 37% OB, and 20% EM) completed the test. ANES scored highest in overall test scores, and in knowledge of PHYS (P<0.05). Scores for LUD and 5CD were similar among groups, but 25-40% of these questions were answered incorrectly. In the ACLS category, the EM group scored highest (93%). CONCLUSION We conclude that knowledge of important basic concepts, including the need for LUD and the potential benefit of early cesarean delivery during cardiac arrest, is inadequate among all three specialties. All three departments should provide ACLS physician training with emphasis on the special considerations for parturients.
The effects of gender and age on new technology implementation in a developing country: Testing the theory of planned behavior (TPB)

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the effects of gender, age and education on new technology implementation in Saudi Arabia, a technologically developing country, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Design/methodology/approach – The research was an empirical investigation based on surveys completed by 1,088 Saudi knowledge workers.Findings – The TPB model performs well in Saudi Arabia. This validation accounts for 37 percent of the variance in behavioral intention among Saudi knowledge workers. For the moderator variables, there were no statistically significant interactions, with the exception of the moderation of perceived behavioral control on behavioral intention by level of education.Research limitations/implications – Saudi Arabia is an exemplar for many developing nations characterized by distinct intellectual and cultural traditions that differ from Western cultures. Demographic variables (e.g. gender and age) that have been reported to be significant moderators of the influences of .
Replication of Dissociation-Psychosis Link in New Zealand Students and Inmates

To assess the relationship between dissociative and psychotic experiences, New Zealand university students (N = 119) and prison inmates (N = 42) were administered the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Strong correlations were found between DES scores and the psychoticism and paranoid ideation subscales of the SCL-90-R (students: r = .520, .517, respectively; inmates: r = .637, .649, respectively). While other correlations were also significant (but smaller), these results are consistent with previous studies that have used a range of measures of psychosis or schizotypy with a variety of clinical and nonclinical populations. Such consistent findings in the face of methodological diversity offer strong support for the validity of a link between the concepts of dissociation and psychosis. While this relationship has previously been interpreted indirectly, as dissociative experiences predisposing to psychotic symptoms, we suggest a direct route: that dissociative experiences of various forms may underlie some (or even all) psychotic symptoms.
Joint delay-power capture in spread-spectrum packet radio networks

Capture phenomena in slotted ALOHA packet radio networks employing spread-spectrum modulation is considered. Probability of capture with both delay and power capture mechanisms are derived and compared with power- and delay-only capture models. Significant improvements in the capture probability is observed. The improvement over the delay-only capture model increases with decreasing arrival-time randomization overhead.
Projections of the suprachiasmatic nucleus to stress‐related areas in the rat hypothalamus: A light and electron microscopic study

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the sites in the hypothalamus where the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) may influence corticosteroid secretion. In spite ofthe well established, SCN‐mediated, daily rhythms in adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosteroid secretion, previous studies determining the projections of the suprachiasmatic nucleus faiied to illustrate direct connections with corticotrophin‐releasing hormone neurons (CRH).
Radiofrequency Ablation of Primary or Metastatic Liver Tumors Policy

©2017 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without permission from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. Page 1 of 20 Applies to all products administered or underwritten by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and its subsidiary, HMO Louisiana, Inc.(collectively referred to as the “Company”), unless otherwise provided in the applicable contract. Medical technology is constantly evolving, and we reserve the right to review and update Medical Policy periodically.
Mechanical compression upregulates MMP9 through SMAD3 but not SMAD2 modulation in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts

Abstract Purpose: Activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling and matrix metalloproteinases are involved in hypertrophic scar (HS) formation. Compression therapy is known to be an effective approach for the treatment of hypertrophic scarring; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We investigated the relationship between TGF-β signaling activation and matrix metalloproteinases in HS fibroblasts during mechanical compressive stress. Materials and methods: Two groups of skin tissue from HS and the nearby normal tissue were obtained from surgical patients and analyzed. Primary fibroblasts from the HS tissue and normal fibroblasts were isolated. Pressure therapy was recapitulated in an in vitro three-dimensional culture model, using mechanical stress produced with the Flexcell FX-4000C Compression Plus System. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to analyze the gene expression profiles in skin tissue and cultured primary cells exposed to compressive stress. Knockdown of SMAD2 and SMAD3 was performed using their specific siRNA in HS and normal fibroblasts subjected to compressive stress, and gene expression was examined by qPCR and Western blot. Results: There was a significant upregulation of the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and MMP9 in primary HS fibroblasts in response to mechanical stress. In contrast, the mRNA levels of collagen I and collagen III were downregulated in primary HS fibroblasts compared with those in the control cells. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of SMAD3 in the primary fibroblasts exposed to mechanical stress resulted in a decrease in the expression of MMP9 compared to control cells. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that compressive stress upregulates MMP9 by SMAD3 but not by SMAD2.
New residually amenable groups, permanence properties, and metric approximations

Residuell mittelbare Gruppen treten als gemeinsame Verallgemenierung mittelbarer und residuell endlicher Gruppen auf. Diese beiden Klassen von Gruppen, die wenig miteinander gemeinsam haben, sind tief in der modernen Gruppentheorie verwurzelt und verbinden sie mit vielen anderen Zweigen der Mathematik. Vor kurzem erlangten residuell mittelbare Gruppen grose Beachtung aufgrund ihrer Beziehung zur Eigenschaft "Soficity" (ein Begriff, der von Gromov eingefuhrt wurde, um Gottschalks Surjunctivity-Vermutung dynamischer Systeme zu behandeln). In dieser Arbeit untersuchen wir systematisch die Klasse der residuell mittelbaren Gruppen. Unser Ansatz konzentriert sich einerseits auf die strukturellen Eigenschaften dieser Klasse und andererseits auf eine quantitative Beschreibung der residuellen Mittelbarkeit. Wir beweisen, dass die Eigenschaft der residuellen Mittelbarkeit durch das Bilden freier Produkte, und allgemeiner durch Graph-Produkte, erhalten bleibt. Wir fuhren den Begriff einer pro-mittelbaren Topologie auf diskreten Gruppen ein und nutzen die Eigenschaften solcher Gruppen, um notwendige und hinreichende Bedingungen zu finden, die sicherstellen, dass bestimmte HNN-Erweiterungen und amalgamiert freie Produkte residuell mittelbarer Gruppen wieder residuell mittelbar sind. Im Allgemeinen gilt dies bei weitem nicht; durch diese Bedingungen konstruieren wir abzahlbar viele paarweise nichtisomorphe endlich erzeugte Gruppen, die nicht residuell mittelbar sind. Wir untersuchen eine asymptotische Invariante fur endlich erzeugte Gruppen, das residuell mittelbare Profil, das quantifiziert, wie sehr eine bestimmte Gruppe residuell mittelbar ist. Dies verallgemeinert den bekannten Begriff von Folner-Funktionen fur mittelbare Gruppen auf die Klasse der residuell mittelbaren Gruppen. Wir analysieren das Verhalten des residuell mittelbaren Profiles im Bezug auf gruppentheoretische Operationen, die die Klasse der residuell mittelbaren Gruppe erhalten, wie direkte Produkte, freie Produkte und Erweiterungen mit mittelbarem Quotienten. Schlieslich untersuchen wir die Klasse von Sofic-Gruppen und bringen einen neuen, unabangigen Beweis fur die Tatsache, dass jede Gruppenerweiterung mit einem Sofic-Kern und mittelbarem Quotient wiederum eine Sofic-Gruppe ist. Dieser Beweis zeigt, wie auch der ursprungliche von Elek und Szabo, wie die Voraussetzung der Mittelbarkeit die bestmoglichste fur Resultate in diese Richtung sein konnte. Wir schlagen einen verscharften Begriff fur Soficity vor, namlich Konjugations-Soficity, und untersuchen die Eigenschaften dieses Begriffes. In diesem neuen Kontext konnen (im Gegensatz zur Soficity) die Soficity-Approximationen nicht mehr Homomorphismen auf endliche symmetrische Gruppen sein, sondern vielmehr Karten, die keine Homomorphismen sind.
HYPOTENSIVE RESUSCITATION OF MULTIPLE HEMORRHAGES USING CRYSTALLOID AND COLLOIDS

Hypotensive resuscitation has been advocated as a better means to perform field resuscitation of penetrating trauma. Our hypothesis is that hypotensive resuscitation using either crystalloid or colloid provides equivalent or improved metabolic function while reducing the overall fluid requirement for resuscitation of hemorrhage. We compared hypotensive and normotensive resuscitation of hemorrhage using lactated Ringer’s (LR) with hypotensive resuscitation using Hextend™ (Hex), 6% hetastarch in isotonic buffered saline. Instrumented conscious sheep were hemorrhaged in three separate bleeds, 25 mL/kg at T0 and 5 mL/kg at both T50 and T70. Resuscitation was started at T30 and continued until T180. Hypotensive resuscitation to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mmHg was performed with LR or Hex using a closed-loop resuscitation (CLR) system for a LR-65 and Hex-65 treatment protocol. A control treatment protocol was resuscitation with LR to a MAP target of 90 mmHg, LR-90. All treatment protocols were successfully resuscitated to near target levels. Two animals in the hypotensive treatment protocols died during the second and third bleedings, one in the LR-65 and one in the Hex-65 treatment protocol. Mean infused volumes were 61.4 ± 11.3, 18.0 ± 5.9,* and 11.6 ± 1.9* mL/kg in the LR-90, LR-65, and Hex-65 treatments, respectively (*P < 0.05 versus LR-90). Mean minimum base excess (BE) values were +1.9 ± 1.4, −5.8 ± 4.3, and −5.9 ± 4.0 mEq/L in the LR-90, LR-65, and Hex-65 treatments, respectively. Hypotensive resuscitation with LR greatly reduced volume requirements as compared with normotensive resuscitation, and Hex achieved additional volume sparing. However, trends toward lower BE values and the occurrence of deaths only in the hypotensive treatment protocols suggest that resuscitation to a target MAP of 65 mmHg may be too low for optimal outcomes.