Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The NFAT-Related Protein NFATL1 (TonEBP/NFAT5) Is Induced Upon T Cell Activation in a Calcineurin-Dependent Manner1

NFAT DNA binding complexes regulate programs of cellular activation and differentiation by translating receptor-dependent signaling events into specific transcriptional responses. NFAT proteins, originally defined as calcium/calcineurin-dependent regulators of cytokine gene transcription in T lymphocytes, are expressed in many different cell types and represent critical signaling intermediates that mediate an increasingly wide spectrum of biologic responses. Recent studies have identified a novel protein containing a region of similarity to the NFAT DNA binding domain. Here we demonstrate that this protein, designated NFATL1 (also known as tonicity enhancer binding protein and NFAT5) is expressed at high levels in the thymus but is undetectable in mature lymphocytes. However, NFATL1 can be induced in both primary quiescent T lymphocytes and differentiated Th1 and Th2 cell populations upon mitogen- or Ag receptor-dependent activation. The induction of NFATL1 protein, as well as NFATL1-dependent transcription, is inhibited by cyclosporin A and FK506, and expression of constitutively active calcineurin induces NFATL1-dependent transcription. Overexpression of NFATc1 and inhibition of NFATc activity through the use of a dominant negative NFATc1 protein have no affect on NFATL1-dependent transcription, indicating that NFATc proteins do not play a role in the calcineurin-dependent induction of NFATL1. Interestingly, induction of NFATL1 by a hyperosmotic stimulus is not blocked by the inhibition of calcineurin. Moreover, osmotic stress response genes such as aldose reductase are not induced upon T cell activation. Thus inducible expression of NFATL1 represents a mechanism by which receptor-dependent signals as well as osmotic stress signals are translated into transcriptional responses that regulate cell function.
Effects of long‐term administration of octreotide in portal vein‐stenosed rats

The hemodynamic effects of long‐term administration of octreotide in portal hypertension has not been established. In addition, whether long‐term octreotide treatment prevents the development of portosystemic shunts has not yet been evaluated. Hence, the current study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of long‐term administration of octreotide in rats with portal vein stenosis. Immediately after portal vein stenosis or sham operation, rats were given either a long‐term octreotide administration of 100 μg/kg or a placebo every 12 hours by subcutaneous injection for 14 consecutive days. Systemic hemodynamics and regional blood flows, degree of mesenteric‐systemic shunts, and plasma glucagon concentrations were measured after the final dose of octreotide or placebo. A fifth group of portal vein‐stenosed rats received hemodynamic and plasma glucagon measurements after 1‐day octreotide treatment given at 14 days after surgery. Long‐term octreotide treatment modified the hyperdynamic circulation without affecting the degree of mesenteric‐systemic shunts, and 1‐day octreotide treatment decreased portal tributary blood flow without affecting the portal pressure, systemic hemodynamics, and degree of mesenteric‐systemic shunts. Plasma glucagon levels were decreased in portal vein‐stenosed rats receiving either long‐term or 1‐day octreodtide compared with rats receiving placebo. In contrast, chronic octreotide treatment did not affect any of the hemodynamic values or plasma glucagon levels in sham‐operated rats. In conclusion, long‐term administration of octreotide modified in part the development of portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation in portal vein‐stenosed rats without affecting the degree of mesenteric‐systemic shunts.
Effects of Adductor‐Canal‐Blockade on pain and ambulation after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized study

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with intense post‐operative pain. Besides providing optimal analgesia, reduction in side effects and enhanced mobilization are important in this elderly population. The adductor‐canal‐blockade is theoretically an almost pure sensory blockade. We hypothesized that the adductor‐canal‐blockade may reduce morphine consumption (primary endpoint), improve pain relief, enhance early ambulation ability, and reduce side effects (secondary endpoints) after TKA compared with placebo.
Does nomenclatural availability of nomina of new species or subspecies require the deposition of vouchers in collections

Several species of birds and primates recently described opened a debate in the zoological community on the possibility of naming new species or subspecies without material onomatophores (“name-bearing types”) deposited in collections. The current writing of the Code is ambiguous in this respect. We support here the view that such practice is not doing a service to the discipline of taxonomy as illustrations, DNA sequences or “definitions” cannot replace voucher specimens. The latter are and will be badly needed for the proper knowledge of the vanishing biodiversity of our planet. We review arguments pro and con the need to have a Rule in the Code requiring the deposition of onomatophores in collections for the proper and valid creation of new nomina in zoological nomenclature. In conclusion, we propose a more drastic Rule in this respect but also the possibility, in some exceptional cases, to apply to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to make nomina available even in the absence of material onomatophores.
Indications for Cervical Pedicle Screw Instrumentation in Nontraumatic Lesions

Study Design. Retrospective clinical study. Objective. To evaluate clinical results of patients with nontraumatic cervical lesions treated by cervical pedicle screw (PS) fixation and to discuss the surgical indications. Summary of Background Data. PS fixation provides an outstanding stability for cervical lesions with instability. This technique, however, has a potential risk of vertebral artery, spinal cord, and nerve root injuries, which may be catastrophic. Methods. Fifty-eight patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with cervical kyphosis with vertebral destructive lesions (group D, n = 38) and those without destructive lesions (group ND, n = 20). Clinical results of the 2 groups were compared. The results of decompression and PS fixation for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in this series were also compared with those of previous laminoplasty alone in patients with CSM and OPLL. Results. Nape pain in group D improved in 86.7% of the patients. Overall neurologic status was improved in both groups. Bony fusion was confirmed in 100% of the cases that were alive in group D and 95% in group ND. Eight complications including 2 vertebral artery injuries occurred. The incidence of postoperative cervical complications in group ND was significantly higher than that in group D. Although PS fixation significantly corrected cervical kyphosis and maintained in both CSM and OPLL, operation time and intraoperative blood loss in cases treated by PS were significantly higher than those treated by laminoplasty alone. Improvement of nape pain and neurologic status did not differ with and without using PS fixation. Conclusion. There is an indication of cervical PS fixation for destructive lesions because of a high fusion rate with improvement of nape pain. On the other hand, there is no indication in cases of typical CSM and OPLL if a potential risk of vertebral artery or nerve injury is taken into account.
Can progressive and non-progressive behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia be distinguished at presentation?

Background: Recent findings suggest that patients with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bv-FTD) differ in their disease progression (progressive vs non-progressive patients). The current study investigates whether the two groups can be discriminated by their clinical features at first presentation. Methods: Archival clinical data of the Early Onset Dementia Clinic, Cambridge, UK, were analysed for 71 patients with bv-FTD: 45 progressive and 26 non-progressive cases with more than 3 years of follow-up. Results: The subgroups were largely indistinguishable on the basis of the presenting clinical features but could be distinguished on general cognitive (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-revised) and selected supportive diagnostic features (distractibility, stereotypic speech, impaired activities of daily living (ADLs) and current depression). Conclusions: Progressive and non-progressive patients are difficult to differentiate on the basis of current clinical diagnostic criteria for FTD but a combination of general cognitive, executive dysfunction and impaired ADL measures appear to be the most promising discriminators.
Disease burden for patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases identified at reference hospitals in Guanajuato, Mexico

Background In addition to the deleterious effect on health, there is considerable economic and psychosocial morbidity associated with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID). Also, the cost of a late diagnosis frequently results in a heavy disease burden on the patient. The objective of this study was to collect and analyze data on patients with PID in the state of Guanajuato in Mexico, to indirectly estimate the burden of the disease. Methods An observational, longitudinal, and comparative study was conducted. A total of 44 patients were included and grouped according to the updated classification of PID. Results The median time elapsed from the onset of symptoms to the reference and diagnosis by a tertiary hospital was of 2.17 (IQR = 6.44) years. Before diagnosis, the number of hospitalizations/year per patient was 0.86 (IQR = 2.28), the number of visit to emergency room/year per patient was 0.92 (IQR = 1.77), the number of doctor’s visits/year per patient was 15 (IQR = 11.25), whereas the school/work absence days per patient were reported in 52.72 (IQR = 56.35) days per year. After diagnosis, 20 patients (45.45%) received IVIG replacement therapy, and all of them presented a significant improvement (p <0.05) in all the mentioned variables. Characteristically, even when patients with PID received IVIG, there was still an important disease burden when comparing them against healthy controls. Complications secondary to PID were detected in 19 patients (43.18%). The reported overall mortality rate was 6.82% (n = 3). Conclusions We were able to indirectly estimate an important disease burden in patients with PID; which is considered to be preventable, at least in part, with effective interventions like health planning, research, collaboration with primary care providers, and generation of policies and practices, in order to improve the quality of life and care of families with PID.
La evidencia del impacto de los programas de capacitación en el desempeño en el mercado laboral

En este trabajo realizamos una detallada revisión de los estudios empíricos en los que examinamos el efecto de la participación en programas de capacitación en el desempeño de los trabajadores en el mercado laboral. Asimismo discutimos los efectos estimados para distintos grupos socioeconómicos y demográficos (por edad, género, raza, nivel educacional), señalando además la estrategia de identificación utilizada en cada caso. En concreto, en el texto se distingue la evidencia proveniente de estudios no experimentales (observacionales), cuasi experimentales y experimentales. En el caso de los estudios no experimentales se incluye una breve discusión sobre el método empírico utilizado. Finalmente se describe la evidencia --cuando está disponible-- asociada a análisis de costo-beneficio de los distintos programas.
Long-term care placement of dementia patients and caregiver health and well-being.

CONTEXT Placing a relative with dementia into a long-term care facility is common among caregivers. Placement transition and factors that affect caregiver health and well-being after placement of the patient are not well described. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of placing a relative with dementia in a long-term care facility on caregivers' health and well-being. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective study from 1996 to 2000 of the placement transition in a sample of 1222 caregiver-patient dyads recruited from 6 US sites. A total of 180 patients were placed in a long-term care facility during the 18-month follow-up period. Data collected before and after placement were analyzed to identify factors associated with placement, the nature of contact between caregivers and their institutionalized relatives after placement, and the relation of both of these factors to health outcomes among dementia caregivers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Caregiver depression (symptoms on the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression [CES-D] scale; range, 0-60) and anxiety (State Trait Inventory; range, 10-40) and use of prescription medications for depression and anxiety. RESULTS Caregivers who institutionalized their relative reported depressive symptoms and anxiety to be as high as they were while in-home caregivers. Overall CES-D scores for depression did not change from before to after placement (median [IQR], 15.0 [8-24.5] and 15.0 [7.7-28]; P =.64). Overall anxiety scores on the State Trait Inventory also did not change significantly (median [IQR], 22.0 [19-27] before vs 21.1 [18-27] after; P =.21). These effects were most pronounced among caregivers who were married to the patient (P =.02 for depression), visited more frequently (P =.01 for depression and P<.001 for anxiety), and were less satisfied with the help they received from others (P =.003 for depression and P<.001 for anxiety). The use of antidepressants did not change significantly before (21.1%) to after (17.9%) placement (P =.16). The use of anxiolytics before to after placement increased from 14.6% to 19% (P =.02), and nearly half of caregivers (48.3%) were at risk for clinical depression following placement of their relative. CONCLUSIONS The transition to institutional care is particularly difficult for spouses, almost half of whom visit the patient daily and continue to provide help with physical care during their visits. Clinical interventions that better prepare the caregiver for a placement transition and treat their depression and anxiety following placement may be of great benefit to these individuals.
In vivo strain analysis of the intact supraspinatus tendon by ultrasound speckles tracking imaging

Limited data exist regarding why delaminated tears occur within the rotator cuff tendon, and no general agreement exists on how to handle this complicated tear. To analyze in vivo intratendinous strain of the supraspinatus tendon, the superficial, middle, and deep regions were marked with speckles using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) of 15 shoulders. The displacement and the strain of each speckle during isotonic and isometric shoulder motion were evaluated. Significantly different displacement and strains in the tendon were found between isometric and isotonic shoulder motions. In isometric motion, the average longitudinal displacement of the speckle at the superficial region (1.66 mm) was larger than at the deep region (0.61 mm), and the average peak strain at the superficial region (17.03%) was also higher than that at the deep region (3.42%). Conversely, in isotonic motion, the average longitudinal displacement of the speckle at the superficial region (0.70 mm) was less than that at the deep region (1.61 mm), and the average peak strain at the superficial region (4.73%) was also lower than that at the deep region (15.69%). A different strain was found between the superficial and deep regions within the intact live supraspinatus tendon. The strain and displacement patterns vary according to isometric versus isotonic shoulder motions. On the basis of our observations, we suggest that the delaminated tear of the rotator cuff tendon must be repaired separately layer by layer to resist the inhomogeneous strain after the repair. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1931–1937, 2011
Markets and Medical Care: The United States, 1993-2005

Many studies arguing for or against markets to finance medical care investigate "market-oriented" measures such as cost sharing. This article looks at the experience in the American medical marketplace over more than a decade, showing how markets function as institutions in which participants who are self-seeking, but not perfectly rational, exercise power over other participants in the market. Cost experience here was driven more by market power over prices than by management of utilization. Instead of following any logic of efficiency or equity, system transformations were driven by beliefs about investment strategies. At least in the United States' labor and capital markets, competition has shown little ability to rationalize health care systems because its goals do not resemble those of the health care system most people want.
Reflections on a Work-Oriented Design Project

This article reports our experiences in developing a work-oriented design practice. We sketch our general approach to relating work practice studies and design, including our use of case-based prototypes. We go on to describe our entry into the law firm that was the setting for this project and our decision to focus our design efforts on two forms of work at the firm. We discuss our experiences in developing a case-based prototype to support the work of document search and retrieval. We then describe our encounters with organizational politics at the firm in the context of a joint exploration of image analysis technologies in relation to the work of litigation support. We conclude with findings on the practices of working with document collections, the value of case-based prototypes, and recommendations for combining work practice studies and design interventions.
Cervical Disk Replacement Combined With Cage Fusion for the Treatment of Multilevel Cervical Disk Herniation

Study Design:This is a prospective study of artificial disk replacement combined with cage fusion for the treatment of multilevel cervical disk herniation. Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcome of Bryan cervical disk replacement combined with adjacent segment cage fusion in the treatment of patients with multilevel cervical disk herniation. To observe neurological improvement and interpret the radiographic findings. Summary of Background Data:It is generally considered that 1-level cervical disk replacement had an excellent intermediate clinical outcome. There was no final conclusion about the disk replacement for the treatment of multilevel cervical disk disease. The negative factors include possible complication, high cost, and contraindication for disk replacement at one of the multisegments. Disk replacement combined with adjacent segment cage fusion may be an option for the treatment of multilevel cervical disk disease for certain patients. Methods:There were 26 patients with multilevel cervical disk herniation who underwent 1-level disk replacement and adjacent segment cage fusion. Of the patients, there were 17 male and 9 female, aged between 35 and 63 (mean age 47 y). The herniated disk was located at C3–C4, C4–C5 in 1 case, C4–C5, C5–C6 in 11cases, C5–C6, C6–C7 in 7 cases, C4–C5, C6–C7 in 3 cases, and C4–C5, C5–C6, C6–C7 in 4 cases. There were 12 cases with myelopathy and 14 patients with radiculopathy. The stabilization and the range of motion of implanted disk, the fusion of cage, and the displacement of cage were observed on dynamic radiograph postoperatively. The clinical symptoms and the neurological functions were evaluated based on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale score (17 points), neck disability index score, and Odom’s Criteria. Results:All patients underwent 1-level Bryan disk replacement and cage fusion on adjacent segment. The replacement segment and fusion segment were located next to each other among 23 patients. They were not next to each other in 3 cases. The follow-up was 24 to 47 months. Definite stabilization was achieved for all Bryan disks. The average range of motion at replaced level was 9.5 degrees postoperatively. Solid fusion was achieved in all cages. There was no subsidence or displacement of cage. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale score (17 points) rose from 9.2 to 13.5 at final follow-up. The neck disability index was reduced from 40.8 to 28.5 at final follow-up. The clinical success (excellent/good/fair) based on Odom’s Criteria were 84.6%. Conclusions:Definite stabilization and satisfactory mobility were achieved after cervical disk replacement and cage fusion. This provides an effective option for the treatment of multilevel cervical disk herniation. The evaluation of high fusion rate of cage may need to accumulate more clinical cases.
Peripheral T‐cell and NK‐cell lymphomas and their mimics; taking a step forward – report on the lymphoma workshop of the XVIth meeting of the European Association for Haematopathology and the Society for Hematopathology

Mature T‐cell and T/NK‐cell neoplasms are both uncommon and heterogeneous, among the broad category of non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. Owing to the lack of specific genetic alterations in the vast majority, most currently defined entities show overlapping morphological and immunophenotypic features, and therefore pose a challenge to the diagnostic pathologist. In the light of recent immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular genetics advances in the field of T‐cell and T/NK‐cell lymphomas, the focus of the lymphoma workshop of the European Association for Haematopathology/Society for Hematopathology meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, in October 2012 was to refine existing diagnostic criteria and clarify the borders between overlapping entities. The panel reviewed over 200 submitted cases, which were grouped into five categories: (i) angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma and T‐follicular‐helper‐cell‐associated lymphomas; (ii) CD30‐positive T‐cell lymphomas/lymphoproliferative diseases; (iii) extranodal T‐cell and NK‐cell neoplasms; (iv) EBV‐associated T‐cell/NK‐cell lymphomas/lymphoproliferative diseases; and (v) peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, and mimics. This report summarizes the discussions and conclusions of the workshop, which question current diagnostic criteria and provide recommendations for refining existing classifications.
Functions of GI-GPx: lessons from selenium-dependent expression and intracellular localization.

Gastro intestinal glutathione peroxidase (GI-GPx) is one of the four distinct mammalian selenoperoxidases. It had been reported to be restricted to the gastrointestinal tract but has more recently been identified also in human liver and some tumor cell lines. GI-GPx ranks high in the hierarchy of selenoproteins. The GI-GPx mRNA rather increases than decreases in selenium deficiency. GI-GPx protein responds poorly to selenium deprivation and increases fast upon resupplementation. Putative biological roles of GI-GPx, e.g. protection against food-born hydroperoxides, redox-regulation of proliferation or apoptosis, and modulation of mucosal immunity, are discussed in the light of cellular and subcellular distribution, transcriptional regulation and observations with k.o. mice.