Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whole‐Liver Graft Without the Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava for Sequential (Domino) Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Grafts used in Domino liver transplantation (LT) obtained from living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) patients have been mainly used as reduced grafts. Because of small‐for‐size problems seen in LDLT, using whole liver grafts could improve post‐LT outcome. Eight consecutive Domino LDLT using whole livers without retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) from FAP patients were retrospectively analyzed. The graft weight/recipient's body weight ratio (GWRW) in the domino recipients ranged from 1.28% to 2.4% (mean: 1.52). Multiple vascular reconstructions in the whole‐liver domino LT resulted in longer than usual warm ischemia time (mean: 64 min); however immediate post‐operative recovery of hepatic function was uneventful. At 8–40 months after the transplant, all the FAP patients are well and all of the domino recipients are alive. Domino LT using a whole FAP liver from a LDLT for a FAP patient presents satisfactory results, even though the transplant procedure is technically complicated.
A Survey of the Histopathology of Lacrimal Gland Lesions in a Tertiary Referral Centre

Abstract Purpose: To describe the histopathological distribution of biopsied lacrimal gland lesions in a tertiary referral centre in Singapore. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review. Clinical records of patients who underwent lacrimal gland biopsy at a tertiary referral centre in Singapore between 2000 to 2010, were reviewed. Data collated included patient demographics, clinical presentation, association with systemic disease and histopathological diagnosis. Results: Sixty-nine patients were studied. Median age of presentation was 50 years. Forty patients (58%) were female and the majority (84%, n = 29) were Chinese. The mean follow-up duration was 35.0 ± 34.5 months. 30.4% (n = 21) of the patients had bilateral disease. Chronic dacryoadenitis (46%, n = 32) was the most common histopathological diagnosis, followed by lymphoproliferative disorders (38%, n = 26) and pleomorphic adenoma (10%, n = 7). The diagnoses in four other patients included adenoid cystic carcinoma, lacrimal gland hypertrophy, lacrimal duct cyst and orbital vascular malformation. Conclusion: Chronic dacryoadenitis and lymphoproliferative disorders are the two commonest causes of lacrimal gland lesions in our series. Although many cases remain non-specific, about 60% have a specific inflammation that may be associated with a systemic disease. As one third of our patients with lymphoproliferative disease of the lacrimal gland had an associated systemic lymphoma, patients with such lesions should be referred for investigation of possible systemic lymphoma. The results of our study can aid in providing a more targeted approach to patient management.
Nrf2 Negatively Regulates Osteoblast Differentiation via Interfering with Runx2-dependent Transcriptional Activation*

Nrf2 (nuclear factor E2 p45-related factor 2) is believed to be a transcription factor essential for the regulation of many detoxifying and antioxidative genes in different tissues. In the present study, we investigated the role of Nrf2 in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation. nrf2 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in femur isolated from ovariectomized mice, whereas in situ hybridization analysis revealed that up-regulation of nrf2 mRNA was mainly found in osteoblasts attached on cancellous bone in femur of ovariectomized mice. Expression of Nrf2 protein was also seen in osteoblasts in neonatal mouse tibia and calvaria. In osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells stably transfected with nrf2 expression vector, significant inhibition was seen in the maturation-dependent increase in alkaline phosphatase activity as well as the mineralized matrix formation. Stable overexpression of nrf2 significantly impaired Runx2 (runt-related transcription factor 2)-dependent stimulation of osteocalcin promoter activity and recruitment of Runx2 on osteocalcin promoter without affecting the expression of runx2 mRNA. Coimmunoprecipitation and mammalian two-hybrid assay revealed a physical interaction between Runx2 and Nrf2, whereas cellular distribution of endogenous Runx2 was not apparently changed by nrf2 overexpression in MC3T3-E1 cells. Alternatively, Nrf2 bound to antioxidant-responsive element-like-2 sequence of osteocalcin promoter. The inhibition by nrf2 on runx2-dependent osteocalcin promoter activity was partially prevented by the introduction of reporter of deletion mutant for ARE-like-2 sequence of osteocalcin promoter. These data suggest that Nrf2 may negatively regulate cellular differentiation through inhibition of the Runx2-dependent transcriptional activity in osteoblasts.
A comparison of nanoparticle and fine particle uptake by Daphnia magna

The use of nanoparticles in various applications is steadily on the rise, with use in a range of applications, including printer toner, sunscreen, medical imaging, and enhanced drug delivery. While research on human effects via, for example, inhalation is relatively well developed, the environmental assessment of nanoparticles is in its infancy. In the present study, we assessed the uptake and quantitative accumulation, as well as the depuration, of a model nanoparticle, a 20‐nm fluorescent carboxylated polystyrene bead, in the aquatic invertebrate Daphnia magna and compared it to a larger, 1,000‐nm particle. Using confocal microscopy, rapid accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract was observed within an hour of exposure to both particle sizes in both adults and neonates. Fluorescence could also be observed in the oil storage droplets, suggesting that both particle sizes have crossed the gut's epithelial barrier. Quantification of fluorescence of both sizes of particles showed that although uptake of the 20‐nm particles was lower in terms of mass it was equal to or greater than 1,000‐nm particle uptake when expressed as surface area or particle number. Depuration was relatively rapid for the 1,000‐nm beads, decreasing by more than 90% over 4 h. In contrast, depuration of the 20‐nm beads was less extensive, reaching 40% over 4 h. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed uptake of 1,000‐nm beads, but uptake of 20‐nm beads was inconclusive since similar‐sized inclusions could be observed in control treatments.
Longitudinal Patterns of Regional Change on Volumetric MRI in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration

The aim of this study was to assess the longitudinal patterns of regional change in the different syndromic variants of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Ten patients with semantic dementia, 7 with progressive non-fluent aphasia and 29 with frontotemporal dementia had two serial volumetric MR scans. Fluid registration was used to match serial scans from each individual. Voxel-level analysis of change across subject groups was performed using statistical parametric mapping. The analysis showed patterns of increased rates of volume loss (atrophy) in frontal, temporal and parietal regions in the whole FTLD group compared with controls. The different FTLD syndromes displayed different patterns of change. This technique gives an insight into disease evolution over time in these disorders and may be useful as a method of tracking change in clinical trials.
CYTOGENETIC STUDIES IN SINIPTA DALMANI STAL (ORTHOPTERA : ACRIDIDAE). IV :POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CHROMOSOME SEQUENCE AND ENZYMATIC ALLELE

Three samples of Sinipta dalmani polymorphic for the M4 pericentric inversion were assayed for chromosomal variation and allozymic variation at 18 loci (9 enzymatic systems). No sig-nificant differences in inversion frequencies between two samples of the same population were found (early and late spring). This was considered compatible with the absence of directional selection on adult viability for the M4 inversion. Gene flow between two populations was statistically significant when calculated either from chromosomal or from enzymatic data. A tendency to association between the Ldh-11 allele and the standard sequence was observed.
Reproductive Hormones and Longitudinal Change in Bone Mineral Density and Incident Fracture Risk in Older Men: The Concord Health and Aging in Men Project

The objectives of this study were to examine relationships between baseline levels of reproductive hormones in older men and (1) change in bone mineral density (BMD) over 5 years and (2) incident fractures over an average of 6 years' follow‐up. A total of 1705 men aged 70 years and older from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) study were assessed at baseline (2005–2007), 2 years follow‐up (2007–2009), and 5 years follow‐up (2010–2013). At baseline, testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), and estrone (E1) were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) by immunoassay. Hip BMD was measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) at all three time‐points. Fracture data were collected at 4‐monthly phone calls and verified radiographically. Statistical modeling was by general estimating equations and Cox model regression. Univariate analyses revealed inverse associations for serum SHBG, FSH, and LH and positive association for E1 but not DHT or E2 with BMD loss at the hip across the three time points. Serum levels of SHBG (β = –0.071), FSH (β = –0.085), LH (β = –0.070), and E1 (β = 0.107) remained significantly associated with BMD loss in multivariate‐adjusted models; however, we were unable to identify any thresholds for accelerated BMD loss according to reproductive steroids. Incident fractures (all, n = 171; hip, n = 44; and nonvertebral, n = 139) were all significantly associated with serum SHBG, FSH, and LH levels in univariate models but none remained significantly associated in multivariate‐adjusted model. Serum T, DHT, E2, and E1 levels were not associated with incident fractures in univariate or multivariate‐adjusted analyses. In older men, lower serum SHBG, FSH, and LH and higher E1 levels protected against loss of BMD without increasing fracture rate. This means these reproductive variables may be considered as novel biomarkers of bone health during male aging. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Stochastic Ground Water Flow Simulation with a Fracture Zone Continuum Model

A method is presented for incorporating the hydraulic effects of vertical fracture zones into two‐dimensional cell‐based continuum models of ground water flow and particle tracking. High hydraulic conductivity features are used in the model to represent fracture zones. For fracture zones that are not coincident with model rows or columns, an adjustment is required for the hydraulic conductivity value entered into the model cells to compensate for the longer flowpath through the model grid. A similar adjustment is also required for simulated travel times through model cells. A travel time error of less than 8% can occur for particles moving through fractures with certain orientations. The fracture zone continuum model uses stochastically generated fracture zone networks and Monte Carlo analysis to quantify uncertainties with simulated advective travel times. An approach is also presented for converting an equivalent continuum model into a fracture zone continuum model by establishing the contribution of matrix block trans‐missivity to the bulk transmissivity of the aquifer. The methods are used for a case study in west‐central Florida to quantify advective travel times from a potential wetland rehydration site to a municipal supply wellfield. Uncertainties in advective travel times are assumed to result from the presence of vertical fracture zones, commonly observed on aerial photographs as photolineaments.
THE BEHAVIOR OF OSCILLATORIA TEREBRIFORMIS IN HOT SPRINGS 1

Oscillatoria terebriformis, occurring from 54 to about 35 C in eastern Oregon hot springs, forms dense reddish‐brown surface mats which are held together by the interwoven nature of the trichomes and not by a gel‐like matrix, thus retaining the flexibility inherent in free trichome motility. The trichomes demonstrate gliding, flexional, and contractile movements. When the trichomes are interconnected, the mat contracts or retracts essentially as a unit in response to high light intensity (ca. 100 cm/hr) or supraoptimal temperature (ca. 2 cm/hr). Under lower light intensity and optimal temperature, the mat expands by the gliding movements of individual trichomes (1‐3 cm/hr). Probable positive and negative phototopotactic responses of trichomes to low and high light intensities, respectively, also influence the density of the surface mat. Thus, the population of Oscillatoria is able to adjust its position and density rapidly by migrations and contractions, remaining almost always within the full optimal temperature range and fairly well xuithin the optimal light conditions as well.
Awareness and Attitude of Nurses in Regard to Providing Hospice Care.

BACKGROUND Awareness and attitudes of nurses regarding end of life care are important factors in providing hospice care. In an extensive literature review, we found no related articles investigating Iranian nurses awareness and attitudes about providing such care. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to investigate the awareness and attitudes of Iranian nurses in providing hospice care. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this descriptive-correlational study, 240 nurses employed in six educational centers were selected by non-randomized stratified sampling. The data collection instruments included an awareness test and attitudes regarding providing end of life care in hospice questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation tests. RESULTS The nurses' awareness score was 14.3 out of 29 and 55.7% of them stated that they had not received any education in providing end of life care. Also, by obtaining the score of 91.7 out of 120 the attitudes of participants in providing end of life care in hospices were positive. In addition, the highest attitudes score of nurses were in the dimensions of benefits of implementation and health care team. CONCLUSIONS Considering low awareness of nurses about end of life care in hospices, continuing education should be provided for them in this regard. Especially, by considering the positive attitude of nurses, providing such programs could help develop hospice care in Iran.
Declining prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in rural schoolchildren in India: 2001-2002.

BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease is still a major health problem in developing countries such as India and, for the health planners to allocate funds, the actual prevalence of the disease should be known. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in rural school children in India. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 229,829 children between 6 and 18 years of age were screened as part of a school health program. All children with a valvar heart disease detected by the screening doctor were referred to a tertiary care center for evaluation by a cardiologist. The presence of cardiac lesions was confirmed by color Doppler examination. All children with known congenital heart disease were excluded from this study. A total of 374 children were found to have heart disease. Of these, 157 children were found to have rheumatic heart disease, confirmed by echocardiogram. Thus, the current prevalence of rheumatic heart disease is 0.68 per 1000 children. CONCLUSIONS In the largest school survey conducted to date in India, we report the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease to be 0.68 per 1000 children. Our study suggests that there may have been a dramatic decline in the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in India.
Purification and Characterization ofα -l-Arabinopyranosidase andα -l-Arabinofuranosidase from Bifidobacterium breve K-110, a Human Intestinal Anaerobic Bacterium Metabolizing Ginsenoside Rb2 and Rc

ABSTRACT Two arabinosidases, α-l-arabinopyranosidase (no EC number) and α-l-arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55), were purified from ginsenoside-metabolizing Bifidobacterium breve K-110, which was isolated from human intestinal microflora. α-l-Arabinopyranosidase was purified to apparent homogeneity, using a combination of ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose, butyl Toyopearl, hydroxyapatite Ultrogel, QAE-cellulose, and Sephacryl S-300 HR column chromatography, with a final specific activity of 8.81 μmol/min/mg. α -l-Arabinofuranosidase was purified to apparent homogeneity, using a combination of ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose, butyl Toyopearl, hydroxyapatite Ultrogel, Q-Sepharose, and Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography, with a final specific activity of 6.46 μmol/min/mg. The molecular mass ofα -l-arabinopyranosidase was found to be 310 kDa by gel filtration, consisting of four identical subunits (77 kDa each, measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE]), and that ofα -l-arabinofuranosidase was found to be 60 kDa by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE. α-l-Arabinopyranosidase and α-l-arabinofuranosidase showed optimal activity at pH 5.5 to 6.0 and 40°C and pH 4.5 and 45°C, respectively. Both purified enzymes were potently inhibited by Cu2+ and p-chlormercuryphenylsulfonic acid. α -l-Arabinopyranosidase acted to the greatest extent on p-nitrophenyl-α-l-arabinopyranoside, followed by ginsenoside Rb2. α-l-Arabinofuranosidase acted to the greatest extent on p-nitrophenyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside, followed by ginsenoside Rc. Neither enzyme acted on p-nitrophenyl-β-galactopyranoside or p-nitrophenyl-β-d-fucopyranoside. These findings suggest that the biochemical properties and substrate specificities of these purified enzymes are different from those of previously purified α-l-arabinosidases. This is the first reported purification ofα -l-arabinopyranosidase from an anaerobic Bifidobacterium sp.
Bias in the case-only design applied to studies of gene-environment and gene-gene interaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND The case-only study, proposed as a design specifically for assessing departure from multiplicative gene-environment and gene-gene interactions, is of considerable potential value but there are concerns about its validity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent and sources of bias in the case-only design by means of a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. METHODS The MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PUBMED databases were searched through to 7 October 2009. Studies that assessed bias in the case-only design applied to the study of gene-environment and gene-gene interaction were identified. Qualitative comments on the sources and extent of bias were extracted. A meta-regression analysis of the ratio (IOR(CC)/IOR(CO)) of the case-control (IOR(CC)) and case-only (IOR(CO)) interaction odds ratios was conducted based on studies in which both methods were applied to the same data set. RESULTS The search yielded 365 unique articles of which 38 met the inclusion criteria. Potential sources of bias in the case-only design included non-independence of genotype and exposure in the source population. Meta-regression analysis, based on 24 evaluations, produced a mean IOR(CC)/IOR(CO) of 1.06 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.93-1.22], suggesting that bias in case-only designs is not common in practice. The I(2) statistic indicated that 23.9% (95% uncertainty interval 0-53.9%) of the observed variation was due to heterogeneity between studies, which was not explained by any methodological characteristics of the included studies. CONCLUSION As understanding of the relationships between genes and environmental exposures in the population improves, the case-only design may prove to be of considerable value.
A Cointegration of the Relationship between Outward FDI and International Trade——An Example from Zhejiang Province

This article firstly reviews the theory and literatures about relationship between outward FDI and foreign trade at home and abroad. Then we use a series of macroeconomic statistics during 1989-2005 and econometric method to analyze the influence of outward FDI on foreign trade in Zhejiang Province. Results indicate a long-term and stable relation between outward FDI and foreign trade in Zhejiang, while in the short term, the relationship between them is also significant. Outward FDI promotes the import and export actively and there exists a strong relationship between them.
Vascular Risk Factors and Cognitive Decline in a Population Sample

We examined several vascular factors in relation to the rates of decline in 5 cognitive domains in a population-based cohort. In an age-stratified random sample (N=1982) aged 65+ years, we assessed at baseline the cognitive domains of attention, executive function, memory, language, and visuospatial function, and also vascular, inflammatory, and metabolic indices. Random effects models generated slopes of cognitive decline over the next 4 years; linear models identified vascular factors associated with these slopes, adjusting for demographics, baseline cognition, and potential interactions. Several vascular risk factors (history of stroke, diabetes, central obesity, C-reactive protein), although associated with lower baseline cognitive performance, did not predict rate of subsequent decline. APOE*4 genotype was associated with accelerated decline in language, memory, and executive functions. Homocysteine elevation was associated with faster decline in executive function. Hypertension (history or systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg) was associated with slower decline in memory. Baseline alcohol consumption was associated with slower decline in attention, language, and memory. Different indices of vascular risk are associated with low performance and with rates of decline in different cognitive domains. Cardiovascular mechanisms explain at least some of the variance in cognitive decline. Selective survival may also play a role.
Suppression of albumin enhancer activity by H-ras and AP-1 in hepatocyte cell lines

We demonstrated, using a transient transfection assay, that the albumin enhancer increased the expression of the albumin promoter in a highly differentiated, simian virus 40 (SV40)-immortalized hepatocyte cell line, CWSV1, but was not functional in two ras-transformed cell lines (NR3 and NR4) derived from CWSV1 by stable transfection with the T24ras oncogene. A transient cotransfection assay showed that T24ras and normal c-Ha-ras were each able to inhibit the activity of the albumin enhancer in an immortal hepatocyte cell line. DNase I footprinting and gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that the DNA binding activities specific to the albumin enhancer were not decreased in the ras-transformed cells. ras also did not diminish the expression of HNF1 alpha, C/EBP alpha, HNF3 alpha, HNF3 beta, or HNF3 gamma but did significantly increase AP-1 binding activity. Three AP-1 binding sites were identified within the albumin enhancer, and DNA binding activities specific to these AP-1 sites were induced in the ras-transformed hepatocytes. Subsequent functional assays showed that overexpression of c-jun and c-fos inhibited the activity of the albumin enhancer. Site-directed mutagenesis of the AP-1 binding sites in the albumin enhancer partially abrogated the suppressing effect of ras and c-jun/c-fos on the enhancer. These functional studies therefore supported the results of the structural studies with AP-1. We conclude that the activity of the albumin enhancer is subject to regulation by ras signaling pathways and that the effect of ras on the albumin enhancer activity may be mediated by AP-1.