Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different cellular responses of dexmedetomidine at infected site and peripheral blood of emdotoxemic BALB/c mice

Various sedative agents, including dexmedetomidine (dex), induce immunosuppression, and enhance infection progression. However, there was no information on how anesthetic affects local and systemic cellular immune function. We conducted this study to examine the impact of dex on the differentiation and function of immune cells at site of inflammation and in peripheral blood during endotoxemia of mice. In BALB/c mice with and without endotoxemia, we evaluated the influence of two dosages of 5 and 50 mcg/kg/h intravenous dex on immune cells: including number of T cells (CD3), B cells (CD19), natural killer cells (CD8a), monocytes (CD11b), and macrophages (Mac‐3) in peripheral blood, the activities of macrophages in peripheral blood and in peritoneal lavage, and proliferation of B and T cells and of natural killer cells activity in the spleen. Endotoxemia increased the number of CD3 T cells, CD 19 B cells and macrophages in the peripheral blood, augmented macrophage activity in the peritoneum, and increased T cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity in the spleen. Further administration of 5 mcg/kg/h dex attenuated systemic increase in number of T cells, B cells, and macrophages during endotoxemia and 50 mcg/kg/h dex significantly attenuated the increase in activity of macrophages in the peripheral blood during endotoxemia. In the peritoneum, however, 5 mcg/kg/h dex preserved and 50 mcg/kg/h dexmedetomidine enhanced the activity of macrophages during endotoxemia. Increased in proliferation of T cells in spleen during endotoxemia was attenuated by both doses of dex. Last, 50 mcg/kg/h dex enhanced natural killer cells activity during endotoxemia. While preserving the effects of endotoxemia on macrophage's activity in the infection site and natural killer cell's activity in the spleen, dex decreased systemic fulminant immune reaction in endotoxemia, by attenuating the augmented response in the number of T cells, B cells and macrophages, activity of macrophages in the peripheral blood, and proliferation of T cells in spleen during endotoxemia. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1416–1422, 2015.
Modified agar medium for detecting environmental salmonellae by the most-probable-number method

Salmonellae in the environment remain a potential source of disease. Low numbers of salmonellae have been detected and enumerated from environmental samples by most-probable-number methods which require careful colony selection from a plated agar medium. A modified xylose lysine brilliant green medium was prepared to control the loss of selectivity caused by heating the brilliant green component. Added agar reduced colony spreading. The medium contained 47 g of xylose lysine agar base per liter; the agar content was adjusted to 2%, autoclaved, cooled to 50 degrees C, and then amended just before pouring to include H2S indicator and 7 ppm (7 ml of 1:1,000 brilliant green per liter) of unheated brilliant green dye. H2S-positive salmonellae were easily detected from sewage sludge compost to the exclusion of most other gram-negative bacteria. As a result, fewer non-salmonellae were picked for further most-probable-number analysis, greatly reducing the work load associated with the most-probable-number method. Direct plating was possible for enumerating salmonellae in laboratory composts containing ca. 10(3) or more salmonellae.
Elevated Transcript Levels From the MDM2 P1 Promoter and Low p53 Transcript Levels Are Associated With Poor Prognosis in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Objectives: Mouse double minute 2 is a key negative regulator of the p53 protein, a central node in the mediation of tumor suppression. The MDM2 gene contains 2 differently regulated promoters, MDM2-P1 and MDM2-P2, which differ strongly in their biological and clinical importance. Methods: We assess the clinical significance of the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts originating from both MDM2 promoters, measured with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in microdissected tissues from 57 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Furthermore, we determine the clinical relevance of p53 mRNA transcript expression and incorporate the somatic p53 mutational status into our analyses. Results: Interestingly, elevated transcript levels from the P1 promoter, but not the P2 promoter, associate significantly with up to 6.3-fold increased relative risk for tumor-related death (Cox multivariate analysis: P = 0.013). Furthermore, transcripts originating from both MDM2 promoters are found to correlate significantly with p53 mRNA levels (up to r = 0.315; P = 0.017). In addition, low p53 mRNA expression associates with worse PDAC prognosis (relative risk = 2.28; P = 0.021). Conclusions: This study presents the first differentiated analysis of the MDM2-P1, MDM2-P2, and p53 transcript expression in human PDAC and demonstrates the significant clinical implications of those transcripts. Furthermore, it suggests an additional facet in the regulation of MDM2 via its P1 promoter in this malignancy.
Carotid sinus nerve section and the increase in plasma cortisol during acute hypoxia in fetal sheep.

1. We studied the effects of acute isocapnic hypoxia on plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in sixteen sheep fetuses at 118‐125 days of gestation (term is 147 days). Eight fetuses had their carotid sinus nerves cut (denervation); the remaining eight had these nerves left intact. 2. There were no differences in the plasma concentrations of ACTH or cortisol between intact and denervated fetuses during normoxia. 3. Whilst plasma cortisol increased in early (after 15 min) and late (after 45 min) hypoxia in intact fetuses, the rise in cortisol in denervated fetuses was delayed, increasing significantly only by late hypoxia. 4. In contrast, plasma ACTH concentrations were increased in early and late hypoxia in both intact and denervated fetuses. The rise was smaller in denervated fetuses, but was not significantly different from that in intact fetuses. 5. Our results indicate that, in the sheep fetus, carotid sinus nerve section delays the rise in plasma cortisol in response to acute hypoxia without affecting the ACTH response. Further work is needed to establish the mechanism underlying this effect of denervation.
Pattern of chronic lung lesions in adults with sickle cell disease in Lagos, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND The vascular response to recurrent tissue hypoxia and reperfusion following red blood cell sickling causes acute chest syndrome and chronic lung disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of chronic lung lesions and possible risk factors in sickle cell patients in lagos, Nigeria. METHODS From July 2012 to April 2013, Pulmonary function test (PFT) and chest-x-ray were determined in 56 eligible patients with sickle cell disease. Full blood count, red cell indices, hemoglobin F level, oxygen saturation, liver function tests, lactate dehydrogenase and tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity were measured. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 22±6 years. The mean forced vital capacity was low (76.49%±16). Abnormal PFTs were restrictive lung lesion (53%), obstructive lesions (3.7%) and mixed lesions (11%). The vital capacity had negative correlation with the white cell count and platelet count while it had positive correlation with age. There were no significant differences when normal and abnormal PFTs were compared based on the following laboratory data: lactate dehydrogenase (244 vs. 301), hematocrit (22.7 vs. 23.6), fetal hemoglobin (6.2% vs. 4.2%), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (33.7 vs 33.3), aspartate transferase (34.2 vs. 35.1), tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (1.3 vs. 0.92) and oxygen saturation (95.8 vs. 95.5). Abnormal x-ray findings were present in 84% of participants. Chest x ray showed ischemic (17%), congestive (69%), fibrotic and inflammatory (14%) changes. CONCLUSION Chronic lung lesion is common in sickle cell disease associated with rising white cell count, platelet count. All adult patients should have regular spirometry done to ensure early detection.
Suicide and Aging I: Patterns of Psychiatric Diagnosis

Rates of suicide differ markedly as a function of age and gender. In a great majority of countries that report suicide statistics, rates are higher in the elderly than in younger age groups. Few data are available to determine whether this age-related pattern of rates is reflected in a differential prevalence of other factors known to be associated with increased suicide risk. Using the psychological autopsy method, researchers have established the distribution of psychiatric diagnoses in samples of adolescents, young adults, and elders who have committed suicide, and in victims across the life course in community-based populations. Review of those studies reveals that affective disorders, substance use disorders, and their comorbidity are common in completed suicides of all ages. Although methodologic issues and cohort and period effects limit the conclusions that can be drawn, comparison by age within and between studies further suggests that depressive illness is more common and substance abuse less prevalent in later-life victims. That the aging process itself (biological, psychological, and social) may account for the observed pattern has important implications for further research and the design of intervention strategies. There is a need for more coordinated and comprehensive study of psychopathological correlates of suicide across the life course in a broad range of cultures.
Effects of Subsetting by Carbon Content, Soil Order, and Spectral Classification on Prediction of Soil Total Carbon with Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy

Subsetting of samples is a promising avenue of research for the continued improvement of prediction models for soil properties with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. This study examined the effects of subsetting by soil total carbon ( <path id="x43" d="M614 175l29 -10q-33 -109 -57 -154q-121 -26 -184 -26q-90 0 -160.5 29t-112.5 77t-63.5 105.5t-21.5 119.5q0 157 108 253t277 96q36 0 71.5 -5t69 -13.5t36.5 -8.5q15 -102 20 -150l-29 -8q-20 79 -66.5 114t-128.5 35q-119 0 -187.5 -86t-68.5 -207 q0 -140 73.5 -227.5t188.5 -87.5q73 0 119.5 37.5t86.5 116.5z" /> ) content, soil order, and spectral classification with k-means cluster analysis on visible/near-infrared and mid-infrared partial least squares models for prediction. Our sample set was composed of various Hawaiian soils from primarily agricultural lands with contents from <path id="x1D445" d="M627 18l-10 -26q-79 6 -116 27t-69 76q-41 71 -71 138q-13 29 -27.5 39t-42.5 10h-46l-27 -145q-13 -74 -2.5 -88.5t78. 5 -20.5l-6 -28h-271l5 28q66 6 82.5 21.5t30. 5 87.5l71 387q12 66 2 78.5t-77 19.5l8 28h233q102 0 147 -29q65 -43 65 -129q0 -69 -45.5 -117 t-115.5 -72q40 -86 66 -133q39 -68 65 -101q28 -37 73 -51zM491 483q0 67 -33.5 101t-91.5 34q-35 0 -51 -10q-13 -8 -20 -48l-45 -245h49q71 0 113 28q79 52 79 140z" /> ) and other standard model quality parameters were observed in the models for the subset of the high activity clay soil orders compared to the models of the full sample set. The other subset models explored did not exhibit improvement across all parameters. Models created from subsets consisting of only low samples (e.g., soil samples. These results provide a basis for future study of practical subsetting strategies for soil prediction.
Serial examination of the normal visual field using Octopus automated projection perimetry Evidence for a learning effect

Abstract. The influence of prior perimetric experience on the magnitude of both differential sensitivity and the short and long term fluctuations remains unclear, and confounds accurate interpretation of visual field data obtained by computer‐assisted perimetry. The purpose of the experiment was to identify and quantify any influence of training on the automated perimetric response. The full field of the right eye of 10 clinically normal, naive subjects was examined on 8 occasions with Octopus Program 21 (target size 3) on days 1–5 inclusive, 15, 16 and 44. Sensitivity increased with serial examination in 8 subjects. By dividing the field into zones, it was demonstrated that the learning effect was greatest in the superior field and for eccentricities beyond 30°.
ERβ decreases the invasiveness of triple-negative breast cancer cells by regulating mutant p53 oncogenic function

Most (80%) of the triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) express mutant p53 proteins that acquire oncogenic activities including promoting metastasis. We previously showed that wild-type ERβ (ERβ1) impedes epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and decreases the invasiveness of TNBC cells. In the present study we searched for signaling pathways that ERβ1 uses to inhibit EMT and invasion in TNBC cells. We show that ERβ1 binds to and opposes the transcriptional activity of mutant p53 at the promoters of genes that regulate metastasis. p63 that transcriptionally cooperates with mutant p53 also binds to ERβ1. Downregulation of p63 represses the epithelial phenotype of ERβ1-expressing cells and alters the expression of mutant p53 target genes. These results describe a novel mechanism through which ERβ1 can disturb oncogenic signals to inhibit aggressiveness in TNBCs.
Prosthetic joint infection: when can prosthesis salvage be considered?

Management of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a therapeutic challenge. We retrospectively studied 69 infected total hip or knee arthroplasties managed between 1980 and 1996 in our institution. Treatment failure, defined as relapse of PJI in the first year following the last antimicrobial treatment, occurred for 14 patients (20.3%). None of the potentially contributive parameters analyzed was significantly predictive of treatment failure. Of the subgroup of 34 patients with PJI who initially underwent debridement with retention of the prosthesis, the 13 (38.2%) who did not require further surgical treatment had symptoms for a significantly shorter duration before debridement (4.85 vs. 54.24 days; P < .0001). Because debridement with retention of the prosthesis rarely enables control of PJI, this therapeutic approach should be considered only when the duration of symptoms is very short.
Preoperative Brush and Impression Cytology in Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE Preoperative cytologic diagnoses of ocular surface squamous neoplasms were evaluated and compared with histologic diagnoses. STUDY DESIGN Impression cytology (Millipore filter paper) and brush cytology were applied to 32 patients who had conjunctival neoplasms. Papanicolaou-stained cytologic preparations and hematoxylin and eosin-stained histologic sections were examined by light microscopy. RESULTS The brush technique was used on 27 patients; impression cytology was applied in 5 cases. Cytologic and histologic diagnoses were concordant in 26 cases. Squamous cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ was diagnosed in 18 and dysplasia in 4 cases. Squamous metaplasia and normal-appearing conjunctival epithelial cells were diagnosed cytologically in four cases; of those histologic diagnoses, one was pterygium and three, conjunctival nevus. Four cases revealed discrepancies between the cytologic and histologic preparations. There was one false positive result, and one case was subconjunctival invasion of basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid. CONCLUSION Impression and brush cytology are fast, cost-effective, reliable and noninvasive diagnostic tools for ocular surface squamous neoplasms. However, the brush technique has several advantages over impression cytology.
The analysis of microscopy imaging on liquid crystalline components of the cell nucleus

Dinoflagellates nuclei allow for liquid crystalline characterization without core histones. In this study, nuclei were isolated from the athecate Karenia dinoflagellate species with minimum destruction to their native structure during preparation procedures. The liquid crystalline nuclei were studied by microscopy techniques of Metripol birefringence microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and synchrotron radiation-based hard X-ray Microscopy with computed tomography, respectively. The 3D reconstruction techniques of hard X-ray tomography and CLSM were also discussed. The important biophysical parameters of the interspaces between chromosomes, nuclear surface areas and chromosome-occupied volumes were calculated from a 3D rendering of a reconstructed nucleus. The results of calculated average chromosomal DNA concentration of dinoflagellate was consistent with the concentration which can spontaneously assemble into the cholesteric liquid crystal phase in vitro.
Random Fields with Pólya Correlation Structure

We construct random fields with Pólya-type autocorrelation function and dampened Pólya cross-correlation function. The marginal distribution of the random fields may be taken as any infinitely divisible distribution with finite variance, and the random fields are fully characterized in terms of their joint characteristic function. This makes available a new class of non-Gaussian random fields with flexible correlation structure for use in modeling and estimation.
Men ' s Antisocial Behavior Interactions Between Monoamine Oxidase A and Punitive Discipline in African American and Caucasian

Although previous studies have shown that interactions between monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genotype and childhood maltreatment predict Caucasian boys’ antisocial behavior, the generalizability of this gene-environment interaction to more diverse populations and more common parenting behaviors, such as punitive discipline in early childhood, is not clearly understood. Among 189 low-income men (44% African American, 56% Caucasian) who underwent rigorous assessments of family behavior and social context longitudinally across 20 years, those men with the low activity MAOA allele who experienced more punitive discipline at ages 1.5, 2, and 5 years showed more antisocial behavior from ages 15 through 20 years. Effects of punitive discipline on antisocial behavior differed by caregiver and age at which it occurred, suggesting sensitive periods throughout early childhood in which low MAOA activity elevated boys’ vulnerability to harsh parenting and risk for antisocial behavior. This genetic vulnerability to punitive discipline—and not just extreme, maltreatment experiences—may generalize to other male populations at risk for antisocial behavior.
Modeling the kinetics of release of octreotide from long-acting formulations injected intramuscularly in rabbits.

Long-acting repeatable formulations (LAR) based on polymeric microspheres were manufactured to deliver octreotide, an octapeptide analogue used in acromegaly. We developed a model to describe the complex triphasic concentration versus time profile observed in rabbits after intramuscular (i.m.) injection of these LAR formulations. A 5-mg x kg(-1) dose of octreotide in a reference LAR formulation was given im to eight rabbits; two groups of four rabbits each received a different formulation. In each animal, 26 blood samples were taken over 49 days. Concentrations of octreotide were assayed by radioimmunoassay. A model describing the concentration profile was developed. Octreotide release was described using the succession of an exponential model, a semiempirical non-Fickian model, and a delayed Weibull model. Parameters were estimated using nonlinear regression, first for the eight rabbits that received the reference formulation and then for the other eight animals. The model provides an adequate description of the concentration versus time profile for the three formulations. For the reference phase, erosion accounted for 87% of total drug release. The formulation encapsulating an octreotide-acetate complex showed a prolonged diffusion phase.
Mode of Spread in the Early Phase of Lymphatic Metastasis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Prognostic Significance of Nodal Microinvolvement

Background:The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic significance of nodal microinvolvement as well as the mode of spread in the early phase of lymphatic metastasis in patients with node-negative pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods:Lymph nodes from 48 node-negative patients with R0 resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were sampled from 3 different compartments: 1) distal hepatoduodenal ligament, 2) superior-anterior compartment, and 3) posterior-inferior. Tissue sections of 148 lymph nodes classified as tumor free by routine histopathology were examined, using a sensitive immunohistochemical assay with the antiepithelial monoclonal antibody Ber-EP4 for tumor cell detection. With regard to histopathologic tumor staging and grading, 26 (54.2%) of the patients were staged as pT1/pT2, 22 (45.8%) as pT3/pT4, while 31 (64.6%) as G1/G2 and 17 (35.4%) patients as G3. Of the 148 “tumor free” lymph nodes, 56 contained Ber-EP4–positive tumor cells. These 56 lymph nodes were from 28 of the 48 patients. The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed the independent prognostic impact of nodal microinvolvement on relapse-free and overall survival. Analysis by compartment, from which the lymph nodes were collected, revealed that overall survival time (P = 0.006) and time to local recurrence (P = 0.015) depend on the presence of nodal microinvolvement in the superior-anterior compartment. Conclusions:The influence of occult tumor cell dissemination in lymph nodes of patients with histologically proven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma supports the need for further tumor staging through immunohistochemistry. This could be a helpful tool in proper selection of patients for adjuvant chemotherapy.
Endocrine and behavioural responses to methylphenidate in depression

Synopsis Twenty patients with a major depressive disorder and 20 control subjects were subjected to a 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and a challenge with intravenous (IV) methylphenidate (MP)(0·3 mg/kg). None of the controls, but 9 depressives, were DST non-suppressors. Among the depressives there were correlations between DST-cortisol and baseline (4 p.m.) levels of cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin and adrenaline. Compared with the controls the depressives had a decreased cortisol response and an enhanced adrenaline response to the MP challenge. The decreased cortisol response was not related to either DST-cortisol or baseline cortisol, but was correlated with the mood response to MP.