Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A single question for the rapid screening of restless legs syndrome in the neurological clinical practice

The purposes of this study were to validate the use of a single standard question for the rapid screening of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and to analyze the eventual effects of the presence of RLS on self‐assessed daytime sleepiness, global clinical severity and cognitive functioning. We evaluated a group of 521 consecutive patients who accessed our neurology clinic for different reasons. Beside the answer to the single question and age, sex, and clinical diagnosis, the following items were collected from all patients and normal controls: the four criteria for RLS, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI‐S), and the Mini‐Mental State evaluation. RLS was found in 112 patients (70 idiopathic). The single question had 100% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity for the diagnosis of RLS. ESS and CGI‐S were significantly higher in both RLS patient groups than in normal controls. RLS severity was significantly higher in idiopathic than in associated/symptomatic RLS patients. RLS can be screened with high sensitivity and good reliability in large patient groups by means of the single question; however, the final diagnosis should always be confirmed by the diagnostic features of RLS and accompanied by a careful search for comorbid conditions.
Glycine N‐methyltransferase expression in the hippocampus and its role in neurogenesis and cognitive performance

The hippocampus is a brain area characterized by its high plasticity, observed at all levels of organization: molecular, synaptic, and cellular, the latter referring to the capacity of neural precursors within the hippocampus to give rise to new neurons throughout life. Recent findings suggest that promoter methylation is a plastic process subjected to regulation, and this plasticity seems to be particularly important for hippocampal neurogenesis. We have detected the enzyme GNMT (a liver metabolic enzyme) in the hippocampus. GNMT regulates intracellular levels of SAMe, which is a universal methyl donor implied in almost all methylation reactions and, thus, of prime importance for DNA methylation. In addition, we show that deficiency of this enzyme in mice (Gnmt−/−) results in high SAMe levels within the hippocampus, reduced neurogenic capacity, and spatial learning and memory impairment. In vitro, SAMe inhibited neural precursor cell division in a concentration‐dependent manner, but only when proliferation signals were triggered by bFGF. Indeed, SAMe inhibited the bFGF‐stimulated MAP kinase signaling cascade, resulting in decreased cyclin E expression. These results suggest that alterations in the concentration of SAMe impair neurogenesis and contribute to cognitive decline. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Treatment of Respiratory Complications After Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective:We evaluated the potential benefit of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), atelectasis, pneumonia, and intubation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Summary Background Data:PPCs are common during the postoperative period and may be associated with a high morbidity rate. Efficacy of CPAP to prevent PPCs occurrence is controversial. Methods:Medical literature databases were searched for randomized controlled trials examining the use of CPAP versus standard therapy in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The meta-analysis estimated the pooled risk ratio and the number needed to treat to benefit (NNTB) for PPCs, atelectasis, and pneumonia. Results:The meta-analysis was carried out over 9 randomized controlled trials. Overall, CPAP significantly reduced the risk of (1) PPCs (risk ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–0.85) with a corresponding NNTB of 14.2 (95% CI, 9.9–32.4); (2) atelectasis (risk ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58–0.97; NNTB, 7.3; 95% CI, 4.4–64.5); (3) pneumonia (risk ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14–0.75; NNTB, 18.3; 95% CI, 14.4–48.8). In all cases the variation in risk ratio attributable to heterogeneity was negligible, although there was some evidence of publication bias. Conclusions:This systematic review suggests that CPAP decreases the risk of PPCs, atelectasis, and pneumonia and supports its clinical use in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Effects of Gender and Age on Motor Exam in Typically Developing Children

Few studies have contrasted performance of typically developing boys and girls on standardized motor assessment. In the present study, developmental status of the motor system was assessed in 144 typically developing children (72 boys, 72 girls, ages 7–14), using the Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS, Denckla, 1985). Four summary variables were examined: (1) Gaits and Stations, (2) Overflow, (3) Dysrythmia, and (4) Timed Movements. For most variables, gender differences were not significant; however significant gender effects were observed for some subtle signs (involuntary movements), gaits and stations, and timed patterned movements. In all instances, girls showed fewer subtle signs and were faster and more proficient than boys. Significant age-related changes were observed for some subtle signs (dysrythmia and overflow), and for timed movements. In contrast, by age 7, many of the skills assessed by the PANESS have reached “adult” level in typically developing children. Motor development appears to follow a different developmental course in girls than in boys; separate gender and age norms should be used in clinical assessment of motor function in children.
Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitors Reduce Trafficking of ATP-gated P2X1 Receptors and Human Platelet Responsiveness*

Background: Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) has previously been co-purified with P2X1 receptors for ATP. Results: P2X1 receptor trafficking and responses (currents and calcium rises) were reduced by HSP90 inhibitors. Conclusion: P2X1 receptors are constitutively regulated by HSP90. Significance: In addition to a role in cancer treatment, HSP90 inhibitors may provide protection from thrombosis. We have used selective inhibitors to determine whether the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) has an effect on both recombinant and native human P2X1 receptors. P2X1 receptor currents in HEK293 cells were reduced by ∼70–85% by the selective HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin (2 μm, 20 min). This was associated with a speeding in the time course of desensitization as well as a reduction in cell surface expression. Imaging in real time of photoactivatable GFP-tagged P2X receptors showed that they are highly mobile. Geldanamycin almost abolished this movement for P2X1 receptors but had no effect on P2X2 receptor trafficking. P2X1/2 receptor chimeras showed that the intracellular N and C termini were involved in geldanamycin sensitivity. Geldanamycin also inhibited native P2X1 receptor-mediated responses. Platelet P2X1 receptors play an important role in hemostasis, contribute to amplification of signaling to a range of stimuli including collagen, and are novel targets for antithrombotic therapies. Platelet P2X1 receptor-, but not P2Y1 receptor-, mediated increases in intracellular calcium were reduced by 40–45% following HSP90 inhibition with geldanamycin or radicicol. Collagen stimulation leads to ATP release from platelets, and calcium increases to low doses of collagen were also reduced by ∼40% by the HSP90 inhibitors consistent with an effect on P2X1 receptors. These studies suggest that HSP90 inhibitors may be as effective as selective antagonists in regulating platelet P2X1 receptors, and their potential effects on hemostasis should be considered in clinical studies.
Protein Kinase C ζ Plays a Central Role in Activation of the p42/44 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase by Endotoxin in Alveolar Macrophages1

Human alveolar macrophages respond to endotoxin (LPS) by activation of a number of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, including the p42/44 (extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)) kinase pathway. In this study, we evaluated the role of the atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoform, PKC ζ, in LPS-induced activation of the ERK kinase pathway. Kinase activity assays showed that LPS activates PKC ζ, mitogen-activated protein/ERK kinase (MEK, the upstream activator of ERK), and ERK. LPS did not activate Raf-1, the classic activator of MEK. Pseudosubstrate-specific peptides with attached myristic acid are cell permeable and can be used to block the activity of specific PKC isoforms in vivo. We found that a peptide specific for PKC ζ partially blocked activation of both MEK and ERK by LPS. We also found that this peptide blocked in vivo phosphorylation of MEK after LPS treatment. In addition, we found that LPS caused PKC ζ to bind to MEK in vivo. These observations suggest that MEK is an LPS-directed target of PKC ζ. PKC ζ has been shown in other systems to be phosphorylated by phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase-dependent kinase. We found that LPS activates PI 3-kinase and causes the formation of a PKC ζ/PI 3-kinase-dependent kinase complex. These data implicate the PI 3-kinase pathway as an integral part of the LPS-induced PKC ζ activation. Taken as a whole, these studies suggest that LPS activates ERK kinase, in part, through activation of an atypical PKC isoform, PKC ζ.
Acne Scar Treatment: A Multimodality Approach Tailored to Scar Type

BACKGROUND Acne scarring can be classified into atrophic icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars in addition to keloidal and hypertrophic scars. Additionally, these scars can be erythematous, hyperpigmented, and/or hypopigmented. Each scar type has a different structural cause warranting a customized approach. Many cosmetic options exist to address these changes individually, but little literature exists about the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices. METHODS A Medline search was performed on combination treatments because it relates to facial acne scarring, and results are summarized. Practical applications for these combinations of procedures are also discussed. RESULTS Studies examining the efficacy and safety of ablative, nonablative, fractionated, and nonfractionated lasers, dermabrasion, chemical peels, needling, subcision, radiofrequency, stem cell therapy, fat transplantation, platelet-rich plasma, and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for acne scars were found. The authors review their experience in combining these techniques. CONCLUSION Review of the literature revealed multiple single options for facial acne scarring treatment with minimal evidence in the literature found on the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices. The authors' experience is that combining acne scar treatment techniques can be performed safely and synergistically with optimal patient outcomes.
Age-Related Differences in Erythropoietic Response to Recombinant Human Erythropoietin: Comparison in Adult and Infant Rhesus Monkeys

ABSRACT: Human recombinant erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) was given i.v. to rhesus monkeys to compare its safety, erythropoietic effects, and pharmacokinetics in healthy adult and infant animals. Eighteen adult and 18 infant (9- to 15-d-old) monkeys were divided into three groups each of six animals. One group was given 250 U/kg twice weekly, another was given 100 U/kg twice weekly, and a control group was given the drug vehicle for 6 wk. All animals were healthy throughout this period, and for 10 wk after that. Administration of r-HuEPO at these dosages did not produce any changes in leukocytes, platelets, urea nitrogen, bilirubin, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and blood pressure in either age group. At 6 wk, both adult treatment groups had statistically significant increases in Hb concentration. The same dosages that produced these increases in Hb concentration in adults produced no changes in Hb concentration in infant monkeys. Despite active erythropoiesis, as determined by reticulocytosis and increased total body Hb, Hb concentration decreased similarly in the infant treatment and control groups. Pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained at 5 wk of dosing. One h after administration, both doses of r-HuEPO produced significantly lower serum r-HuEPO concentration in the infant monkeys compared with the adults. These differences appeared to be due to a larger volume of distribution of r-HuEPO in the infant monkeys. The t½ of r-HuEPO in circulation was the same in both age groups.
Wilms tumor 1 gene mutations are associated with a higher risk of recurrence in young adults with acute myeloid leukemia

Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) is a transcription factor that is overexpressed in most acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). Recently, 2 groups reported that WT1 mutations occur in approximately 10% of normal karyotype AMLs and are an independent predictor of poor outcome in this subgroup of patients with AML.
Isovergence surfaces: the conjugacy of vertical eye movements in tertiary positions of gaze

Conjugate gaze is often defined as the equal angle rotation of the two eyes. For fixation at far distances, the optical axes are parallel and conjugacy is defined irrespective of the coordinate system. For nearby or finite fixation distances, the evaluation of conjugacy for many gaze postures depends on the coordinate system used to measure it. For example, if the eye is elevated or depressed and the eye is rotated about a vertical axis, the intersections of lines of sight with a tangent screen will describe either straight lines for arcs depending on whether the vertical axis is fixed with respect to the head or to the eye. Because of the horizontal separation of the two eyes, the binocular fixation of near targets at tertiary positions of gaze will require a vertical vergence component for head‐referenced but not eye‐referenced measurements. The vertical gaze alignment of three human subjects was measured as they viewed targets placed at secondary and tertiary eye positions at two different distances. Vertical vergence was either held open or closed‐loop. The lines of sight were found lo intersect (i.e. vertical gaze was aligned) regardless of target position or viewing condition.
Factors associated with vaccine failure and vertical transmission of hepatitis B among a cohort of Canadian mothers and infants

Summary. Mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to occur despite immunoprophylaxis. We examined maternal factors contributing to transmission in infants receiving adequate immunoprophylaxis in Alberta, Canada. Prenatal specimens from HBsAg‐positive women whose babies developed HBV infection despite immunoprophylaxis (cases) and HBsAg‐positive mothers whose babies did not (controls) were tested for HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA. Specimens with detectable DNA underwent HBV genotyping. Routinely collected surveillance data and laboratory test results were compared between cases and controls. Twelve cases and 52 controls were selected from a provincial registry from 2000 to 2005. At the time of prenatal screening, median maternal age was 31 years [interquartile range (IQR): 27.5–34.5], and median gestational age was 12 weeks (IQR 10.0–15.5). Cases were more likely than controls to test positive for HBeAg (77.8%vs 23.1%; P < 0.05). Of all mothers with detectable viral load (n = 51), cases had a significantly higher median viral load than did controls (5.6 × 108 IU/mL vs 1750 IU/mL, P < 0.0001). Of the two cases who were HBeAg negative, one had an undetectable viral load 8 months prior to delivery and a sP120T mutation. The viral load in the other case was 14 000 IU/mL. The majority of isolates were genotype B (31.3%) and C (31.3%) with no significant differences in genotype between cases or controls. In this case–control study, transmission of HBV to infants was more likely to occur in mothers positive for HBeAg and with high HBV DNA.
Self-initiated and respondent actions in a simulated control task

Operators often need to combine self-initiated and respondent actions. Two experiments dealt with the relative importance of these two types of actions as a function of the predictability of the system and the available information. Participants monitored three stations with different frequencies at which interventions were required. They were aided by warning cues, indicating the need for interventions. The frequencies of inspections of the stations, the response to the warning system and the overall performance were assessed for warning systems with different diagnostic properties. Participants adapted their responses to the relative frequency of required interventions and the reliance on and compliance to the warning system depended on the warning characteristics. The results support the notion that events, such as warning signals, have a complex role in the ongoing activity of the operator and are integrated into the set of information from external and internal sources that guide the operators' actions.
Dietary lariciresinol attenuates mammary tumor growth and reduces blood vessel density in human MCF‐7 breast cancer xenografts and carcinogen‐induced mammary tumors in rats

Lariciresinol is a dietary lignan that accounts for a significant portion of the total phytoestrogen intake from Western foods. Recent epidemiological studies suggest that high dietary intake of lignans and lariciresinol is associated with reduced breast cancer risk. However, no causal relationship between lariciresinol intake and breast cancer development has been established. In this study, we investigated for the first time the effects and possible mechanisms of action of lariciresinol on hormone responsive mammary cancer in vivo in dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced mammary cancer in rats, and in human MCF‐7 breast cancer xenografts in athymic mice. For tumor bearing rats, lariciresinol (3 or 15 mg/kg of body weight) or vehicle was administered p.o. daily for 9 weeks. For E2‐maintained ovariectomized athymic mice bearing orthotopic MCF‐7 tumors, control diet (AIN‐93G) or lariciresinol containing diet (AIN‐93G supplemented with 20 or 100 mg of lariciresinol/kg of diet) was administered for 5 weeks. In both models, lariciresinol administration inhibited the tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis. In MCF‐7 cells, enterolactone significantly inhibited the E2‐stimulated VEGF secretion. Moreover, in MCF‐7 xenografts, lariciresinol administration enhanced tumor cell apoptosis and increased estrogen receptor beta expression. Lariciresinol and its further metabolites secoisolariciresinol, enterodiol and enterolactone were found in serum of both rats and athymic mice confirming a similar lignan metabolism pattern as in humans. These findings indicate conceivable importance of dietary lignan lariciresinol in inhibition of breast cancer development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Revised Beck Depression Inventory Scores of Inner-City Adolescents: Pre- and Postpartum

The revised Beck Depression Inventory was administered to 109 (69 0%) black, 33 (20 9%) Hispanic, and 16 (10.1%) white adolescents who were attending prenatal and postpartum clinics offered by two inner-city hospitals at 28 wk. of pregnancy, 5 wk. postpartum, and 6 mo. postpartum. The mean Beck scores significantly decreased between 28 wk. of pregnancy and 5 wk. postpartum but did not change between 5 wk. and 6 mo. postpartum. The levels of depression were comparable to those previously reported for nonpregnant adolescent females. Using a Beck cut-off score>20 as indicative of depression, 134 (84.8%) were never depressed; 11 (7.0%) became depressed after delivery; 8 (5 1%) ceased being depressed after delivery; and 5 (3.1%) were depressed throughout.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: Current State and Trends in Treatment for Cervical Disc Pathology

Study Design. Epidemiologic study using national administrative data. Objective. To compare anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for the treatment of cervical disc pathology in terms of (1) patient and hospital characteristics, length of stay, and total charges; and (2) temporal changes in those variables and in overall numbers. Summary of Background Data. Studies have shown that CDA has results and safety profiles comparable with those of ACDF, but information on patient and hospital characteristics and economical impact of CDA is lacking. Methods. We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for all hospitalization records from 2005 through 2008 with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes corresponding to ACDF or CDA, used multivariable linear regression analyses (significance, P, 0.05) for patient and hospital characteristics, and calculated length of stay parameters. For total hospital charges, we used the consumer price index to convert all charges to 2008 US dollars. Results. Most of the 544,174 ACDF procedures occurred in the South; most of the 4,710 CDA procedures occurred in the West and South. Compared with patients undergoing ACDF, those undergoing CDA were younger (P, 0.001). Comorbid severity for ACDF increased over time (P, 0.001) but did not change for CDA (P = 0.664). Although hospital stay decreased for both groups, total hospital charges increased for ACDF but remained stable for CDA over time. Conclusion. Patients undergoing CDA tended to be younger and to have less comorbidity, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs. The number of CDAs increased over time, although the percentage remained relatively small in comparison with that for ACDF.
Somatosensory regulation of renal function in the stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rat.

1. Chloralose‐urethane‐anaesthetized Wistar rats and stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) were prepared for measuring renal function. 2. Bilateral brachial nerve stimulation for 15 min, at 1.3 Hz (15 V, 0.2 ms), increased blood pressure from 119 +/‐ 2 to 151 +/‐ 6 mmHg (P < 0.01) in Wistar rats and from 181 +/‐ 6 to 203 +/‐ 6 mmHg (P < 0.05) in SHRSP; renal perfusion pressure was mechanically regulated at prestimulus levels but renal blood flow (4.1 +/‐ 0.7 ml min‐1 g‐1 in Wistar rats and 3.4 +/‐ 0.3 ml min‐1 g‐1 in SHRSP) and glomerular filtration rate (1.18 +/‐ 0.09 ml min‐1 g‐1 in Wistar rats and 0.88 +/‐ 0.01 ml min‐1 g‐1 in SHRSP) decreased between 5 and 30% (P < 0.05‐0.001). 3. During brachial nerve stimulation, urine flow (13.8 +/‐ 2.2 microliters min‐1 g‐1) and absolute and fractional sodium excretion (3.70 +/‐ 0.64 mumol min‐1 g‐1 and 2.06 +/‐ 0.23%) decreased by 60‐70% in the Wistar rats (P < 0.01‐0.001) and the responses were unaffected by vagotomy or carotid sinus denervation. In the SHRSP, urine flow rate (9.74 +/‐ 2.52 microliters min‐1 g‐1) and absolute and fractional sodium excretion (1.98 +/‐ 0.59 mumol min‐1 g‐1 and 1.41 +/‐ 0.28%) decreased by 15‐30% (P < 0.05‐0.01), decreases which were significantly (P < 0.05) smaller than those observed in the Wistar rats. Moreover, the responses were some 40‐60% larger in the vagotomized and carotid sinus‐denervated SHRSP. 4. The influence of vagal and carotid sinus afferent nerves on the somatosensory‐induced renal responses in the Wistar rats was small, whereas in the SHRSP they appeared to exert a marked tonic inhibitory effect. It is concluded that there is excessive baroreceptor restraint on neural regulation of renal function in the SHRSP.