Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.

AIM To evaluate the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in cirrhotic patients and to identify risk factors for the development of CIN. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of 216 consecutive patients with cirrhosis who underwent computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast at the University of Rochester between the years 2000-2005. We retrospectively examined factors associated with a high risk for CIN, defined as a decrease in creatinine clearance of 25% or greater within one week after receiving contrast. RESULTS Twenty-five percent of our patients developed CIN, and 74% of these patients had ascites seen on CT. Of the 75% of patients who did not develop CIN, only 46% had ascites. The presence of ascites was a significant risk factor for the development of CIN (P = 0.0009, OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.55-7.34) in multivariate analysis. Patient age, serum sodium, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, diuretic use, and the presence of diabetes were not found to be significant risk factors for the development of CIN. Of the patients who developed CIN, 11% developed chronic renal insufficiency, defined as a creatinine clearance less than baseline for 6 wk. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that in hospitalized cirrhotic patients, especially those with ascites, the risk of CIN is substantial.
MK/T-1, an immortalized fibroblast cell line derived using cultures of mouse corneal stroma.

PURPOSE Immortalized cell lines representing fibroblast cells from corneal stroma would facilitate studies of corneal cell biology and injury response. METHODS Primary cultures of cells derived from mouse corneal stroma were transfected with a human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression construct to maximize chances of cellular immortalization. A resulting cell line was analyzed for telomerase activity, cell growth characteristics, senescence and gene expression patterns. Specific responses to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) were also analyzed. RESULTS An immortalized cell line was derived and was named MK/T-1. MK/T-1 cells show no signs of cellular senescence or transformation at over 100 passages. Telomerase activity was significantly higher in MK/T-1 cells as compared to the parental cell cultures. However, relative telomere length (RTL) in the MK/T-1 and parental cells was not significantly different. Senescence associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-Gal) activity was not detected in late passage MK/T-1 cells while the parental cells had already upregulated SA-beta-Gal at high levels by passage 9. The MK/T-1 cells express vimentin, tubulin, lumican, mimecan, decorin and collagen I, but not keratocan. Exposure of the MK/T-1 cells to TGF-beta induces the expression of smooth muscle alpha-actin (ASMA), the activation of MAP Kinase (p38-MAPK) and morphological changes consistent with cytoskeletal reorganization. CONCLUSIONS MK/T-1 cells represent an immortalized fibroblast cell line derived using cultures from corneal stroma cell preparations. Expression of hTERT may contribute to immortalization of the MK/T-1 cells by a mechanism other than increases in RTL. MK/T-1 cells may be a useful model in which to study the responses of corneal fibroblast cells to cytokines and other diverse environmental factors in vitro.
Correction for A Rap/Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway Controls Pseudopod Formation

The journal wishes to point out a correction to the article A Rap/Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway Controls Pseudopod Formation (Mol. Biol. Cell [2010] 21, 936–945; first published in MBoC in Press as 10.1091/mbc.E09-03-0177). Because of a copyediting error, the title was incorrectly given as A Receptor-associated Protein/Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway Controls Pseudopod Formation when the article was first published. In addition, there was an error in the text: The first sentence of the third paragraph of the Introduction should have read Rap belongs to the Ras subfamily of small Gproteins and is involved in processes like adhesion, exocytosis, differentiation, and cell proliferation (Bos et al., 2001; Bos, 2005). Both the title and the sentence were corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of the article on March 19, 2010.
A Large Descriptor Set and a Probabilistic Kernel-Based Classifier Significantly Improve Druglikeness Classification

Probabilistic support vector machine (SVM) in combination with ECFP_4 (Extended Connectivity Fingerprints) were applied to establish a druglikeness filter for molecules. Here, the World Drug Index (WDI) and the Available Chemical Directory (ACD) were used as surrogates for druglike and nondruglike molecules, respectively. Compared with published methods using the same data sets, the classifier significantly improved the prediction accuracy, especially when using a larger data set of 341 601 compounds, which further pushed the correct classification rates up to 92.73%. On the other hand, most characteristic features for drugs and nondrugs found by the current method were visualized, which might be useful as guiding fragments for de novo drug design and fragment based drug design.
Shear bond strength of two adhesives to bovine dentin contaminated with various astringents.

PURPOSE To investigate the in vitro shear bond strength of two adhesives to bovine dentin contaminated with various astringents. METHODS 120 adult bovine incisors were collected and cut to obtain 240 specimens. The specimens were randomly divided into a self-etch adhesive group (N = 120) and a total-etch adhesive group (N = 120). Both of the groups were divided into the following six subgroups: the non-contamination group and the contamination groups 25% Al2(SO4)3 (Orbat sensitive), 25% AlCl3 (Racestyptine), 10% AlCl3 (Roeko Gingiva Liquid), 15.5% Fe2(SO4)3 (Astringedent) and AlCl3 Paste (Astringent Retraction Paste, N = 20 in each subgroup). Each astringent was applied for 1 minute to the dentin surface before rinsing with water spray for 20 seconds. The respective adhesive was then applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Two composite cylinders were shaped with a mold, cured on the dentin surface of each specimen and sheared off after 1 day and 1 week storage. The shear bond strengths (MPa) were recorded and analyzed with ANOVA. Results: In the self-etching adhesive group, all astringents showed negative effects on dentin bonding (P < 0.05). Astringent contamination did not have a negative effect on dentin bonding in the total-etch adhesive group (P > 0.05).
Validity and reliability of a questionnaire to assess social skills in traumatic brain injury: A preliminary study

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the reliability and validity of a new measure, the Social Skills Questionnaire for Traumatic Brain Injury (SSQ-TBI). Methods: Fifty-one adults with severe TBI completed the SSQ-TBI questionnaire. Scores were compared to informant- and self-report on questionnaires addressing frontal lobe mediated behaviour, as well as performance on an objective measure of social cognition and neuropsychological tasks, in order to provide evidence of concurrent, divergent and predictive validity. Results: Internal consistency was excellent at α = 0.90. Convergent validity was good, with informant ratings on the SSQ-TBI significantly correlated with Neuropsychiatric Inventory Disinhibition sub-scales (r = 0.50–63), the Current Behaviour Scale (r = 0.39–0.48) and Frontal Systems Behaviour Scale (r = 0.60–0.83). However, no relationship was seen with an objective measure of social skills or neuropsychological tasks of disinhibition. There was a significant relationship with real-world psychosocial outcomes on the Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale-2 (r = –0.38––0.69) Conclusions: This study provides preliminary findings of good internal consistency and convergent and predictive validity of a social skills questionnaire adapted to be appropriate for individuals with TBI. Further assessment of psychometric properties such as test–re-test reliability and factor structure is warranted.
The Distinct Pattern of DIC among the Patients with Dengue Virus Infection , Red Sea State , Sudan

The clinical spectrum of dengue fever (DF) varies from acute febrile course to refractory shock and bleeding with increase mortality. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is the most serious mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of bleeding. A case control study was conducted to detect the DIC in dengue infection in Red Sea State. Platelet count, Coagulation tests and D-Dimer were sequentially measured. Out of 334 patients with dengue virus infection, 101(30.2%) had DIC. DIC was significantly higher in DF 81(80.2%) than in dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) 20(19.8%) of patients. 56.4% diagnosed as non-overt DIC, and 43.6% diagnosed as overt DIC. Nearly one-third of patients had DIC. Non-overt DIC was the distinct pattern present in the study. D-Dimer is a marker for DIC may predict the clinical course of the disease. Keyword: DIC, D-Dimer, dengue, Port Sudan
Distributed Control to Ensure Proportional Load Sharing and Improve Voltage Regulation in Low-Voltage DC Microgrids

DC microgrids are gaining popularity due to high efficiency, high reliability, and easy interconnection of renewable sources as compared to the ac system. Control objectives of dc microgrid are: 1) to ensure equal load sharing (in per unit) among sources; and 2) to maintain low-voltage regulation of the system. Conventional droop controllers are not effective in achieving both the aforementioned objectives simultaneously. Reasons for this are identified to be the error in nominal voltages and load distribution. Though centralized controller achieves these objectives, it requires high-speed communication and offers less reliability due to single point of failure. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a new decentralized controller for dc microgrid. Key advantages are high reliability, low-voltage regulation, and equal load sharing, utilizing low-bandwidth communication. To evaluate the dynamic performance, mathematical model of the scheme is derived. Stability of the system is evaluated by eigenvalue analysis. The effectiveness of the scheme is verified through a detailed simulation study. To confirm the viability of the scheme, experimental studies are carried out on a laboratory prototype developed for this purpose. Controller area network protocol is utilized to achieve communication between the sources.
Impact of Ataxin-2 knock out on circadian locomotor behavior and PER immunoreaction in the SCN of mice

ABSTRACT In Drosophila melanogaster, Ataxin-2 is a crucial activator of Period and is involved in the control of circadian rhythms. However, in mammals the function of Ataxin-2 is unknown despite its involvement in the inherited neurogenerative disease Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 in humans. Therefore, we analyzed locomotor behavior of Atxn2-deficient mice and their WT littermates under entrained- and free-running conditions as well as after experimental jet lag. Furthermore, we compared the PER1 and PER2 immunoreaction (IR) in the SCN. Atxn2−/− mice showed an unstable rhythmicity of locomotor activity, but the level of PER1 and PER2 IR in the SCN did not differ between genotypes.
Inhaled adenosine and guanosine on airway resistance in normal and asthmatic subjects.

1 The airway response to the inhaled nucleosides, adenosine (6.7 x 10 -4 -6.7 mg/ml) and guanosine (7.3 x 10 -4 -1.4 mg/ml) was studied in normal and asthmatic subjects. Airway response, measured in the body plethysmograph, was expressed as percentage change in specific airway conductance (sGaw) from baseline. 2 Inhaled adenosine caused no change in sGaw in normal subjects but produced a dose-dependent reduction in sGaw in both allergic and non-allergic asthmatic subjects (76 and 62% reduction respectively at 6.7 mg/ml). 3 Kinetics of adenosine induced bronchoconstriction were studied in 12 asthmatic subjects who inhaled a single concentration of adenosine. Bronchoconstriction was maximal within 5 min (42% reduction in sGaw) with partial recovery by 30 min. 4 The related nucleoside guanosine caused no change in sGaw in normal or asthmatic subjects. 5 Adenosine, but not guanosine, is a potent bronchoconstrictor in asthma suggesting that it may have a specific pharmacological effect.
Identification and functional characterization of the promoter region of the human organic anion transporting polypeptide gene

The organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) of the basolateral hepatocyte membrane mediates multispecific uptake of anionic and other amphipathic substrates from sinusoidal blood plasma. To investigate the mechanisms controlling OATP expression, the 5′‐flanking region of the human OATP gene was isolated from a P1‐derived artificial chromosome genomic clone. Sequence analysis of the OATP promoter showed a number of consensus binding sites for both ubiquitous and liver‐enriched transcription factors. Transfection of HepG2 cells with a series of 5′‐deleted promoter‐luciferase constructs identified the minimal promoter region within 91 base pairs relative to the transcription initiation site. A putative silencer element was localized in the ‐662/‐440 region. The minimal promoter was also active in Chang liver, Madin‐Darby canine kidney, and Chinese hamster ovary cells, indicating that basal promoter function is independent of liver‐specific regulatory mechanisms. In transfected HepG2 cells, taurocholate (100 µmol/L) stimulated and triiodothyronine (1 µmol/L) inhibited OATP promoter activity, whereas hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, β‐estradiol, estrone‐3‐sulfate, and testosterone had no significant effect. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed an increase in OATP messenger RNA in the livers of four patients with chronic cholestatic liver disease compared with three noncholestatic controls. The up‐regulation of OATP expression by taurocholate could serve to enhance the sinusoidal efflux of toxic intracellular compounds during chronic cholestasis.
Interaction of Cooling Rate, Warming Rate, and Extent of Permeation of Cryoprotectant in Determining Survival of Isolated Rat Islets of Langerhans During Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation of islets of Langerhans offers a number of important benefits for attempts to cure diabetes by transplantation. In the published literature, a variety of cooling rates, ranging from 0.25 to 75°C/min, in conjunction with warming rates of 4–200°C/min have been proposed to give optimal preservation of islets. In view of the general importance of rates of temperature change in determining survival and because of the possibility of modulating tissue immunogenicity by freezing and thawing, we have studied the interaction of cooling rate and warming rate for isolated rat islets that had been either fully or partially equilibrated with 2 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Batches of islets were stored at −196°C after cooling at 0.3, 3.0, 10, 30, 60, 150, or 1000°C/min and then warmed at either 10 or 50°C/min. Survival was assessed by measuring the secretion of insulin during static incubation in alternating nonstimulatory and stimulatory media. Cooling rates extending over three orders of magnitude proved not to be a major determinant of survival when the islets were equilibrated with 2 M DMSO: >50% survival was achieved at all cooling rates studied when the warming rate was at 50°C/min. Peak survival (83%) was attained at a cooling rate of 0.3°C/min, but only slightly lower recoveries were obtained at 60 and >1000°C/min. However, in islets only partially equilibrated with cryoprotectants, functional recovery was highly dependent on the cooling and warming rates, with peak survivals after slow cooling and rapid warming. Full permeation of the tissue with cryoprotectant offered maximal recovery of function.
Abstract 168: Effect of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on Restoration of Myocardial ATP in Prolonged Ventricular Fibrillation

Background: It is known that a short period of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to defibrillation improves survival in patients with unwitnessed sudden collapse. However, there has been no report about whether CPR restores myocardial ATP during prolonged ventricular fibrillation (VF). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of CPR on restoration of myocardial high energy phosphate in prolonged VF. Methods and Results: Seventy two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (330–400 g) were enrolled in the study. Baseline ATP and ADP prior to induction of VF were measured from 9 animals. Sixty three animals were subjected to 4 minutes of untreated VF. Then, animals were randomized into no-CPR group (n=37) and CPR group (n=26). In no-CPR group, ATPs and ADPs were measured 4 (n=9), 6 (n=10), 8 (n=8), and 10 (n=10) minutes after induction of VF, respectively. CPR group received 2 (n=10), 4 (n=8), and 6 (n=8) minutes of mechanical chest compressions, respectively. Baseline myocardial ATP (nmol/mg pr.
Randomised controlled trial of lymphoblastoid interferon alfa in Europid men with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

OBJECTIVE--To confirm the findings of pilot studies that interferon alfa is an effective treatment of Europid men with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. DESIGN--Randomised controlled trial of three months treatment with interferon alfa followed by 12 months of observation. SETTING--Outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS--37 Treated men (six anti-HIV positive) and 34 untreated men (nine anti-HIV positive) who met the criteria for the trial. Four controls failed to complete follow up. INTERVENTIONS--The treated group received subcutaneous injections of 5-10 MU interferon alfa/m2 daily for five days, then 10 MU/m2 thrice weekly for 11 weeks. Follow up continued at monthly intervals for 12 months. Untreated controls were monitored over the same period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA state after 15 months of observation. RESULTS--12 Of the 37 treated patients cleared hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA, whereas only one of 30 untreated controls seroconverted over the same period--an increased response rate of 29% (95% confidence interval 13% to 45%). The life table estimate of response at 15 months was 35% in treated patients, an increase of 32% above controls (95% confidence interval 16% to 48%). The response rates in groups by predictive pretreatment variables were 12 of 31 anti-HIV negative patients (excess response 34%; 95% confidence interval 14% to 54%), 12 of 26 with chronic active hepatitis before treatment (excess response 46%; 27% to 65%), and 12 of 21 with a pretreatment serum aspartate aminotransferase activity greater than 70 IU/l (excess response 46%; 16% to 76%). The combination of these factors predicted response with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 80%. Four of the 12 responders, who had all been infected for less than two years, also lost hepatitis B surface antigen. Treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS--Interferon alfa is effective in the treatment of a proportion of Europid men with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, who might be identified before treatment. Additional strategies are required to improve the rate of response.
Comparative Study on the Sensory Quality of Prepared Biscuit and Cake from Amaranthus and Sorghum

Biscuit and cake were prepared from amaranthus and sorghum fl our at the proportion of 20, 30, 40 and 50% with wheat fl our. Sensory evaluation was carried out and there was no signifi cant difference (p≤0.05) in texture in the different biscuit made from amaranthus fl our. However there was signifi cant difference in color, taste, smell and overall acceptance in amaranthus biscuits. In case of sorghum biscuit there was signifi cant difference in texture and no signifi cant difference in color, taste, smell and overall acceptance. Similarly, there was signifi cant difference in color, texture, smell, taste and overall acceptance between amaranthus cakes. However, there was signifi cant difference in color of sorghum cake and the difference was insignifi cant in texture, taste, smell and overall acceptance. Thus it can be concluded that biscuit and cake can be made commercially, It can be recommended that biscuit and cake from amaranthus and sorghum can be promoted as potential health benefi ting food products.
Neurophysiological methods for the assessment of spasticity: The Hoffmann reflex, the tendon reflex, and the stretch reflex

Purpose: To review the literature concerning neurophysiological methods to assess spasticity with respect to mechanisms and methodology, and to describe the three most commonly used methods: the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex), the Tendon reflex (T-reflex), and the Stretch Reflex (SR). Method: A systematic internet database search was performed to identify neurophysiological measurement methods of spasticity. A systematic exclusion procedure resulted in 185 included references, completed by additional informal search. For this paper, information about the H-, T- and stretch reflexes was extracted from these references. Results: Although the reflexes are basically monosynaptic, there are many supraspinal pathways which modulate the responses in terms of their amplitude and latency. As a consequence the methods are sensitive to a considerable number of experimental conditions and are characterized by a moderate reliability and sensitivity. Correlations with other (i.e. biomechanical, neurophysiological or clinical) spasticity assessment parameters are moderate to poor. Standardised and broadly accepted protocols are still largely lacking preventing an effective exchange of knowledge. Conclusions: The clinical and experimental use of the three methods is restricted due to moderate reliability and sensitivity. It is recommended to perform combined neurophysiological - biomechanical assessment of spasticity during active, functional movement.
Mild-to-Moderate Active Luminal Crohn’s Disease

The management of luminal Crohn’s disease, the most common form of initial presentation of the disease, depends on the location and the severity of the disease. Mild-to-moderate disease represents a relatively large proportion of patients with a first flare of luminal disease, which may also be associated with perianal disease. As quality of life of these patients inversely correlates with disease activity, adequate therapy is a central goal of the overall patient management. Treatment options include mainly sulfasalazine, budesonide and systemic steroids, while the role of mesalazine and antibiotics remains controversial. The role of biological therapies has not been thoroughly evaluated in patients with mild disease.