Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of Free Apolipoprotein(a) in Serum by Immunoassay and Its Significance for Risk Assessment in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract This paper describes a new enzyme-linked ligand sorbent assay (ELLSA) to quantify free apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)). The new test immobilizes free apo(a) utilizing a specific peptide that carries the amino acid sequence of a non-covalent apo(a) binding site on apoB3375–3405 (ligand-peptide). The ligand-peptide coupled to Sepharose was used in affinity chromatography to separate free apo(a) from whole serum. Isolated free apo(a) consisted of full length apo(a) and smaller apo(a). Additionally, free apo(a) levels determined by ELLSA as well as by electroimmunodiffusion correlated moderately well. Significantly increased serum concentrations of free apo(a) were found in coronary artery disease. The mean value of free apo(a) was three times higher in patients than in controls while the lipoprotein(a) (Lpla)) concentration was doubled. Utilizing receiver operating characteristic diagrams, it was shown that the free apo(a)-ELLSA had a better diagnostic test performance in atherosclerotic risk assessment than the Lp(a)-test: specificity free apo(a)-ELLSA 0.77, Lp(a)-test 0.81 [with (a:a)-enzyme immunoassay (EIA)] to 0.83 [with (a:B)-EIA]; sensitivity free apo(a)-ELLSA 0.57, Lp(a)-test 0.36 to 0.40. In conclusion, the new free apo(a)-ELLSA allows for the specific quantification of free apo(a). This provides an interesting indicator for atherosclerotic risk assessment.
Centrifugal innervation of the mammalian olfactory bulb

Although it has been known for decades that the mammalian olfactory bulb receives a substantial number of centrifugal inputs from other regions of the brain, relatively few data have been available on the function of the centrifugal olfactory system. Knowing the role of the centrifugal projection and how it works is of critical importance to fully understanding olfaction. The centrifugal fibers can be classified into two groups, a group that release neuromodulators, such as noradrenaiine, serotonin, or acetylcholine, and a group originating in the olfactory cortex. Accumulating evidence suggests that centrifugal neuromodulatory inputs are associated with acquisition of odor memory. Because the distribution of the terminals on these fibers is diffuse and widespread, the neuromodulatory inputs must affect diverse subsets of bulbar neurons at the same time. In contrast, knowledge of the role of centrifugal fibers from the olfactory cortical areas is limited. Judging from recent morphological evidence, these fibers may modify the activity of neurons located in sparse and discrete loci in the olfactory bulb. Given the modular organization of the olfactory bulb, centrifugal fibers from the olfactory cortex may help coordinate the activities of restricted subsets of neurons belonging to distinct functional modules in an odor-specific manner. Because the olfactory cortex receives inputs from limbic and neocortical areas in addition to inputs from the bulb, the centrifugal inputs from the cortex can modulate odor processing in the bulb in response to non-olfactory as well as olfactory cues.
Missed by an inch or a mile? Predicting the size of intention–behaviour gap from measures of executive control

Failing to achieve healthy intentions can have a direct impact on subsequent health. The extent of this impact is partially determined by the size of the discrepancy between intentions and behaviour, that is, on whether an unachieved behavioural target is missed by an inch or a mile. Over two studies, measures of ‘executive control’ ability were used to predict the size of the intention–behaviour gap for two dietary behaviours – eating fruits and vegetables and snacking. In Study 1, participants (n = 50) reported intended dietary intake, completed objective and self-report measures of executive control ability and recorded actual dietary intake over 3 days with computerised diaries. Using multiple regression, general executive control ability was found to account for 16–23% of the variance in the size of intention–behaviour gap for both the dietary behaviours. In Study 2 (n = 52), deviation from intentions about snacking was significantly related to individual differences in prepotent response inhibition. Overall, individuals with weak executive control ate less fruits and vegetables and more snacks than intended. Intention–behaviour ‘failures’ are not homogenous, but instead vary predictably with the availability of executive control resources. This suggests that individuals with large intention–behaviour shortfalls may benefit from interventions designed to reduce the demands on executive control.
The Influence of Salivary Flow Rate on Diffusion of Potassium Chloride from Artificial Plaque at Different Sites in the Mouth

The rate at which substances diffuse from dental plaque influences the rate of clearance of acid and bacterial toxins from plaque into saliva. The aim of this study was to compare the rates of clearance of potassium chloride, as a model substance, from artificial plaque of 3-, 4-, and 6-mm-diameter, positioned bilaterally at different locations in the mouth. The diffusant was KCl (1 mol/L) in a 1.0% agarose matrix, placed in wells 1.5 mm deep, in small acrylic devices 3 mm thick, which could be fastened to the teeth with dental floss and removed after different time periods. The half-time for clearance was determined from the best-fitting least-squares line of the potassium concentration remaining in the gel plotted against the square root of time. For 14 subjects, half-times for the lower anterior lingual and upper posterior lingual regions averaged about 2.5 times greater than those for clearance into a large, stirred volume in vitro, whereas those for the upper and lower anterior buccal regions averaged about 12.8 times greater. This difference may be due to the fact that anterior buccal sites are exposed only to minor rather than to major salivary gland secretions. When salivary flow was stimulated by the sucking of sour lemon drops, all in vivo half-times were reduced by about one-half. The half-times were also directly related to the surface areas of the chambers, which implies that rates of diffusion from plaque of substances such as acid or bacterial toxins are inversely related to the surface area of the plaque at a particular site.
Photoperiod Affects Amplitude but Not Duration of In Vitro Melatonin Production in the Ruin Lizard (Podarcis sicula)

The pineal gland and its major output signal melatonin have been demonstrated to play a central role in the seasonal organization of the ruin lizard Podarcis sicula. Seasonal variations in the amplitude of the nocturnal melatonin signal, with high values in spring as compared to low values in summer and autumn, have been found in vivo. The authors examined whether the pineal gland of the ruin lizard contains autonomous circadian oscillators controlling melatonin synthesis and whether previously described seasonal variations of in vivo melatonin production can also be found in isolated cultured pineal glands obtained from ruin lizards in summer and winter. In vitro melatonin release from isolated pineal glands of the ruin lizard persisted for 4 days in constant conditions. Cultured explanted pineal glands obtained from animals in winter and summer showed similar circadian rhythms of melatonin release, characterized by damping of the amplitude of the melatonin rhythm. Although different photoperiodic conditions were imposed on ruin lizards before explantation of pineal glands, the authors did not find any indication for corresponding differences in the duration of elevated melatonin in vitro. Differences were found in the amplitude of in vitro melatonin production in light/dark conditions and, to a lesser degree, in constant conditions. The presence of a circadian melatonin rhythm in vitro in winter, although such a rhythm is absent in vivo in winter, suggests that pineal melatonin production is influenced by an extrapineal oscillator in the intact animal that may either positively or negatively modulate melatonin production in summer and winter, respectively.
Calculation of electron-helium scattering.

We present the convergent close-coupling theory for the calculation of electron-helium scattering. We demonstrate its applicability at a range of projectile energies of 1.5 to 500 eV to scattering from the ground state to {ital n}{le}3 states. Generally, good agreement with experiment is obtained with the available differential, integrated, ionization, and total cross sections, as well as with the electron-impact coherence parameters up to and including the 3 {sup 3}{ital D}-state excitation. This agreement is shown to be overall the best of the currently used electron-helium scattering theories. On occasion, some significant discrepancies with experiment are observed, particularly for the triplet-state excitations.
Gestational choline supplementation normalized fetal alcohol-induced alterations in histone modifications, DNA methylation, and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression in β-endorphin-producing POMC neurons of the hypothalamus.

BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH) reduces the expression of hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, known to control various physiological functions including the organismal stress response. In this study, we determined whether the changes in POMC neuronal functions are associated with altered expressions of histone-modifying and DNA-methylating enzymes in POMC-producing neurons, because these enzymes are known to be involved in regulation of gene expression. In addition, we tested whether gestational choline supplementation prevents the adverse effects of EtOH on these neurons. METHODS Pregnant rat dams were fed with alcohol-containing liquid diet or control diet during gestational days 7 and 21 with or without choline, and their male offspring rats were used during the adult period. Using double-immunohistochemistry, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and methylation-specific RT-PCR, we determined protein and mRNA levels of histone-modifying and DNA-methylating enzymes and the changes in POMC gene methylation and expression in the hypothalamus of adult male offspring rats. Additionally, we measured the basal- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced corticosterone levels in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Prenatal EtOH treatment suppressed hypothalamic levels of protein and mRNA of histone activation marks (H3K4me3, Set7/9, acetylated H3K9, phosphorylated H3S10), and increased the repressive marks (H3K9me2, G9a, Setdb1), DNA-methylating enzyme (Dnmt1), and the methyl-CpG-binding protein (MeCP2). The treatment also elevated the level of POMC gene methylation, while it reduced levels of POMC mRNA and β-EP and elevated corticosterone response to LPS. Gestational choline normalized the EtOH-altered protein and the mRNA levels of H3K4me3, Set7/9, H3K9me2, G9a, Setdb1, Dnmt1, and MeCP2. It also normalizes the changes in POMC gene methylation and gene expression, β-EP production, and the corticosterone response to LPS. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that prenatal EtOH modulates histone and DNA methylation in POMC neurons that may be resulting in hypermethylation of POMC gene and reduction in POMC gene expression. Gestational choline supplementation prevents the adverse effects of EtOH on these neurons.
Accurate localization of organ representation areas on the feet & hands using the bi-digital O-ring test resonance phenomenon: its clinical implication in diagnosis & treatment--Part I.

Accuracy of the widely used organ representation areas, currently used in different schools of foot and hand reflexology was evaluated using Bi-Digital O-Ring test resonance phenomenon. Our previous study indicated that mapping organ representation areas of the tongue using Bi-Digital O-Ring Test resonance phenomenon between 2 identical substances often provided more reliable clinical information for both diagnosis and treatment than the 2 widely used, but crude, traditional schools of Chinese tongue diagnosis. This same method was applied for the mapping of the organ representation areas on the feet and hands. We succeeded in mapping the following areas on human feet: 1) Middle (3rd) toe on the sole side represents the following starting from the tip: A) Head, B) Face with eye, ear, nose, and mouth (1st Digit) C) Neck and organs within the neck (narrow band of space between 1st crease after the 1st digit and crease at the junction of the beginning of the sole); 2) 2nd and 4th toe represent upper extremities, the beginning tip being fingers and hands. The crease at the base of these toes represents the shoulder. The 2nd toe represents right upper extremity, and the 4th toe represents left upper extremity; 3) 1st and 5th toes in both the right and left feet represent lower extremities with the tip being the toes and soles of feet. The crease at the base of these toes represents the inguinal area. The 1st toe of each foot represents right lower extremity, and 5th toe represents left lower extremity. The sole of the foot is divided into the following 3 distinctive sections. 1) Upper (1st) section represents organs in the chest cavity including 2 thymus glands, trachea, 2 lungs, with the heart between them, and with the esophagus appearing as a narrow band outside of the lung near and below the 1st and 2nd toe depending upon the individual. Chest section occupies the first 1/3 to 1/5 (on a relatively long foot) of the entire sole. The boundary between the chest and G.I. system can be approximately estimated by extending the length of the entire toe or up to 25% longer to the sole, but it can be accurately determined using a diaphragm tissue microscope slide as a reference control substance. 2) Middle (2nd) section represents Gastro-Intestinal system, including lower end of the esophagus, liver, stomach, spleen, gall bladder, pancreas, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, appendix, colon, and anus. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
[Comparison of clinical immunohistochemical findings in keratocystic odontogenic tumours and ameloblastomas considering their risk of recurrence].

BACKGROUND With the new term "keratocystic odontogenic tumour" (KCOT) keratocyts are even in the nomenclature a close differential diagnosis to ameloblastomas (A). PURPOSE Recurrence of KCOT and A were retrospectively compared with regard to treatment and immunohistochemical markers of cell cycle and migration and cell architecture. PATIENTS AND METHODS Biopsies harvested over a period of 22 years of 101 patients (86 KCOT, 15 A) were examined. The histopathological slides were stained with H&E and with the immunohistochemical markers: Cyclin D1, Collagen IV, p16, Cox-2-Laminin-5 and Tenascin-C. RESULTS Mean age KCOT 47 years (range 14-80 years), A 41 years (range 16-79 years). Gender KCOT: m:f =2:1; A: m:f = 3:2. Region of origin mandible with predilection of the angle and the ramus: KCOT: 76; A: 12. Maxilla: KCOT: 18; A: 3. Multiple lesions were found in 5 KCOT patients. Treatment primary KCOT: cystectomy (46), cystostomy (6), cystectomy and curettage (17), cystectomy and marginal ostectomy (14), resection (11). A: resection (10), enucleation (5). Recurrence rate KCOT: 11,7% after 5,5 years. Recurrence after: cystostomy (4), cystectomy (6), cystectomy and curettage (3), cystectomy and marginal ostectomy (2). A: no recurrences. Immunohistochemistry Cell cycle associated and extracellular matrix proteins did not differ in quantity in KCOT and A, and did also not differ in recurrent and non-recurrent KCOT. CONCLUSIONS 1. KCOT are in the own cohort more likely recurrent than A. 2. Recurrence rate of KCOT can not be predicted by the used (most common) markers of cell cycle, migration and modulation of architecture. 3. Higher recurrence rate of KCOT in the patients examined is proposed due to less extensive resection.
Increased serum and cerebrospinal fluid FGF-2 levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Lack of growth factors and hypoxia are two recent hypotheses about mechanisms underlying motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. With this background, serum from 15 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and 15 controls, and CSF from 15 patients and 10 controls were analysed for fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) using an immunoassay. Serum FGF-2 levels were higher in the patient group than in the control group. FGF-2 was detected in CSF in 11/15 patients, but in none of the 10 control subjects. There were no correlations between age, duration of disease or clinical rating and FGF-2 levels. The findings indicate that FGF-2 is involved in the pathophysiological chain of events in this disorder.
Subthalamic nucleus‐deep brain stimulation for early motor complications in Parkinson's disease—the EARLYSTIM trial: Early is not always better

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) has revolutionized the management of disabling motor complications in Parkinson's disease. The EARLYSTIM trial applied this treatment to patients who had been experiencing motor complications for less than three years. STN‐DBS significantly improved all primary and secondary outcome measures while best medical therapy failed to provide any improvement at the two‐year follow‐up time point. On face value these results strongly favor the application of STN‐DBS far earlier than is currently applied, when patients are just beginning to experience problems with motor complications. Here we review the application of early DBS and the EARLYSTIM trial from the perspectives of clinical issues, health economics and study design and patient expectation of benefit. We conclude that the most relevant issue is not when to operate but on whom and that early is not always better. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Shear wave splitting and mantle flow beneath LA RISTRA

Shear‐wave splitting parameters (fast polarization direction and delay time) are determined using data from LA RISTRA (Colorado pLAteau RIo Grande Rift/Great Plains Seismic TRAnsect), a deployment of broadband seismometers extending from the Great Plains, across the Rio Grande Rift and the Jemez Lineament, to the Colorado Plateau. Results show that the fast polarization directions are sub‐parallel to North American absolute plate motion. The largest deviations from the plate motion are observed within the western edge of the Great Plains and in the interior of the Colorado Plateau where lithospheric anisotropy may be significant. Delay times range from 0.8 to 1.8 seconds with an average value of 1.4 seconds; the largest values are along the Jemez Lineament and the Rio Grande Rift which are underlain by an uppermost mantle low velocity zone extending to depths of ∼200 km. The anisotropy beneath the central part of LA RISTRA shows a remarkably consistent pattern with a mean fast direction of 40° ± 6°. Seismic anisotropy can be explained by differential horizontal motion between the North American lithosphere and westerly to southwesterly flow of the asthenospheric mantle. The approximately N‐S fast direction found beneath western Texas is similar to that observed beneath the southern rift and may reflect a different dynamic regime.
Misuse of Prescribed Stimulant Medication for ADHD and Associated Patterns of Substance Use: Preliminary Analysis Among College Students

Objectives: To explore the prevalence and characteristics associated with college students who misuse their prescribed stimulants for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and examine diversion and substance use behaviors as a function of misuse. Methods: Cohort of 55 past-year prescribed stimulant users was identified from a random sample (n = 1738) at a large Midwestern research university following the self-administration of a web-based survey. An index was created to assess misuse of prescribed stimulants (i.e., Misuse Index). Results: Of 55 college students who reported past-year use of prescribed stimulants for ADHD, 22 (40%) endorsed at least one item on the misuse index. The most frequently endorsed misuse items were used too much (36%), self-reported misuse (19%), and intentionally used with alcohol or other drugs (19%). Misusers of prescribed stimulant medication were more likely to report cigarette smoking (p = 0.022), binge drinking (p = 0.022), illicit use of cocaine (p = 0.032), and screen positive on the Drug Abuse Screening test (DAST-10) criteria (p = 0.002). The bivariate odds ratio for the DAST-10 findings was 8.4 (95% CI: 2.0-34.6). Diversion of prescribed stimulants was common (36%) and occurred more frequently among stimulant misusers (57%; p = 0.008). Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between misuse of prescribed stimulants for ADHD and substance use behaviors, as well as other deleterious behaviors such as diversion. These findings suggest the need for close screening, assessment, and therapeutic monitoring of medication use in the college population.
Pigtail catheters versus large-bore chest tubes for pneumothoraces in children treated in the emergency department

Objective We sought to compare the efficacy (pneumothorax resolution and hospitalization days), pain (narcotic usage), and safety (need for repositioning or replacement) associated with placement of large-bore chest tubes versus pigtail catheters in children with pneumothoraces. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with pneumothoraces seen in the emergency department (ED) over a 6.5-year period who received treatment by a pediatric emergency physician with either a large-bore chest tube or a pigtail catheter. We excluded patients who had catheters placed by other specialists and patients who were endotracheally intubated. We collected the following data: complications, hospital days to discharge, and narcotic pain medications taken. Results Eleven pigtail catheters and 16 large-bore chest tubes were placed. All pneumothoraces were effectively evacuated. Three of the 11 pigtail catheters required repositioning, and one was replaced. Two of the 16 large-bore chest tubes were repositioned, and one was replaced; additionally, a pigtail catheter was added to one patient with a large-bore chest tube to facilitate evacuation of the air. Average hospital stay was similar between groups (6.2 d for pigtail catheters vs 6.8 d for large-bore chest tubes, P = 0.74). Children with pigtail catheters required less narcotic pain medications than those who had large-bore chest tubes, but the differences were not significant. Conclusion Pigtail catheters offer a safe and effective alternative to large-bore chest tubes for patients receiving treatment for pneumothoraces in the ED.
The multiligand-binding protein gC1qR, putative C1q receptor, is a mitochondrial protein.

A protein of 33 kDa (p33) that tightly binds to the globular domains of the first complement component, C1q, is thought to serve as the major C1q receptor (gC1qR) on B cells, neutrophils, and mast cells. However, the cellular routing and the subcellular localization of p33/gC1qR are unknown. We have performed confocal laser-scanning microscopy and found that p33/gC1qR is present in intracellular compartments, where it colocalizes with the mitochondrial marker protein, pyruvate dehydrogenase. No surface staining for p33/gC1qR on endothelial EA.hy926 cells was observed. A fusion protein of the p33/gC1qR presequence with green fluorescent protein translocated to the mitochondria of transfected COS-7 cells. Concomitantly, a 6-kDa portion of the fusion protein was proteolytically removed. The 33 amino-terminal residues of the presequence proved sufficient to direct reporter constructs to mitochondria. Association of p33/gC1qR with mitoplasts indicated that the mature protein of 209 residues resides in the matrix and/or the inner membrane of mitochondria. Immunocytochemistry of fetal mice tissues revealed a ubiquitous expression of p33/gC1qR, most prominently in tissues that are rich in mitochondria. Thus, the candidate complement receptor p33/gC1qR of intact cells cannot interact with plasma C1q due to mutually exclusive localizations of the components. The functional role of p33/gC1qR needs to be reconsidered.