Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of oral glutamine supplementation during bone marrow transplantation.

BACKGROUND Because all patients receiving bone marrow transplant (BMT) and peripheral blood progenitor cell transplant (PBPCT) experience gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity from the preparative regimen of chemotherapy, with or without radiation, oral glutamine was administered during the preparatory regimen and after transplant to maintain GI structure and function. METHODS To evaluate effects of oral glutamine on nutritional status and overall outcome, a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study was performed on 58 autologous and allogeneic BMT patients. Patients received 30 g of oral glutamine or placebo daily. RESULTS The trends of decreased median length of stay and the median number of days of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were seen in the group supplemented with the >0.285-g/kg (the recommended dosage) dose of glutamine; however, there was no statistically significant difference in the nutritional status and overall patient outcome as assessed by days receiving TPN, number of days required until oral intake resumed, length of hospitalization, number of days and highest grade of mucositis, and quantity and number of days of diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS This study does not support the hypothesis that oral glutamine may offer benefit. Further investigation is required regarding clinical tools for determining effectiveness, administration for tolerance and compliance, dosage, and potential of oral glutamine usage.
Denial of memory deficit in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE Patients with probable Alzheimer's disease often deny or underestimate the severity of their memory impairment. The authors examined the relationships between denial and severity of cognitive impairment and between denial and the presence of depressed mood and sad affect in 128 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. METHOD Denial of memory deficit was evaluated by structured interview. Cognition was evaluated with a quantitative examination that assessed performance on 16 subtests. Depression was rated by using a scale that included patients' self-ratings as well as caregivers' and examiners' assessments of the patient's mood and affect. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to quantify the relationship between denial and demographic, cognitive, and depression variables. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to further examine the relationship between denial and individual cognitive subset scores. RESULTS Denial did not correlate with age at onset of Alzheimer's disease, duration of illness, or educational background. It did correlate with gender: women exhibited greater denial than men. A significant correlation was found between denial and overall severity of cognitive deficit and particularly with impairment in object naming. A negative correlation was found between denial and depression. CONCLUSIONS The association between denial and cognitive impairment may suggest that denial of probable Alzheimer's disease results from disruption of cognitive abilities needed for awareness of illness. The negative association between denial and depression may suggest that depression in Alzheimer's disease is in part reactive in nature.
Nitric oxide and cytochrome c oxidase: mechanisms of inhibition and NO degradation.

NO inhibits mitochondrial respiration by reacting with either the reduced or the oxidized binuclear site of cytochrome c oxidase, leading respectively to accumulation of cytochrome a(2+)(3)-NO or cytochrome a(3+)(3)-NO(-)(2) species. Exploiting the unique light sensitivity of the cytochrome a(2+)(3)-NO, we show that under turnover conditions, depending on the cytochrome c(2+) concentration, either the cytochrome a(2+)(3)-NO or the nitrite-bound enzyme is formed. The predominance of one of the two inhibitory pathways depends on the occupancy of the turnover intermediates. In the dark, the respiration recovers at the rate of NO dissociation (k' = 0.01 s(-1) at 37 degrees C). Illumination of the sample speeds up recovery rate only at higher reductant concentrations, indicating that the inhibited species is cytochrome a(2+)(3)-NO. When the reaction occurs with the oxidized binuclear site, light has no effect and NO is oxidized to harmless nitrite eventually released in the bulk, accounting for catalytic NO degradation.
Comparison of four commercial devices to measure limb circumference in dogs

Summary We evaluated four measurement devices for obtaining circumferential measurements at four locations on the canine hindlimb and forelimb. We hypothesised that these devices would be consistent and precise in the hands of veterinary professionals with varying experience levels. Circumferential measurements were made in five dogs with no history or clinical evidence of orthopaedic disease. Measurements were obtained in triplicate by three observers at mid-thigh, tibial tuberosity, hock and carpus bilaterally. Results indicated a significantly larger measurement at the left mid-thigh region than the right, with no significant differences between limbs noted at other sites. Measurements with a tape measure and a retractable tape measure resulted in significantly smaller values at each site than an ergonomic measuring tape and a circumference measuring tape. Interobserver variation was 3.6 times higher than intraob-server variation. These results illustrate the importance of consistency when obtaining these measurements. Sequential circumference measurements should be made by the same individual using the same device to decrease measurement variability. Devices were equally precise for repeat measurements although the absolute measurement varied by device.
Inhibition of voltage‐gated Ca2+ entry into GH3 and chromaffin cells by imidazole antimycotics and other cytochrome P450 blockers

We have studied the effects of cytochrome P450 inhibitors on the entry of Ca2∗ and Mn2∗, used here as a Ca2∗ surrogate for Ca2+ channels, in fura‐2‐loaded GH3 pituitary cells and bovine chromaffin cells depolarized with high‐K∗ solutions. Imidazole antimycotics were potent inhibitors (econazole > miconazole > clotrimazole > ketoconazole). α‐Naphtoflavone and isosafrole, but not metyrapone, also inhibited the entry of Ca2∗ and Mn2∗ induced by depolarization. This inhibitory profile most resembles that reported for IA‐type cytochrome P450. However, carbon monoxide (CO), a well‐known cytochrome P450 antagonist, had no effect on Ca2+ (Mn2+) entry. Given the high selectivity of the imidazole antimycotics for the heme moiety, our results suggest that a hemoprotein closely related to cytochrome P450 (but insensitive to CO) might be involved in the regulation of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. The inhibitory pattern was also similar to that previously reported for agonist‐induced Ca2+ (Mn2+) influx in neutrophils and platelets, although CO was an efficient inhibitor in this case. These results pose the question of whether similarities in the sensitivity to cytochrome P450 inhibitors exhibited by receptor‐operated and voltage‐gated channels reflect unknown similarities either in structural features or regulation mechanisms. — Villalobos, C. ; Fonteriz, R. Lopez, M. G. ; Garcia, A. G. ; Garcia‐Sancho, J. Inhibition of voltage‐gated Ca2+ entry into GH3 and chromaffin cells by imidazole antimycotics and other cytochrome P450 blockers. FASEB J. 6: 2742‐2747; 1992.
Standardized approach for imaging and measuring Cesarean section scars using ultrasonography

Incomplete healing of the scar is a recognized sequel of Cesarean section (CS) and may be associated with complications in later pregnancies. These complications can include scar pregnancy, a morbidly adherent placenta, scar dehiscence or rupture. To date there is uncertainty relating to the factors that lead to poor scar healing and how to recognize it. In recent years, there has been an increase in studies using ultrasound that describe scars as deficient, or poorly, incompletely or inadequately healed with few data to associate the morphology of the scar with the functional integrity of the lower segment of the uterus. There have been multiple attempts to describe CS scars using ultrasonography. Different terminology, methods and results have been reported, yet there is still no consensus regarding the prevalence, clinical significance or most appropriate method to describe the appearances of these scars. Developing a test that can predict the likelihood of women having problems associated with a CS scar is becoming increasingly important. On the other hand, understanding whether the ultrasound appearances of the scar can tell us anything about its integrity is not well supported by the research evidence. In this article we present an overview of ultrasound‐based definitions and methods used to describe CS scars. We also present information relating to the performance of alternative techniques used to evaluate CS scars. Having examined the current evidence we suggest a standardized approach to describe CS scars using ultrasound so that future studies can be meaningfully compared. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti-CD3/Anti-CXCL10 Antibody Combination Therapy Induces a Persistent Remission of Type 1 Diabetes in Two Mouse Models

Anti-CD3 therapy of type 1 diabetes results in a temporary halt of its pathogenesis but does not constitute a permanent cure. One problem is the reinfiltration of islets of Langerhans with regenerated, autoaggressive lymphocytes. We aimed at blocking such a reentry by neutralizing the key chemokine CXCL10. Combination therapy of diabetic RIP-LCMV and NOD mice with anti-CD3 and anti-CXCL10 antibodies caused a substantial remission of diabetes and was superior to monotherapy with anti-CD3 or anti-CXCL10 alone. The combination therapy prevented islet-specific T cells from reentering the islets of Langerhans and thereby blocked the autodestructive process. In addition, the local immune balance in the pancreas was shifted toward a regulatory phenotype. A sequential temporal inactivation of T cells and blockade of T-cell migration might constitute a novel therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes.
Weak localization in pregraphitic carbon fibers.

Realisation des mesures de resistivite a haute resolution et de magnetoresistance en fonction de la temperature sur les fibres de carbone pregraphitiques. La resistivite presente un coefficient de temperature negatif entre la temperature ambiante et 1,5 K. On montre qu'un tel comportement peut difficilement etre explique par une excitation thermique des porteurs dans l'intervalle de temperatures de He liquide et dans le cadre du modele simple a deux bandes habituellement applique aux structures graphitiques et pregraphitiques. La magnetoresistance presente une composante negative plus prononcee a basse temperature. On trouve que le champ magnetique applique agit de facon a restituer le comportement attendu de la resistivite a basse temperature, vu que la resistivite devient progressivement dependante de la temperature. Resultats compatibles avec la theorie de la faible localisation pour les systemes 2D
Postglacial recolonization routes for Picea abies K. in Italy as suggested by the analysis of sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers

The routes through which Norway spruce recolonized the Alps after the last ice age were investigated at the genetic level. Seven populations along the Alpine range plus one Apennine population were characterized for seven sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) loci, detecting an overall FST = 0.118. This rather high value for forest species reflects an uneven distribution of genetic variability, and was analysed through different statistical methods. Alternative hypotheses were tested under the isolation‐by‐distance model and using the analysis of molecular variance ( amova) frame. We conclude that the hypothesis of the existence of a glacial refugium in the Apennines should be rejected, while a putative relict population is identified in the Maritime Alps. The Alpine range of Norway spruce appears to be split in two parts across a north–south line. The results are discussed in comparison with data based on morphological markers, isozymes, chloroplast microsatellites and mitochondrial markers.
Effect of Pulsed Magnetic Fields on Cholesterol and Tryglyceride Levels in Rats Study of Field Intensity and Length of Exposure

Abstract In a previous work a decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride plasma levels was observed in rats 24 hours after their exposure to a 12 Hz 6 mT pulsed magnetic field (PMF). This time, a study of intensity effects of a 12 Hz PMF for a sixty-minute exposure and of length of exposure for a 12 Hz 6 mT PMF took place. Non-linear effect-dose relationships were ob served for the PMF intensity as well as for the length of exposure used. The highest decreases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels were obtained after to a sixty-minute exposure with 1.5 mT and 12 mT.
Use of intravenous cyclophosphamide in known or suspected, advanced non-specific interstitial pneumonia.

BACKGROUND In severe, progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD), specific diagnosis is often difficult, and treatment therefore empirical. An effective, rapidly acting, well-tolerated therapy is desirable. This study reviews the tolerability and efficacy of i.v. cyclophosphamide in known or suspected non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) following the introduction of an i.v. cyclophosphamide protocol. METHODS Records of 54 patients with biopsy-proven (n = 7) or suspected NSIP, based on clinico-radiological consensus (n = 47), receiving i.v. cyclophosphamide over 2004-6 were reviewed (excluding systemic sclerosis). Lung-function trends over six months were evaluated, and comparative analysis of paired pulmonary-function before and after the start of therapy was performed. RESULTS IV cyclophosphamide was well tolerated, with two withdrawals from therapy, and four deaths, not directly related to treatment. IV cyclophosphamide was associated with disease stability at six-months. Despite having severe, progressive disease, patients receiving i.v. cyclophosphamide had stable lung function at six months. A greater therapeutic response was associated with coexistent HRCT abnormalities indicative of organizing pneumonia. In 22 patients with paired pulmonary-function tests, pulmonary function trends were significantly improved (p = 0.03) and change in DLco differed significantly (p < 0.0001), following cyclophosphamide treatment. CONCLUSION In the empirical treatment of advanced, rapidly progressive known or suspected NSIP, i.v. cyclophosphamide is a well tolerated, rapidly acting immunosuppressant, associated with improvement or stability in most cases.
The roentgenologic aspects of metastatic pheochromocytoma.

In 16 patients with pheochromocytoma, plain film examinations were useful in detecting and evaluating lung and bone metastases which did not seem to have a unique appearance. "Blowout" bone metastases were seen frequently and resembled bone metastases from thyroid, renal cell, and occasionally bronchogenic carcinomas.Special roentgenologic examinations not only were helpful for locating the primary lesion but also were used to advantage in evaluating soft tissue extension, tumor recurrence, and metastatic involvement in the liver.Radiation therapy produced no evidence of healing or recalcification in bone lesions, even in those patients who survived many years. In 9 patients treated with radiation therapy we have had 2 apparent long-term controls. We believe that in order to be effective against metastatic pheochromocytoma, radiation therapy must be delivered in doses in excess of 3,500 to 4,000 r.
Intestinal Protein Loss and Hypoalbuminemia in Children with Pneumonia

Background Intestinal protein loss has been reported mainly in diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal protein loss during pneumonia with effusion has not been reported to date. The authors attempted to assess the associations between pneumonia with effusion and intestinal protein loss and hypoalbuminemia in children. Methods This was a prospective consecutive case series study of in children hospitalized with pneumonia and effusion during a period of 4½ years. Serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal &agr;-1 antitrypsin (&agr;-1-AT) were measured in the first 72 hours of hospitalization. Two control groups were studied: one consisted of 50 febrile children hospitalized because of viral or mild bacterial infections, and the other consisted of 20 afebrile children hospitalized because of convulsive disorders. Results Sixty-seven children ages 4 months to 14 years hospitalized with pneumonia and effusion were enrolled in the study. Fifty-nine percent (40 children) were found to have elevated fecal &agr;-1-AT excretion (range, 2–10 mg/g) compared with none in the two control groups (P < 0.000). Fifty-two percent (35 children) of the children with pneumonia and effusion had mild to moderate hypoalbuminemia (range, 22–34 g/L). Only one child (2%) in the febrile control group had a low albumin of 34 g/L; none were found in the afebrile control group. The level of fecal &agr;-1-AT was inversely correlated with serum albumin level. Conclusions Pneumonia with effusion in children is often associated with an intestinal protein loss that can be monitored by measuring gastrointestinal loss of protein, namely fecal &agr;-1-AT. In most cases the development of hypoalbuminemia correlates with the development of intestinal protein loss.
Genetic linkage analysis of multicase families with fibromyalgia syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Based on the reports of familial aggregation of fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome, we investigated its possible genetic linkage to HLA by studying multicase families. METHODS Forty Caucasian multicase families with a diagnosis of FM (American College of Rheumatology criteria) in 2 or more first degree relatives were investigated. Eighty-five affected and 21 unaffected members of 41 sibships were studied. Depression symptomology was assessed by Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). HLA typing was performed for A, B, and DRB 1 alleles, and haplotypes were determined with no knowledge of the subject's diagnosis. We investigated genetic linkage to the HLA region by evaluating sibships in multicase families. RESULTS Sibship analysis showed significant genetic linkage of FM to the HLA region (p = 0.028). Subgroup analysis was also performed for 17 families where the proband was also noted to have depression (with an SDS index value > or =60). We found that the presence of depression did not influence the observed results (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION . Our study of 40 multicase families confirms existence of a possible gene for FM that is linked with the HLA region. Our results should be regarded as preliminary and their independent confirmation by other studies is warranted.
Interaction of CB1 receptor agonist arachidonylcyclopropylamide with behavioural sensitisation to morphine in mice.

Activities of the endocannabinoid system are believed to be substantially involved in psychostimulant and opioid addiction. Nevertheless, interactions between cannabinoid and opioid systems are not yet fully understood. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between morphine and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA) in behavioural sensitisation. Sensitisation occurs after repeated exposure to drugs of abuse including morphine and cannabinomimetics and it has been suggested to mediate craving and relapses. Male mice were randomly allocated into three groups and were seven times (from the 7th to 13th day of the experiment) administered drugs as follows: (a) n(1): vehicle at the dose of 10 ml/kg/day; (b) n(2): morphine at the dose of 10.0 mg/kg/day; (c) n(3): ACPA at the dose of 1.0 mg/kg/day. Changes in locomotor behaviour were measured in the Open Field Test: (a) after administration of vehicle on the 1st experimental day, (b) after the 1st dose of drugs given on the 7th day, and (c) on the 14th day after "challenge doses" given in the following way: n(1): saline at the dose of 10 ml/kg, n(2, 3): morphine at the dose of 10.0 mg/kg. Registered behavioural changes unambiguously showed the development of behavioural sensitisation to the stimulatory effects of morphine on locomotion after its repeated administration (P < 0.05). However, surprisingly, taking into account reports on synergistic effects of opioids and cannabinoid receptor stimulation, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in behavioural sensitisation to morphine occurred when the drug challenge dose was given following repeated pre-treatment with the CB1 receptor agonist ACPA, i.e. suppression of cross-sensitisation to morphine.
Utilization of health care resources for low-risk patients with acute, nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage: an historical cohort study.

BACKGROUND Adults hospitalized with acute, nonvariceal upper GI hemorrhage can be accurately stratified according to their risk of subsequent adverse outcomes by using the Rockall score. Low-risk patients (Rockall score less-than-or-equal 2) may be candidates for early discharge. METHODS Cases were identified with ICD-9-CM codes for calendar years 1997 and 1998. Medical record data to determine patient Rockall risk score, health care resource utilization, and adverse outcomes were abstracted with standardized forms. RESULTS Fifty-three of 175 (30%) cases had Rockall scores < or =2. As predicted, those patients with Rockall scores < or =2 had a low risk of adverse outcomes with only 2 of 53 (4%) meeting criteria for recurrent bleeding as defined by the "Rebleed" variable, and no mortality. These low-risk patients had a mean hospital stay of 2.6 plus minus 2.1 days; 49% were admitted to an intermediate or intensive care unit bed and 57% were given H2 receptor antagonists intravenously. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of patients admitted with acute, nonvariceal, upper GI hemorrhage with Rockall Scores < or =2 was substantial. Adverse outcomes were rare. In contrast, the level of health care resource utilization appeared high. The Rockall score has potential as a clinically based concurrent decision rule to improve the quality of care by finding those patients less likely to require intensive health care services.
Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and C-reactive protein in febrile neutropenia in children with malignant diseases.

AIM To compare serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and interleukin-10 in bacteremic and non-bacteremic episodes of febrile neutropenia in children with malignant diseases, and determine their changes and correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 2003 and June 2004, we examined 41 episodes of febrile neutropenia in 24 children with malignant diseases who were receiving polychemotherapy. C-reactive protein was measured at the onset of febrile episodes and on days 3 and 5 from beginning of therapy. The soluble interleukins-6, -8, and -10 were determined in the serum using enzyme bound immunosorbent analysis at the onset of fever and at 24 and 72 hours after initiation of an empiric antibiotic therapy. RESULTS The CRP baseline levels differentiated the patients with unexplained fever from those with local infection but did not differentiate them from those with bacteremia. Interleukin-8 at 24 hours differentiated bacteremic from non-bacteremic episodes (P < 0.05) and at a cut-off value of 130 pg/ml it had a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 84% to differentiate bacteremia. Interleukin-10 at 24 hours yielded higher values in Gram (-) bacteremia in comparison with the non-bacteremic episodes (P < 0.001) and Gram (+) bacteremia (P < 0.05). Interleukin-6 at 24 hours had significantly higher values in febrile episodes of more than 3 days duration (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Interleukin-8 could differentiate in the first 24 hours bacteremic from non-bacteremic episodes in febrile neutropenia, while interleukin-10 is perhaps a more accurate marker for Gram (-) bacteremia.