Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Do Living Kidney Donors Develop End‐Stage Renal Disease?

The clinical course and risk factors for developing end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) after heminephrectomy in living kidney donors have scarcely been investigated. We reviewed medical records and identified eight case donors who developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 or ESRD, and subsequently investigated the association between postoperative clinical courses and changes in renal function. To conduct a case‐control study, we also selected a control group comprising 24 donors who had maintained stable renal function and were matched for age, sex and follow‐up time since donation. Except for one donor who developed ESRD caused by a traffic accident, none of the donors developed progressive renal dysfunction immediately after donation. Their renal functions remained stable for a long period of time, but started to decline after developing new comorbidities, especially risk factors known as progression factors (proteinuria or hypertension) or accelerating factors (cardiovascular [CV] event or infection) of CKD. As compared with the control donors, incidence of postoperative persistent proteinuria, acute CV event, severe infection and hospitalization due to accelerating factors of CKD were significantly higher in the case donors. These results suggest the importance of long‐term (more than 10 years) follow‐up of donors with special attention on the risk factors of CKD.
Susceptibility Locus for Lung Cancer at 15q25.1 Is Not Associated With Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

Objectives: Four genome-wide association (GWA) studies have found that variation in a region of strong linkage disequilibrium on the long arm of chromosome 15 (15q24-25.1) containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes contributes to lung cancer risk. Because cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for developing both lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, we hypothesized that variation in this region may also modify individual susceptibility to pancreatic cancer. Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 523 patients with pathologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 1046 age-, sex-, ethnicity-, and smoking behavior-matched cancer-free controls. Results: We found that 2 risk single nucleotide polymorphisms reported in the lung cancer GWA studies-rs8034191: A>G and rs1051730: G>A, located in this 15q24-25.1 region-were not associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that the 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms at 15q25.1 do not modify pancreatic cancer risk.
The Declaration of Istanbul: Review and Commentary by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons Ethics Committee and Executive Committee

The American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) was asked to endorse the ‘The Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism. ’ The document has been reviewed by the ASTS Ethics Committee and their ensuing report was presented, discussed and approved by the ASTS Council. The ASTS vigorously supports the principles outlined in the Declaration and details specific current obstacles to implementation of some of its proposals in the United States.
Increase in posterior alpha activity during rehearsal predicts successful long‐term memory formation of word sequences

It is becoming increasingly clear that demanding cognitive tasks rely on an extended network engaging task‐relevant areas and, importantly, disengaging task‐irrelevant areas. Given that alpha activity (8–12 Hz) has been shown to reflect the disengagement of task‐irrelevant regions in attention and working memory tasks, we here ask if alpha activity plays a related role for long‐term memory formation. Subjects were instructed to encode and maintain the order of word sequences while the ongoing brain activity was recorded using magnetoencephalography (MEG). In each trial, three words were presented followed by a 3.4 s rehearsal interval. Considering the good temporal resolution of MEG this allowed us to investigate the word presentation and rehearsal interval separately. The sequences were grouped in trials where word order either could be tested immediately (working memory trials; WM) or later (LTM trials) according to instructions. Subjects were tested on their ability to retrieve the order of the three words. The data revealed that alpha power in parieto‐occipital regions was lower during word presentation compared to rehearsal. Our key finding was that parieto‐occipital alpha power during the rehearsal period was markedly stronger for successfully than unsuccessfully encoded LTM sequences. This subsequent memory effect demonstrates that high posterior alpha activity creates an optimal brain state for successful LTM formation possibly by actively reducing parieto‐occipital activity that might interfere with sequence encoding. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Reliability of Isometric Leg Muscle Strength Measurements Made Using a Hand-Held Dynamometer with and without a Restraining Belt

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate whether using a belt to restrain a hand-held dynamometer improves reliability of isometric leg muscle strength measurements in healthy subjects. [Subjects] Twenty to 44 healthy subjects participated in the test. [Methods] Two raters, one man and one woman, used a hand-held dynamometer with or without a restraining belt to measure the isometric strengths of the following muscle groups: flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, internal rotators and external rotators of the hip; flexors and extensors of the knee; and dorsiflexors and plantar flexors of the ankle. [Results] The intraclass correlation coefficient, used to describe interrater agreement, ranged from 0.97 to 0.99 with the belt and from 0.21 to 0.88 without the belt. Pearson's correlation coefficient for measurements with versus without the belt ranged from 0.61 to 0.95 for the man and from 0.31 to 0.87 for the woman. [Conclusion] The interrater reliability of isometric leg muscle strength measurements was improved by use of a belt to restrain the hand-held dynamometer.
Differential language expertise related to white matter architecture in regions subserving sensory‐motor coupling, articulation, and interhemispheric transfer

The technique of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used to investigate alterations in white matter architecture following long‐term training and expertise. Professional simultaneous interpreters (SI) provide an ideal model for the investigation of training‐induced plasticity due to the high demands placed on sound to motor mapping mechanisms, which are vital for executing fast interpretations. In line with our hypothesis, we found clusters with decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the SI group in brain regions previously shown to support sensory‐motor coupling mechanisms and speech articulation (cluster extent family‐wise error corrected, P < 0.01). Furthermore, we found an altered white matter architecture indicated by lower FA values in the SI group in the most anterior and posterior parts of the corpus callosum. Our results suggest that language expertise is accompanied by plastic adaptations in regions strongly involved in motor aspects of speech and in interhemispheric information transfer. These results have implications for our understanding of language expertise in relation to white matter adaptations. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Domain general and domain preferential brain regions associated with different types of task switching: A Meta‐Analysis

One of our highest evolved functions as human beings is our capacity to switch between multiple tasks effectively. A body of research has identified a distributed frontoparietal network of brain regions which contribute to task switching. However, relatively less is known about whether some brain regions may contribute to switching in a domain‐general manner while others may be more preferential for different kinds of switching. To explore this issue, we conducted three meta‐analyses focusing on different types of task switching frequently used in the literature (perceptual, response, and context switching), and created a conjunction map of these distinct switch types. A total of 36 switching studies with 562 activation coordinates were analyzed using the activation likelihood estimation method. Common areas associated with switching across switch type included the inferior frontal junction and posterior parietal cortex. In contrast, domain‐preferential activation was observed for perceptual switching in the dorsal portion of the premotor cortex and for context switching in frontopolar cortex. Our results suggest that some regions within the frontoparietal network contribute to domain‐general switching processes while others contribute to more domain‐preferential processes, according to the type of task switch performed. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long-term disease control with sunitinib in a patient with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) associated with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL).

Protective effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on pancreatic islets in obese diabetic mice. Metabolism. 2006;55:1286Y1292. 15. Rezende LF, Stoppiglia LF, Souza KL, et al. Ciliary neurotrophic factor promotes survival of neonatal rat islets via the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic pathway. J Endocrinol. 2007;195:157Y165. 16. Mwangi S, Anitha M, Mallikarjun C, et al. Glial cell lineYderived neurotrophic factor increases beta-cell mass and improves glucose tolerance. Gastroenterology. 2008;134:727Y737.
Brain default‐mode network abnormalities in hepatic encephalopathy: A resting‐state functional MRI study

Many neuroimaging investigations focus on hepatic encephalopathy (HE); however, few investigate default‐mode network (DMN) in the patients with HE and its underlying physiological relevance using resting‐state fMRI. In this study, independent component analysis was used to retrieve components representing the DMN of patients with HE (n = 14) and healthy volunteers (n = 14). Four patients were excluded because of head motion (n = 3) and the artifact from the artificial tooth (n = 1). Comparison results between the two groups revealed significantly reduced functional connectivity in the right middle frontal gyrus and left posterior cingulate cortex in the HE patients. A statistical t‐map from the comparison of venous blood ammonia levels and the z‐scores of the DMN obtained from independent component analysis was computed in the HE group, which showed negative correlation with the changes in left angular gyrus. In conclusions, resting‐state fMRI can be used to examine DMN changes in HE patients. Reduced functional connectivity in the right middle frontal gyrus and left posterior cingulate cortex consisting of the DMN and negative correlation between the functional connectivity changes in left AG and the venous blood ammonia levels support the notion of damages in functional organization of the central nervous system in HE patients. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurophysiologic correlates of fMRI in human motor cortex

The neurophysiological underpinnings of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are not well understood. To understand the relationship between the fMRI blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal and neurophysiology across large areas of cortex, we compared task related BOLD change during simple finger movement to brain surface electric potentials measured on a similar spatial scale using electrocorticography (ECoG). We found that spectral power increases in high frequencies (65–95 Hz), which have been related to local neuronal activity, colocalized with spatially focal BOLD peaks on primary sensorimotor areas. Independent of high frequencies, decreases in low frequency rhythms (<30 Hz), thought to reflect an aspect of cortical‐subcortical interaction, colocalized with weaker BOLD signal increase. A spatial regression analysis showed that there was a direct correlation between the amplitude of the task induced BOLD change on different areas of primary sensorimotor cortex and the amplitude of the high frequency change. Low frequency change explained an additional, different part of the spatial BOLD variance. Together, these spectral power changes explained a significant 36% of the spatial variance in the BOLD signal change (R2 = 0.36). These results suggest that BOLD signal change is largely induced by two separate neurophysiological mechanisms, one being spatially focal neuronal processing and the other spatially distributed low frequency rhythms. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hand shape selection in pantomimed grasping: Interaction between the dorsal and the ventral visual streams and convergence on the ventral premotor area

In visually guided grasping, possible hand shapes are computed from the geometrical features of the object, while prior knowledge about the object and the goal of the action influence both the computation and the selection of the hand shape. We investigated the system dynamics of the human brain for the pantomiming of grasping with two aspects accentuated. One is object recognition, with the use of objects for daily use. The subjects mimed grasping movements appropriate for an object presented in a photograph either by precision or power grip. The other is the selection of grip hand shape. We manipulated the selection demands for the grip hand shape by having the subjects use the same or different grip type in the second presentation of the identical object. Effective connectivity analysis revealed that the increased selection demands enhance the interaction between the anterior intraparietal sulcus (AIP) and posterior inferior temporal gyrus (pITG), and drive the converging causal influences from the AIP, pITG, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to the ventral premotor area (PMv). These results suggest that the dorsal and ventral visual areas interact in the pantomiming of grasping, while the PMv integrates the neural information of different regions to select the hand posture. The present study proposes system dynamics in visually guided movement toward meaningful objects, but further research is needed to examine if the same dynamics is found also in real grasping. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Decreased frontostriatal microstructural organization in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Frontostriatal brain areas have been implicated in the neurobiology of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but little work has directly addressed the white matter connections between these regions. The present study investigates the microstructural organization and myelination of frontostriatal white matter in children with ADHD and controls. Diffusion tensor imaging and magnetization transfer imaging scans were acquired in 30 children with ADHD and 34 controls. A study specific volume of interest (VOI) of frontostriatal white matter was created using a tractography based statistical group map. Fractional anisotropy (FA, indexing microstructural organization) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR, indexing macromolecular content, myelin in particular) were computed for the frontostriatal VOI and for total cerebral white matter. Exploratory analyses were conducted investigating the effect of stimulant use on these measures. Frontostriatal FA but not MTR was decreased in ADHD compared with controls. There were no differences in FA or MTR for total cerebral white matter. Frontostriatal FA correlated negatively with teacher‐rated attention problems in controls but not children with ADHD. The duration of stimulant use did not affect the main results. Changes in frontostriatal connectivity in ADHD appear to be related to changes in microstructural organization rather than myelination per se. A correlation with attention problems for controls suggests that frontostriatal organization is relevant to ADHD‐related behaviors. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Diffusion tensor imaging of the optic radiations after optic neuritis

Trans‐synaptic degeneration could exacerbate neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to assess whether anterograde trans‐synaptic degeneration could be identified in the primary visual pathway in vivo. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess the optic radiations in 15 patients with previous optic nerve inflammation and 9 healthy volunteers. A probabilistic atlas of the optic radiations was created from healthy diffusion tractography data. Lengthwise profiles for DTI parameters (axial [λ||], radial [λ⟂] and mean diffusivity [MD], fractional anisotropy [FA] and the angle of deviation of the principal eigenvector [α]) were analyzed for patients and controls. Patients also underwent multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) assessments to characterize the latency and amplitude of cortical potentials. Correlations were performed between mfVEP latency and amplitude in the left and right visual hemi‐fields and DTI parameters in the contra‐lateral optic radiations. Patients displayed a significant decrease in λ|| within the body of both optic radiations, which significantly correlated with loss of mfVEP amplitude. Abnormal λ⟂ and FA were detected bilaterally throughout the optic radiations in patients but the abnormality was not associated with amplitude reduction or latency prolongation of the mfVEP. An abnormal α value was observed in the left optic radiations of patients, and the α value in the body of the optic radiations also correlated with mfVEP amplitude loss. The assocation between bilateral DTI abnormalities within the optic radiations and loss of afferent electrical activity could indicate anterograde trans‐synaptic degeneration occurs following optic neuritis. Hum Brain Mapp 33:2047–2061, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Augmentation of Oxygen Delivery: Risks versus Benefits

Within these next few pages, an attempt will be made to clarify the basis for the polarity of opinion on hemodynamic strategies in ARDS, and to explore the prospects for consensus formation in 1995. The specific studies of augmented O2 delivery (DO2) are discussed in detail in this issue by Russell and by Boye and co-workers. Herein we will examine the premise that a rational approach to this dilemma may be developed through a consideration of the basic mechanisms that link the lung injury of ARDS to the devastating events of multiple organ dysfunction (MODS). The application of such a mechanismbased perspective will lead to a clearer analysis of the risks and benefits attendant to the clinician's choices of hemodynamic strategy in our patients with ARDS. Recognizing the concerns expressed in this monograph as to the precise relationship of O2 uptake (VO2) and delivery in ARDS (Fig. 1), it is apparent that respiratory gas exchange is compromised in these patients. These findings can be incorporated into a consideration of disease mechanisms in order to yield a logical framework from which to discuss hemodynamic intervention. Finally, this analysis will illustrate the basis for the central premise that the lung injury occupies a central role in the reciprocating pathophysiology linking ARDS to multiple organ failure.
Dynamically changing effects of corticosteroids on human hippocampal and prefrontal processing

Stress has a powerful impact on memory. Corticosteroids, released in response to stress, are thought to mediate, at least in part, these effects by affecting neuronal plasticity in brain regions involved in memory formation, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Animal studies have delineated aspects of the underlying physiological mechanisms, revealing rapid, nongenomic effects facilitating synaptic plasticity, followed several hours later by a gene‐mediated suppression of this plasticity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that corticosteroids would also rapidly upregulate and slowly downregulate brain regions critical for episodic memory formation in humans. To target rapid and slow effects of corticosteroids on neural processing associated with memory formation, we investigated 18 young, healthy men who received 20 mg hydrocortisone either 30 or 180 min before a memory encoding task in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, counter‐balanced, crossover design. We used functional MRI to measure neural responses during these memory encoding sessions, which were separated by a month. Results revealed that corticosteroids' slow effects reduced both prefrontal and hippocampal responses, while no significant rapid actions of corticosteroids were observed. Thereby, this study provides initial evidence for dynamically changing corticosteroid effects on brain regions involved in memory formation in humans. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hair Analysis Versus Conventional Methods of Drug Testing in Substance Abusers Seeking Organ Transplantation

As substance abusers need to demonstrate abstinence prior to transplant, valid/reliable drug tests are needed. Patients may deny use, fearing surgery will be delayed. Breath, blood and urine tests have brief detection windows that allow patients to evade detection. Routine laboratory tests do not include all substances of abuse. Hair analysis overcomes these barriers, increasing the likelihood that active users will be identified. This study compared results for alcohol, opioids and cocaine based on 445 self‐report, breath, urine and hair samples from 42 patients who had been denied a transplant due to recent substance abuse. Compared to hair toxicology, sensitivity for conventional drug tests was moderate for cocaine and opioids, but poor for alcohol. Of positive hair tests, only half were corroborated through other tests. In contrast, specificity was high across tests and substances, with positive findings from conventional tests confirmed through hair toxicology. Based on a 90‐day detection window for hair analysis, two negative tests suggest 6 months of continuous abstinence. Hair testing should be considered as an alternative approach for monitoring substance use in the transplant population, either as a routine procedure or when the veracity of findings from conventional tests is in doubt.
Role Of Ifn-γ In Bacterial Containment In A Model Of Intra-abdominal Sepsis

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a specific activator of macrophage function and plays a critical role in the host immune defense to bacterial infection. In this study we examined the role of IFN-gamma in the regulation of bacterial load in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of intra-abdominal sepsis in the rat. In initial studies, levels of IL-12, MCP-1, and IFN-gamma were measured in the peritoneal lavage fluid 24 and 48 h after CLP. IL-12 and MCP-1 levels were both significantly increased at 24 h after CLP compared to sham controls and this difference was maintained at 48 h after CLP. Interestingly, IFN-gamma levels were not significantly increased 24 h after CLP, but were increased at 48 h after CLP. These results clearly suggest that although an inflammatory response had occurred 24 h post-surgery, with increases in the proinflammatory cytokine IL-12 and the potent chemotactic agent MCP-1, levels of IFN-gamma in CLP rats were similar to sham controls. To further investigate the role of IFN-gamma on the development of sepsis we examined the effect(s) of administering anti-IFN-gamma antibody on bacterial load after CLP. We show that use of anti-IFN-gamma antibody can significantly decrease bacterial load in the peritoneum. The mechanism of the effect(s) of anti-IFN-gamma is probably by increasing intestinal adhesions to seal the cecum and reduce bacterial movement into the peritoneum.