Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supplemental Islet Infusions Restore Insulin Independence After Graft Dysfunction in Islet Transplant Recipients

Background. The ability of supplemental islet infusions (SII) to restore insulin independence in islet transplant recipients with graft dysfunction has been attributed to the coadministration of exenatide. However, improving islet transplant outcomes could explain the success of SII. We aimed to determine the effect on islet graft function and insulin independence of SII using these new protocols, without the use of exenatide. Methods. Seventeen islet transplant recipients underwent SIIs after developing graft dysfunction requiring insulin use. For induction therapy, four subjects received daclizumab induction therapy, whereas 13 subjects received thymoglobulin and etanercept. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of sirolimus+tacrolimus or tacrolimus+cellcept. Results. SII was performed 49.3±4.8 months (mean±SEM) after the preceding islet transplant. Subjects received significantly lower islet mass with their SII compared with initial transplant(s) (6076±492 vs. 9071±796 IEQ/kg; P=0.003). Fifteen of the 17 subjects (88.2%) became insulin independent 2.4±0.5 months after SII. Insulin-independent duration after SII exceeded that of the initial transplant(s) (24.8±2.2 vs. 14.2±2.6 months by Kaplan-Meier analysis, P=0.009). Subjects show improved glycemic control after SII (HbA1c 7.0%±0.2% pre-SII vs. 6.1%±0.2% post-SII, P=0.005) and did not become immunosensitized. Conclusion. Using current protocols, SII in the absence of exenatide results in impressive insulin-independence rates and the durability of insulin independence seems to be promising. However, a beneficial effect of exenatide should not be discounted until tested in randomized controlled studies.
Treatment of an intrameatal wart with short pulse dye laser: a case report

1422 © 2007 The Authors JEADV 2007, 21, 1413–1450 Journal compilation © 2007 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 4 Diwan AH, Graves ED, King JA, Horenstein MG. Nuchal-type fibroma in two related patients with Gardner’s syndrome. Am J Surg Pathol 2000; 24: 1563–1567. 5 Weedon D. Tumors of fat. In: Weedon D, ed. Skin Pathology, 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, London, 2002: 955–965. 6 Weedon D. Neural and neuroendocrine tumors. In: Weedon D, ed. Skin Pathology, 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, London, 2002: 977–999. 7 Diwan AH, Horenstein MG. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans association with nuchal-type fibroma. J Cutan Pathol 2004; 31: 62–66.
Solar energetic particle anisotropies and insights into particle transport

As solar energetic particles (SEPs) travel through interplanetary space, their pitch-angle distributions are shaped by the competing effects of magnetic focusing and scattering. Measurements of SEP anisotropies can therefore reveal information about interplanetary conditions such as magnetic field strength, topology, and turbulence levels at remote locations from the observer. Onboard each of the two STEREO spacecraft, the Low Energy Telescope (LET) measures pitch-angle distributions for protons and heavier ions up to iron at energies of about 2-12 MeV/nucleon. Anisotropies observed using LET include bidirectional flows within interplanetary coronal mass ejections, sunward-flowing particles when STEREO was magnetically connected to the back side of a shock, and loss-cone distributions in which particles with large pitch angles underwent magnetic mirroring at an interplanetary field enhancement that was too weak to reflect particles with the smallest pitch angles. Unusual oscillations in the width of a beamed distribution at the onset of the 23 July 2012 SEP event were also observed and remain puzzling. We report LET anisotropy observations at both STEREO spacecraft and discuss their implications for SEP transport, focusing exclusively on the extreme event of 23 July 2012 in which a large variety of anisotropies were present at various times during the event.
Visualizing Superoxide Production in Normal and Diabetic Rat Islets of Langerhans*

Oxygen free radicals have been implicated in β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The roles of free radicals in diabetes have thus far been defined indirectly by monitoring oxidative tissue damage and the effects of antioxidants, free radical scavengers, and overexpression of superoxide dismutase. We employed the superoxide-mediated oxidation of hydroethidine to ethidium to dynamically and directly assess the relative rates of mitochondrial superoxide anion generation in isolated islets in response to glucose stimulation. Superoxide content of isolated islets increased in response to glucose stimulation. We next compared the oxyradical levels in Zucker lean control and Zucker diabetic fatty rat islets by digital imaging microfluorometry. The superoxide content of Zucker diabetic fatty islets was significantly higher than Zucker lean control islets under resting conditions, relatively insensitive to elevated glucose concentrations, and correlated temporally with a decrease in glucose-induced hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. Importantly, superoxide levels were elevated in islets from young, pre-diabetic Zucker diabetic fatty animals. Overproduction of superoxide was associated with perturbed mitochondrial morphology and may contribute to abnormal glucose signaling found in the Zucker diabetic fatty model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Neurophysiological identification of the subthalamic nucleus in surgery for Parkinson's disease

Microelectrode recording methods for stereotactic localization of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and surrounding structures are described. These methods accurately define targets for chronic deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mean firing rates and a burst index were determined for all recorded neurons, and responses to active and passive limb and orofacial movements were tested. STN neurons had a mean firing rate of 37 ± 17 Hz (n = 248) and an irregular firing pattern (median burst index, 3.3). Movement‐related activity and tremor cells were identified in the STN. Ventral to the STN, substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons had a mean rate of 71 ± 23 Hz (n = 56) and a more regular firing pattern (median burst index, 1.7). Short trains (1–2 seconds) of electrical microstimulation of STN could produce tremor arrest but were and found to be useful for localization. Compared with data from normal monkeys our findings suggest that STN neuronal activity is elevated in Parkinson's disease.
The Instructional Impact of the American Medical Association's Older Drivers Project Online Curriculum

The Older Drivers Project (ODP) of the American Medical Association has provided evidence-based training for clinicians since 2003. More than 10,000 physicians and other professionals have been trained via an authoritative manual, the Physician's Guide to Assessing & Counseling Older Drivers, and an associated continuing medical education five-module curriculum offered formally by multidisciplinary teams from 12 U.S. States from 2003 to 2008. An hour-long, online version was piloted with medical residents and physicians (N = 259) from six academic and physician office sites from 2010 to 2011. Pre/postsurveys were completed. Most rated the curriculum of high quality and relevant to their practice. A majority (88%) reported learning a new technique or tool, and 89% stated an intention to incorporate new learning into their daily clinical practice. More than one half (62%) reported increased confidence in addressing driving. This transition from in-person to online instruction will allow the ODP to reach many more clinicians, at all levels of training, in the years to come.
An analytical model for evaluation of wireless mesh networks

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) are well-promising future networks especially for ubiquitous connection to Internet. In this paper, we propose an analytical model in order to evaluate the maximum stable throughput of a WMN based on a simplified version of IEEE 802.11s MAC protocol. Our modeling approach is based on a multi-class open queueing network. In this respect, we map some of the important features of IEEE 802.11s MAC protocol, esp., its contention-based and contention-free periods onto different parameters of the proposed queueing network. By solving the related traffic equations and applying the stability condition, we determine the maximum stable throughput, i.e., the maximum packet generation rate at which no wireless nodes saturate. Then, we show the effect of the number of total wireless users on the maximum stable throughput.
Solar photocatalytic degradation of chlorophenols mixture (4-CP and 2,4-DCP): Mechanism and kinetic modelling

The solar-photocatalytic degradation mechanisms and kinetics of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) using TiO2 have been investigated both individually and combined. The individual solar-photocatalytic degradation of both phenolic compounds showed that the reaction rates follow pseudo–first-order reaction. During the individual photocatalytic degradation of both 4-CP and 2,4-DCP under the same condition of TiO2 (0.5 g L−1) and light intensities (1000 mW cm−2) different intermediates were detected, three compounds associated with 4-CP (hydroquinone (HQ), phenol (Ph) and 4-chlorocatechol (4-cCat)) and two compounds associated with 2,4-DCP (4-CP and Ph). The photocatalytic degradation of the combined mixture (4-CP and 2,4-DCP) was also investigated at the same conditions and different 2,4-DCP initial concentrations. The results showed that the degradation rate of 4-CP decreases when the 2,4-DCP concentration increases. Furthermore, the intermediates detected were similar to that found in the individual degradation but with high Ph concentration. Therefore, a possible reaction mechanism for degradation of this combined mixture was proposed. Moreover, a modified Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model considering all detected intermediates was developed. A good agreement between experimental and estimated results was achieved. This model can be useful for scaling-up purposes more accurately as its considering the intermediates formed, which has a significant effect on degrading the main pollutants (4-CP and 2,4-DCP).
Systematic review of green tea epigallocatechin gallate in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of humans

Abstract We conducted a systematic review of the literature for the ability of green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Study subjects were limited to healthy individuals and randomized, controlled trials on human serum lipid levels, especially LDL-C, conducted. A total of 17 trials (n = 1356) met all of the inclusion criteria. According to weighted mean differences for changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI), 107–856 mg/d of EGCG for 4 to 14 weeks reduced LDL-C by −9.29 mg/dl (95% CI, −12.27 to −6.31). Sub-analysis was performed to compare the EGCG lowering effect on LDL-C between non-obese and obese subjects, EGCG dose, baseline of LDL-C levels, or BMI. We concluded that consumption of green tea EGCG resulted in a significant reduction of LDL-C at any baseline level and any dose between 107 and 856 mg/d, and the effect size was slightly dependent on the baseline lipid level of the subjects.
Efficacy and safety of oral direct factor Xa inhibitor for thromboprophylaxis after total hip or knee replacement: a meta-analysis

Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis is to estimate efficacy and safety of different daily doses of oral direct factor Xa inhibitor for thromboprophylaxis after total hip or knee replacement. Methods: This paper searched the databases such as Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science and Embase databases. 15 RCT studies were included and dichotomousdata were presented as the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: 15 relevant studies with 28, 548 individuals and 3 different types of oral direct factor Xa inhibitor (apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran) were employed for this meta-analysis. The efficacy of 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg daily doses of apixaban was superior to 40 mg daily of enoxaparin, but 10 mg and 20 mg daily doses of apixaban increased the risk of major bleeding and non-major but clinically relevant bleeding. Except the lowest daily dose of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg daily doses of rivaroxaban had superior efficacy than 40 mg daily of enoxaparin, but higher doses of 30 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg showed lower safety than enoxaparin and 10 mg and 20 mg of rivaroxaban. 60 mg daily was better in efficacy than enoxaparin and other doses of darexaban. Meantime, the risk of bleeding was not significantly increasing. Conclusion: Consider the safety and efficacy, 5 mg daily of apixaban, 20 mg daily of rivaroxaban, 60 mg daily of darexaban were optimal potential oral direct factor Xa inhibitor for thromboprophylaxis after total hip or knee replacement.
Effect of propionic and lactic acids on in vitro ruminal bacteria growth

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the levels of lactic and propionic acids on in vitro fermentation of ruminal microorganisms. In experiment 1, the levels, in a total of 12 were the following: addition of 0 (control 1), 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM of lactic acid and 0 (control 2), 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM of propionic acid, respectively, in incubation flasks, which contained ruminal inoculum, glucose and synthetic culture medium, with two repetitions for each combination. In experiment 2, the combinations, in a total of 4, were the following: presence of 12 and 24 mM of propionic acid and 0 mg of glucose, respectively; presence of 12 and 24 mM of propionic acid and 40 mg of glucose, respectively, to the incubation flasks which contained ruminal inoculum, with or without glucose and in synthetic culture medium with two repetitions each. There was no effect on the specific growth velocity of ruminal microorganisms in the presence of lactic acid or propionic acid. However, when there were greater concentrations of these acids in the media, there was a longer lag phase in the microorganism phase. Acid propionic at the concentration of 24 mM inhibited the production of acid acetic and butyric acid in a media with glucose. Despite of not being used as a source of energy by the ruminal microorganisms, propionic acid affects their metabolism. Lactic and propionic acids inhibit growth of some ruminal microorganisms at elevated concentrations.
Effect of the presence of initial ethanol on ethanol production in sugar cane juice fermented by Zymomonas mobilis

Ethanol production in sugar cane juice in high initial sugar concentration, fermented by Z. mobilis in the presence and absence of ethanol, was evaluated. Ethanol production was low in both media. The presence of initial ethanol in the sugar cane juice reduced ethanol production by 48.8%, biomass production by 25.0% and the total sugar consumption by 28.3%. The presence of initial ethanol in the medium did not affect significantly levan production and biomass yield coefficient (g biomass/g sugar consumed).
Influence of high hydrostatic pressure on the proteolysis of β-lactoglobulin A by trypsin

This work describes the effect of the hydrolysis time and pressure (0·1–400 MPa) on the proteolysis of β-lactoglobulin A (β-lg A) with trypsin, either conducting hydrolysis of β-lg under pressure or hydrolysing β-lg that was previously pressure treated. Pressurisation, before or during enzyme treatments, enhanced tryptic hydrolysis of β-lg. Trypsin degraded pressure-modified β-lg and pressure-induced β-lg aggregates, favouring proteolysis to the intermediate degradation products: (Val15-Arg40), (Val41-Lys69)S-S(Leu149-Ile162) and (Val41-Lys70)S-S(Leu149-Ile162). These were further cleaved at the later stages of proteolysis to yield: (Val15-Tyr20), (Ser21-Arg40), (Val41-Tyr60), (Trp61-Lys69)S-S(Leu149-Ile162) and (Trp61-Lys70)S-S(Leu149-Ile162). Particularly, in the tryptic hydrolysates of pre-pressurized β-lg, two other fragments linked by disulphide bonds: (Lys101-Arg124)S-S(Leu149-Ile162) and (Tyr102-Arg124)S-S(Leu149-Ile162), were found. These corresponded to rearrangement products induced by SH/SS exchange between the free thiol group of Cys121 and Cys160, that normally forms the disulphide bond Cys66-Cys160. In the light of these results, structural modifications of β-lg under high pressure are discussed.
Carcinomas ex monomorphic adenoma of salivary glands

Abstract A clinicopathological analysis of eight examples of carcinomas arising from salivary gland monomorphic adenomas, carcinomas ex monomorphic adenoma, is presented. These uncommon to rare neoplasms have a predilection for the parotid glands, are diagnosed about a decade later than their benign precursors, and most often arise from the dermal analogue type of monomorphic adenoma. As judged by follow-up periods of two to 16 years, carcinomas ex monomorphic adenoma are locally aggressive neoplasms with the clinical course marred by recurrences but without regional or distant metastases.
Projective Identification: How Does It Work?

Projective identification is a clinical enactment and part of the common currency of the psychoanalytic process that occurs especially around the difficult nodal points at the deepest levels of our psychic organization that seem resistant to change. Neurophysiological studies of pre-symbolic, unconscious emotional systems offer a biological explanation for the clinical experience of resistance to change. In addition, recent findings in affective neuroscience and infant research help us to understand how the spontaneous matching of emotional states between patient and analyst that occurs in projective identification and the system of mirror neurons that is fundamental to the observation and communication of intention contribute to change. Furthermore, the capacity for self-reflective thought, embedded in feeling and language, offers the potential for consolidating change. Thus, change at the deepest, affect-laden levels of psychic organization involves both pre-symbolic and symbolic levels of self-organization that neuroscience can help us to understand and ground in empirical research.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef cattle: on farm contamination and pre-slaughter control methods

Abstract This paper addresses food safety in beef cattle production, with particular emphasis on factors that affect the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef cattle and on control methods that have been investigated. Product recalls and foodborne diseases due to this organism continue to occur even though control measures have been under investigation for over 20 years. Most meatborne outbreaks are due to improper food handling practices and consumption of undercooked meat. However, the majority of pathogenic bacteria that can spread at slaughter by cross-contamination can be traced back to the farm rather than originating from the slaughter plant. This would ideally require the adoption of rigorous on-farm intervention strategies to mitigate risks at the farm level. On-farm strategies to control and reduce E. coli O157:H7 at the farm level will reduce the risk of carcass contamination at slaughter and processing facilities although they will not eliminate E. coli O157:H7. The most successful strategy for reducing the risk of contamination of beef and beef products will involve the implementation of both pre- and post-harvest measures.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: an update on current pharmacotherapy and future directions

Introduction: In the last decade, the development of a number of potential drugs for lupus that target the pathogenesis of the disease at different levels has been witnessed. Despite a number of negative trials during this period, belimumab was recently approved for the treatment of adult seropositive lupus patients with mild-to-moderate disease activity. Areas covered: This review summarizes the results of the most recent drug trials in lupus and highlights the aspects that require further refinement and modification in order to facilitate positive results in new drug trials for lupus. Expert opinion: The success of a clinical trial depends on the efficacy of the study drug and its appropriate dosing. Several other factors play a major role in the success of trials, including the patient inclusion criteria, the choice of evidence-based study outcomes and endpoints and other aspects of study design that are described in this review.
The C-Terminal PAL Motif and Transmembrane Domain 9 of Presenilin 1 Are Involved in the Formation of the Catalytic Pore of the γ-Secretase

γ-Secretase is an unusual membrane-embedded protease, which cleaves the transmembrane domains (TMDs) of type I membrane proteins, including amyloid-β precursor protein and Notch receptor. We have previously shown the existence of a hydrophilic pore formed by TMD6 and TMD7 of presenilin 1 (PS1), the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, within the membrane by the substituted cysteine accessibility method. Here we analyzed the structure of TMD8, TMD9, and the C terminus of PS1, which encompass the conserved PAL motif and the hydrophobic C-terminal tip, both being critical for the catalytic activity and the formation of the γ-secretase complex. We found that the amino acid residues around the PAL motif and the extracellular/luminal portion of TMD9 are highly water accessible and located in proximity to the catalytic pore. Furthermore, the region starting from the luminal end of TMD9 toward the C terminus forms an amphipathic α-helix-like structure that extends along the interface between the membrane and the extracellular milieu. Competition analysis using γ-secretase inhibitors revealed that the TMD9 is involved in the initial binding of substrates, as well as in the subsequent catalytic process as a subsite. Our results provide mechanistic insights into the role of TMD9 in the formation of the catalytic pore and the substrate entry, crucial to the unusual mode of intramembrane proteolysis by γ-secretase.
CAD formulas and their inverses for microstrip, CPW and conductor-backed CPW, by successive synthetic asymptotes

This paper derives simple CAD formulas of three common types of MIC lines: microstrip, CPW (coplanar waveguides) without and with a backing conducting plane. It shows that both the analysis and design formula pair can be derived from the same novel technique of synthetic asymptote. Unlike other curve fitted formulas, the synthetic asymptote formulas are simple, provide good physical insight and only one arbitrary constant. The paper also shows that a combination of the two formula pairs, of a CPW (without conductor backing) and a microstrip line, actually form the formula pair of a CPW with conductor backing. The average errors are less than 2%.