Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatocyte growth factor ameliorates progression of interstitial fibrosis in rats with established renal injury.

BACKGROUND Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been reported to prevent injury in several models of renal disease; however, whether HGF can also retard progression of established renal disease is not known. METHODS The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of HGF on progression of chronic renal disease in rats with remnant kidneys and established injury. Studies were performed in rats that underwent subtotal nephrectomy, were observed for two weeks without therapy, and then randomized to receive HGF or vehicle by continuous infusion for an additional two weeks. RESULTS HGF administration was associated with a reduction in morphologic evidence of interstitial, but not glomerular injury. The beneficial effects of HGF were not associated with reductions in the expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), or in the extent epithelial cell apoptosis or transdifferentiation. Rather, HGF appeared to induce fibrinolytic pathways by increasing expression of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and decreasing levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-2). HGF administration was also associated with an apparent increase in renal endothelin production and a significant reduction in glomerular capillary pressure. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that HGF can retard progression of chronic renal disease even after injury is already established, primarily by promoting matrix degradation.
Measures of serotonin metabolism in anorexia nervosa

Thirty‐five consecutive attenders at a clinic specializing in anorexia nervosa were studied. All conformed to a DSM‐III‐R diagnosis for anorexia nervosa. In addition, 3 cases suffered from major depressive disorder and 9 from dysthymia. Blood from all patients was analysed for monoamine oxidase, serotonin (5‐HT), 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA), tryptophan and platelet paroxetine binding. Findings showed that blood 5‐HT was higher than normal in all patient groups, and was highest in those having affective disorder with anorexia nervosa. However, of the patients with anorexia nervosa alone, a subgroup having greatest weight loss had blood 5‐HT levels significantly below all other groups. Lack of significant changes in other parameters compared with normal subjects points to the possibility of abnormal 5‐HT storage or release.
Characterization of Breast Masses by Dynamic Enhanced MR Imaging

Purpose: To identify features useful for differentiation between malignant and benign breast neoplasms using multivariate analysis of findings by MR imaging. Material and Methods: In a retrospective analysis, 61 patients with 64 breast masses underwent MR imaging and the time-signal intensity curves for precontrast dynamic postcontrast images were quantitatively analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using a logistic regression model, which was prospectively tested in another 34 patients with suspected breast masses. Results: Univariate analysis revealed that the reliable indicators for malignancy were first the appearance of the tumor border, followed by the washout ratio, internal architecture after contrast enhancement, and peak time. the factors significantly associated with malignancy were irregular tumor border, followed by washout ratio, internal architecture, and peak time. for differentiation between benignity and malignancy, the maximum cut-off point was to be found between 0.47 and 0.51. In a prospective application of this model, 91% of the lesions were accurately discriminated as benign or malignant lesions. Conclusion: Combination of contrast-enhanced dynamic and postcontrast-enhanced MR imaging provided accurate data for the diagnosis of malignant neoplasms of the breast. the model had an accuracy of 91% (sensitivity 90%, specificity 93%).
Capnocytophaga spp. in periodontitis patients manifesting diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND The subgingival microflora in patients presenting concurrently with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are poorly understood. While traditional putative periodontal pathogens are implicated, research involving other oral organisms; e.g., Capnocytophaga spp. , is lacking. These organisms produce a range of bacterial enzymes relevant to periodontal breakdown. It is inferred that periodontal bacteria acquire systemic access through the ulcerated periodontal pocket surface; conclusive evidence supporting this notion is limited. The aims of this investigation were to: 1) quantify and identify Capnocytophaga spp. present in healthy and diseased sites in periodontitis patients with and without DM, and 2) isolate periodontal pathogens from these patients' blood. METHODS Twenty-one DM-periodontitis and 25 periodontitis patients were recruited. Subgingival plaque was collected from three healthy and three diseased sites per subject. Capnocytophaga spp. and total (facultative and obligate) anaerobic counts from each site were estimated. Capnocytophaga spp. were identified using 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Statistical analyses were performed using multilevel modeling. Blood samples were subjected to HbA(1c) estimation and bacterial culture. RESULTS A total of 848 Capnocytophaga spp. were isolated and identified. Significantly higher numbers of Capnocytophaga spp. (P <0.001) and anaerobes (P <0.001) were present in diseased sites in DM-periodontitis subjects compared to healthy sites in non-DM-periodontitis and DM-periodontitis subjects. C. ochracea (and variant) and C. granulosa were the most prevalent species. Blood samples were negative for Capnocytophaga spp. CONCLUSIONS Total mean counts for Capnocytophaga spp. were significantly higher in DM-periodontitis subjects versus non-DM-periodontitis (P = 0.025) and at diseased sites versus healthy sites (P <0.001). Analysis of individual species revealed that the outcome varied with site status and DM status.
Antimalarials may influence the risk of malignancy in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Recent studies suggest that antimalarials have antineoplastic properties. Objective: To investigate whether antimalarials decrease the risk of cancer in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was carried out. 235 patients were included in the study at the time of diagnosis (American College of Rheumatology criteria). The end point was the diagnosis of cancer. Kaplan–Meier cancer-free survival curves for patients treated and not treated with antimalarials were compared. A Cox proportional hazards model was fitted, with cancer as the dependent variable. Age at diagnosis, gender, treatment with azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and methotrexate, smoking, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Damage Index 6 months after diagnosis, year of diagnosis and treatment with antimalarials were entered as independent variables. Results: 209 (89%) patients were women. 233 (99%) patients were white. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 37 (16) years. Median (range) follow-up was 10 (1–31) years. 156 (66%) patients had ever received antimalarials. 2/156 (1.3%) ever-treated patients compared with 11/79 (13%) never-treated patients had cancer (p<0.001). Cumulative cancer-free survival in treated and not treated patients was 0.98 and 0.73, respectively (p<0.001). Adjusted hazard ratio for cancer among malaria drug users compared with non-users was 0.15 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.99). Conclusions: This study launches the hypothesis of a protective action of antimalarials against cancer in patients with SLE. This effect should be confirmed in larger multicentre studies.
Can Transient Elastography Replace Liver Histology for Determination of Advanced Fibrosis in Alcoholic Patients: A Real-life Study

Background/Goals Consensus is lacking whether cut-off values for different fibrosis stages using transient elastography (TE, FibroScan) are universally applicable to all liver diseases. We evaluated the performance of TE in predicting severe fibrosis (≥F3) in alcoholic patients using cut-off values validated for chronic hepatitis C. Study Patients admitted for alcohol withdrawal were prospectively evaluated by TE and biochemistry for aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and Forns score calculations. If TE revealed severe fibrosis (≥F3), hepatic venous pressure gradient measurements and transjugular liver biopsy were proposed results of which were correlated and compared with TE measurements or APRI and Forns scores. Results Among 239 patients, 72 had liver TE scores ≥F3 and 23 declined liver biopsy leaving a final study population of 49 patients. Compared with biopsy, 32 patients were correctly classified by TE, whereas 16 patients differed by 2 fibrosis stages yielding a positive predictive value of 65% for liver fibrosis ≥F3 at TE. Specificity and sensitivity of TE improved beyond 75% and 70%, respectively, with modified cut-offs of 17 (F3) and 21.1 kPa (F4). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.766 and 0.864 for severe fibrosis (≥F3) and cirrhosis, respectively. APRI and Forns scores performed less well than TE regarding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic values. A significant correlation was found between hepatic venous pressure gradients and liver stiffness values at TE. Conclusions TE with modified cut-offs has the potential to predict advanced fibrosis and significant portal hypertension in alcoholic patients. APRI and Forns scores are of limited usefulness in alcoholics.
A Preliminary Study of Internet Based Ticketing System Impacts on Selected Travel Agencies in Malaysia

The impact of the Internet based ticketing systems has made information easily accessible to consumers and has therefore established a direct link between consumers and suppliers. This study focuses on the impact of the Internet based ticketing systems on the travel agency in Langkawi, Malaysia. The major method was included in-depth interviews with travel agents to explore and refine the major issues that faced by the industry. Interviews with consumers were also carried out to ascertain the role of travel agents in the Internet based ticketing systems. The major finding shows that disintermediation is particularly pronounced in the relationship between airlines and travel agents. Therefore, the main pressure factors on the travel agency market in Malaysia since the emergence of the Internet are identified as airline commission cuts, suppliers selling directly to consumers and the rise of online consumers who seek self-service travel arrangements. In conclusion, travel agents perceives ICT as a strategic tool and are oriented towards consumers appears to have a business edge.
Formic acid decalcification of bone marrow trephines degrades DNA: alternative use of EDTA allows the amplification and sequencing of relatively long PCR products

We recently reported a new method for the extraction of DNA from paraffin wax embedded bone marrow trephine biopsies.1 The DNA extracted from EDTA decalcified bone marrow trephine biopsies using this method was sufficiently intact to allow the amplification and sequencing of relatively long polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, including the 600 bp t(11;14) MTCA PCR product. A shorter 294 bp PCR product could only be amplified from six of 10 formic acid decalcified bone marrow trephine biopsies reported in a previous study by Provan et al. 2 These findings suggested a correlation between DNA degradation and formic acid decalcification, but required a comparative study for confirmation.J Clin Pathol: Mol Pathol 2000;53:336–337 We have subsequently extracted DNA from 11 formic acid decalcified bone marrow trephine biopsies using our method and determined the …
Acute and six‐month clinical outcome after Helistent stent implantation in coronary arteries: Results of the French Helistent multicenter registry

The purpose of our study was to determine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the new tubular (Helistent) stent (Hexacath, France) in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients were prospectively included in a multicenter French registry: acute results and 6‐month target lesion revascularization rate were assessed. A total of 628 stents were implanted in 527 patients (616 lesions). Mean age was 64 ± 11 years. Predilatation was performed in 77% of cases. The stent was successfully deployed in 99.4% of attempted lesions. Three patients died during the hospital stay and 10 patients developed myocardial infarction. Angiographic stent thrombosis rate was 1.1%. There was no need for urgent cardiac surgery during hospital stay. Six‐month clinical follow‐up was obtained in 95% of patients; target lesion revascularization rate was 8.3%. Eight patients (1.6%) (extracardiac death in three patients) died and three patients (0.6%) developed myocardial infarction. In conclusion, the Helistent stent appears safe and effective in minimizing acute complications of elective coronary interventions. Six‐month major cardiac events were rare and clinical restenosis was low (< 10%). Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;56:295–299. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First impression at stroke onset plays an important role in early hospital arrival.

BACKGROUND Treatment for acute ischemic stroke should be administered as soon as possible after symptom onset. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the patient's and bystander's first impression at stroke onset was associated with hospital arrival time. METHODS To investigate the factors influencing the prehospital delay, we prospectively interviewed consecutive stroke patients and bystanders about their first impression at the stroke onset and assessed the methods of transportation, and clinical characteristics. Early arrival was defined as a hospital arrival of within 2 h from stroke onset. RESULTS One hundred thirty patients were enrolled: 82% were ischemic stroke and 18% were cerebral hemorrhage. The median interval between symptom onset and the hospital arrival was 7.5 h and 30% of patients presented within 2 h of stroke onset. First impression of stroke (odds ratios [OR] 4.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54-13.5, p=0.006), presence of consciousness disturbance (OR 4.29, CI 1.39-13.3, p=0.011), arrival through other facilities (OR 0.25, CI 0.08-0.76, p=0.015), a history of diabetes (OR 0.23, CI 0.06-0.80, p=0.028) and nocturnal onset (OR 0.19, CI 0.04-0.88, p=0.042) independently contributed to the early arrival. CONCLUSIONS The first impression of patients and bystanders at stroke onset is important in order to reach hospital earlier in Japan. Public educational systems such as those, which advertise stroke warning signs, are necessary.
Comprehensive Outpatient Health Assessment: A Case-Finding Tool in 500 Consecutive Asymptomatic Individuals

This study appraises the case-finding efficiency of a single-day outpatient program of a broad-based clinical evaluation and laboratory studies in asymptomatic adults. The same protocol, varied only according to age and sex, was used for 500 individuals encountered consecutively over 15 months, and an unanticipated new diagnosis or important clinical or laboratory finding was established for one-third of them. The diagnoses varied widely, consistent with the breadth of the observations, and most led to specific recommendations for care. These findings confirm the case-finding efficacy of comprehensive clinical assessments supported by basic laboratory studies and counter the notion that specific tests and/or portions of the review of systems and physical examination can be eliminated in establishing a reliable medical database for asymptomatic adults. In addition, such comprehensive data provide essential reference material for later comparisons. Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index, PSA = prostate-specific antigen.
Periodontal attachment level of extractions presumably performed for periodontal reasons.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The aim of this study was to analyse the residual periodontal attachment in teeth extracted by East German dentists in order to determine a possible 'forceps level'. METHODS Out of about 8000 extracted teeth collected from a dental waste disposal company, 500 teeth were randomly selected. After exclusion of wisdom teeth and premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons (intact teeth with attachment > 90%), coronal and root caries, fillings, pulp exposure and incomplete root fillings (based on X-rays) were registered. The periodontal ligament was stained with 1% Fuchsin Red and measured with a light microscope. RESULTS For intact teeth (DF = 0, periodontal disease definition I), the mean periodontal attachment (50.5% +/- 16.0) was significantly lower than for teeth with carious defects or fillings (64.7% +/- 18.8. unpaired t-test: p < 0. 00 1). There was a marked increase in frequency of extractions in intact teeth below 70% periodontal attachment and 37% were extracted at attachment levels between 50 and 69%. Teeth with pulpal involvement showed significantly different frequency distributions and mean attachment values (77.9% +/- 17.8) than the remaining teeth (periodontal disease definition II; 55,2% +/- 15.5). CONCLUSIONS A considerable number of teeth with no or minor coronal destruction were extracted at an attachment level of 50-70%, regardless of the tooth type. The threshold for 'periodontal' extractions seem to be too low and undifferentiated, which calls for an improvement in knowledge of periodontal diagnosis and treatment.
Low Power and Large Modulation Depth Optical Bistability in an Si Photonic Crystal L3 Cavity

Optical bistability with low power and large modulation depth is observed in the silicon 2D photonic crystal 3 defect-long (L3) cavity coupling with a photonic crystal waveguide experimentally. The cavity-waveguide resonator system operates under the critical coupling condition. The triangular line shape of the cavity resonance and the hysteresis loop of the system is observed. The switching contrast is 7.7 dB and the modulation depth is 0.70 at the switching power of -12.1 dBm. A nonlinear coupled mode model is established to analyze the behavior of the cavity, and numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experiment results.
Analytical thermal modelling of axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machines

A 3D analytical thermal model of axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machines is developed. It consists in subdividing the machine geometry into small volumes that are considered to be homogeneous and isotherm. Heat capacities and thermal conductivities are deduced from experience and finite volume method calculations (COSMOSFloWorks®). Heat capacities and heat transfer coefficients are temperature-dependent, as losses are. This feature is taken into account in the integration of the differential equation system governing the thermal behaviour of the machine in such a manner that it decreases simulation time. This resolution allows a fast computation of the machine's thermal behaviour and to predict its design's feasibility.
NK Cells Use NKG2D to Recognize a Mouse Renal Cancer (Renca), yet Require Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression on the Tumor Cells for Optimal Perforin-Dependent Effector Function1

The NKG2D receptor on NK cells can recognize a variety of ligands on the tumor cell surface. Using a mouse renal cancer (Renca), we show that NKG2D recognition by NK cells was crucial for their ability to limit tumor metastases in vivo in both liver and lungs using perforin-dependent effector mechanisms. However, for the R331 cell line established from Renca, NKG2D recognition and perforin-dependent lysis played no role in controlling liver metastases. R331 cells were also more resistant to perforin-dependent lysis by NK cells in vitro. We therefore used these phenotypic differences between Renca and R331 to further investigate the crucial receptor:ligand interactions required for triggering lytic effector functions of NK cells. Reconstitution of R331 cells with ICAM-1, but not Rae-1γ, restored NKG2D-mediated, perforin-dependent lysis. Interestingly, R331 cells were efficiently lysed by NK cells using death ligand-mediated apoptosis. This death ligand-mediated killing did not depend on NKG2D recognition of its ligands on tumor cells. This result suggests that the intracellular signaling in NK cells required for perforin and death ligand-mediated lysis of tumor target cell are quite distinct, and activation of both of these antitumor lytic effector functions of NK cells could improve therapeutic benefits for certain tumors.
Harvey and the Scientific Method*

We can, however, study the mind of the man and its working in his writings. It is this which conveys to us a due sense of his greatness ; it is this which helps us to assess his contribution to that irrepressible insurgence of the human spirit which reveals itself in the advancing frontiers of knowledge. It explains why we place Harvey amongst the greatest physicians of all times, not because he discovered that the blood circulates but because he demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubt that the blood circulates. It is with the Harveian method that I pro pose to concern myself in this lecture, and with why after he had demonstrated " the passage of the blood from the veins into the arteries and of the manner in which it is transmitted and distributed by the action of the heart " he was constrained to write : " But what remains to be said upon the quantity and source of the blood which thus passes, is of a character so novel and unheard-of that I not 'only fear injury to myself from the envy of a few, but I tremble lest I have mankind at large for my enemies, so much doth wont and custom become a second nature. Doctrine once sown strikes deep its root, and respect for antiquity influences all men. Still the die is cast, and my trust is in my love of truth, and the candour of cultivated minds. "
Suicidal ideation in a United States jail: demographic and psychiatric correlates

Abstract Suicidal behavior is a significant problem in United States jails. Suicidal ideation (SI) is an established precursor to suicidal behavior in incarcerated populations. No studies to date have examined the prevalence of SI or its correlates in a mixed-gender U.S. jail sample. The purpose of the present study was to document rates of SI in a mixed-gender jail sample and examine socio-demographic and psychiatric correlates. This study of 511 jail inmates found that approximately 16% of participants reported clinically significant SI upon incarceration. White participants, suicide attempters, and those with a psychiatric diagnosis history endorsed greater SI. Reported SI did not differ by sex and was not correlated with age. Clinically, results indicate that screening for SI in jail samples is necessary to identify high-risk individuals for intervention to prevent suicidal behavior.
A Tunnel Diode Body Contact Structure to Suppress the Floating-Body Effect in Partially Depleted SOI MOSFETs

A novel SOI MOSFET structure to suppress the floating-body effect (FBE) and the short-channel effects is proposed and successfully demonstrated. In the new structure, a tunnel diode body contact is embedded in the source region, which can effectively release the accumulated body carriers. In an nMOSFET, a heavily doped p+ layer is introduced beneath the n+ source region so that the body and the source are effectively connected through tunneling. The fabricated device shows the suppressed FBE and lower DIBL. The new structure does not enlarge the device size and is fully compatible with SOI CMOS technology.