Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-renin status in therapy-resistant hypertension: a clue to efficient treatment

Objective Therapy resistance is an enduring problem in clinical hypertension. Our aims were to estimate: (1) the contribution of a low-renin status in therapy resistance; (2) whether such status could give a clue to more successful treatment; and (3) the contribution by adrenal cortical adenomas and by primary aldosteronism. Setting Patients were referred from general and internal medicine practices following written invitations and included consecutively. Participants were examined and followed-up on an outpatient basis. Design and interventions Patients were divided according to renin status. Low-renin patients were treated with an aldosterone inhibitor in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study. Main outcome measures Prevalence of low-renin status in therapy resistance. Blood pressure and hormonal responses to specific treatment. Numbers of adrenocortical adenomas and primary aldosteronism. Results In 90 treatment-resistant hypertensive, 67% had plasma renin activity (PRA) below 0.5 nmol/l per hour. Of the 60 low-renin patients, 38 were studied on a fixed combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide. Three weeks’ treatment reduced blood pressure by 31/15 mmHg compared to placebo (P ⩽ 0.0001). Serum aldosterone and plasma renin activity increased substantially during active treatment. Through the subsequent 6–12 months of open treatment, seven patients (18%) showing an escape phenomenon had their high blood pressure effectively treated by extra amiloride. Of the 60 low-renin patients, eight had adrenal adenoma. Conclusion A low-renin status characterized two-thirds of patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, who could be treated efficiently by aldosterone inhibition. Patients with an escape phenomenon (18%) could effectively be treated by increasing the aldosterone inhibitor. Low-renin hypertensives had high prevalence of adrenocortical adenomas and primary aldosteronism.
Synbiotics‐supplemented amino acid‐based formula supports adequate growth in cow's milk allergic infants

Children with cow's milk allergy (CMA) are at risk for inadequate nutritional intake and growth. Dietary management of CMA, therefore, requires diets that are not only hypoallergenic but also support adequate growth in this population. This study assessed growth of CMA infants when using a new amino acid‐based formula (AAF) with prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) and evaluated its safety in the intended population.
Ulvan, a Sulfated Polysaccharide from Green Algae, Activates Plant Immunity through the Jasmonic Acid Signaling Pathway

The industrial use of elicitors as alternative tools for disease control needs the identification of abundant sources of them. We report on an elicitor obtained from the green algae Ulva spp. A fraction containing most exclusively the sulfated polysaccharide known as ulvan-induced expression of a GUS gene placed under the control of a lipoxygenase gene promoter. Gene expression profiling was performed upon ulvan treatments on Medicago truncatula and compared to phytohormone effects. Ulvan induced a gene expression signature similar to that observed upon methyl jasmonate treatment (MeJA). Involvement of jasmonic acid (JA) in ulvan response was confirmed by detecting induction of protease inhibitory activity and by hormonal profiling of JA, salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Ulvan activity on the hormonal pathway was further consolidated by using Arabidopsis hormonal mutants. Altogether, our results demonstrate that green algae are a potential reservoir of ulvan elicitor which acts through the JA pathway.
Assessment of endogenous opioid mediation in stress‐induced hypercholesterolemia in the rat.

&NA; Stressful stimuli are known to elevate total plasma cholesterol levels and activate endogenous opioid systems. In cholesterol‐cholic, acid‐fed female rats, a 5‐day unpredictable immobilization stress paradigm increased levels of low plus very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Pretreatment with the opiate antagonist, naltrexone (1.0 mg/kg, sc) prevented the stress‐induced changes. Five‐day morphine pellet implants (75 mg) duplicated the cholesterol alterations seen in immobilized rats. In addition, plasma triglyceride levels were elevated in morphine pelleted rats, but hepatic and aortic cholesterol levels were unchanged. Unchanged plasma sorbitol dehydrogenase activity and hepatic triglyceride levels indicated that both regimens were not hepatotoxic. These findings support the possible role for endogenous opioid systems in stress‐induced hypercholesterolemia.
TCP performance measurement in different GPRS network scenarios

This paper presents the results of measured TCP performance in one of the commercially deployed live GPRS network in Malaysia under various network scenarios based on userspsila physical locations. End-to-end evaluation of FTP application is used for the assessment. Tracing at the GPRS air interface is done simultaneously, using a proprietary GSM/GPRS air interface testing tool and software. The results show that TCP performance is stable in all scenarios and can adapt fairly well to GPRS mobility and bad channel condition, although at the expense of reduced throughput. TCP imposes its slow start/congestion avoidance mechanism in such situations where packet loss is common. Tuning the TCP parameters to optimise its performance also proves to be beneficial.
Scalar quantizer based feedback of the Channel Direction Information in MU-MISO systems

The availability of the Channel State Information (CSI) at the transmitter is crucial for the precoder design in Multi-user Multiple Input Single Output (MU-MISO) systems. In Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, CSI can be just available at the transmitter through a limited feedback channel [1], where we assume that each user estimates, normalizes, and finally quantizes its channel direction with a finite number of quantization bits relayed back error-free and quasi-instantaneous. In this paper, we consider a simple sequential uniform scalar quantization (SQ) scheme of the individual components (real and imaginary parts) of the Channel Direction Information (CDI). Although vector quantization (VQ) schemes [2], [3] still outperform this scalar scheme in terms of quantization error and Bit Error Rate (BER), the former scheme suffers from an exponential search complexity and high storage requirements at the receiver for high number of feedback bits.
A biometric study of C-shaped root canal systems in mandibular second molars using cone-beam computed tomography.

AIM To investigate the configuration of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars, canal wall thickness and the orientation of the thinnest area at 1-mm intervals from the canal orifice to the apex by using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images. METHODOLOGY Three-dimensional CBCT images of 92 Korean mandibular second molars having C-shaped root canals were analysed to determine their configuration using a modification of Melton's classification, as well as the thinnest walls and their location. Associations between configuration type and distance from the canal orifice to the apex, as well as associations between the directional orientation of the thinnest root wall and distance from the canal orifice to the apex, were assessed by Fisher's exact test. Because serial measurements of minimum wall thicknesses were correlated with individual teeth, a mixed-effects analysis was applied. RESULTS The most common configuration types were Melton's type I in the coronal region and Melton's type III in the apical region. Mean thicknesses of the thinnest root canal walls were 1.39 ± 0.38, 0.85 ± 0.25 and 0.77 ± 0.20 mm in the coronal, middle and apical regions, respectively. The thicker the root canal walls at the orifice region, the greater the decrease in thickness towards the apical region (P < 0.05), with the linguo-central root area being the thinnest. The pattern of decreasing thickness from the orifice to the apex formed a nonlinear cubic curve. CONCLUSIONS The most prevalent configuration types were Melton's type I (coronal region) and type III (apical region). The linguo-central root area was the thinnest in C-shaped root canals of Korean mandibular second molars. These anatomical variations should be considered during surgical or nonsurgical endodontic procedures.
A Study of Tapered 3-D TSVs for Power and Thermal Integrity

3-D integration presents a path to higher performance, greater density, increased functionality and heterogeneous technology implementation. However, 3-D integration introduces many challenges for power and thermal integrity due to large switching currents, longer power delivery paths, and increased parasitics compared to 2-D integration. In this work, we provide an in-depth study of power and thermal issues while incorporating the physical design characteristics unique to 3-D integration. We provide a qualitative perspective of the power and thermal dissipation issues in 3-D and study the impact of Through Silicon Vias (TSVs) size for their mitigation. We investigate and discuss the design implications of power and thermal issues in the presence of decoupling capacitors, TSV/on-die/package parasitics, various resonance effects and power gating. Our study is based on a ten-tier system utilizing existing 3-D technology specifications. Based on detailed power distribution and heat dissipation models, we present a comprehensive analysis of TSV tapering for alleviating power and thermal integrity issues in 3-D ICs.
Independent relationship between circulating resistin concentrations and endothelial activation in rheumatoid arthritis

Resistin is an adipokine that may contribute to the link between inflammation and cardiovascular disease.1 In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), resistin forms part of the inflammatory cascade and indeed colocalises with inflammatory cells in synovial tissue and upregulates cytokine production.2–6 Herein, we examined the associations of metabolic risk factors, systemic inflammation and disease characteristics with resistin concentrations as well as the independent relationship of resistin concentrations with endothelial activation in 217 African patients (112 black and 105 white patients) with established RA7 that form part of an ongoing study on cardiovascular risk.8 All patients were employing disease modifying agents for rheumatic disease that included tumour necrosis factor-α inhibition and rituximab in 3.7% and 0.5% of them. The study was approved by the Witwatersrand University Ethics Committee (Human Subjects) and each participant gave informed written consent. Concentrations of interleukin-6, a major circulating cytokine in …
VITAMIN D IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: The Role of Vitamin D in Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease

Vascular calcification is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Disorders of mineral metabolism are likely involved in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. Calcitriol and its analogs are effective in suppressing parathyroid hormone levels in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and CKD, but experimental studies demonstrate that these drugs can act directly on vascular smooth muscle cells. In some in vitro studies and in animal models of CKD, calcitriol has induced vascular calcification. Newer analogs of vitamin D appear to be less likely to induce vascular calcification, although published data are scarce. However, there is really no clear evidence in dialysis patients that calcitriol or analog administration is directly responsible for the induction of vascular calcification. However, indirectly, by oversuppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and induction of a low‐turnover bone disease state, or by increased calcium‐phosphorus product, the administration of calcitriol or its analogs may contribute to vascular calcification in patients with CKD. However, prospective randomized trials in CKD patients are necessary to fully understand the impact of calcitriol and analog therapy on vascular calcification.
Split liver transplantation using extended right grafts: The natural history of segment 4 and its impact on early postoperative outcomes

Split liver transplantation (SLT) using extended right grafts is associated with complications related to ischemia of hepatic segment 4 (S4), and these complications are associated with poor outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 36 SLT recipients so that we could assess the association of radiological, biological, and clinical features with S4 ischemia. The overall survival rates were 84.2%, 84.2%, and 77.7% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The recipients were mostly male (24/36 or 67%) and had a median age of 52 years (range = 13‐63 years), a median body mass index of 22.9 kg/m2 (range = 17.3‐29.8 kg/m2), and a median graft‐to‐recipient weight ratio of 1.3% (range = 0.9%‐1.9%). S4‐related complications were diagnosed in 22% of the patients (8/36) with a median delay of 22 days (range = 10‐30 days). Secondary arterial complications were seen in 3 of these patients and led to significantly decreased graft survival in comparison with the graft survival of patients without complications (50.0% versus 85.6%, P = 0.017). Patients developing S4‐related complications had significantly elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (>1000 IU/L) on postoperative day (POD) 1 and elevated gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels (>300 IU/L) on PODs 7 and 10 (P < 0.05). These AST and GGT elevations conferred a significantly high risk of developing these complications (odds ratio = 42, 95% confidence interval = 4‐475, P < 0.05). The ischemic volume of S4 was extremely variable (0%‐95%) and did not correlate with S4‐related complications. In conclusion, our results suggest that S4‐related complications are risk factors for worse graft survival, and the development of these complications can be anticipated by the early identification of a specific biological profile and a routine radiological examination. Liver Transpl 18:413–422, 2012. © 2011 AASLD.
The chemotherapy of leprosy in Nigeria; with an appendix on glandular fever and exfoliative dermatitis precipitated by sulfones.

',The Belra Research Unit of Nigeria was formed late in 1947, Rnd started work in January 1948, with its headquarters at the Uzuakoli Leprosy Settlement where Dr. T. F. Davey. the superintendent, had been doing research and had initiated work with sulfones in 1946. ' The Unit is a small one, the staff being as fonawa: John Lowe, M. D . • director, Michael Smith, B. Sc. , biochemist, Edna Smith, secretary, Gabriel Okezie. technician, and three African assistants. The work of the Unit is planned, for the present, as a short-term project with limited objectives.
The GCR1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a split gene with an unusually long intron.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, GCRl encodes a transcrip tional activator that contacts at least two other proteins [Raplp and an unidentified component of the transcriptional machinery (TORNOW et al. 1993)l. Cells that lack Gcrlp grow much more slowly than wild-type cells and exhibit a reduction i transcription of glycolytic and translational component genes ( C L I ~ O N and FRAENKEL 1981; CLIFTON et al. 1978; SANTANGELO~~~TORNOW 1990; TORNOW and SANTANGELO 1990). Activation of these genes is accomplished interdependently with Raplp (TORNOW et al. 1993), an essential multifunctional protein. Our laboratory is interested in determining the role of Gcrlp in transcriptional activation of its many target genes. During an analysis of the effects of point mutagenesis on GCRl, we discovered that it contains an intron, contrary to earlier published reports (HOLLAND et al. 1987; BAKER 1986). Given that this gene is of interest to many laboratories, we report here the evidence indicating the presence and location of the intron to correct the misconception that GCRl is not spliced. GCRl is a split gene: Random point mutations were introduced throughout the 5’-half of the coding region of GCRl by using error-prone polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (LEUNG et al. 1989). The mutagenized genes were assayed for complementation by transforming S. cerevisiae cells containing a gcrl null mutation [generated by replacing the wild-type GCRl locus with one in which the region between codon 66 and 797 has been replaced with the URA3 gene (HOLLAND et al. 1987)l. DNA sequence analysis of the mutated genes produced a striking result, namely that three different fully functional variants were isolated that had stop codons near the beginning of the coding region (codons 37, 42, and 54). The presence of stop codons in functional GCRl genes indicated that the beginning of the predicted coding region is not translated, contrary to the conclusions of earlier published sequence analyses of the GCRl gene (BAKER 1986; HOLLAND et al. 1987), for which two independent laboratories predicted an identical, uninterrupted coding region. A second look at the published DNA sequence suggested the presence of an intron, since the conserved branchpoint sequence (TACTAAC) is found at nucleotide positions 798-804. The GCRI intron is unusually long: To confirm that the GCRl mRNA is spliced, and to map the 5’ and 3’ intron/exon junctions precisely, we did DNA sequence analysis of cDNA copies of the GCRl mRNA. An S. cer-
Écriture romanesque, intertextualité et genèse chez Balzac : l'exemple de deux romans des années 1838-1839, Béatrix et une fille d'Eve

La periode de 1838-1839 se distingue dans la production de l’ecriture romanesque de Balzac par la presence d’emprunts considerables a l’oeuvre de Theophile Gautier. Alliee a un large eventail de pratiques intertextuelles a divers degres, cette presence nous incite a decouvrir de quelle facon les elements intertextuels sont inseres dans la creation balzacienne et comment ils contribuent au developpement raisonne d’un vaste reseau de significations. Cette these se construit alors autour de deux des exemples, qui sont les plus representatifs de la creation balzacienne a cette epoque : Une fille d’Eve et Beatrix. L’analyse intertextuelle de ces romans, completee par une etude genetique, permet de mettre en evidence la poetique intertextuelle du romancier.
Combination of atomoxetine and methylphenidate in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a case report.

Dear Editor, Clinicians use atomoxetine (ATM) in combination with psycho-stimulants in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) although no data is available in this regard (Pliszka et al., 2006). We report a case in which the combination of ATM and methylphenidate (MPH) was found to be effective in controlling the core symptoms of ADHD. This individual was a participant in a 6 week open trial of ATM in children and adolescents with ADHD. The trial was approved by the institutional ethics committee and parental informed consent was obtained. In this trial, if the subjects were on MPH, they were given ATM and MPH was tapered off in 3 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment haemogram, liver function test, kidney function tests and ECG were done. An 8-year-old boy (A.) was referred to us by his schoolteacher for being overactive in the class for 4 years. He was diagnosed to have ADHD, combined type, on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL). His baseline score on ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) was 50. He was given immediate release MPH and the dose was gradually increased to 50 mg/day in 3–4 divided dosages. There was a definite improvement in the symptoms and his score on ADHD-RS decreased to 10. However, after 6 months he appeared to develop tolerance to MPH. The effect of one dose would last for only two hours necessitating higher and more frequent dosing. There were complaints of decreased appetite and delayed onset in sleep with MPH. In view of the above it was decided that the patient should be switched over to ATM. ATM was started at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day and gradually increased to 1.2 mg/kg/day and MPH was gradually tapered in 3 weeks. He was well improved on the combination of 1.2mg/kg/day ATM and 10 mg/day MPH. His ADHD-RS score was 10. This indicated that the effect of the ATM-MPH combination to be same as 50 mg/day of MPH monotherapy. His problems of delayed onset of sleep and decreased appetite also improved. There were no additional side effects. However, as soon as methylphenidate was stopped his symptoms markedly increased and his scores on ADHD-RS increased to 40. A. appeared to develop tolerance to MPH but responded well to the combination. Fewer side effects were reported with the combination as compared to MPH monotherapy likely due to the lower dosage of MPH. In A. ATM monotherapy after the MPH taper off, was less effective than the combination therapy as shown by rise in ADHD-RS scores. Clinicians are using low doses of atomoxetine (0.5–1.0 mg/kg/day) in combination with stimulants in patients where atomoxetine and stimulants alone are not able to improve symptoms adequately (Pliszka et al., 2006). This combination may be used more often in patients who are not able to tolerate high doses of methylphenidate or develop tolerance to it. However, there is a need to carry out a randomized controlled trial of the combination of atomoxetine and stimulants to examine the efficacy and tolerability of this combination.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone, 5-HTTLPR genotype, and antidepressant response in depressed women

Basal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may predict antidepressant efficacy in patients with major depressive episodes (MDE), but data are inconsistent. As the SS genotype of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism has been associated with a lower antidepressant efficacy in women with MDE, we aimed at assessing the relationship between normal basal TSH, 5-HTTLPR, and antidepressant efficacy in women. A total of 71 women and 28 men, with normal baseline TSH serum levels, hospitalized for a MDE, were assessed for 5-HTTLPR genotypes and prospectively followed for short-term antidepressant efficacy. Women with SS genotype had higher TSH levels (P=0.002) and a worse antidepressant response (P=0.046) than the women with LL/LS genotype, whereas no significant difference was shown in men. In multivariate analyses, antidepressant response in women was explained by TSH and 5-HTTLPR, but not by other variables. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism explaining interactions between sex, TSH, and serotonergic function.