Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Dissection of Lupus Susceptibility Loci on the New Zealand Black Mouse Chromosome 1: Evidence for Independent Genetic Loci Affecting T and B Cell Activation1

In previous work, we demonstrated linkage between a broad region on New Zealand Black (NZB) chromosome 1 and increased costimulatory molecule expression on B cells and autoantibody production. In this study, we produced C57BL/6 congenic mice with homozygous NZB chromosome 1 intervals of differing lengths. We show that both B6.NZBc1(35–106) (numbers denote chromosomal interval length) and B6.NZBc1(85–106) mice produce IgG anti-nuclear autoantibodies, but B6.NZBc1(35–106) mice develop significantly higher titers of autoantibodies and more severe renal disease than B6.NZBc1(85–106) mice. Cellular analysis of B6.NZBc1(85–106) mice revealed splenomegaly and increased numbers of memory T cells. In addition to these features, B6.NZBc1(35–106) mice had altered B and T cell activation with increased expression of CD69, and for B cells, costimulatory molecules and MHC. Introduction of an anti-hen egg white lysozyme Ig transgene, as a representative nonself-reactive Ig receptor, onto the B6.NZBc1(35–106) background corrected the B cell activation phenotype and led to dramatic normalization of splenomegaly and T cell activation, but had little impact on the increased proportion of memory T cells. These findings indicate that there are multiple lupus susceptibility genes on NZB chromosome 1, and that although B cell defects play an important role in lupus pathogenesis in these mice, they act in concert with T cell activation defects.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism‐dementia complex of the Hohara focus of the Kii Peninsula: A multiple proteinopathy?

The high incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and parkinsonism‐dementia complex (PDC) has been previously known in the Kii Peninsula of Japan and in Guam. Recently, the accumulation of various proteins, such as tau, trans‐activation response DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43), and alpha‐synuclein (αSyn), was reported in the brains of patients with ALS/PDC in Guam. To confirm whether similar findings are present in Kii ALS/PDC, we neuropathologically examined the brains and spinal cords of 18 patients with ALS/PDC (clinical diagnoses: eight ALS and 10 PDC) in Hohara Village, which is the eastern focus of Kii ALS. The average age at death was 71.6 years, and 16 patients (88.9%) had a family history of ALS/PDC. Autopsy specimens were immunohistochemically examined with antibodies against four major proteins. Neurofibrillary tangles, including ghost tangles, and tau‐positive astrocytes were distributed widely in all of the brains examined, and TDP‐43‐positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions were observed mainly in the limbic system. Synuclein pathology was present in 14 patients (77.8%). These patients were classified into three pathological subtypes according to the most prominent proteinopathy: the tauopathy‐dominant type, the TDP‐43 proteinopathy‐dominant type, and the synucleinopathy‐dominant type. Five patients with severe tau deposition showed clinical features of atypical parkinsonism and dementia with or without motor neuron disease. Eight patients were predominated by phosphorylated TDP‐43 inclusions and clinically showed ALS, and five patients were predominated by synuclein pathology and clinically showed signs of PDC. Based on the common characteristic tau pathology, three subtypes seemed to be pathologically continuous on a spectrum of a single disease. Thus, we conclude that ALS/PDC in the Hohara focus of the Kii Peninsula is a single disease characterized neuropathologically by a multiple proteinopathy, even though the clinical manifestations of the three subtypes differed from each other. It remains unclear whether the coexistence of the three proteinopathies was incidental or pathogenetically related.
Efficacy and adverse effects of patient-controlled epidural or intravenous analgesia after major surgery.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether epidural fentanyl-bupivacaine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was more efficacious and had fewer adverse effects than epidural or intravenous morphine PCA. METHODS We retrospectively retrieved data from 859 patients (mean age 64+/-7 years) who received continuous epidural medication, either morphine or fentanyl-bupivacaine PCA, or intravenous morphine PCA for postoperative pain control after major elective surgery from 1999 to 2000. Pain was assessed postoperatively using a verbal analogue pain scale (VAS, 0-10) during rest, mobilization, and coughing. Adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, pruritus, urinary retention, sedation, motor block, and respiratory depression (< 8 breaths per minute) were recorded. On the third postoperative day, the overall quality of pain control was evaluated using a pain relief scale (PRS, 1-4). RESULTS There were 201 patients who had epidural morphine PCA, 427 patients who had fentanyl-bupivacaine PCA, and 231 patients who had intravenous morphine PCA. Most patients (> 86%) who received epidural or intravenous PCA, either morphine or fentanyl combined with bupivacaine, experienced good pain relief (VAS, 0-3) during rest, mobilization, and coughing. Nonetheless, patients who received epidural morphine or fentanyl-bupivacaine had greater satisfaction with overall pain relief (PRS = 4) than did those who received intravenous morphine (p<0.05). Nausea and vomiting were most common in the epidural morphine group (p<0.05). Pruritus occurred least often in patients who received epidural fentanyl-bupivacaine analgesia (p < 0.05). There were no differences in other adverse events such as urinary retention, sedation, and motor block among the three groups. No respiratory depression was found in any patient. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving epidural fentanyl-bupivacaine PCA experienced better overall pain relief, while morphine PCA, either epidurally or intravenously, caused more side effects. It is considered safe to use continuous epidural PCA with fentanyl-bupivacaine in patients receiving major elective surgery.
[Preliminary study on the expression of cystatin C in primary liver cancer].

OBJECTIVE To preliminarily investigate the expression of cysteine proteinase inhibitors C (cystatin C) in primary hepatic carcinoma. METHODS Hepatic tissue samples and peripheral blood samples were collected from 41 cases of primary hepatic carcinoma, 24 cases of cirrhosis and 40 cases of normal control. To primary hepatic carcinoma, three kinds of hepatic tissue samples were harvested, including carcinoma tissue, adjacent non-tumor tissue, and distant normal tissue. The expression levels of cystatin C in hepatic samples and blood samples were measured by immunohistochemistry method and latex enhanced immune turbidimetric method respectively, and the differences of cystatin C expressions were compared in primary hepatic cancer, cirrhosis, and normal control. Furthermore, the relationships of cystatin C expression with tumor size, intrahepatic metastasis, serum AFP level were studied with correlation analysis. RESULTS The expression of cystatin C was positive, in primary hepatic carcinoma. Part of adjacent non-tumor tissue, and distant normal tissue and cirrhosis tissues had some degree of cyctatin C expression. Wilcoxon test showed that the differences of cyctatin C expression in different hepatic tissues were statistics significance (P < 0.01). The proportion of positive cell, staining intensity, and the product of these two was: carcinoma tissues > adjacent non-tumor tissues> cirrhosis tissues > distant normal tissue. Compared with normal control, primary hepatic carcinoma and cirrhosis both had higher serum cystatin C level (P < 0.001), but there was no difference between hepatic carcinoma and cirrhosis (P = 0.769). The correlation analysis showed that the level of serum cystatin C was not related to serum AFP, tumor size, or intrahepatic metastasis. CONCLUSION The expression of cystatin C in primary hepatic carcinoma is higher than that of adjacent non-tumor tissue, distant normal tissue, and cirrohsis tissue. The serum cystatin C level of primary hepatic carcinoma is higher than that of normal control.
The changing face of death in Trinidad and Tobago, before and after independence.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to compare the changing patterns of mortality in adults and infants during the pre-independence period 1953-1962 with the post-independence period 1962-2006 thus providing evidence for the burden of disease and the impact of independence on the state of health of the nation. METHODS The study examined data from 1953-2006, collected under statutory regulations by the Central Statistical Office. RESULTS While the population doubled during the study period, the standardized death rate improved from 16.4 to 4.5, infant mortality also declined from 70 per 1000 live births to 10.5 per 1000 live births. Mortality from selected infectious diseases also declined, however, mortality from chronic diseases continued to increase. Deaths associated with HIV increased during the 1990s, reaching a peak of 42 per 100 000 population in 2001 before declining. CONCLUSION Like the developed world, some developing countries have experienced similar transitions in the patterns of disease occurrence and thus will need to develop strategies to effectively cope with these new challenges.
Effect of melatonin on secreted and induced matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and ‐2 activity during prevention of indomethacin‐induced gastric ulcer

Abstract: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) maintain the crucial role in physiological turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in gastric tissues. However, a little is known about the relationship of MMPs with ECM degradation during gastric ulceration and ECM remodeling during healing. Our objective was to investigate the effect of melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5 methoxytryptamine) on the regulation of MMP‐9 and MMP‐2 activity during prevention of gastric ulcer. In the present study, biochemical and zymographic methods were used to analyze the mechanism of melatonin in indomethacin‐induced gastric ulcer in a rat model. Our studies reveal that melatonin dose‐dependently downregulates the expression and secretion of pro‐MMP‐9 which is induced (approximately 10‐fold) during indomethacin‐induced gastric ulceration. Furthermore, melatonin prevents gastric ulceration in a dose‐dependent manner through upregulation (approximately two‐ to threefold) of both pro‐MMP‐2 and active MMP‐2 at the level of induction as well as secretion. It also prevents gastric ulcers by blocking glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation in cytosolic and microsomal fractions. The novel findings of this study are attributed to the attenuation of the pro‐MMP‐9 and increase of MMP‐2 activity by pretreatment with melatonin. The finding defines one of the MMP‐mediated pathways for melatonin's action in gastric ulcer.
Understanding the Content of News Media

This chapter reviews the major approaches to media content as a critical variable in its own right within political communication research. By ‘content’ we mean the complete range of visual and verbal information carried in the media, primarily the traditional mainstream professional media, but also increasingly by smaller more interactive and targeted channels. Content is no longer relatively easy to isolate within a select group of clearly defined publications and broadcast programs. The continuous online news stream, further amplified and dissected by the various tiers of blogs and social media, make fixing a sample of news content more difficult than in the pre-digital era.
Cholesterol Reduction and Atherosclerosis Inhibition by Bezafibrate in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice

Fibrates, peroxisome proliferator−activated receptor α agonists, are widely used as lipid-lowering agents with anti-atherogenic activity. However, conflicting results have been reported with regard to their pharmacological effects on plasma lipoprotein profiles as well as on atherosclerosis in animal models. Furthermore, the anti-atherogenic effects of bezafibrate, one of the most commonly used fibrates, in animal models have not been reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of bezafibrate on lipoprotein profiles as well as on atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR−/−) mice fed an atherogenic diet for 8 weeks. Bezafibrate decreased plasma levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), while increasing plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Since hepatic TG production was significantly reduced in the bezafibrate-treated mice lacking LDLR, the plasma lipid−lowering effects of bezafibrate might be primarily mediated by the suppression of hepatic production of apolipoprotein-B−containing lipoproteins. In parallel with the reduced ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C, bezafibrate suppressed fatty streak lesions in the aortic sinus by 51%. To determine whether or not bezafibrate directly alters the expression of genes relevant to atherosclerosis, we measured mRNA expression levels of three genes in the aorta by real-time PCR: ATP-binding cassette transporter A1, lipoprotein lipase, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. The results showed that there were no differences in the expression of these genes between mice treated with bezafibrate and those not. In conclusion, bezafibrate inhibits atherosclerosis in LDLR−/− mice primarily by decreasing the ratio of non-HDL-C to HDL-C.
Diffusion tensor imaging of cerebral white matter in patients with myotonic dystrophy

Purpose: To determine whether myotonic dystrophy (MyD) patients have diffusion tensor abnormalities suggestive of microstructural changes in normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM). Material and Methods: Conventional and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance images of the brain were obtained in 19 MyD patients and 19 age‐matched normal control subjects. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values were calculated in white matter lesions (WMLs) and NAWM in MyD patients and in the white matter of normal control subjects. Differences between WML and NAWM values and between MyD patient and control subject values were analyzed statistically. Results: Significantly lower FA and higher MD values were found in all regions of interest in the NAWM of MyD patients than in the white matter of control subjects (P<0.01), as well as significantly lower FA and higher MD values in WMLs than in NAWM of MyD patients (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation of mean FA or MD values in NAWM with patient age, age at onset, or duration of illness (P>0.1). Conclusion: Diffusion tensor imaging analysis suggests the presence of diffuse microstructural changes in NAWM of MyD patients that may play an important role in the development of disability.
Updating the Conceptual Model for Fine Particle Mass Emissions from Combustion Systems Allen L. Robinson

Abstract Atmospheric transformations determine the contribution of emissions from combustion systems to fine particulate matter (PM) mass. For example, combustion systems emit vapors that condense onto existing particles or form new particles as the emissions are cooled and diluted. Upon entering the atmosphere, emissions are exposed to atmospheric oxidants and sunlight, which causes them to evolve chemically and physically, generating secondary PM. This review discusses these transformations, focusing on organic PM. Organic PM emissions are semi -volatile at atmospheric conditions and thus their partitioning varies continuously with changing temperature and concentration. Because organics contribute a large portion of the PM mass emitted by most combustion sources, these emissions cannot be represented using a traditional, static emission factor. Instead, knowledge of the volatility distribution of emissions is required to explicitly account for changes in gas-particle partitioning. This requires updating how PM emissions from combustion systems are measured and simulated from combustion systems. Secondary PM production often greatly exceeds the direct or primary PM emissions; therefore, secondary PM must be included in any assessment of the contribution of combustion systems to ambient PM concentrations. Low-volatility organic vapors emitted by combustion systems appear to be very important secondary PM precursors that are poorly accounted for in inventories and models. The review concludes by discussing the implications that the dynamic nature of these PM emissions have on source testing for emission inventory development and regulatory purposes. This discussion highlights important linkages between primary and secondary PM, which could lead to simplified certification test procedures while capturing the emission components that contribute most to atmospheric PM mass.
Patterns of synaptic input on corticocortical and corticothalamic cells in the cat visual cortex. II. The axon initial segment

In the present study we examined the synaptology of the axon initial segments (AISs) of three populations of retrogradely labeled pyramidal cells: callosal, corticothalamic, and ipsilateral corticocortical projecting cells. The cells were labeled by horseradish peroxidase injected into the contralateral visual cortex, the ipsilateral lateral geniculate nucleus, or area 19 of the ipsilateral hemisphere. The AISs of these cells were completely reconstructed from tracings of serial electron micrographs and the number and type of synapses ending on them determined, These data were compared with that described in the companion paper (Fariñas and DeFelipe, J Comp Neurol 1991; 304:53–69), in which the ultrastructure and synaptology of the somata of callosal and corticothalamic cells was investigated. Together, these data permit comparisons to be made between the somatic and axonic innervation of the same cells.
Liver tumor infiltrating lymphocytes: comparison of hepatocellular and cholangiolar carcinoma.

AIM To investigate the role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in primary hepatocellular and cholangiolar carcinomas of the liver. METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis was performed including antibodies to CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD56 and TIA-1 in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue of 35 liver resection specimens of hepatocellular or cholangiocellular carcinomas. Semiquantitative evaluation was performed with emphasis on the area of the tumor itself and of the tumor/liver interface. RESULTS All hepatocellular carcinomas showed infiltration of lymphocytes predominantly around the tumor in the tumor/liver interface consisting mainly of CD3+ CD4+ T lymphocytes [164.3/10 high power fields (HPF)] and in the tumor itself of CD8+ cells (54.9/10 HPF). Cholangiocarcinomas contained a heterogeneous amount of TIL, composed mainly of CD3+ T cells with a predominance of CD8+ cells in the tumor tissue (52.6/10 HPF) and of CD4+ cells in the interface region (223.1/10 HPF). CD56+ cells of the innate immune system were scarce. There was no significant difference between hepatocellular or cholangiolar carcinoma. No correlation with the clinicopathological data was seen. CONCLUSION Liver TIL consists of intratumoral CD8+ T cells and peritumoral CD4+ T cells independent of histogenetic origin. Different functions of lymphocytes in these regions seem possible.
Adverse perinatal outcomes in young adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether pregnant adolescents < or = 15 years of age developed more perinatal complications than older adolescents or adult women. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a study of 147 nulliparous adolescents < or = 15 years of age who initiated prenatal care at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston between January 1, 1992, and April 27, 1994. For purposes of analyses, these patients were then compared to two groups: (1) all nulliparas between the ages of 16 and 17 (n = 287) and (2) those 20-22 years old (n = 107) who delivered an infant of > or = 20 weeks' gestation and initiated care during the same interval at this same facility. Chi-square, Kruskall-Wallis or Student's t test initially was used to identify differences between groups in demographic characteristics and perinatal complications. Logistic regression analyses were then performed to determine whether observed differences in outcomes remained while controlling for potentially confounding variables. RESULTS Adolescents < or = 15 years of age were more likely to develop anemia and less likely to deliver an infant who required admission to the intensive care unit. No differences were observed between groups in the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, meconium staining, endometritis, preterm delivery, low birth weight, low Apgar score or fetal demise. CONCLUSION Adolescents < or = 15 years of age experience perinatal outcomes similar to those of older adolescents and young adult women.
KONFLIK PERAN, KETIDAKJELASAN PERAN, DAN KELEBIHAN PERAN TERHADAP KINERJA AUDITOR DENGAN TEKANAN WAKTU SEBAGAI PEMODERASI

Auditor performance is a primary judgement by client, users of audit services, and public. This study was conducted to determine the influence of role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload on auditor performance with time pressure as a moderating variable. Sampling method used is non-probability sampling method with purposive sampling technique so eventually obtained samples totaling 46 samples. Data is collected by interview and questionnaire methods which is sending questionnaires to the auditors in public accounting firm in Bali. Data analysis technique used to test the hypothesis is Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). Based on the hypothesis testing results show that role conflict, role ambiguity, and role overload negatively affect to auditor performance. The results also showed that time pressure can moderate the influence of role conflict and role overload on auditor perfomance, but can not moderate the effect of role ambiguity on auditor performance.
Differences in expression of Wnt antagonist Dkk1 in healthy versus pathological bone samples

Wnt/β‐catenin signalling components was shown to affect bone cells function including chondrocytes.Secreted Dkk1, a potent osteogenesis inhibiting factor mediates bone loss in diseased bones by suppressing the biological actions of Wnt proteins. In addition, increased Dkk1 signalling inhibits chondrogenesis in new bone formation. Recent findings also show there exists a cross‐talk between the chondrocytes and the cells of the osteoblast lineage, which are the most affected cell types in muskuloskeletal disorders. This study investigated whether spatial expression of Dkk1 is confined to only osteoblasts, osteocytes or chondrocytes. The second objective was to detect a difference in the Dkk1 expression pattern in healthy subjects when compared to pathological state. To elucidate the cell specificity of Dickkopf‐1 (Dkk1) in healthy bones, samples from female Sprague–Dawley rats were tested against two different antibodies with the two most widely accepted visualization system (ABC and Envision). The findings show Dkk1 specificity predominantly for osteoblasts, chondrocytes and osteocytes depending upon the antibody used. In addition, Dkk1 expression was evaluated in different cells of human osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (OA) patients. Its overexpression in pathologic state also suggests the role of Dkk1 in bone formation. This is scientifically and clinically important in studying the effect of Dkk1 in bone healing and in designing treatments for patients with compromised bone status. Taking into consideration the paradigm that cartilage and subchondral bone behave as an interconnected functional unit, normalization of cell behaviour in one compartment may have benefits in both tissues.