Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alcohol increases the permeability of airway epithelial tight junctions in Beas-2B and NHBE cells.

BACKGROUND Tight junctions form a continuous belt-like structure between cells and act to regulate paracellular signaling. Protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to regulate tight junction assembly and disassembly and is activated by alcohol. Previous research has shown that alcohol increases the permeability of tight junctions in lung alveolar cells. However, little is known about alcohol's effect on tight junctions in epithelium of the conducting airways. We hypothesized that long-term alcohol exposure reduces zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-1 localization at the cell membrane and increases permeability through a PKC-dependent mechanism. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we exposed normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells, cells from a human bronchial epithelial transformed cell line (Beas-2B), and Beas-2B expressing a PKCα dominant negative (DN) to alcohol (20, 50, and 100 mM) for up to 48 hours. Immunofluorescence was used to assess changes in ZO-1, claudin-1, claudin-5, and claudin-7 localization. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing was used to measure the permeability of tight junctions between monolayers of NHBE, Beas-2B, and DN cells. RESULTS Alcohol increased tight junction permeability in a concentration-dependent manner and decreased ZO-1, claudin-1, claudin-5, and claudin-7 localization at the cell membrane. To determine a possible signaling mechanism, we measured the activity of PKC isoforms (alpha, delta, epsilon, and zeta). PKCα activity significantly increased in Beas-2B cells from 1 to 6 hours of 100 mM alcohol exposure, while PKCζ activity significantly decreased at 1 hour and increased at 3 hours. Inhibiting PKCα with Gö-6976 prevented the alcohol-induced protein changes in both ZO-1 and claudin-1 at the cell membrane. PKCα DN Beas-2B cells were resistant to alcohol-induced protein alterations. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that alcohol disrupts ZO-1, claudin-1, claudin-5, and claudin-7 through the activation of PKCα, leading to an alcohol-induced "leakiness" in bronchial epithelial cells. Such alcohol-induced airway-leak state likely contributes to the impaired airway host defenses associated with acute and chronic alcohol ingestion.
Post-treatment outcomes in a double-blind, randomized trial of sertraline for alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND Pharmacotherapy studies in alcohol dependence (AD) are generally of short duration and do not include post-treatment follow-up. We examined the durability of treatment effects in a placebo-controlled trial of sertraline for AD. METHODS As previously reported, patients received 12 weeks of treatment with sertraline (n = 63) or placebo (n = 71), followed by assessments at 3 and 6 months post-treatment (Kranzler et al., 2011, J Clin Psychopharmacol 31:22-30). We examined the main and interaction effects with time of 3 between-subject factors (medication group, age of onset of AD [late-onset alcoholics, LOAs, vs. early-onset alcoholics, EOAs], and the tri-allelic 5-HTTLPR genotype) on drinking days (DDs) and heavy drinking days (HDDs). RESULTS The medication group effect, which was significant during treatment, remained significant during the 3-month follow-up period for L'/L' LOAs, with the sertraline group having fewer DDs than the placebo group (p = 0.027). However, the medication group effect seen in L'/L' EOAs during treatment was no longer significant (p = 0.48). There were no significant effects in S' carriers at the 3-month follow-up visit, or in either genotype group at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The beneficial effects of sertraline observed in LOAs during treatment persisted during the 3-month post-treatment period. Additional studies are needed to validate these pharmacogenetic findings, which together with the effects seen during active treatment support the use of sertraline only in LOAs.
Assistive technology and people with dementia

The use of the term ‘technology’ in relation to dementia care provokes conflicting reactions. For some, ‘technology is a saviour, the way to paradise; others are deeply suspicious of technology and scrutinize its proponents carefully for any tell-tale marks of the Beast’. These conflicting reactions may be attributed to the confusion surrounding the term ‘technology’, the lack of awareness at all levels of the potential of technology to assist people with dementia, and the ethical issues surrounding the use of technology.
Management of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures with the Ilizarov External Fixator

Summary Disillusionment with the results of classical open techniques in the management of complex tibial plateau fractures has led to a move toward methods of indirect reduction and subsequent stabilization with external fixation. Stabilization of these complex articular injuries with the Ilizarov method, in combination with indirect reduction maneuvers such as ligamentotaxis, offers many advantages over conventional open reduction and internal fixation with plates. Smooth olive wires stabilize the joint fracture in the sagittal plane, and percutaneous cannulated screws can be added, when indicated, for fracture lines in the coronal plane. A three- or four-ring circular frame construct ensures adequate fixation of the metadiaphyseal junction, which is usually very unstable. Experience with this method has demonstrated that it provides sufficient stability to allow early joint motion while preserving the soft tissue envelope, with a low rate of complications secondary to surgical fixation.
Ethanol increases glutamate neurotransmission in the posterior ventral tegmental area of female wistar rats.

BACKGROUND The posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA) mediates the reinforcing and stimulating effects of ethanol (EtOH). Electrophysiological studies indicated that exposure to EtOH increased glutamate synaptic function in the VTA. This study determined the neurochemical effects of both acute and repeated EtOH exposure on glutamate neurotransmission in the pVTA. METHODS Adult female Wistar rats were implanted with microdialysis probes in the pVTA. During microdialysis, rats received acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of saline or EtOH (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg), and extracellular glutamate levels were measured in the pVTA. The effects of repeated daily injections of EtOH (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg) on basal extracellular glutamate concentrations in the pVTA and on glutamate response to a subsequent EtOH challenge were also examined. RESULTS The injection of 0.5 g/kg EtOH significantly increased (120 to 125% of baseline), whereas injection of 2.0 g/kg EtOH significantly decreased (80% of baseline) extracellular glutamate levels in the pVTA. The dose of 1.0 g/kg EtOH did not alter extracellular glutamate levels. Seven repeated daily injections of each dose of EtOH increased basal extracellular glutamate concentrations (from 4.1 ± 0.5 to 9.2 ± 0.5 μM) and reduced glutamate clearance in the pVTA (from 30 ± 2 to 17 ± 2%), but failed to alter glutamate response to a 2.0 g/kg EtOH challenge. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the low dose of EtOH can stimulate the release of glutamate in the pVTA, and repeated EtOH administration increased basal glutamate transmission in the pVTA, as a result of reduced glutamate clearance.
Lateral Bilobed Flap for Anterior Lamellar Eyelid Reconstruction

Purpose: To describe anterior lamellar lower eyelid reconstruction with a laterally based bilobed flap. Methods: A retrospective study of 11 patients who underwent lower eyelid anterior lamellar reconstruction with or without posterior lamellar grafting following tumor excision within a 2-year timeframe were reviewed. Results: Seven women and 4 men (age range, 46.8–95.3 years; mean age, 74.1 years) were included in the study. Nine patients had basal cell carcinoma, and 2 patients had squamous cell carcinoma. The mean defect size was 5.2 cm2. Four patients who underwent concomitant posterior lamellae reconstruction were included. Follow-up averaged 10.2 months. No infections, flap failure, or lagophthalmos were found postoperatively. One patient developed medial ectropion. Conclusion: A laterally based bilobed flap should be thought of as an effective choice for lower eyelid anterior lamellar reconstruction.
Diffuse reflectance FT-IR spectroscopic study of interactions of α-Al2O3/molten NaNO3 coexisting systems

The diffuse reflectance spectra of the α-Al2O3/molten NaNO3 coexisting systems have been measured in order to investigate the interactions of nitrate ions with aluminium oxide. α-Al2O3 with various specific surface areas (3.00, 10.0, 17.8 and 32.8 m2 g−1) has been used as the solid phase. The liquid content ranged from 10 to 30% of the volume fraction of sodium nitrate. The effect of the solid phase on the nitrate ion absorption bands is discussed in the region of higher wavenumbers ranging from 3000 to 1700 cm−1. For the system containing particles with a lower melt content, the combination band ν3 + ν4 decreases with increasing specific surface area of alumina. This decrease in the band position shows that the nitrate ion structure is influenced by the presence of the solid phase. The variation of fitted band components with the specific surface area corroborates the tendency of the band maxima. It is suggested that both D3h and C2v symmetry types of nitrate ion co-exist in such hetero-phase systems. The temperature effect on the spectra of the mixtures is described above the NaNO3 melting point. Spectral measurements have been performed at temperatures up to 723 K. Analysis was carried out above the melting point of sodium nitrate.
Combined Physiotherapy and Education is Efficacious for Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronischer R ckenschmerz ist ein multifaktorielles Geschehen. Aus diesem Grund berrascht es nicht, dass unterschiedlichste therapeutische Methoden existieren. Manuelle Therapie (Mobilisation und/oder Manipulation der Wirbels ule) ist beispielsweise effektiv in der Schmerzreduktion [1, 3, 12]. Spezifische bungen mit dem Ziel der Wiederherstellung normaler Funktion der stabilisierenden Muskeln helfen, die Behinderung zu reduzieren und die Belastung zu steigern [6, 9].
A longitudinal analysis of circulating stress-related proteins and chronic ethanol self-administration in cynomolgus macaques.

BACKGROUND Alcoholics have alterations in endocrine and immune functions and increased susceptibility to stress-related disorders. A longitudinal analysis of chronic ethanol intake on homeostatic mechanisms is, however, incompletely characterized in primates. METHODS Plasma proteins (n = 60; Luminex) and hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH]; cortisol) were repeatedly measured in adult male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis, n = 10) during a 32-month experimental protocol at baseline, during induction of water and ethanol (4% w/v in water) self-administration, after 4 months, and after 12 months of 22-hour daily concurrent access to ethanol and water. RESULTS Significant changes were observed in ACTH, cortisol, and 45/60 plasma proteins: a majority (28/45) were suppressed as a function of ethanol self-administration, 8 proteins were elevated, and 9 showed biphasic changes. Cortisol and ACTH were greatest during induction, and correlations between these hormones and plasma proteins varied across the experiment. Pathway analyses implicated nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) as possible mediators of ethanol-induced effects on immune-related proteins in primates. CONCLUSIONS Chronic ethanol consumption in primates leads to an allostatic state of physiological compromise with respect to circulating immune- and stress-related proteins in NF-κB- and STAT/JAK-related pathways in correlation with altered endocrine activity.
Effectiveness of triple therapy regimens in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Aim and Objective: The term dyspepsia has been used inconsistently by healthcare professionals to describe different patterns of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. It denotes a symptom and does Original Research Article Solomon et al.; BJMMR, 6(3): 278-285, 2015; Article no.BJMMR. 2015.203 279 not itself represent a disease. In this study, we seek to determine the effectiveness of common triple therapy regimens in use in the eradication of H. pylori in this environment and to compare it what is obtained worldwide. Materials and Methods: One hundred and four Consecutive adult patients, aged 18 to 50 years presenting newly with uninvestigated dyspepsia and without alarm symptoms at General Outpatient Clinics of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti and the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria were randomized into five treatment groups in the study. Approval was obtained from Ethical Committees of the two study centres. Treatment outcome was computed using frequency table. Results: The mean age of the studied population was 37.8±12.98 years. 32.7% were males while 67.3% were females. Most prevalent symptom for uninvestigated dyspepsia was abdominal discomfort 100 (96.2%), this was followed by early satiety, abdominal fullness and vomiting with 32 (30.8%), 26 (25%) and 13 (12.5%) of the participants respectively. 76.0% were positive for H. pylori infection by Urea Breath Test Heliprobe® System with highest prevalence of H. Pylori infection within age group 31-45 years (36.7%). Rabeprazole-Clarithromycin-Metronidazole group (RCM) had the highest eradication rate per protocol [77.8%], followed in descending order by Rabeprazole-AmoxilLevofloxacin group (RAL) [53.3%], Omeprazole-Tinidazole-Clarithromycin “ulcer kit” (OTC) [44.4%], Rabeprazole-AmoxilMetronidazole group (RAM) [44.4%] and Rabeprazole-Amoxil-Clarithromycin (RAC) [30.0%]. Conclusion: This study showed there is difference in eradication rates of popularly known triple therapy regimens. This may be due to geographical differences in antibiotics resistant pattern to H. pylori. Further study is suggested to find out the national sensitivity pattern to the commonly used triple therapy regimens in Nigeria.
The Use of Fibrin Tissue Glue in the Repair of Cicatricial Ectropion of the Lower Eyelid

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of full-thickness skin graft adhesion using fibrin tissue glue (TISSEEL) in cicatricial ectropion repair of the lower eyelid. Method: This study was a prospective case series. Nine eyes of 8 consecutive patients with cicatricial ectropion were included. All patients underwent a conjunctival approach lower eyelid retractor plication, lateral tarsal strip, and insertion of a full-thickness skin graft secured with TISSEEL. Symptoms of epiphora, eye and eyelid irritation, discharge, and graft size were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Results: All of the patients were satisfied with their postoperative appearance, and the symptoms of eye and eyelid irritation, discharge, and visual disturbance were eliminated. Fifty-five percent of patients had complained of watering some or all of the time preoperatively, whereas only 33% admitted to occasional watering postoperatively. The average size of the graft reduced by 18% at 1 week, 39% at 1 month, and 40% at 3 months from the initial size. Conclusions: Fibrin tissue glue used to attach a full-thickness skin graft during cicatricial ectropion repair is an effective technique and may offer additional benefits over sutured graft fixation. Most of the reduction in graft size occurred in the first postoperative month, which indicates that the time window for modulation of the graft is in the first few weeks after surgery. The vertical graft length was affected to a greater extent than the horizontal length.
Ethanol drinking microstructure of a high drinking in the dark selected mouse line.

BACKGROUND The High Drinking in the Dark (HDID) selected mouse line was bred for high blood ethanol (EtOH) concentration (BEC) following the limited access drinking in the dark (DID) test and is a genetic animal model of binge-like drinking. This study examines the microstructure of EtOH drinking in these mice and their control line during 3 versions of the DID test to determine how drinking structure differences might relate to overall intake and BEC. METHODS Male mice from the HDID-1 replicate line and HS/Npt progenitor stock were tested in separate experiments on 2- and 4-day versions of the DID test, and on a 2-day 2-bottle choice DID test with 20% EtOH and water. Testing took place in home cages connected to a continuous fluid intake monitoring system, and drinking during the DID test was analyzed for drinking microstructure. RESULTS HDID-1 mice had more drinking bouts, shorter interbout interval, larger bout size, greater total EtOH intake, and higher BECs than HS/Npt mice on the second day of the 2-day DID test. The 4-day DID test showed greater bout size, total EtOH intake, and BEC in the HDID-1 mice than the HS/Npt mice. Total EtOH intake and BECs for the HDID-1 mice in the DID tests averaged 2.6 to 3.0 g/kg and 0.4 to 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. The 2-bottle choice test showed no genotype differences in drinking microstructure or total consumption but did show greater preference for the EtOH solution in HDID-1 mice than HS/Npt. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that inherent differences in EtOH drinking structure between the HDID-1 and HS/Npt mice, especially the larger bout size in the HDID-1 mice, contribute to the difference in intake during the standard DID test.
Overview of Outcome Measures for the Assessment of Prosthetic Foot and Ankle Components

The ability to properly prescribe one prosthetic component over another is an essential talent for any clinician. Basic questions such as “is foot A a better choice than foot B? ” or “does knee C function better than knee D? ” are at the root of the clinical decision-making process. The wealth of available components makes this a daunting, if not impossible, task. Often, this skill is the result of years of clinical experience. Unfortunately, the scientific literature does not offer the clinician a wealth of evidence to support or refute his decision. But what does the literature show? This question, when applied to the clinical prescription of prosthetic feet, was recently posed to a group of experts who met at the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists State of the Science Conference on Prosthetic Foot and Ankle Mechanisms. The goal of that conference was to review the literature comparing prosthetic foot and ankle mechanisms and to make recommendations for future research. The purpose of this article is to describe outcome measures commonly used to assess prosthetic intervention, to review the application of these outcomes to the comparative study of prosthetic feet, and to summarize outcomes-based recommendations from the Prosthetic Foot/Ankle Mechanisms State-of-the-Science Conference (SSC) held April 14 through 16, 2005.
Callosal white matter microstructural recovery in abstinent alcoholics: a longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging study.

BACKGROUND Previous neuroimaging studies of recently detoxified alcohol-dependent patients (RDA) have found significant loss of white matter integrity associated with the shrinkage of the frontal lobes and thinning of the corpus callosum, especially the genu. The current study hypothesized that, in addition to exhibiting the most microstructural white matter disruption in RDA, the genu will also evidence the most recovery after abstinence. This microstructural recovery will be associated with improvements in executive functioning measures. METHODS Fifteen RDA were examined approximately 2 weeks after abstinence and again after 1 year of abstinence and compared to 15 age- and education-matched nonalcoholic controls using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The effects of group, time, and their interactions on fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity were evaluated with repeated measures MANOVA; in addition, 2 × 2 ANOVA was used to test changes in measures of executive functioning in the 2 groups. RESULTS At 2 weeks of abstinence, DTI of RDA showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy and greater radial diffusivity compared to controls in the genu and body of the corpus callosum. Reexamination after 1 year showed significant time by group interaction with fractional anisotropy increasing and radial diffusivity decreasing in RDA but not controls in these 2 regions. A smaller relapsed group did not show improvements between the 2 time points. Abstinent RDA also showed improvement on Digit Span Backward, a measure of working memory, but did not benefit from practice effects on the Halstead Category Test compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest susceptibility of the genu and body of the corpus callosum to the effects of alcohol, and the potential for recovery of both these regions after abstinence, perhaps via mechanisms involving myelin reconstitution.
Binge drinking--a predictor for or a consequence of unemployment?

BACKGROUND Research on the association between alcohol use and unemployment has been conducted in various settings and subgroups. While most studies confirm that problem use is related to subsequent unemployment, results are inconclusive regarding the reverse association. Few studies have analyzed binge drinking as either a predictor or an outcome. METHODS This study investigates 13,031 residents in Stockholm county, who participated in a 2002 survey with a follow-up in 2007, aged 20 to 59, and currently employed or on leave at T1. Associations between frequency of binge drinking and total unemployment duration in 2003 to 2006 were assessed using logistic regression, taking previous binge drinking and previous unemployment experience into account. RESULTS After full adjustment, high frequency of binge drinking (1 per week or more) had a nonsignificant association with any subsequent unemployment for men and women and a significant association with long-term unemployment (>6 months) for women (OR 1.87). For men, both short-term unemployment and long-term unemployment were unrelated to later binge drinking after adjustment for previous binge drinking. Associations were stronger for women, but not significant in the full model. CONCLUSIONS Frequent binge drinking among women was associated with long-term unemployment. There was little support for the social causation hypothesis.
Weight change trends and overall survival in United States veterans with follicular lymphoma treated with chemotherapy

Abstract Understanding weight change patterns in follicular lymphoma (FL) may be important for the assessment of prognosis as well as the long-term care of survivors. A retrospective cohort of United States veterans with a new diagnosis of FL between October 1, 1998 and September 30, 2010 was assembled. Weight changes were evaluated before, during, and after treatment in 896 FL patients who received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, with or without rituximab (CHOP ± R); cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone, with or without rituximab (CVP ± R); or rituximab monotherapy. Weight decreased an average of 1.4 kg during therapy, and >5% weight loss during this time period was associated with worse overall survival. Weight increased to an average of 1.4 kg above baseline by 24 months after treatment initiation, with 15% gaining greater than 10% of their baseline weight. Weight management strategies may be an important part of long-term survivorship planning.