Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synaptic delay and time course of postsynaptic potentials at the junction between hair cells and eighth nerve fibers in the goldfish.

1. Synaptic transmission from hair cells to afferent eighth nerve fibers was studied in goldfish's sacculus (inner ear) by recording the microphonic potential and excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) simultaneously. The microphonic potential was recorded extracellularly from the base of hair cells, and EPSPs were recorded intracellularly from individual nerve fibers.2. There was an excellent one to one correspondence between microphonic deflections and EPSPs. An EPSP followed each microphonic deflection with a delay of about 0.5 msec. The delay was found to stay unchanged for different frequencies of sound.3. Spontaneous miniature EPSPs were observed. Duration of these miniature potentials, about 0.5 msec at their half-width, roughly coincided with the duration of the sound-evoked EPSPs. A close correlation was found between the duration of a microphonic deflection and that of the corresponding EPSP.4. The EPSP changed in size when the membrane at individual afferent nerve terminals was polarized by a flow of extrinsic current. A hyperpolarizing current produced an augmentation of the EPSP, while a depolarizing current produced its diminution. The EPSP was reversed in sign when a strong depolarizing current was applied.5. These results conform to the view that the transmission from hair cells to afferent nerves is chemically mediated and that the depolarization of hair cells as represented by the positive deflection in the intramacular microphonic potential would trigger the release of the transmitter.
Anatomical Variations of the Posterior Intercostal Arteries and the Thoracic Vertebral Artery

This study evaluated the occurrence and frequency of the anatomical variations of the origin and course of the posterior intercostal arteries (PIA) in 44 human cadavers. During a classical anatomical dissection of each cadaver an anomalous course of the PIA, defined as a thoracic vertebral artery, was found in six (14%) individuals. Every dorsally coursing PIA was taken into account, regardless of its origin, and their different origins and course were described. A specific dorsal course for the PIA was found in nine cases, which was bilateral in two cases. The variations that were found and that have been schematically presented will provide new information about the anatomical variations of the PIA. Consideration of the potential for anatomical variation of the PIA is important in vascular and thoracic surgery and in diagnostic and interventional radiology such as spinal angiography.
The Vertebrate Lysozyme Inhibitor Ivy Functions to Inhibit the Activity of Lytic Transglycosylase*

The proteinaceous inhibitor of vertebrate lysozymes (Ivy) is produced by a collection of Gram-negative bacteria as a stress response to damage to their essential cell wall component peptidoglycan. A paralog of Ivy, Ivyp2 is produced exclusively by a number of pseudomonads, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but this protein does not inhibit the lysozymes, and its function was unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the production of Ivy (homologs of both Ivyp1 and Ivyp2) correlates with bacteria that do not O-acetylate their peptidoglycan, a modification that controls the activity of the lytic transglycosylases. Furthermore, we show that both Ivy proteins are potent inhibitors of the lytic transglycoslyases, enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and maintenance of peptidoglycan. These data suggest that the true physiological function of the Ivy proteins is to control the autolytic activity of lytic transglycosylases within the periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria that do not produce O-acetylated peptidoglycan and that the inhibition of exogenous lysozyme by Ivy is simply a fortuitous coincidence.
Act Instead of Wait: Consequences of Novel Barrett's—Histopathology

TO THE EDITOR: We read with great interest a randomized controlled trial by Sotoudehmanesh et al. (1) titled “Indomethacin May Reduce the Incidence and Severity of Acute Pancreatitis After ERCP” that has been published in the recent issue of the Journal. The authors concluded that rectal indomethacin given right before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can reduce the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). However, before incorporating this inexpensive, easily available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) into our clinical practice for PEP prevention, several issues need further clarification: (a) It had been pointed out from a prospective large sample study that only individuals with serum amylase levels fivefold the normal upper limits and persistent pancreaticlike pain for 24 h after ERCP strongly suggest possibility of PEP (2); however, the authors stated that besides the 2-h measurement, serum amylase was repeated the next morning, and it is not clear what the exact time interval was. This may cast some doubt on the accuracy of the diagnosis of PEP in this study. (b) In the Methods section, the authors claimed subgroup analysis was used to evaluate the effect of indomethacin related to different variables. Notwithstanding, due to the lack of relevant information, it is not clear whether these subgroup analyses were ad hoc or post hoc. If these subgroup analyses were performed retrospectively, it should be considered as “fishing” for positive results, and the results from subgroup analyses should be treated with caution (3). (c) No explanation was provided as to why none of the sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) patients developed PEP, which is contrary to most other reported trials, with PEP incidence of up to 24% for patients with suspicious SOD (4). (d) They found that pancreatic duct injection, pancreatic duct cannulation more than once, and age less than 60 yr were significant risk factors for developing PEP. Certainly, it is convenient to perform a univariate analysis for exploration of each variable’s influence on the primary outcome; nonetheless, up to now, available evidence suggests that the incidence of PEP was not determined by any single factor. Thus, a multivariate statistical analysis with logistic regression allowing estimation of the influence of covariates on the incidence of PEP seems more appropriate. To summarize, this study suggests indomethacin may be an attractive pharmacotherapy for the prevention of PEP because it is inexpensive, universally available, and relatively safe. Clarification on some raised concerns will better our understanding of the mystery of PEP and its pharmacotherapy prevention. Yu Bai, M.D. Duowu Zou, M.D. Zhaoshen Li, M.D.
Phloroglucinol mediates cross‐talk between the pyoluteorin and 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol biosynthetic pathways in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf‐5

The antibiotics pyoluteorin and 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) contribute to the biological control of soilborne plant diseases by some strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, including Pf‐5. These secondary metabolites also have signalling functions with each compound reported to induce its own production and repress the other's production. The first step in DAPG biosynthesis is production of phloroglucinol (PG) by PhlD. In this study, we show that PG is required at nanomolar concentrations for pyoluteorin production in Pf‐5. At higher concentrations, PG is responsible for the inhibition of pyoluteorin production previously attributed to DAPG. DAPG had no effect on pyoluteorin production, and monoacetylphloroglucinol showed both stimulatory and inhibitory activities but at concentrations 100‐fold greater than the levels of PG required for similar effects. We also demonstrate that PG regulates pyoluteorin production in P. aeruginosa and that a phlD gene adjacent to the pyoluteorin biosynthetic gene cluster in P. aeruginosa strain LESB58 can restore pyoluteorin biosynthesis to a ΔphlD mutant of Pf‐5. Bioinformatic analyses show that the dual role of PhlD in the biosynthesis of DAPG and the regulation of pyoluteorin production could have arisen within the pseudomonads during the assembly of these biosynthetic gene clusters from genes and gene subclusters of diverse origins.
Cold ischemia contributes to the development of chronic rejection and mitochondrial injury after cardiac transplantation

Chronic rejection (CR) remains an unsolved hurdle for long‐term heart transplant survival. The effect of cold ischemia (CI) on progression of CR and the mechanisms resulting in functional deficit were investigated by studying gene expression, mitochondrial function, and enzymatic activity. Allogeneic (Lew→F344) and syngeneic (Lew→Lew) heart transplantations were performed with or without 10 h of CI. After evaluation of myocardial contraction, hearts were excised at 2, 10, 40, and 60 days for investigation of vasculopathy, gene expression, enzymatic activities, and mitochondrial respiration. Gene expression studies identified a gene cluster coding for subunits of the mitochondrial electron transport chain regulated in response to CI and CR. Myocardial performance, mitochondrial function, and mitochondrial marker enzyme activities declined in all allografts with time after transplantation. These declines were more rapid and severe in CI allografts (CR‐CI) and correlated well with progression of vasculopathy and fibrosis. Mitochondria related gene expression and mitochondrial function are substantially compromised with the progression of CR and show that CI impacts on progression, gene profile, and mitochondrial function of CR. Monitoring mitochondrial function and enzyme activity might allow for earlier detection of CR and cardiac allograft dysfunction.
Factors Affecting Eye Care–Seeking Behavior of Parents for Their Children

Purpose Most of the causes of childhood blindness are either treatable or preventable. Eye care–seeking behavior (ESB) of parents for their children plays a pivotal role in reducing this problem. This study was done because there was a sparsity of literature in this context and with a view to help eye care professionals plan better programs and to identify factors facilitating and/or hindering ESB of parents for their school-going children in an urban area. Methods This study adopted a qualitative snapshot narrative study design. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in areas of Chennai with parents and eye care professionals selected through stratified purposive sampling. Parents were based on those who sought care and did not seek care after a school eye screening program and on their socioeconomic status. Data were transcribed to English, familiarized, and inductive coded, and themes were formed. Redundancy was considered as end point of data collection. Results Two focus group discussions and 11 in-depth interviews were conducted. Squint, redness or watering of eyes, eye irritation, headache, family history of ocular diseases, severity, and repetitiveness of symptoms facilitate parents seeking eye care for their wards/children. Economic status was an important barrier reported to affect the ESB. Logistic factors like taking appointment with doctor, taking leave from work, transport, and traveling distance were noted. Conclusions This study shows the facilitating factors and barriers for ESB of the Chennai urban parents for their wards. The results suggest that efforts needed to be put to overcome the barriers through planned awareness programs.
Salter-Harris Type III Fractures of the Distal Femur: Plain Radiographs can be Deceptive

Background Salter-Harris (SH) III fractures of the distal femur, although rare, can have devastating effects. The purposes of this study were to: (1) compare the intra-articular fracture displacement measured on plain x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan and (2) report the outcomes of patients with a SH III fracture of the distal femur. Methods All SH III distal femur fractures treated at a large Children's Hospital with a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center between 1995 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 14 patients (average age: 13 y, 11 mo; range: 7 y, 8 mo to 17 y, 11 mo) with an average follow-up time of 21.50 months (range: 2 to 47 mo) were included in this study. Fracture displacement on plain x-ray was compared with the fracture displacement measured on MRI or CT scan. The average time between the initial plain x-ray and MRI or CT scan was 37.48 days (range: 3 h to 6 mo). Results Plain x-rays significantly underestimated the displacement of SH III fractures versus MRI or CT scan. Six patients who had both plain x-ray and MRI or CT scan had a measured displacement of 0.42 mm and 2.70 mm, respectively (paired Student t test, P=0.005). Ten of the 14 patients (71%) had no physical limitations and full knee motion at their most recent follow-up visit. The treatment of 4 patients (29%) was changed based on the findings of the additional MRI or CT scan. Conclusions This study and earlier studies have shown a high rate of poor results with SH III fractures of the distal femur. This type of fracture pattern is extremely unstable and the true displacement is often underestimated by x-rays. Thus, it is strongly recommended that an MRI or CT scan be obtained on every SH III fracture of the distal femur. Moreover, any SH III fracture visible on plain radiographs should be treated with open reduction, internal fixation. Level of Evidence Level IV.
Virus Infection of the Heart – Unmet Therapeutic Needs

For over 50 years, viral infection has been recognized as an important trigger of acute myocarditis, inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and congestive heart failure. Nevertheless, viral heart disease remains challenging to diagnose and treat. Improved diagnostic methods for myocarditis have led to a better understanding of its pathophysiology. The recognition of virus-mediated damage, inflammation and autoimmune dysregulation in these patients highlights the importance of differentiating between virus-positive and virus-negative inflammatory DCM. These insights have led to the development of novel treatment strategies, including intravenous immunoglobulin and interferon therapy for virus-positive patients. This article will focus on the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis, especially parvovirus B19-induced, its progression to inflammatory DCM and future treatment strategies.
Indoxyl sulfate promotes proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells by inducing oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease patients. We have recently demonstrated that indoxyl sulfate (IS), a uremic toxin, induced aortic calcification and aortic wall thickening in hypertensive rats. This study aimed to determine if IS promotes proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and if antioxidants inhibit the IS-induced cell proliferation. METHODS We examined the effect of IS at different concentration from 50 to 500 mumol/L on cell proliferation of HASMCs by using 4-[3-(4-iodophenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2H-5-tetrazolio]-1,3-benzene disulfonate (WST-1) assay. Further, the effect of antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and N-acetylcysteine on the IS-induced proliferation of HASMCs was determined. RESULTS IS significantly promoted the proliferation of HASMCs concentration-dependently. The antioxidants significantly inhibited the IS-induced proliferation of HASMCs. CONCLUSION IS promotes proliferation of HASMCs by inducing oxidative stress.
Web Page Layout: A Comparison Between Left- and Right-justified Site Navigation Menus

The usability of two Web page layouts was directly compared: one with the main site navigation menu on the left of the page, and one with the main site navigation menu on the right. Sixty-four participants were divided equally into two groups and assigned to either the left- or the right-hand navigation test condition. Using a stopwatch, the time to complete each of five tasks was measured. The hypothesis that the left-hand navigation would perform significantly faster than the right-hand navigation was not supported. Instead, there was no significant difference in completion times between the two test conditions. This research questions the current leading Web design thought that the main navigation menu should be left justified.
Diet and azo dye tumors; effect of diet during a period when the dye is not fed.

1. m 'Methyl p -dimethylaminoazobenzene was fed to rats for 8 weeks, either continuously or interrupted for periods of 2 to 12 weeks. Tumors developed in the livers of all groups, the number depending on the length of the period of interruption. 2. When 0.064 per cent of the dye was fed for two 4 week periods separated by a 4 week period during which various dye-free diets were fed, the final incidence of tumors depended upon the diet fed during the intermediate period. Tumor incidence was increased by diets containing 0.29 per cent of nicotinamide or 20 per cent of corn oil or when the amount of basal diet fed during this period was restricted to 63 per cent of the calories consumed by the control group. Tumor incidence was decreased by a diet containing 5 parts per million of selenium. A diet containing 24 per cent of casein and 20 mg. of riboflavin per kg. during the period of interruption reduced the incidence of tumors in one experiment and had no effect in two others. Choline or methionine fed during the intermediate period had no effect on tumor incidence. 3. Homogenates of livers from rats fed the dye for 4 weeks failed to coagulate with heat. This decreased coagulability persisted for at least 4 weeks on most of the dye-free diets fed. The percentage of tumors that developed on the various diets did not appear to be related to the coagulability of the liver homogenates when the feeding of azo dye was resumed nor to the concentration of hepatic riboflavin at this time.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 improves inotropic responses of cardiac myocytes in ageing heart without affecting mitochondrial activity

Ageing reduces the ability of cardiac myocytes to respond to inotropic agents. We hypothesized that hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) would improve the functional and Ca2+ transient responses of ageing myocytes to the inotropic agents and this would act, in part, through altered mitochondrial activity. Young (3–4 months) and older Fischer 344 rats (18–20 months) were used. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α was upregulated with ciclopirox olamine (CPX, 50 mg kg−1 on 2 days). Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 upregulation was detected by Western blot. Cardiomyocyte contraction and Ca2+ transients were measured at baseline and after forskolin and ouabain. We also measured mitochondrial complex activities and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the young group, forskolin (31%) and ouabain (31%) significantly increased percentage shortening. Similar changes were observed in the young + CPX group. Calcium transients also responded in a similar manner. However, in the older group, forskolin (12%) and ouabain (6%) did not significantly increase myocyte contractility or Ca2+ transients. In the older + CPX group, the effects of forskolin (34%) and ouabain (29%) were restored. In the young + CPX group, there was increased ROS production and mitochondrial complex I and III activity compared with the young group. These differences were not observed in older groups. These data demonstrate an impaired functional and Ca2+ effect of positive inotropic agents in older myocytes. Upregulation of HIF‐1 restored this blunted response, but this was not related to changed mitochondrial activity induced by HIF‐1. Thus, we found that HIF‐1 improved inotropy in older myocytes without requiring mitochondrial activity changes.
The influence of discrete emotions on judgement and decision-making: A meta-analytic review

During the past three decades, researchers interested in emotions and cognition have attempted to understand the relationship that affect and emotions have with cognitive outcomes such as judgement and decision-making. Recent research has revealed the importance of examining more discrete emotions, showing that same-valence emotions (e.g., anger and fear) differentially impact judgement and decision-making outcomes. Narrative reviews of the literature (Lerner & Tiedens, 2006; Pham, 2007) have identified some under-researched topics, but provide a limited synthesis of findings. The purpose of this study was to review the research examining the influence of discrete emotions on judgement and decision-making outcomes and provide an assessment of the observed effects using a meta-analytic approach. Results, overall, show that discrete emotions have moderate to large effects on judgement and decision-making outcomes. However, moderator analyses revealed differential effects for study-design characteristics and emotion-manipulation characteristics by emotion type. Implications are discussed.
Survival Benefit of Hemodiafiltration Compared With Prolonged High-flux Hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION Patients on dialysis have a high rate of death, mainly of cardiovascular cause. Nephrologists are actively looking for ways to improve patients' outcomes, and alternative dialysis strategies, such as long conventional hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration, are currently being investigated. The aim of this study was to compare anemia, nutrition, inflammation, mineral metabolism, and 3-year survival rates between patients treated with hemodiafiltration and prolonged high-flux hemodialysis (HFH). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 58 dialysis patients were divided into 2 groups to undergo hemodiafiltration 3 times weekly, 12 hours in total per week, or prolonged duration of HFH (≥ 15 h/w). One-year biochemical parameters were collected retrospectively, together with 36 months patients' survival (prospectively). RESULTS Patients in the HFH group had longer dialysis vintage; significantly higher levels of hemoglobin (despite less frequent use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents), serum albumin, serum calcium, and serum bicarbonate; and a lower in-tact parathyroid hormone level. Survival rates were comparable between the two groups. The Cox proportional hazard model showed that patients treated with longer HFH had a 32% relative risk reduction of mortality compared to patients treated with hemodiafiltration, but without statistical significance (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.21 to 2.20; adjusted for diabetes mellitus). CONCLUSIONS Longer duration of hemodialysis with high-flux membranes had beneficial effects on anemia indexes, mineral metabolism, nutrition parameters, and acidosis in comparison with hemodiafiltration. However, hemodiafiltration did not offer a 36-months survival benefit over prolonged HFH.
Can antimicrobial central venous catheters prevent associated infection?

Incidence of central venous catheter sepsis Central venous catheters (CVC) are a major source of sepsis, ranging from local infections at the site of insertion, to septicaemia (Maki & Mermel, 1998). The reported incidence of CVC-related infections varies from <1% to 18% (Elliott, 1997) with a frequency of bacteraemia between <1 ́0 and 13 ́0 per 1000 catheter days (Bach & BoÈhrer, 1993; Elliott & Faroqui, 1992). In England and Wales nearly 4000 patients with catheter-related bacteraemias are noti®ed to the Communicable Disease Centre per annum (Elliott, 1993); in the U.S.A. approximately 850 000 catheter-related infections occur annually and of these more than 50 000 are bacteraemias (Widmer, 1997). Data from the Surveillance and Control of Pathogens of Epidemiological Importance national programme has shown that 70% of all bloodstream infections occurred in patients with CVC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1996). A recent approach to prevent CVC-related sepsis (CRS) has been the incorporation or coating of catheter polymers with antimicrobials (Elliott & Faroqui, 1992). A range of these catheters is now commercially available (Table I). In this review the ef®cacy and role of antimicrobial CVC for the prevention of associated infections is presented.