Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibodies and Diabetes Complications: Assay reliability and validity

I n this issue, Ziegler and coworkers (1) determined glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GAD-abs) in a crosssectional study of 146 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and various diabetic complications. Although GAD-abs were found to persist for a long time in these patients, there were no associations between GAD-abs and the complications. The possibility that GADabs are associated with neuropathy was first suggested by Kaufman et al. (2), who reported GAD-ab in 5/5 (100%) patients with autonomic neuropathy compared with no antibodies in 0/4 (0%) diabetic patients with comparable duration but no complications. Despite the fact that only nine patients were studied, the Kaufman study was bound to spark a flurry of investigations to prove or disprove the hypothesis that GAD autoreactivity may play a pathogenetic role in neuropathy or other diabetic complications. This hypothesis is certainly both attractive and reasonable because y-amino-n-butyric acid (GABA), produced by at least two GAD isoenzymes, is a neurotransmitter also found in tissue affected by neuropathy. The investigations that followed have, however, failed to confirm this first report (3-5). The controversy is unfortunately not laid to rest by the present study of Ziegler and coworkers (1). My opinion is that the samples need to be reanalyzed in assays with better validity and reliability. This statement is based on the following brief summary of GAD as not only one, but several autoantigens. The observation that the 64-kDa autoantigen (6) immunoprecipitated the GABA-producing enzyme GAD (7) was fundamental to the subsequent cloning of the 64-kDa protein from human islets (8) to demonstrate that human islet GAD was a novel isoform, GAD65. The two isoforms of GAD, GAD65 and GAD67, were subsequently cloned from human brain (9) to confirm the chromosomal location of GAD65 to chromosome 10 and GAD67 to chromosome 2 (8,9). It is noted that one GAD mRNA transcript is still not accounted for (8), which is raising the possibility of a third GAD isoenzyme. The human GAD65 amino acid sequences, derived independently from two different cDNA clones, first from human islets (8)
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PATTERN OF INTRACRANIAL TUMORS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF PESHAWAR , PAKISTAN

Background: Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors include brain and spinal cord tumors, where as metastatic tumors are extradural usually. Objective: To know the histopathological pattern of central nervous system tumors reported in Pathology Department Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Pakistan. Methodology: Study Design: Descriptive case series. Setting: st st Pathology department, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Pakistan. Duration: Six years, study from 1 January, 2008 to 31 December, 2012. Sample Technique: Convenient (non-probability) sampling. Central Nervous System (CNS) biopsy specimen were received in 10% formalin, labeled, gross performed, sections processed in alcohol, xyelen, wax, block prepared, freezed, microtome sections taken and processed for H&E staining, mounted and reported by Histopathologist. The inclusion criteria was any sufficient CNS biopsy specimen of any age, where as the exclusion criteria was insufficient and autolysed biopsy specimen. A minimum of three and maximum of eight 5 micron thick sections were taken from each specimen. Data was entered in SPSS version 15 and analyzed. Results: A total of 106 biopsy specimens were received in pathology laboratory with age range of 09 to 70 years, mean age was 37± 15.18 years. Male to female ratio was 1.55:1. Astrocytoma was the commonest tumor 49 (48%) cases followed by meningioma 22 (21.%) cases and oligodendroglioma 6 (5.6%) cases. Amongst the 49 cases of Astrocytoma the age range was 10 to 66 years with mean age of 37 + 15.93. Male to female ratio was 1.72: 1. Grade I,II,III and IV were 7(14.2%),15(30.3%), 9(19.5%) and were 18 (36.6%) respectively. Amongst the 22 cases of meningiomas age range was 22 to 65 years, 20 (90.9%) cases were grade I meningionas and 2(9.9%) cases were of atypical meningiomas. Conclusion: Astrocytoma is the most common tumor of the central nervous system followed by meningioma and oligodendroglioma.
A review of post-stroke urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION Cerebrovascular accidents, or strokes, are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Urinary incontinence is a prevalent morbidity experienced by post-stroke patients that is associated with long term disability and institutionalization effects on these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS An extensive literature review was conducted using multiple academic search engines using the keywords: 'stroke,' 'CVA,' 'urinary incontinence,' 'urodynamics,' 'pharmacologic treatments,' and 'conservative treatments. ' Articles were reviewed and summarized to explain incidence, assessment, and treatments of urinary incontinence in post-stroke individuals. RESULTS Twenty-eight percent to seventy-nine percent of stroke survivors experience urinary incontinence with detrusor overactivity being the most common type of incontinence assessed by urodynamic studies. There continues to be insufficient data studying the effects and benefits of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments in post-stroke patients. Similarly, urinary incontinence remains an indicator of increased morbidity, disability, and institutionalization rates in the post-stroke patient. CONCLUSIONS Stroke is a debilitating disease which causes urinary incontinence in many patients. As a result, patients have increased rates of hospitalization and disability compared to post-stroke patients without urinary incontinence. The history and physical exam are key in diagnosing the type of urinary incontinence with urodynamic studies being an adjunctive study. Non-pharmacologic treatment, such as behavioral therapy, and pharmacologic agents including antimuscarinics and beta adrenergic medications, are not well studied in the post-stroke patient. Urinary incontinence in stroke patients needs to be further studied to help decrease morbidity and mortality rates within this population.
Remote second-hand tobacco exposure in flight attendants is associated with systemic but not pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND Second-hand tobacco smoke has been associated with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. We sought to examine the residual effects of remote second-hand smoke exposure on resting and exercise cardiopulmonary hemodynamics. We hypothesized that remote secondhand smoke exposure results in persistent cardiopulmonary hemodynamic abnormalities. METHODS Participants were non-smoking flight attendants who worked in airline cabins prior to the in-flight tobacco ban. Participants underwent clinical evaluations and completed smoke exposure questionnaires. We used Doppler echocardiography to measure pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) at rest and during supine bicycle ergometer exercise, using the validated formula TRV/VTIRVOT x 10 + 0.16, where VTIRVOT is the velocity time integral at the right ventricular outflow tract and TRV is the tricuspid regurgitation velocity. The group was divided into quartiles according to the degree of smoke exposure. Analysis of variance was used to determine the differences in hemodynamic outcomes. RESULTS Seventy-nine flight attendants were included in our analysis. Baseline characteristics among participants in each quartile of smoke exposure were similar except for history of systemic hypertension, which was more prevalent in the highest quartile. Peak exercise PASP rose to the same degree in all test groups (mean PASP 44 mm Hg, p = 0.25), and PVR increased by approximately 27% in all quartiles. There was no significant difference in pulmonary artery systolic pressure or pulmonary vascular resistance among quartiles of smoke exposure. CONCLUSIONS We found that remote heavy second-hand smoke exposure from in-flight tobacco is associated with systemic hypertension but does not have demonstrable pulmonary hemodynamic consequences.
Changing Prophylactic Antibiotic Protocol for Reducing Clostridium Difficile—Associated Diarrhoeal Infections

Purpose. To determine whether a change in prophylactic antibiotic protocol for orthopaedic surgeries may reduce the frequency of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhoeal infections. Methods. Records of 1331 patients who underwent trauma or elective surgeries involving implantation of metalwork were reviewed. 231 trauma and 394 elective patients who received intravenous cefuroxime–based antibiotic prophylaxis between August 2006 and January 2007 were compared with 216 trauma and 490 elective patients who received a single dose of gentamicin and flucloxacillin or teicoplanin for antibiotic prophylaxis between August 2007 and January 2008. Diarrhoeal faecal specimens of 148 (33%) trauma patients and 106 (12%) elective patients were examined. The outcome variables were the rates of C difficile infection and early deep wound infection. Results. There were 32 cases of C difficile–associated diarrhoeal infection and 28 cases of early deep wound infection. The frequency of C difficile–associated diarrhoeal infection decreased after use of the new antibiotic protocol (from 4 to 1%, p=0.004), particularly in the trauma patients (from 8 to 3%, p=0.02); in the elective patients the difference was not significant (from 1 to 0.5%, p=0.27). The change of antibiotic protocol did not significantly affect the incidence of deep wound infections in the trauma (p=0.46) or elective (p=0.90) patients. The rate of C difficile infection was 8-fold higher in the trauma than elective patients, both before and after the change of protocol. Conclusion. Changing antibiotic protocol is one way of reducing the incidence of C difficile–associated diarrhoeal infections in orthopaedic patients, without increasing the rate of deep wound infections.
Physical load imposed on soccer players during small-sided training games.

AIM The aim of this study was to examine the kinematical, physiological and technical load imposed on soccer players during three typical small-sided 3-a-side training games carried out in an artificial grass 33x20 m surface. METHODS Kinematic analysis was carried out with a bidimensional photogrammetric video system. Heart rate was recorded at 5 s intervals using Polar Accurex Plus heart rate monitors and expressed in relation to individual maximal heart rate (HR(max)). Technical parameters were registered using a specifically designed notation sheet. RESULTS The overall intensity of these three small-sided games was superior than the experienced during competitive matches. Distance covered (747-749 vs 638 m) and mean heart rate (173 vs 166 b x min(-1)) were higher (P<0.05) in the drills without goalkeepers. The inclusion of goalkeepers reduced the tempo of the game as players performed less (P<0.05) high-intensity running and increased (P<0.05) low-intensity activities. Time spent exercising at intensities between 76-85% HR(max) was lower (P<0.05) in the game without goals, whereas the presence of goalkeepers reduced (P<0.05) activities performed exceeding 86% HR(max). CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that small-sided games can be used effectively to develop the specific endurance capacity of football players. The integration of these drills by coaches during the regular training schedule can help replicating the demands experienced during real match-play.
Fibroblast proliferation due to exposure to a platelet concentrate in vitro is pH dependent

The influence of platelet‐rich plasma lysates on fibroblast proliferation was studied in culture. Cells were exposed to platelet lysates that had been preincubated at different pHs (5.0, 7.1, and 7.6). Proliferation was evaluated with the MTT assay and incorporation of [3H]thymidine into macromolecules, while type I collagen production was assayed by Western blotting. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine platelet‐derived growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β concentrations. Platelets preincubated in an acidic environment (pH 5.0) induced the highest degree of fibroblast proliferation, and the concentration of platelet‐derived growth factor in the different treated lysates was the highest at that particular pH. The concentration of transforming growth factor‐β, however, was lower after incubation at pH 5.0 than at either pH 7.1 or 7.6. These findings may be relevant to normal wound healing in vivo and useful in the treatment of wounds and delayed healing processes. (WOUND REP REG 2002;10:336–340)
Genetic basis of endocrine disease. 6. Molecular basis of familial human growth hormone deficiency.

T HE GENE encoding GH-N (GHl) and those genes encoding chorionic somatomammotropin (CSH1,2) hormones reside in a 50,000 base-pair (50 kb) gene cluster on human chromosome 17 (Fig. 1) (1). The GH2 gene also resides in this cluster and encodes a protein (GH-V) that is expressed in the placenta rather than in the pituitary and differs from the primary sequence of GH-N by 13 amino acids. The CSH1,2 genes encode proteins of identical sequences, whereas the CSH pseudogene (CSHPl) encodes a protein differing by 13 amino acids and contains a mutation that should alter its pattern of messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing and thus the primary sequence of the resulting protein (1, 2). The extensive homology (92-98%) between the immediate flanking, intervening, and coding sequences of these 5 genes suggests that this multigene family arose through a series of gene duplication events (1, 3, 4). These duplications are thought to have arisen from successive unequal recombinations between Alu family repeats. This method of gene amplification is analogous to the Alu-Alu recombinations that cause deletions of the human @globin and low density lipoprotein receptor genes (5, 6). Expression of the GHl gene is controlled by cis and truns factors. The former include the CAT and TATA promoter components located 85 and 30 bp, respectively, upstream from the GHl gene’s origin of transcription. In addition, there are cis sequences that bind the Pit-I transacting factor. Thus, Pit-l factor binds to and activates the promoters of the GHl and PRL genes and also affects differentiation of thyrotropes (7). The frequency of GH deficiency is estimated to range from l/4,000-l/10,000 in various studies (8-11). Most cases are sporadic and are assumed to arise from cerebral insults or defects that include cerebral edema, chromosome anomalies, histiocytosis, infections, radiation, septo-optic dysplasia, trauma, or tumors affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary (1). Magnetic resonance exams detect hypothalamic or pituitary anomalies in about 12% of patients who have isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) (12).
Biomechanical design of the Berkeley lower extremity exoskeleton (BLEEX)

Wheeled vehicles are often incapable of transporting heavy materials over rough terrain or up staircases. Lower extremity exoskeletons supplement human intelligence with the strength and endurance of a pair of wearable robotic legs that support a payload. This paper summarizes the design and analysis of the Berkeley lower extremity exoskeleton (BLEEX). The anthropomorphically based BLEEX has 7 DOF per leg, four of which are powered by linear hydraulic actuators. The selection of the DOF, critical hardware design aspects, and initial performance measurements of BLEEX are discussed.
Response of Local Nitric Oxide Release to Manual Acupuncture and Electrical Heat in Humans: Effects of Reinforcement Methods

This study was to examine the influences of manual acupuncture (MA) and electrical heat corresponding to reinforcing methods on nitric oxide (NO) release over the skin regions in humans. A device with collecting solution was taped to the skin surface along pericardium (PC) or lung (LU) meridian. Acupuncture needles were gently inserted into PC 4 with reinforcing stimulation (low force/rate) for 20 minutes in the MA group. LU11 on the finger was heated (43-44°C) by electrical heat for 20 minutes. Biocapture was consecutively conducted for two 20-minute intervals during and after each treatment. Total nitrite and nitrate (NOx−) in the collecting samples were quantified using chemiluminescence in blinded fashion. Baseline NOx− levels are higher and tended to be higher over PC and LU acupoints during the 1st biocapture. NOx− levels over PC regions were consistently increased by MA during both intervals. NOx− concentrations over LU acupoints were increased and tended to be increased by electrical heat in the 1st and 2nd biocapture. The results suggest that reinforcing MA and electrical heat induce NO released from the local skin regions with higher levels at acupoints, which improve local circulation and contribute to the beneficial effects of the therapies.
A Nuclear Factor Regulates Abscisic Acid Responses in Arabidopsis1[W][OA]

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a plant hormone that regulates plant growth as well as stress responses. In this study, we identified and characterized a new Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protein, Nuclear Protein X1 (NPX1), which was up-regulated by stress and treatment with exogenous ABA. Stomatal closure, seed germination, and primary root growth are well-known ABA responses that were less sensitive to ABA in NPX1-overexpressing plants. NPX1-overexpressing plants were more drought sensitive, and the changes in response to drought were due to the altered guard cell sensitivity to ABA in transgenic plants and not to a lack of ABA production. The nuclear localization of NPX1 correlated with changes in the expression of genes involved in ABA biosynthesis and ABA signal transduction. To understand the function of NPX1, we searched for interacting proteins and found that an ABA-inducible NAC transcription factor, TIP, interacted with NPX1. Based on the whole plant phenotypes, we hypothesized that NPX1 acts as a transcriptional repressor, and this was demonstrated in yeast, where we showed that TIP was repressed by NPX1. Our results indicate that the previously unknown protein NPX1 acts as a negative regulator in plant response to changes in environmental conditions through the control of ABA-regulated gene expression. The characterization of this factor enhances our understanding of guard cell function and the mechanisms that plants use to modulate water loss from leaves under drought conditions.
Equilibrium point control of a robot manipulator using biologically-inspired redundant actuation system

Unlike their robotic counterparts, humans excel at various contact tasks even in unknown environments by utilizing their ability to adaptively modulate the arm impedance. As one of many theories in human motor control, the equilibrium point control hypothesis suggests that multi-joint limb movements can be achieved by shifting the equilibrium positions defined by the central nervous system and utilizing the spring-like property of the peripheral neuromuscular system. To generate human arm-like compliant motion, this study implements the equilibrium point control on a robot manipulator using redundant actuation: two actuators are installed on each joint: one to control the joint position and the other to control the joint stiffness, respectively. With the double-actuator unit, the equilibrium position and stiffness (or impedance) can be independently programmed. Also, it is possible to estimate the contact force based on angle measurement with a user-specified stiffness. These features enable the robot manipulator to execute stable and safe movement in contact tasks. A two-link manipulator equipped with the double-actuator units was developed, and experimental results from teleoperated contact tasks show the potential of the proposed approach.
Novel Gammaherpesviruses in North American Domestic Cats, Bobcats, and Pumas: Identification, Prevalence, and Risk Factors

ABSTRACT Gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) are a diverse and rapidly expanding group of viruses associated with a variety of disease conditions in humans and animals. To identify felid GHVs, we screened domestic cat (Felis catus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and puma (Puma concolor) blood cell DNA samples from California, Colorado, and Florida using a degenerate pan-GHV PCR. Additional pan-GHV and long-distance PCRs were used to sequence a contiguous 3.4-kb region of each putative virus species, including partial glycoprotein B and DNA polymerase genes. We identified three novel GHVs, each present predominantly in one felid species: Felis catus GHV 1 (FcaGHV1) in domestic cats, Lynx rufus GHV 1 (LruGHV1) in bobcats, and Puma concolor GHV 1 (PcoGHV1) in pumas. To estimate infection prevalence, we developed real-time quantitative PCR assays for each virus and screened additional DNA samples from all three species (n = 282). FcaGHV1 was detected in 16% of domestic cats across all study sites. LruGHV1 was detected in 47% of bobcats and 13% of pumas across all study sites, suggesting relatively common interspecific transmission. PcoGHV1 was detected in 6% of pumas, all from a specific region of Southern California. The risk of infection for each host varied with geographic location. Age was a positive risk factor for bobcat LruGHV1 infection, and age and being male were risk factors for domestic cat FcaGHV1 infection. Further characterization of these viruses may have significant health implications for domestic cats and may aid studies of free-ranging felid ecology. IMPORTANCE Gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) establish lifelong infection in many animal species and can cause cancer and other diseases in humans and animals. In this study, we identified the DNA sequences of three GHVs present in the blood of domestic cats (Felis catus), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and pumas (Puma concolor; also known as mountain lions, cougars, and panthers). We found that these viruses were closely related to, but distinct from, other known GHVs of animals and represent the first GHVs identified to be native to these feline species. We developed techniques to rapidly and specifically detect the DNA of these viruses in feline blood and found that the domestic cat and bobcat viruses were widespread across the United States. In contrast, puma virus was found only in a specific region of Southern California. Surprisingly, the bobcat virus was also detected in some pumas, suggesting relatively common virus transmission between these species. Adult domestic cats and bobcats were at greater risk for infection than juveniles. Male domestic cats were at greater risk for infection than females. This study identifies three new viruses that are widespread in three feline species, indicates risk factors for infection that may relate to the route of infection, and demonstrates cross-species transmission between bobcats and pumas. These newly identified viruses may have important effects on feline health and ecology.
Intermittent Pneumatic Compression or Graduated Compression Stockings for Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis?: A Systematic Review of Direct Clinical Comparisons

Objective:To review the relative efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) and graduated compression stockings (GCS) stated in direct clinical comparisons. Summary Background Data:Both IPC and GCS are recommended for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in surgical patients. Although both are known to be effective, guidance is less clear on the clinical grounds for choosing between the 2 devices. Methods:Major medical databases were searched for trial reports published between January 1970 and August 2008. All trials comprising a direct clinical comparison between IPC and GCS were reviewed. Results:Ten direct comparisons were found, 9 of which were with surgical patients. The difference in DVT outcome only reached statistic significance in 3, all of which showed IPC to have the lower DVT rate. Five of the trials that did not produce statistic significance included fewer than 40 patients in each study group. The crude cumulated DVT rate for all the trials was 5.9% for GCS and 2.8% for IPC. Conclusion:There is only weak evidence to show a difference in performance between the devices, however, given the many influential factors, caution should be taken in assuming equivalence.