Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manganese superoxide dismutase content and localization in human thyroid tumours

Manganese‐containing superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD) content and its immunohistochemical localization in human thyroid tumours and some other thyroid diseases were examined and compared with adjacent normal thyroid tissue. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used in this study for the measurement of Mn‐SOD. The content of Mn‐SOD tended to increase in diffuse hyperplasia, adenomatous goitre, and foliicular adenoma. In papillary carcinoma, it was significantly higher than in adjacent normal thyroid tissue. Foliicular carcinoma also revealed a markedly high Mn‐SOD conient. In the immunohistochemicai study, adjaceni normal thyroid tissue showed granular positive staining of Mn‐SOD in the cytoplasm. An increase of Mn‐SOD was observed in the papillary proliferative lesion of diffuse hyperplasia and in the follicles adjacent to lymphoid tissue in chronic thyroiditis with hypothyroidism. Strong positive staining of Mn‐SOD was observed in papillary and foliicular carcinomas, whereas in anaplastic carcinoma staining was markedly less intense. These results indicate that the Mn‐SOD content varies according to the degree of differentiation of thyroid carcinomas.
Motion Aftereffects from a Motionless Stimulus

Dimming or brightening regions superimposed, slightly out of register, on static light or dark blobs, give rise to apparent motion. When these regions are replaced by apparent brightening or dimming produced by ramp aftereffects, a directional motion aftereffect is perceived. It is concluded that filters sensitive to temporal derivative signals of net brightening or dimming provide an input into the motion pathways.
High-fluoride Toothpaste (5000 ppm) in Caries Prevention

High-fluoride Toothpaste (5000 ppm) in Caries Prevention Anna Nordström, Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 450, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. Dental caries is a common disease in a large number of individuals. Fluoride (F) toothpaste plays an essential role in any programme designed to prevent caries. Objective: This thesis focuses on the effect of high-fluoride toothpaste (5,000 ppm) compared with a standard dentifrice (1,450 ppm) in caries prevention. The aims were to investigate: 1) the F retention in proximal plaque and saliva, 2) the effect of post-brushing water rinsing on F retention, 3) the effect on de novo plaque formation, 4) the effect on caries incidence and progression in caries-active adolescents and 5) the effect of a third application of toothpaste on F retention and the pH drop in plaque. Design: Papers I, II and IV were randomised, cross-over studies with 12-26 individuals. Paper III was a 2-year, single-blind, longitudinal study of 279 cariesactive adolescents. Results: High content of F in toothpaste increased the F retention in both plaque and saliva. High-fluoride toothpaste without post-brushing water rinsing increased the fluoride concentration in proximal saliva more than two times, compared with standard toothpaste also without rinsing. Water rinsing immediately after brushing with high-fluoride toothpaste reduced the F concentration in proximal saliva more than two times, which supports the recommendation to refrain from post-brushing water rinsing. Toothpaste slurry with 5,000 ppm F reduced the formation of new dental plaque on tooth surfaces. Caries-active adolescents (14-16-year-olds) using high-fluoride toothpaste during two years had 40% lower progression of caries compared with those using standard toothpaste. Twenty-eight per cent of the adolescents had “poor compliance” and brushed irregularly. Brushing with high-fluoride toothpaste resulted in 42% less new caries lesions among caries-active adolescents with “poor compliance” compared with those with “excellent compliance”. Thus, high-fluoride toothpaste is an excellent home care treatment for individuals with high caries risk. Brushing with high-fluoride toothpaste three times a day resulted in almost four times higher F concentration in saliva compared with standard toothpaste twice a day. The retention of fluoride in plaque increased significantly as well. Brushing with 5,000 and 1,450 ppm toothpastes, twice a day plus the “massage” once a day, resulted in the same F concentration in saliva and plaque as brushing 3 times a day with the same paste. Using toothpaste as a “lotion” to massage the buccal surfaces with the fingertip may be a simple and inexpensive way of delivering F a third time during the day, tentatively at lunch time. Main Conclusions: High-fluoride toothpaste has a clear role in prevention of dental caries; targeting those at the greatest risk, reducing and arresting caries lesions and thereby reducing the need for operative treatment in caries-active adolescents.
Quantitative Evaluation of Mitral Regurgitation with Ultrafast CT

Objective To quantify cardiac valvular regurgitation, ultrafast CT was performed in 44 patients (including 27 patients with mitral regurgitation). Materials and Methods Stroke volume of the left ventricle was calculated by modified Simpson's rule with cine mode scanning of ultrafast CT, and ventricular output was measured as the product of stroke volume and heart rate. Cardiac output was calculated in the ascending aorta by the formula of the indicator dilution method with flow mode scanning of ultrafast CT. The difference between the left ventricular output and cardiac output was defined as “mitral regurgitant volume. ” Left ventriculography was also performed at the same time, to estimate the degree of mitral regurgitation according to Sellers' classification. Results There was significant correlation between regurgitant fraction, standardized regurgitant volume, and grade of mitral regurgitation estimated by left ventriculography. Conclusion CT can measure mitral regurgitant volume by the combination of volumetry and indicator dilution method.
Effect of parenteral amino acid supplementation on short‐term and long‐term outcomes in severe alcoholic hepatitis: A randomized controlled trial

The effect of parenteral amino acid administration on nutritional state, liver function and mortality was assessed in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Twenty‐eight patients received 2 1/day of a solution of dextrose (65 gm/L) and amino acids (25.8 gm/L) for 1 mo, whereas 26 received only the dextrose solution. All patients were allowed to eat a standard hospital diet. During the month in the hospital, there were six deaths in the treatment group and five deaths in the control group. Nitrogen balance improved in the treated group, but not in the control group. Creatinine‐height index, triceps skin fold measurement and levels of serum albumin and prealbumin increased similarly in both groups. Serum retinol binding protein increased more in the treatment group than it did in the control group, and transferrin was increased only in the treatment group. Serum bilirubin, type III aminoterminal procollagen peptide and aminopyrine clearance improved more in the treatment group than in the control group, whereas serum AST and prothrombin time improved in the treatment group but not in the control group. Cumulative 2‐yr survival rates from the day of entry into the study were 42% and 38% in the treatment and control groups, respectively. Patients who survived 2 yr and patients in the treatment group who died during the 2‐yr follow‐up had continued improvement in serum retinol binding protein, transferrin, bilirubin and prothrombin time. These parameters were unchanged in patients in the control group who died during follow‐up. We conclude that parenteral amino acid administration for 1 mo in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis does not affect mortality, but results in improvement in biochemical, metabolic and nutritional parameters; this continues after completion of amino acid administration. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;14:1090–1096.)
A new sesquiterpene isolated from the extracts of the fungus Monascus pilosus-fermented rice

A new sesquiterpene, monaspilosuslin (1), as well as seven known compounds 3β-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one (2), β-sitostenone (3), monascin (4), ankaflavin (5), N-trans-feruloyltyramine (6), vanillic acid (7) and α-tocopheryl quinone (8), were isolated from the n-BuOH-soluble fraction of the 70% ethanolic extract of red yeast rice fermented with the fungus Monascus pilosus BCRC 38072 (Eurotiaceae). The structures of these compounds were determined by analyses of spectroscopic data, mainly 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. All of the isolates were also evaluated for their scavenging properties toward the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical in thin layer chromatography (TLC) autographic and spectroscopic methods.
Effects of aging on neurons and glial cells from the superficial layers of the superior colliculus in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aging on glial cells and neurons from the superficial layers of the superior colliculus in rats. We used stereological methods to estimate the volume of the superficial layers, neuron size, and the number of neurons and glial cells in Wistar male rats aged 3, 24, 26, and 28 months. A 32.6% volume increase was found in the stratum griseum superficiale between the ages of 3 and 26 months, while in the 28‐month‐old animals a 19% decrease was observed. The stratum opticum did not show any changes in volume with age. Also, our analysis revealed a process of somatic and nuclear atrophy in the neurons of the superficial layers in animals aged 26 and 28 months. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found in the numbers of neurons. The number of glial cells in the stratum griseum superficiale showed an increase between the 3rd and 26th month, while the stratum opticum suffered no change. Microsc. Res. Tech. 62:431–438, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical separation of hemopoietic stem cells from cells forming colonies in culture

Mouse bone marrow cells in suspension were separated into a number of fractions on the basis of cell density by equilibrium density gradient centrifugation, or on the basis of cell size by velocity sedimentation. After each type of separation, the cells from the various fractions were assayed for their ability to form macroscopic spleen colonies in irradiated recipient mice, and for their ability to form colonies in a cell culture system. The results from either separation technique demonstrate that cells in some fractions formed more colonies in vivo than in the culture system, while cells in other fractions formed more colonies in culture than in the spleen. The results of control experiments indicate that this separation of the two types of colony‐forming cells was not an artifact of the separation procedures. From these experiments it was concluded that the population of cells which form colonies in culture under the conditions used is not identical to the population of cells detected by the spleen colony assay.
Nutritional status and dietary intake of lactating Yoruba mothers in Nigeria.

A study was conducted into the nutritional status and dietary intake of 100 lactating Yoruba mothers in Nigeria. The group included 75 rural and 25 urban women, all from lower socioeconomic groups. All the mothers had given birth to singleton babies and fully breast fed their infants. Energy inadequacy ranged between 82-83% while protein inadequacy varied from 78-91%. Urban women were lower in both categories. Compared to the recommended allowance, the mean daily intake of iron, thiamin and calcium was found to be adequate and the intake of vitamin A was high. Mean energy, protein, riboflavin, and ascorbic acid intakes were inadequate. Results generally agree with those from other developing countries. The mothers were generally healthy and the weights of their infants were found to be satisfactory. Most of the mothers were maintaining a satisfactory lactation performance. The contribution of supplemental food for the infants was judged insignificant.
Anterior herniation of lumbar disc induces persistent visceral pain: discogenic visceral pain

Background Visceral pain is a common cause for seeking medical attention. Afferent fibers innervating viscera project to the central nervous system via sympathetic nerves. The lumbar sympathetic nerve trunk lies in front of the lumbar spine. Thus, it is possible for patients to suffer visceral pain originating from sympathetic nerve irritation induced by anterior herniation of the lumbar disc. This study aimed to evaluate lumbar discogenic visceral pain and its treatment. Methods Twelve consecutive patients with a median age of 56.4 years were enrolled for investigation between June 2012 and December 2012. These patients suffered from long‐term abdominal pain unresponsive to current treatment options. Apart from obvious anterior herniation of the lumbar discs and high signal intensity anterior to the herniated disc on magnetic resonance imaging, no significant pathology was noted on gastroscopy, vascular ultrasound, or abdominal computed tomography (CT). To prove that their visceral pain originated from the anteriorly protruding disc, we evaluated whether pain was relieved by sympathetic block at the level of the anteriorly protruding disc. If the block was effective, CT‐guided continuous lumbar sympathetic nerve block was finally performed. Results All patients were positive for pain relief by sympathetic block. Furthermore, the average Visual Analog Scale of visceral pain significantly improved after treatment in all patients (P <0.05). Up to 11/12 patients had satisfactory pain relief at 1 week after discharge, 8/12 at 4 weeks, 7/12 at 8 weeks, 6/12 at 12 weeks, and 5/12 at 24 weeks. Conclusions It is important to consider the possibility of discogenic visceral pain secondary to anterior herniation of the lumbar disc when forming a differential diagnosis for seemingly idiopathic abdominal pain. Continuous lumbar sympathetic nerve block is an effective and safe therapy for patients with discogenic visceral pain.
Applications of high-resolution MFM system with low-moment probe in a vacuum

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) is very useful for observing magnetic domain structures. However, due to stray fields from an MFM probe, observations of small magnetic domain structures are limited. The authors have developed a high-resolution MFM system that utilizes a low-moment probe and a quality (Q)-controlled prove driver, which allows high-quality measurement in a vacuum without disturbing domain structures. Using this system, a resolution finer than 20 nm was achieved. In this paper, the advantages of this MFM are demonstrated using a Permalloy honeycomb nanonetwork and a Permalloy semicircular loop.
Thyroid Remnant Radioiodine Ablation in a Case of Concurrent Thyroid Carcinoma, Graves' Disease, and Thyroid Ophthalmopathy

High-dose I-131 thyroid remnant ablation postthyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma is beneficial but the risk of visual complications including loss of vision in patients with coexisting Graves' ophthalmopathy is not well documented. We report the case of a 42-year-old man who presented for radioiodine ablation post total thyroidectomy for metastatic papillary carcinoma, who also had Graves' ophthalmopathy and juvenile onset glaucoma. Concurrent presence of all these conditions in the same patient is rarely encountered and this case demonstrates the challenge faced by the clinicians in balancing the benefits and risks of currently recommended management strategies for these conditions. There is a potential risk of visual complications with I-131 therapy in patients with Graves' disease as it can lead to development of or exacerbation of preexisting ophthalmopathy. The acute exacerbation is usually transient and preventable with prophylactic corticosteroids. However, the use of corticosteroids is associated with various complications including exacerbation of glaucoma as demonstrated in this patient.
Melatonin receptor mRNA and protein expression in Xenopus laevis nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells.

Melatonin is an output signal of the circadian clock, and may regulate diurnal rhythms in ocular tissues. A role for melatonin has been suggested in the circadian changes in intraocular pressure (IOP). Changes in IOP may be due partially to changes in the rate of aqueous humor secretion, which is produced by the nonpigmented epithelium of the ciliary body. To examine the mechanism by which melatonin may influence ciliary epithelium function and perhaps the IOP diurnal rhythm, immunocytochemistry with an antibody directed against the Mel(1c) melatonin receptor subtype was performed on sections of Xenopus eyes. Melatonin receptor immunoreactivity was observed in the basolateral regions of the nonpigmented epithelial cells of the ciliary body. Receptor immunoreactivity was also observed in cells of the retina, as has been previously reported. Specific immunoreactivity was not observed in the epithelium of the iris or pigmented ciliary epithelium. In situ hybridization of the Xenopus eye revealed expression of Mel(1c) but not Mel(1b) receptor mRNA in the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium. These results provide evidence that the nonpigmented epithelia of the ciliary body are direct targets for melatonin, and supports previous work that melatonin may influence the rate of aqueous humor secretion by ciliary epithelium, and perhaps the circadian rhythm of IOP.
Molecular basis of fusB‐mediated resistance to fusidic acid in Staphylococcus aureus

The primary mechanism of fusidic acid resistance in clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus involves acquisition of the fusB determinant. The genetic elements(s) responsible are incompletely defined, and the mechanism of resistance is unknown. Here we report the cloning, sequencing and overexpression of a single gene (fusB) from plasmid pUB101 capable of conferring resistance to fusidic acid in S. aureus. The fusB gene is located on a transposon‐like element and encodes a small (25 kDa), cytoplasmic protein for which homologues exist in a number of clinically important and environmental Gram‐positive bacterial species. Bioinformatic analysis of regions immediately upstream of fusB suggested that expression of resistance is regulated by translational attenuation, which was confirmed through use of reporter fusions. FusB was overexpressed in Escherichia coli as a polyhistidine‐tagged fusion product, and the purified protein shown to protect an in vitro staphylococcal translation system from inhibition by fusidic acid in a specific and dose‐dependent fashion. Purified FusB bound staphylococcal EF‐G, the target of fusidic acid. The protein provided no protection from inhibition by fusidic acid when added to an in vitro E. coli translation system, consistent both with the observed failure of FusB to bind E. coli EF‐G, and its inability to confer resistance in E. coli.
Use of statins offsets insulin‐related cancer risk

There is firm evidence of a relation between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and increased risks of cancer at various sites, but it is still unclear how different antihyperglycaemic therapies modify site‐specific cancer risks. The aim of this study was to provide a complete characterization of all possible associations between individual T2DM therapies, statin use and site‐specific cancers in the Austrian population.
Can rescaling dose of dialysis to body surface area in the HEMO study explain the different responses to dose in women versus men?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In the Hemodialysis (HEMO) Study, the lower death rate in women but not in men assigned to the higher dose (Kt/V) could have resulted from use of "V" as the normalizing factor, since women have a lower anthropometric V per unit of surface area (V/SA) than men. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS The effect of Kt/V on mortality was re-examined after normalizing for surface area and expressing dose as surface area normalized standard Kt/V (SAn-stdKt/V). RESULTS Both men and women in the high-dose group received approximately 16% more dialysis (when expressed as SAn-stdKt/V) than the controls. SAn-stdKt/V clustered into three levels: 2.14/wk for conventional dose women, 2.44/wk for conventional dose men or 2.46/wk for high-dose women, and 2.80/wk for high-dose men. V/SA was associated with the effect of dose assignment on the risk of death; above 20 L/m(2), the mortality hazard ratio = 1.23 (0.99 to 1.53); below 20 L/m(2), hazard ratio = 0.78 (0.65 to 0.95), P = 0.002. Within gender, V/SA did not modify the effect of dose on mortality. CONCLUSIONS When normalized to body surface area rather than V, the dose of dialysis in women in the HEMO Study was substantially lower than in men. The lowest surface-area-normalized dose was received by women randomized to the conventional dose arm, possibly explaining the sex-specific response to dialysis dose. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that when dialysis dose is expressed as Kt/V, women, due to their lower V/SA ratio, require a higher amount than men.
An integrated analysis of match-related fatigue in professional rugby league

Abstract This study examined the changes in external outputs, including metabolic power variables, and internal response whilst considering contextual factors on physical performance variables during rugby league match play. Physical performance (total distance, high-speed running and high-power distances, average metabolic power), heart-rate (percentage heart-rate peak and training impulse), collisions (attacking and defensive) and contextual (time in attack, time in defence, time out of play) data were collected from 18 rugby league players during 38 games throughout two National Rugby League seasons. Physical variables were highest in the first 10-min period of each half (P < 0.001). Heart-rate indices peaked in the second 10-min period and were lower during second half periods (P < 0.001). Few differences existed in collisions and contextual factors across 10-min periods. Physical variables were highest during the first 5-min period compared to the final (P < 0.001). There was no difference in heart-rate response, attacking collisions or contextual factors between these periods. Following the peak 5-min period in the match, there were reductions in physical, heart-rate, defensive collisions and contextual factors (P < 0.001). The data show temporal changes in physical performance, heart-rate response and collisions during rugby league match play, although these are affected by contextual factors.
Game-based inner approximation of maximal output admissible sets under references unknown in advance

This paper proposes a game-based inner approximation method that efficiently arranges multiple ellipsoids approximating a parameterization of maximal output admissible sets in terms of a reference vector. The approximation is contributive when considering a tracking control problem for constrained systems in which a reference value is not given in advance. Our idea for the approximation is to characterize search points of the ellipsoids in a state based game and a log-linear learning algorithm by dynamics of the constrained system. Consequently, an efficient arrangement of the ellipsoids can be achieved at a lower computation cost. A numerical example is finally illustrated to make sure of the consequence, compared to our previous works.