Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thyrotoxic hypokalaemic periodic paralysis.

A 24-year-old male Chinese student from southern China presented with sudden onset of generalized weakness. The evening before admission he had played football for 3 hours, and eaten a Chinese takeaway plus two hamburgers. He awoke in the early hours of the following morning unable to move his arms or legs. There was no history of any recurring illness and in particular there were no symptoms suggestive of hyperthyroidism. On examination the only abnormality was a profound symmetrical muscle weakness more marked proximally than distally (Medical Research Council (MRC) classification grade 1–2). Sensation to light touch and pinprick was normal. There were no signs of thyrotoxicosis. Laboratory investigations revealed the following (normal values in parentheses): serum potassium 1.2 mmol/litre (3.5–5.0); urinary potassium 14 mmol/litre (20–60); phosphate 0.18 mmol/litre (0.8–1.45); sodium, urea, and creatinine levels were normal. Electrocardiogram showed first degree atrioventricular block, prolonged QT int.
Fast Synchronization of Ultradian Oscillators Controlled by Delta-Notch Signaling with Cis-Inhibition

While it is known that a large fraction of vertebrate genes are under the control of a gene regulatory network (GRN) forming a clock with circadian periodicity, shorter period oscillatory genes like the Hairy-enhancer-of split (Hes) genes are discussed mostly in connection with the embryonic process of somitogenesis. They form the core of the somitogenesis-clock, which orchestrates the periodic separation of somites from the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). The formation of sharp boundaries between the blocks of many cells works only when the oscillators in the cells forming the boundary are synchronized. It has been shown experimentally that Delta-Notch (D/N) signaling is responsible for this synchronization. This process has to happen rather fast as a cell experiences at most five oscillations from its ‘birth’ to its incorporation into a somite. Computer simulations describing synchronized oscillators with classical modes of D/N-interaction have difficulties to achieve synchronization in an appropriate time. One approach to solving this problem of modeling fast synchronization in the PSM was the consideration of cell movements. Here we show that fast synchronization of Hes-type oscillators can be achieved without cell movements by including D/N cis-inhibition, wherein the mutual interaction of DELTA and NOTCH in the same cell leads to a titration of ligand against receptor so that only one sort of molecule prevails. Consequently, the symmetry between sender and receiver is partially broken and one cell becomes preferentially sender or receiver at a given moment, which leads to faster entrainment of oscillators. Although not yet confirmed by experiment, the proposed mechanism of enhanced synchronization of mesenchymal cells in the PSM would be a new distinct developmental mechanism employing D/N cis-inhibition. Consequently, the way in which Delta-Notch signaling was modeled so far should be carefully reconsidered.
Satellite Image Resolution Enhancement using Double Density Dual Tree Complex Wavelet Transform

Image Resolution enhancement (RE) schemes which are based on wavelets have an advantage over conventional methods which suffer from the losing o f high frequency contents which causes blurring. Th e discrete wavelet transform-based (DWT) RE scheme ge n rates artifacts due to a DWT shift-variant proper ty. A wavelet-domain approach based on double density dua l-tree complex wavelet transform (DDDT-CWT) is proposed for RE of the satellite images and compare d with dual-tree complex wavelet transform(DT-CWT). A satellite image is decomposed by DDDT-CWT to obtain h gh-frequency subbands. The high frequency subbands and the low-resolution (LR) input image ar e interpolated and the high frequency subbands are p ssed through a low pass filter. The filtered high-freque ncy subbands and the LR input image are combined us ing inverse DT-CWT to obtain a resolution-enhanced imag e. Objective and subjective analyses reveal superio rity of the proposed technique over the conventional and st ate-of-the-art RE techniques.
Sex differences in decreased limbic and cortical grey matter volume in cocaine dependence: a voxel‐based morphometric study

Structural neuroimaging studies have provided evidence of differences in local brain volume between cocaine‐dependent and healthy control individuals. While sex differences in aetiology, course and brain dysfunction associated with chronic cocaine abuse have been previously documented, evidence of sex‐specific differences in brain volume has not been examined thus far. This study examined sex‐related differences in grey matter volume between cocaine‐dependent and healthy control subjects using voxel‐based morphometry. High‐resolution T1 structural scans were obtained from 36 inpatient, treatment‐engaged 3‐week abstinent cocaine‐dependent (CD) individuals. Fifty healthy control subjects were also scanned. Segmentation and registration were performed in SPM8, using New Segment and DARTEL, respectively. The whole‐brain statistical analysis was conducted in SPM8 using random field‐based cluster‐size testing and family‐wise error rate correction for multiple comparisons. CD patients were found to have less grey matter volume in anterior prefrontal cortex, including frontopolar and orbitofrontal cortices, and a posterior region surrounding the parietal‐occipital sulcus. Female CD patients had less grey matter volume than female controls in left inferior frontal gyrus, insula, superior temporal gyrus and hippocampus. Male CD patients had less grey matter in a superior cortical region that included the precentral gyrus and the mid‐cingulate. These sex differences in lower grey matter volume add to the evidence from functional neuroimaging for sex‐specific differences in the neurophysiological changes associated with chronic cocaine use.
The site of HIV‐1 integration in the human genome determines basal transcriptional activity and response to Tat transactivation

Because of the heterogeneity of chromatin, the site of integration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the genome could have dramatic effects on its transcriptional activity. We have used an HIV‐1‐derived retroviral vector, in which the green fluorescent protein is under the control of the HIV promoter, to generate by infection 34 Jurkat clonal cell lines each containing a single integration of the HIV‐1 vector. In the absence of Tat, a 75‐fold difference in expression level between the highest and lowest expressing clones was observed. Basal promoter activity was low in 80% of the clones and moderate to high in the remaining 20% of clones. We found that differences in expression levels are due to the integration site and are not controlled by DNA methylation or histone acetylation. Tat activated transcription in each clone, and an inverse correlation was observed between basal transcriptional activity and inducibility by Tat. These observations demonstrate that the chromatin environment influences basal HIV gene expression and that the HIV Tat protein activates transcription independently of the chromatin environment.
Appropriateness of the Decision to Transfer Nursing Facility Residents to the Hospital

OBJECTIVES: To develop and test a standardized instrument, the purpose of which is to assess (1) whether skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) transfer residents to emergency departments (ED) inappropriately, (2) whether residents are admitted to hospitals inappropriately, (3) and factors associated with inappropriate transfers.
Road Surface Status Classification Using Spectral Analysis of NIR Camera Images

There is a need for an automated road status classification system considering the vast number of weather-related accidents that occur every winter. Previous research has shown that it is possible to detect hazardous road conditions, including, for example, icy pavements, using single point infrared illumination and infrared detectors. In this paper, we extend this research into camera surveillance of a road section allowing for classification of area segments of weather-related road surface conditions such as wet, snow covered, or icy. Infrared images have been obtained using an infrared camera equipped with a set of optical wavelength filters. The images have primarily been used to develop multivariate data models and also for the classification of road conditions in each pixel. This system is a vast improvement on existing single spot road status classification systems. The resulting imaging system can reliably distinguish between dry, wet, icy, or snow covered sections on road surfaces.
Transpulmonary Lactate and Pyruvate Kinetics

Shuttling of intermediary metabolites such as lactate and pyruvate contribute to the dynamic energy needs of tissues. Tracer kinetic studies offer a powerful method to measure the metabolism of substrates like lactate and pyruvate that are simultaneously taken up from and released into the circulation by organs. We examined the transpulmonary lactate and pyruvate kinetics in an anesthetized rat model during an unstimulated (Con), lactate clamp (LC) and epinephrine infusion (Epi) using a primed-continuous infusion of [U-13C]lactate and pyruvate. Compared to Con and Epi stimulation, LC significantly increased mixed central venous ([v]) and arterial ([a]) pyruvate and lactate concentrations (P < 0.05). Transpulmonary net lactate and pyruvate balances were positive during all three conditions indicating net metabolite uptake. Net balance was significantly greater during epinephrine stimulation compared to the unstimulated control for both lactate and pyruvate (P < 0.05). Tracer measured lactate fractional extractions were similar for unstimulated and lactate clamp conditions, but negative during Epi stimulation when a transpulmonary production of lactate from venous pyruvate occurred. Tracer measured pyruvate fractional extraction averaged 42.8 ± 5.8% for all three conditions, and was significantly higher during epinephrine stimulation (P < 0.05) than during either Con or LC conditions, which did not significantly differ from each other. Lactate total release (= tracer measured uptake - net release) increased due to a lactate load (i.e., LC) and decreased (i.e., negative) from epinephrine stimulation because of the transpulmonary pyruvate to lactate conversion. Pyruvate total release was significantly higher during epinephrine stimulation (400 ± 100 µg/min) vs. Con (30 ± 20 µg/min) (P < 0.05). For lactate, we conclude that transpulmonary concentration difference measurements across the lungs provide an incomplete - and perhaps misleading - picture of parenchymal lactate metabolism, especially during epinephrine stimulation. Regarding pyruvate, significant extraction occurs during circulatory transport across the lungs. The extent of pulmonary parenchymal pyruvate extraction predicts high expression of monocarboxylate (lactate/pyruvate) transporters (MCTs) in the tissue and western blot analysis of whole lung homogenates detected three isoforms: MCT1, MCT2, and MCT4. We conclude that a critical site of circulating pyruvate extraction resides in the lungs. Furthermore, during times of elevated circulating pyruvate or epinephrine stimulation, pyruvate extraction increases.
Diaschisis and Neurobehavior

ABSTRACT: We review forms of diaschisis and their relationship with neurobehavioral and neuropsychological findings. The following forms of diaschisis are discussed: (1) cortico-cerebellar diaschisis; (2) cerebello-cortical diaschisis; (3) transhemispheric diaschisis; (4) cortico-thalamic diaschisis; (5) thalamo-cortical diaschisis; and (6) basal ganglia-cortical diaschisis. For each form, the neurobehavioral and neuropsychological findings are discussed. Diaschisis can be classified from the behavioral point of view as follows: (1) forms in which the metabolic effect at distance is not followed by neurobehavioral impairment; (2) forms in which the remote metabolic impairment could induce neurobehavioral and neuropsychological disorders; and (3) forms in which the role of the lesion itself and its remote metabolic effects on the production of neurobehavioral and neuropsychological abnormalities cannot be disentangled.
Restoration of Tooth Enamel Using a Flexible Hydroxyapatite Sheet Coated with Tricalcium Phosphate

Restoration and protection of tooth enamel are of great importance in operative and conservative dentistry. Using a Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) method, we have successfully created a freestanding flexible double-layered sheet composed of a Hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer (4 m in thickness) coated with a Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) layer (500 nm). In order to apply the newly developed HAp/TCP sheet to the restoration and protection of tooth enamel, the adhesive characteristics of the HAp/TCP sheet on the enamel were evaluated mechanically and microstructurally in the present study. The adhesive strength (5.7 MPa) between the HAp/TCP sheet and enamel was markedly higher than that (1.9 MPa) between the mono-layered HAp sheet and enamel. The electron microscopic observation revealed that HAp/TCP sheet was widely fused with the enamel. Therefore, the double-layered HAp/TCP sheet can be used as a material to promote the repair of tooth eruption and to maintain healthy dentine.
Pharmacological protection of retinal pigmented epithelial cells by sulindac involves PPAR-α

Significance Oxidative stress-induced damage to retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells is implicated in the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is one of the primary causes of vision loss in the elderly. The present studies show that sulindac, a known nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, can protect an established RPE cell line, low-passage human fetal RPE, and polarized primary human fetal RPE cells against oxidative damage. The results with the RPE cell line indicate that the protective response is similar to that seen with ischemic preconditioning. Our results suggest that preventing oxidative damage in RPE cells by this drug-induced protective mechanism could be an inexpensive and relatively nontoxic therapeutic approach for AMD treatment. The retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) layer is one of the major ocular tissues affected by oxidative stress and is known to play an important role in the etiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the major cause of blinding in the elderly. In the present study, sulindac, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), was tested for protection against oxidative stress-induced damage in an established RPE cell line (ARPE-19). Besides its established antiinflammatory activity, sulindac has previously been shown to protect cardiac tissue against ischemia/reperfusion damage, although the exact mechanism was not elucidated. As shown here, sulindac can also protect RPE cells from chemical oxidative damage or UV light by initiating a protective mechanism similar to what is observed in ischemic preconditioning (IPC) response. The mechanism of protection appears to be triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and involves known IPC signaling components such as PKG and PKC epsilon in addition to the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel. Sulindac induced iNOS and Hsp70, late-phase IPC markers in the RPE cells. A unique feature of the sulindac protective response is that it involves activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α). We have also used low-passage human fetal RPE and polarized primary fetal RPE cells to validate the basic observation that sulindac can protect retinal cells against oxidative stress. These findings indicate a mechanism for preventing oxidative stress in RPE cells and suggest that sulindac could be used therapeutically for slowing the progression of AMD.
Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant or -Susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae from Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Fluoroquinolone resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from Hong Kong as part of Prospective Resistant Organism Tracking and Epidemiology for the Ketolide Telithromycin 1999/2000 was found to be due to the spread of the Spain23F-1 clone (mainly a Spain23F-1-14 variant). All the isolates were multidrug resistant but were susceptible to quinupristin-dalfopristin, linezolid, and telithromycin. The Spain23F-1 clone also occurred among antimicrobial-susceptible isolates, which suggests that the primary source of this clone may have been Asia rather than Iberia.
Neuroimmunotherapy with Subcutaneous Low-Dose Interleukin-2 and the Pineal Hormone Melatonin as a Second-Line Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma

On the basis of our previous preliminary data which showed that the pineal hormone melatonin (MLT) may potentiate IL-2 activity and reduce the dose of IL-2 required to determine an effective host antitumor response, we performed a clinical study with low-dose IL-2 given once/day subcutaneously (3 million IU/day for 6 days/week for 4 weeks) in association with MLT (50 mg/day orally at 8.00 p.m. every day) as a second-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients pretreated with 5-fluorouracil. Evaluable patients were 13/14, and most of them showed disseminated liver metastases. No objective tumor regression was seen. A stabilization of disease was achieved in 4/13 patients (median duration 5+ months), and the other 9 patients progressed. Mean number of lymphocytes and eosinophils significantly increased during the treatment. Moreover, the mean increase in lymphocyte number was significantly higher in patients with stable disease than in those with progressive disease, whereas there was no difference as regards eosinophils. Serum levels of neopterin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) significantly increased during therapy, and TNF increase was correlated to the side effects rather than to the control of cancer development. This study shows that neuroimmunotherapy with low-dose interleukin-2 and MLT, even though capable of determining an evident expansion of immune cells involved in host antitumor response, does not seem to be effective in terms of tumor regression in metastatic colon cancer patients pretreated with 5-fluorouracil.
Responses of CO2, N2O and CH4 fluxes between atmosphere and forest soil to changes in multiple environmental conditions

To investigate the effects of multiple environmental conditions on greenhouse gas (CO2, N2O, CH4) fluxes, we transferred three soil monoliths from Masson pine forest (PF) or coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest (MF) at Jigongshan to corresponding forest type at Dinghushan. Greenhouse gas fluxes at the in situ (Jigongshan), transported and ambient (Dinghushan) soil monoliths were measured using static chambers. When the transported soil monoliths experienced the external environmental factors (temperature, precipitation and nitrogen deposition) at Dinghushan, its annual soil CO2 emissions were 54% in PF and 60% in MF higher than those from the respective in situ treatment. Annual soil N2O emissions were 45% in PF and 44% in MF higher than those from the respective in situ treatment. There were no significant differences in annual soil CO2 or N2O emissions between the transported and ambient treatments. However, annual CH4 uptake by the transported soil monoliths in PF or MF was not significantly different from that at the respective in situ treatment, and was significantly lower than that at the respective ambient treatment. Therefore, external environmental factors were the major drivers of soil CO2 and N2O emissions, while soil was the dominant controller of soil CH4 uptake. We further tested the results by developing simple empirical models using the observed fluxes of CO2 and N2O from the in situ treatment and found that the empirical models can explain about 90% for CO2 and 40% for N2O of the observed variations at the transported treatment. Results from this study suggest that the different responses of soil CO2, N2O, CH4 fluxes to changes in multiple environmental conditions need to be considered in global change study.
Sex differences in blood flow restricted isotonic knee extensions to fatigue.

AIM It has been shown that females have greater muscular endurance than males and that this advantage is eliminated when blood flow is restricted. It is unknown if sex differences in dynamic endurance exist during low-load blood flow restricted (BFR) resistance exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate sex differences in quadriceps femoris fatigability during isotonic knee extension exercise coupled with a blood flow restriction. METHODS Ten males and ten females completed three sets of low-load isotonic knee extension exercises (20% of peak torque) to volitional failure under two conditions: blood flow restricted (BFR) and non-restricted free flow (FF). The number of repetitions, exercise volume, post-exercise strength loss and surface electromyography (EMG) were measured. RESULTS Females performed more repetitions than males in the FF (252±37 vs. 112±17 repetitions; P<0.01) and BFR conditions (165±29 vs. 79±8 repetitions; P<0.01). Both sexes performed ~30% fewer repetitions during the BFR condition. MVC torque decreased approximately 37% following both conditions (P<0.01) and EMG activity increased (P<0.05) during the exercise bouts. CONCLUSION Similar fatigue characteristics were evident in FF and BFR conditions for both sexes, and females demonstrated greater endurance, as determined by the number of repetitions completed, in both conditions. It may be beneficial to increase the relative exercise load for females in order to decrease the time under BFR.
Social Relations and the Self-Esteem of Older Persons

This study employs survey data from a sample of persons 55 years of age and older to examine the antecedents of self-esteem. Hypotheses are derived from a theoretical orientation that hinges on the ability of the individual to terminate relations that might be productive of negative reflected appraisals. Consistent with hypotheses, friendship interaction is positively related to self-esteem, whereas kinship interaction is not. Marital satisfaction also affects self-esteem positively; among men, this effect is stronger for the retired than for the employed. Finally, never-married and nonemployed older women have lower self-esteem than other women have. Implications are drawn regarding the importance and role of self-esteem in theories of psychological well-being among older persons.