Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of Proteinuria After Switch to Sirolimus‐Based Immunosuppression in Long‐Term Cardiac Transplant Patients

Calcineurin‐inhibitor therapy can lead to renal dysfunction in heart transplantation patients. The novel immunosuppressive (IS) drug sirolmus (Srl) lacks nephrotoxic effects; however, proteinuria associated with Srl has been reported following renal transplantation. In cardiac transplantation, the incidence of proteinuria associated with Srl is unknown. In this study, long‐term cardiac transplant patients were switched from cyclosporine to Srl‐based IS. Concomitant IS consisted of mycophenolate mofetil ± steroids. Proteinuria increased significantly from a median of 0.13 g/day (range 0–5.7) preswitch to 0.23 g/day (0–9.88) at 24 months postswitch (p = 0.0024). Before the switch, 11.5% of patients had high‐grade proteinuria (>1.0 g/day); this increased to 22.9% postswitch (p = 0.006). ACE inhibitor and angiotensin‐releasing blocker (ARB) therapy reduced proteinuria development. Patients without proteinuria had increased renal function (median 42.5 vs. 64.1, p = 0.25), whereas patients who developed high‐grade proteinuria showed decreased renal function at the end of follow‐up (median 39.6 vs. 29.2, p = 0.125). Thus, proteinuria may develop in cardiac transplant patients after switch to Srl, which may have an adverse effect on renal function in these patients. Srl should be used with ACEi/ARB therapy and patients monitored for proteinuria and increased renal dysfunction.
Lesion Volume and Clinical Outcome in Stereotactic Pallidotomy and Thalamotomy

Postoperative lesion volume and clinical outcome were assessed in 19 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who received posteroventral pallidotomy, and in 14 essential tremor (ET) patients who received ventrolateral thalamotomy. Before and after surgery, PD patients were evaluated using the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS), and ET patients were evaluated using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin (FTM) tremor rating scale. Inner and total lesion volumes were determined with postoperative MR imaging and three-dimensional data segmentation. Lesion volumes were compared to percent improvement in UPDRS and FTM scores, using Spearman’s rank-order correlation test. No rank-order correlations were found between lesion volume and clinical improvement in either the PD or the ET patients. In performing stereotactic surgery for movement disorders, any lesion volume within a prescribed range may be equally effective in relieving symptoms associated with PD or ET.
A Note on Happiness and Life Satisfaction in Malaysia

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has long been an indicator of economic growth. There is an on-going debate on whether high growth increases well-being. The terms ‘happiness’ and ‘life satisfaction’ are often used interchangeably to explain the subjective well-being levels of individuals. This study examines if both happiness and life satisfaction of Malaysian citizens are explained by the same factors based on a sample size of 1289 adopted from the 6th waves of World Values Survey (2010-2014). Outcomes from the ordered logit regression analysis indicate that income has strong positive relationship with happiness and life satisfaction. This study supports Easterlin paradox partially, which indicates a positive association between happiness and income in the short-term. Other common income related factors that have positive and strong significant impact on both happiness and life satisfaction are health status, employment and satisfaction on financial situation of household.
A health profile of adults in a Northern Territory Aboriginal community, with an emphasis on preventable morbidities

Abstract: We conducted a brief health survey of adults in an isolated Northern Territory Aboriginal community, whose standardised mortality rates are the second highest in Australia. The screen revealed high rates of smoking and excessive drinking, of preventable infections and their sequelae, and of hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes and renal disease. The infectious morbidities were more pronounced and the life–style morbidities almost entirely new since a health screen in 1957. Most morbidities were strongly associated with identifiable risk factors, such as overweight, smoking, excessive drinking, skin sores and scabies, all of which which are amenable to modification. Problems with food supply and pricing, poor food choices and diversion of money to cigarettes, beer and gambling all contributed to poor nutrition. Low birthweight probably compounds the risk for serious adult disease associated with these environmental influences. This profile highlights the failure of current systems to deal with health needs. Improvements in infrastructure, education and employment, and reinvigoration of preventive and primary health care programs, assumption of responsibility for health by the community and by individuals themselves, and better management of existing morbidities are essential to rectifying this shameful situation.
Suicidal ideation and familicidal-suicidal ideation among individuals presenting to problem gambling services: a retrospective data analysis.

BACKGROUND Studies have consistently reported high rates of suicidal ideation (SI) among individuals with disordered gambling. None have explored gambling-related familicidal-suicidal ideation (FSI). AIMS This study examined the (1) prevalence of SI and FSI among treatment-seeking gamblers in Hong Kong, (2) characteristic profile of factors associated with SI and FSI, and (3) factors that predict SI and FSI. METHOD This is a retrospective analysis of data collected at initial clinical assessments from a specialized gambling counseling centre in Hong Kong. Participants were gamblers (N = 3,686) who sought treatment at the centre between 2003 and 2012. Information about socio-gambling demographics, physical and mental health status, current presenting problems, self-rated South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS, Chinese version), and occurrence of SI or FSI were examined. Descriptive analysis and ordinal regression analysis were used to investigate the characteristics of the gamblers and the association of variables. RESULTS In our sample, 720 (20.0%) individuals reported SI, and 22 (0.6%) individuals reported FSI at the initial assessment. Individuals with SI and FSI differed from the nonsuicidal individuals in terms of their demographics, gambling experiences and severity, mental and physical wellbeing, and types of gambling-related problems. The adjusted ordinal regression model shows that participating in table games in casinos and having familial and financial problems seem to enhance the likelihood of having SI and FSI. CONCLUSION While mental health issues are significantly related to SI and FSI among gambling treatment seekers, the impacts of physical, family, and financial strains should not be underestimated.
Cinacalcet lowers serum alkaline phosphatase in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Studies suggest an association between elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) and increased mortality in hemodialysis patients, but the effect of existing therapies on AP is not fully understood. We assessed the effects of cinacalcet on AP in a secondary analysis of controlled trial data. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This was a post hoc analysis of data from three 26-wk randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials and a 26-wk double-blind, placebo-controlled extension trial that investigated cinacalcet in secondary hyperparathyroidism treatment in dialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients (n = 890) with intact parathyroid hormone >or=300 pg/ml and serum calcium >or=8.4 mg/dl received cinacalcet plus standard therapy or standard therapy alone for up to 52 wk. Total, not bone-specific, AP was assessed (proportion of cinacalcet/control subjects achieving a >or=20% or any AP reduction from baseline; the proportion of subjects with AP >or=120 U/L) at baseline; the end of titration; and study weeks 26, 42, and 52. RESULTS At 52 wk, a greater proportion of cinacalcet-treated patients had either a >or=20% (39 versus 18%) or any (58 versus 36%) AP reduction compared with control subjects, respectively. The likelihood of achieving either a >or=20% or any AP reduction (determined by relative proportion) was 2.33 (95% confidence interval 1.50 to 3.61) and 1.74 (95% confidence interval 1.31 to 2.31), respectively, at week 52. Cinacalcet treatment tended toward a decreased percentage of patients with AP >or=120 U/L (baseline, 42.6%; week 52, 30.6%) compared with control (35.0 to 48.6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In this combined analysis of controlled trials of patients who were receiving hemodialysis, cinacalcet lowered total serum AP.
Clinicopathological review of schistosomal appendicitis in south western Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal schistosomiasis may involve the appendix and there is no specific clinical picture associated with the same. METHODS The clinical records and histopathological slides of all patients diagnosed with schistosomal appendicitis between January 1989 and December 2006 in Ile-Ife, south west Nigeria, were reviewed. RESULT Of 956 patients who had appendectomy at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital within the study period, 22 (2.3%) had histopathological diagnosis of schistosomal appendicitis. Eighteen (81.8%) were male whilst 4 (18.2%) were female. Their ages ranged between 15 and 63 years with a mean of 28.2 (+/- 5.6) years. The mean duration of right lower quadrant abdominal pain was 4.2 years. Appendiceal and periappendiceal adhesions were noted intraoperatively in 17 (77.3%) and the appendix was adjudged grossly inflamed in 9 (40.9%) patients. Submucosal fibrosis and eosinophilia were the common histopathological findings aside from submucosal oviposition. All patients received antischistosomal drugs and one patient developed adhesive intestinal obstruction 9 months after surgery. CONCLUSION Schistosomal appendicitis may present acutely but diagnosis is only reliably made at histopathological examination. Adequate follow-up is however required to ascertain long-term outcome.
Vascular Architecture of Degenerated Retina in WBN/Kob Rats: Corrosion Cast and Electron Microscopic Study

The purpose of the present study is to determine the changes of vascular architecture in the degenerated retina. We used mainly corrosion casts of the retinal vasculature and scanning electron microscopy to obtain a wide three-dimensional view. WBN/Kob rats (a spontaneously diabetic strain) were used because their outer retinas degenerate and become very thin with age. In 15-month-old rats, localized constriction and irregular caliber of the capillaries were evident in the vascular casts. Two layers of capillary network in the retina were maintained, but the capillaries were decreased in number. Numerous loop formations were present in the superficial capillary networks. Neither microaneurysms nor arteriovenous shunts were seen in young and old rats. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that capillary pericytes in the inner and outer plexiform layers had thickened basement membranes and that endothelial cells had many vesicles in their cytoplasm. Thus the retinal capillary changes in WBN/Kob rats are nondiabetic but due to hereditary retinal degeneration, although the systemic and pancreatic abnormalities in this rat strain are diabetic. Even when the retina becomes very thin, two layer capillary networks remain.
Noninvasive Estimation of Infarct Size in a Mouse Model of Myocardial Infarction by Echocardiographic Coronary Perfusion

Animal models of myocardial infarction (MI) are widely used not only in analyses of the mechanisms but also in testing the efficacy of therapeutic strategies for the disease. It is therefore critically important but almost impossible to exactly evaluate the validity of coronary artery ligation in a mouse model of MI except by anatomic and histologic analyses. We explored a noninvasive method to estimate MI through analyses of coronary perfusion by transthoracic echocardiography in mice before and 1 day after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.
The Role of Behavioral Economics and Social Nudges in Sustainable Travel Behavior

Abstract Individual and household transportation decisions have traditionally been framed as rational choices based on time and cost. A growing body of work now recognizes that while transportation choices may be tied to these rational factors, they also are shaped by social/cultural norms, previous experiences, habit, and situational dynamics. This chapter explores the literature on travel, behavioral economics, mode substitution behavior and financial versus social “nudges. ” It discusses the results from two behavioral experiments that indicate that social norms, attitudes, and perceptions can have significant effects on travel preferences and choices and at least in some cases may be more important than monetary incentives or “hard” data. The findings, while based on stated preferences rather than observed behavior, suggest that program designs could be more effective if they account for attitudes and perceptions of the target populations.
Augmentation of mouse natural killer cell activity by interferon and interferon inducers.

Interferon (IF), in addition to its anti-viral capacity, is increasingly being found to be a regulator of cell division, cell surface antigens, and cell function. To determine whether IF also plays a role in the regulation of natural killer (NK) cell activity in mice, the in vivo and in vitro effects of IF and IF inducers on NK activity were studied. We observed that pyran, lipopolysaccharide, and polyinosinicopolycytidylic acid (poly I:C) as well as crude and purified IF preparations significantly elevated splenic NK levels in normal mice within 3 to 24 hr of i.p. administration. Normal spleen cells treated with poly I:C or IF in vitro also had augmented NK activity. Poly I:C and IF were themselves not cytotoxic and their presence was not required during the lytic process, indicating that IF acts on lymphocytes to activate NK function. The addition of anti-IF in the incubation medium completely blocked the boosting of NK activity by poly I:C or IF. The characteristics of the effector cells activated by IF were consistent with those of NK cells rather than macrophages, since the boosted effector cells were not retained by a rayon column or removed by carbonyl iron. Moreover, they were resistant to treatment with anti-Thy 1.2 serum plus complement, which eliminated mature T cells.
Thrombocytopenia: an update

Thrombocytopenia is a common clinical problem with numerous potential causes including decreased bone marrow platelet production, increased peripheral platelet destruction, increased splenic sequestration, and dilution. Investigation of the etiology of thrombocytopenia requires careful consideration of clinical history and laboratory features. A complete blood count and peripheral smear review are essential components of the diagnostic work‐up, and physicians should be knowledgeable about appropriate selection and interpretation of more specialized tests, including bone marrow examination, to assist with diagnosis. This review article aims to summarize and address appropriate work‐up of the major and/or life‐threatening causes of thrombocytopenia and some of the better‐characterized congenital thrombocytopenias.
Identification of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-activated Gene (NAG-1) as a Novel Downstream Target of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT/GSK-3β Pathway*

The signaling pathway of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, which is involved in cell survival, proliferation, and growth, has become a major focus in targeting cancer therapeutics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) was previously identified as a gene induced by several anti-tumorigenic compounds including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ligands, and dietary compounds. NAG-1 has been shown to exhibit anti-tumorigenic and/or pro-apoptotic activities in vivo and in vitro. In this report, we showed a PI3K/AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway regulates NAG-1 expression in human colorectal cancer cells as assessed by the inhibition of PI3K, AKT, and GSK-3β. PI3K inhibition by LY294002 showed an increase in NAG-1 protein and mRNA expression, and 1l-6-hydroxymethyl-chiro-inositol 2(R)-2-O-methyl-3-O-octadecylcarbonate (AKT inhibitor) also induced NAG-1 expression. LY294002 caused increased apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell growth arrest in HCT-116 cells. Inhibition of GSK-3β, which is negatively regulated by AKT, using AR-A014418 and lithium chloride completely abolished LY294002-induced NAG-1 expression as well as the NAG-1 promoter activity. Furthermore, the down-regulation of GSK-3 gene using small interference RNA resulted in a decline of the NAG-1 expression in the presence of LY294002. These data suggest that expression of NAG-1 is regulated by PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway in HCT-116 cells and may provide a further understanding of the important role of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway in tumorigenesis.
Proteomic characterization of a pilR regulatory mutant of Azoarcus sp. strain BH72 with the aid of gel‐based and gel‐free approaches

The proteome of the grass endophyte Azoarcus sp. strain BH72 was analyzed by a combination of gel‐based methods by means of 2‐DE and MS and a gel‐free approach via LC‐MS/MS. Among the identified 785 proteins, synthesis of around 100 conserved hypothetical proteins could be confirmed. Membrane proteins were detected at a higher rate in the gel‐free than in the gel‐based approach. The abundance of proteins in the constructed proteome reference map was analyzed and the 30 most abundant proteins were determined. The reference map was then used as a starting point to characterize the regulon under control of the response regulator PilR. PilR is part of the two‐component regulatory system PilSR controlling type IV pilin gene (pilAB) expression in strain BH72, which was strongly decreased (19.7‐fold) in the pilR‐mutant. Changes of protein composition in the wild type and the regulatory mutant were compared by the gel‐based and gel‐free analyses. Proteins responsible for amino acid and energy metabolism, chaperones as well as proteins that are involved in iron metabolism and iron storage were present in a pilR‐mutant at different levels than in the wild‐type strain. Levels of the transcriptional regulator Flp were also dependent on PilR, indicating that PilR might be part of a hierarchical regulatory cascade.
How users organize electronic files on their workstations in the office environment: a preliminary study of personal information organization behaviour

Introduction. We report an ongoing study of how people organize their computer files/folders on the hard disk of their office workstations, and discuss the questions being investigated as well as the results of a small survey with twelve subjects. Method. A questionnaire was used to collect information on the subjects, their work responsibilities and characteristics of their workstations. Data on file and folder names and file structure were extracted from the hard disk using a computer program STG FolderPrint Plus, DOS command and screen capture. A semi-structured interview collected information on subjects' strategies in naming and organizing files and folders, and in locating and retrieving files. Analysis. The data were analysed mainly through qualitative analysis and content analysis. Results. The subjects organized their folders in a variety of structures, from broad and shallow to narrow and deep hierarchies. One to three levels of folders is common. The labels for first level folders tended to be task-based or project-based. Most subjects located files by browsing the folder structure, with searching used as a last resort. The most common types of folder names were document type, organizational function/structure, and miscellaneous/temporary. The frequency of folders of different types appear related to the type of occupation.
Fat mass obesity-associated (FTO) (rs9939609) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) (rs17782313) SNP are positively associated with obesity and blood pressure in Mexican school-aged children

Abstract Childhood overweight and obesity are worldwide public health problems and risk factors for chronic diseases. The presence of SNP in several genes has been associated with the presence of obesity. A total of 580 children (8–13 years old) from Queretaro, Mexico, participated in this cross-sectional study, which evaluated the associations of rs9939609 (fat mass obesity-associated (FTO)), rs17782313 (melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R)) and rs6548238 (transmembrane protein 18 (TMEM18)) SNP with obesity and metabolic risk factors. Overweight and obesity prevalence was 19·8 and 19·1 %, respectively. FTO, MC4R and TMEM18 risk allele frequency was 17, 9·8 and 89·5 %, respectively. A significant association between FTO homozygous and MC4R heterozygous risk alleles and obesity was found (OR 3·9; 95 % CI 1·46, 10·22, and OR 2·1; 95 % CI 1·22, 3·71; respectively). The FTO heterozygous subjects showed higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, compared with the homozygous for the ancestral allele subjects. These results remain significant after considering adiposity as a covariate. The FTO and MC4R genotypes were not significantly associated with total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and insulin concentration. No association was found between TMEM18 risk allele and obesity and/or metabolic alterations. Our results show that, in addition to a higher BMI, there is also an association of the risk genotype with blood pressure in the presence of the FTO risk genotype. The possible presence of a risk genotype in obese children must be considered to offer a more comprehensive therapeutic approach in order to delay and/or prevent the development of chronic diseases.
Clinical prognostic significance of tumour angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND The importance of tumour angiogenesis in the process of tumour growth and metastasis has recently gained wide acceptance. This has lead to intense investigation into the biology of tumour angiogenesis and its clinical significance. An understanding of angiogenesis may allow therapeutic modulation in order to interrupt the progression from tumourigenesis to metastatic disease and control growth of distant metastases. DESIGN A review was undertaken of studies relating clinical outcome to the assessment of tumour angiogenesis in patients with cancer. RESULTS Studies have been recently reported in a variety of tumours, particularly early breast cancer and melanoma. Quantitative pathology, using microvessel counting, has been the main method applied. However assessment of angiogenic growth factors may provide an alternative. In early breast cancer many studies have shown a worse prognosis for those patients with highly vascular tumours. The prognostic influence of tumour angiogenesis is independent of conventional prognostic indicators. Similar, although more varied results, have been obtained in studies of melanoma and other tumour types. CONCLUSION Tumour angiogenesis, as assessed with quantitative pathology, is an important prognostic indicator in early breast cancer and possibly in other tumour types. Further confirmatory studies are required before this indicator is routinely used to guide treatment selection. Assessment of tumour angiogenesis will be increasingly important in the investigation of new therapies aimed at inhibiting angiogenesis or targeting tumour vasculature.