Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs of rats with obstructive jaundice and its mechanism.

AIM To observe the protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs (lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) of rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ) and its mechanism. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model control group and Radix Astragali treatment group. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after operation, mortality rate of rats, pathological changes in immune organs, expression levels of Bax and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB p65 proteins, apoptosis indexes and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha level in spleen and thymus were observed, respectively. RESULTS Compared to model control group, the number of dead OJ rats in Radix Astragali treatment group decreased (P > 0.05). The TNF-alpha level (27.62 +/- 12.61 vs 29.55 +/- 18.02, 24.61 +/- 9.09 vs 31.52 +/- 10.95) on days 7 and 21, the pathological severity score for spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (2.0) on days 7 and 14 and for lymph nodes [0.0 (1.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 1.0 (0.0) vs 2.0 (1.0)] on days 21 and 28, the product staining intensity and positive rate of Bax protein in spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5) and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5)] on days 14 and 28, the apoptotic indexes [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01)] in spleen and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01) on days 14 and 21 were significantly lower in Radix Astragali treatment group than in model control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Radix Astragali has protective effects on immune organs of OJ rats by relieving the pathological changes in immune organs, reducing TNF-alpha level and inhibiting Bax expression and apoptosis in spleen and thymus.
Violence and Vulnerability of Female Migrants in Drop Houses in Arizona

This qualitative research study examines the experiences of immigrant women crossing the U.S./Mexico border and the proliferation of “drop houses” in Arizona as a new phenomenon, one that is often marked by kidnappings and sexual assault. Little research has been published on the violence women face on their journey, and the drop houses have almost completely escaped scholarly analysis. We argue that the drop houses must be seen as a consequence of a “state of emergency” declared by policy makers that led to changes in U.S. national and local immigration policies that fueled what we call a “chain reaction of violence. ”
Early genetic changes during upper aerodigestive tract tumorigenesis

Upper aerodigestive tract tumorigenesis has been hypothesized to represent a field cancerization process with multistep events based on its association with known carcinogens, its frequent associated premalignant lesions, and its multifocal clinical manifestation. To further explore this working hypothesis, we have examined normal tissue and premalignant lesions in the field of tumors for evidence of genetic change. Paraffin sections of head and neck tumors harboring neighboring premalignant lesions were explored for the presence of chromosome polysomies using in situ hybridization and chromosome‐specific centromeric probes. Cell exhibiting random polysomy were observed in the premalignant regions near the tumors. The frequency of polysomy in the tumor field increased as the tissue progressed from normal morphology (33%), to hyperplasia (67%), to dysplasia (95%), and to squamous cell carcinoma (96%). These results support the notions of field cancerization and multistep tumorigenesis in the aerodigestive tract. To determine whether the degree of accumulated genetic alterations might serve as a biomarker for risk of developing malignancy, a set of biopsies of oral premalignant lesions (leukoplakia, erythroplakia) were retrospectively chosen for polysomy analysis from two groups of individuals: one group who subsequently developed oral cancer and one group who did not develop oral cancer. Three of the five individuals who showed significant chromosome polysomies in their biopsies subsequently developed oral cancer, whereas only one of eight individuals with little evidence of polysomy subsequently progressed to oral cancer. These results suggest that evidence of generalized genetic change or instability might be useful as a genetic biomarker for risk assessment.
From pathogen to medicine: HIV‐1‐derived lentiviral vectors as vehicles for dendritic cell based cancer immunotherapy

Over the years, the unique capacity of dendritic cells (DC) for efficient activation of naive T cells has led to their extensive use in cancer immunotherapy protocols. In order to be able to fulfil their role as antigen‐presenting cells, the antigen of interest needs to be efficiently introduced and subsequently correctly processed and presented by the DC. For this purpose, a variety of both viral and non‐viral antigen‐delivery systems have been evaluated. Amongst those, HIV‐1‐derived lentiviral vectors have been used successfully to transduce DC.
The histology of grey lung virus lesions in mice and cotton-rats.

THE biological and physical characters of grey lung virus, a pneumotropic agent affecting mice, were briefly described by Andrewes and Glover (1945), and some account was given of the histopathology of the lesions in mouse lung. The virus has most unusual properties in that both it and the lesions it produces persist apparently indefinitely in infected animals.
Fractal Loop Inductors

We report a significant fractal-scaled increase in inductance for conductive pathways oriented in a fractal loop-based layout for a suite of planar inductors, which effectively occupy the same layout space and require only a single fabrication layer. These are closely predicted using a fractal scaling model for generalized loop-based inductors elucidated in this paper. Single-layer planar fractal structures were investigated with the loop inductor serving as the base construct. Thin sub-200 nm Cr/Au metal films compatible with flexible and stretchable substrates were used. It was found that while higher fractal orders did improve the inductive performance (over nine times from zeroth to third order), it is met with increased resistance. However, when compared with its equivalent series orientation, the effective sheet resistance of the simple fractal strategy demonstrated a clear advantage of up to four times. When the inductor is normalized for thickness, a quality factor Q greater than 40 is observed for all structures. Finally, the inductance quality gain figure of merit showing the optimal geometrical approach is introduced to quantify the quality of the structure's inductance over its resistance.
Protein Targeting to Glycogen Overexpression Results in the Specific Enhancement of Glycogen Storage in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes*

Protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) plays an important role in the regulation of glycogen synthesis by insulin. Protein targeting to glycogen (PTG) enhances glycogen accumulation by increasing PP1 activity against glycogen-metabolizing enzymes. However, the specificity of PTG's effects on cellular dephosphorylation and glucose metabolism is unclear. Overexpression of PTG in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using a doxycycline-controllable adenoviral construct resulted in a 10–20-fold increase in PTG levels and an 8-fold increase in glycogen levels. Inclusion of 1 μg/ml doxycycline in the media suppressed PTG expression, and fully reversed all PTG-dependent effects. Infection of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with the PTG adenovirus caused a marked dephosphorylation and activation of glycogen synthase. The effects of PTG seemed specific, because basal and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of a variety of signaling proteins was unaffected. Indeed, glycogen synthase was the predominant protein whose phosphorylation state was decreased in 32P-labeled cells. PTG overexpression did not alter PP1 protein levels but increased PP1 activity 6-fold against phosphorylase in vitro. In contrast, there was no change in PP1 activity measured using myelin basic protein, suggesting that PTG overexpression specifically directed PP1 activity against glycogen-metabolizing enzymes. To investigate the metabolic consequences of altering PTG levels, glucose uptake and storage in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was measured. PTG overexpression did not affect 2-deoxy-glucose transport rates in basal and insulin-stimulated cells but dramatically enhanced glycogen synthesis rates under both conditions. Despite the large increases in cellular glucose flux upon PTG overexpression, basal and insulin-stimulated glucose incorporation into lipid were unchanged. Cumulatively, these data indicate that PTG overexpression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes discretely stimulates PP1 activity against glycogen synthase and phosphorylase, resulting in a marked and specific increase in glucose uptake and storage as glycogen.
Firearm-Related Laws in All 50 US States, 1991-2016

Objectives To describe a new database containing detailed annual information on firearm-related laws in place in each of the 50 US states from 1991 to 2016 and to summarize key trends in firearm-related laws during this time period. Methods Using Thomson Reuters Westlaw data to access historical state statutes and session laws, we developed a database indicating the presence or absence of each of 133 provisions of firearm laws in each state over the 26-year period. These provisions covered 14 aspects of state policies, including regulation of the process by which firearm transfers take place, ammunition, firearm possession, firearm storage, firearm trafficking, and liability of firearm manufacturers. Results An examination of trends in state firearm laws via this database revealed that although the number of laws nearly doubled during the study period, there was substantial heterogeneity across states, leading to a widening disparity in the number of firearm laws. Conclusions This database can help advance firearm policy research by providing 26 years of comprehensive policy data that will allow longitudinal panel study designs that minimize the limitations present in many previous studies.
THE SCALENUS MEDIUS BAND; A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF THE THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME.

1. Thirteen instances of compression of the lower trunk of the brachial plexus at the thoracic inlet are described. 2. In each case the cause of compression was an aponeurotic band passing from the seventh cervical transverse process to the first rib. 3. The symptoms, physical signs, radiological features and findings at operation are described. 4. Satisfactory results followed removal of the band. 5. The anatomical arrangements are compared with those of the "normal" thoracic outlet and with those obtaining in cases of "vascular" thoracic outlet syndrome.
Efficacy of a lipid-based barrier repair formulation in moderate-to-severe pediatric atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES The authors assessed the efficacy of a ceramide-dominant, triple-lipid barrier repair formulation (EpiCeram), which designed to correct the lipid-biochemical abnormalities in atopic dermatitis (AD) in comparison to fluticasone propionate cream. METHODS In a five-center, investigator-blinded, randomized trial, EpiCeram was compared to fluticasone (Cutivate) cream in 121 patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Primary outcome measures were: 1) reduction in disease severity, assessed as SCORAD (Severity Scoring for Atopic Dermatitis) scores; 2) improvement in pruritus; and 3) improvements in sleep habits. RESULTS EpiCeram reduced clinical disease severity, decreased pruritus and improved sleep habits both 14 and 28 days after initiation of therapy. Although the fluticasone-treated group showed significantly greater improvement at 14 days, SCORAD, pruritus and sleep habit scores for EpiCeram did not differ significantly from the fluticasone-treated group by 28 days. CONCLUSION The ceramide-dominant, physiological-lipid based formulation could represent an effective stand-alone or ancillary therapy for many pediatric patients with AD.
Apolipoproteins and Serum Lipid Profile in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is now a common disease with serious consequences in mortality and morbidity. Altered lipid profile with low HDL-C and high LDL-C and TGs has been implicated in coronary atherosclerosis. Recently it has been shown that measurement of Apoliopoproteins was superior to LDL-C and HDL-C in risk and prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction. We measured the Levels of Serum Lipids and Apoliporoteins Apo B100: Apo A-1 ratio in 32 Acute Myocardial Infarction patients and measured the values with age and sex matched controls. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 17. p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. There was increase in serum LDL-C and TGs and Low HDL-C in patients with AMI. The ratio of Apo B100/Apo A-I (>1.0) was significantly related with Acute Myocardial Infarction. Within the limitations of the present study it can be concluded that levels of Total Cholesterol, LDL-C and TGs were elevated in Myocardial Infarction The ratio of ApoB100:apoA-I was significantly correlated with the AMI in individuals. Therefore ApoB100: Apo A-I ratio may be
Externalizing Behavior Through the Lens of the Five-Factor Model: A Focus on Agreeableness and Conscientiousness

We examined relations between the Five-factor model (FFM) domains and facets of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, hypothesized behavioral manifestations of these traits (e.g., social information processing and delay discounting), and externalizing behaviors in an undergraduate sample. Agreeableness and Conscientiousness were differentially related to the externalizing behaviors and the laboratory tasks, which in turn evinced significant relations with externalizing behaviors. The personality facets displayed evidence of modest incremental validity over the broader domains and were related to the externalizing behaviors even when controlling for the social information processing and behavioral discounting variables. In general, the results support the validity of the FFM domains and facets, particularly Agreeableness, in the prediction of a variety of externalizing behaviors.
The effects of probucol on the progression of atherosclerosis in mature Watanabe heritable hyperlipidaemic rabbits

1 Probucol was administered to mature Watanabe heritable hyperlipidaemic (WHHL) rabbits (≅9 months old). Groups of WHHL rabbits were randomly selected and treated as follows: Group 1 killed at 9 months (n = 9); Group II placed on sham‐treated diet at 9 months and followed for 6 months (n = 8); Group III placed on probucol at 9 months and followed for 6 months (n = 8). Probucol was administered by mixing 1% wt/wt drug with standard laboratory diet. 2 Plasma concentrations of probucol increased to 93 ± 11 μg ml−1 in Group III during the initial 2 weeks and increased further to 149 ± 24 μg ml−1 at the end of the treatment period. 3 Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, unesterified cholesterol and phospholipids were significantly reduced overall by probucol, while triglycerides were not affected. 4 No statistically significant differences were observed in the presence of oxidized products in low density lipoproteins (LDL) isolated from plasma of controls compared to probucol‐treated rabbits. However, LDL from probucol‐treated animals was resistant to oxidation in the presence of Cu2+ (3 μm). 5 Group I had aortic atherosclerosis covering 70 ± 5% of intimal area of thoracic aortae, that increased to 91 ± 3% in Group II. This was associated with cholesterol contents of aortae increasing from 1.4 ± 0.2 μg mg−1 in Group I to 2.7 ± 0.3 μg mg−1 in Group II. Probucol administration did not produce a statistically significant reduction of atherosclerotic lesion area (78 ± 7%). However, probucol treatment reduced cholesterol content to 1.9 ± 0.3 μg mg−1 (P < 0.01). Collagen content of aortae was not affected by probucol treatment. 6 Thus, while probucol did not promote regression, the drug did retard the continued deposition of cholesterol esters into atherosclerotic lesions of mature WHHL rabbits.
Genetic effects of landscape, habitat preference and demography on three co‐occurring turtle species

Expanding the scope of landscape genetics beyond the level of single species can help to reveal how species traits influence responses to environmental change. Multispecies studies are particularly valuable in highly threatened taxa, such as turtles, in which the impacts of anthropogenic change are strongly influenced by interspecific differences in life history strategies, habitat preferences and mobility. We sampled approximately 1500 individuals of three co‐occurring turtle species across a gradient of habitat change (including varying loss of wetlands and agricultural conversion of upland habitats) in the Midwestern USA. We used genetic clustering and multiple regression methods to identify associations between genetic structure and permanent landscape features, past landscape composition and landscape change in each species. Two aquatic generalists (the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta, and the snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina) both exhibited population genetic structure consistent with isolation by distance, modulated by aquatic landscape features. Genetic divergence for the more terrestrial Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), on the other hand, was not strongly associated with geographic distance or aquatic features, and Bayesian clustering analysis indicated that many Emydoidea populations were genetically isolated. Despite long generation times, all three species exhibited associations between genetic structure and postsettlement habitat change, indicating that long generation times may not be sufficient to delay genetic drift resulting from recent habitat fragmentation. The concordances in genetic structure observed between aquatic species, as well as isolation in the endangered, long‐lived Emydoidea, reinforce the need to consider both landscape composition and demographic factors in assessing differential responses to habitat change in co‐occurring species.
Renoprotective effects of telmisartan in the 5/6 nephrectomised rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effect of telmisartan on the advanced stages of nephropathy in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx). Telmisartan was orally administered for 12 weeks to rats that previously underwent 5/6 Nx or sham operations. After completion of the administration period, the degree of renal injury was examined histopathologically using indices of glomerulosclerosis and lesions of the renal tubule and interstitium.An immunohistochemical staining for transforming growth factor—beta (TGF-β1) was also performed. The suppression of urinary protein was statistically significant in surviving animals dosed with telmisartan.The enalapril group's urinary protein was also significantly suppressed for these same parameters in surviving animals. Histopathologically, telmisartan significantly decreased the progression of glomerulosclerosis and the interstitial cell infiltration at all doses tested. As assessed by immunohistochemical staining the TGF-β1 reactivity in the glomerular tissue tended to decrease in the telmisartan group when compared to the vehicle group. Thus, the progressive Thus, telmisartan ameliorates the progressive nephropathy in the remaining kidney after 5/6 Nx by non-haemodynamic as well as antihypertensive actions of the drug. pharmacological properties of telmisartan, clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of telmisartan on diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. It has been reported that telmisartan arrested progressive renal dysfunction in hypertensive patients with early-stage diabetic nephropathy. Makino et al.8 reported the effectiveness of this drug therapy in suppressing the progression of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients with or without hypertension, without serious safety concerns. Remuzzi and Remuzzi9 reviewed the potential protective effects of telmisartan on renal function deterioration and suggested that telmisartan may effectively ameliorate renal dysfunction in patients affected by the metabolic syndrome. In addition, telmisartan also showed renoprotective effects in some animal models: spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 10 as well as the hypertensive diabetic model that combines SHR with streptozotocininduced diabetes.11 Ohmura et al.12 investigated the mechanism of the renoprotective effect of telmisartan using obese Zucker diabetic rats. Ciclosporin A-induced nephropathy in pigs was attenuated by telmisartan without any reduction of blood pressure (BP). 13 This animal data suggested that the suppressive effect on the progression of nephropathy might be due to both haemodynamic and non-haemodynamic action(s) of the drug.
1988 Volvo Award in Clinical Sciences: Facet Joint Injection in Low-Back Pain: A Prospective Statistical Study

From January 1980 through December 1984, 454 patients were evaluated with facet joint injections. All had the chief complaint of low-back pain, normal neurologic examinations and no root tension signs. Three hundred and ninety completed the protocol, which included a lumbar motion pain assessment before and after facet injection. A total of 127 variables were studied. There were 229 males and 161 females with a median age of 38. Facet joint arthrograms were performed prior to intra-articular injection of local anesthetic and cortisone. Initial mean pain relief was only 29%. Variables correlating significantly (P < 0.05) with more postinjection pain relief were older age, prior history of low-back pain, normal gait, maximum pain on extension following forward flexion in the standing position, and the absence of leg pain, muscle spasm and aggravation of pain on Valsalva. Greatest pain relief immediately after injection was seen with lumbar extension and rotation, motions reported to stress the facet joints or aggravate pain of facet joint origin. Patients with more pain on lumbar extension and rotation as a group, however, did not get more pain relief. From this study we were not able to identify clinical facet joint syndromes or predict patients responding better to this procedure. The facet joints were not commonly the single or primary source for low-back pain in the great majority (>90%) of patients studied.
Course and Prognosis in Aplastic Anaemia

The diagnosis of aplastic anaemia depends upon the demonstration of hypocellularity of the bone-marrow, and before making the diagnosis it is essential to demonstrate this by appropriate marrow aspiration, bone-biopsy, and special investigations: Even so, this diagnosis includes a number of entities which differ in behaviour and prognosis and are prob ably due to different fundamental defects. They include congenital and familial aplastic anaemias, bone-marrow injury due to ionizing radiation, and chronic acquired aplastic anaemia. In a number of instances of acquired aplastic anaemia there is an undoubted causal relation with a chemical substance, but often there is no apparent history of an aetiological agent and, conversely, it may not be possible to define the relation of the disease with a drug known to have been previously administered. It is therefore convenient to study the idiopathic and secondary groups together. During the past 12 years 60 patients with chronic acquired aplastic anaemia have been investigated at the Postgraduate Medical School. On the basis of this experience problems of diagnosis are reviewed and influences which affect prognosis are analysed. The patients came from a wide area, including a few from overseas. Those referred for consultation tended to be the more serious cases, and the series cannot therefore be regarded as an unselected one.