Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Medial necrosis and acute alterations in aortic distensibility following removal of the vasa vasorum of canine ascending aorta.

OBJECTIVE It is known that the outer layers of the thoracic aorta receive substantial blood flow through vasa vasorum. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that removal of vasa vasorum flow will alter the elastic properties of the ascending aorta. METHODS Distensibility of the ascending aorta was determined before and 30 min after careful removal of the periaortic fat network which contains the vasa vasorum in 10 acutely instrumented dogs (experimental group) and the results were compared with those obtained from six weight matched sham operated control dogs. Aortic distensibility was measured using the formula: distensibility = 2 x pulsatile changes in aortic diameter divided by (diastolic aortic diameter x pulse pressure). Aortic pressures were measured directly from the ascending aorta by a pressure gauge. Aortic diameters were simultaneously determined by an elastic air filled ring connected to a transducer. The efficacy of the technique for the interruption of vasa vasorum blood supply to the aortic wall was proved in six additional animals by histology of transverse blocks of aortic wall from the area of interest. Histology was performed before vasa vasorum removal in two animals, 30 min after vasa vasorum removal in another two, and 15 d after vasa vasorum removal in the remainder. RESULTS At baseline, there was no difference in the measured variables between the two groups. Aortic distensibility decreased significantly in the experimental group after vasa vasorum removal by 0.90(SEM 0.17) 10(-6). cm2.dyn-1 (p < 0.001), while it remained unchanged in the control group during the experiment. Complete removal of vasa vasorum of the ascending aorta was found in experimental group animals which were killed 30 min after operation, while ischaemic medial necrosis was observed in those killed 15 d after operation. CONCLUSIONS Vasa vasorum removal led to an acute decrease in the distensibility of the ascending aorta. Lack of blood supply to the outer part of the aortic wall is most likely to have accounted for these findings.
Mycophenolate mofetil in solid-organ transplantation

This review focuses on the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an immunosuppressive agent in solid-organ transplantation. MMF, a non-competitive inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, blocks de novo purine synthesis in T and B lymphocytes, resulting in the selective inhibition of proliferation of these cells in response to antigenic stimuli. MMF may also promote apoptosis of these cells. The immunosuppressive ability of MMF is thought to derive mainly from the inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. The other effects of MMF include suppression of antibody synthesis by B lymphocytes, inhibition of proliferation of smooth muscle cells in culture and impaired glycosylation of adhesion molecules. MMF may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects resulting from decreased activity of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase, a consequence of depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin, which leads to decreased generation of peroxynitrite, a pro-inflammatory molecule. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and principles underlying therapeutic drug monitoring of MMF are reviewed. The results of the pivotal clinical trials of MMF in kidney and heart transplantation are discussed and a summary of the major studies demonstrating a positive effect of MMF on renal transplantation outcomes is presented. The use of MMF in the context of ABO-incompatible renal transplantation, renal transplantation in highly sensitised and cross-match positive recipients, humoral rejection of renal allografts, chronic allograft nephropathy and steroid/calcineurin inhibitor minimisation in renal transplantation are also discussed.
Bactericidal Effects of Toluidine Blue-Mediated Photodynamic Action on Vibrio vulnificus

ABSTRACT Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative, highly invasive bacterium responsible for human opportunistic infections. We studied the antibacterial effects of toluidine blue O (TBO)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) for V. vulnificus wound infections in mice. Fifty-three percent (10 of 19) of mice treated with 100 μg of TBO per ml and exposed to broad-spectrum red light (150 J/cm2 at 80 mW/cm2) survived, even though systemic septicemia had been established with a bacterial inoculum 100 times the 50% lethal dose. In vitro, the bacteria were killed after exposure to a lower light dose (100 J/cm2 at 80 mW/cm2) in the presence of low-dose TBO (0.1 μg/ml). PDT severely damaged the cell wall and reduced cell motility and virulence. Cell-killing effects were dependent on the TBO concentration and light doses and were mediated partly through the reactive oxygen species generated during the photodynamic reaction. Our study has demonstrated that PDT can cure mice with otherwise fatal V. vulnificus wound infections. These promising results suggest the potential of this regimen as a possible alternative to antibiotics in future clinical applications.
Validation of companion diagnostic for detection of mutations in codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: analysis of the NCIC CTG CO.17 trial.

CONTEXT The therascreen KRAS RGQ polymerase chain reaction kit is being developed as a companion diagnostic to aid clinicians, through detection of KRAS mutations, in the identification of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who are more likely to benefit from cetuximab. OBJECTIVES To assess whether KRAS mutation status, determined by using the therascreen KRAS kit, is a predictive marker of cetuximab efficacy. DESIGN Tissue samples were obtained from patients with mCRC treated on the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG) CO.17 phase 3 study of cetuximab plus best supportive care (BSC) versus BSC alone. Tumor DNA samples were assessed for the presence of KRAS mutations by using the therascreen KRAS kit. Efficacy and safety were assessed to determine whether mutation status was predictive of outcomes. Results. -Evaluable samples were available from 453 patients (79.2%) enrolled in the NCIC CTG CO.17 trial. The KRAS wild-type subset represented 54.1% (245 of 453) of the evaluated population. Median overall survival of patients with KRAS wild-type tumors was 8.6 months among those who received cetuximab plus BSC and 5.0 months among patients who received BSC alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; P = .002). Among patients with KRAS mutant mCRC, no meaningful difference in overall survival was observed between arms (HR, 0.91; P = .55). These results are consistent with a previous report that analyzed patient tumor samples by using bidirectional sequencing. CONCLUSIONS These data support the utility of the therascreen KRAS kit as a means of selecting patients who may benefit from cetuximab therapy.
Basaloid squamous carcinoma of esophagus:a clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study of sixteen cases.

AIM:To further clarify the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic features, and prognostic aspect of basaloid squamous carcinoma (BSC), a rare esophageal carcinoma.METHODS:We reviewed 763 documented cases of esophageal malignancies from year (1977-1996) from our hospital, and discovered 16 (2.1%) cases of BSC. The clinicopathological features of these cases were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry (S-P method), histochemical stains, and electron microscopy were used to further characterize the neoplasm.RESULTS:The tumors were classified into stages I(n =1), II A (n =6), II B(n =2), II (n =5), and IV(n =2) according to the criteria of the UICC TNM classification system of malignant tumors (1987). Most neoplasms were located in the mid third of the esophagus. Grossly, they had a similar appearance of conventional esophageal carcinoma, but showed a typical cytoarchitectural pattern of BSC histologically. The most important histologic feature of this tumor is carcinoma with a basaloid pattern, intimately associated with squamous cell carcinoma, dysplasia, or focal squamous differentiation. The basaloid cells were round to oval in shape with scant cytoplasm, arranged mainly in the form of solid, smooth-contoured lobules with peripheral palisading.A panel of immunostains were used for the basaloid component of the tumor with the following results:CK(Pan) 14/16(+); EMA 16/16 (+); Vimentin 4/16 (+); S-100 protein 7/16 (+). CEA and smooth muscle actin were negative. Electron microscopy (EM) revealed that the basaloid cells were poorly differentiated, with a few desmosomes and fibrils, and numerous free and polyribosome. Of the 11 patients with adequate follow-up 8 died within 2 years, with an average survival time of 16.2 months.No stage II,III or IV cases survived beyond 5 years. The one-year survival rate was 60% and two-year 20%. CONCLUSION:The BSC of esophagus is a distinct clinicopathological entity with poor prognosis. The cellular differentiation and biologic behavior of esophageal BSC were assumed to occupy a station intermediate between that of conventional squamous cell carcinoma and small undifferentiated cell carcinoma.
Being a pedestrian with dementia: A qualitative study using photo documentation and focus group interviews

The aim of the study was to identify problematic situations in using zebra crossings. They were identified from photo documentations comprising film sequences and the perspectives of people with dementia. The aim was also to identify how they would understand, interpret and act in these problematic situations based on their previous experiences and linked to the film sequences. A qualitative grounded theory approach was used. Film sequences from five zebra crossings were analysed. The same film sequences were used as triggers in two focus group interviews with persons with dementia. Individual interviews with three informants were also performed. The core category, the hazard of meeting unfolding problematic traffic situations when only one layer at a time can be kept in focus, showed how a problematic situation as a whole consisted of different layers of problematic situations. The first category, adding layers of problematic traffic situations to each other, was characterized by the informants’ creation of a problematic situation as a whole. The different layers were described in the subcategories of layout of streets and zebra crossings, weather conditions, vehicles and crowding of pedestrians. The second category, actions used to meet different layers of problematic traffic situations, was characterized by avoiding problematic situations, using traffic lights as reminders and security precautions, following the flow at the zebra crossing and being cautious pedestrians. In conclusion, as community-dwelling people with dementia commonly are pedestrians, it is important that health care professionals and caregivers take their experiences and management of problematic traffic situations into account when providing support.
The Cell Biology of Cytomegalovirus: Implications for Transplantation

Interpretation of clinical data regarding the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on allograft function is complicated by the diversity of viral strains and substantial variability of cellular receptors and viral gene expression in different tissues. Variation also exists in nonspecific (monocytes and dendritic cells) and specific (NK cells, antibodies) responses that augment T cell antiviral activities. Innate immune signaling pathways and expanded pools of memory NK cells and γδ T cells also serve to amplify host responses to infection. The clinical impact of specific memory T cell anti‐CMV responses that cross‐react with graft antigens and alloantigens is uncertain but appears to contribute to graft injury and to the abrogation of allograft tolerance. These responses are modified by diverse immunosuppressive regimens and by underlying host immune deficits. The impact of CMV infection on the transplant recipient reflects cellular changes and corresponding host responses, the convergence of which has been termed the “indirect effects” of CMV infection. Future studies will clarify interactions between CMV infection and allograft injury and will guide interventions that may enhance clinical outcomes in transplantation.
The Slippery Slope Framework: Extending the Analysis by Investigating Factors Affecting Trust and Power

Many empirical studies have been conducted to test the Slippery Slope Framework (SSF) assumptions. Yet, only a few studies focus their attention on tax compliance factors associated with trust and power. Therefore, this study is dedicated to fully exploring these factors. The results show that most factors had a significant influence on trust and power. The results also confirm that trust leads to voluntary compliance and voluntary compliance in turn positively affects overall tax compliance. However, the study fails to find evidence of the relationship of power with enforced compliance, although enforced compliance is found to negatively affect overall tax compliance.
Effect of CYP2D6*10 and APOE Polymorphisms on the Efficacy of Donepezil in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CYP2D6*10 and APOE polymorphisms on both steady-state plasma concentrations (Cp) and clinical response of donepezil in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods:A total of 110 Chinese AD patients participated in this study. Patients were treated with 5 to 10 mg of donepezil daily for 6 months. The genotypes of CYP2D6*10 and APOE were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. The steady-state Cp of donepezil was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric assay method. The cognition of patients was evaluated at baseline and at 6-month follow-up by Mini-Mental Status Examination and Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale. Results:At 6-month follow-up, 56 of 96 patients (58.3%) were evaluated as responders and 40 patients (41.7%) as nonresponders to donepezil treatment. A significantly higher frequency of patients with genotypes CYP2D6*1/*10 and *10/*10 were found in responders than in nonresponders (P < 0.05). Besides, patients with CYP2D6*1/*10 and *10/*10 genotypes had higher Cp of donepezil and improved cognition scores than those with CYP2D6*1/*1 genotype (P < 0.05). However, the frequency of APOE [Latin Small Letter Open E]4 carriers and noncarriers showed no difference between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions:AD patients with mutant allele (*10) in CYP2D6 gene may respond better to donepezil than those with wild allele (*1). We did not find the relationship between APOE [Latin Small Letter Open E]4 status and the efficacy of donepezil in our study.
Does physiologic response to loud tones change following cognitive-behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder?

This study examined responses to loud tones before and after cognitive-behavioral treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seventy-four women in a PTSD treatment outcome study for rape-related (n = 54) or physical assault-related PTSD (n = 20) were assessed in an auditory loud tone paradigm. Assessments were conducted before and after a 6-week period of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Physiologic responses to loud tones included heart rate (HR), skin conductance (SC), and eye-blink electromyogram (EMG). Groups were formed based upon treatment outcome and included a treatment responder group (no PTSD at posttreatment) and a nonresponder group (PTSD-positive at posttreatment). Treatment was successful for 53 of 74 women (72%) and unsuccessful for 21 women (28%). Responders and nonresponders were not significantly different from each other at pretreatment on the main outcome variables. Treatment responders showed a significant reduction in loud tone-related EMG, HR, and SC responses from pre- to posttreatment (partial η(2) = . 24, . 31, and . 36, respectively; all p < . 001) and the EMG and HR responses were significantly smaller than nonresponders at posttreatment (partial η(2) = . 11, p = . 004 and . 19, p < . 001, respectively). Successful cognitive-behavioral treatment of PTSD is associated with a quantifiable reduction in physiological responding to loud tones.
Effect of cold exposure on energy balance and liver respiratory capacity in post-weaning rats fed a high-fat diet

Variations in energy balance, body composition, and nutrient partitioning induced by high-fat feeding, cold exposure or by concomitant high-fat feeding and cold exposure were studied in young Wistar rats. Changes in hepatic metabolism as well as in serum free triiodothyronine and leptin levels were also evaluated. Rats were exposed to either 24 or 4°C and fed either a low- or high-fat diet (10 % or 50 % energy respectively) for 2 weeks. Relative to low-fat feeding at 24°C, both energy intake and expenditure were increased by high-fat feeding or by cold exposure, and these changes were accompanied by increased serum triiodothyronine levels. In response to concomitant high-fat feeding and cold exposure, serum triiodothyronine tended to be further elevated, but no further increases in energy intake or energy expenditure were observed. Independently of diet, the increased energy expenditure in cold-exposed rats was not completely balanced by adaptive hyperphagia, with consequential reductions in protein and fat gain, accompanied by marked decreases in serum leptin. Furthermore, unlike high-fat feeding at 24°C, cold exposure enhanced hepatic mitochondrial oxidative capacity both in the low-fat- and high-fat-fed groups. It is concluded that in this strain of young Wistar rats, despite similarly marked stimulation of energy expenditure by high-fat feeding at 24°C, by cold exposure and by concomitant high-fat feeding and cold exposure, an increased hepatic oxidative capacity occurred only in the presence of the cold stimulus.
Econometric Analysis of the Effect of Economic Globalization, Energy Intensity, Urbanization, Industrialization and Growth on CO2 Emissions of Bangladesh

This paper examines the effect of economic globalization, energy intensity, urbanization, industrialization and growth on per capita CO2 emissions of Bangladesh employing techniques of Johansen co-integration, Vector Error-Correction Models (VECM) and VEC Granger Causality Tests. To analyse the impacts of innovations in all variables on CO2 emissions, this study additionally employs variance decomposition (VDC) for robust findings. The result of long run and causality test postulates that growth stimulates energy consumption and consequently causes CO2 emissions. VDC result posits that in the long run, energy intensity, urbanization, industrialization and growth contribute more than 60% of the CO2 emission in Bangladesh. On the other hand, effect of economic globalization becomes stronger in the long run but in explaining fluctuations in CO2 emissions it contributes only 9%. To avoid adverse effect of growth implementations of energy conservation policies are needed.
Lead exposure, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia: A systematic review of cause and effect

The association between lead and hypertension in adults was first identified in the early 1980’s and it has since been proposed that lead may also have a role in gestational hypertension (GH). This systematic review investigates whether lead may be associated with the development of GH or pre-eclampsia. MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2011, using the terms: blood lead levels, pregnancy, pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. Nine papers were found. Positive associations between lead and GH or pre-eclampsia were found in six studies. The development of GH or pre-eclampsia may serve as a signal to assess blood lead concentrations in pregnant women, as even low lead concentrations have been shown to negatively impact the neurodevelopment and cognitive abilities of children. Adequate calcium intake throughout the pregnancy and lactation period may assist with reducing lead exposure levels.
Investigation of DC arc in hydrogen and air

With the increased power capacity of more/all electric aircraft, the current was up to hundreds of amperes and the supply voltage increased. Large interrupting capacity, compact size and light weight are the requirements of aviation switch in the future. According to hydrogen has its own advantage of light weight, high speed of molecular motion, high thermal coefficient, and strong deionization effect, which is helpful for extinguishing DC arc. In order to confirm this, in this paper, hydrogen is used for arc-quenching medium, and the current interruption experiments were carried out in prototype hydrogen and air switches. The experiment was performed on double contact structure which materials were Cu, with a contact diameter of 11mm and a contact gap of 1.5mm, and a DC circuit was established. To find out the relationship between the arc in hydrogen and air, the arc characteristics of hydrogen/air DC arc were investigated at different current, such as 50A~1.8KA etc. and also the cut-off time. Furthermore, phase transition of DC arc and the characteristics of arcing were researched. At last, the experimental results were analyzed; it was shown that the hydrogen arc has short arc duration, high electric potential gradient and high interruption capacity.
Citizenship in a multi-faith society: a case study of Indonesia

This thesis examines religious citizenship practices in Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The conceptualization and practices of citizenship in the two cities have been derived from multiple sources including culture, religion and the constitution that have impacted the way people practice citizenship. The findings pointed to urgently call for further normative as well as policy consideration to craft a more democratic and inclusive citizenship in Indonesia.
Blood Sugar Control Reverses the Increase in Urinary Excretion of Prostaglandin D Synthase in Diabetic Patients

Background/Aims: We investigated basal levels of serum and urinary lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase/β-trace (L-PGDS) in type-2 diabetic patients and explored whether glycemic control affects L-PGDS status in another 55 diabetic inpatients with normoalbuminuria. Methods: Fifty-five type-2 diabetic outpatients (HbA1c, 9.14 ± 0.20%; creatinine (Cr), 85.1 ± 2.4 µmol/l), and 55 age-matched healthy control subjects were recruited. Serum and urinary levels of L-PGDS were determined with respect to the stage of diabetic nephropathy. The L-PGDS was localized by immunohistochemistry. Results: The urinary L-PGDS index increased in diabetic patients, compared with the controls (234.8 ± 27.4 vs. 73.8 ± 7.8 µg/mmol Cr, p < 0.001). Even in normoalbuminuric patients as well as in microalbuminuric patients, urinary L-PGDS indexes were higher than the controls (166.0 ± 21.1, p < 0.0001 and 338.6 ± 62.5 µg/mmol Cr, p < 0.0001, respectively), although the serum L-PGDS level was equal to that in the control subjects. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the urinary L-PGDS index was predicted solely by glucose levels and type-IV collagen index, whereas the serum L-PGDS was determined mainly by age and serum Cr. Glycemic control reduced the urinary L-PGDS index towards the normal range in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (172.3 ± 6.6 vs. 118.1 ± 2.6 (SE) µg/mmol Cr, p < 0.0001). Immunohistochemistry showed that L-PGDS was uniquely present in the renal tubules in diabetes while in nondiabetics, L-PGDS occurred solely in the peritubular interstitium, not in the tubular cells. Conclusion: Inadequate glycemic control is responsible for urinary L-PGDS excretion in the diabetic patients. Urinary L-PGDS is useful to predict subclinical renal injury associated with type-2 diabetes.