Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The main aim of this study was determining the risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in HIV-1-infected patients. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Patients were followed from seven large HIV reference centers in France that maintain prospective databases on HIV-1-infected patients. The main outcome was the time to CKD defined as two consecutive measures of estimated GFR ≤60 ml/min per 1.73 m² over ≥3 months. A Cox's model with delayed entry was used to search predictive factors of time to CKD. RESULTS From 1993 to 2006, 349 out of 7378 patients were found to have CKD. Of these, 166 had hypertension, 33 had diabetes, and 26 were antiretroviral therapy-naïve. Occurrence of acute kidney injury (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.40) and hypertension (HR = 2.39) were strongly associated with an increased risk of CKD. Patients with a durable level of CD4 count >200 cells/mm³ had a lower risk of CKD (HR = 0.63). Recent exposure to indinavir (HR = 2.03), totenofovir (HR = 1.55), and abacavir (HR = 1.37) were associated with an increased risk of CKD. Past exposure to tenofovir was also associated with an increased risk of CKD (HR = 2.23), and a trend toward significance was observed for past exposure to indinavir (HR = 1.28). CONCLUSIONS CKD was not rare in HIV-infected patients and occurs preferentially in HIV-infected patients exposed to certain ARVs, specifically abacavir, indinavir and tenofovir. This requires closer monitoring of renal function in patients exposed to one of these drugs.
Fiber size distribution in the flexor carpi radialis muscle of the cat

The pennate flexor carpi radialis muscle of the cat has been shown to have a compartmentalized distribution of muscle fiber types. The possibility exists that the oxidative regions of the FCR are primarily concerned with fine movements including postural adjustments, while fast‐twitch glycolytic region is used more for phasic movements. Muscle fiber diameters were measured for all three fiber types to determine if there was a compartmentalization of fiber size that might reflect differences in motor performance between the different regions of the same muscle. This study has demonstrated that the oxidative fiber types are significantly larger in the oxidative compartment when compared with the same fiber types in the glycolytic compartment and that the cross‐sectional area of the oxidative region is dominated by oxidative fibers. The glycolytic fibers are significantly larger in the glycolytic compartment when compared to those in the oxidative region of the muscle and they constitute the major fiber type in this region.
The relationship between occupational radiation exposure and thyroid nodules

Background: Considering that thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer occur more frequently in people chronically exposed to radiation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid nodules in a population occupationally exposed to radiation in hospitals of Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the prevalence of thyroid nodules in staff members occupationally exposed to radiation was determined by ultrasonography. The results were compared with the results of another study among the adult population of Isfahan which selected by cluster random sampling method. The 2 studied groups were matched according to sex and age. Results: The case and control groups included 124 and 471 persons, respectively. The prevalence of thyroid nodules in the case and control groups was 22.6% and 24.6%, respectively (p > 0.05). Although thyroid nodules were significantly more prevalent in females in the control group, no such difference was observed between females and males of the case group (p > 0.05). The number of thyroid nodules (single or multiple) and calcification were not different between the two groups (p > 0.05). In addition, hypoechogenicity of thyroid nodules was not different between the two groups for (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In our study, there was not any correlation between chronic occupational exposure to low dose of radiation and the risk of developing thyroid nodules. Further studies with larger sample sizes, at different doses of radiation, and considering iodine status and thyroid function are thus required.
Immunological characteristics of a synthetic peptide associated with a catalytic domain of mutans streptococcal glucosyltransferase

The immunogenicity of a multiple antigenic peptide construct consisting of four copies of the synthetic 21-mer peptide DANFDSIRVDAVDNVDADLLQ was measured. The composition of this peptide was derived from a sequence in the N-terminal region of mutans streptococcal glucosyltransferases (GTFs) containing an aspartic acid implicated in catalysis. The peptide (CAT) construct was synthesized as a tetramer on a lysine backbone and subcutaneously injected into Sprague-Dawley rats for polyclonal antibody formation or intraperitoneally injected into BALB/c mice, and then spleen cell fused with Sp2/0Ag14 murine myeloma cells for monoclonal antibody formation. The resulting rat antisera and mouse monoclonal antibodies reacted with CAT and with native GTF isozymes from Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus mutans (in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot [immunoblot] analyses). Functional inhibition of the water-insoluble glucan synthetic activity of S. sobrinus GTF-I was demonstrated with an immunoglobulin M anti-CAT monoclonal antibody (> 80% inhibited) and with rat sera (approximately 17% inhibited). The monoclonal antibody preparation also modestly inhibited the water-soluble glucan synthetic activity of an S. mutans GTF mixture. These results suggest that the CAT peptide contains B-cell epitopes that are similar to those of intact mutans streptococcal GTFs and has the potential to elicit antibody that can inhibit GTF function. Thus, sequences within this peptide construct may have value for inclusion in a synthetic dental caries vaccine.
Uptake of high-density lipoprotein by scavenger receptor class B type 1 is associated with prostate cancer proliferation and tumor progression in mice

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism is facilitated in part by scavenger receptor class B, type 1 (SR-B1) that mediates HDL uptake into cells. Higher levels of HDL have been associated with protection in other diseases, however, its role in prostate cancer is not definitive. SR-B1 is up-regulated in prostate cancer tissue, suggesting a possible role of this receptor in tumor progression. Here, we report that knockout (KO) of SR-B1 in both human and mouse prostate cancer cell lines through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reduces HDL uptake into the prostate cancer cells and reduces their proliferation in response to HDL. In vivo studies using syngeneic SR-B1 WT (SR-B1+/+) and SR-B1 KO (SR-B1−/−) prostate cancer cells in WT and apolipoprotein-AI KO (apoA1-KO) C57BL/6J mice revealed that WT hosts, containing higher levels of total and HDL-cholesterol, grew larger tumors than apoA1-KO hosts with lower levels of total and HDL-cholesterol. Furthermore, SR-B1−/− prostate cancer cells formed smaller tumors in WT hosts than SR-B1+/+ cells in the same host model. Increased tumor volume was overall associated with reduced survival. We conclude that knocking out SR-B1 in prostate cancer tumors reduces HDL-associated increases in prostate cancer cell proliferation and disease progression.
Factors That Influence Electroconvulsive Therapy Referrals: A Statewide Survey of Psychiatrists

Objective: This study sought to identify factors associated with patient treatment referral for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by psychiatrists practicing in Virginia. Methods: Psychiatrists (N = 116) were surveyed regarding their knowledge about and attitudes toward ECT. We also inquired into other potential factors that might be associated with referral, such as distance from an ECT provider or availability of transportation. Results: Most psychiatrists had a basic understanding of ECT, and most had a favorable opinion of ECT. However, a lesser degree of knowledge about ECT by psychiatrists correlated with both a less favorable view of ECT and with fewer referrals for treatment with ECT. In addition, physicians who viewed ECT as a "treatment of last resort" referred patients only sparingly. Factors that prevented even those physicians with favorable attitudes toward ECT from referring appropriate patients for ECT included patients' negative attitudes toward ECT, the logistics of arranging support and transportation, and financial constraints. Conclusions: Patient referral for ECT was associated with the treating physicians' and patients' knowledge and attitudes about ECT and with the presence of specific logistical barriers. Attention to these factors by treating physicians might enhance access to ECT treatment.
Developmentally Regulated Expression of mRNA for Neurotrophin High‐Affinity (trk) Receptors within Chick Trigeminal Sensory Neurons

To investigate the distribution of neurons within the developing trigeminal sensory system which express mRNA for each of the three known high‐affinity neurotrophin receptors (trk, trkB and trkC), we have performed in situ hybridization histochemistry on serial sections through the trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus at various ages of development using specific antisense oligonucleotide probes. We show that trkC mRNA is first expressed in the chicken embryo at stage 13, in presumptive neurons prior to the formation of the ganglion, that trkB mRNA labelling is initially observed within peripheral neurons slightly later, at stage 19, and that trk mRNA expression is not detectable until around embryonic day 3.5 (stage 21/22). The neurons which exhibit mRNA labelling for each of the high‐affinity receptors occupy discrete regions within the ganglion, indicating that the ganglion comprises distinct neuronal subpopulations, each of which has a different capacity to respond to the different neurotrophins. Neurons which express trk mRNA are confined to the proximal region of the ganglion, whereas those which express trkB mRNA and trkC mRNA are located in two distinct regions within the distal aspect and also within the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus. From the estimation of the number of neurons which exhibit labelling between embryonic days 9 and 18, we determined that the expression of mRNA for the high‐affinity receptors changes during embryonic development of the ganglion. This is consistent with the observed differences in the response to neurotrophins in vitro.
Slow and fast transient potassium currents in cultured rat hippocampal cells.

1. Potassium currents have been recorded from rat hippocampal neurons in dissociated cultures prepared at E17‐E19. Currents were studied with the whole‐cell version of the patch clamp method. The kinetics and pharmacological properties of two transient outward currents have been characterized. 2. Most of the recordings have been done in cells which had been in culture 10‐18 days. Both a fast and a slow transient current could be elicited. A subtraction procedure was used to isolate the fast transient current. The fast transient current decayed monoexponentially with a time constant of about 10 ms. The slow transient current decayed with two time constants in the order of 500 ms and of 3.4 s. The reversal potential of the slow current shifted by 54 mV for a tenfold change in extracellular potassium concentration. 3. Studies on the removal of inactivation for the two currents revealed time constants of 29 and 107 ms for the fast and slow transient current, respectively. 4. The steady‐state inactivation properties of the fast transient current were determined by studying the current with a fixed depolarizing command of ‐10 mV and varying pre‐pulse amplitudes from a holding potential of ‐50 mV. The inactivation curve could be fitted with a Boltzmann equation. Half‐maximal inactivation occurred at ‐81 mV. The steady‐state activation properties of the fast transient current were determined by varying the depolarizing voltage commands following a fixed pre‐pulse to ‐110 mV. The threshold for activation was between ‐70 and ‐60 mV. Half‐maximal activation was reached at ‐19 mV. 5. The steady‐state inactivation properties of the slow transient current were determined by studying the current elicited by varying the hyperpolarizing voltage steps from a holding potential of 0 mV. The inactivation curve could be fitted with a Boltzmann equation. Half‐maximal inactivation was obtained at ‐61 mV. The steady‐state activation properties were determined in a manner similar to the fast current. The threshold for activation was between ‐40 and ‐30 mV. 6. The slow transient current was not inactivated immediately when the conditioning pre‐pulse was stopped. The rate of current decay increased with stimulus frequency. 7. Both transient currents were sensitive to 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP). The fast transient current was blocked completely by 5 mM provided a pre‐pulse of 1 s to ‐110 mV was employed. The slow transient current was already depressed by 4‐AP applied in the 100 microM range but could never be blocked completely. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Success Factors of Women Who Have Achieved Positions of Command in Law Enforcement

Women in law enforcement have increased their numbers in entry level and midmanagement positions during the past 25 years. However, they have not found parity with their male counterparts in attaining positions of top command and are still notably under-represented. This study reports the results of a nationwide survey of women in law enforcement who have attained at least one supervisory rank. The study participants provided responses to a series of questions identifying their investment in human capital, and whether it impacted their promotional opportunities. Human capital theory addresses individual investment in targeted areas of types of assignments, training, education and mentoring. Much of the literature on human capital suggests that women are less invested in their careers, resulting in their diminished capacity to compete for positions of higher supervisory rank. Some areas of Human Capital addressed in this study included the type ofjob assignment, years on the job, the impact of maternity leave, the amount and type of training, access to mentors, the ranking of specific job skills and behaviors, and overall job satisfaction. The information gathered fiom the participants identified some areas where these components of human capital were significant predictors of promotion, such as job assignment, education, and training. Those areas that did not indicate significant correlations, such as mentoring and not taking maternity leave, still provided valuable information to support women in their quest for advancement. The data was collected from across all supervisory ranks, which were broken into four categories: Top Command which included women who had achieved the rank of Chief or its equivalent, Command, which included Assistant Chiefs, Commanders and Majors or their equivalent rank, Mid-Managers, which included Captains and Lieutenants or their equivalent rank and First Line Supervisors, comprised of Sergeants or its equivalent rank. Although not all of the hypotheses were supported, new information was gathered and utilized to challenge long held beliefs concerning women in policing and their viability in leadership positions.
Age‐related differences in insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor signaling regulates Akt/FOXO3a and ERK/Fos pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells

Advanced age is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, but how aging per se influences pathogenesis is not clear. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) promotes aortic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth, migration, and extracellular matrix formation, but how IGF‐1R signaling changes with age in VSMC is not known. We previously found age‐related differences in the activation of Akt/FOXO3a and ERK1/2 pathways in VSMC, but the upstream signaling remains unclear. Using explanted VSMC from Fischer 344/Brown Norway F1 hybrid rats shown to display age‐related vascular pathology similar to humans, we compared IGF‐1R expression in early passages of VSMC and found a constitutive activation of IGF‐1R in VSMC from old compared to young rats, including IGF‐1R expression and its tyrosine kinase activity. The link between IGF‐1R activation and the Akt/FOXO3a and ERK pathways was confirmed through the induction of IGF‐1R with IGF‐1 in young cells and attenuation of IGF‐1R with an inhibitor in old cells. The effects of three kinase inhibitors: AG1024, LY294002, and TCN, were compared in VSMC from old rats to differentiate IGF‐1R from other upstream signaling that could also regulate the Akt/FOXO and ERK pathways. Genes for p27kip‐1, catalase and MnSOD, which play important roles in the control of cell cycle arrest and stress resistance, were found to be FOXO3a‐targets based on FOXO3a‐siRNA treatment. Furthermore, IGF‐1R signaling modulated these genes through activation of the Akt/FOXO3a pathway. Therefore, activation of IGF‐1R signaling influences VSMC function in old rats and may contribute to the increased risk for atherosclerosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 217: 377–387, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of the Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Pathway Attenuates Neuropathic Pain and Reduces Phosphorylation of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element-Binding in the Spinal Cord After Partial Sciatic Nerve Ligation in Rats

BACKGROUND:Recent reports have identified a role for cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) transduction in nociceptive processing. Spinal activation of the cAMP induced gene transcription through the activation of protein kinase A and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Intrathecal injection of protein kinase A inhibitor reversed the mechanical hyperalgesia, whereas injection of CREB antisense attenuated tactile allodynia caused by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) in rats. In the present study, we aimed to assess the effects of spinal cAMP transduction on the nociceptive processing in a chronic neuropathic pain model. METHODS:PSNL was performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats 1 wk after intrathecal catheterization. Nociception to mechanical and thermal stimuli was assessed at the hindpaw 2 h, 3, 7, and 14 days after PSNL. The effects of adenylate cyclase inhibitor, SQ22536 (0.7 &mgr;mol, intrathecal) on these nociceptions were evaluated. Changes in the expression and immunoreactivity of CREB and its phosphorylated proteins (CREB-IR and pCREB-IR) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord were also measured. RESULTS:The expression of CREB-IR and pCREB-IR proteins was shown to increase for 2 wk after PSNL. The increase in pCREB was partially reversed by the blockade of the cAMP pathway in the early 3 days, with a parallel increase in mechanical and thermal withdrawal thresholds. CONCLUSION:These results revealed the possible contribution of an increase in pCREB to the PSNL-induced tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Modulation of the cAMP pathway may be clinically relevant if early intervention can be achieved in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.
Molecular Analysis of the VP7, VP4, VP6, NSP4, and NSP5/6 Genes of a Buffalo Rotavirus Strain: Identification of the Rare P[3] Rhesus Rotavirus-Like VP4 Gene Allele

ABSTRACT We report the detection and molecular characterization of a rotavirus strain, 10733, isolated from the feces of a buffalo calf affected with diarrhea in Italy. Strain 10733 was classified as a P[3] rotavirus, as the VP8* trypsin cleavage product of the VP4 protein revealed a high amino acid identity (96.2%) with that of rhesus rotavirus strain RRV (P5B[3]), used as the recipient virus in the human-simian reassortant vaccine. Analysis of the VP7 gene product revealed that strain 10733 possessed G6 serotype specificity, a type common in ruminants, with an amino acid identity to G6 rotavirus strains ranging from 88 to 98%, to Venezuelan bovine strain BRV033, and Hungarian human strain Hun4. Phylogenetic analysis based on the VP7 gene of G6 rotaviruses identified at least four lineages and an apparent linkage between each lineage and the VP4 specificity, suggesting the occurrence of repeated interspecies transmissions and genetic reassortment events between ruminant and human rotaviruses. Moreover, strain 10733 displayed a bovine-like NSP4 and NSP5/6 and a subgroup I VP6 specificity, as well as a long electropherotype pattern. The detection of the rare P[3] genotype in ruminants provides additional evidence for the wide genetic and antigenic diversity of group A rotaviruses.
Elective transumbilical compared with standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE To compare the transumbilical technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. DESIGN Randomised open study. SETTING Teaching hospital, Italy. SUBJECTS 90 patients who required elective cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia. INTERVENTIONS Standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy through 4 ports or transumbilical cholecystectomy through 2 ports. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Amount of pain and analgesia, cost, side effects, and cosmesis. RESULTS 25 patients were excluded from analysis (8 in the standard group because relevant data were not recorded; and 17 in the transumbilical group in 4 of whom relevant data were not recorded, and 13 for technical reasons). 32 patients who had standard, and 25 who had transumbilical cholecystectomy had operative cholangiograms. There were no complications, no side effects, and no conversions to open cholecystectomy. Those who had transumbilical cholecystectomy had significantly lower pain scores (p<0.05) and required significantly less analgesia during the first 24 hours (p<0.05) than those who had standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CONCLUSION Once the learning curve has been completed, transumbilical cholecystectomy is possible without some of difficulties associated with standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Decrease in left ventricular ejection time on digital arterial waveform during simulated hypovolemia in normal humans.

BACKGROUND Left ventricular ejection time (LVET) measured in central arteries is modified during hypovolemia. We compared modifications of the pulse wave in a central artery (carotid) and in a peripheral artery (digital) during central hypovolemia induced by lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in conscious volunteers. METHODS Hypovolemia was simulated with progressive LBNP (baseline, -10, -20, and -30 mm Hg) in nine young healthy volunteers. The carotid arterial pressure waveform was recorded using a Millar tonometric method. The digital pulse wave was measured with a volume-clamp method (Finapres) and the stroke volume with a thoracic impedance method (Biomed). RESULTS Mean arterial pressure did not change during LBNP. Compared with baseline values, heart rate increased significantly at the -30 mm Hg level (68 +/- 13 beats/min vs. 59 +/- 11 beats/min), and stroke volume decreased as soon as -10 mm Hg was achieved (113 +/- 41 mL vs. 127 +/- 35 mL). Both carotid and digital LVET decreased significantly at the -10 mm Hg level (337 +/- 26 and 339 +/- 24 ms vs. 360 +/- 35 and 361 +/- 24 ms, respectively). CONCLUSION Peripheral LVET could reflect variation of central LVET during LBNP and be a reliable noninvasive parameter for monitoring hypovolemia.