Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temperature response of carbon isotope discrimination and mesophyll conductance in tobacco.

The partial pressure of CO2 at the sites of carboxylation within chloroplasts depends on the conductance to CO2 diffusion from intercellular airspace to the sites of carboxylation, termed mesophyll conductance (gm ). We investigated the temperature response of gm in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) by combining gas exchange in high light, ambient CO2 in either 2 or 21% O2 with carbon isotope measurements using tuneable diode laser spectroscopy. The gm increased linearly with temperature in 2 or 21% O2 . In 21% O2 , isotope discrimination associated with gm decreased from 5.0 ± 0.2 to 1.8 ± 0.2‰ as temperature increased from 15 to 40 °C, but the photorespiratory contribution to the isotopic signal is significant. While the fractionation factor for photorespiration (f = 16.2 ± 0.7‰) was independent of temperature between 20 and 35 °C, discrimination associated with photorespiration increased from 1.1 ± 0.01 to 2.7 ± 0.02‰ from 15 to 40 °C. Other mitochondrial respiration contributed around 0.2 ± 0.03‰. The drawdown in CO2 partial pressure from ambient air to intercellular airspaces was nearly independent of leaf temperature. By contrast, the increase in gm with increasing leaf temperature resulted in the drawdown in CO2 partial pressure between intercellular airspaces and the sites of carboxylation decreasing substantially at high temperature.
Posttransplant metabolic acidosis: a neglected factor in renal transplantation?

Purpose of reviewThe occurrence and pathogenesis of metabolic acidosis after renal transplantation is reviewed. Posttransplant acidosis is shown to be a key mechanism for major metabolic complications in mineral and muscle metabolism, and for anemia, discussed in the context of both acidosis and renal transplantation. Recent findingsContinuous improvement in kidney transplant survival has shifted attention to long-term outcomes, specifically to disorders linked to cardiovascular disease, physical capacity and quality of life. Metabolic acidosis is gaining growing acceptance as a clinical entity and has occasionally come into focus in the context of renal transplantation. The possible link to metabolic disturbances resulting in impairment of musculoskeletal disorders and physical limitations, however, has not been considered specifically. SummaryAvailable evidence suggests a high prevalence of (compensated) metabolic acidosis after renal transplantation, presenting as low serum bicarbonate and impaired renal acid excretion. This condition is associated with relevant disorders in mineral metabolism and muscle function. Current knowledge about the effects of acidosis on renal electrolyte handling, mineral metabolism and protein synthesis suggests that acid/base derangements contribute to the muscle and bone pathology, as well as anemia, encountered after kidney transplantation. Consequently, posttransplant acidosis may be a relevant factor in the causal pathway of impaired physical capacity observed in this patient group.
Usefulness of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in evaluation of pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer.

119 Background: Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has been developed recently and it provides an advantage in detection of breast masses compared to 2D mammography (MMG) since it allows to separate the tissue layers and to noticeably reduce occlusions caused by overlapping anatomical structures. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been used increasingly for the treatment of breast cancer. The imaging methods that have been used until now to assess tumor response to NAC have serious limitations. Attaining pathological complete response (pCR) is the most important predictor of long-term survival in patients receiving NAC. We assessed the radiological findings and capability of DBT to predict response to NAC in comparison with 2D MMG. METHODS 33 woman (mean age, 47.3 y.o.) having 36 lesions were recruited. Image utilizing adjunction of DBT to 2D MMG were taken for diagnosis from January, 2010 to March, 2015. Pathological subtypes were IDC (n = 34), ILC (n = 1), and IMPC (n = 1). Pathological responses of the lesions to NAC were Grade1 (n = 16), Grade2 (n = 11), and Grade3 (n = 9). The clinical image data sets were acquired with a DBT system (MAMMOMAT Inspiration, Siemens, Germany). For each patient, CC and MLO views were taken for diagnosis. With one-view 2D MMG and DBT, those radiation dose, utilizing the ACR phantom 156, were 1.20mGy and 1.80mGy. RESULTS The clinical response to NAC was classified into the following categories: 1) Fairly Response (FR): reduction in size of the tumor by more than 70% including Complete Response (CR), 2) Partial Response (PR): reduction in size of the tumor by 30% or more but less than 70%, 3) Stable disease (SD): reduction in size of the tumor by less than 30%. DBT findings of pathological Grade2-3 cases were all suggested FR (28/28, 100.0%) Grade3 cases were all suggested CR (9/9,100.0%). Regarding the Grade1b cases, all lesions were suggested PR (8/8, 100.0%). Regarding the Grade1a cases, 3 out of 8 (36.5%) lesions were suggested CR, and 2 out of 8 (25%) lesions suggested PR, and 3 out of 8 lesions suggested SD. CONCLUSIONS DBT will contribute to improved diagnosis accuracy with regard to NAC response to breast cancer in comparison with 2D MMG.
Factor XI Deficiency Protects Against Atherogenesis in Apolipoprotein E/Factor XI Double Knockout Mice

Objective— Atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis are still major causes of mortality in the Western world, even after the widespread use of cholesterol-lowering medications. Recently, an association between local thrombin generation and atherosclerotic burden has been reported. Here, we studied the role of factor XI (FXI) deficiency in the process of atherosclerosis in mice. Approach and Results— Apolipoprotein E/FXI double knockout mice, created for the first time in our laboratory. There was no difference in cholesterol levels or lipoprotein profiles between apolipoprotein E knockout and double knockout mice. Nevertheless, in 24-week-old double knockout mice, the atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic sinus was reduced by 32% (P=0.004) in comparison with apolipoprotein E knockout mice. In 42-week-old double knockout mice, FXI deficiency inhibited atherosclerosis progression significantly in the aortic sinus (25% reduction, P=0.024) and in the aortic arch (49% reduction, P=0.028), with a prominent reduction of macrophage infiltration in the atherosclerotic lesions. Conclusions— FXI deprivation was shown to slow down atherogenesis in mice. The results suggest that the development of atherosclerosis can be prevented by targeting FXI.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of copper-64-octreotide conjugates.

UNLABELLED Copper-64 (T1/2 = 12.8 hr) is a reactor-produced radionuclide that has applications in both nuclear medicine imaging by PET and radiotherapy. Octreotide, a somatostatin receptor ligand, has been conjugated with TETA and CPTA, labeled with 64Cu, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo and compared to 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-octreotide. METHODS The carboxylic acid moieties on the T bifunctional chelates were conjugated to the N-terminal amine of D-Phe using the linking agents hydroxybenzotriazol (HOBT) and diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC). Receptor binding assays on all three radiolabeled octreotide conjugates were accomplished in AtT20 mouse pituitary carcinoma cell membranes. In vivo biodistribution was performed using normal Sprague-Dawley rats and Lewis rats carrying a somatostatin receptor-positive rat pancreatic tumor. RESULTS The binding affinities of 64Cu-CPTA-D-Phe1-octreotide and 64Cu-TETA-D-Phe1-octreotide in AtT20 cell membranes were both greater than 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-octreotide (Kd, 78.5 pM, 314 pM and 3.28 nM, respectively). In normal rats, 64Cu-CPTA-D-Phe1-octreotide was localized primarily in the liver. Copper-64-TETA-D-Phe1-octreotide, similar to 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-octreotide, had moderate uptake in the kidneys; the hepatobiliary uptake was negligible. In rats bearing CA 20948 pancreatic tumors, both 64Cu-CPTA-D-Phe1-octreotide and 64Cu-TETA-D-Phe1-octreotide had uptake in tumors comparable to better than 111In-DTPA-D-Phe1-octreotide. CONCLUSION Of the two 64Cu-labeled octreotide conjugates evaluated, 64Cu-CPTA-D-Phe1-octreotide has the highest affinity for the somatostatin receptor; however, the clearance was hepatobiliary with slow excretion. Copper-64-TETA-D-Phe1-octreotide binds to the somatostatin receptor with five times the affinity of 111In-octreotide, has desirable clearance properties (renal clearance with rapid excretion) and is a potential agent for PET imaging of somatostatin receptors.
The auditory cortex and tinnitus – a review of animal and human studies

Tinnitus is the sound heard in the absence of physical sound sources external or internal to the body. Tinnitus never occurs in isolation; it typically develops after hearing loss, and not infrequently for losses at the higher frequencies not tested in clinical audiology. Furthermore, tinnitus is often accompanied by hyperacusis, i.e. increased loudness sensitivity, which may reflect the central gain change in the auditory system that occurs after hearing loss. I will first review the electrophysiological findings in the thalamus and cortex pertaining to animal research into tinnitus. This will comprise the changes in tonotopic maps, spontaneous firing rates and changes in pairwise neural cross‐correlation induced by tinnitus‐inducing agents that are commonly used in animal experiments. These are systemic application of sodium salicylate, and noise exposure at levels ranging from those that do not cause a hearing loss, to those that only cause a temporary threshold shift, to those that cause a permanent hearing loss. Following this, I will review neuroimaging and electrophysiological findings in the auditory cortex in humans with tinnitus. The neural substrates of tinnitus derived from animal data do not apply universally, as neither hearing loss nor hyperacusis appear to be necessary conditions for tinnitus to occur in humans. Finally, I will relate the findings in humans to the predictions from animal models of tinnitus. These comparisons indicate that neural correlates of tinnitus can be studied successfully both at the level of animal models and in humans.
Tactile sensory input regulates basal and apomorphine‐induced immediate‐early gene expression in rat barrel cortex

Clipping of mystacial vibrissae on one side of the rat's snout result in sensorimotor asymmetries in normal behavior and in behavior induced by the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine. Immediate‐carly gene expression, a marker for short‐term changes in neuron function, was used to examine wheter this sensory deprivation leads to functional changes in the somatosensory barrel cortex under experimental conditions which reveal behavioral asymmetries. The expression of c‐fos and zif 268 immediate‐early genes was assessed with in situ hybridization histochemistry. Four hours after unilateral clipping of the mystacial vibrissae, the level of zif 268 mRNA was reduced in the corresponding part of the contralateral barrel field. Injection of apoorphine (5 mg/kg) resulted in increased expression of both c‐fos and zif 268 immediate‐early genes in cortex and striatum. This apomorphine‐induced increase was blocked in the sensory‐deprived somatosensory corted. Laminar analysis of gene regulation shwoed that vibrissae removal affected immediate‐early expression in all layers of the barrel cortex. These results demonstrate that: (1) basal zif 268 gene expression in neurons of the somatosensory cortex is dependent on sensory input, (2) cortical immediate‐early gene expression is increased after dopamine receptor activation, and (3) in the barrel cortex, this increase is also dependent on sensory input. We suggest that the observed reduction in gene expression after vibrissae removal reflects decreased activation of neurons in the barrel column by removal of sensory input. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of eye closures and openings on photostasis in albino rats.

PURPOSE To determine the effects of eye closure and opening on photostasis, the regulation of light absorption by retinal rods in the albino rat. METHODS The approach was to measure the effect of eye closure and opening on rhodopsin bleaching in situ and to use those results to simulate what happens to rhodopsin when a living rat opens or closes its eyes during daylight exposure. Completely dark-adapted, dead albino rats, each with one eye closed or open, were exposed to a standard lighting situation. The rhodopsin bleaching rate in closed versus open eyes was measured. Rhodopsin bleached at a more reduced rate in closed eyes than in open eyes. This measured reduction of rate in closed eyes was applied to a simulation of rhodopsin bleaching in open and closed eyes. The simulation used idealized conditions to verify the simulation itself, and then it was applied to previously published photostasis results. RESULTS Rhodopsin in closed eyes bleaches at half the rate found in open eyes. The absorption spectrum of rat red blood cells was compared with the rate rhodopsin absorption spectrum, and the comparison showed that blood does not absorb the main-band wavelengths of rhodopsin. Simulating rhodopsin bleaching with eyes closed (half intensity) and open (full intensity) during daylight hours showed a slight effect on the total number of photons absorbed in an entire day. The simulation set limits to the maximal effect of eyes open all day versus eyes closed all day. At a habitat intensity of 200 lux, for example this maximal effect (eyes always open versus always closed) was calculated to be +/- 9%. At the lowest intensity, 3 lux, this maximal effect was +/- 28%, but it is only 1% at the highest intensity, 400 lux. CONCLUSIONS Eye closures and openings have a slight effect on photostasis in albino rats. There are two reasons for this: The eyelids reduce the effective bleaching intensity by half. Moreover, during the "dim-out" of closure, rhodopsin continues to regenerate and approaches a new, higher value. This accumulation of rhodopsin enhances the rate of photon absorption because the rate is proportional to the product (rhodopsin x intensity). Thus, the increased rhodopsin concentration in the rods partially compensates for the reduced intensity of lid closure, and the photon absorption rates, with eyes closed, do not decrease by the full factor of 2 implied by the intensity reduction. In addition, when the eyes are subsequently opened after such a dim-out, the retina is suddenly exposed again to the full intensity of the environment. At this time, photon absorption rate, rhodopsin x intensity, is transiently higher than just before eye opening. Thus, the compensatory interplay between bleaching and regeneration in closed and open eyes results in the near compensation of light absorption and maintenance of the stasis close to 10(16) photons per eye per day.
Prolonged Physical Training Decreases mRNA Levels of Glucocorticoid Receptor and Inflammatory Genes

Background/Aims: Prolonged physical exercise induces adaptive alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, increasing cortisol metabolism, and reducing cortisol synthesis and glucocorticoid sensitivity. The mechanisms responsible for this relative glucocorticoid resistance remain unknown but may involve expression of genes encoding glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and/or inflammatory molecules of nuclear factor kappa B1 (NFkB1) signaling pathway and cytokines. This study aimed to determine the impact of prolonged physical training on the expression of genes involved in glucocorticoid action and inflammatory response. Methods: Normal sedentary male cadets of the Brazilian Air Force Academy were submitted to 6 weeks of standardized physical training. Eighteen of 29 initially selected cadets were able to fully complete the training program. Fasting glucose, insulin and cortisol levels, cytokine concentration and the expression of genes encoding GR, NFkB1, inhibitor of NFkB1 and IkB kinase A were determined before and after the training period. Results: Prolonged physical exercise reduced the basal cortisol levels and the percent cortisol reduction after dexamethasone. These findings were associated with a significant reduction in the mRNA levels of GR (6.3%), NFkB1 (63%), inhibitor of NFkB1 (25%) and IkB kinase A (46%) with concomitant reduction in cytokine concentrations (ELISA). Conclusions: Prolonged physical training decreases the glucocorticoid sensitivity and the mRNA levels of the GR gene combined with decreased mRNA of genes related to the NFkB pathway.
Provisional restorations for optimizing esthetics in anterior maxillary implants: a case report.

UNLABELLED The use of implants for the restoration of anterior missing teeth has been established and documented during the past years. However, the use of dental implants in the anterior region is a technique-sensitive procedure. The placement of implants in an ideal position is often not possible because of the lack of sufficient bone. The clinical situation can be further complicated if the teeth were lost as a result of trauma and there is possible damage to the surrounding soft and hard tissues. The restoration of lost anterior teeth and maintenance of the surrounding soft tissues with adequate surgical and prosthetic techniques are a real challenge for the clinician. The aim of this article was to report the laboratory and clinical stages in the restoration of anterior maxillary teeth, which were lost as a result of trauma with implant-supported fixed partial denture. In this case, an intraoperative transfer of the impression posts allowed the construction of provisional restorations, which were inserted at implant uncoverage surgery and contributed significantly to the creation of a better emergence profile and to the final esthetic result. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Provisional restorations are an important stage in anterior maxillary implants, allowing guided soft tissue management and creating an esthetic emergence profile.
Use of complementary and alternative medicines by children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

Objectives: The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) appears increasingly prevalent in children and adolescents. Individuals with chronic illness may have patterns of greater usage. This questionnaire‐based study aimed to ascertain the frequency of use by a group of children with proven inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to consider the reasons for their use.
Assessment of Toxicity Risk of Insecticides used in Rice Ecosystem on Trichogramma japonicum, an Egg Parasitoid of Rice Lepidopterans

ABSTRACT Both chemical and biological methods are essential for control of insects, for example, lepidopterans, on rice. Thus, it is important to know the effect of chemicals on the biological control agents. In this study, we assessed the toxicity of commonly used insecticides on a biological control agent, Trichogramma japonicum Ahmead (an egg parasitoid of rice lepidopterans) by using a dry film residue method. Results showed that thirty insecticides from seven chemical classes exhibited various degree of toxicity to this parasitoid. Among the seven classes of chemicals tested, organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion, phoxim, profenofos, and triazophos) and carbamates (carbaryl, carbsulfan, isoprocarb, metolcarb, and promecarb) exhibited the highest intrinsic toxicity to T. japponicum, with an LC50 of 0.035 (0.029–0.044) to 0.49 (0.34–0.87) mg active ingredient (a.i.) L-1, followed by antibiotics (abamectin, emamectin benzoate, and ivermectin), phenylpyrazoles (butane-fipronil, ethiprole, and fipronil), pyrethroids (cyhalthrin, Cypermethrin, fenpropathrin, and lambda-cyhaothrin), and neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, imidaclothiz, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam). Moreover, the insect growth regulator insecticides (chlorfluazuron, fufenozide, hexaflumuron and tebufenozide) exhibited the lowest toxicity to the wasps with an LC50 of 3,383 (2406–5499) to 30206 (23107–41008) mg a.i. L-1. Risk quotient analysis showed that phenylpyrazoles, pyrethroids, insect growth regulators, neonicotinoids (with the exception of thiamethoxam), and antibiotics (with the exception of abamectin) are classified as safe agents to the parasitoid, while organophosphates and carbamates are classified as slightly, moderately, or highly toxic agents to the parasitoid. The data presented in this paper provided useful information on the selection of compatible insecticides with T. japonicum.
Body-Worn Sensors in Parkinson's Disease: Evaluating Their Acceptability to Patients.

BACKGROUND Remote monitoring of symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) using body-worn sensors would assist treatment decisions and evaluation of new treatments. To date, a rigorous, systematic evaluation of the acceptability of body-worn sensors in PD has not been undertaken. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-four participants wore bilateral wrist-worn sensors for 4 h in a research facility and then for 1 week at home. Participants' experiences of wearing the sensors were evaluated using a Likert-style questionnaire after each phase. Qualitative data were collected through free-text responses. Differences in responses between phases were assessed by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Content analysis of qualitative data was undertaken. "Non-wear time" was estimated via analysis of accelerometer data for periods when sensors were stationary. RESULTS After prolonged wearing there was a negative shift in participants' views on the comfort of the sensor; problems with the sensor's strap were highlighted. However, accelerometer data demonstrated high patient concordance with wearing of the sensors. There was no evidence that participants were less likely to wear the sensors in public. Most participants preferred wearing the sensors to completing symptom diaries. CONCLUSIONS The finding that participants were not less likely to wear the sensors in public provides reassurance regarding the ecological validity of the data captured. The validity of our findings was strengthened by "triangulation" of data sources, enabling patients to express their agenda and repeated assessment after prolonged wearing. Long-term monitoring with wrist-worn sensors is acceptable to this cohort of PD patients. Evaluation of the wearer's experience is critical to the development of remote monitoring technology.