Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Mediates a Mechanism of Metabolic Cardioprotection Consisting of Negative Regulation of the Sterol Regulatory Element–Binding Protein-2/3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Pathway in the Heart

Previously, we reported that cardiac matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 is upregulated in hypertensive mice. How MMP-2 affects the development of cardiac disease is unclear. Here, we report that MMP-2 protects from hypertensive cardiac disease. In mice infused with angiotensin II, the lack of MMP-2 (Mmp2−/−) did not affect the severity of the hypertension but caused cardiac hypertrophy to develop earlier and to a greater extent versus wild-type (Mmp2+/+) mice, as measured by heart weight:body weight ratio and upregulation of hypertrophy and fibrosis markers. We further found numerous metabolic and inflammatory gene expression abnormalities in the left ventricle of Mmp2−/− mice. Interestingly, Mmp2−/− mice expressed greater amounts of sterol regulatory element–binding protein-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (a target of sterol regulatory element–binding protein-2–mediated transcription and rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol and isoprenoids biosynthesis) in addition to markers of inflammation including chemokines of the C-C motif ligand family. We focused on the functionally related genes for sterol regulatory binding protein-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, lovastatin, attenuated angiotensin II–induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in Mmp2−/− and wild-type (Mmp2+/+) mice, with Mmp2−/− mice showing resistance to cardioprotection by lovastatin. MMP-2 deficiency predisposes to cardiac dysfunction as well as metabolic and inflammatory gene expression dysregulation. This complex phenotype is, at least in part, because of the cardiac sterol regulatory element–binding protein-2/3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase pathway being upregulated in MMP-2 deficiency.
Development of accelerated net nitrate uptake : effects of nitrate concentration and exposure time.

Upon initial nitrate exposure, net nitrate uptake rates in roots of a wide variety of plants accelerate within 6 to 8 hours to substantially greater rates. Effects of solution nitrate concentrations and short pulses of nitrate (</=1 hour) upon ;nitrate-induced' acceleration of nitrate uptake in maize (Zea mays L.) were determined. Root cultures of dark-grown seedlings, grown without nitrate, were exposed to 250 micromolar nitrate for 0.25 to 1 hour or to various solution nitrate concentrations (10-250 micromolar) for 1 hour before returning them to a nitrate-free solution. Net nitrate uptake rates were assayed at various periods following nitrate exposure and compared to rates of roots grown either in the absence of nitrate (CaSO(4)-grown) or with continuous nitrate for at least 20 hours. Three hours after initial nitrate exposure, nitrate pulse treatments increased nitrate uptake rates three- to four-fold compared to the rates of CaSO(4)-grown roots. When cycloheximide (5 micrograms per milliliter) was included during a 1-hour pulse with 250 micromolar nitrate, development of the accelerated nitrate uptake state was delayed. Otherwise, nitrate uptake rates reached maximum values within 6 hours before declining. Maximum rates, however, were significantly less than those of roots exposed continuously for 20, 32, or 44 hours. Pulsing for only 0.25 hour with 250 micromolar nitrate and for 1 hour with 10 micromolar caused acceleration of nitrate uptake, but the rates attained were either less than or not sustained for a duration comparable to those of roots pulsed for 1 hour with 250 micromolar nitrate. These results indicate that substantial development of the nitrate-induced accelerated nitrate uptake state can be achieved by small endogenous accumulations of nitrate, which appear to moderate the activity or level of root nitrate uptake.
Part 5: Adult Basic Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality: 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

As with other Parts of the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC), Part 5 is based on the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) 2015 international evidence review process. ILCOR Basic Life Support (BLS) Task Force members identified and prioritized topics and questions with the newest or most controversial evidence, or those that were thought to be most important for resuscitation. This 2015 Guidelines Update is based on the systematic reviews and recommendations of the 2015 International Consensus on CPR and ECC Science With Treatment Recommendations , “Part 3: Adult Basic Life Support and Automated External Defibrillation. ”1,2 In the online version of this document, live links are provided so the reader can connect directly to the systematic reviews on the ILCOR Scientific Evidence Evaluation and Review System (SEERS) website. These links are indicated by a combination of letters and numbers (eg, BLS 740). We encourage readers to use the links and review the evidence and appendix. As with all AHA Guidelines, each 2015 recommendation is labeled with a Class of Recommendation (COR) and a Level of Evidence (LOE). The 2015 Guidelines Update uses the newest AHA COR and LOE classification system, which contains modifications of the Class III recommendation and introduces LOE B-R (randomized studies) and B-NR (nonrandomized studies) as well as LOE C-LD (based on limited data) and LOE C-EO (consensus of expert opinion). The AHA process for identification and management of potential conflicts of interest was used, and potential conflicts for writing group members are listed at the end of each Part of the 2015 Guidelines Update. For additional information about the systematic review process or management of potential conflicts of interest, see “Part 2: Evidence Evaluation and Management of Conflicts of Interest” in this …
How to approach the great mimic? Improving techniques for the diagnosis of myocarditis

Myocarditis is characterized by inflammation of the myocardium, assessed by histological, immunological and immunohistochemical criteria, due to exogenous or endogenous causes. Abnormal QRS, increased troponin T and left ventricular regional or global dysfunction may be detected. Strain Doppler echocardiography can detect longitudinal segmental dysfunction of the myocardium, due to edema, which is in agreement with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Nuclear imaging shows a good sensitivity, but carries serious limitations. Somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography seems promising. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, using T2-weighted, early T1-weighted, delayed enhanced images and recently T2 and T1 mapping, has the best diagnostic capability. Endomyocardial biopsy has further contributed to the etiologic diagnosis of myocarditis. To conclude, cardiac magnetic resonance and endomyocardial biopsy have both significantly increased our diagnostic performance. However, further assessment by multicenter studies is needed to establish a clinically useful algorithm.
Interpretations of integration in early accountable care organizations.

CONTEXT It is widely hoped that accountable care organizations (ACOs) will improve health care quality and reduce costs by fostering integration among diverse provider groups. But how do implementers actually envision integration, and what will integration mean in terms of managing the many social identities that ACOs bring together? METHODS Using the lens of the social identity approach, this qualitative study examined how four nascent ACOs engaged with the concept of integration. During multiday site visits, we conducted interviews (114 managers and physicians), observations, and document reviews. FINDINGS In no case was the ACO interpreted as a new, overarching entity uniting disparate groups; rather, each site offered a unique interpretation that flowed from its existing strategies for social-identity management: An independent practice association preserved members' cherished value of autonomy by emphasizing coordination, not "integration"; a medical group promoted integration within its employed core, but not with affiliates; a hospital, engaging community physicians who mistrusted integrated systems, reimagined integration as an equal partnership; an integrated delivery system advanced its careful journey towards intergroup consensus by presenting the ACO as a cultural, not structural, change. CONCLUSIONS The ACO appears to be a model flexible enough to work in synchrony with whatever social strategies are most context appropriate, with the potential to promote alignment and functional integration without demanding common identification with a superordinate group. "Soft integration" may be a promising alternative to the vertically integrated model that, though widely assumed to be ideal, has remained unattainable for most organizations.
Clinical and histological features of lupus nephritis in Japan: A cross‐sectional analysis of the Japan Renal Biopsy Registry (J‐RBR)

The clinical and histological features of lupus nephritis (LN) are highly variable, depending on race and ethnicity. The Japan Renal Biopsy Registry (J‐RBR) is a nationwide registry of renal biopsies. Here, we report a cross‐sectional analysis of Japanese LN using the J‐RBR database.
Anorexia nervosa in two Nigerians

The general belief that anorexia nervosa is rare among non‐whites should be cautiously accepted based on some very recent reports of the occurrence of the disorder in individuals of African descent. Two young Nigerians who presented classical features of anorexia nervosa are reported. In Case I, anorexia now regarded to be of low diagnostic value was absent, but in both cases identified antecedent psychosexual conflicts are explainable by well‐known psychodynamic hypotheses. The relatively low prevalence of the disorder that has been observed might be due to: the protective influence of the Nigerian extended kinship system, the customary passion for plumpness as an attribute of physical attractiveness, carbohydrate diet “resistance” and the non‐inclusion of cases in hospital records because of consultation with unorthodox healers. The general trend of increasing prevalence calls for more diagnostic vigilance, particularly among doctors serving populations with Third World background.
Downregulation of Renal Endothelin-Converting Enzyme 2 Expression in Early Autoimmune Diabetes

To determine whether renal expression of endothelin-converting enzymes (ECEs) and endothelin (ET) is affected in the early stages of autoimmune diabetes mellitus and whether ETA receptors are involved, prediabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) and control mice were treated with the ETA receptor antagonist BSF461314 (a follow-up compound of darusentan) or with placebo. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose levels, and renal gene expression of ECE-1, ECE-2, and prepro-ET-1 was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Renal morphology was assessed using standard histologic techniques. ECE-1, ECE-2, and prepro-ET-1 mRNA was detected in the kidneys of NOD and control mice. Despite normal renal histology, expression of ECE-1 and prepro-ET-1 was reduced in NOD mice by approximately 50% compared with controls (P < 0.01); ECE-2 was markedly decreased by almost 90% compared with controls (P < 0.001). Treatment with BSF461314 for 6 weeks delayed the onset of diabetes (P < 0.05) and increased expression of all three genes (P < 0.05) in NOD mice only. Hyperglycemia at an early stage of autoimmune diabetes is associated with transcriptional downregulation of ECE-1, ECE-2, and prepro-ET-1 in the kidney. Blockade of ETA receptors inhibits diabetes-associated gene regulation and delays the onset of diabetes, suggesting its therapeutic potential for the treatment of autoimmune forms of diabetes.
Contact between Deceased Donors' Families and Organ Recipients

The benefits and disadvantages of posttransplant contact between a donor family and the organ recipient are disputed. In this study far more contacters reported benefits rather than disadvantages and noncontacters reported the opposite. The dissatisfaction of noncontacters with no contact was high: no less than 60% wanted some form of contact in the future. The authors conclude that contact has more benefits for the donor family than disadvantages, evidenced by families' desire to maintain contact with the organ recipient. Both donor families and organ recipients need the transplant coordinator's initiative and guidance on this issue.
First Detection of Human Polyomaviruses in HIV Patients with Suspected Neurological Disease in Montería, Colombia

Objective: The objective is to establish the presence of JC and/or BK polyomavirus in HIV patients with symptoms of encephalitis and/or meningitis. Methodology: From September 2009 to December 2011, a prospective study was conducted. 34 HIV patients with symptoms consistent with encephalitis and/or meningitis were included. The work was conducted in 3 hospitals in the city of Monteria. Viral DNA extraction was performed on samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a commercial kit (Quiagen, USA). The detection of BKV and JCV was performed by multiplex real-time PCR (LightMix? , Roche Diagnostics, Germany) with primers specific for the short t antigen gene fragment, labeled probes and one internal control. Results: In 9 (26%) of 34 patients included in the study, JCV virus was detected; only 1 (3%) patient had coinfection with JCV/BKV. The mortality rate was 3%. The cytochemical examination of CSF in positive patients presented average values: 40.7 mg/dL glucose, 171.66 mg/dL protein, 19.8 mm3 leukocytes, and 109.8 mm3 erythrocytes. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that JCV and BKV have a significant occurrence in HIV patients with CSF infections in Monteria.
The Relationship between State and Trait Anxiety with Career Indecision of Undergraduate Students.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between state and trait anxiety with career indecision of Iranian undergraduate students. According to the literature anxiety has a strong impact on career indecision among students. However, there is controversy in research findings regarding the contribution of state and trait anxiety to career indecision. Despite many studies on the relationship between state and trait anxiety with career indecision, very limited research has been conducted in this area among Iranian students. For this purpose, 150 undergraduate undecided students from 3 universities in Khozestan Iran, completed the career decision scale (CDS), and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results of regression analysis showed that trait anxiety had a stronger impact on career indecision than did state anxiety. In addition, the relationship between anxiety components and career indecision was reported as positive. Implications for further research are discussed in the paper.
Insecticidal activities of leaf and twig essential oils from Clausena excavata against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae.

BACKGROUND The current study investigates, for the first time, the mosquito larvicidal activities of leaf and twig essential oils from Clausena excavata Burm. f. and their individual constituents against Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus Skuse larvae. The yields of essential oils obtained from hydrodistillation were compared, and their constituents were determined by GC-MS analyses. RESULTS The LC(50) values of leaf and twig essential oils against fourth-instar larvae of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were 37.1-40.1 microg mL(-1) and 41.1-41.2 microg mL(-1) respectively. This study demonstrated that C. excavata leaf and twig essential oils possess mosquito larvicidal activity, inhibiting the growth of mosquito larvae for both species at a low concentration. In addition, results of larvicidal assays showed that the effective constituents in leaf and twig essential oils were limonene, gamma-terpinene, terpinolene, beta-myrcene, 3-carene and p-cymene. The LC(50) values of these constituents against both mosquito larvae were below 50 microg mL(-1). Among these effective constituents, limonene had the best mosquito larvicidal activity, with LC(50) of 19.4 microg mL(-1) and 15.0 microg mL(-1) against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae respectively. CONCLUSION The findings suggested that the essential oils from Clausena excavata leaf and twig and their effective constituents may be explored as a potential natural larvicide.
Selecting Core Target Users for Online Social Networking Marketing with Target Marketing: A Preliminary Report

This study proposes an approach to identify the core target group of users who will maximize the outcomes of online social network marketing (SNM) programs through a digitized Word-of-Mouth (WOM) marketing. We first compare methods based on topological measures such as random, inand out-degree measures to evaluate the influence of a certain user to other users within the social network. Then a set of hybrid measures of two topological measures are calibrated and compared by varying the values of weights of each measure. Finally, we test the impact of the size of core target group on the outcome of the SNM, and suggest an optimal size of initial core target group for maximum return of SNM program.
Exploiting stochastic delay variability on FPGAs with adaptive partial rerouting

Aggressive transistor scaling will soon lead us to the physical upper-bound of process technology, where stochastic process variability dominates the timing performance of FPGA components. In this paper, a variation-aware partial-rerouting method is proposed to mitigate and take advantage of the effect of delay variability due to process variation. The variation in logic delay across each FPGA (variation map) is measured on commercial FPGAs and is used to assess the effectiveness and potential gain of the proposed method on current FPGA architectures. Our partial-rerouting method achieved 5.25% improvement in critical path delay under a delay variability of σ/μ = 0.3, and is considerably less time consuming than using variation-aware full chipwise routing, which gave a slightly better timing gain of 6.41% but requires 8x more execution time when optimising for 100 target FPGAs with unique variation maps.
Effect of lipopolysaccharide mutations on the pathogenesis of experimental Salmonella gastroenteritis

Lipopolysaccharide mutants of Salmonella typhimurium provoked diminished amounts of fluid in rabbit ileal loops as compared with the response to the wild type. The responses elicited by these mutants ranged from 0 to 60% of that caused by the parent strain. Two completely rough mutants and one leaky rough mutant were chosen for further study. Purified lipopolysaccharide from the parent and the mutant strains failed to stimulate fluid exsorption in ileal loop experiments. Histological studies revealed that the three lipopolysaccharide mutants were less invasive than wild type and were less able to generate an inflammatory reaction in the rabbit ileum. A Salmonella enterotoxin was present in culture filtrates from one rough mutant and the wild type; however, the rough mutant appeared to produce less toxin. Enterotoxic activity was absent in culture filtrates from the two other rough mutants. These results suggest that reductions in both invasiveness and the ability to produce Salmonella enterotoxin decreased the ability of these mutants to provoke fluid exsorption. Also, the results indicate that lipopolysaccharide mutations can have a profound effect on the enteropathogenic properties of S. typhimurium.
Serum Ferritin Levels Predict All-Cause and Infection-Cause 1-Year Mortality in Diabetic Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Background:The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the serum ferritin level and the 1-year outcome in diabetic maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods:The prospective clinical study enrolled 187 diabetic MHD patients from a university hospital in Taiwan. All the patients were divided into 3 groups according to their serum ferritin levels: group I (<200 ng/mL; n = 71), group II (200–700 ng/mL; n = 97), and group III (>700 ng/mL; n = 19). A total of 26 demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed as predictors of the 1-year mortality. Results:There were no significant differences between these 3 groups except in their erythropoietin usage, hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels. The 1-year mortality rates were 9.2%, 11.4%, and 46.2% in groups I, II, and III, respectively. Group I and group II patients had a lower 1-year mortality rate than group III patients (log-rank test; &khgr;2 = 8.807; P = 0.0112). Conclusion:The study suggested that serum ferritin levels predict both all-cause and infection-cause 1-year mortality in diabetic patients on MHD. In such patients, the serum ferritin levels are associated with both iron stores and the inflammation status.
Vestibular dysgenesis in mice lacking Abr and Bcr Cdc42/RacGAPs

The inner ear develops from a simple epithelium (otic placode) into the complex structures specialized for balance (vestibule) and sound (cochlea) detection. Abnormal vestibular and cochlear development is associated with many birth defects. During recent years, considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular bases of these conditions. To determine the biological function of two closely related GTPase activating proteins for the Cdc42/Rac GTPases, Abr and Bcr, we generated a mouse strain deficient in both of these proteins. Double null mutant mice exhibit hyperactivity, persistent circling, and are unable to swim. These phenotypes are typically found in mice with vestibular defects. Indeed, adult double null mutants display abnormal dysmorphic structures of both the saccule and utricle. Moreover, a total loss of otoconia can be seen in the utricle, whereas in the saccule, otoconia are either missing or their number is drastically decreased and they are abnormally large. Interestingly, both the cochlea and semicircular canals are normal and the double null mutant mice are not deaf. These data demonstrate that Abr and Bcr play important complementary roles during vestibular morphogenesis and that a function of Cdc42/RacGAPs and, therefore, that of the small Rho‐related GTPases is critically important for balance and motor coordination. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.