Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic, Cardiac, and Renal Effects of the Slow Hydrogen Sulfide-Releasing Molecule GYY4137 During Resuscitated Septic Shock in Swine with Pre-Existing Coronary Artery Disease

ABSTRACT Decreased levels of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) contribute to atherosclerosis, whereas equivocal data are available on H2S effects during sepsis. Moreover, H2S improved glucose utilization in anaesthetized, ventilated, hypothermic mice, but normothermia and/or sepsis blunted this effect. The metabolic effects of H2S in large animals are controversial. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the H2S donor GYY4137 during resuscitated, fecal peritonitis-induced septic shock in swine with genetically and diet-induced coronary artery disease (CAD). Twelve and 18 h after peritonitis induction, pigs received either GYY4137 (10 mg kg−1, n = 9) or vehicle (n = 8). Before, at 12 and 24 h of sepsis, we assessed left ventricular (pressure-conductance catheters) and renal (creatinine clearance, blood NGAL levels) function. Endogenous glucose production and glucose oxidation were derived from the plasma glucose isotope and the expiratory 13CO2/12CO2 enrichment during continuous i.v. 1,2,3,4,5,6-13C6-glucose infusion. GYY4137 significantly increased aerobic glucose oxidation, which coincided with higher requirements of exogenous glucose to maintain normoglycemia, as well as significantly lower arterial pH and decreased base excess. Apart from significantly lower cardiac eNOS expression and higher troponin levels, GYY4137 did not significantly influence cardiac and kidney function or the systemic inflammatory response. During resuscitated septic shock in swine with CAD, GYY4137 shifted metabolism to preferential carbohydrate utilization. Increased troponin levels are possibly due to reduced local NO availability. Cautious dosing, the timing of GYY4137 administration, and interspecies differences most likely account for the absence of any previously described anti-inflammatory or organ-protective effects of GYY4137 in this model.
Comparison study of Doppler ultrasound surveillance of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stent versus bare stent in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

This prospectively randomized controlled study aimed to assess with Doppler ultrasound (US) the shunt function of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)‐covered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) stent versus bare stent and to evaluate the usefulness of routine TIPS follow‐up of ePTFE‐covered stents.
Anti‐Cytokeratin CAM5.2 Reagent (Becton Dickinson Biosciences) Can Detect CK 8, Not CK8/18—Comment on “Sonographic Findings in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor,” J Clin Ultrasound 2010 Jan 20 [Epub ahead of print]

We read with great interest the article entitled ‘‘Sonographic Findings in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor’’ by Girtler and colleagues. However, one aspect of this article requires clarification, as the authors may have inadvertently interpreted CAM5.2 as cytokeratins 8/18 (within parentheses), which suggests that CAM5.2 is identical to CK8/18. Becton Dickinson Biosciences (San Jose, CA) has developed, manufactured, and marketed the anti-cytokeratin CAM5.2 reagent (clone CAM5.2), which has often been mistaken for CK 8 and 18 monoclonal antibodies, since the previous results by Makin et al are attributed to breakdown products of cytokeratin 8, giving smaller molecular weight fractions on immunoblots. In 1997, Becton Dickinson Biosciences revised the data sheet for anti-cytokeratin CAM 5.2 (Catalog No. 349205) and listed the primary reactivity as being to cytokeratin 8 and to a lesser extent to cytokeratin 7, not cytokeratin 18 or 19. On the other hand, CK8/18 mouse monoclonal antibody, which is derived from the clone 5D3 that reacts against cytokeratins 8 and 18, is manufactured by Imgenex, Leica Microsystems Ltd. and is available worldwide. Pin-Jie Chen, MD* Jeng-Dong Hsu, DDS, MS* Chih-Ping Han, MD, PhD Department of Pathology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan Department of Pathology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan Institute of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Trial Center, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Primary Cilia Deficiency Induces Intracranial Aneurysm

Background: Intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture is life-threatening. However, the mechanisms underlying IA initiation, progression, and rupture remain poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the role of primary cilia in IA development. Results: IA was experimentally induced in mice with elastase and angiotensin II treatment. The number of cells with primary cilia was determined in both IA and peri-IA regions. The role of primary cilia in IA development was assessed through knocking out or manipulating the expression of important components of primary cilia. Finally the role of primary cilia in human IA patients was studied. In the mice model of IA, the primary cilia number was significantly decreased in the IA region. Knocking out Polycystin 1, Polycystin 2, and Intraflagellar Transport 88 in mice would increase the susceptibility of mice to IA development. The IA development could be modulated through manipulating the pathways that regulate primary cilia dynamics. And chemical screening showed that the three factors (PHA 680623, Rapamycin, and Forskolin) could efficiently suppress the IA development. Finally, we demonstrated that the primary cilia deficiency in IA development is conserved in humans. And IA patients had a higher frequency of gene mutations which are related to primary cilia regulation. Conclusion: Our study provides an important support for the role of primary cilia in the development of IA. The primary cilia stabilizing chemicals might be useful for preventing IA development.
Update on ISIS survey: Europe, North America and South America

It is well known that the diagnostic process in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be excessively prolonged, with negative consequences for the patients and their families. The ISIS study assessed the diagnostic process in 201 patients affected by ALS from 6 different countries (Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain and USA). The median time from onset to diagnosis ranged from 12 months in Spain to 17 months in Italy. The median time for patients to have a first consultation with a physician was 2 months (range: 1–1.5 months) and with a neurologist was 6–9 months. The median time needed for the neurologist to confirm the diagnosis was 3–6 months. Electromyography was performed on more than 90% of patients in all countries, and was requested in most cases by the neurologist. False-negative diagnoses were quite frequent (45% of cases with at least one other diagnosis evoked at any time before the ALS diagnosis) and were made by neurologists in 28% of cases, by general practitioners in 29% of cases, by orthopaedic surgeons in 26% of cases and by other specialists in 18% of cases. The reasons for misdiagnoses were: presence of other diseases to which the symptomatology was attributed, misinterpretation of examinations, and lack of familiarity with ALS. (ALS 2000; 1 (suppl 1): S9–S11).
Anti‐anxiety agents: a pharmacoepidemiological review

The purpose of this review is to broaden the base for informed policy and to identify research issues to improve the utility of anti‐anxiety agents. Data quality is discussed and the prevalence of morbid anxiety and the exposure to treatment with, and abuse of, anti‐anxiety agents in different populations is presented. Findings concerning under‐treatment, quality of life and misdiagnosing are also discussed. Based on the findings of this review, controlled studies of anti‐anxiety treatments in anxious patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or other chronic somatic conditions should be prioritised. These are likely to show substantial and vital benefits by not only controlling symptoms and improving coping capacity, but also by improving social functioning and somatic disease management. Investing in improved detection and management of patients with anxious and/or depressive disorders in many forms of care will pay rapid direct and indirect dividends. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aging, Obesity and Beyond

The aging workforce, increase in obesity, and lack of exercise and physical activity are changing the landscape of work environments in the industrialized world. The goal of this panel is to make ergonomics and safety professionals aware of the importance of examining health and wellness issues, aging, obesity, and other modifiable health risks pertaining to occupational health. The first of seven presentations will cover an evidence based wellness continuum that describes specific factors that can motivate healthy work environments. The second presentation discusses the challenges and implications of the aging workforce with emphasis on the role of ergonomics in maintaining health, wellness and working contributions of the aging workforce. In general, muscle mass and muscle strength decrease with age, however the third presentation examines if such age-associated changes are evident during one-handed isometric pulling. Stratifying injury risk in overweight and obese populations is still a challenging endeavor. The fourth presentation demonstrates the biomechanical consequences of gait (a)symmetry due to being overweight and the risk of falling. There is an increasing evidence of obesity influencing every organ system adversely in the human body, including the brain. The fifth presentation examines the association between work performance of obese and non-obese individuals during incremental repetitive lifting and change in their cerebral hemodynamics and cardiorespiratory responses. An interaction between aging and obesity in addressing the risk for involvement in a motor vehicle crash is discussed in the sixth presentation. The final presentation focuses on understanding the integrated efforts of physiological systems such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle within the context of aging, obesity and physical activity.
Fibrinogen Protects Against Barrier Dysfunction Through Maintaining Cell Surface Syndecan-1 In Vitro

Background: We have shown that fresh frozen plasma's (FFP) protection of pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity following hemorrhagic shock is due in part to restoration of endothelial syndecan-1. In the present study, we investigated the role of fibrinogen, a major component of FFP, as an endothelial protector and hypothesize that fibrinogen stabilizes cell surface syndecan-1 to restore endothelial barrier integrity. Methods: Pulmonary endothelial cells were incubated in FFP, fibrinogen, or lactated Ringers (LR) then immunostained with anti-syndecan-1 or fibrinogen and barrier integrity assessed. In some experiments, cells were exposed to fibrinogen depleted plasma. Results: Cell surface syndecan-1 was increased by FFP and fibrinogen compared with LR-treated cells while barrier integrity was augmented by FFP and fibrinogen compared with LR. The physiological concentration of 2.5 mg/mL fibrinogen was sufficient to increase cell surface syndecan-1. Colocalization and co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that fibrinogen associates with syndecan-1. Fibrinogen-deficient plasma was unable to augment sydnecan-1 immunostaining and lost its endothelial protective effect on barrier integrity. Conclusion: These data suggest that in vitro, fibrinogen associated with cell surface syndecan-1 and enhanced endothelial barrier integrity.
Long-Term Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Sleep

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between breastfeeding and sleep in a longitudinal study of infants. Ninety-two mothers of exclusively breast-fed (n = 36) and exclusively formula-fed (n = 56) infants completed the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire at baseline (age of enrollment = 3 to 12 months) and at four follow-up visits (3, 6, 9, and 12 to 18 months). Breast-fed infants had more disrupted sleep at baseline including increased night wakings and sleep fragmentation; however, these differences disappeared by the 9-month follow-up. Furthermore, by the 6-month follow-up, parental presence at sleep onset played a more important role in sleep outcomes than breastfeeding. These findings suggest that sleep disruptions associated with breastfeeding resolve over time.
What factors are important in smoking cessation amongst deprived communities?

Objective: There is limited evidence regarding effective smoking cessation interventions in deprived communities. This study explored what factors are considered most important in smoking cessation, from the perspective of a group of NHS Stop Smoking Service users from a deprived community. Design: A qualitative study. Setting: A deprived community in Brighton and Hove City, Southeast England. Methods: Fifteen adults who had used the local NHS Stop Smoking Service were recruited to the focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes regarding factors that were considered most helpful during the smoking cessation attempt. Results: Factors deemed most important for a successful smoking cessation attempt were counsellors’ attitude and knowledge, flexibility of appointments, personalized one-to-one support including additional support between sessions, all provided in an accessible local community setting. Individuals were most likely to decide to quit smoking for health reasons, and support from family and friends was important during the quit attempt. Conclusion: This study shows that smokers from deprived communities require more intensive, flexible and personalized support from a stop smoking service which should ideally be located in their community setting. A more innovative, tailored and less prescriptive approach to providing stop smoking services may help to improve cessation rates among smokers in deprived communities.
Dental management of a child with Goldenhar syndrome

Goldenhar syndrome is a condition with a multitude of abnormalities, classically involving ocular and ear defects, hemifacial microsomia and vertebral anomalies, which may also be associated with cardiovascular and renal malformations. This case-report presents the dental management of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with Goldenhar syndrome.
CARDIAC-SPECIFIC OVEREXPRESSION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR I (IGF-1) RESCUES lIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION AND ACTIVATION OF STRESS SIGNALING IN MURINE CARDIOMYOCYTES

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, plays a key role in cardiac dysfunction in sepsis. Low circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are found in sepsis, although the influence of IGF-1 on septic cardiac defect is unknown. This study was designed to examine the impact of IGF-1 on LPS-induced cardiac contractile and intracellular Ca2+ dysfunction, activation of stress signal and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ properties were examined in cardiomyocytes from Fast Violet B and cardiac-specific IGF-1 overexpression mice treated with or without LPS (4 mg kg−1, 6 h). Reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein carbonyl formation and apoptosis were measured. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (p38, c-jun N-terminal kinase [JNK] and extracellular signal-related kinase [ERK]), ER stress and apoptotic markers were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Our results revealed decreased peak shortening and maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening and prolonged duration of relengthening in LPS-treated Fast Violet B cardiomyocytes associated with reduced intracellular Ca2+ decay. Accumulation of ROS protein carbonyl and apoptosis were elevated after LPS treatment. Western blot analysis revealed activated p38 and JNK, up-regulated Bax, and the ER stress markers GRP78 and Gadd153 in LPS-treated mouse hearts without any change in ERK and Bcl-2. Total protein expression of p38, JNK, and ERK was unaffected by either LPS or IGF-1. Interestingly, these LPS-induced changes in mechanical and intracellular Ca2+ properties, ROS, protein carbonyl, apoptosis, stress signal activation, and ER stress markers were effectively ablated by IGF-1. In vitro LPS exposure (1 &mgr;g mL−1) produced cardiomyocyte mechanical dysfunction reminiscent of the in vivo setting, which was alleviated by exogenous IGF-1 (50 nM). These data collectively suggested a beneficial of IGF-1 in the management of cardiac dysfunction under sepsis.
c-Kit þ progenitors generate vascular cells for tissue-engineered grafts through modulation of the Wnt / Klf 4 pathway

The development of decellularised scaffolds for small diameter vascular grafts is hampered by their limited patency, due to the lack of luminal cell coverage by endothelial cells (EC) and to the low tone of the vessel due to absence of a contractile smooth muscle cells (SMC). In this study, we identify a population of vascular progenitor c-Kitþ/Sca-1cells available in large numbers and derived from immunoprivileged embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We also define an efficient and controlled differentiation protocol yielding fully to differentiated ECs and SMCs in sufficient numbers to allow the repopulation of a tissue engineered vascular graft. When seeded ex vivo on a decellularised vessel, c-Kitþ/Sca-1-derived cells recapitulated the native vessel structure and upon in vivo implantation in the mouse, markedly reduced neointima formation and mortality, restoring functional vascularisation. We showed that Krüppel-like transcription factor 4 (Klf4) regulates the choice of differentiation pathway of these cells through bcatenin activation and was itself regulated by the canonical Wnt pathway activator lithium chloride. Our data show that ESC-derived c-Kitþ/Sca-1-cells can be differentiated through a Klf4/b-catenin dependent pathway and are a suitable source of vascular progenitors for the creation of superior tissue-engineered vessels from decellularised scaffolds. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Parent–adolescent discrepancies in reports of adolescent tobacco and alcohol use associated with family relationships in Taiwan

This study assessed the discrepancies between reports from parents and adolescents concerning family relationships and the use of tobacco and alcohol by adolescents. Data were obtained from a sample of 2015 parent–adolescent dyads recruited from 30 junior high schools in Taipei City and Taouyun County, Taiwan, in 2010. The results indicated that more than 90% of parent–adolescent dyads agreed to no tobacco/alcohol use by adolescents. More than half (38 parents; 68%) of responding parents were unaware of the tobacco use that was reported by 56 adolescents in this study. A high percentage (133 parents; 93.7%) of the responding parents were unaware of the alcohol use reported by 142 adolescents in this study. Parents reported higher levels of parent–adolescent attachment, communication, monitoring and teaching than was reported by their adolescent children. Multivariate logistic regression results showed that lower ratings by adolescents on questions of family attachment, poor academic performance and delinquent behaviour were associated with parental unawareness of tobacco use. Likewise, low adolescent ratings of family communication and delinquent behaviour by adolescents could be used to predict parental unawareness of alcohol use by their adolescent children.
Neurologic symptoms in licensed pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study

Exposure to high levels of many pesticides has both acute and long-term neurologic consequences, but little is known about the neurotoxicity of chronic exposure to moderate pesticide levels. We analysed cross-sectional data from 18 782 Caucasian, male, licensed pesticide applicators, enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study from 1993 to 1997. Applicators provided information on lifetime pesticide use, and 23 neurologic symptoms typically associated with pesticide intoxication. Increased risk of experiencing ≥10 symptoms during the year before enrollment was associated with cumulative pesticide use, personally mixing or applying pesticides, pesticide-related medical care, diagnosed pesticide poisoning, and events involving high personal pesticide exposure. Greatest risk was associated with use of organophosphate and organochlorine insecticides. Results were similar after stratification by pesticide use during the year before enrollment, or exclusion of applicators with a history of pesticide poisoning, or high-exposure events. Use of pesticide application methods likely to involve high personal exposure was associated with greater risk. Groups of symptoms reflecting several neurologic domains, including affect, cognition, autonomic and motor function, and vision, were also associated with pesticide exposure. These results suggest that neurologic symptoms are associated with cumulative exposure to moderate levels of organophosphate and organochlorine insecticides, regardless of recent exposure or history of poisoning.
COMPARISON OF INFUSIONS OF MORPHINE AND LYSINE ACETYL SALICYLATE FOR THE RELIEF OF PAIN FOLLOWING THORACIC SURGERY

A double-blind study comparing the effectiveness of a continuous infusion i.v. of lysine acetyl salicylate (LAS) with an infusion of morphine for the treatment of pain following pulmonary surgery is described. Mean pain scores in the two groups were not significantly different at any stage during the 24-h period of study. LAS was not associated with any significantly greater blood loss in the period after operation. The incidence of drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, and the need for antiemetic medication were similar in both groups.
Performance of a second‐generation methylated SEPT9 test in detecting colorectal neoplasm

Screening and early detection reduces mortality due to colorectal cancer (CRC). Methylated Septin 9 (SEPT9) is a new blood‐based biomarker for CRC. We evaluated the performance of the second‐generation SEPT9 assay for the detection of colorectal neoplasm, and compared it with fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
The Significance of Antigen‐Antibody Complement Reactions

Incubation of egg albumen/anti-egg albumen (Ea/anti-Ea) specific precipitate in fresh human serum results in complement fixation and, a t the same time, in inactivation of complement in the supernatant serum. The inactivation of C’ components can, to a certain extent, be visualized by means of immunoelectrophoresis, using anti-human complement serum [l, 2, 31. This immune serum precipitates ,BIC and PIE globulin, present in fresh serum [4]. The inactivation of C’3& results in the transformation of the corresponding PIC molecules into smaller BIA molecules [5]. In immunoelectrophoresis this fact is demonstrated by the disappearance of the PlC precipitation line and the simultaneous formation of the BIA line (Fig. 1). We found that, as the result of the complement fixation reaction [3], P1E globulin, which is identical with hemolytically active C’*, is split into two new fractions, arbitrarily called and PIE, (Fig. 1). LEPOW and BECKER [6, 71 showed that complement fixation is accompanied by the development of esterase activity. LEPOW found that the esterase, whose activity becomes evident in the early steps of C’-fixation, corresponds with “activated” C’1 (C’la). We demonstrated that purified C‘, esterase preparations’, if added to fresh human serum, cause the same changes in the PIC and PIE globulins as do