Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in EV71-Infected Patients Does Not Originate from EV71-Infected Cells

Background: Enterovirus (EV) 71 is an important pathogen causing death in children under 5 years of age worldwide. However, the core pathogenesis remains elusive. We reveal that the protein expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in EV71 patients was 2-fold higher than in normal controls. However, the origin of VEGF in EV71-infected patients remains unclear. Methods: VEGF mRNA and protein expression in four EV71-infected cell lines was evaluated by RT-PCR, ELISA and Western blotting. Results: We found that only mRNA expression of VEGF was increased in the infected cells. Intra- and extracellular VEGF protein expression was decreased or unchanged in the four infected cell lines compared with the uninfected and inactivated EV71-infected cells. Conclusions: Our data reveal that EV71 infection of four human cell lines induced VEGF mRNA expression but did not induce VEGF protein expression in the infected cells. Therefore, the increased VEGF protein expression in EV71-infected patients may be due to the influence of surrounding non-infected cells following stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines secreted from the infected cells.
Phase I trial of consensus interferon in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: toxicity and immunological effects.

PURPOSE The purpose of our study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities, and effects on chemokine/cytokine gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of consensus IFN (CIFN). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Cohorts of three to six patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were treated with escalating doses of CIFN (dose level I, 9.0 microg/m(2); dose level II, 15.0 microg/m(2); dose level III, 21.0 microg/m(2)) given s.c. three times weekly in 4-week cycles until progression. The cohort treated at the maximum tolerated dose was expanded to further define toxicity. An additional three patients were treated with i.v. CIFN (15.0 microg/m(2)) to evaluate route-related differences in gene expression. Cytokine and chemokine gene expression in PBMCs was assessed by reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS A total of 25 patients (18 men and 7 women) were enrolled between January 28, 1999, and November 1, 2000, at dose levels I (n = 4), II (n = 14), and III (n = 7). Dose-limiting toxicity occurred at dose level III (21 microg/m(2)) and included grade-3 or -4 respiratory distress/failure (n = 3) and hypocalcemia (n = 1) occurring within the first cycle of treatment. Other severe toxicities included grade-3 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting. Studies of cytokine and chemokine gene expression in PBMCs from eight patients revealed induction of IFN-gamma, IP-10, and Mig. I.V. administration was associated with a faster induction, but of shorter duration. There were no responses; however, 24 patients had stable disease of variable duration (4-32 weeks) and received a median of three cycles of treatment (range, 1-8 cycles). Overall median survival was 13.5 months, and was 12.7 months in the previously treated patients. CONCLUSION CIFN was safely administered s.c. three times weekly at doses up to 15.0 microg/m(2). Although there were no responses, the median survival was longer than expected in a previously treated patient population with metastatic RCC.
Use of surgery and electron beam irradiation, with or without chemotherapy, for treatment of vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats: 78 cases (1996-2000).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate responses of cats with vaccine-associated sarcomas to treatment with surgery and radiotherapy, with or without adjunctive chemotherapy. DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS 76 cats (78 tumors). PROCEDURE Medical records were reviewed. Factors potentially associated with survival time, time to recurrence, and time to development of metastases were evaluated. RESULTS Following excision, electron beam radiation, and, in some cases, chemotherapy, 32 (41%) cats experienced recurrence, and 9 (12%) cats developed metastases. One- and 2-year survival rates were 86 and 44%, respectively. Median survival time from onset of disease was 730 days (range, 30 to 2,014 days). Median disease-free interval was 405 days (range, 30 to 925 days). Cats that underwent only 1 surgery prior to radiotherapy had a lower recurrence rate than did cats that underwent > 1 surgery and had a significantly longer disease-free interval. Survival time and disease-free interval decreased as time between surgery and the start of radiotherapy increased. Cats that developed metastases had significantly shorter survival times and disease-free intervals than did cats that did not develop metastases. Castrated male cats had a significantly shorter survival time than did spayed female cats. Cats with larger tumors prior to the first surgery had shorter survival times. Twenty-six cats received chemotherapy in addition to surgery and radiotherapy. Whether cats received chemotherapy was not associated with recurrence rate, metastasis rate, or survival time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggest that excision followed by electron beam irradiation may be beneficial for treatment of cats with vaccine-associated sarcomas. Extent of excision prior to radiotherapy did not seem to be associated with recurrence rate.
Influence of Dialysate on Gastric Emptying Time in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Objective Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients frequently suffer from dyspeptic complaints such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, early satiety, and anorexia. Gastroparesis might be, at least partially, a source of dyspeptic complaints in PD patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of the presence and composition of dialysate on gastric emptying in PD patients. Design Prospective study. Setting Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. Patients Sixty-one PD patients using different dialysate solutions, and 27 healthy volunteers. Main Outcome Measure Gastric emptying of solids was assessed by the 13C-octanoic acid breath test. Results Gastric emptying was impaired in PD patients, regardless of the composition of dialysate and even if tested with an empty peritoneal cavity. Gastric emptying was significantly slower when glucose-containing dialysate was compared to an empty peritoneal cavity, or when glucose-containing dialysate was compared to icodextrin dialysate. No difference in gastric emptying could be demonstrated between glucose-containing dialysate and dialysate containing a mixture of glycerol and amino acids as osmotic agent. Conclusions These findings suggest that the delay in gastric emptying demonstrated in the presence of peritoneal dialysate is not the consequence of a mere volume or pressure effect, but of the absorption of substrate substances with caloric and/or metabolic activity, such as glucose or glycerol and amino acids.
Chronic Poverty in Urban Areas

FOR MANY YEARS, poverty in urban areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean has been identified by spatial area (e.g. settlement, neighbourhood, inner city) as often as it has been referred to by social group (e.g. low-income women, the homeless). This has perhaps given inadequate recognition to poverty differentiation within urban poor groups or, to put it another way, it has contributed to an assumption that the poor share similar characteristics and face the same difficulties. The focus on chronic poverty that has been of growing interest in recent years is particularly relevant to our understanding of urban poverty because it recognizes differences within “the poor”. Chronic poverty is a concept that takes into account the length of time that an individual or household experiences poverty, as well as the depth of poverty. Conceptually, it challenges us to differentiate between those who are poor at any specific point in time and those who are poor over a long period of time, and between the always (chronically) poor and those for whom poverty is transitory. While in the work of the Chronic Poverty Research Centre, the suggested period for “chronic poverty” is five years, it should be recognized that such specificity is somewhat arbitrary, and other definitions have also been used. As illustrated in recent papers, this often reflects the periods for which data are available. For example, Kedir and McKay use three surveys (1994, 1995, 1997) in their analysis of urban Ethiopia, and suggest that the chronically poor are those who are poor in all three surveys over a four-year period. While much of the analysis has been on incomes and the period of time without adequate income, the concept can also be applied to inadequate access to basic services such as water and education. While, conceptually, the addition of a time dimension is easy to understand, methodological approaches vary. Kedir (in this volume) explores a number of different methodologies for the study of chronic urban poverty in Ethiopia. He argues that in analyzing quantitative income and expenditure data, the use of precise differentiated price indices is significant, with different price indices producing different movements in poverty trends. (For example, in one case, an apparent reduction in poverty became an increase through the use of a different aggregate price measurement.) Hence, the use of a single set of prices, or even the use of different prices for urban and rural areas, may produce misleading indications of relative levels of poverty and the permanence (or not) of poverty. However, while such details matter with respect to specific estimates, the significance of the concept lies in the questions it raises for the analysis of poverty and poverty reduction. A consideration of the length of time that individuals and households have incomes that fall below the poverty line (by poverty line, we mean an income level that is established as necessary to
Shared atypical brain anatomy and intrinsic functional architecture in male youth with autism spectrum disorder and their unaffected brothers

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, yet the search for definite genetic etiologies remains elusive. Delineating ASD endophenotypes can boost the statistical power to identify the genetic etiologies and pathophysiology of ASD. We aimed to test for endophenotypes of neuroanatomy and associated intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) via contrasting male youth with ASD, their unaffected brothers and typically developing (TD) males. Method The 94 participants (aged 9–19 years) – 20 male youth with ASD, 20 unaffected brothers and 54 TD males – received clinical assessments, and undertook structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to obtain regional gray and white matter volumes. A seed-based approach, with seeds defined by the regions demonstrating atypical neuroanatomy shared by youth with ASD and unaffected brothers, was implemented to derive iFC. General linear models were used to compare brain structures and iFC among the three groups. Assessment of familiality was investigated by permutation tests for variance of the within-family pair difference. Results We found that atypical gray matter volume in the mid-cingulate cortex was shared between male youth with ASD and their unaffected brothers as compared with TD males. Moreover, reduced iFC between the mid-cingulate cortex and the right inferior frontal gyrus, and increased iFC between the mid-cingulate cortex and bilateral middle occipital gyrus were the shared features of male ASD youth and unaffected brothers. Conclusions Atypical neuroanatomy and iFC surrounding the mid-cingulate cortex may be a potential endophenotypic marker for ASD in males.
Predictors of academic success in a doctor of pharmacy program.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the correlation between specific prepharmacy college variables and academic success in the Texas Tech doctor of pharmacy degree program. METHODS Undergraduate and pharmacy school transcripts for 424 students admitted to the Texas Tech doctor of pharmacy degree program between May 1996 and May 2001 were reviewed in August of 2005. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Release 11.5. The undergraduate college variables included prepharmacy grade point-average (GPA), organic chemistry school type (2- or 4-year institution), chemistry, biology, and math courses beyond required prerequisites, and attainment of a bachelor of science (BS), bachelor of arts (BA), or master of science (MS) degree. Measurements of academic success in pharmacy school included cumulative first-professional year (P1) GPA, cumulative GPA (grade point average of all coursework finished to date), and graduation without academic delay or suspension. RESULTS Completing advanced biology courses and obtaining a BS degree prior to pharmacy school were each significantly correlated with a higher mean P1 GPA. Furthermore, the mean cumulative GPA of students with a BS degree was 86.4 versus cumulative GPAs of those without a BS degree which were 84.9, respectively (p = 0.039). Matriculates with advanced prerequisite biology coursework or a BS degree prior to pharmacy school were significantly more likely to graduate from the doctor of pharmacy program without academic delay or suspension (p = 0.021 and p = 0.027, respectively). Furthermore, advanced biology coursework was significantly and independently associated with graduating on time (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS Advanced biology coursework and a science baccalaureate degree were significantly associated with academic success in pharmacy school. On multivariate analysis, only advanced biology coursework remained a significant predictor of success.
A Review of Cohort Study Design for Cardiovascular Nursing Research

Nursing research encompasses a wide array of study areas that oftentimes follow specific groups of patients or patient types. The cohort study design is a useful method to study any group, especially to track outcomes or to evaluate exposure or risk factors. Several different cohort study designs can be applied to the general population or to specific subpopulations or groups, such as those with cardiovascular disease. Cohort designs provide a temporal view of groups and exposures that can uncover outcomes and exposures that may be difficult to separate out in smaller, traditional experiments. There are several types of cohort designs, each with their unique advantages. Cohort designs may be prospective or retrospective. Although most cohort designs are longitudinal, there are also cross-sectional types of studies that are useful. As with any type of research design, selection of the study participants and control groups must be made carefully. It is important for the variables to be clearly defined and measurable. The investigator must also be aware of potential biases and weaknesses associated with different cohort study designs and account for these problems when they arise. Reports from cohort studies should be presented clearly, addressing the potential confounding problems. This article explores the many types of cohort designs, with examples from cardiovascular disease research to demonstrate how nurses can use this design in their research.
Effect of anticholinergic agent, diethazine, on EEG and behavior; significance for theory of convulsive therapy.

Recent investigations of convulsive therapy have emphasized EEG delta activity as the neurophysiologic basis for the induced behavioral change.1-5Little study, however, has been given to the biochemical effects of this therapy, except in the course of investigations of head injuries. In investigations of head trauma significance has been ascribed to changes in the acetylcholine-cholinesterase systems both for the behavioral and for the electroencephalographic effects. An increase in free acetylcholine6and an alteration of the ratio of cholinesterases7in the spinal fluid have been positively correlated with the degree of EEG abnormality and degree of neurologic deficit. The EEG patterns were "blocked," and some improvement in clinical status was reported following the administration of atropine.7,8In convulsive therapy, atropine and scopolamine were observed to block the appearance of delta activity,9although the systemic effects of the large doses of these agents were marked. Recent reports
Appetite and body weight regulation after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery continues to be remarkably efficient in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and a debate has started whether it should remain the last resort only or also be used for the prevention of metabolic diseases. Intense research efforts in humans and rodent models are underway to identify the critical mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects with a view towards non‐surgical treatment options. This non‐systematic review summarizes and interprets some of this literature, with an emphasis on changes in the controls of appetite. Contrary to earlier views, surgery‐induced reduction of energy intake and subsequent weight loss appear to be the main drivers for rapid improvements of glycaemic control. The mechanisms responsible for suppression of appetite, particularly in the face of the large weight loss, are not well understood. Although a number of changes in food choice, taste functions, hedonic evaluation, motivation and self‐control have been documented in both humans and rodents after surgery, their importance and relative contribution to diminished appetite has not yet been demonstrated. Furthermore, none of the major candidate mechanisms postulated in mediating surgery‐induced changes from the gut and other organs to the brain, such as gut hormones and sensory neuronal pathways, have been confirmed yet. Future research efforts should focus on interventional rather than descriptive approaches in both humans and rodent models.
Non-heme Induction of Heme Oxygenase-1 Does Not Alter Cellular Iron Metabolism*

The catabolism of heme is carried out by members of the heme oxygenase (HO) family. The products of heme catabolism by HO-1 are ferrous iron, biliverdin (subsequently converted to bilirubin), and carbon monoxide. In addition to its function in the recycling of hemoglobin iron, this microsomal enzyme has been shown to protect cells in various stress models. Implicit in the reports of HO-1 cytoprotection to date are its effects on the cellular handling of heme/iron. However, the limited amount of uncommitted heme in non-erythroid cells brings to question the source of substrate for this enzyme in non-hemolytic circumstances. In the present study, HO-1 was induced by either sodium arsenite (reactive oxygen species producer) or hemin or overexpressed in the murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7. Both of the inducers elicited an increase in active HO-1; however, only hemin exposure caused an increase in the synthesis rate of the iron storage protein, ferritin. This effect of hemin was the direct result of the liberation of iron from heme by HO. Cells stably overexpressing HO-1, although protected from oxidative stress, did not display elevated basal ferritin synthesis. However, these cells did exhibit an increase in ferritin synthesis, compared with untransfected controls, in response to hemin treatment, suggesting that heme levels, and not HO-1, limit cellular heme catabolism. Our results suggest that the protection of cells from oxidative insult afforded by HO-1 is not due to the catabolism of significant amounts of cellular heme as thought previously.
Voltage withstand tests on a full scale overhead line tower model for line upgrading

In times of rising electrical energy demands, higher transmission capacities are getting more and more important; in Europe as well as all over the world. The construction of new overhead lines is not only cost and time intensive, but it is also difficult to get permits. For that reason the trend is towards upgrading the existing grid to higher operating voltage levels, which raises issues in terms of insulation coordination. Especially the dimensioning of required clearances at the overhead line towers is an important point to ensure a safe electricity transmission. These clearances are influenced by the lengthened insulator string as well as environmental factors. In a cooperative research project between Statnett SF1) and Graz University of Technology a full scale model of a part of an affected overhead line tower has been designed and constructed. Using this model, impulse voltage tests have been performed for several gaps to investigate the gap factor and the withstand behavior. Furthermore the given gap factors in the European standard EN 50341 [1] have been evaluated and compared with the experimental values within the project. This paper will present the development of the model and a summary of the results of the full scale tests as well as some background on the required clearances
The Effects of Compensation on Recovery from Low-Back Injury

The influence of compensation on recovery from lowback pain was assessed in a retrospective controlled cohort study. One hundred fifty compensable and 150 noncompensable back injury patients were invited for review between 1 and 5 years from presentation. A 91.3% follow-up was achieved, and there was no difference in the median age, follow-up, and initial injury score between the two groups. The incidence of reported pain, disability, psychological disturbance, unemployment, and length of time off work was greater in the compensation group ( P< 0.001). Settlement of the claim did not result in any reduction in morbidity, even up to 5 years later. These results demonstrate that the payment of compensation delays recovery from low-back injury.
Responses of laryngeal receptors to intralaryngeal CO2 in the cat.

1. We recorded afferent activities of single fibres in the superior laryngeal nerves of decerebrate or anaesthetized, paralysed cats while 3, 5 and 10% CO2 was added to a constant flow of warm, humidified air through the isolated upper airway. 2. Fifty‐three receptors with discharge frequencies modulated by intralaryngeal CO2 were studied. Of these, forty‐eight showed CO2‐induced attenuation of their firing rates. Pulses of 3, 5 or 10% CO2, alternating with air at intervals ranging from 1.5 to 60 s, also diminished the discharge frequencies. This diminution was greater with higher CO2 concentrations and longer pulse durations. 3. Five of the fifty‐three receptors were stimulated by intralaryngeal CO2. The discharge frequencies of these units increased slowly and by only a few impulses per second during CO2 exposure. 4. Thirty‐four of the CO2‐sensitive receptors were tested with other stimuli, including water, saline, positive and negative intralaryngeal pressures and cold air. The responses to these stimuli varied among receptors, but many of the units that reduced their frequencies with intralaryngeal CO2 were consistently stimulated by positive and/or negative intralaryngeal pressures. 5. Thirty‐six of the receptors were anatomically located by probing the upper airway. Twenty‐six were in the larynx, and ten were in the rostral trachea, within 5 mm of the cricoid cartilage. 6. The results, which are directly applicable to the investigation of reflex responses reported in the preceding paper, indicate that the predominant initial response to intralaryngeal CO2 under the conditions of these studies is attenuation of laryngeal receptor activity.