Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the differential diagnosis of focal hepatic lesions.

AIM To evaluate the utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in screening and differential diagnosis of benign and malignant focal hepatic lesions. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed using the Signa Excite Xl Twin Speed 1.5T system (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA). Seventy patients who had undergone MRI of the liver [29 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), four cholangiocarcinomas, 34 metastatic liver cancers, 10 hemangiomas, and eight cysts] between April 2004 and August 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. Visualization of lesions, relative contrast ratio (RCR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were compared between benign and malignant lesions on DWI. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) was administered to 59 patients, and RCR was compared pre- and post-administration. RESULTS DWI showed higher contrast between malignant lesions (especially in multiple small metastatic cancers) and surrounding liver parenchyma than did contrast-enhanced computed tomography. ADCs (mean +/- SD x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in malignant lesions (HCC: 1.31 +/- 0.28 and liver metastasis: 1.11 +/- 0.22) and were significantly higher in benign lesions (hemangioma: 1.84 +/- 0.37 and cyst: 2.61 +/- 0.45) than in the surrounding hepatic tissues. RCR between malignant lesions and surrounding hepatic tissues significantly improved after SPIO administration, but RCRs in benign lesions were not improved. CONCLUSION DWI is a simple and sensitive method for screening focal hepatic lesions and is useful for differential diagnosis.
Effects of Bailing capsules for renal transplant recipients: a retrospective clinical study

Background The administration of immunosuppressive agents is always an important factor affecting the long‐term survival of organ transplantation recipients. The best therapeutic regimen which either decreases the side effects of immune inhibitors or enhances the immunosuppressive efficacy is the goal of transplantation surgeons continue to search. This study investigated the effects of Bailing (Cordyceps sinensis) capsules on renal function and other systems of the body after renal transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 80 renal transplant recipients who were administered Bailing capsules and 100 renal transplant recipients in the control group were retrospectively analyzed to compare the incidences of graft rejection and infection after transplantation. The results of routine blood and urine tests, liver and kidney functions, uric acid (UA), 24‐hour urine protein (24 h‐Upro), as well as 1‐ and 5‐year patient renal allograft survival rates were compared between the two groups. Results The follow‐up was 3‐5 years. The two groups were not shown to have statistically significant differences in age, gender, cold ischemia time, donor‐recipient human leukocyte antigen typing, panel reactive antibodies, lymphocytotoxicity tests, and the application of immunosuppressive agents at the baseline. The two groups were also not significantly different in the incidence of acute injection after transplantation, recovery of renal function, and blood glucose level. The Bailing group was significantly lower than the control in the incidence of infection, serum aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, UA, and 24‐hour Upro, but significantly higher than the control group in peripheral red blood cell count and white blood cell count (P<0.05). One‐year and 5‐year patient survival rates were 98.7% and 98.0%, respectively in the Bailing group, 95.0% and 93.0%, respectively, in the control group. One‐year and 5‐year renal allograft survival rates were 97.5% and 95.0%, respectively, in the Bailing group, and 92.5% and 84.0%, respectively, in the control group. The comparison of patient and renal allograft survival rates between the two groups using Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and log‐rank test showed that only the differences in renal allograft survival rates were statistically significant (Log‐rank: 5 years: patient survival P=0.420; renal allograft survival P=0.049). Conclusion Bailing capsules were effective in preventing allograft rejection, protecting liver and kidney functions, stimulating hematopoiesis, and reducing the incidence of infection and thus are ideal immunoregulators.
From Subjective Cognitive Complaints to Dementia

Subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) are frequent in the elderly population. The majority of individuals with subjective complaints never progress to significant cognitive decline, but some of them have a higher risk of progression to objective cognitive impairment than persons with no cognitive concerns. We performed a systematic review of community-based studies that focused on the progression risk associated with SCC and on the complainers’ characteristics associated with progression. Seventeen studies were included. As a group, SCCs are associated with a significantly higher risk of progression to dementia. Worried complainers, persons who refer an impact of their complaints on activities of daily living, and those whose complaints are also noticed by an informant have the highest risk of progression. Taking into account the fluctuating course of SCC and their frequent reversion, care should be taken to not overvaluate them. Further studies are necessary to better define risk features.
Helical Disposition of Proteins and Lipopolysaccharide in the Outer Membrane of Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT In bacteria, several physiological processes once thought to be the products of uniformly dispersed reactions are now known to be highly asymmetric, with some exhibiting interesting geometric localizations. In particular, the cell envelope of Escherichia coli displays a form of subcellular differentiation in which peptidoglycan and outer membrane proteins at the cell poles remain stable for generations while material in the lateral walls is diluted by growth and turnover. To determine if material in the side walls was organized in any way, we labeled outer membrane proteins with succinimidyl ester-linked fluorescent dyes and then grew the stained cells in the absence of dye. Labeled proteins were not evenly dispersed in the envelope but instead appeared as helical ribbons that wrapped around the outside of the cell. By staining the O8 surface antigen of E. coli 2443 with a fluorescent derivative of concanavalin A, we observed a similar helical organization for the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) component of the outer membrane. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching indicated that some of the outer membrane proteins remained freely diffusible in the side walls and could also diffuse into polar domains. On the other hand, the LPS O antigen was virtually immobile. Thus, the outer membrane of E. coli has a defined in vivo organization in which a subfraction of proteins and LPS are embedded in stable domains at the poles and along one or more helical ribbons that span the length of this gram-negative rod.
Mitral regurgitation following first‐time acute myocardial infarction— early and late findings by doppler echocardiography

A total of 61 patients with first‐time mild to moderate acute myocardial infarction and no reinfarction within the following 2 months were studied prospectively by Doppler echocardiography before hospital discharge and after 2 months to evaluate the prevalence of mitral regurgitation. Twenty‐one age‐matched healthy subjects served as controls. At baseline, the prevalence of Doppler‐recorded mitral regurgitation was 74% and 29% in patients and controls, respectively. In the patients, the regurgitant flow measured by color flow Doppler was 1.04 cm2 (range 0.2–8 cm2) and occupied 7.5% (range 2–45%) of the left atrial area. Corresponding figures for controls were 0.35 cm2 (0.1–0.6) and 2.4% (0.7–4.5), respectively. On continuous wave Doppler, most patients (33/45) had Doppler signals similar to those of healthy controls. The prevalence of mitral regurgitation was about the same in anterior and inferior infarction (75 and 72% respectively). In the patients, the prevalence was similar after 2 months (79%) with minor changes in the Doppler characteristics of the regurgitation (regurgitant flow 1.12 cm2 and occupying 8.1% of left atrial area). The study demonstrates that in a group of patients with first‐time mild to moderate myocardial infarction the prevalence of Doppler‐recorded mitral regurgitation is high and mild in severity in the majority of the cases. The changes remain almost similar even after 2 months.
The Disease-Ameliorating Function of Autoregulatory CD8 T Cells Is Mediated by Targeting of Encephalitogenic CD4 T Cells in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the CNS, and CD8 T cells are the predominant T cell population in MS lesions. Given that transfer of CNS-specific CD8 T cells results in an attenuated clinical demyelinating disease in C57BL/6 mice with immunization-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we investigated the cellular targets and mechanisms of autoreactive regulatory CD8 T cells. In this study we report that myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35–55)–induced CD8 T cells could also attenuate adoptively transferred, CD4 T cell–mediated EAE. Whereas CD8−/− mice exhibited more severe EAE associated with increased autoreactivity and inflammatory cytokine production by myelin-specific CD4 T cells, this was reversed by adoptive transfer of MOG-specific CD8 T cells. These autoregulatory CD8 T cells required in vivo MHC class Ia (KbDb) presentation. Interestingly, MOG-specific CD8 T cells could also suppress adoptively induced disease using wild-type MOG35–55-specific CD4 T cells transferred into KbDb−/− recipient mice, suggesting direct targeting of encephalitogenic CD4 T cells. In vivo trafficking analysis revealed that autoregulatory CD8 T cells are dependent on neuroinflammation for CNS infiltration, and their suppression/cytotoxicity of MOG-specific CD4 T cells is observed both in the periphery and in the CNS. These studies provide important insights into the mechanism of disease suppression mediated by autoreactive CD8 T cells in EAE.
Imbalance of regulatory T cells in human autoimmune diseases

The breakdown of mechanisms assuring the recognition of self and non‐self is a hallmark feature of autoimmune diseases. In the past 10 years, there has been a steadily increasing interest in a subpopulation of regulatory T cells, which exert their suppressive function in vitro in a contact‐dependent manner and preferentially express high levels of CD25 and forkhead and winged‐helix family transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) (TREGs). Recent findings of changed prevalences and functional efficiencies indicate that these TREGs play a unique role in autoimmune diseases. Clinical findings in patients with mutated FOXP3 genes and a specific polymorphism in the promotor region of FOXP3 also support the role of FOXP3 as a ‘master control gene’ in the development and functioning of TREGs. Both altered generation of TREGs and insufficient suppression of inflammation in autoimmune diseases are considered to be crucial for the initiation and perpetuation of disease. TREG‐related somatic cell therapy is considered as an intriguing new intervention to approach autoimmune diseases.
Population Structure and Gene Flow Among Wild Populations of the Black Muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons) Based on Mitochondrial DNA Control Region Sequences

Abstract The black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons) is a rare species endemic to China and its current distribution is confined to partial mountain ranges in eastern China. To assess the population structure and gene flow among the extant populations, we sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial control region (424 bp) for 47 samples collected from its current three large populations (Huangshan, Tiammushan and Suichang). A total of 18 unique haplotypes were defined based on 22 polymorphic sites. Of these haplotypes, 15 ones were population-specific and only one haplotype was shared among the three populations. Significant genetic differentiation was detected between Suichang and Huangshan populations (∅ST=0.1677, P<0.001) or between Suichang and Tianmushan populations (∅ST=0.2002, P<0.001), indicating that the Suichang population may be spatially structured from other two populations along matriline. The Mantel test revealed that this significant differentiation was not driven by geographic distance (P=0.14), implying that genetic divergence of Suichang population might result from recent human disturbances. Phylogenetic analyses suggested the mitochondrial control region haplotypes were split into two well divergent clades (Clade I and Clade II). Interestingly, the two distinct haplotype clades were found to coexist in Suichang area. The nested clade analysis revealed a significant phylogeographic structure among the black muntjac populations (total cladogram: χ2=18.68; P<0.001), which was inferred to result from past fragmentation followed by range expansion. The population expansion was supported by the analysis of mismatch distribution and the tests of neutrality. Therefore, we suggest that the coexistence of distinct haplotypes in Suichang population was induced by historical population expansion after fragmentation and that the current genetic differentiation should be attributed to the reduction of female-mediated gene flow due to recent habitat fragmentation and subsequent loss.
The impact of temporal distance and need for status on employee evaluations of Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns

ABSTRACT Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs depend on employee participation, and hospitality companies are looking for ways to increase employee engagement. A better understanding of the factors leading to positive attitudes among employees toward CSR programs is needed. This article examines the moderating effect of need for status (NFS) on relationships between the temporal distance of the CSR campaign, employee attitudes, and turnover intention using the framework of Costly Signaling Theory. The results indicated that when the CSR campaign was to benefit a short-term cause, individuals high in NFS had a more positive attitude and lower turnover intention than those low in NFS.
Anandamide Activates Vanilloid Receptor 1 (VR1) at Acidic pH in Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons and Cells Ectopically Expressing VR1*

The vanilloid receptor type 1 (VR1) is a heat-activated ionophore preferentially expressed in nociceptive neurons of trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). VR1, which binds and is activated by capsaicin and other vanilloid compounds, was noted to interact with the endocannabinoid anandamide (ANA) and certain inflammatory metabolites of arachidonic acid in a pH-dependent manner. At pH ≤ 6.5 ANA induced45Ca2+ uptake either in primary cultures of DRG neurons or cells ectopically expressing C-terminally tagged recombinant forms of VR1 with an EC50 = ∼10 μm at pH 5.5. Capsazepine, a potent antagonist of vanilloids, inhibited ANA-induced Ca2+ transport in both cell systems. Vanilloids displaced [3H]ANA in VR1-expressing cells, suggesting competition for binding to VR1. Ratiometric determination of intracellular free calcium and confocal imaging of the VR1-green fluorescent fusion protein revealed that, at low pH (≤6.5), ANA could induce an elevation of intracellular free Ca2+ and consequent intracellular membrane changes in DRG neurons or transfected cells expressing VR1. These actions of ANA were similar to the effects determined previously for vanilloids. The ligand-induced changes in Ca2+ at pH ≤ 6.5 are consistent with the idea that ANA and other eicosanoids act as endogenous ligands of VR1 in a conditional fashion in vivo.The pH dependence suggests that tissue acidification in inflammation, ischemia, or traumatic injury can sensitize VR1 to eicosanoids and transduce pain from the periphery.
BODE Index and GOLD Staging as Predictors of 1-Year Exacerbation Risk in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background:The body mass index/airflow obstruction/dyspnea/exercise capacity (BODE) index and global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) staging system are validated measures to define disease severity and to predict survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to investigate the influence of BODE classes (score: 0–2, 3–4, 5–7, and 7–10) and GOLD stages (I, II, III, and IV) on the moderate/severe exacerbation occurrence risk in a cohort of 120 mild/very severe stable patients with COPD. Methods:Demographics, clinical evaluation, spirometry, peripheral oxygen saturation, body composition, 6-minute walking distance, dyspnea, and quality of life measurements were obtained at baseline. Patients were followed up for 1 year or until death, and information on exacerbation was collected. Results:The median annual exacerbation rate was 0.8. Logistic regression showed that the relationship between the risk for moderate/severe exacerbations during a 1-year follow-up for the GOLD stage was odds ratio: 2.01; 95% confidence interval: 1.39–2.98 and for the BODE index was odds ratio: 2.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.27–3.61. The area under the receiver-operator curve to predict exacerbation during the 1-year follow-up was 0.69 for the GOLD stage and 0.62 for the BODE index. Adjusted multiple logistic regression selected only older age and lower peripheral oxygen saturation as risk factors for COPD exacerbation in the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions:In summary, our study shows that unidimensional GOLD classification and multidimensional BODE index staging systems seem to have similar clinical utility in predicting exacerbation in ambulatory COPD patients with COPD. However, variables not included in both systems seem to be the main predictors of the exacerbation risk.
Long-Run Saving Dynamics: Evidence from Unexpected Inheritances

Abstract We exploit inheritance episodes to provide novel causal evidence on the long-run effects of a large financial windfall on saving behavior. For identification, we combine a longitudinal panel of administrative wealth reports with variation in the timing of sudden, unexpected parental deaths. We show that after inheritance, net worth converges toward the path established before parental death, with only one-third of the initial windfall remaining after nine years. We interpret these findings through the lens of a generalized consumption-saving framework. To quantitatively replicate this behavior, life-cycle consumption models require impatient consumers and strong precautionary saving motives.
Stress Shielding in Box and Cylinder Cervical Interbody Fusion Cage Designs

Study Design. A numerical analysis of stress shielding of the bone graft in box and cylinder interbody fusion cages was performed. Objectives. To evaluate the stress shielding characteristics of box and cylinder interbody fusion cages for the cervical spine with regard to their rigidity and contiguous pore size. Summary of Background Data. Cage design has been shown to influence loading of the augmented bone graft tissue. In addition, a large contiguous pore design is believed to be important to avoid stress shielding effects. Methods. A two-dimensional axisymmetric, biphasic finite-element model of the cage incorporating the bone graft and the adjacent vertebral bodies was developed. Analysis was performed in two parts. First, the vertebrae were loaded by an axial compressive force, and second, the effect of vertebral penetration by the interbody cage was simulated. Results. Straining of bone graft in the box cage was generally lower than that of the cylinder cage. The strains in the cylinder cage were seen to be more uniformly distributed, whereas in the box cage straining was concentrated in the graft under the endplates. Vertebral penetration by the cylinder cage resulted in significant straining of the bone graft (28% strain), whereas lower strains were determined in the box cage (a maximum of 17% strain). Conclusions. The central pore in the box design does not seem as effective as the fully open cylinder cage in transferring loads to the augmented graft tissue. Early penetration of the adjacent vertebrae by the cylinder cage may provide early postoperative stability and load the graft tissue, thereby imparting the necessary signals for fusion.
Laboratory and Field Performance of an Imidacloprid Gel Bait Against German Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Abstract An experimental 2.15% imidacloprid gel bait containing ≈44% water was evaluated in laboratory and field studies against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). In continuous exposure tests, toxicity and presumably bait consumption varied with cockroach stage, deprivation of competitive food, and temperature. The LT50 values for cockroaches provided with competitive food ranged from ≈0.9 h for adult females to 190 h for small nymphs. The LT50s for cockroaches not provided competitive food ranged from ≈1.7 h for adult females to ≈31 h for adult males. The LT50s decreased exponentially with temperature between 10 and 30°C. Even though the bait was significantly more repellent (≈38%) than an untreated control (≈14%) when tested in Ebeling choice boxes, performance index values were positive and increased to nearly 100 (indicating high mortality and low repellency) after 14 d. When applied at 15–45 g per kitchen, the bait significantly reduced German cockroach trap catch in infested homes during a 4-wk period. There was a ≈50% reduction after 1 wk and ≈80% reduction 4 wk after treatment.
Langerhanszell-Histiozytose im Kindesalter - Ergebnisse der DAL-HX 83 Studie*

: Owing to the unclear and mostly unknown etiology of Langerhans' cell Histiocytosis (LCH) and the unsatisfactory results in treating disseminated LCH a prospective multicentric study DAL-HX 83 was commenced, including 45 different clinics of West-Germany, Austria and Netherlands. From June 1st, 1983 to October 31st, 1986, 97 patients (pts) were involved in this study. 35 pts (9 females, 26 males, medium age 6 2/12 years, age range 0/12-14 2/12 years) suffering from localized disease (28x unifocal bone, 6x isolated skin, 1x isolated lymphnode involvement) were treated by surgery and/or radiation or were just kept in observation. 2 children (1 pt with primary localized bone lesion, 1 child with isolated skin rash) developed a new bone lesion after 1/2 year and 1 1/2 years respectively. 62 pts (33 females, 29 males, medium age 2 years, range 0/12-17 1/2 years) with previously untreated disseminated disease were assigned to 3 different risk groups (A, B and C) and were treated according to a standardized induction and risk adapted maintenance protocol. The whole treatment period was limited to 1 year. 19 pts with multifocal bone involvement (group A, medium age 6 1/2 years) were allocated to regimen A, 30 pts with bone and soft tissue involvement or soft tissue involvement alone (group B, medium age 1 8/12 years) to regimen B and 13 pts with dysfunction of the liver, lungs and/or haematopoietic system (group C, medium age 1 year) to regimen C. So far, 1 pt of group A (19 available pts) developed a new bone lesion after 10 months, another pt a suspicious bone involvement 16 months after diagnosis. A 4 months old girl of group B (27 available pts) died 11 months after diagnosis with progressive organ dysfunction, 2 pts are still alive with recurrent multifocal bone lesions and 1 pt achieved stable 2nd clinical remission after a local relapse (mediastinum). 4 pts of group C (11 available pts) died because of progressive disease between 5 days and 3 years after diagnosis, 3 pts are in partial remission after persistent and recurrent disease episodes. All the others are in clinical remission. The medium observation time of the whole group of pts with disseminated LCH is 1 9/12 years (range 0/12-3 5/12 years). The worst prognostic criteria were found to be the presence of organ dysfunction at diagnosis or its development during the course of disease and the age under two years. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)