Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of methyl parathion exposure on development and reproduction in the viviparous fish Girardinichthys multiradiatus

Methyl parathion (MeP), an insecticide commonly used in Mexico, has been detected in water bodies adjacent to agricultural crops and is accumulated in the tissue of the amarillo (Girardinichthys multiradiatus), a viviparous fish unique to Central Mexico. Evidence of MeP accumulation in a G. multiradiatus population prompted assessment of the consequences of exposure to MeP during the gestation period and adult life. We exposed adult fish to MeP in the diet at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.165 μg/g dry weight of food. Fish accumulated MeP at concentrations from 0.21 to 5.87 μg/g of fish and exhibited a significant reduction in weight and growth rate. We also evaluated the effects on broods of pregnant females exposed to 0.005, 0.01, and 0.1 μg/g dry weight of food. Although these pregnant females were not affected, their offspring showed an increase in spinal cord malformation and a reduction in survival to adulthood. Finally, we sampled seven localities inhabited by G. multiradiatus; this revealed the presence of MeP in two water bodies at concentrations of 0.0036 and 0.037 μg/mL respectively. Our results suggest that low MeP concentrations affect immature fish with possible consequences later in life. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Prevention of VTE in orthopedic surgery patients: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines.

BACKGROUND VTE is a serious, but decreasing complication following major orthopedic surgery. This guideline focuses on optimal prophylaxis to reduce postoperative pulmonary embolism and DVT. METHODS The methods of this guideline follow those described in Methodology for the Development of Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis Guidelines: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines in this supplement. RESULTS In patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery, we recommend the use of one of the following rather than no antithrombotic prophylaxis: low-molecular-weight heparin; fondaparinux; dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban (total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty but not hip fracture surgery); low-dose unfractionated heparin; adjusted-dose vitamin K antagonist; aspirin (all Grade 1B); or an intermittent pneumatic compression device (IPCD) (Grade 1C) for a minimum of 10 to 14 days. We suggest the use of low-molecular-weight heparin in preference to the other agents we have recommended as alternatives (Grade 2C/2B), and in patients receiving pharmacologic prophylaxis, we suggest adding an IPCD during the hospital stay (Grade 2C). We suggest extending thromboprophylaxis for up to 35 days (Grade 2B). In patients at increased bleeding risk, we suggest an IPCD or no prophylaxis (Grade 2C). In patients who decline injections, we recommend using apixaban or dabigatran (all Grade 1B). We suggest against using inferior vena cava filter placement for primary prevention in patients with contraindications to both pharmacologic and mechanical thromboprophylaxis (Grade 2C). We recommend against Doppler (or duplex) ultrasonography screening before hospital discharge (Grade 1B). For patients with isolated lower-extremity injuries requiring leg immobilization, we suggest no thromboprophylaxis (Grade 2B). For patients undergoing knee arthroscopy without a history of VTE, we suggest no thromboprophylaxis (Grade 2B). CONCLUSIONS Optimal strategies for thromboprophylaxis after major orthopedic surgery include pharmacologic and mechanical approaches.
Haemodynamic effects of umbilical cord milking in premature sheep during the neonatal transition

Objective Umbilical cord milking (UCM) at birth may benefit preterm infants, but the physiological effects of UCM are unknown. We compared the physiological effects of two UCM strategies with immediate umbilical cord clamping (UCC) and physiological-based cord clamping (PBCC) in preterm lambs. Methods At 126 days’ gestational age, fetal lambs were exteriorised, intubated and instrumented to measure umbilical, pulmonary and cerebral blood flows and arterial pressures. Lambs received either (1) UCM without placental refill (UCMwoPR); (2) UCM with placental refill (UCMwPR); (3) PBCC, whereby ventilation commenced prior to UCC; or (4) immediate UCC. UCM involved eight milks along a 10 cm length of cord, followed by UCC. Results A net volume of blood was transferred into the lamb during UCMwPR (8.8 mL/kg, IQR 8–10, P=0.01) but not during UCMwoPR (0 mL/kg, IQR −2.8 to 1.7) or PBCC (1.1 mL/kg, IQR −1.3 to 4.3). UCM had no effect on pulmonary blood flow, but caused large fluctuations in mean carotid artery pressures (MBP) and blood flows (CABF). In UCMwoPR and UCMwPR lambs, MBP increased by 12%±1% and 8%±1% and CABF increased by 32%±2% and 15%±2%, respectively, with each milk. Cerebral oxygenation decreased the least in PBCC lambs (17%, IQR 13–26) compared with UCMwoPR (26%, IQR 23–25, P=0.03), UCMwPR (35%, IQR 27–44, P=0.02) and immediate UCC (34%, IQR 28–41, P=0.02) lambs. Conclusions UCMwoPR failed to provide placental transfusion, and UCM strategies caused considerable haemodynamic disturbance. UCM does not provide the same physiological benefits of PBCC. Further review of UCM is warranted before adoption into routine clinical practice.
Status of bipolar disorder research

Background Bibliometric research has used publication or funding databases to compare the amount of research activity on different illnesses. Only one study has examined bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in this way, and it was restricted to one database. Aims The primary aim is to compare levels of research activity in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Secondary aims are to examine how research activity on the disorders varies over time and across scientific fields. Method The numbers of publications, projects, journals and funding awards on bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were extracted from nine computer databases to compare research activity on the two conditions. Results Ratios (bipolar disorder: schizophrenia) ranged from 1:1.3 for the number of research funding awards to 1:7.6 for the number of clinical trials. Conclusions There is a relative dearth of research activity on bipolar disorder compared with schizophrenia.
Membrane Glycoprotein M6a Interacts with the μ-Opioid Receptor and Facilitates Receptor Endocytosis and Recycling*

Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, the neuronal membrane glycoprotein M6a, a member of the proteolipid protein family, was identified to be associated with the μ-opioid receptor (MOPr). Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that M6a interacts agonist-independently with MOPr in human embryonic kidney 293 cells co-expressing MOPr and M6a. Co-expression of MOPr with M6a, but not with M6b or DM20, exists in many brain regions, further supporting a specific interaction between MOPr and M6a. After opioid treatment M6a co-internalizes and then co-recycles with MOPr to cell surface in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Moreover, the interaction of M6a and MOPr augments constitutive and agonist-dependent internalization as well as the recycling rate of μ-opioid receptors. On the other hand, overexpression of a M6a-negative mutant prevents μ-opioid receptor endocytosis, demonstrating an essential role of M6a in receptor internalization. In addition, we demonstrated the interaction of M6a with a number of other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) such as the δ-opioid receptor, cannabinoid receptor CB1, and somatostatin receptor sst2A, suggesting that M6a might play a general role in the regulation of certain GPCRs. Taken together, these data provide evidence that M6a may act as a scaffolding molecule in the regulation of GPCR endocytosis and intracellular trafficking.
Benzene Exposure and Multiple Myeloma

Abstract: Case reports and epidemiological studies of workers exposed to benzene have demonstrated associations with a number of lymphohematopoietic diseases, but the association with multiple myeloma (MM) has been less apparent. Data from all of the “benzene cohort studies” conducted to date have been selected and evaluated for inclusion in a meta‐analysis. The analysis demonstrates a significant excess in the relative risk (RR) of MM in relation to benzene exposure. Pooling the data from seven cohort studies, a meta‐analysis yields a statistically significant weighted RR estimate of 2.13 (95% CI = 1.31–3.46). In the analysis of cohort data, an understanding of the cohort follow‐up period in relation to benzene exposure and RR of MM is important. Exposure‐related RRs of disease decline after the median latency periods are exceeded, particularly when exposure has terminated decades earlier. The positive epidemiological evidence for benzene as a cause of MM is supported by biological plausibility for such an effect from benzene exposure. Studies of refinery workers are difficult to interpret in relation to benzene exposure and risk of MM, but are limited in the study design and analysis. Nonetheless, they provide some support for an association between refinery work and MM.
In Vivo Measurement of Glucose Utilization in Rats using a β-Microprobe: Direct Comparison with Autoradiography

A new β-microprobe (βP) has been used to locally measure the time–concentration curve of a radiolabeled substance. The βP, analogous to positron emission tomography methodology, is useful for in vivo animal studies because it can acquire time–concentration curves with high temporal and spatial resolution. Using [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose and βP, we evaluated the reliability of the biologic parameters and we compared this method with the [14C]2-deoxy-d-glucose autoradiography. βP time–concentration curves in three regions of the brain were obtained from 24 rats. Four kinetic parameters (K1-k4) were estimated from 60-minute experimental periods using a three-compartment model. Best fits were obtained when the vascular fraction (Fv) was estimated simultaneously with the four kinetic parameters (K1-k4). The mean estimated Fv values were about 5.5% for the frontal cortex regions and 8.0% for the cerebellum. Correlation coefficients higher than 0.830 were observed between regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rCMRglc) values obtained by βP and autoradiography. In addition, the βP-derived input function was similar to that obtained by manual sampling. Our findings show that reliable rCMRglc values can be obtained using βP.
Regulation of Human CYP11B2 and CYP11B1: Comparing the Role of the Common CRE/Ad1 Element

In humans, the final steps in corticosteroid production results from the activity of aldosterone synthase in the glomerulosa and 11β-hydroxylase in the fasciculata. The regional expression of these isozymes is believed to result from transcriptional regulation of the aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) genes. Previous studies suggest that the primary cis-element needed for agonist enhanced transcription of the CYP11B genes shares high sequence similarity to a consensus cAMP Response Element (CRE). Here the role of the CRE/Adl was studied. Reporter constructs prepared with the 5′flanking DNA of hCYP11B2 and hCYP11B1 were transfected into NCI-H295R (H295R) adrenocortical tumor cells. Both hCYP11B2 and hCYP11B1 driven reporter constructs responded in a similar manner to treatment with angiotensin II, potassium, dbcAMP, or forskolin. Mutation of the hCYP11B1 CRE/Adl element decreased basal reporter expression and decreased response to agonist. Mutation of the hCYP11B2 CRE/Adl element caused a loss of basal expression but retained response to agonist suggesting a role for other cis-elements in hormonal regulation of hCYP11B2 In addition, both cis-elements were able to form complexes with in vitro prepared CRE binding (CREB) protein, activating transcription factor (ATF)-1 and ATF-2 in mobility shift assays. However, only the ATF-2 complex migrated similarly to a complex seen using H295R nuclear extract. Taken together these data suggest that the CRE/Adl element plays an important role in the transcriptional regulation of both hCYP11B genes but does not play an important role in the regional distribution of the two isozymes within the adrenal.
FFR-aided OFDMA-based networks under spatially correlated shadowing

One of the most important factors affecting the quality of service (QoS) in orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) networks is the intercell interference (ICI). An efficient technique for mitigating ICI is the well-known fractional frequency reuse (FFR), wherein cells are partitioned into center and edge spatial regions and different frequency reuse factors are applied to both of them. This work presents an analytical characterization of FFR-aided OFDMA-based networks that, unlike most previous studies, incorporates shadowing effects. The FFR design parameters maximizing the overall cell spectral efficiency, are determined for both round robin (RR) and maximum signal to interference plus noise ratio (MSINR) scheduling policies. Simulation results serve to validate the accuracy of the introduced model while at the same time reveal which are the optimum FFR settings.
In vitro efficacy of lufenuron against filamentous fungi and blood concentrations after PO administration in horses.

Lufenuron is a benzoylphenyl urea-derived insecticide that has been recently introduced as a novel treatment for fungal infections in horses. The purposes of this study were to determine (1) the in vitro efficacy of lufenuron against Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. and (2) the ability of lufenuron to reach efficacious blood concentrations after PO administration in horses. Fungal colonies isolated from diseased equine corneas were tested against lufenuron solutions up to 700 microg/mL. Twenty-one adult horses received 1 of 3 PO lufenuron treatment regimens: 5 mg/kg body weight (BW) q24h for 3 days, 20 mg/kg BW q24h for 3 days, or 60 mg/ kg BW q24h for 1 day. Blood samples were collected up to 96 hours after drug administration and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analyses of lufenuron blood concentrations were performed by analysis of variance and Fischer's Least Significant Difference test, with statistical significance set at P < . 05. Lufenuron showed no effect on the in vitro growth of Aspergillus or Fusarium spp. Lufenuron was detected in the blood of all but 1 horse and showed no adverse effects. The maximum blood lufenuron concentration (83.5 +/- 58.7 microg/L) was lower than the concentrations proven to be ineffective in vitro in this study. Further therapeutic use of lufenuron as an antifungal agent in horses should be based on proven efficacy against specific strains of clinically relevant fungi with pharmacokinetic data demonstrating sufficient lufenuron concentrations in target tissues.
The Pharmacokinetics of Doxylamine: Use of Automated Gas Chromatography With Nitrogen‐Phosphorus Detection

Sixteen healthy male volunteers received a single oral dose of 25 mg doxylamine succinate. Doxylamine concentrations in plasma were measured by a newly developed gas chromatographic methodology, utilizing direct alkaline extraction into hexane:isoamyl alcohol followed by concentration and autoinjection. Doxylamine kinetics were determined from multiple plasma doxylamine concentrations measured during the 24 hours postdose. Mean kinetic variables were: peak plasma level, 99 ng/mL; time of peak, 2.4 hours postdose; elimination half‐life, 10.1 hours; and apparent oral clearance, 217 mL/min. Analogous analytic methodology can be used to study the pharmacokinetics of other drugs of this class.
The sodium lauryl sulfate model: an overview

Irritant contact dermatitis is a complex entity with several clinical forms (acute, cumulative, etc.) and multiple mechanisms. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the most widely utilized model for studying acute and cumulative irritation, has proved highly practical and informative for such studies. This article summarizes several decade of investigation, and provides details of dosing, application method (closed versus open), and biologic endpoints (visual grading, transpidermal water loss) that may be utilized in future studies.
Using the ACS-NSQIP to Identify Factors Affecting Hospital Length of Stay After Elective Posterior Lumbar Fusion

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2010 that included 1861 patients who had undergone elective posterior lumbar fusion. Objective. To characterize factors that were independently associated with increased hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients who had undergone elective posterior lumbar fusion. Summary of Background Data. Posterior lumbar spine fusion is a common surgical procedure used to treat lumbar spine pathology. LOS is an important clinical variable and a major determinant of inpatient hospital costs. There is lack of studies in the literature using multivariate analysis to examine specifically the predictors of LOS after elective posterior lumbar fusion. Methods. Patients who underwent elective posterior lumbar fusion from 2005 to 2010 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Preoperative and intraoperative variables were extracted for each case and a multivariate linear regression was performed to assess the contribution of each variable to LOS. Results. A total of 1861 patients who had undergone elective posterior lumbar fusion were identified. The average age for patients in this cohort was 60.6 ± 13.9 years (mean ± standard deviation) with a body mass index of 30.3 ± 6.2 kg/m2. Of the total patients, 44.7% of patients were male. LOS was in the range from 0 days to 51 days. Multivariate linear regression identified age (P < 0.001), morbid obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2, P < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists class (P = 0.001), operative time (P < 0.001), multilevel procedure (P = 0.001), and intraoperative transfusion (P < 0.001) as significant predictors of extended LOS. Conclusion. The identified preoperative and intraoperative variables associated with extended LOS after elective posterior lumbar fusion may be helpful to clinicians for patient counseling and postoperative planning. Level of Evidence: 3
Lack of rapid aldosterone effects on forearm resistance vasculature in health

Objectives Systemic infusions of aldosterone cause an acute increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in healthy subjects. It is not clear whether this is due to a direct effect on the vasculature or the result of increased sympathetic tone. We investigated the short-term effects of locally infused aldosterone on the forearm resistance bed. Methods In this dose response study, we assessed the effects of incremental doses (10, 50, 100 ng/minute) of intrabrachial aldosterone on forearm blood flow (FBF), using conventional strain gauge plethysmography. Arterial blood pressure was monitored continuously, using finger photo-plethysmography. Forearm vascular resistance (FVR) was calculated. FBF and FVR were also measured in the non-infused arm. Changes in FBF and FVR in the infused arm were corrected for those occurring in the control arm. Results Plasma aldosterone levels in the venous effluent of the infused arm increased in a dose-dependent fashion, from 113.3±17.9 pg/ml at baseline to 297.8±51.8 pg/ml at 10 ng/minute (p=<0.01), 743.9±105.9 pg/ml at 50 ng/min (p=<0.001 vs. baseline) and 1230.6±73.7 pg/ml at 100 ng/min (p=<0.0005 vs. baseline). Plasma concentrations of aldosterone in the control arm did not change significantly vs. baseline. The corrected FBF (+4.1±10.3%) and corrected FVR (+4.3±11.3%) did not change significantly even at peak infusion rates. Conclusions Local intra-arterial infusion of aldosterone had no acute effect on forearm resistance vessels in healthy male volunteers.
A comparison between histological grade and nuclear morphometry for predicting the clinical outcome of localized renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES To determine the interrelationship of histological grade and nuclear morphometry and to compare their prognostic significance in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective prognostic study of 39 patients with localized (pT1, pT2) RCC was performed. Conventional histological grade and nuclear morphometry were assessed independently and the correlation between these grading systems and their impact on the patients' outcome were evaluated. RESULTS Histological grade and the nuclear morphometric variables were significantly correlated: the strongest association was that between grade and the nuclear regularity factor. The best predictor of disease-free interval and survival (by univariate analysis) was the combination of nuclear area and nuclear elongation factor, followed by conventional tumour grade, nuclear elongation factor, nuclear regularity factor and nuclear area. However, a multivariate analysis showed that the only independent prognosticator for survival was the combination of nuclear area and nuclear elongation factor. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that nuclear morphometry is prognostically superior to histological grade in patients with localized RCC.
Investigation of BK virus, Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus sequences in postoperative thyroid gland specimens

Background Although recent evidence has implicated viruses in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and tumor progression, little is known regarding viral infections in thyroid malignancies. Thus the aim of this study was to detect sequences of 3 potentially oncogenic viruses – BK virus (BKV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) – in a series of postoperative thyroid gland specimens. Methods Thirty patients with thyroid nodules who underwent surgery for thyroid disease within a 3-year period were enrolled. Both nodular and adjacent normal thyroid tissue was surgically excised from each patient. Viral gene sequences of BKV (VP1), EBV (LMP1, EBNA2 and EBER1) and HPV were amplified by PCR. The PCR results were confirmed by direct sequencing analysis. Results VP1 gene sequences were detected in 60% (18/30) of thyroid cancer or multinodular hyperplasia lesions compared with in 43.3% (13/30) of adjacent normal thyroid tissue specimens. Fifteen of thirty (50%) of thyroid cancer or multinodular hyperplasia samples revealed LMP1 sequences compared with 46.7% (14/30) of corresponding normal thyroid tissues. EBNA2 gene sequences were detected in 90% (27/30) of thyroid cancer or multinodular hyperplasia samples, compared with 90% (27/30) of adjacent normal thyroid tissue specimens. All samples were negative for EBER1 sequences, while HPV DNA was not detected in either nodular or normal thyroid tissue. Conclusions This study suggests that BKV and EBV “infection” is an early event, occurring within normal tissue. Our findings do not show a clear role for the viruses examined, instead they suggest an “endemicity” pattern rather than a causal effect.