Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Screening for Patients with Mild Alzheimer Disease Using Frequency Doubling Technology Perimetry

Abstract We compared the visual field performances of patients with mild Alzheimer disease (AD) with normal subjects and detected visual field impairment attributable to the magnocellular pathway using frequency doubling technology—Matrix (FDT-Matrix). We recruited 43 patients with mild AD (mean age: 68.0 ± 7.2 years) and 33 controls who are visually and cognitively normal (mean age: 64.1 ± 6.4 years). All participants had at least two reliable FDT-Matrix 30-2 tests. Reliability indices, global indices (mean deviation and pattern standard deviation), and glaucoma hemifield test results were measured with FDT-Matrix. The mean test duration was significantly longer in patient group compared with controls (p = 0.002). Among the reliability indices, false negatives were higher in patient group than controls (p = 0.003). There were statistically significant differences in mean deviation and pattern standard deviation values (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and glaucoma hemifield test results (p < 0.001) between the patient and the control group. Our results imply that the pathogenesis of cognitive deterioration may not only be confined to the cortical area but also to the magnocellular pathway. We underline that FDT testing can be useful for the identification of early impairment and the follow-up of patients with AD.
Comparison of resistive heating and forced-air warming to prevent inadvertent perioperative hypothermia.

BACKGROUND Forced-air warming is a commonly used warming modality, which has been shown to reduce the incidence of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (<36°C). The reusable resistive heating mattresses offer a potentially cheaper alternative, however, and one of the research recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence was to evaluate such devices formally. We conducted a randomized single-blinded study comparing perioperative hypothermia in patients receiving resistive heating or forced-air warming. METHODS A total of 160 patients undergoing non-emergency surgery were recruited and randomly allocated to receive either forced-air warming (n=78) or resistive heating (n=82) in the perioperative period. Patient core temperatures were monitored after induction of anaesthesia until the end of surgery and in the recovery room. Our primary outcome measures included the final intraoperative temperature and incidence of hypothermia at the end of surgery. RESULTS There was a significantly higher rate of hypothermia at the end of surgery in the resistive heating group compared with the forced-air warming group (P=0.017). Final intraoperative temperatures were also significantly lower in the resistive heating group (35.9 compared with 36.1°C, P=0.029). Hypothermia at the end of surgery in both warming groups was common (36% forced air warming, 54% resistive heating). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that forced-air warming is more effective than resistive heating in preventing postoperative hypothermia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01056991.
Effects of Clostridium difficile toxins A and B in rabbit small and large intestine in vivo and on cultured cells in vitro

Clostridium difficile is recognized as the major cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. C. difficile produces two toxins, A (enterotoxin) and B (cytotoxin), that are implicated in the pathogenesis of the colitis. We examined the dose responses, time course, and synergism of these two toxins in ligated rabbit intestinal loops and in tissue culture. In rabbit small intestinal loops, toxin A caused histologically demonstrable intestinal tissue damage as early as 2 h. The secretory response greater than or equal to 8 h was similar to that of a cholera toxin control. The effect of toxin A on tissue damage or secretion was seen even if toxin was removed after 5 min. Purified toxin A caused significant net accumulation of sodium, chloride, potassium, and total protein and slightly increased osmolality of the fluid content at 6 h; these effects were similar to those caused by crude C. difficile culture filtrates containing toxins A and B. Crude C. difficile toxin caused fluid accumulation with a delayed time course in the rabbit large intestine, and in contrast to its effect in small intestine, crude toxin caused net accumulation of bicarbonate and increased pH. In tissue culture, toxin A caused a rounding up of CHO and T-84 colonic carcinoma cells. A monoclonal antibody (PCG-4) that has no effect on tissue culture cytotoxicity with toxins A and B completely inhibited the secretory and tissue-damaging effects in the intestine. Toxins A and B were synergistic in the gut only at high doses of toxin B (greater than or equal to 10 micrograms/ml), and they were additive in tissue culture. The cytopathic effect in tissue culture was not consistently associated with trypan blue uptake. The cytopathic effect of toxin A in tissue culture did not appear to involve inhibitable Ca2+-dependent or prostaglandin synthesis pathways or intact microfilament or microtubule function for its activity and was not inhibited by reducing or lysosomotropic agents. Our results suggest that toxins A and B have independent and distinct effects in vivo and in vitro.
Clinical Uses of the Bonfils Retromolar Intubation Fiberscope: A Review

The Bonfils Retromolar Intubation Fiberscope is a rigid, straight fiberoptic device with a 40-degree curved tip, which facilitates targeted intubation. Bonfils, using a retromolar approach to intubate tracheas of children with Pierre Robin syndrome, was first described in 1983. After an initial steep learning curve, the Bonfils becomes a useful device in the management of normal and difficult airways. The advantages lie in its performance as an optical intubating stylet, which allows visualization from the tip of the endotracheal tube during intubation. The slim profile makes it useful in patients with limited mouth opening and cervical spine movement. Unlike the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope, its rigid structure improves maneuverability and allows insertion past soft tissue obstructions. Endoscopic orientation of the Bonfils is better than the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope, and it is also portable, durable, and simple to set up. The main difficulty experienced by Bonfils users is common to all fiberoptic scopes, limited view due to blood, secretions, fogging, and tissue contact. Additionally, nasal intubation is not possible with the Bonfils, and direct trauma and barotrauma are possible. Although the intubation success rate is high, it is still very much operator dependent. Time to intubation is inferior to conventional laryngoscopy, and its expense may be an issue in some centers. In conclusion, the Bonfils is an effective tool for management of the difficult airway after initial training.
Mitochondrial Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a) Is Part of an Outer Membrane Fatty Acid Transfer Complex*

CPT1a (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a) in the liver mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) catalyzes the primary regulated step in overall mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. It has been suggested that the fundamental unit of CPT1a exists as a trimer, which, under native conditions, could form a dimer of the trimers, creating a hexamer channel for acylcarnitine translocation. To examine the state of CPT1a in the MOM, we employed a combined approach of sizing by mass and isolation using an immunological method. Blue native electrophoresis followed by detection with immunoblotting and mass spectrometry identified large molecular mass complexes that contained not only CPT1a but also long chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL) and the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC). Immunoprecipitation with antisera against the proteins revealed a strong interaction between the three proteins. Immobilized CPT1a-specific antibodies immunocaptured not only CPT1a but also ACSL and VDAC, further strengthening findings with blue native electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation. This study shows strong protein-protein interaction between CPT1a, ACSL, and VDAC. We propose that this complex transfers activated fatty acids through the MOM.
Homophily, payoff distributions, and truncation selection in replicator dynamics

HOMOPHILY, PAYOFF DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TRUNCATION SELECTION IN REPLICATOR DYNAMICS Bryce Morsky Advisors: University of Guelph, 2016 Chris T. Bauch & Daniel Ashlock This dissertation explores the field of replicator dynamics by examining extensions to and relaxations of the classical replicator equation and complimentary agent-based models. We extend the replicator equation by the incorporation of homophilic imitation, a form of tag-based selection. We show that though the equilibria are not affected by this modification, the population’s diversity may increase or decrease depending on two invasion scenarios we detail, and there is significant impact on the rates of convergence to equilibria. Two important assumptions of the replicator equation that we relaxed are: mean payoffs, where all replicators earn the mean payoff of the underlying game; and proportional selection, where the probabilities for survival and reproduction are proportional to the difference between the fitness of a replicator and the mean fitness of the population. Our models thus comprise payoff distributions and two types of truncation selection: independent, where replicator above a threshold, φ, survive; and dependent, where the top τ of replicators survive. The reproduction rates are equal for all survivors. We show that the classical replicator equation is a special case of our independent truncation equation. Further, for any boundary fixed point, we may choose a φ such that that point is stable (or unstable). We observed complex and transient dynamics in both truncation methods. We applied this framework to evolutionary graphs that included diffusion, and show where cooperation is facilitated by these models in comparison to spatial and non-spatial proportional selection. Alfred Russel Wallace reasoned that the relatively unfit could coexist with the fit, and it has been argued that this would result in a genotypically diverse population resistant to extinction. This is because natural selection, rather than Spencer’s “survival of the fittest,” may be better encapsulated by the phrases: “survival of the fit,” or “nonsurvival of the non-fit. ” We argue that truncation selection, here explored, can model this phenomenon, and thus is an important addition to the theoretical biology literature.
Urinary levels, tissue concentrations and lung inflammation after nose‐only exposure to three different chemical forms of beryllium

This study aimed to determine the toxicity and toxicokinetic of three Be chemical species A total of 120 mice (four groups of 30) were nose‐only exposed. The first group was used as a control while the three others were exposed to 250 μg m−3 of fine particles of three different Be species (Be metal, Be–F; Be oxide, BeO–F; Be aluminium, BeAl–F). Exposure lasted over three consecutive weeks, five days per week and 6 h per day. Blood and several tissues were collected one week after exposure. Urines were collected before the beginning of exposure, at the end of every week of exposure and one week after exposure. Results showed that urine concentrations were different from one Be species to another and that excretion continued after the end of exposure. Except for BeO–F, where Be urine concentrations were stable during the three weeks of exposure, concentrations of Be–F and BeAl–F reached a peak after the first week. According to particle size, BeO–F obtained the highest theoretical pulmonary deposition rate, which partially led to the highest Be lung concentration. This group also presented the lowest urine concentration but that did not lead to more severe lung inflammation. Moreover, even if BeAl–F obtained the lowest percentage theoretical pulmonary deposition, it showed the highest Be urinary concentration, the lowest Be lung concentration and the lowest lung toxicity. In this specific case, a high Be concentration in urine did not reflect a high exposure or a severe toxic effect. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential expression of members of the RCAN family of calcineurin regulators suggests selective functions for these proteins in the brain

RCANs, also called Down Syndrome Critical Region‐1 (DSCR1)‐like proteins, Modulatory Calcineurin Interacting Proteins (MCIPs) or calcipressins, are regulators of calcineurin, a Ca2+‐dependent protein phosphatase involved in several neuronal functions. Despite the potential importance of the RCAN proteins in brain physiology, very little is known about their relative abundance and distribution patterns in the central nervous system. In this study we report the expression and distribution of RCAN mRNA transcripts and proteins in the mouse brain. RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis showed that all Rcan mRNAs (Rcan1‐1, Rcan1‐2, Rcan2‐1, Rcan2‐3 and Rcan3) and their corresponding protein products (RCAN1‐L, RCAN1‐S, RCAN2‐L, RCAN2‐S and RCAN3) are present in every adult mouse brain region examined. All protein isoforms are also expressed in these same brain regions at early postnatal stages. Within regions, RCAN1‐L, RCAN1‐S, RCAN2‐L and RCAN3 are differentially expressed depending on the region and developmental stage, whereas RCAN2‐S is distributed homogeneously. Detailed immunohistochemical analysis revealed significant differences in the cellular and subcellular distributions of RCAN proteins. In the adult, RCAN1 was mainly expressed in the neuropil throughout the brain. Although at lower levels, RCAN3 was also detected throughout the neuropil. In contrast, RCAN2 was highly expressed in scattered neurons, in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Interestingly, RCAN2 is the only member of the RCAN family that was detected in glial cells. Finally, the expression patterns of RCANs at early postnatal stages differed from those of the adult, in different brain areas, in both their distributions and relative abundance, suggesting that the expression of these proteins could be regulated during neuronal differentiation. The nonoverlapping expression patterns of the RCAN proteins shown here highlight the existence of different physiological scenarios and therefore suggest different RCAN functional activities in the brain, depending on the cellular context and developmental stage.
Elevated circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor in severe chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS Although cachexia often accompanies advanced heart failure, little is known about the causes of the cachectic state. To assess the potential role of tumor necrosis factor in the pathogenesis of cardiac cachexia, we measured serum levels of the factor in 33 patients with chronic heart failure, 33 age-matched healthy controls, and 9 patients with chronic renal failure. RESULTS Mean (+/- SEM) serum levels of tumor necrosis factor were higher in the patients with heart failure (115 +/- 25 U per milliliter) than in the healthy controls (9 +/- 3 U per milliliter; P less than 0.001). Nineteen of the patients with chronic heart failure had serum levels of tumor necrosis factor greater than or equal to 39 U per milliliter (greater than 2 SD above the mean value for the control group), whereas the remaining 14 patients had serum levels of tumor necrosis factor below this level. The patients with high levels of tumor necrosis factor were more cachectic than those with low levels (82 +/- 3 vs. 95 +/- 6 percent of ideal body weight, respectively; P less than 0.05) and had more advanced heart failure, as evidenced by their higher values for plasma renin activity (2.92 +/- 0.53 vs. 1.06 +/- 0.53 ng per liter per second [10.5 +/- 1.9 vs. 3.8 +/- 1.9 ng per milliliter per hour]; P less than 0.01) and lower serum sodium concentration (135 +/- 1 vs. 138 +/- 1 mmol per liter; P less than 0.05). The group with high levels of tumor necrosis factor also had lower hemoglobin levels (7.82 +/- 0.2 vs. 8.69 +/- 0.4 mmol per liter [12.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 14.0 +/- 0.6 g per deciliter]) and higher values for blood urea nitrogen (19.5 +/- 2.2 vs. 12.5 +/- 1.8 mmol per liter) than the group with low levels of tumor necrosis factor (P less than 0.05 for both). The high levels of tumor necrosis factor were not due solely to decreased renal clearance, however, since the levels in the patients with heart failure were considerably higher than those in the nine patients with chronic renal failure (115 +/- 25 vs. 45 +/- 25 U per milliliter; P less than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor are increased in cachectic patients with chronic heart failure and that this elevation is associated with the marked activation of the renin-angiotensin system seen in patients with end-stage cardiac disease.
3D UTD Modeling of a Measured Antenna Disturbed by a Dielectric Circular Cylinder in WBAN Context

This paper describes a work realized for On-Body antennas characterization: the 3D deterministic modeling of a measured antenna disturbed by a dielectric circular cylinder of finite length. This prediction model is based on the ray-tracing technique for the electromagnetic wave paths search and the Uniform Theory of Diffraction (UTD) for the modeling of the electromagnetic waves interactions with the cylinder. After a detailed description, the model is validated in 3D with measurements made for an antenna disturbed by a cylindrical phantom. Indeed, the presented model gives results very close to these measurements. These first validations allow the presented model to be implemented into more complex WBAN (Wireless Body Area Networks) propagation models.
Non-discrimination Clauses: Their Effect on British Retail Energy Prices

UK governments and the energy regulator have shown increasing concern about the health of competition in the residential energy market, following their pioneering deregulation at the end of the last century. We identify the effects of introducing the non-discrimination clauses in 2009, a major regulatory intervention and the first since deregulation. We explore the effect of this intervention on the price movements of the six major players, and find that the nature of competition in the industry has changed, with less effective rivalry between the regional incumbents and large regional competitors following the intervention; companies seem to have ‘retreated’ to their home regions, leaving a market where pricing behaviour resembles more closely a duopoly between British Gas and the regional incumbent.
Relationship between obesity, glucose tolerance, and periodontal disease in Japanese women: the Hisayama study.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have reported a relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. Obesity is the strongest risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which is, in turn, a risk factor for periodontal disease. An oral glucose tolerance test is necessary to diagnose diabetes; however, no study has examined the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease by taking oral glucose tolerance test results into consideration. METHODS In all, 584 Japanese women aged between 40 and 79 years old, with at least 10 teeth, underwent health examinations. Body mass index, waist-hip ratio, body fat, and oral glucose tolerance test results were used as independent variables with known risk factors for periodontal disease. Mean probing pocket depth and mean attachment loss were used as the dependent variables. RESULTS In all of the analyses, body mass index, body fat, and waist--hip ratio were significantly associated with the highest quintile of mean probing pocket depth, even when adjusted for oral glucose tolerance test results. In the multivariate analysis, the subjects with the highest quartile of body mass index had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) for the highest quintile of mean probing pocket depth [OR, 4.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1--8.9; p<0.001], whereas neither impaired glucose tolerance nor diabetes were significantly associated with deep pockets. The relationships between the obesity indexes and mean attachment loss did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION Obesity was associated with deep pockets in Japanese women, even after adjusting for oral glucose tolerance test.
Prolonged nerve stimulation causes changes in transmitter release at the frog neuromuscular junction.

1. Synaptic transmission in the two cutaneus pectoris muscles of frog was compared after prolonged unilateral nerve stem stimulation in vivo via surface electrodes. 2. In Mg2+‐blocked preparations at 2 Hz stimulation the mean number of quanta released per impulse (m) was significantly lower in the stimulated muscles. On average, m was reduced to 53% (range 31‐74%) of the values in control muscles. 3. Similarly, in curare‐blocked preparations end‐plate potential (EPP) amplitudes in the stimulated muscles were reduced to 30‐92% (average 63%) of the control values, while no differences in muscle fibre diameter and resting potential were detectable. 4. In most muscles plateau values after tetanic stimulation at 40 Hz for 2 s were also smaller in the stimulated muscles. Compared to the first EPP in the train, however, plateau values were less depressed in stimulated than in unstimulated muscles. Also facilitation, i.e. the amplitude ratio of the largest versus the first EPP was more pronounced in stimulated muscles. 5. No effects of stimulation were noticed in four winter frogs, in which transmitter release is depressed due to seasonal factors. 6. It is concluded that prolonged nerve stimulation can cause under certain conditions profound depression of transmitter release with changes in facilitation and depression.
Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to Household Contacts

ABSTRACT The frequency of and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission from a MRSA index person to household contacts were assessed in this prospective study. Between January 2005 and December 2007, 62 newly diagnosed MRSA index persons (46 patients and 16 health care workers) and their 160 household contacts were included in the study analysis. Transmission of MRSA from an index person to household contacts occurred in nearly half of the cases (47%; n = 29). These 29 index persons together had 84 household contacts, of which two-thirds (67%; n = 56) became MRSA positive. Prolonged exposure time to MRSA at home was a significant risk factor for MRSA transmission to household contacts. In addition, MRSA colonization at least in the throat, younger age, and eczema in index persons were significantly associated with MRSA transmission; the presence of wounds was negatively associated with MRSA transmission. Furthermore, an increased number of household contacts and being the partner of a MRSA index person were household-related risk factors for MRSA acquisition from the index person. No predominant pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type was observed to be transmitted more frequently than other PFGE types. To date, screening household contacts and providing MRSA eradication therapy to those found positive simultaneously with the index person is not included in the “search-and-destroy” policy. We suggest including both in MRSA prevention guidelines, as this may reduce further spread of MRSA.