Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mercury-Induced Externalization of Phosphatidylserine and Caspase 3 Activation in Human Liver Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells

Apoptosis arises from the active initiation and propagation of a series of highly orchestrated specific biochemical events leading to the demise of the cell. It is a normal physiological process, which occurs during embryonic development as well as in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Diverse groups of molecules are involved in the apoptosis pathway and it functions as a mechanism to eliminate unwanted or irreparably damaged cells. However, inappropriate induction of apoptosis by environmental agents has broad ranging pathologic implications and has been associated with several diseases including cancer. The toxicity of several heavy metals such as mercury has been attributed to their high affinity to sulfhydryl groups of proteins and enzymes, and their ability to disrupt cell cycle progression and/or apoptosis in various tissues. The aim of this study was to assess the potential for mercury to induce early and late-stage apoptosis in human liver carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The Annexin-V and Caspase 3 assays were performed by flow cytometric analysis to determine the extent of phosphatidylserine externalization and Caspase 3 activation in mercury-treated HepG2 cells. Cells were exposed to mercury for 10 and 48 hours respectively at doses of 0, 1, 2, and 3 μg/mL based on previous cytotoxicity results in our laboratory indicating an LD50 of 3.5 ± 0.6 μg/mL for mercury in HepG2 cells. The study data indicated a dose response relationship between mercury exposure and the degree of early and late-stage apoptosis in HepG2 cells. The percentages of cells undergoing early apoptosis were 0.03 ± 0.03%, 5.19 ± 0.04%, 6.36 ± 0.04%, and 8.84 ± 0.02% for 0, 1, 2, and 3 μg/mL of mercury respectively, indicating a gradual increase in apoptotic cells with increasing doses of mercury. The percentages of Caspase 3 positive cells undergoing late apoptosis were 3.58 ± 0.03%, 17.06 ± 0.05%, 23.32 ± 0.03%, and 34.51 ± 0.01% for 0, 1, 2, and 3 μg/mL of mercury respectively, also indicating a gradual increase in Caspase positive cells with increasing doses of mercury.
Effects of testosterone on cognition and mood in male patients with mild Alzheimer disease and healthy elderly men.

CONTEXT There is a compelling need for therapies that prevent, defer the onset, slow the progression, or improve the symptoms of Alzheimer disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of testosterone therapy on cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and quality of life in male patients with mild AD and healthy elderly men. DESIGN Twenty-four-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. SETTING Memory disorders clinics as well as general neurology and medicine clinics from University of California medical centers at Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Irvine. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Sixteen male patients with AD and 22 healthy male control subjects. Healthy elderly control men were recruited from the community through advertisements as well as through the university-based clinics. INTERVENTION Testosterone and placebo, in the form of hydroalcoholic gel (75 mg), were applied daily to the skin of the participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Instruments assessing cognitive functioning (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, California Verbal Learning Test, Block Design Subtest, Judgment of Line Orientation, Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory), global functioning (Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change), and quality of life (Quality of Life-Alzheimer Disease Scale). RESULTS For the patients with AD, the testosterone-treated group had significantly greater improvements in the scores on the caregiver version of the quality-of-life scale (P = .01). No significant treatment group differences were detected in the cognitive scores at end of study, although numerically greater improvement or less decline on measures of visuospatial functions was demonstrated with testosterone treatment compared with placebo. In the healthy control group, a nonsignificant trend toward greater improvement in self-rated quality of life was observed in the testosterone-treated group (P = .09) compared with placebo treatment. No difference between the treatment groups was detected in the remaining outcome measures. Testosterone treatment was well tolerated with few adverse effects relative to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that testosterone replacement therapy improved overall quality of life in patients with AD. Testosterone had minimal effects on cognition.
The European Parliament in Times of Crisis: Transnationalism under Pressure?

In 2015, the intensification of the migration crisis has exposed the European Union to a highly politicized policy problem that was subject to radically different national approaches. In the past, the literature has tended to present the European Parliament as a highly supranational institution, where formal procedures and informal practices have encouraged the emergence of transnational party groups over time. However, while these groups are now seen as enjoying a high level of cohesion, the literature also argues that national loyalties are likely to prevail in the case of conflict between the European party group and the national party. The migration crisis can be expected to create numerous conflicts that would undermine party cohesion. Yet, the analysis of plenary debates in 2015 shows that European party groups still benefit from a high level of cohesion and that most MEPs avoid couching their arguments in national terms. The European Parliament is thus still a fundamentally transnational actor.
Relation between Ultrastructural Localization, Changes in Caveolin-1, and Capillarization of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in Human Hepatitis C–Related Cirrhotic Liver

Most vascular endothelial cells are continuously exposed to shear stress in vivo. Caveolae are omega-shaped membrane invaginations in endothelial cells (ECs) and are enriched in cholesterol, caveolins, and signaling molecules. This study was designed to elucidate the ultrastructural localization and change in caveolin-1 expression within human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) during the progression of cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C, using tissue sections prepared via perfusion-fixation. Normal control liver specimens and hepatitis C–related Child-Pugh A and C cirrhotic liver specimens were studied. Caveolin-1 in the liver sinusoids was examined via immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and immunoelectron microscopy. In control liver tissue, caveolin-1 was localized on caveolae mainly in arterial and portal endothelial cells of the portal tract and was also found on vesicles and some fenestrae in LSECs around the central vein. In cirrhotic liver tissue, aberrant caveolin-1 expression was observed on caveolae-like structures in LSECs. Caveolin-1 was especially overexpressed in late-stage cirrhosis. This study demonstrates that caveolin-1 is strongly expressed within caveolae-like structures and associated vesicles within LSECs of the hepatitis C–related cirrhotic liver. These findings suggest a direct association of caveolin-1 in the process of differentiation of LSECs in cirrhosis-mediated capillarization.
Equations for Microstrip Circuit Design

A method for determining the accuracy of computed impedance and wavelength data for microstrip is proposed. It is shown that the standard equations of Wheeler and Schneider have rather large errors. Revised equations for microstrip impedance and wavelength are given both for analysis and synthesis with accuracy better than 1%. A simple, accurate equation for the microstrip open circuit is presented. Experimental data on microstrip T-junctions are compared with existing theories. A new accurate equation is given for the reference plane displacement in the stub arm. Corrections are proposed in the existing equations for the other parameters of the equivalent circuit.
Latanoprost in glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome: benefits and side-effects.

PURPOSE This study was conducted to evaluate the ocular hypotensive efficacy, safety, and side effects of latanoprost 0.005% administered as adjunctive therapy in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) and glaucoma. METHODS Commercially available latanoprost 0.005% was added as a single drop once daily to other antiglaucoma medications. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. A successful response was defined as a reduction of at least 20% in IOP at the final follow-up evaluation without additional medical or surgical therapy and no adverse events related to latanoprost. RESULTS 18 eyes of 18 patients with SWS and glaucoma were enrolled from 9 clinical centers. Mean baseline IOP was 28.4 +/- 7.1 mmHg (range, 17-42 mmHg). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, a successful response to latanoprost was observed in 3 of 18 (16.7%) patients at the 6-month interval. Seven (38.9%) patients required surgery; three (16.7%) patients required additional medical therapy, seven (38.9%) patients had no change in therapy. One (5.6%) patient discontinued latanoprost treatment because of intolerable conjunctival hyperemia. Two successfully treated patients had significantly greater episcleral vessel engorgement after initiation of latanoprost therapy. CONCLUSION Patients with SWS and glaucoma respond poorly to adjunctive latanoprost therapy and often require additional medical or surgical intervention. Increased episcleral vascular engorgement might result in greater operative risks should filtration surgery become necessary in these patients.
Magnetic susceptibility measurement of insoluble solids by NMR: Magnetic susceptibility of bone.

Measurements of the volume magnetic susceptibility of solids using the classical Gouy balance approach are hampered by variations in apparent density of the packed powder. In this paper a quantitative NMR measurement of the volume magnetic susceptibility of powdered solids is described and the volume susceptibility of bone is reported. The technique is based on the measurement of changes in incremental linewidth (1/πT2′) induced in a marker fluid whose susceptibility can be predictably modified by changing the composition, such as by addition of a soluble diamagnetic compound. The spectroscopic linewidth of the marker fluid is determined by the susceptibility difference between the fluid and the suspended solid. Changes in the linewidth are accompanied by bulk magnetic susceptibility induced frequency shifts in the fluid resonance. Correlating the two dependencies allows measurement of the absolute volume susceptibility of the solid. The susceptibility of bovine rib bone was found to be −0.90 ± 0.02 × − 10−6 (CGS) confirming previous estimates which suggested bone to be more diamagnetic than the marrow constituents. Knowledge of the susceptibility of bone is relevant in view of the growing interest in MRI osteodensitometric techniques.
Teaching Digital Rectal Examinations to Medical Students: An Evaluation Study of Teaching Methods

Purpose The digital rectal examination (DRE) is a necessary part of a complete physical examination and evaluation of a patient, yet teaching of this examination to medical students is often inadequate. This study was a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of the rectal teaching associate (RTA), lecture, role-playing, and simulated models as methods for teaching the DRE procedure to undergraduate medical students at Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine. Method A total of 65 third-year medical students were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. Both groups received a lecture and practiced the DRE on a simulated model. The experimental group received further training from an RTA. Students completed a pre- and post-intervention knowledge assessment, an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) measuring performance of the DRE, and a satisfaction survey. Results Mean knowledge scores increased significantly for both groups (18.73 to 22.32, p < .0001). The control group scored significantly higher on the post-intervention assessment than did the experimental group (23.11 versus 21.47, p = .025) The experimental group scored higher on the OSCE (27.52 versus 23.80, p = .001) and rated the RTA as a more effective method for learning the DRE. Conclusions This first study using RTAs to teach the DRE as a global skill for evaluating the rectum suggests that the RTA method is effective for increasing skills and students' confidence in the procedure.
Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Kidney-Pancreas Transplanted Recipient: Simultaneous Development of Clonal Lymphoid B-cell Proliferation of Host and Donor Origin

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are lymphoid proliferations or lymphomas that develop as a consequence of immunosuppression after solid organ or bone marrow transplantation and are mostly associated with an Epstein-Barr virus infection. The morphologic categories include different types of benign and malignant lymphoid proliferations. The majority of PTLDs is of B-cell origin with clonal rearrangements of the immunoglobulin genes. The PTLDs in solid organ transplants are reported to be either of host or of donor origin. Donor-related PTLDs frequently involve the allograft. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman recipient who developed simultaneously PTLDs in several organs 5 month after receiving a sex-mismatched renal and pancreas allograft. Immunosuppression regimen comprised antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. Pathologic features appeared as polymorphic PTLDs in the renal allograft, liver, and central nervous system (CNS). Molecular genetic studies revealed different clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements in all 3 organs as determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Epstein-Barr virus were detected by nested PCR and in situ hybridization in all 3 tumors. The PTLDs in liver and CNS were of host origin whereas the allograft kidney PTLD was found to originate from the male donor as shown by the simultaneous detection of female and male sex chromosomes by PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The recipient died in consequence of the CNS involvement, after intracerebral hemorrhage with uncal and tonsillar herniation.
Assessing Success after Cerebral Revascularization for Ischemia

Cerebral revascularization continues to evolve as an option in the setting of ischemia. The potential to favorably influence stroke risk and the natural history of cerebrovascular occlusive disease is being evaluated by the ongoing Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study and the Japanese Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Trial. For those patients who undergo bypass in the setting of ischemia, four key areas of follow-up include functional neurological status, neurocognitive status, bypass patency, and status of cerebral blood flow and perfusion. Several stroke scales that can be used to assess functional status include the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Bathel Index, Modified Rankin Scale, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life. Neurocognition can be checked using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, among other tests. Bypass patency is checked intraoperatively using various flow probes and postoperatively using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or computed tomographic angiography (CTA). Cerebral blood flow and perfusion can be assessed using a host of modalities that include positron emission tomography (PET), xenon CT, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), transcranial Doppler (TCD), CT, and MR. Paired blood flow studies after a cerebral vasodilatory stimulus using one of these modalities can determine the state of autoregulatory vasodilation (Stage 1 hemodynamic compromise). However, only PET with oxygen extraction fraction measurements can reliably assess for Stage 2 compromise (misery perfusion). This article discusses the various clinical, neuropsychological, and radiographic techniques available to assess a patient's clinical state and cerebral blood flow before and after cerebral revascularization.
Role of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection

γ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase and asparaginase have been shown to play important roles in Helicobacter pylori colonization and cell death induced by H. pylori infection. In this study, the association of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase and asparaginase was elucidated by comparing activities of both deamidases in H. pylori strains from patients with chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. γ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase activities in H. pylori strains from patients with gastric cancer were significantly higher than in those from patients with chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers. There was a wide range of asparaginase activities in H. pylori strains from patients with gastric cancer and these were not significantly than those from patients with other diseases. To identify the contributions of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase and asparaginase to gastric cell inflammation, human gastric epithelial cells (AGS line) were infected with H. pylori wild‐type and knockout strains and inflammatory responses evaluated by induction of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8). IL‐8 response was significantly decreased by knockout of the γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase‐encoding gene but not by knockout of the asparaginase‐encoding gene. Additionally, IL‐8 induction by infection with the H. pylori wild‐type strain was significantly decreased by adding glutamine during infection. These findings indicate that IL‐8 induction caused by γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase activity in H. pylori is mainly attributable to depletion of glutamine. These data suggest that γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase plays a significant role in the chronic inflammation caused by H. pylori infection.
UNDERSTANDING AND PREDICTING EFFECTS OF MODIFIED INTERACTIONS THROUGH A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY STRUCTURE

Models of ecological communities are traditionally based on relationships between pairs of species, where the strengths of per capita interactions are fixed and independent of population abundance. A growing body of literature, however, describes interactions whose strength is modified by the density of either a third species or by one of the species involved in a pairwise interaction. These modified interactions have been treated as indirect effects, and the terminology addressing them is diverse and overlapping. In this paper, we develop a general analytical framework based on a qualitative analysis of community structure to account for the consequence of modified interactions in complex ecological communities. Modified interactions are found to create both direct and indirect effects between species. The sign of a direct effect can change in some instances depending on the magnitude of a key variable or parameter, which leads to a threshold change in system structure and dynamics. By considering alternative structures of a community, we extend our ability to model perturbations that move the system far from a previous equilibrium. Using specific examples, we reinterpret existing results, develop hypotheses to guide experiments or management interventions, and explore the role of modified interactions and positive feedback in creating and maintaining alternative stable states. Through a qualitative analysis of community structure, system feedback is demonstrated as being key in understanding and predicting the dynamics of complex ecological communities.
Theoretic Significance of pH Dependence of Narcotics and Narcotic Antagonists in Clinical Anesthesia

Determination of the effect of pH and temperature on pKa partition, and drug distribution coefficients in a series of common narcotics and their antagonists has shown that within the range of blood pH (7.1 to 7.7) encountered in the practice of anesthesiology, marked differences of distribution of the drugs between a model lipid (octanol) and water can occur. When these data are considered in the light of clinical experience with narcotics used in patients undergoing or recovering from surgical procedures, a correlation between the depth and duration of narcosis or the efficacy of narcotic antidotes and ventilatory status is seen. This correlation can be explained in part if the influence of blood pH on the probable CNS/blood distribution of a given drug is taken into consideration. Support is given to this proposal by representative studies in the literature. The very different drug distribution coefficients of two closely related narcotic antagonists, naloxone and naltrexone, correctly predicted the faster onset and shorter duration of the former, which was confirmed by reported clinical observations.
Azathioprine in Liver Transplantation: A Reevaluation of Its Use and a Comparison with Mycophenolate Mofetil

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) combined with steroids with or without azathioprine (AZA), have been a standard immunosuppression regimen after liver transplantation (LT). Since 2000 many centers have substituted AZA by mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). However, in LT the superiority of MMF over AZA is not clearly demonstrated. Therefore, we questioned the benefit of MMF versus AZA in LT with regard to rejection, renal dysfunction and hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence and survival. Using a literature search, relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) and cohort studies were identified: two RCTs compared MMF to AZA only for acute rejection. Treated rejection was less with MMF in only one RCT (38.5% vs. 47.7%; p = 0.025), with no difference in patient and graft survival. No RCTs compared MMF and AZA in patients with CNI‐related chronic renal dysfunction. Among two studies evaluating MMF, with substitution of AZA, one was stopped due to severe rejection. Recurrent HCV was less severe in 5/9 studies with AZA compared with 2/17 using MMF, six of which documented worse recurrence. Published data in LT show little, if any, clinical benefit of MMF versus AZA. RCTs should reevaluate AZA in LT. Evaluation of HCV replication and recurrence will be particularly important as AZA may have advantages over MMF.