Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obliterative airway disease progresses in heterotopic airway allografts without persistent alloimmune stimulus

Background. Up to 50% of human lung allografts develop chronic rejection manifested as obliterative bronchiolitis (OB). This complication frequently progresses despite maximal immunosuppression, suggesting that, once initiated, factors other than alloimmunity play a role in its progression. In animals, heterotopically transplanted allograft airways develop obliterative airway disease (OAD), an immunologically mediated lesion that is used as a preclinical model of OB. We sought to determine whether OAD would progress even after removal from the alloimmune environment. Methods. Tracheas from Lewis rats were transplanted subcutaneously into Brown Norway recipients to create allografts. After 7 or 14 days of alloimmune stimulus, these allografts were removed and retransplanted into an isogeneic environment for an additional 21 days. Histology was assessed at each time point, with quantitation of the airway epithelium and intraluminal fibroproliferation. Results. Allografts exposed to 14 days of alloimmune stimulus had a significant loss of airway epithelium compared with grafts exposed to only 7 days (P <0.001). There was little fibroproliferation seen in either of these groups. After retransplantation, the grafts initially exposed to 7 days of alloimmune stimulus had few abnormalities. In contrast, the group exposed initially to 14 days of alloimmunity and retransplanted had near complete obliteration of the lumen with fibroproliferation (96.9% occlusion, P =0.001) and absent airway epithelium. Conclusions. OAD progresses despite removal of alloimmunity if the initial period of alloimmune injury is sufficient. Airway epithelial loss correlated with progression to fibroproliferation, suggesting that the epithelium plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of OB.
Novel surgical technique for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: transobturator vaginal tape inside-out.

OBJECTIVES To describe a new, simple surgical technique for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to evaluate its feasibility. METHODS We have developed a novel surgical treatment of SUI, the transobturator inside-out tension-free urethral suspension, which uses specifically designed surgical tools, and in which a synthetic tape is passed from underneath the urethra, through the obturator foramens, towards the thigh folds, without entering the pelvic region at any time during the procedure. The tape is positioned without tension under the junction between mid and distal urethra. RESULTS The procedure was carried out in 107 consecutive patients (mean age: 62 years) using the same operative protocol in all case subjects, independently of the patient's size and weight. Mean operative time was 14 min (range: 7-20) in case of isolated SUI treatment. No bladder or urethral injuries and no vascular (hematoma or bleeding) or neurological complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that our novel transobturator inside-out surgical technique for treating SUI is feasible, accurate, and quick. This technique avoids damage to the urethra and bladder and, therefore, makes cystoscopy not necessary. Further prospective studies are currently ongoing to determine the efficacy of our new surgical approach for treating SUI.
Satellite cell activation as a critical step in skeletal muscle plasticity

The regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle tissue depends on a pool of undifferentiated myogenic precursor cells, known as satellite cells. In adult muscle, satellite cells typically remain quiescent in their niche between the basal lamina and the sarcolemma. However, in response to injury and/or appropriate (exercise) stimuli, satellite cells can become activated and start proliferating. After proliferation, satellite cells can fuse together with existing myofibres (donating their nucleus to the fibre) or return to quiescence to replenish the resident pool of muscle stem cells by self-renewal. Given the postmitotic nature of myonuclei, satellite cells represent the sole source to provide new myonuclei to the muscle fibres, making them essential for skeletal muscle growth and regeneration.
Investigation of oral opportunistic pathogens in independent living elderly Japanese.

OBJECTIVE Pneumonia is reported to be associated with high morbidity in elderly and compromised individuals, with poor oral health demonstrated to be a significant risk factor for pneumonia. Several opportunistic pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, have been detected in patients with pneumonia. We investigated the prevalence of opportunistic pathogens in the oral cavity of healthy independent living Japanese elderly subjects and analysed factors related to harbouring those pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 265 subjects, each of whom received a dental examination, during which specimens were collected with a tongue swab and examined for the presence of 10 oral opportunistic pathogens using single or multiple selective media. Furthermore, the presence of occult blood in saliva was examined using test paper strips. RESULTS Oral opportunistic pathogens were detected in 13.6% of the subjects. Those positive for occult blood in saliva had a significantly higher rate of harbouring the pathogens (p < 0.05). In addition, age was a significant factor for the presence of pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION Positive findings of occult blood in saliva and older age are suggested to be significant factors for harbouring opportunistic pathogens in the oral cavity.
An Assessment of Human Regulatory Nonshivering Thermogenesis

To assess human thermoregulation independent of muscular activity, a method was developed exposing adult man not previously acclimatized to cold under simultaneous vasodilatation, resulting in a heat debt from the body. During exposure, a significant increase in oxygen consumption was found in two groups, the increases were 0.06 mmol. , kg‐l min‐1 (41%) (range: 0.023–0.113) and 0.046 mmol. kg‐1. , min‐1 (30%) (range: ‐ 0.013–0.078), respectively. The change in plasma concentration of catecholamines showed a significant increase in noradrenaline of 4.58 nmol/l (300%) (range: 1.86–9.56), whereas adrenaline did not change measurably. The plasma concentration of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) showed a significant increase of 0.471 mmol/1 (96%) (range: 0.033 to 0.687), whereas the plasma concentration of glucose fell by only 0.3 mmol/l (6%) (range: 0.1–0.9). The results obtained by this method mirror findings from studies on small mammals acclimatized to cold, indicating that man without visible shivering and discomfort can increase heat production by an increased secretion of noradrenaline and by utilizing the fat stores in adipose tissue as the major substrate for this increased energy demand.
Recent Advances in Di-π-methane Processes. Novel Reactions of 1,4-Unsaturated Compounds Promoted by Triplet Sensitization and Photoelectron Transfer

Recent studies on the photoreactivity of 1,4-unsaturated systems have changed some ideas that were firmly established in this area of research for many years. Thus, we have described the first examples of 2-aza-diπmethane (2-ADPM) rearrangements promoted by triplet-sensitization and by single electron transfer (SET) using electron-acceptor sensitizers. These reactions afford N-vinylaziridine and cyclopropylimine photoproducts in the first examples of diπ-methane processes that yield three-membered ring heterocycles. 1-Aza-1,4-dienes also undergo SET-promoted 1-aza-diπ-methane (1-ADPM) rearrangements via radical-cation intermediates using electron acceptor sensitizers. In some cases, alternative cyclizations yielding different carbocycles and heterocycles have been observed. The 1-ADPM and diπ-methane (DPM) reactions also occur via radical-anion intermediates on irradiation using electron donor sensitizers. On the other hand, the photoreactivity reported for β,γ-unsaturated aldehydes for many years was decarbonylation to the corresponding alkenes. However, our studies demonstrate tha these compounds undergo the oxa-diπ-methane (ODPM) rearrangement with high chemical and quantum efficiency. A comparison of the photochemical reactivity of β,γ-unsaturated aldehydes and corresponding methyl ketones has shown that the ketones do not undergo the ODPM rearrangement while the corresponding aldehydes are reactive by this pathway. Monosubstituted β,γ-unsaturated aldehydes at C-2 undergo the ODPM rearrangement yielding the corresponding cyclopropane carbaldehydes diastereoselectively. Finally, we have described the first examples of reactions, similar to the well know Norrish Type I process, which take place in the triplet excited state of β,γ-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by excitation of the C-C double bond instead of the carbonyl group.
Leptin, adiponectin, leptin to adiponectin ratio and insulin resistance in depressive women.

BACKGROUND Depressive disorder (DD) is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It was suggested, that metabolic syndrome (MetS), cluster of metabolic and hormonal changes, such as insulin resistence (IR), abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension and elevated fasting glycaemia, could stand behind the connection. Recent findings have shown, that adipocytokines leptin and adiponectin might play a role in both depression and MetS. AIM The aim of this pilot study was to observe the plasma concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, leptin-to-adiponectin ratio and indices of IR in women with depressive disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS The plasma leptin, adiponectin, parameters of lipid and glucose homeostasis and indices of IR were investigated in a group of 38 women with DD. The results were compared with those of 38 healthy women of the control group, matched for age. RESULTS Depressive women differed significantly from the controls in higher concentrations of plasma leptin (p <0.05), insulin (p <0.01), C-peptide (p <0.01), value of HOMA-IR (p <0.01), and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (p <0.05). The QUICKI index of insulin sensitivity was lower (p <0.01). HAM-D score of DD cases correlated negatively with adiponectin (r = - 0.3505; p < 0.05), independently of HOMA-IR. We have not found in DD group any differences between the drug free patients and those treated either with escitaloprame alone or in the combination with mirtazapine. CONCLUSIONS The results of the pilot study presented support the hypothesis that at least part of DD cases has increased leptin serum levels and certain features of MetS. It could be the factor connecting depression with an increased risk of either DM2 or CVD.
Current Misuses and Future Prospects for Printed Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output Antenna Systems [Wireless Corner]

In the past six years or so, the number of scientific articles and conference papers providing possible multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system solutions has noticeably increased. Flagship conferences on antennas and propagation have recently had multiple sessions addressing MIMO antenna systems and their applications. The importance of such antenna systems lies in the magnitude of their application in current wireless devices and gadgets, and this thrust will continue because fourth-generation (4G) and the upcoming fifth-generation (5G) wireless standards rely heavily on MIMO technology. But throughout the years, and up until now, a wide range of publications still suffer from some major misconceptions and unclear understanding of the fundamental aspects while designing, characterizing, and evaluating such multiantenna systems.
Effect of glycyrrhizin on cortisol metabolism in humans.

Urinary cortisol and cortisone excretion were measured after glycyrrhizin administration (225 mg/day, per os) for seven consecutive days in five healthy volunteers. The ratio of plasma cortisol and cortisone during hydrocortisone (0.6 mg/kg i.v.) infusion was also examined. After glycyrrhizin administration, the urinary cortisone to cortisol ratio was significantly decreased, but the ratio of plasma cortisol to cortisone was not significantly altered. Glycyrrhizin inhibited 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the kidney and so inhibited the conversion of cortisol to cortisone. The increased cortisol in the kidney could be the cause of the apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome induced by glycyrrhizin.
Antennal Sensilla and Sexual Dimorphism of the Parasitoid Trichospilus pupivorus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Abstract Sensory structures (sensilla) of insects are present in high number in the antennae are important for perceiving environmental cues. Thus, sensilla play an important role in the localization, discrimination, and acceptance of a possible host by parasitoid insects. The sensilla, classified according to their shape, size, and distribution, may also show sexual dimorphism in insects. The types and distribution of antennal sensilla in female and male parasitoid Trichospilus pupivorus (Ferriere, 1930) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were evaluated. T. pupivorus females had longer antennae than males. Both males and females have ten sensilla types with higher abundance of placoid sensilla in females, which suggest a possible functional dimorphism.
Effects of Aluminum and Calcium on Acetyl‐CoA Metabolism in Rat Brain Mitochondria

Abstract: Al complexes are known to accumulate in extra‐ and intracellular compartments of the brain in the course of different encephalopathies. In this study possible effects of Al accumulation in the cytoplasmic compartment on mitochondrial metabolism were investigated. Al, like Ca, inhibited pyruvate utilization as well as citrate and oxoglutarate accumulation by whole brain mitochondria. Potencies of Ca2+total effects were 10–20 times stronger than those of Al. Al decreased mitochondrial acetyl‐CoA content in a concentration‐dependent manner, along with an equivalent rise of free CoA level, whereas Ca caused loss of both intermediates from mitochondria. In the absence of Pi in the medium, Ca had no effect on mitochondrial metabolism, whereas Al lost its ability to suppress pyruvate utilization and acetyl‐CoA content in Ca‐free conditions. Verapamil potentiated, whereas ruthenium red reversed, Ca‐evoked suppression of mitochondrial metabolism. On the other hand, in Ca‐supplemented medium, Al partially overcame the inhibitory influence of verapamil. Accordingly, verapamil increased mitochondrial Ca levels much more strongly than Al. However, Al partially reversed the verapamil‐evoked rise of Ca2+total level. These data indicate that Al accumulated in cytoplasm in the form of the Al(PO4)OH− complex may inhibit mitochondrial functions by an increase of intramitochondrial [Ca2+]total resulting from the Al‐evoked rise of cytoplasmic [Ca2+]free, as well as from inhibitory interference with the verapamil binding site on the Na+/Ca2+ antiporter.
Evaluation of complete blood count results from a new, on-site hemocytometer compared with a laboratory-based hemocytometer.

OBJECTIVE To compare point-of-care results obtained from an on-site hemocytometer with values provided by an institutional laboratory instrument. DESIGN A prospective laboratory evaluation. SETTING The central laboratory and cardiac surgical intensive care unit of a university-affiliated tertiary care center. PATIENTS Normal range comparison was performed using blood specimens routinely obtained from 48 hospitalized patients for complete blood count analysis. The second evaluation was performed on blood specimens routinely obtained (in the intensive care unit) after cardiac surgery involving extracorporeal circulation in a series of 187 consecutive patients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean platelet volume, and red and white blood cell counts were measured with both on-site (MD 16, Coulter Electronics, Hialeah, FL) and laboratory (STKS, Coulter Electronics) instruments. Hematocrit and red cell distribution width were calculated using measured variables. Blood specimens were obtained from two distinct patients series. To evaluate measurement values within the normal range, a series of 48 routinely obtained blood specimens for complete blood count analysis in our institutional laboratory were utilized for concurrent analysis with the on-site hemocytometer. To evaluate measurement values out of the normal range, a second comparison involved measurements performed on blood specimens obtained in the cardiac surgical intensive care unit for complete blood count analysis. Linear regression demonstrated good correlations between on-site and laboratory hemoglobin concentration (r2 = .97), hematocrit (r2 = .95), platelet count (r2 = .97), mean corpuscular volume (r2 = .91), red cell distribution width (r2 = .80), and red (r2 = .95) and white (r2 = .96) blood cell count results. A marginal correlation was observed between mean platelet volume values (r2 = .47). Bias analysis (mean +/- 2 SD) demonstrated similar measurements between on-site and laboratory hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, platelet count, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume, and red cell distribution width. CONCLUSIONS On-site hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, red cell distribution width, and platelet count values compare well with those results obtained from the laboratory. The MD 16 hemocytometer (Coulter Electronics) provides on-site hematologic results that can provide an accurate and rapid quantitative assessment of platelets, and red and white blood cells. Rapid access to information obtained from this type of system may be clinically useful, especially in critically ill patients.
Distinctive gonioscopic findings in glaucoma due to neurofibromatosis.

Although von Recklinghausen's disease gives rise to neurofibromatous nodules in the iris, and in rare cases causes glaucoma, little has been published concerning gonioscopic characteristics in these conditions. Our examinations of eight patients who had neurofibromata in the irides, but no glaucoma, has shown the anterior chambers of six to have normal angles; the other two had a few strands of iris attaching as far forward as Schwalbe's line, but nothing to suggest tumor in the angle or significant obstruction to aqueous outflow. Findings were quite different in a child who had glaucoma in one eye in addition to the neurofibromatous nodules in the iris. The whole angle in most of the circumference was blanketed by a layer of dense abnormal tissue, presumably neurofibroma tumor tissue, in a position to obstruct aqueous outflow and cause glaucoma.
A Literature Review on the Relationship between Foreign Trade and Economic Growth

Over the past years, the relationship between foreign trade and economic growth has been the debate of economic research in academe. On this issue, economists at home and abroad used the relative data of china and got different conclusions by different methods. At first, this thesis reviews the theories of the relationship between foreign trade and economic growth, and then sum up the main arguments of modern empirical economics. Finally, the author makes a brief comment and put forward some questions that should be explored in depth in this area. It provides a broader and more comprehensive perspective to the later researchers.
Incidences and Clinical Implications of Communications between Musculocutaneous Nerve and Median Nerve in the Arm - A Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVES Variations such as communications between median nerve and musculocutaneous nerve or in their abnormal branching pattern constitute a major concern in clinical and surgical field. Knowledge of these variations not only provides the clinician with a proper interpretation of the case, but also minimizes the complication in surgical approaches in this region. METHOD We examined 50 isolated upper limbs to investigate the possible incidences of various types of communications between these two neighbouring peripheral nerves. RESULT Twenty-eight per cent of limbs were found to have communication between these two nerves. When categorized according to Venieratos and Anagnostopoulou's classification method, 11 out of 14 cases (79%) showed type I communications, two out of 14 (14%) showed type II and the remaining one (7%) showed type III communication pattern. CONCLUSION Prior knowledge of communications between these two neighbouring nerves, both in terms of their incidences and pattern of communications, may be of considerable significance to neurologists and orthopaedic surgeons in dealing with nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper limb of patients.
Assessment of the Influence of Atrial Fibrillation on Gated SPECT Perfusion Data by Comparison with Simultaneously Acquired Nongated SPECT Data

The impact of arrhythmias on the evaluation of perfusion data from myocardial gated SPECT has been assessed by comparing arrhythmic patients with nonarrhythmic patients or by simulating rhythm disturbances. Whether gating-related artifacts may have a clinically relevant influence on the evaluation of perfusion in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is still uncertain. Recently, collection of nongated and gated datasets during the same SPECT acquisition has become possible. The aim of this study was to examine the difference in myocardial perfusion between simultaneously acquired gated and nongated SPECT data in AF patients. Methods: In 44 consecutive AF patients who underwent myocardial perfusion SPECT for standard clinical indications, both a gated and a nongated study were simultaneously acquired. Perfusion was estimated in a masked manner on a 20-segment model using an established scoring scheme. Results: Agreement was good between the gated and nongated perfusion scores on a segment basis; the agreement for resting scores was the highest, with those for stress and difference scores being lower (Spearman ρ = 0.82, 0.74, and 0.55, respectively). On a patient basis, a similar trend was seen in summed resting scores (ρ = 0.911), summed stress scores (ρ = 0.779), and summed difference scores (ρ = 0.596). When summed stress and summed difference data were grouped by severity class (normal, mild abnormality, moderate abnormality, and severe abnormality), agreement decreased from ρ = 0.818, κ = 0.639, for summed stress score to ρ = 0.549, κ = 0.367, for summed difference score. The severity class of inducible ischemia changed in 17 patients (39%) if a (summed) gated image was used instead of a standard nongated perfusion image. Conclusion: AF may have a clinically relevant impact on summed gated perfusion images, compared with images simultaneously obtained without gating in the same patients. Therefore, acquisition of a nongated SPECT study is mandatory for accurate assessment of myocardial perfusion in AF patients.