Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single bright light exposure decreases sweet taste threshold in healthy volunteers

Introduction: Bright light exposure can alter circulating serotonin levels, and alteration of available serotonin by acute selective serotonin reuptake inhibition significantly lowers sweet but not salt taste recognition thresholds. We tested the hypothesis that bright light exposure would increase sweet but not salt taste sensitivity in healthy adults. Methods: Fourteen healthy volunteers were exposed to bright (10,000 lux) and dim (<20 lux) light for 30 min each, in counterbalanced order. Measures of taste perception (salt and sweet) and mood were determined at baseline, and before and after each light exposure period. Results: Recognition thresholds for sucrose were significantly lower after bright but not dim light exposure. Thresholds for salt were unaffected by either condition. There were no significant changes in taste acuity, intensity or pleasantness for both the taste modalities and on visual analogue scales (VASs) for mood, anxiety, sleepiness and alertness, under either light condition. Conclusion: Brief bright light exposure reduces sweet but not salt taste recognition thresholds in healthy humans.
Primary hyperparathyroidism in cats: seven cases (1984-1989).

The medical records of 7 hypercalcemic cats with primary hyperparathyroidism were evaluated. Mean age was 12.9 years, with ages ranging from 8 to 15 years; 5 were female; 5 were Siamese, and 2 were of mixed breed. The most common clinical signs detected by owners were anorexia and lethargy. A cervical mass was palpable in 4 cats. Serum calcium concentrations were 11.1 to 22.8 mg/dl, with a mean of 15.8 mg/dl calculated from each cat's highest preoperative value. The serum phosphorus concentration was low in 2 cats, within reference limits in 4, and slightly high in 1 cat. The BUN concentration was greater than 60 mg/dl in 2 cats, 31 to 35 mg/dl in 2 cats, and less than 30 mg/dl in 3 cats. Abnormalities were detected in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities from 2 or 3 cats. Parathormone (PTH) concentrations were measured in 2 cats before and after surgery. The preoperative PTH concentration was within reference limits in 1 cat and was high in 1 cat. The PTH concentrations were lower after surgery in both cats tested. A solitary parathyroid adenoma was surgically removed from 5 cats, bilateral parathyroid cystadenomas were surgically resected in 1 cat, and a parathyroid carcinoma was diagnosed at necropsy in 1 cat. None of the cats had clinical problems with hypocalcemia after surgery, although 2 cats developed hypocalcemia without tetany, one of which was controlled with oral administration of dihydrotachysterol and the other with oral administration of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D. All 5 of the cta that underwent removal of an adenoma were alive at least 240 days after surgery. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Alternatives to Heparin Infusion

This article offers an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). This disorder is an immune-mediated reduction of platelets with subsequently increased generation of thrombin and increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia can occur as an isolated incident or with acute thrombosis (HIT with thrombosis syndrome [HITTS]). Proper recognition, cessation of all forms of heparin (and compounds that cross-react with heparin), and rapid initiation of nonheparin anticoagulation are essential steps in reducing the risk of death, limb amputation, and new thrombotic events. Current alternatives to heparin are reviewed.
Genetic analyses of growth, real-time ultrasound, carcass, and pork quality traits in Duroc and Landrace pigs: I. Breed effects.

Knowledge of breed effects on carcass and pork quality traits is required to develop commercial crossbreeding programs that emphasize product quality. A 2 x 2 diallel mating system involving Landrace and Duroc pigs was used to estimate individual heterosis, direct breed effects and reciprocal cross differences for post-weaning growth, real-time ultrasound, carcass, and pork quality traits. Data from 5,649 pigs and 960 carcasses representing 65 and 49 sires, respectively, were analyzed assuming animal models. Duroc-sired pigs had 2.1 cm shorter carcasses with 7.3 mm less 10th rib backfat (BF), 4.4 cm2 larger longissimus muscle area (LMA), yielded 2.1 kg more estimated fat standardized lean (FSL), gained 16.5 g more estimated lean per day of age (LDOA), and had 1.0% less water (PWAT) and 1.9% more intramuscular fat (IMF) in the longissimus muscle than did Landrace-sired pigs (P less than .01), adjusted to an off-farm live weight of 111 kg. Reciprocal cross differences were detected for BF, LMA, FSL, LDOA and for subjective marbling, firmness, and muscling scores (P less than .01). Durocsired F1 barrows had 6.3 mm less BF and 5.9 cm2 larger LMA, yielded 3.2 kg more FSL, gained 22.3 g more LDOA, and had less marbling in the longissimus muscle and heavier ham muscling than reciprocal cross barrows. Heterosis estimates (P less than .05) were 27.6 g/d (3.2%) for ADG, -5.8 d (-3.6%) for off-test age, 2.7 cm (3.4%) for carcass length, 1.5 kg (7.2%) for FSL, 14.7 g (5.7%) for LDOA, -. 07 (-3.6%) for muscle color, -. 5% (-13.2%) for IMF, and . 3% (.3%) for PWAT. Breed effects were not detected (P greater than .10) for muscle pH, cooking loss, shear value, and water-holding capacity or for eating quality traits. Reciprocal cross differences suggest an advantage in using the Duroc as a terminal sire, but improved carcass composition and higher intramuscular fat did not seem to affect eating quality traits.
Igβ(CD79b) mRNA expression in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells correlates with immunoglobulin heavy chain gene mutational status but does not serve as an independent predictor of clinical severity

The etiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is poorly understood and its course is highly variable. Somatic hypermutation (SHM) of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgVH) gene and ZAP70 protein expression have been reported as prognostic indicators. However, these assays are not widely available and their concordance is imperfect. Thus a need exists to identify additional molecular determinants of CLL. The Igβ (CD79b) subunit of the B cell antigen receptor is essential for B lymphocyte function. Defects in Igβ expression are implicated in CLL pathogenesis. We have analyzed Igβ mRNA expression in CLL cells in 40 consecutive patient samples. About 75% of the samples showed the expected decrease of Igβ surface staining. Igβ mRNA levels covered a wider range, did not correlate with Igβ surface staining, but clearly distinguished the normal and CLL lymphocyte populations. Remarkably, Igβ mRNA levels correlated strongly with SHM; Igβ mRNA levels in CLL cells were significantly higher in patients with an unmutated IgVH gene when compared with those in whom IgVH was hypermutated (P = 0.008). In contrast, no correlation was observed between Igβ mRNA levels and ZAP70 expression. Multiple parameters abstracted from chart reviews were used to estimate severity of CLL in each case. While severity correlated strongly with ZAP70 staining, and to a lesser extent with SHM status, there was no correlation with Igβ mRNA levels. These data establish a strong linkage between Igβ mRNA expression and SHM in CLL and highlight the complex relationships between biochemical parameters and clinical status in this disease. Am. J. Hematol. , 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lesion Heterogeneity on High-Field Susceptibility MRI Is Associated with Multiple Sclerosis Severity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Susceptibility MR imaging contrast variations reflect alterations in brain iron and myelin content, making this imaging tool relevant to studies of multiple sclerosis lesion heterogeneity. In this study, we aimed to characterize the relationship of high-field, susceptibility contrasts in multiple sclerosis lesions to clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four subjects with multiple sclerosis underwent 7T MR imaging of the brain, disability examinations, and a fatigue inventory. The inverse of T2* relaxation time (R2*), frequency, and relative susceptibility (from quantitative susceptibility mapping) were analyzed in 306 white matter lesions. RESULTS: Most lesions were hypointense on R2* (88% without a rim, 5% with). Lesions that were hyperintense on quantitative susceptibility mapping were more frequent in relapsing-remitting than in progressive multiple sclerosis (54% versus 35%, P = .018). Hyperintense lesion rims on quantitative susceptibility maps were more common in progressive multiple sclerosis and patients with higher levels of disability and fatigue. Mean lesion R2* was inversely related to disability and fatigue and significantly reduced in progressive multiple sclerosis. Relative susceptibility was lower in lesions in progressive multiple sclerosis (median, −0.018 ppm; range, −0.070 to 0.022) than in relapsing-remitting MS (median, −0.010 ppm; range, −0.062 to 0.052; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: A progressive clinical phenotype and greater disability and fatigue were associated with lower R2* and relative susceptibility values (suggestive of low iron due to oligodendrocyte loss) and rimmed lesions (suggestive of chronic inflammation) in this multiple sclerosis cohort. Lesion heterogeneity on susceptibility MR imaging may help explain disability in multiple sclerosis and provide a window into the processes of demyelination, oligodendrocyte loss, and chronic lesion inflammation.
Molecular characterization and genetic diversity among Japanese acid citrus (Citrus spp.) based on RAPD markers

Summary Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to evaluate genetic similarity and inter-relationship among31 acid citrus species and cultivars, including sour oranges (six accessions); ‘Yuzu’ (four accessions) andits relatives (21 accessions). Out of the 60 decamer primers screened, 27 were selected which produced 108 markers; 76 of which were polymorphic. Species or cultivar-specific RAPD markers were also found. A dendrogram based on genetic distance implied that sour oranges were very distinct from ‘Yuzu’ and its relatives. ‘Yuzu’ accessions were very closely linked to each other, however; for the other specimens genetic polymorphism could easily be detected by RAPDs and the genetic variation between accessions was quite high and revealed their different origins. In this study some RAPDs allowed the distinction of very close cultivars, for instance ‘Kabosu’ from ‘Aka kabosu’.
Interference of E2‐2‐mediated effect in endothelial cells by FAM96B through its limited expression of E2‐2

The basic helix–loop–helix protein E2‐2 is known to play a role in quiescence of endothelial cells (ECs). However, it is unclear how the activity of E2‐2 is controlled in the cells. In this study, we identified FAM96B as an interaction partner of E2‐2. FAM96B interfered with E2‐2‐mediated effects on luciferase reporter activities. Furthermore, the suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 promoter activity by E2‐2 was rescued by the expression of FAM96B in a dose‐dependent manner. Interestingly, FAM96B decreased the expression of ectopic and endogenous E2‐2 proteins. Mutational analysis revealed that the middle region of FAM96B is required for the limited expression of E2‐2 protein. When FAM96B was expressed in ECs, the EC migration, proliferation, and tube formation were potentiated. Taken together, these findings suggest that FAM96B acts as a regulator of E2‐2 through the control of its protein expression. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1808–1814)
Laparoscopic reimplantation for single-system ectopic ureter.

Received October 2006 Accepted May 2007 INTRODUCTION Ureteral anomalies, ectopic ureter being one of them, are of the most important urogenital abnormalities because they directly affect kidney function. (1) Several techniques have been used for treatment of ectopic ureter. The goal of obstruction relief can be achieved by either ureteropyelostomy or common sheath ureteral reimplantation for a duplicated system, or reimplantation for a single system. (1) Heminephrectomy and ureteropyelostomy are well described elsewhere, but several technical points deserve emphasis. (1) Laparoscopic procedures putatively offer reduced morbidity due to less postoperative pain, earlier return of gastrointestinal function, earlier discharge, and a quicker return to work. To our knowledge laparoscopic reimplantation for ectopic ureter has not been reported, yet. We performed laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation on a 29-year-old man with ectopic ureter.
Differential distribution of PDE4D splice variant mRNAs in rat brain suggests association with specific pathways and presynaptical localization

cAMP plays an important role as a second‐messenger molecule controlling multiple cellular processes. Its hydrolysis provides an important mechanism by which cAMP levels are regulated. This is performed by a large multigene family of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Members of the PDE4 enzyme family are selectively inhibited by rolipram. Five different mRNA splice forms for PDE4D have been isolated. Here, we analyzed the regional distribution of the mRNAs coding for the splice variants PDE4D1, PDE4D2, PDE4D3, PDE4D4, and PDE4D5 in the rat brain by in situ hybridization histochemistry using specific radiolabeled oligonucleotides. We found that all five splice variants showed a distinct distribution pattern and, in some cases, in association with specific brain pathways. The most relevant differences were in hippocampal formation, medial habenula, basal ganglia, and area postrema, at both the regional and cellular level. The dorsal and median raphe nuclei exclusively contained PDE4D2 mRNA transcripts, probably located on serotonergic cells. PDE4D1 mRNA was expressed in some white matter cells. PDE4D1 and PDE4D2 mRNA splice forms presented a similar distribution in the area postrema, whereas for PDE4D4 and PDE4D5 the cellular distribution presented a complementary pattern. The differential expression of PDE4D mRNA splice variants in the area postrema is consistent with their possible involvement in emesis control and suggests new molecular targets for a more selective drug design. Synapse 45:259–269, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physiological Role Of Salicylic Acid In Improving Performance, Yield And Some Biochemical Aspects Of Sunflower Plant Grown Under Newly Reclaimed Sandy Soil

Salicylic acid (SA) is an endogenous plant growth regulator, acting as non enzymatic antioxidant and has a regulatory effect on some physiological and biochemical processes. Therefore, this work was conducted during two successive summer seasons to evaluate the performance of two sunflower cultivars (Sakha 53 and Giza 102) to salicylic acid. The plants were grown at the experimental station of Agricultural Production and Research Station, National Research Centre, El Nubaria Province, El Behaira Governorate, Egypt. Sunflower seeds were soaked for 12 hours with different concentrations of SA (0, 25, 50, 75,100 mg/l) before sowing. It was noted that cultivation of Giza 102 performed well than Sakha 53 under sandy soil conditions. The obtained data revealed that, all treatments caused significant increases in growth parameters and photosynthetic pigments. The maximum increases in total pigments are 26.12% and 11.96% for Sakha 53 and Giza 102 cultivars at treatments 50 and 100 mg/l salicylic acid respectively. In addition, 75 and 100 mg/l salicylic acid were the most effective concentrations in increments of endogenous phytohormones i.e. IAA, GA3, zeatin and zeatin riboside as well as the most effective treatments in decreasing ABA for Sakha 53 and Giza 102 respectively. Significant increases in total carbohydrate and phenolic contents were obtained in shoots due to all treatments. Seed yield and components were increased significantly at all SA treatments. Since, the highest increases in seed yield (ton/fed) were 26.76 and 35.00% for Sakha 53 and Giza 102 at 75 and 100 mg/l salicylic acid respectively. All treatments caused significant increases in oil and protein % relative to those of the control. Meanwhile, a marked decrease in total saturated fatty acids accompanied by an increase in total unsaturated fatty acids was observed in both cultivars. Thus, SA treatments had regulatory effect on growth, seed yield, total carbohydrate, phenolic content and the quality of the oil in favour of the increase of unsaturated fatty acids of sunflower plant grown under newly reclaimed sandy soil.
Ultrasonographic‐surgical correlation of ankle tendon tears.

This study evaluates the accuracy of ultrasonography in detecting ankle tendon tears of the peroneal, posterior tibial, and flexor digitorum longus tendons based on operative findings and clinical follow‐up. A prospective study was performed in 33 patients with clinically suspected tendon injury. Sixty‐eight tendons were evaluated sonographically. The diagnosis of an intrasubstance tear was made when disruption of uniform tendon architecture by hypoechoic linear or globular clefts was observed. Criteria used to diagnose complete tendon rupture included discontinuity or gap within the tendon or complete nonvisualization of the tendon. Treatment decisions were based on a combination of clinical parameters and imaging studies. Twenty‐six patients had the presence or absence of tear confirmed at surgery. Five patients had a final diagnosis based on clinical findings, and two were lost to follow‐up. Of the 68 tendons evaluated sonographically, 54 were directly inspected at surgery; 20 were found to be torn and 34 were intact. Ultrasonography was able to identify all tears correctly with an accuracy of 93%, a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 88%. The positive and negative predictive values were 83% and 100%, respectively. The combined accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of ultrasonography in detecting tendon tears in all patients evaluated both surgically and by clinical follow‐up were 94%, 100%, and 90%, respectively.
Cadmium Resistance and Accumulation Potential of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain CBL-1 Isolated from Industrial Wastewater

A bacterium, Klebsiella pneumoniae CBL-1, was isolated from heavy metal laden industrial wastewater and could tolerate Cd 2+ (1500µg/mL), Cr 6+ (800µg/mL), Cu 2+ (600µg/mL), Pb 2+ (700µg/mL), Zn 2+ (800µg/mL) and Ni 2+ (1000µg/mL). K. pneumoniae showed optimum growth at 30oC and pH at 7. K. pneumoniae could decrease 46%, 68%, 83% and 93% of cadmium (100µg/mL) from the medium after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, respectively. K. pneumoniae was also capable to remove 54% and 82% cadmium from the industrial effluents after 4 and 8 days of incubation at room temperature. Multiple metal tolerance and high Cd accumulation by K. pneumoniae indicates its potential application in biological treatment of wastewaters contaminated with heavy metals.
Protein Kinase C-θ Is Required for Murine Neutrophil Recruitment and Adhesion Strengthening under Flow

Protein kinase C (PKC)-θ is involved in T cell activation via regulating the avidity of the β2 integrin LFA-1 in the immunological synapse. LFA-1 also mediates leukocyte adhesion. To investigate the role of PKC-θ in neutrophil adhesion, we performed intravital microscopy in cremaster venules of mice reconstituted with bone marrow from LysM-GFP+ (wild-type [WT]) and PKC-θ gene-deficient (Prkcq−/−) mice. Following stimulation with CXCL1, both WT and Prkcq−/− cells became adherent. Although most WT neutrophils remained adherent for at least 180 s, 50% of Prkcq−/− neutrophils were detached after 105 s and most by 180 s. Upon CXCL1 injection, rolling of all WT neutrophils stopped for 90 s, but rolling of Prkcq−/− neutrophils started 30 s after CXCL1 stimulation. A similar neutrophil adhesion defect was seen in vitro, and spreading of Prkcq−/− neutrophils was delayed. Prkcq−/− neutrophil recruitment was impaired in fMLP-induced transmigration into the cremaster muscle, thioglycollate-induced peritonitis, and LPS-induced lung injury. We conclude that PKC-θ mediates integrin-dependent neutrophil functions and is required to sustain neutrophil adhesion in postcapillary venules in vivo. These findings suggest that the role of PKC-θ in outside–in signaling following engagement of neutrophil integrins is relevant for inflammation in vivo.
Altered Adipose and Plasma Sphingolipid Metabolism in Obesity

The adipose tissue has become a central focus in the pathogenesis of obesity-mediated cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Here we demonstrate that adipose sphingolipid metabolism is altered in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. Expression of enzymes involved in ceramide generation (neutral sphingomyelinase [NSMase], acid sphingomyelinase [ASMase], and serine-palmitoyl-transferase [SPT]) and ceramide hydrolysis (ceramidase) are elevated in obese adipose tissues. Our data also suggest that hyperinsulinemia and elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α associated with obesity may contribute to the observed increase in adipose NSMase, ASMase, and SPT mRNA in this murine model of obesity. Liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy revealed a decrease in total adipose sphingomyelin and ceramide levels but an increase in sphingosine in ob/ob mice compared with lean mice. In contrast to the adipose tissue, plasma levels of total sphingomyelin, ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) were elevated in ob/ob mice. In cultured adipocytes, ceramide, sphingosine, and S1P induced gene expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-6, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine. Collectively, our results identify a novel role for sphingolipids in contributing to the prothrombotic and proinflammatory phenotype of the obese adipose tissue currently believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of obesity-mediated cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Comparison of Bioassay, High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography, and Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay for Quantitative Determination of Vancomycin in Serum

Summary This investigation was designed to compare three assay techniques, the traditional bioassay (agar diffusion), and two more recent techniques, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), for the determination of vancomycin concentrations in serum. One hundred clinical samples obtained from patients receiving vancomycin were assayed by each method. The results from each assay were compared using linear regression analysis. The resultant correlation coefficients were as follows: 0.9996 for the HPLC versus FPIA, 0.7773 for the FPIA versus bioassay, and 0.7779 for HPLC versus bioassay. The FPIA technique was the easiest and fastest of the three methods; FPIA and HPLC were the most accurate.