Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ACTIVATED PROTEIN C ATTENUATES LEUKOCYTE ELASTASE-INDUCED LUNG INJURY IN MICE

Leukocyte elastase (LE), a neutrophil serine protease, is known to cause alveolar wall destruction and alveolar hemorrhage in the lung, but recent evidence suggests that it may also produce a significant inflammatory response. The purpose of the current study was to (1) examine the relationship between LE-induced lung injury and specific markers of inflammation and cytokine/chemokine, and to (2) determine the potential of activated protein C (APC), a potent immunomodulator, to block the inflammatory response to LE. We treated the C57BL/6 mice with LE (10 U/kg, i.t.) and assessed the lung inflammation over 72 h. Total cells, total protein, and neutrophils were increased and peaked at 16 h in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid. Macrophages were also increased and peaked at 24 h. Administration of LE up-regulated the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1&bgr; and IL-6, chemokines, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid, and their peaks were at 6 h. Furthermore, the mice were treated with APC at 0.2, 2.0, and 10 mg/kg (i.v.) after instillation of LE. Therapeutic treatment of APC at 2.0 and 10 mg/kg significantly attenuated the increases in all these parameters. Lung histology revealed that, in addition to inflammation, alveolar hemorrhage and alveolar wall destruction induced by LE were also attenuated by APC. Finally, the expression of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor in whole lung of mice exposed to LE, detected by means of reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, were not influenced by the treatment with APC. These data demonstrate that intratracheal administration of LE to mice causes a transient inflammatory response, and APC can play a protective role against LE-induced lung injury.
A Double S-Bend Geometry With Lateral Offset for Compact Two Mode Interference Coupler

A double S-bend lateral offset structure has been proposed for the reduction of length and S-bend loss of 2×2 two mode interference (TMI) coupler. The coupling characteristics of the proposed structure are compared with those of conventional TMI structures using a simple mathematical model based on sinusoidal modes. It is seen that the longitudinal beat length for the proposed TMI coupler is reduced by 15% of beat length of a conventional TMI coupler whereas the S-bending loss is reduced by ~ 50% by using lateral offset in the double S-bend structure. The effect of fabrication tolerance on power imbalance for the proposed TMI structure is also compared with other TMI structures. It is seen that the fabrication tolerance for the proposed structure with lateral offset is almost same as that without lateral offset.
PAM 50 assay and the three-gene model for identifying the major and clinically relevant molecular subtypes of breast cancer

It has recently been proposed that a three-gene model (SCMGENE) that measures ESR1, ERBB2, and AURKA identifies the major breast cancer intrinsic subtypes and provides robust discrimination for clinical use in a manner very similar to a 50-gene subtype predictor (PAM50). However, the clinical relevance of both predictors was not fully explored, which is needed given that a *30 % discordance rate between these two predictors was observed. Using the same datasets and subtype calls provided by Haibe-Kains and colleagues, we compared the SCMGENE assignments and the research-based PAM50 assignments in terms of their ability to (1) predict patient outcome, (2) predict pathological complete response (pCR) after anthracycline/taxane-based chemotherapy, and (3) capture the main biological diversity displayed by all genes from a microarray. In terms of survival predictions, both assays provided independent prognostic information from each other and beyond the data provided by standard clinical–pathological variables; however, the amount of prognostic information was found to be significantly greater with the PAM50 assay than the SCMGENE assay. In terms of chemotherapy response, the PAM50 assay was the only assay to provide independent predictive information of pCR in multivariate models. Finally, compared to the SCMGENE predictor, the PAM50 assay explained a significantly greater amount of gene expression diversity as captured by the two main principal components of the breast cancer microarray data. Our results show that classification of the major and clinically relevant molecular subtypes of breast cancer are best captured using larger gene panels.
Spontaneous Healing of a Tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. A Report of Two Cases*

The primary healing potential of the anterior cruciate ligament has been reported to be extremely poor in both clinical and experimental studies2,7,9,11,13. This inferior healing capability has led surgeons to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament rather than to attempt non-operative treatment involving bracing and muscle-strengthening exercises or to perform a primary suture repair after an acute injury in an athletically active patient12. We report the cases of two patients who had an acute injury of the anterior cruciate ligament that healed spontaneously, as confirmed by arthroscopy and evaluation of stability, after non-operative treatment consisting of early bracing and prolonged restriction of sports activity. Fifty patients who had an acute tear of the anterior cruciate ligament were managed at our institution between May 1991 and April 1993. We recommended delayed reconstruction after diagnostic arthroscopy and rehabilitation for twenty-nine patients and non-operative treatment with modification of activity for twenty-one. At the time of the initial evaluation, both of the patients who are reported on in this paper were advised to have delayed reconstruction. CASE 1. A twenty-year-old man, who was a college student, sustained an injury to the right knee when he was tackled while playing rugby. He heard a loud pop at the time of the injury and had immediate pain. He withdrew from the game, and ice and a posterior splint were applied immediately. Physical examination performed two days after the injury revealed a grade-1 medial joint opening, indicating a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament. However, the degree of laxity of the anterior cruciate ligament was not clear because it was not possible to achieve complete muscle relaxation. All evaluations of the ligaments were performed on the basis of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) standard …
Polysaccharide from Gynura divaricata modulates the activities of intestinal disaccharidases in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

During diabetes, structural and functional changes in the alimentary tract are known to take place resulting in an increased absorption of intestinal glucose and alterations in the activities of brush-border disaccharidases. To elucidate the effect of administrating polysaccharide from Gynura divaricata (PGD) on disaccharidase activities, the specific activities of intestinal disaccharidases, namely sucrase, maltase and lactase, were measured in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Normal control and diabetic rats were treated by oral administration with PGD. Specific activities of intestinal disaccharidases were increased significantly during diabetes, and amelioration of the activities of sucrase and maltase during diabetes was clearly visible by the treatment with PGD. However, the increased activity of lactase during diabetes mellitus was remarkably alleviated by the administration of PGD only in the duodenum. Meanwhile, oral sucrose tolerance tests demonstrated that PGD alleviated the hyperglycaemia during diabetes mellitus, resulting from the amelioration in the activities of intestinal disaccharidases. The present investigation suggests that PGD exerted an anti-diabetic effect partly via inhibiting the increased intestinal disaccharidase activities of diabetic rats. This beneficial influence of administration of PGD on intestinal disaccharidases clearly indicates their helpful role in the management of diabetes.
Evidence for a dynamic role for proline376 in the purine-cytosine permease of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The purine-cytosine permease (PCP), a carrier located in the plasma membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mediates the active transport of purine (adenine, guanine and hypoxanthine) and cytosine into the cell. Previous studies [Ferreira, T, Brèthes, D. , Pinson, B. , Napias, C. & Chevallier, J. et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 9697-9702] suggest that the hydrophilic segment 371-377 (-I-A-N-N-I-P-N-) of the polypeptide chain may play a key role in the correct three-dimensional structure of the active carrier. This paper describes the effects of mutations in this particular segment: a four-residue deletion, Delta374-377, and two substitutions, P376G and P376R. The Delta374-377 PCP was expressed in tiny amounts and was totally inactive. When compared with the wild-type, the P376G PCP showed slightly decreased amounts and was able to transport the bases with significantly increased affinity and decreased turnover. The P376R PCP was normally expressed and targeted to the plasma membrane; however, despite a normal number of base-binding sites [1000-1200 pmol. (mg protein)-1], this mutated carrier was completely unable to transport any of its ligands. In addition, the Kd(app) for hypoxanthine binding was completely independent of the pH (within the range 3.5-6.0), showing that the conformational change induced by ligand binding was no longer present. Our results show that the 374-377 segment is essential for the expression and activity of this carrier. They also show that the P376 residue is part of an unusual secondary structure, probably a beta-turn motif, which must play a crucial dynamic role in the translocation process.
The return to isotropy of homogeneous turbulence

The return to isotropy of homogeneous turbulence without mean velocity gradients is attacked by considering changes to be slow relative to turbulence time scales. This single assumption permits the problem to be cast as one of finding the form of three invariant functions. Examination of limiting behaviour for large Reynolds number and small anisotropy, as well as small Reynolds number and arbitrary anisotropy, places restrictions on the form of the functions. Realizability conditions (requiring that energies be non-negative) reduce the problem to two functions subject to further restrictions. A convenient interpolation form is found for the functions, satisfying all the restrictions, and it is shown that predictions based on this are in excellent agreement with all available data.
Liver transplantation in neonates

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has evolved over the past two decades to become the standard of care for end‐stage liver disease in infants and children. Technical advances, particularly the use of technical variant allografts, have permitted extension of OLT into a much younger and smaller population than previously possible. Major centers around the world now routinely perform OLT in infants with survival success equivalent to that in older children and adults. We are beginning to see a small population of school‐aged children who were infant OLT recipients. The further extension of OLT into neonates is more recent, with only a few pediatric centers reporting survival success. Very little is known about this frontier of transplantation. Our intent is to provide an overview of neonatal OLT using all available data and our experience in the field
Plant-Based Nutraceutical Increases Plasma Catalase Activity in Healthy Participants: A Small Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Proof of Concept Trial

ABSTRACT Oxidative stress resulting from dietary, lifestyle and environmental factors is strongly associated with tissue damage and aging. It occurs when there is either an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (i.e., oxidants) or decreased bioavailability of antioxidants that can scavenge them. The objective of this 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled study was to assess the efficacy of a nutraceutical at augmenting antioxidant status. Healthy adults (25–45 y) were randomized to either a treatment group (Product B, n = 23) or a placebo group (control, n = 20). No significant effect of Product B was observed for anthropometric variables or markers of glucose and lipid regulation. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were likewise not altered following the 12-week intervention. Plasma catalase concentrations were significantly elevated following 12 weeks of Product B as compared to the control group (+6.1 vs. −10.3 nmol/min/mL, p = 0.038), whereas other measures of antioxidant capacity were not significantly different between the groups. Product B effectively augmented concentrations of the anti-aging antioxidant catalase in healthy adults.
Long-term outcome of medical and surgical treatment of hiatal hernias in dogs and cats: 27 cases (1978-1996).

OBJECTIVE To determine long-term outcome of medical and surgical treatment of hiatal hernia (HH) in dogs and cats. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 22 dogs and 5 cats. PROCEDURE Medical records of dogs and cats with HH were reviewed. Outcomes of treatment were obtained from reexamination or owner questionnaires. RESULTS The most common breeds affected were English Bulldog and domestic shorthair cat. Mean age of all dogs and cats was 4 years. Hiatal hernia was diagnosed by use of contrast radiography of the esophagus (n = 19), fluoroscopy (7), or esophagoscopy (1). Eight of 15 dogs and cats treated medically for 30 days had complete resolution of signs. Of the 7 in this group that did not respond, 1 died on the 10th day of medical treatment and the remaining 6 were treated surgically. Eight of 10 dogs that underwent hiatal plication, esophagopexy, and gastropexy responded favorably. Four of 7 dogs that underwent fundoplication did well. However, 3 of these dogs did not have clinical signs. Fundoplication was successful in only 1 of 4 dogs with clinical signs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Dogs and cats with clinical signs of reflux esophagitis associated with HH should undergo conservative treatment for 30 days. Most will be managed successfully by use of drugs, dietary alterations, or both. Those that do not respond to conservative treatment will likely require surgery. The best prognosis after, surgery appears to be associated with the esopagopexy technique.
Changes in endocannabinoid transmission in the basal ganglia in a rat model of Huntington's disease

Recent studies have demonstrated a loss of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the basal ganglia in Huntington's disease (HD), but there are no data on endocannabinoid levels in this disease. In the present study, we have addressed this question by using rats with bilateral intrastriatal injections of 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), a toxin that, through the selective damage of striatal GABAergic efferent neurons, produces a useful model of HD. Twelve days after the lesion, 3-NP-lesioned rats exhibited motor disturbances, characterized by an ambulatory hyperactivity accompanied by a loss of guided activities. Analysis of GABA contents in the basal ganglia showed a trend towards a reduction compatible with motor hyperactivity. In addition, CB1 receptor binding and, to a greater extent, CB1 receptor activation of GTP-binding proteins, were also reduced in the basal ganglia. These changes were paralleled by a decrease of the contents of the two endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, in the striatum, and by an increase, particularly of anandamide, in the ventral mesencephalon where the substantia nigra is located. Both CB1 receptors and endocannabinoid levels were not altered in the cerebral cortex, an area not affected by the lesion. In summary, behavioral and biochemical changes observed in rats intrastriatally lesioned with 3-NP were similar to those occurring in the brain of HD patients. As expected, a loss of CB1 receptor function was evident in the basal ganglia of these rats and this was accompanied by different changes in endocannabinoid levels.
Determination of anions of milk by ion chromatography

Summary - The anions of milk have been successfully analysed by ion chromatography coupled with suppressed conductivity detection. With an appropriate sample preparation (ultrafiltration alone, or combined with dry mineralization), this method enabled simultaneous identification and quantification of chloride, phosphate and citrate ions with good repeatability (relative standard deviations of about 1%). Moreover, good sensibility (Iess th an 20 Ilglkg) and no interference between ions and other matrix components were determined. It was also shown that this method olters a very promising alternative for studying changes in the salt balance of milk du ring some technological treatments (acidification and increase of ionic strength of milk).
Surgical management of fracture both bones forearm in adults using LC-DCP

Background: Fractures of both bone of the forearm are relatively common injuries which can challenge the treating orthopaedican. Healing occurs reliably after closed treatment but malunion, with resultant decreased rotation of the forearm is common and has been associated with poor results [1]. Rotation of the forearm is a complex interaction between the radius and ulna and restoration of this movement depends on both on accurate reduction of fractures, this is achieved by ORIF using LC-DCP [3]. The “Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plate”, was developed by Perren S. M. et to release the new concept of biological internal fixation. Grooves on the undersurface of the LC-DCP improved blood circulation. There is decreased damage to contact between plate and bone. It also allows for a small bone bridge beneath the plate at the most critical area, which is otherwise weak due to a stress concentration effect. In addition, there is more even distribution of the plate than in conventional plates. This study is undertaken to assess the results of diaphyseal fractures of BBFA using LCDCP to study the advantages and its complications. Materials and Methods: Patients who are admitted in Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences are taken for study after obtaining their consent. This is prospective study from May 2013 to May 2016. Results: This study consists of 50 cases of fracture Both Bone Forearm Fractures. All cases were openly reduced and internally fixed with 3.5 mm LCDCP. Fracture was common in second and third decade with average age of 43 years (18-64 years). In our study, male preponderance was found with 74% males and 26% female patients. Side affected 32 (64%) Left side and 18 patients (36%) right side. Mode of injury in the present study, RTA (60%), fall (30%) and assault (10%). An average time for union was 17 weeks Results were evaluated by Andersons scoring system. In present study, we had 45 patients (90%) with excellent results, 4 case (8%) as satisfactory and 1 case (2%) as failure which required refixation. In the present study there was 3 case (6%) of superficial infection, 1 case (2%) of non-union of radius which required refixation with bone grafting. Conclusion: LC-DCP can be considered the best mode of treatment for closed diaphyseal fractures of both bones forearm.
NEW CONSTRAINTS ON THE FAINT END OF THE UV LUMINOSITY FUNCTION AT z ∼ 7–8 USING THE GRAVITATIONAL LENSING OF THE HUBBLE FRONTIER FIELDS CLUSTER A2744

Exploiting the power of gravitational lensing, the Hubble Frontier Fields (HFF) program aims at observing six massive galaxy clusters to explore the distant universe far beyond the limits of blank field surveys. Using the complete Hubble Space Telescope observations of the first HFF cluster A2744, we report the detection of 50 galaxy candidates at z ∼ 7 and eight candidates at z ∼ 8 in a total survey area of 0.96 arcmin2 in the source plane. Three of these galaxies are multiply imaged by the lensing cluster. Using an updated model of the mass distribution in the cluster we were able to calculate the magnification factor and the effective survey volume for each galaxy in order to compute the ultraviolet galaxy luminosity function (LF) at both redshifts 7 and 8. Our new measurements reliably extend the z ∼ 7 UV LF down to an absolute magnitude of MUV ∼ −15.5. We find a characteristic magnitude of mag and a faint-end slope , close to previous determinations in blank fields. We show here for the first time that this slope remains steep down to very faint luminosities of 0.01 L⋆. Although prone to large uncertainties, our results at z ∼ 8 also seem to confirm a steep faint-end slope below 0.1 L⋆. The HFF program is therefore providing an extremely efficient way to study the faintest galaxy populations at z > 7 that would otherwise be inaccessible with current instrumentation. The full sample of six galaxy clusters will provide even better constraints on the buildup of galaxies at early epochs and their contribution to cosmic reionization.
Contrast sensitivity in 10 year old preterm and full term children: a population based study

Aims: To determine the contrast sensitivity (CS) in 10 year old prematurely born children, previously included in a population based study on the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and in full term controls. Methods: This study included 205 prematurely born children and 215 children born at term, from the same geographical area and study period. CS was assessed monocularly with the Vistech 6500 test at five spatial frequencies (1.5–18 cycles/deg). Results: Prematurely born children had statistically significant lower CS at all frequencies, compared to full term ones. The mean differences in logarithmic CS were 0.03 (1.5 cycles/deg), 0.09 (3 cycles/deg), 0.10 (6 cycles/deg), 0.12 (12 cycles/deg), and 0.19 (18 cycles/deg). Even when the children with ROP and neurological disorders were excluded there was a difference between the two groups. Children who had been treated with cryotherapy had the lowest CS. Conclusion: CS was lower in 10 year old prematurely born children than in full term ones of the same age. Whether this finding affects their visual function in daily life is uncertain.
Learning more and spending less with neglected laboratory parameters: the paradigmatic case of red blood cell distribution width

Due to increasing shortage of public healthcare resources in many countries around the globe, the use of simple, rapid and inexpensive laboratory parameters may be seen as a valuable aid for preliminary and cost-effective risk stratification of patients. Anisocytosis, conventionally measured by hematologic analyzers as the red blood cell distribution width (RDW), is an index of the heterogeneity of erythrocytes volumes. Several lines of evidence now attest that increased RDW values are commonplace in patients with many disorders, especially in those with the most prevalent conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and infections. Although the nature of this association remains to be definitely disclosed, what is strongly emerging from the recent scientific research is that the RDW should now be regarded as a “non” innocent bystander, wherein anisocytosis may be an active player in the pathogenesis of many pathologies. Therefore, major attention should be placed on this inexpensive but clinically meaningful parameter. The recent finding that dynamic changes of RDW are strongly predictors of mortality also suggests that continuous monitoring of anisocytosis may be an ancillary useful tool for establishing the effectiveness of managed care, as well as for deciding whether or not the overall clinical status is improving. (www.actabiomedica.it)