Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gastric cancer prevalence in patients with liver cirrhosis

An increased risk for gastric cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis has recently been reported in epidemiological studies. The present endoscopic study was performed to further evaluate whether people with cirrhosis are at increased risk for gastric cancer development. We reviewed the medical records of all cirrhotic patients referred to our Endoscopic Service for portal hypertension screening and, therefore, cases of latent gastric cancer were observed. For a comparison, the prevalence (age and sex standardized) of latent gastric cancer in the general population was estimated hypothesizing a latency period of 5 years. Overall, 1379 patients with cirrhosis were selected from a total of 15 791 endoscopically examined different patients observed during the period 1982−1997. Histological assessment revealed the presence of gastric cancer in 10 patients (9 males and 1 female). There was a significant 2.6-fold (P<0.01) increase in prevalence of gastric cancer compared with that expected in our cirrhotic patients. In conclusion, our findings confirm that liver cirrhosis would seem to be a risk factor for the development of gastric cancer. Other studies are needed to evaluate the pathogenic mechanisms involved.
Acute pain experience in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A review

In addition to the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, a number of clinically important comorbid complaints, including sensory abnormalities, are also discussed. One difference often noted in these accounts is hyposensitivity to pain; however, evidence for this is limited. The purpose of the current review therefore was to examine sensitivity to pain of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This review is interested in reports which consider differences in subjective experience of pain (i.e. different pain thresholds) and differences in behavioural response to pain (i.e. signs of pain-related distress). Studies were included if they were conducted with human subjects, included a clearly diagnosed autism spectrum disorder population and reported data pertaining to pain experience relative to the neurotypical population. Studies were classified as being self/parent report, clinical observations, observations of response to medical procedures or experimental examination of pain. Both self/parent report and clinical observations appeared to report hyposensitivity to pain, whereas observations of medical procedures and experimental manipulation suggested normal or hypersensitive responses to pain. This review suggests that contrary to classical reports, individuals with autism spectrum disorder do not appear to have systematically altered pain responses or thresholds. More systematic experimental examination of this area is needed to understand responses to pain of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Cytochrome c oxidase deficiency due to a novel SCO2 mutation mimics Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.

BACKGROUND Mutations in the SCO2 gene have been associated with fatal cardioencephalomyopathy. OBJECTIVE To report a novel SCO2 mutation with prominent spinal cord involvement mimicking spinal muscular atrophy (Werdnig-Hoffmann disease). PATIENT AND METHODS An infant girl presented at birth with generalized weakness, hypotonia, and lactic acidosis. At 1 month of age she developed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and died of heart failure 1 month later. Neuroradiological studies were unremarkable. Muscle biopsy specimens showed groups of atrophic and hypertrophic fibers, but mutation screening of the SMN gene was negative. Histochemical and biochemical studies of respiratory chain complexes were performed, and the whole coding region of the SCO2 gene was sequenced. RESULTS Findings from muscle histochemistry studies showed virtually undetectable cytochrome c oxidase activity, but normal succinate dehydrogenase reaction. Biochemical analysis in muscle confirmed a severe isolated cytochrome c oxidase deficiency. Pathologic findings of the brain were unremarkable, but the ventral horns of the spinal cord showed moderate-to-severe loss of motor neurons and astrocytosis. Sequencing of the SCO2 gene showed the common E140K mutation, and a novel 10 base-pair duplication of nucleotides 1302 to 1311, which disrupts the reading frame of the messenger RNA and gives rise to a truncated protein. CONCLUSION The SCO2 mutations should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with spinal muscular atrophy without mutations in the SMN gene.
Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition Delays Axonal Degeneration and Promotes the Survival of Axotomized Retinal Ganglion Cells

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in neuronal cytotoxicity following trauma to the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of NO in mediating axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. We observed increases in iNOS expression by microglia and Müller cells in the retina after optic nerve transection. This was paralleled by the induced expression of constitutive NOS (cNOS) in RGCs which do not normally express this enzyme. In order to determine if NO is cytotoxic to axotomized RGCs, the nonspecific NOS inhibitors Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (NOLA) or N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) were delivered to the vitreous chamber by intraocular injections. Both NOLA and L-NAME significantly enhanced RGC survival at 7, 10, and 14 days postaxotomy. The separate contributions of iNOS and cNOS to RGC degeneration were examined with intraocular injections of the specific iNOS inhibitor L-N(6)-(I-iminoethyl)lysine hydrochloride or the specific cNOS inhibitor L-thiocitrulline. Our results suggest that cNOS plays a greater role in RGC degeneration than iNOS. In addition to enhancing RGC survival, NOS inhibitors delayed the retrograde degeneration of RGC axons after axotomy. We conclude that NO synthesized by retinal iNOS and cNOS plays a major role in RGC death and retrograde axonal degeneration following axotomy.
Integrins regulate the apoptotic response to DNA damage through modulation of p53

p53 mediates apoptosis of cells after DNA damage including tumor cells after radiation or chemotherapy. Survival of isolated cancer cells after therapy leads to recurrence of therapy-resistant tumors. We now show that for some melanoma, sarcoma, or fibroblastic cell types that survive without integrin-mediated adhesion, apoptosis in response to DNA damage requires cell adhesion. This effect correlates with rapid changes in levels of p14/p19 Arf and its downstream component, p53. Killing of nonadherent cells is increased by treatment with antiintegrin antibodies or by increasing levels of p53 or Arf. Consistent with low p53 levels, suspended cells show chromosomal instability after irradiation. Thus, loss of normal adhesion in susceptible tumor cells during genotoxic stress may play a role in therapy resistance and promote survival of cells with aberrant DNA.
Diverse HIV-1 subtypes and clinical, laboratory and behavioral factors in a recently infected US military cohort

Objective: To describe the demographics, risk behaviors, and HIV-1 subtypes in a large cohort of recently HIV-infected military personnel. Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Methods: US military personnel with recent HIV seroconversion from six medical referral centers were enrolled with a self-administered questionnaire, CD4 cell counts, syphilis and hepatitis B serologies, plasma viral RNA levels, and HIV-1 subtype nucleic acid sequencing. Results: Between February 1997 and May 2000, 520 patients were enrolled. Most [488 (94.3%)] were infected with HIV-1 subtype B. The most prevalent non-B subtype was a circulating recombinant form (CRF01_AE) [17 (61%)]; however, two pure subtypes (C and D), as well as CRF02_AG, CRF09_cpx and a BE recombinant were identified. The likely area of HIV-1 acquisition was the United States for 70% of the volunteers. At least three non-B subtype infections (two subtype C, one subtype CRF01_AE) were apparently acquired domestically. Risk behaviors and comorbid sexually transmitted diseases were reported during the seroconversion period. Volunteers with non-B subtype HIV infection were more likely to report heterosexual contacts [92% vs. 39%; odds ratio (OR), 10.0], including contacts with commercial sex workers (41% vs. 13%; OR, 4.9). The Roche Amplicor version 1.0 assay was less sensitive for non-B subtype infections than the Roche Amplicor version 1.5 assay. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence and diversity of non-B HIV subtypes in this large cohort. Efficient diagnosis of acute primary HIV-1 infection was identified as a goal for prevention programs. Modifiable risk behaviors and target populations for intervention were identified.
THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF CASSIOPEIA A

We used the Spitzer Space Telescope's Infrared Spectrograph to map nearly the entire extent of Cassiopeia A between 5 and 40 μm. Using infrared and Chandra X-ray Doppler velocity measurements, along with the locations of optical ejecta beyond the forward shock, we constructed a three-dimensional model of the remnant. The structure of Cas A can be characterized into a spherical component, a tilted thick disk, and multiple ejecta jets/pistons and optical fast-moving knots all populating the thick disk plane. The Bright Ring in Cas A identifies the intersection between the thick plane/pistons and a roughly spherical reverse shock. The ejecta pistons indicate a radial velocity gradient in the explosion. Some ejecta pistons are bipolar with oppositely directed flows about the expansion center while some ejecta pistons show no such symmetry. Some ejecta pistons appear to maintain the integrity of the nuclear burning layers while others appear to have punched through the outer layers. The ejecta pistons indicate a radial velocity gradient in the explosion. In three dimensions, the Fe jet in the southeast occupies a “hole” in the Si-group emission and does not represent “overturning,” as previously thought. Although interaction with the circumstellar medium affects the detailed appearance of the remnant and may affect the visibility of the southeast Fe jet, the bulk of the symmetries and asymmetries in Cas A are intrinsic to the explosion.
Modeling autism-relevant behavioral phenotypes in rats and mice: Do ‘autistic’ rodents exist?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are among the most severe developmental psychiatric disorders known today, characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction and stereotyped behaviors. However, no specific treatments for ASD are as yet available. By enabling selective genetic, neural, and pharmacological manipulations, animal studies are essential in ASD research. They make it possible to dissect the role of genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of the disease, circumventing the many confounding variables present in human studies. Furthermore, they make it possible to unravel the relationships between altered brain function in ASD and behavior, and are essential to test new pharmacological options and their side-effects. Here, we first discuss the concepts of construct, face, and predictive validity in rodent models of ASD. Then, we discuss how ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes can be mimicked in rodents. Finally, we provide examples of environmental and genetic rodent models widely used and validated in ASD research. We conclude that, although no animal model can capture, at once, all the molecular, cellular, and behavioral features of ASD, a useful approach is to focus on specific autism-relevant behavioral features to study their neural underpinnings. This approach has greatly contributed to our understanding of this disease, and is useful in identifying new therapeutic targets.
Qualitative Metasynthesis: Reflections on Methodological Orientation and Ideological Agenda

In an era of pressure toward evidence-based health care, we are witnessing a new enthusiasm for qualitative metasynthesis as an enterprise distinct from conventional literature reviews, secondary analyses, and the many other scholarly endeavors with which it is sometimes confused. This article represents the reflections of five scholars, each ofwhom has authored a distinct qualitative metasynthesis strategy. By providing the reader a glimpse into the tradition of their various qualitative metasynthesis projects, these authors offer a finely nuanced examination of the tensions between comparison and integration, deconstruction and synthesis, and reporting and integration within the metasynthesis endeavor. In so doing, they account for many of the current confusions about representation and generalization within the products of these inquiries. Through understanding the bases of their unique angles of vision, the reader is invited to engage in their commitment to scholarly integrity and intellectual credibility in this emerging methodological challenge.
Sexual Desire, Communication, Satisfaction, and Preferences of Men and Women in Same-Sex Versus Mixed-Sex Relationships

In an online study, measures of subjective sexual experiences in one's current relationship were compared across four groups: Men and women in mixed-sex (i.e., heterosexual) and same-sex (i.e., homosexual) relationships. Results indicated far more similarities than differences across the four groups, with groups reporting almost identical sexual repertoires, and levels of sexual communcation with partner. Men reported experiencing somewhat more sexual desire than women, while women reported slightly higher levels of general sexual satisfaction than men. Those in same-sex relationships reported slightly higher levels of sexual desire than those in mixed-sex relationships. Compared to the other three groups, heterosexual men reported deriving somewhat less satisfaction from the more tender, sensual, or erotic sexual activities. Implications of these findings for sex therapists are discussed.
RENAL INVOLVEMENT IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA: A 10-YEAR STUDY

Renal involvement in 204 cases with multiple myeloma admitted over a 10-year period to this tertiary care center in north India was retrospectively examined. Renal involvement occurred in 55 cases (27%); the vast majority of whom (94.5%) had presented with renal failure and 7.3% had nephrotic syndrome. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made after admission in 51 of the 55 (92.7%) cases. Oliguria was seen in 23.6% and two-third patients required dialysis. Factors precipitating renal failure were identified in 53% and included dehydration (33%), hypercalcemia (24%), nephrotoxic drugs (16%), sepsis (9%), recent surgery (5%) and contrast media (2%). Severe anemia, hypercalcemia, Bence Jones proteinuria and skeletal abnormalities were more frequent in those with renal involvement. Patients with renal involvement were more likely to have a high tumor burden. The myeloma was of light chain type in 68% of those with renal involvement whereas IgG myeloma was commonest (57%) in those without evidence of renal disease. Renal histology was studied in 27 cases with myeloma cast nephropathy seen in over 60%. Tubulointerstitial nephritis was seen in 14% cases, 11% had amyloidosis, 7% had acute tubular necrosis and 3.6% each had nodular glomerulosclerosis and plasma cell infiltration. In 8 cases (14.6%), renal biopsy provided the first clue to the diagnosis of myeloma. Renal function improved in 33% cases. Only 22% of patients on dialysis survived over 6 months. Median survival in those with renal involvement was only 4 months. Development of unexplained renal failure in an elderly individual with normal sized kidneys, in association with disproportionate anemia even in the absence of skeletal lesions should alert the physician to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
Trajectories of aggression from toddlerhood to age 9 predict academic and social functioning through age 12.

BACKGROUND Using longitudinal data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, we examined behavior problems and social and academic outcomes from ages 9 through 12 in children classified into five trajectories of physical aggression, on the basis of maternal ratings obtained from 24 months through 9 years (N = 1195). METHODS Outcome data were obtained from teacher reports, observations of children's behavior, and children's self-reports. RESULTS Children on the high-stable aggression trajectory (3% of sample) showed the most severe adjustment problems, including poorer social skills, higher levels of externalizing problems, and more self-reported peer problems; those on the moderate-stable aggression trajectory (15%) showed poor regulation and inattention. Although children with moderate levels of early aggression that decreased sharply by school entry (12%) appeared well adjusted at follow-up, those who showed a low level of stable aggression (25%) evidenced some unanticipated social and behavior problems. Children in the contrast group (45%) were consistently very low in aggression from toddlerhood onward. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight links between different patterns (stable or decreasing) and levels (high, moderate, low, very low) of aggression across childhood and children's later adjustment. For example, even quite low aggression that is stable appears to be a risk factor for some social problems; in contrast, moderate aggression that decreases sharply to no aggression by school entry is associated with good adjustment at age 12.
Antibody responses to filarial infective larvae are not dominated by the IgG4 isotype

The humoral immune response in humans to filarial parasites is generally dominated by the IgG4 isotype, when measured by ELISA against somatic adult worm extract. In contrast, as we report here, antibodies reactive to somatic extracts of infective larvae are more equally represented by IgG1 and IgG4. Moreover, binding to surface exposed epitopes in immunofluorescence on larval stages is mediated foremost by IgG1 and IgM, secondarily by IgG2 and IgG3, and very little by IgG4. Both anti‐L3 surface and somatic antibodies are strongest in elephantiasis patients, and tend to increase with age. Antibody to the L3 surface is also present in most microfilaraemic individuals who bear no detectable antibodies to the surface of the microfilarial stage. These results demonstrate that a stage‐ and isotype‐specific response is mounted to the L3 surface which should be considered as a possible mediator of concomitant immunity in filariasis.
Treatment with growth hormone and IGF‐I in growing rats increases bone mineral content but not bone mineral density

Human growth hormone (hGH) and insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) both stimulate bone formation and have been proposed as therapeutic agents for osteoporosis. We examined the effect of hGH and IGF‐I alone and in combination on bone size, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) in 10‐ to 12‐week‐old growing female Sprague‐Dawley rats. Sixty rats were assigned to treatment with either placebo, hGH, IGF‐I, or both for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the right femurs and tibias were excised, and ex vivo BMC and the area of the tibia and femur were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA); volume of these bones was measured by Archimedes' principle. In addition, proximal tibial bone density was measured directly by peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT). Bone length, area, and volume in all treated groups was greater than controls. Areal bone density by DXA (BMC/area) was higher in IGF‐treated rats and lower in GH‐treated rats than in controls. Volumetric bone density (BMC/volume) was lower in treated groups than in controls. Measurements by pQCT confirmed that true bone density was lower in all treated groups than in controls. We conclude that treatment with hGH or IGF‐I increased bone size and mineral content but decreased bone density in growing rats. Because areal correction of BMC did not adequately correct for the increased bone volume in IGF‐treated rats, results of areal bone density by DXA should be interpreted with caution when treatment causes a disparity in bone size between groups.
Effects of Exposure to Low-Dose-Rate 60Co Gamma Rays on Human Tumor Cells In Vitro

Abstract Mitchell, C. R. , Folkard, M. and Joiner M. C. Effects of Exposure to Low-Dose-Rate 60Co Gamma Rays on Human Tumor Cells In Vitro. Radiat. Res. 158, 311–318 (2002). Cells of three asynchronously growing human tumor cell lines, PC3 (human prostate carcinoma), T98G and A7 (human glioblastomas), which have been shown previously to demonstrate low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity to low acute single doses, were irradiated with 60Co γ rays at low dose rates (2 cGy–1 Gy h−1). Instead of a dose-rate sparing response, these cell lines demonstrated an inverse dose-rate effect on cell survival at dose rates below 1 Gy h−1, whereby a decrease in dose rate resulted in an increase in cell killing per unit dose. A hyper-radiosensitivity-negative cell line, U373MG, did not demonstrate an inverse dose-rate effect. Analysis of the cell cycle indicated that this inverse dose-rate effect was not due to accumulation of cells in G2/M phase or to other cell cycle perturbations. T98G cells in reversible G1-phase arrest also showed an inverse dose-rate effect at dose rates below 30 cGy h−1 but a sparing effect as the dose rate was reduced from 60 to 30 cGy h−1. We conclude that this inverse dose-rate effect in continuous exposures reflects the hyper-radiosensitivity seen in the same cell lines in response to very small acute single doses.
The Relationship of Anxiety and Depression: A Review of the Literature

The nature of the relationship between anxiety and depression has been much debated. The research in the past 15 years is reviewed in the context of three conceptual models: (a) anxiety and depression differ quantitatively; (b) anxiety and depression differ qualitatively; and (c) combined anxiety and depression syndromes (anxious depressions) differ both quantitatively and qualitatively from either pure anxiety or pure depression. The major areas of research—phenomenological, treatment, course and outcome—are considered and findings in support of each position reviewed.
Flexible, Free-Standing and Holey Graphene Paper for High-Power Supercapacitors

This research work was supported by the FICYT Regional Project (GRUPIN14- 102), Spanish MINECO (CTQ2015-63552-R) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). G. A. F. thanks the MINECO for his predoctoral contract.