Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kidney Transplantation: Multiparametric Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessment of Renal Allograft Pathophysiology in Mice

ObjectivesThe aims of this experimental study were to investigate renal allograft pathophysiology by multiparametric functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to directly correlate MRI parameters with renal histopathology in mouse models of allogenic and isogenic kidney transplantation (ktx). Materials and MethodsAllograft rejection was induced by transplantation of C57BL/6 (B6) donor kidneys into BALB/c recipients (allogenic ktx). B6 mice that received B6 kidneys served as controls (isogenic ktx). Three weeks after ktx, MRI was performed using a 7-T small-animal scanner. Flow sensitive alternating inversion recovery echoplanar imaging arterial spin labeling, multiecho turbo spin echo, and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences were acquired. Maps of renal perfusion, T2 and T1 relaxation times, and apparent diffusion coefficients were calculated. Histological changes in the kidney were evaluated according to Banff criteria. Renal cell infiltrates and fibrosis were quantified by immunohistochemistry. Differences between groups were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the correlation of MRI parameters with renal histopathology was determined by Spearman correlation analysis. ResultsAfter allogenic, but not isogenic, ktx, animals developed acute allograft rejection. Allogenic grafts were infiltrated by macrophages and T-lymphocytes and exhibited marked renal fibrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed stronger impairment of renal perfusion (56 ± 7 vs 293 ± 44 mL/[min × 100 g]; P < 0.01) and more pronounced increases in T2 (60.1 ± 2.0 vs 45.7 ± 1.2 milliseconds, P < 0.01) and T1 relaxation times (1938 ± 53 vs 1350 ± 27 milliseconds, P < 0.01) in allogenic than in isogenic kidneys. Apparent diffusion coefficient was reduced to 1.39 ± 0.14 × 10−3 mm2/s in kidneys with an acute rejection and was 1.83 ± 0.05 × 10−3 mm2/s in isogenic kidneys without rejection (P < 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging parameters significantly correlated with the amount of cellular infiltration and renal fibrosis observed histologically. ConclusionsFunctional MRI allows detection of acute renal allograft rejection after allogenic ktx in mice. Functional MRI parameters correlate with cell infiltrates and fibrosis. Thus, MRI may be used noninvasively and longitudinally to investigate mechanisms of renal allograft rejection and evaluate novel therapeutic strategies in experimental studies.
Challenges in the Therapy of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Abstract: Derangements in mineral metabolism are known to occur early in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent clinical practice guidelines are designed to focus on the problem early in the course of kidney disease, when it is recommended to evaluate the levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and to try to intervene early if the levels are elevated. To begin early intervention for hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease will require involvement of primary care physicians and other subspecialty groups to identify the patients at risk and begin to intervene with measures to control hyperparathyroidism and its consequences on mineral metabolism. It has recently been demonstrated that chronic kidney disease is a significant risk factor for vitamin D deficiency and since abnormalities in vitamin D metabolism are important in the generation of hyperparathyroidism, this is an issue that needs direct attention. Studies are needed to assess the effects of correcting this vitamin D deficiency in early CKD. As kidney disease progresses, efforts to control hyperparathyroidism will likely need to be intensified and several therapeutic options are available, such as phosphate binders, repletion of vitamin D, the use of active vitamin D sterols, or the use of vitamin D analogs. In addition, it is important to define the appropriate PTH values that need to be achieved to minimize complications on bone. Such studies are in progress at the present time to validate the current more specific PTH assays.
Consumption of Unprocessed and Processed Red Meat and the Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study of Men.

Consumption of both processed and unprocessed red meat has been associated with a higher risk of major chronic diseases. However, only processed meat consumption has been studied in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, we endeavored to determine the association between the risk of COPD and consumption of processed and unprocessed red meat while taking into account smoking status. The population-based prospective Cohort of Swedish Men included 43,848 men who were 45-79 years of age and had no history of COPD or cancer at baseline. Meat consumption was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire in 1997. During 13.2 years of follow-up, 1,909 COPD cases were ascertained. Consumption of processed meat was associated with risk of COPD: Compared with men who consumed less than 25 g/day of processed meat, men who consumed 75 g/day or more had a multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of 1.21 (95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.44; P for trend = 0.03). The positive association was confined to current smokers (P for interaction = 0.003); among smokers who consumed 75 g/day or more of processed red meat, the hazard ratio was 1.26 (95% confidence interval: 1.00, 1.60) when compared with persons who consumed less than 25 g/day. Consumption of unprocessed red meat was not associated with COPD incidence. Findings from this prospective study indicate that high consumption of processed red meat is associated with an increased COPD risk among smokers.
Transport Properties of the Tomato Fruit Tonoplast : III. Temperature Dependence of Calcium Transport.

Calcium transport into tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill, cv Castlemart) fruit tonoplast vesicles was studied. Calcium uptake was stimulated approximately 10-fold by MgATP. Two ATP-dependent Ca(2+) transport activities could be resolved on the basis of sensitivity to nitrate and affinity for Ca(2+). A low affinity Ca(2+) uptake system (K(m) > 200 micromolar) was inhibited by nitrate and ionophores and is thought to represent a tonoplast localized H(+)/Ca(2+) antiport. A high affinity Ca(2+) uptake system (K(m) = 6 micromolar) was not inhibited by nitrate, had reduced sensitivity to ionophores, and appeared to be associated with a population of low density endoplasmic reticulum vesicles that contaminated the tonoplast-enriched membrane fraction. Arrhenius plots of the temperature dependence of Ca(2+) transport in tomato membrane vesicles showed a sharp increase in activation energy at temperatures below 10 to 12 degrees C that was not observed in red beet membrane vesicles. This low temperature effect on tonoplast Ca(2+)/H(+) antiport activity could only by partially ascribed to an effect of low temperature on H(+)-ATPase activity, ATP-dependent H(+) transport, passive H(+) fluxes, or passive Ca(2+) fluxes. These results suggest that low temperature directly affects Ca(2+)/H(+) exchange across the tomato fruit tonoplast, resulting in an apparent change in activation energy for the transport reaction. This could result from a direct effect of temperature on the Ca(2+)/H(+) exchange protein or by an indirect effect of temperature on lipid interactions with the Ca(2+)/H(+) exchange protein.
Cancers of the uterine cervix in Port Harcourt, Rivers State--a 13-year clinico-pathological review.

BACKGROUND Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is still the commonest gynaecological malignancy among women in the developing world. This study aims at assessing the prevalence of carcinoma of the cervix, the most common presenting complaints and histological types as seen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. METHODS All the tissue slides of specimen (cervix and hysterectomy) diagnosed as cervical carcinoma over a period of 13 years were retrieved and re-evaluated for confirmation of diagnosis and tumour typing in the Anatomical Pathology Department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Clinical data were obtained from histopathology registers, request forms as well as case notes of patients from the records department. RESULTS There were 2,236 malignancies diagnosed; 302 (13.5%) were malignancies of the genital tract while 188 (8.4%) were carcinoma of the cervix constituting 62.3% of female genital malignancies. Cervical cancer was commonest between the ages of 50-69 years. There was no patient with carcinoma of the cervix below the age of 20 years. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (84.1%) in pre and post-menopausal periods was the commonest presenting complaint while squamous cell carcinoma (70.2%) and adenocarcinoma (14.9%) of the uterine cervix were the main histological types. CONCLUSION Post menopausal women are mostly affected by cancers of the uterine cervix while abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common presenting complaint. Squamous cell and adenocarcinoma are the most frequent histological types.
Effect of immunomodulatory drugs on in vitro production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of presumably autoimmune aetiology, is character ized by inflammation, demyelination and axonal degeneratio n in the central nervous system. C urrent treatment concepts target the inflammatory activity, reducing the number of relapses and inflammatory lesions on magnetic resonance imaging as well as the proinflammatory cytokine production in blood lymphocytes. Recently, the neuroprotective aspect of inflammation has been documented and is thought to be mediated by neurotrophins, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The question whether the in vitro BDNF production in MS patients and healthy controls is influenced by the immunomodulatory agents interferon beta (IFN-beta) and immunoglobulin G (Ig) is addressed. A significantly increased BDNF production in MS patients was found compared with normal controls (mean±SD: 492±172 pg/mL versus 217±55 pg/mL, P-0.001). IFN-beta and low-dose Ig had no effect on BDNF production, whereas high-dose Ig reduced in vitro BDNF production in MS patients significantly (to 409±125 pg/mL, P-0.001). These in vitro findings might indicate that Igs in high doses potentially interfere with neuroprotective mechanisms despite their potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Comparison of the Specificity and Sensitivity of PCR, Nested PCR, and Real-Time PCR for the Diagnosis of Histomoniasis

Abstract Blackhead, also known as enterohepatitis, is caused by a protozoan parasite called Histomonas meleagridis. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific. Until now, diagnosis has been mainly based on postmortem lesions and microscopical and histopathological examination. In many cases, especially in layer flocks, these conventional methods are not sufficient, as the lesions are sometimes not clear. The technique for isolation of histomonads in vitro offers many advantages, but the confirmation of histomonads growing in culture may require a time-consuming procedure of rectal inoculation of culture material into chickens or turkeys. The aim of our investigation was to establish a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a nested PCR, and a real-time PCR, and to examine their specificity as well as sensitivity in the diagnosis of histomoniasis. The obtained results have shown that the conventional PCR is more sensitive than the real-time PCR. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the PCR can be increased by adding the nested PCR. However, the real-time PCR is more specific.
Comparison of Ketamine and Thiopental in Healthy Volunteers: Effects on Mental Status, Mood, and Personality

The purpose of this study was to compare the psychological effects of ketamine and thiopental anesthesia. In a double-blind comparison, 20 normal female volunteers were given 2.5 mg/kg ketamine intravenously and 20 were given 5.0 mg/kg thiopental intravenously. Subjects were assessed with a variety of objective and subjective psychological measures before, immediately after, and 24 hr, 2 weeks, and 4 months after anesthesia. Immediately after anesthesia, there was a significantly greater incidence of abnormalities of mental status in subjects given ketamine than in those who had received thiopental. Changes were generally short-lived and were no longer evident on the following day. No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to long-term changes in personality. Changes in mental status are attributed to the slower, more uneven return to consciousness of the subjects receiving ketamine.
Relationship Between Low Bone Mineral Density and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Including Protease Inhibitors in HIV-Infected Patients

Abstract Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of osteopenia and the factors associated with its presence in HIV-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and to assess the changes of bone mineral density (BMD) in a population followed prospectively. Method: BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans at the lumbar spine and at the femoral neck in 78 HIV-infected patients who had previously received HAART as the first antiretroviral regimen and in 11 antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected patients. BMD measurements were repeated in 70 treated patients who had completed 1 year of follow-up. Results: Thirty-seven (42%) patients showed osteopenia at any localization. The prevalence of osteopenia in PI-naive patients was 23% versus 49% in individuals who had received PI at any moment [p = . 001; adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 0.11 (0.02-0.48)]. The frequency of osteopenia was significantly higher among men than among women [50% vs. 17%; p = . 016; adjusted OR (95% CI) = 12.1 (2.22-66.20)]. The level of plasma albumin was independently associated with osteopenia [adjusted OR (95% CI) per each g/dL of plasma albumin decrease 2.55 (1.18-10)]. In patients in whom a second DEXA was done, no significant changes in BMD were found. Conclusion: The prevalence of osteopenia in HIV-infected patients on HAART is high. Loss of BMD is associated with PI therapy, low plasma albumin level, and male sex. Osteopenia does not progress after 1 year of continued HAART.
The Generation Mechanisms and Repeatability of 2F1 - F2 Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions: study on normally hearing subjects

The 2F1-F2 distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) is considered to consist of two generation mechanisms, the so-called place-fixed and wave-fixed mechanisms, depending on the frequency ratio F2/F1. The general assumption is that for a small frequency ratio there is a predominantly place-fixed emission mechanism, while with a larger frequency ratio there is a predominantly wave-fixed mechanism. There is also a lack of published data on the repeatability of the two components when separated. One aim of this study was therefore to identify the wave-fixed and place-fixed components of the 2F1-F2 DPOAE using a time-window separation method. The second aim was to quantify the test-retest repeatability of the separated 2F1-F2 DPOAE components in a group of normally hearing subjects. Results confirmed the presence of wave-fixed and place-fixed components for 2F1-F2 and a predominance of place or wave-fixed DPOAE as a function of frequency ratio. This pattern varied somewhat among subjects. Moreover, regardless of which component was stronger for any F2/F1, both components were highly repeatable across time within individual ears
Computed tomographic morphometry of the lumbosacral spine of dogs.

In a 5-year prospective study, computed tomographic (CT) morphometry of the lumbosacral vertebral canal was performed on 42 large-breed dogs (21 controls and 21 dogs with lumbosacral stenosis). Dogs were allotted to 4 groups. Group 1 (n = 13) consisted of cadaver specimens obtained from dogs that died or were euthanatized for reasons unrelated to the spine; group 2 (n = 8) consisted of live dogs with no history of clinical signs related to the spine and with normal neurologic examination findings; group 3 (n = 10) consisted of dogs with surgically confirmed lumbosacral stenosis; and group 4 (n = 11) consisted of dogs with suspected lumbosacral stenosis that were managed conservatively. The CT scans were performed, using 5-mm contiguous slices obtained perpendicular to the vertebral canal, from the midbody of the 5th lumbar vertebra through the caudal endplate of the sacrum (L5-S3). Lumbosacral lordosis was minimized in all dogs by positioning them in dorsal recumbency with the hind limbs flexed. A tuberculin syringe calibration phantom was placed within the scanning field of view, parallel to the axis of the spine. In each dog, 11 CT slice locations within the lumbosacral spine were evaluated. At each slice location, sagittal plane diameter, dorsal plane diameter, and transverse area of the vertebral canal, vertebral body, and calibration phantom were measured, using the CT computer's software programs for distance and area calculation. Window/level settings were constant, and all measurements were made by the same operator (JCJ). Accuracy of calibration phantom CT measurements was 100% for sagittal and dorsal plane diameter and was 85% for transverse area. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
VERY LOW ADDITIVE GENETIC VARIANCE AND EVOLUTIONARY POTENTIAL IN MULTIPLE POPULATIONS OF TWO RAINFOREST DROSOPHILA SPECIES

Abstract Most quantitative traits are thought to exhibit high levels of genetic variance and evolutionary potential. However, this conclusion may be biased by a lack of studies on nonmodel organisms and may not generalize to restricted species. A recent study on a single, southern population of the rainforest-restricted Drosophila birchii failed to find significant additive genetic variance for the desiccation resistance trait; however, it is unclear whether this pattern extends to other D. birchii populations or to other rainforest species. Here we use an animal model design to show very low levels of additive genetic variance for desiccation resistance in multiple populations of two highly sensitive rainforest species of Drosophila from tropical northeastern Australia. In contrast, relatively high levels of genetic variance were found for morphological traits in all populations of the species tested. This indicates limited evolutionary potential for evolving increased desiccation resistance in these rainforest restricted species.
The role of professional education in the system of education in the Netherlands, Belgium and Russia

The relevance of the investigated problem is caused by the need to define the role of vocational schools in the educational systems of European countries and fragmented publicistic material available in special vocational pedagogical literature about the history of development and current state of vocational training systems. The purpose of the article is to identify the pedagogical value of international experience for the development of vocational education in this country. The leading methods of investigation of this problem are the theoretical analysis and synthesis of the data of West-European and domestic sources, the method of describing phenomena, the historical method. The article describes the vocational education systems in Belgium, the Netherlands and Russia, identifies and analyzes the trends in their development taking into account global and national factors, determines the place of vocational schools in educational systems. Research materials may be used in the course of pedagogy and special courses on foreign systems of RESUMEN: La relevancia del problema investigado se debe a la necesidad de definir el papel de las escuelas vocacionales en los sistemas educativos de los países europeos y el material disponible en la literatura pedagógica vocacional, en especial sobre la historia del desarrollo y estado actual de los sistemas de formación profesional. El propósito del artículo es identificar el valor pedagógico de la experiencia internacional para el desarrollo de la educación vocacional en este país. Los principales métodos de investigación de este problema son el análisis teórico y la síntesis de los datos de las fuentes de Europa occidental y del interior, el método de describir los fenómenos, el método histórico. El artículo describe los sistemas de educación vocacional en Bélgica, los países bajos y Rusia, identifica y analiza las tendencias en su desarrollo teniendo en cuenta los factores globales y nacionales, determina el lugar de las escuelas vocacionales en educación sistemas. Los materiales de investigación pueden ser utilizados en el curso de pedagogía y cursos especiales sobre sistemas education at the university and at in-service training courses for teachers.
A prospective study of 413 cases of lens-induced glaucoma in Nepal.

PURPOSE To determine the frequency and types of lens-induced glaucoma (LIG), reasons for late presentation and outcome of current management. METHODS Prospective case series of 413 patients/eyes with LIG over a 12-month period in 1998; 311 of these patients underwent cataract surgery. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) were pre- and postoperatively assessed. RESULTS Four hundred and thirteen (1.5%) of 27,073 senile cataracts seen in the outpatient department of Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan, Nepal presented with LIG. There were 298 (72%) phacomorphic cases and 115 (28%) phacolytic glaucoma. Pain for more than 10 days was reported by 293 (71%) patients. The majority, 258 (62.4%), travelled a distance of more than 100 kms to the hospital. The major reasons for late presentation were "no escort" in 143 (34.6%) and "lack of money" in 128 (31.0%) cases. At presentation the IOP was more than 30 mm Hg in 327 (79%) eyes. Following cataract surgery, 251 (80.7%) had 21 mm Hg or less at discharge. The visual acuity was hand-movement or less before surgery in all eyes; at discharge 120 of 311 operated eyes (38.6%) achieved 6/60 or better, 97 (31.2%) less than 6/60, and 94 (30.2%) less than 3/60. The main causes for poor outcome in 94 cases were optic atrophy in 32 (34%) eyes, uveitis in 25 (26.6%)eyes and corneal oedema in 24 (25.5%) eyes. CONCLUSION The results highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of visually disabling cataract. There is a need to educate both the patient and the cataract surgeon of the dangers of lens-induced glaucoma and of the poor outcome if treatment is delayed.
Factors influencing real estate students’ academic performance in an emerging economy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which variations in gender, socioeconomic and academic background influence real estate students’ academic performance in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Data for the study were collected using self-administered questionnaire, served on final year real estate students in two of the three Federal universities offering real estate as a course in Southwestern Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed using mean, frequency count, percentages, independent t-test, correlation and analysis of variance. Findings The result of the study suggests there is no statistically significant difference in the academic performance of Nigerian real estate students based on gender and socioeconomic background. Research limitations/implications The study has been limited to the sensitivity of either gender to possibly constraining socioeconomic and academic factors that might have served as barriers, especially among female students, in achieving outstanding academic performance. Originality/value This paper presents one of the few attempts examining gender and socioeconomic perspectives to factors influencing real estate students’ academic performance, especially from the perception of an emerging African country like Nigeria.