Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of exercise training in patients with heart failure: the Exercise Rehabilitation Trial (EXERT).

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on functional capacity in patients with heart failure. METHODS One hundred eighty-one patients in New York Heart Association class I to III, with ejection fraction <40% and 6-minute walk distance <500 meters, were recruited into a randomized, controlled, single-blind trial comparing 3 months of supervised training, then 9 months of home-based training with usual care. RESULTS There was a significant increase in 6-minute walk distance at 3 and 12 months but no between-group differences. Incremental peak oxygen uptake increased in the exercise group compared with the control group at 3 months (0.104 +/- 0.026 L/min vs 0.025 +/- 0.023 L/min; P =.026) and 12 months (0.154 +/- 0.074 L/min vs 0.024 +/- 0.027 L/min; P =.081). Compared with the control group, significant increases were observed in the exercise group for arm and leg strength. No significant changes were observed in cardiac function or quality of life. Adherence to exercise was good during supervised training but reduced during home-based training. CONCLUSIONS Exercise training improves peak oxygen uptake and strength during supervised training. Over the final 9 months of the study, there was little further improvement, suggesting that some supervision is required for these patients. There were no adverse effects on cardiac function or clinical events.
Chromosomal and Comparative Genomic Analyses of HHV-8-Negative Primary Effusion Lymphoma in Five HIV-negative Japanese Patients

A rare subset of HIV lymphoma, known as primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), is a high-grade tumour carrying human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). Very little is known about genomic aberration in PEL, and only a few HIV-negative PEL have been reported. Here we report the results of chromosomal analysis and comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) conducted to detect regions of gain and loss, in five HIV-negative Japanese cases of HHV-8-negative PEL. All patients except one (35-year-old female) were elderly men and the morphologic examination showed large cell type. PEL expressed B-cell-associated and activation-associated antigens, and exhibited clonal immunoglobulin genes. No HHV-8 was detected in all four examined cases, but Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was detected in one case. Genomic abnormalities and aberrations were identified in all HHV-8/HIV-negative PEL. CGH studies showed gain in 19 of 24 chromosomes. Gains of 3q13-27, 8q24, 10q21-23 and Yq were detected in two of the five cases, but other gains were noted in each case. Chromosomal analysis revealed complex abnormalities both in numbers and structures. Burkitt lymphoma-associated t(8;22) was detected in one case, but +8 chromosome and c-myc amplification were detected in the other three cases by Southern blot and/or fluorecence in situ hybridization (FISH). Abnormality of chromosome 8, which associates with c-myc, was detected in four of the five HHV-8/HIV-negative PEL. However, the other common genomic abnormalities of HHV-8/HIV-negative PEL were not detected in our study, but the complex abnormalities seemed to be true rather than the usual large B-cell lymphoma. Our results suggest that multi-step genomic abnormalities might be associated in HHV-8/HIV-negative PEL tumorigenesis.
Validity and Reliability of a Dietary Stages of Change Measure among Economically Disadvantaged African-American Adolescents

Purpose. To examine the construct validity and 2-month test-retest reliability of a staging measure for assessing readiness to consume five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. Design. Longitudinal survey. Setting. Youth services agencies serving low-income communities in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Subjects. African-American adolescents (N = 390) aged 11 to 14 years. Measures. Self-report measures of stage of change and fruit and vegetable consumption. Analysis. Correlation analysis and analysis of covariance were used to examine, cross-sectionally, whether fruit and vegetable consumption differed by stage of change (validity assessment). Correlation analysis and Cohen's kappa (κ) were used to assess the degree of association and level of agreement between stages longitudinally (test-retest reliability assessment). Results. Fruit and vegetable consumption was moderately correlated with stage of change (r ≥ .54, p = .000). Consistent with the transtheoretical model, youths' consumption increased from earlier to later stages (p = .000). Forty-six percent of youths were in the same stage at both measurements. The correlation between stages was . 26, and Cohen's κ was . 20 (p = .000). Conclusions. Despite preliminary evidence of construct validity, the low test-retest reliability found suggests that further research and testing are needed to improve the stability of the measure.
Least Impulse Response Estimator for Stress Test Exercises

We introduce new semi-parametric models for the analysis of rates and proportions, such as proportions of default, (expected) loss-given-default and credit conversion factor encountered in credit risk analysis. These models are especially convenient for the stress test exercises demanded in the current prudential regulation. We show that the Least Impulse Response Estimator, which minimizes the estimated effect of a stress, leads to consistent parameter estimates. The new models with their associated estimation method are compared with the other approaches currently proposed in the literature such as the beta and logistic regressions. The approach is illustrated by both simulation experiments and the case study of a retail P2P lending portfolio.
Ischemia-reperfusion injury in renal transplantation is independent of the immunologic background.

BACKGROUND Adhesion molecule expression is important to early transplant failure. However, whether or not adhesion molecule-facilitated inflammation is antigen-dependent is unknown. We tested this hypothesis. METHODS Rat renal grafts were four-hours cold-preserved in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, transplanted to syngeneic or allogeneic recipients, and harvested after 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours and after 1 week. The first allogeneic group receive no immunosuppression; two additional groups received either low (1.5 mg/kg) or standard (5 mg/kg) cyclosporine A (CsA). Renal function and morphology were determined; frozen sections were immunostained for P-selectin, L-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), leukocyte function associated molecule-1 (LFA-1), very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), as well as for neutrophils and monocytes. RESULTS Selectins increased rapidly at 2 hours and quickly decreased by 12 hours. While P-selectin was expressed on vasculature, L-selectin was found on inflammatory cells. Neutrophil influx and that of LFA-1-positive cells occurred early, peaked between 12 and 24 hours, and paralleled the maximal impairment in renal function. ICAM-1 and PECAM-1 showed similar kinetics and a diffuse distribution. VCAM-1 increased more slowly after 12 hours, peaked at 24 hours, and was localized predominantly on the endothelium of elastic vessels. Between 24 hours and 1 week, all grafts progressively developed dense VLA-4-positive monocytic infiltrates adjacent to vessels expressing VCAM-1. Functional, morphological, and immunohistochemical parameters did not differ between isografts and allografts at one week. However, by day 10, allografts showed severe vascular and cellular rejection, while injury in isografts resolved. Immunosuppression with CsA did not reverse the inflammation induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury. CONCLUSIONS The early inflammation after ischemia-reperfusion injury is largely independent of the immunologic background. We suggest that initial injury prevention should receive the highest priority.
p53 protein expression in non‐neoplastic lesions and benign and malignant neoplasms of soft tissue

Alterations of the p53 tumour suppressor gene, with consequent nuclear p53 protein accumulation, are among the most common genetic lesions in human neoplasms. In the present paper we show p53 immunoreactivity in 65% of malignant and 21% of intermediate malignancy soft tissue tumours, and in 48% of benign/reactive soft tissue lesions. p53 immunoreactivity of sarcomas can be interpreted as an indirect indication of a mutation of the corresponding p53 gene, suggesting that its alteration may have a role in their pathogenesis. Our data on p53 immunoreactivity in benign lesions of the soft tissues are among the first demonstrations of p53 over‐expression in benign/reactive conditions. We cannot exclude mutations of the p53 gene in these cases, but it is difficult to sustain this hypothesis in reactive/pseudoneoplastic lesions. Alternatively p53 immunoreactivity in benign processes could be due to an increase in wild‐type p53 as a result of different physiological mechanisms (cell type‐specific p53 regulation, cell maturation, DNA repair). Our results do not indicate that immunohistochemical demonstration of p53 expression is a marker of malignancy in soft tissue tumours and therefore is of limited use in differential diagnosis. However, they suggest the need for further molecular genetic studies in order to elucidate the biological significance of the abnormal expression of p53 in benign soft tissue lesions.
A T1 and DTI fused 3D corpus callosum analysis in pre- vs. post-season contact sports players

Sports related traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide public health issue, and damage to the corpus callosum (CC) has been considered as an important indicator of TBI. However, contact sports players suffer repeated hits to the head during the course of a season even in the absence of diagnosed concussion, and less is known about their effect on callosal anatomy. In addition, T1-weighted and diffusion tensor brain magnetic resonance images (DTI) have been analyzed separately, but a joint analysis of both types of data may increase statistical power and give a more complete understanding of anatomical correlates of subclinical concussions in these athletes. Here, for the first time, we fuse T1 surface-based morphometry and a new DTI analysis on 3D surface representations of the CCs into a single statistical analysis on these subjects. Our new combined method successfully increases detection power in detecting differences between pre- vs. post-season contact sports players. Alterations are found in the ventral genu, isthmus, and splenium of CC. Our findings may inform future health assessments in contact sports players. The new method here is also the first truly multimodal diffusion and T1-weighted analysis of the CC, and may be useful to detect anatomical changes in the corpus callosum in other multimodal datasets.
Opposite Effects of BCG on Spleen and Lymph Node Cells: Lymphocyte Proliferation and Immunoglobulin Synthesis

C57BL/6 mice were immunized intravenously (i.v.), intraperitoneally (i.p.), or subcutaneously with one dose of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). At various time intervals after injection, the lymphocyte response, as measured by thymidine incorporation into DNA, and the number of immunoglobulin-secreting cells were determined in vitro before and after mitogenic stimulation with phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, or lipopolysaccharide. In unstimulated cultures, the spontaneous thymidine incorporation and immunoglobulin synthesis of spleen cells were increased to some extent in mice infected i.p. or i.v. with BCG, as compared with noninfected mice. In contrast, after mitogenic stimulation, a marked depression of the proliferative response of spleen cells to both T- and B-cell mitogens and a marked inhibition of LPS-induced immunoglobulin secretion were observed in mice infected i.v. and to a lesser extent in those infected i.p. The depression of lymphoblastogenesis in spleens was fully established 15 days after infection and persisted for a long period of time. When unfractionated or plastic-adherent spleen cells from BCG-infected mice were cultured with normal spleen cells, a strong depression of their reactivity to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and lipopolysaccharide was observed. After the removal of cells adherent to plastic, the response was partially restored in the nonadherent population from mice infected i.p., but not in that from mice infected i.v. After mitogenic stimulation, lymph node cells of mice inoculated subcutaneously showed a response to mitogen higher than that of normal cells. These results thus demonstrate that, depending on the route of administration, BCG exerts very different effects.
Whisker experience modulates long‐term depression in neocortical γ‐aminobutyric acidergic interneurons in barrel cortex

Long‐term plasticity is believed to be an important mechanism that allows neural circuits to be modulated in an use‐dependent manner. However, evidence regarding the role of sensory experience in modulating long‐term plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in neocortical GABAergic interneurons is unavailable. Here, we focused on regular‐spiking nonpyramidal (RSNP) interneurons and examined spike‐pairing‐induced plasticity of glutamatergic synapses and its modulation by sensory experiences ex vivo. In our previous studies, RSNP interneurons do not show experience‐dependent plasticity of intrinsic properties or alteration of thalamocortical (TC) synapses and exhibit robust modulation by mGluRs. Here we report a spike‐pairing‐induced long‐term depression (spLTD) of glutamatergic synapses in RSNP interneurons of barrels cortex. Using paired recording and thalamic‐induced responses, we found that the spLTD was specific for intracortical but not TC synapses. The spLTD was mediated via presynaptic mGluRs. The spLTD was not modulated by chronic or acute administration of NMDAR antagonists but was enhanced by sensory deprivation (via whisker trimming) during a postnatal sensitive period ex vivo. The synapses specific spLTD to intracortical glutamatergic synapses in RSNP cells and their modulation by sensory deprivation may contribute to sensory‐dependent remodeling of cortical circuits and redistribution circuit activity along the whisker‐related columns. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diverse Lived Experiences of Community in Masterplanned Estates: A Case Study of Filipino and Indian Migrants in Wyndham

ABSTRACT Masterplanned Estates (MPEs) are increasingly attracting migrants settling in the urban growth areas of metropolitan Melbourne. Their lived experiences differ considerably to the way developers promote and construct communities in MPEs. Based on a case-study of Filipinos and Indians living in Wyndham, findings show that instead, residents are involved locally in multiple diverging ways. Their lived experiences are rather home-centred and related to communities associated with Filipino or Indian cultures. Therefore, the paper argues that a better apprehension of these planned social environments is needed to foster a cultural recognition that encapsulates diverse aspirations to create more socially inclusive places.
A novel methodology for analysis of cell distribution in chimeric mouse organs using a strain specific antibody

Chimeric animals are very useful for analysis of cell lineage, homeostasis in tissue architecture, and cell-cell interactions during both organogenesis and carcinogenesis. However, there is not a generally effective means for marking cells of chimeric mice. We have therefore developed a polyclonal antibody that is useful for this purpose. This antibody specifically recognizes those cells derived from C3H strain mice. The specificity of this antibody was checked by both immunoblotting and immunoadsorption methods. The antigens were immunohistochemically detected in cytoplasm of both epithelial and mesenchymal cells of C3H/HeN strain mouse in many different organs, but not the corresponding cell types from BALB/c or C57BL/10 or several other mouse strains. The validity of these antibodies as markers for C3H cells was further checked by tissue recombination experiments and in mixed cultures of mouse and rat cells. In each case the antibody recognized only the C3H mouse cells. Next, chimeric mice were prepared between strains C3H/HeN and BALB/c, and C3H/HeN and C57BL/10 mice. Chimeras 2-mo old were examined for antigen distribution using the indirect immunofluorescence method. Many tissues in chimeric mice were composed of cells that were both stained and unstained by the anti-C3H specific antigen. The chimeric patterns were classified into four types, A-D. In well-defined structural units such as intestinal crypts, small intestinal villi, kidney convoluted tubules, exocrine gland acini, ovarian follicles, thyroid gland follicles, stomach glands, adrenal cortex, lingual papillae, etc., (A) each unit was composed entirely of either positive or negative cells, or else (B) in some organs each unit was composed of both types of cells. In the uniform tissues without such distinguishable units, such as stratified squamous epithelium, mesenchymal tissue, corpora lutea, pituitary gland, Islets of Langerhans, adrenal medulla etc., (C) the tissue was composed of definite small cell groups made entirely of either positive or negative cells, or else (D) the tissue was composed of both types of cells which were intermingled with one another. These findings strongly suggest that the chimeric patterns demonstrated here reflect the cell proliferative unit in each tissue. This cell marker system has proven useful for analysis of cell lineage and cell renewal systems in many organs of chimeric mice.
Psychosocial generalised resistance resources and clinical indicators of patients suffering from osteoarthritis at the Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Poland.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was investigation of the correlations between medical indicators of the course of illness and psychological factors, treated as generalised resistance resources, according to the Salutogenic Model by A.Antonovsky. The salutogenic orientation is one of the more viable paradigms for health promotion research and practice, and is offered as a useful theory for taking a salutogenic approach to health research. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data was used of 67 patients at Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Poland, suffering from Osteoarthritis. Using psychological test methods: SOC-29, CISS, AIS, IZZ, KNS, GSES, BDI and The Index of Severity for Osteoarthritis of the Hip or the Knee and The Low Back Pain Rating Scale as medical indicators of the course of the illness. RESULTS Analysis showed significance correlations between some psychosocial (sense of coherence, stress coping strategies, acceptance of illness, health behaviour, hope for success, self-efficacy and depression) and medical variables (intensity of the degenerative disease and low back spine). CONCLUSIONS Results of analysis showed that psychological factors within the meaning of psychosocial resources may be potential pathways for improving or disturbing the treatment effects in the course of hip and knee osteoarthritis treatment, and/or the patient's condition.
Topographical Distribution of Fast and Slow Sleep Spindles in Medicated Depressive Patients

Purpose: To compare the properties of sleep spindles between healthy subjects and medicated patients with major depressive episode, including frequency range, spectra power, and spatial distribution of spindle power. Methods: Continuous 16-channel EEG was used to record nocturnal sleep in healthy control subjects and medicated depressive patients. Recordings were analyzed for changes in EEG power spectra and power topography. Additionally, we graphically demonstrated the pattern of spatial distribution of each type of sleep spindle, divided into fast (12.5–14 Hz) and slow spindles (11–12.5 Hz). Results: Sleep EEG records of depressive subjects exhibited a significantly higher amplitude of slow spindles in the prefrontal region, compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.01). Fast spindles were dominant in the centroparietal region in both depressive patients and the control group. Enhanced slow spindles in the prefrontal region were observed in the medicated depressive patients and not in the healthy controls. The frequency of fast spindles in depressive patients was globally higher than that in healthy participants. Conclusions: The alteration in sleep spindles seen in medicated depressive subjects may reflect a pharmacological modulation of synaptic function involving the thalamic-reticular and thalamocortical mechanisms.
A longitudinal study of pain, personality, and brain plasticity following peripheral nerve injury

Abstract We do not know precisely why pain develops and becomes chronic after peripheral nerve injury (PNI), but it is likely due to biological and psychological factors. Here, we tested the hypotheses that (1) high Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) scores at the time of injury and repair are associated with pain and cold sensitivity after 1-year recovery and (2) insula gray matter changes reflect the course of injury and improvements over time. Ten patients with complete median and/or ulnar nerve transections and surgical repair were tested ∼3 weeks after surgical nerve repair (time 1) and ∼1 year later for 6 of the 10 patients (time 2). Patients and 10 age-/sex-matched healthy controls completed questionnaires that assessed pain (patients) and personality and underwent quantitative sensory testing and 3T MRI to assess cortical thickness. In patients, pain intensity and neuropathic pain correlated with pain catastrophizing. Time 1 pain catastrophizing trended toward predicting cold pain thresholds at time 2, and at time 1 cortical thickness of the right insula was reduced. At time 2, chronic pain was related to the time 1 pain-PCS relationship and cold sensitivity, pain catastrophizing correlated with cold pain threshold, and insula thickness reversed to control levels. This study highlights the interplay between personality, sensory function, and pain in patients following PNI and repair. The PCS-pain association suggests that a focus on affective or negative components of pain could render patients vulnerable to chronic pain. Cold sensitivity and structural insula changes may reflect altered thermosensory or sensorimotor awareness representations.