Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of cold ischemia time on renal allograft outcome using kidneys from young donors

Prolonged cold ischemia time (CIT) is associated with delayed graft function and worse kidney transplant (KT) outcome, but the effect of CIT on long‐term allograft survival in KT from younger donors has not been well established. We investigated the predictive value of CIT exposure on long‐term death‐censored graft loss in 829 KT recipients from younger donors (<50 years) that were performed in our center between 1991 and 2005. Overall death‐censored graft failure rate was significantly higher in CIT≥19 h group versus CIT<19 h group (26 vs. 16.5%; P = 0.002). Significant differences were also observed when patients with primary nonfunctioning graft were excluded (21 vs. 14%; P = 0.020) and in patients who received tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil (12 vs. 4%; P = 0.05). By multivariate Cox analysis, CIT was found to be independently associated with death‐censored graft loss with a 20% increase for every 5 h of CIT [relative risk (RR) 1.04; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01–1.1; P = 0.021]. Likewise, graft loss risk significantly increased in CIT≥19 h group versus CIT<19 h group (RR 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1–2.1; P = 0.023). Prolonged CIT is an independent predictor of graft survival in KT from younger donors. Efforts at minimizing CIT (<19 h) should improve transplant outcome significantly in this population.
Donor brain death significantly interferes with tolerance induction protocols

Studies in rodents showed that antibodies are able to induce tolerance of allografts. As clinical results are unsatisfactory and deceased donors are still the main source of organ transplants, we investigated whether donor brain‐death impacts on tolerance induction after experimental kidney transplantation. Anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies (RIB 5/2; 2.5 mg/kg × 5 days) treated and untreated recipients of brain‐dead donor grafts were compared with RIB 5/2 treated and untreated recipients of living donor grafts (F344‐to‐Lewis). All recipients received low‐dose CsA (1.5 mg/kg × 10 days). Kidneys were recovered 4, 16 and 40 weeks after transplantation and examined by morphology, immunohistology and flow cytometry. Renal function was monitored monthly. RIB 5/2 treatment significantly decreased proteinuria in recipients of living donor allografts when compared with living donor controls. After 40 weeks, inflammatory cell infiltration and MHC class II expression were reduced while morphologic alterations were minimal. In contrast, treatment of brain‐dead graft recipients had no impact on graft function. Structural changes and graft infiltration were comparable to brain‐dead donor controls at all time points. RIB 5/2 treatment significantly improved graft function in recipients of living donor grafts; however, it was not effective in recipients of brain‐dead donor organs.
A survey of nutritional status of children 0-12 months in specialist hospital Gombe, Nigeria

Background: This study was a cross-sectional survey of children and their mothers in specialist Hospital Gombe, Nigeria. Objective: Anthropometric assessment of nutritional status of the children (0-12 months) and a survey of mothers′ opinion on malnutrition. Population: Children and mothers attending immunization sessions in specialist hospital Gombe, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Hundred children (0-12 months) attending immunization sessions were purposefully sampled and measured using sensitive anthropometric tools and techniques, while on the other arm of the study structured interviews were administered on the children′s consenting mothers (100) who turned in for their wards′ immunization. Only 97 out of 100 data collected on the children were used. Anthropometric indices used were height-for-age, weight-for-height, weight-for-age, and mid-upper arm circumference. Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of moderate stunting in male (46.9%) than in female (33.3%) children (P < 0.05). All (100%) children within the age group of >11 exhibited both severe and moderate forms of underweight. Among infants 3-5 months, moderate wasting was found to be less prevalent (4.2%). And despite the fact that 90% of their mothers showed a positive attitude toward exclusive breastfeeding, only 44% of them breastfed their infants exclusively from birth to the 6 th month of life. Conclusion: In order to address the various forms of nutritional derangements detected among the children, mothers should be targeted for infant nutritional education and authorities should institute poverty alleviation measures so as to address underlying causes of malnutrition.
Combined liver–kidney and liver transplantation in patients with renal failure outcomes in the MELD era

With the implementation of the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring system, the number of combined liver–kidney transplants (CLKT) has increased dramatically. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) dataset was analysed for adult recipients with renal failure for the period between February 2002 and April 2006. This group was subdivided into patients on hemodialysis (HD) and to those not on HD prior to transplantation. All recipients in renal failure (serum creatinine ≥2.5 mg/dl) at the time of transplantation were included. A total of 1397 subjects were in renal failure but not on HD (18% received a CLKT, 82% underwent LT alone). Another 1740 subjects were on HD prior to transplantation (41% received a CLKT while 59% received a LT). In dialysis‐dependent recipients, Cox regression analysis demonstrated CLKT had an independent protective effect. In subjects on HD, CLKT had improved survival at 1 year (79.4 vs. 73.7%, P = 0.004). In patients in renal failure without HD, CLKT was not protective. CLKT subjects had a nonsignificant difference in survival as compared with patients who had undergone liver transplantation alone, at 1 year (81.0% vs. 78.8%, P > 0.10). In subjects undergoing CLKT, there was improved survival at 1 year as compared with LT‐alone patients on hemodialysis; however, in patients with renal failure, but not on hemodialysis, there was no difference in survival when comparing CLKT to LT‐alone.
Localization of Web design: An empirical comparison of German, Japanese, and United States Web site characteristics

To explore issues of user interface design and experience, including culturally preferred design elements, a study was conducted analyzing sites in Germany, Japan, and the United States (30 municipal sites in each country). Design elements considered are use of symbols and graphics, color preferences, site features (links, maps, search functions, and page layout), language, and content. Significant modal differences were found in each of the listed categories. Outcomes from the study are used to discuss future research directions in the areas of experience design and localization.
Reformulation in the Phase Plane Enhances Smoothness Rater Accuracy in Stroke

ABSTRACT To improve the characterization of motor impairment, we compared the sensitivities of a phase plane metric with temporal domain measures derived from integrated squared jerk (ISJ). Five subjects with stroke and a cohort of 21 neurologically intact volunteers performed self-paced, isolated elbow flexions. Analysis of angular trajectories from the stroke group revealed that temporal domain metrics failed to detect a performance deficit at the p < . 05 level, while the phase plane metric did resolve a deficit (p < .01). When applied to a subset of movements with arrest periods, the phase measure also uniquely identified impairment (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, p < .001). Finally, when tested on a data-driven model, the phase measure, but not temporal metrics, increased monotonically with the severity of trajectory distortions. We conclude that motion smoothness can be accurately measured in the phase plane.
Unimanual and Bimanual Continuous Movements Benefit From Visual Instructions in Persons With Down Syndrome

ABSTRACT The authors’ aim was to understand how persons with Down syndrome (DS) perform different tasks and to assess if there were any differences in performance based on the type of instructions. This is important because of neurological differences in persons with DS and neurological demands for performing different types of tasks. Twenty right-handed participants with DS, 20 chronological age–matched (CA), and 20 mental age–matched (MA) performed unimanual, bimanual, discrete, and continuous drumming following visual, auditory, and verbal instructions. Overall, discrete drumming was performed with shorter movement times than continuous drumming and unimanual drumming was performed with shorter movement amplitude than bimanual drumming. With respect to instructions, persons with DS performed with smaller amplitudes, thus more efficient movements, following the visual instructions than auditory and verbal instructions for all types of tasks, whereas CA performed similarly with all instructions and MA performed with smaller amplitudes with visual instructions than auditory instructions. These results suggest that visual instruction provides the best information for people with DS to aid in performance of many different types of movements.
Impact of glucose metabolism abnormalities on histopathological changes in kidney transplant protocol biopsies

The impact of post‐transplant diabetes (PTDM) on kidney transplant histopathology has been poorly described. We examined the association of glucose metabolism abnormalities on the progression of histopathological changes in serial protocol biopsies. Helsinki University Hospital kidney transplant recipients during 2004–2006 were followed up. Patients with pre‐existing diabetes or 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed at 3 months, and protocol biopsies taken at 0 and 12 months were analyzed (n = 76). Diabetes was defined according to WHO/ADA. Histology was analyzed with chronic allograft damage index (CADI). Altogether 32 patients had pre‐existing diabetes. In OGTT at 3 months, four showed PTDM, eight impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), two impaired fasting glucose, and 30 normal glucose tolerance. Patients with impaired glucose metabolism were older (P = 0.005), received grafts from older donors (P = 0.04), and had reduced renal function at 12 months (P = 0.003). In patients with IGT or PTDM, 2‐h postload glucose values in OGTT correlated with CADI at 12 months (R = 0.84, P = 0.001) and with the change in CADI score between 0 and 12 months (R = 0.67, P = 0.025). Graft survival was reduced in patients with pre‐existing diabetes (P = 0.01). Glucose abnormalities were associated with the progression of histopathological changes, especially in patients with already compromised kidneys, supporting the harmful role of PTDM to the kidney allograft.
Interfacing the Somatosensory System to Restore Touch and Proprioception: Essential Considerations

ABSTRACT State-of-the-art upper extremity prostheses include anthropomorphic hands with dexterity that approximates that of a human. To be fully useful, these devices will require an advanced somatosensory neural interface to convey tactile and proprioceptive feedback to the user. To this end, microstimulation methods are being developed using microelectrode arrays implanted at various locations along the somatosensory neuraxis, from peripheral nerves to primary somatosensory cortex. There is presently no consensus as to the best approach, although results from animal and human studies lend support for each. The purpose of this review is to outline practical considerations for the design of a somatosensory interface based on present knowledge of the anatomy and physiology, prior attempts to elicit somatic sensations using electrical stimulation, and lessons learned from successful sensory neuroprostheses such as the cochlear implant.
Effects of the novel protein kinase C inhibitor AEB071 (Sotrastaurin) on rat cardiac allograft survival using single agent treatment or combination therapy with cyclosporine, everolimus or FTY720

NVP‐AEB071 (AEB, sotrastaurin), an oral inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), effectively blocks T‐cell activation. The immunosuppressive effects of oral AEB were demonstrated in a rat local graft versus host (GvH) reaction and rat cardiac transplantation models. T‐cell activation was suppressed by 95% in blood from AEB‐treated rats, with a positive correlation between T‐cell inhibition and AEB blood concentration. In GvH studies, AEB inhibited lymph node swelling dose‐dependently (3–30 mg/kg). BN and DA cardiac allografts were acutely rejected within 6–10 days post‐transplantation in untreated LEW rats. AEB at 10 and 30 mg/kg b.i. d. prolonged BN graft survival to a mean survival time of 15 and >28 days, and DA grafts to 6.5 and 17.5 days, respectively. In the DA to LEW model, combining a nonefficacious dose of AEB (10 mg/kg b.i.d.) with a nonefficacious dose of cyclosporine, everolimus or FTY720 led to prolonged median survival times (26 days, >68 days and >68 days, respectively). Pharmacokinetic monitoring excluded drug–drug interactions, suggesting synergy. In conclusion, these studies are the first to demonstrate that AEB prolongs rat heart allograft survival safely as monotherapy and in combination with nonefficacious doses of cyclosporine, everolimus or FTY720. Thus, AEB may have the potential to offer an alternative to calcineurin inhibitor‐based therapies.
Bimanual and Unimanual Convergent Goal-Directed Movement Times

ABSTRACT Three experiments are reported, investigating the effects of using 1 or 2 hands when making convergent low index of difficulty (ID) and visually controlled movements (2 hands meeting together). The experiments involved movements in four different cases—a probe held in the right hand and moved to a target held in the stationary left hand, vice versa of this arrangement, both hands moving with the probe in the right hand and target in the left hand, and vice-versa of this arrangement. Experiments were the standard Fitts’ paradigm, moving a pin into a hole and a low-ID task. In Fitts’ task, 2-hand movements were faster than 1 hand only at higher IDs; this was also the case in the pin-to-hole transfer task and the movement times were lower when the pin was held in the preferred hand. Movements made with low ID showed a small effect of 1- or 2-handed movements, with the effective amplitude of the movement being reduced by about 20% when 2 hands were used.
Does Visuomotor Adaptation Proceed in Stages? An Examination of the Learning Model by Chein and Schneider (2012)

ABSTRACT A new 3-stage model based on neuroimaging evidence is proposed by Chein and Schneider (2012). Each stage is associated with different brain regions, and draws on cognitive abilities: the first stage on creativity, the second on selective attention, and the third on automatic processing. The purpose of the present study was to scrutinize the validity of this model for 1 popular learning paradigm, visuomotor adaptation. Participants completed tests for creativity, selective attention and automated processing before attending in a pointing task with adaptation to a 60° rotation of visual feedback. To examine the relationship between cognitive abilities and motor learning at different times of practice, associations between cognitive and adaptation scores were calculated repeatedly throughout adaptation. The authors found no benefit of high creativity for adaptive performance. High levels of selective attention were positively associated with early adaptation, but hardly with late adaptation and de-adaptation. High levels of automated execution were beneficial for late adaptation, but hardly for early and de-adaptation. From this we conclude that Chein and Schneider's first learning stage is difficult to confirm by research on visuomotor adaptation, and that the other 2 learning stages rather relate to workaround strategies than to actual adaptive recalibration.
Hepatic encephalopathy and post‐transplant hyponatremia predict early calcineurin inhibitor‐induced neurotoxicity after liver transplantation

Early calcineurin inhibitor‐induced neurotoxicity (ECIIN) is considered when neurological symptoms occur within 4 weeks after liver transplantation (LT). Risk factors and clinical outcome of ECIIN remain largely unknown. We sought to estimate the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of ECIIN after LT. We retrospectively evaluated 158 patients that underwent LT in a 2‐year period and received immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) and prednisone. ECIIN was considered when moderate/severe neurological events (after excluding other etiologies) occurred within 4 weeks after LT and improved after modification of CNI. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed as risk factors. Twenty‐eight (18%) patients developed ECIIN and the remaining 130 patients were analyzed as controls. History of pre‐LT hepatic encephalopathy (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.29–7.75, P = 0.012), post‐LT hyponatremia (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.38–9.85, P = 0.028), and surgical time >7 h (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.07–6.41, P = 0.035) were independent factors for ECIIN. Acute graft rejection and infections were more frequent in the ECIIN group. In addition, length of stay was longer in ECIIN patients. In conclusion, pre‐LT hepatic encephalopathy, surgical time >7 h, and post‐LT hyponatremia are risk factors for ECIIN. Clinical complications and a longer hospital stay are associated with ECIIN development.
Whole-Body Movements in Long-Term Weightlessness: Hierarchies of the Controlled Variables Are Gravity-Dependent

ABSTRACT Switching between contexts affects the mechanisms underlying motion planning, in particular it may entail reranking the variables to be controlled in defining the motor solutions. Three astronauts performed multiple sessions of whole-body pointing, in normogravity before launch, in prolonged weightlessness onboard the International Space Station, and after return. The effect of gravity context on kinematic and dynamic components was evaluated. Hand trajectory was gravity independent; center-of-mass excursion was highly variable within and between subjects. The body-environment effort exchange, expressed as inertial ankle momentum, was systematically lower in weightlessness than in normogravity. After return on Earth, the system underwent a rapid 1-week readaptation. The study indicates that minimizing the control effort is given greater weight when optimizing the motor plan in weightlessness compared to normogravity: the hierarchies of the controlled variables are gravity dependent.
Fitts' Theorem and Movement Time Dissociation for Amplitude and Width Manipulations: Replying to Hoffmann

ABSTRACT The commentary by Errol Hoffmann in this issue asserts that previous work by our group provides the spurious conclusion that amplitude and width manipulations to a movement environment elicit dissociable relations between movement time (MT) and P. M. Fitts' (1954) index of difficulty (ID). Hoffmann concludes that any such dissociation is the result of actions evoked entirely as ballistic. In this reply, we demonstrate that Hoffmann's commentary is a clear misrepresentation of the study goals and conclusions stated by our group. Additionally, we provide kinematic evidence that actions involving online trajectory amendments are associated with dissociable MT–ID relations for amplitude versus width manipulations. Finally, we contend that the kinematic analyses of movement trajectories, and Hoffmann's failure to acknowledge its importance, is an important step in further understanding speed–accuracy relations in human movement.
Stimulating beta cell replication and improving islet graft function by GPR119 agonists

G protein‐coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) is predominantly expressed in β cells and intestinal L cells. In this study, we investigated whether oleoylethanolamide (OEA), a GPR119 endogenous ligand, and PSN632408, a GPR119 synthetic agonist, can stimulate β‐cell replication in vitro and in vivo and improve islet graft function in diabetic mice. We found that OEA and PSN632408 significantly increased numbers of insulin+/5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)+β cells in cultured mouse islets in a dose‐dependent manner. All diabetic recipient mice, given marginal syngeneic islet transplants with OEA or PSN632408 or vehicle, achieved normoglycemia at 4 weeks after transplantation. However, normoglycemia was achieved significantly faster in OEA‐ or PSN632408‐treated diabetic mice than in vehicle‐treated diabetic mice (P < 0.05). The percentage of insulin+/BrdU+β cells in islet grafts in OEA‐ and PSN632408‐treated mice was significantly higher than in vehicle‐treated mice (P < 0.01). Our data demonstrated that OEA and PSN632408 can stimulate β‐cell replication in vitro and in vivo and improve islet graft function. Targeting GPR119 is a novel therapeutic approach to increase β‐cell mass and to improve islet graft function by stimulating β‐cell replication.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in post-hypoxic human brain capillary endothelial cells: H2O2 as a trigger and NF-κB as a signal transducer

Summary The haemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke involves disruption of the integrity of the microvascular beds, partially based on the action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of microvascular endothelial cells from human brain (HBECs) to MMPs’ expression and regulation under conditions relevant to brain ischemia. MMPs and their inhibitors were examined with zymography, Western-blotting, ELISA and MMP-activity assay in cultured HBECs. Four-hour hypoxia (pO2=60 mmHg) elevated the level of MMP-9 in the supernatant of the HBECs and this early response required collagen-matrix. Active oxygen species sustained the increased MMP-9 activity for at least 24 h. In the post-hypoxic period 20 μmol/L H2O2 caused a 6-fold increase in the specific activity of MMP-9 over the nor-moxic cells and a comparable effect was exerted by thrombin (50 nmol/L) and leukocyte elastase (10 nmol/L). The role of NF-κB, a redox-state sensitive transcription factor, was evaluated with immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and immunoblotting of nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts. The oxidative stress-dependent MMP-9 induction was accompanied by a significant increase in the NF-κB localized in the nuclei and these responses were blunted with a proteasome inhibitor (MG132). Consequently, according to our in vitro data HBECs are a source of MMP-9, which is under the control of triggers relevant to the ischemic/reperfused brain (reactive oxygen species, thrombus and inflammation related proteases) and this regulation is partially based on NF-κB activation. The reported regulation of endothelium-derived MMP-9 supports its potential involvement in the post-hypoxic disturbances of the cerebral micro-circulation.