Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subacute and Chronic Effects of Quinapril on Cardiac Cytokine Expression, Remodeling, and Function After Myocardial Infarction in the Rat

Inflammatory cytokines have been shown to have many cardiotoxic effects and to be activated in patients who have had a myocardial infarction (MI). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been shown to have multiple beneficial effects after MI, but until now, their effects on cardiac cytokine expression were unknown. It was hypothesized that ACE inhibitors reduce cardiac cytokine expression and that this is associated with improved cardiac remodeling and hemodynamics. Rats had an MI created by coronary artery ligation and ACE inhibitors were started either early (day 1) or late (day 25) after MI and followed for a total of 28 days after MI. In the early-post-MI group, quinapril improved cardiac hemodynamics, improved ventricular remodeling, and prevented the increase in the expression of several cardiac cytokines (interleukin-1&bgr; and -6) and reduced the cardiac expression of other cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-&agr; and interleukin-5). The late introduction of quinapril (for 3 days) resulted in similar beneficial hemodynamic effects, and reductions in cardiac cytokines but did not result in improved cardiac remodeling. Thus, following MI, ACE inhibitors reduce cardiac cytokine expression both chronically and subacutely, an effect that may contribute to their beneficial effects after MI.
Clinical effects of oral care with 0.005% chlorhexidine in preventing dental caries and attachment of the biofilm

This study was conducted to assess the potential of chlorhexidine for use in the prevention and treatment of dental caries, and to investigate its effect on the development of dental caries. The study enrolled patients without systemic disease or drawbacks with data collection. They visited the M Dentist Office located in Busan from September 2014 to January 2015. They were equally divided into three groups. The subjects in group X1 gargled with 15 ml of 0.9% saline solution (JW Pharmaceutical Corporation) for about one minute while the subjects in group X2 gargled with 15 ml of 0.005% chlorhexidine (Bukwang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) for about one minute. After the subjects spit out saliva for one minute to remove the remaining gargling solution, the simplified oral hygiene index (S-OHI) was measured again, along with the amounts of coccus and inactive bacteria, again through the Alban test and the phase-contrast microscope. For a comparison of the amounts of coccus and inactive bacteria that were quantitatively analyzed with a program that analyzes the microorganisms observed under a phase-contrast microscope, the S-OHI, and the Alban test result between the saline solution and chlorhexidine groups, student t-tests were conducted at p=0.05. As a result, there was no significant difference between two groups but a significant difference between two groups found after gargling. To prevent dental caries, oral management controlling the biofilm on the tooth surface, reducing activity of coccus, and decreasing the acid production ability of bacteria is necessary. Therefore, this study implies that use of chlorhexidine gargling alone greatly contributes to prevention of dental caries as well as inhibition of attachment of the biofilm on the tooth surface.
Bupropion hydrochloride in attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity.

OBJECTIVE This is a multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the safety and efficacy of bupropion in the treatment of children with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH). METHOD In a four-center, double-blind comparison of bupropion (n = 72) and placebo (n = 37), children aged 6 to 12 years meeting DSM-III criteria for ADDH were randomized to receive bupropion 3 to 6 mg/kg per day or placebo, administered twice daily, at 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. Measures of efficacy included the Conners Parent and Teacher Questionnaires (93-item, 39-item, and 10 item), Clinical Global Impressions Scales of Severity and Improvement, the Sternberg Short-Term Memory Task, and the Continuous Performance Test. Screen and posttreatment physical examinations, electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, and clinical laboratory evaluations were performed. Height, weight, and vital signs were measured and adverse experiences were assessed weekly. RESULTS A significant treatment effect, apparent as early as day 3, was present for both conduct problems and hyperactivity on the Conners 10-item and 39-item teacher's checklist, and at day 28 for conduct problems and restless-impulsive behavior on the 93-item parent questionnaire. Findings were of smaller magnitude for parent ratings than teacher ratings. Significant treatment effects were present on both the Continuous Performance Test and memory retrieval test. Effect sizes of bupropion/placebo differences for teacher and parent ratings in this study were somewhat smaller than for standard stimulant drugs used to treat ADDH. Bupropion appeared to be well tolerated in most children. Dermatological reactions were twice as frequent in the drug group as the placebo group, with four reactions involving rash and urticaria that were serious enough to require discontinuation of medication. CONCLUSIONS Bupropion may be a useful addition to available treatments for ADDH. Comparative trials with such standard drugs as methylphenidate are warranted to determine the relative clinical merits of bupropion.
Strong in vivo activation of NF-kappaB in mouse lenses by classic stressors.

PURPOSE To examine the in vivo activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB in mouse lens epithelia by using bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and UV-B radiation. METHODS Transgenic mice containing the NF-kappaB-luciferase reporter were injected with LPS, TNF-alpha or, exposed to UV-B. After various exposure times, the mice were killed, and ocular, liver, lung, kidney, spleen, and skin tissue were obtained. Tissue homogenates were examined for luciferase activity with a luminometer. Groups of mice were also imaged in vivo through a light-intensified camera system to assess NF-kappaB activity. RESULTS LPS- and TNF-alpha injected NF-kappaB-luciferase transgenic mice yielded 20- to 40-fold increases in lens NF-kappaB activity, similar to other LPS- and TNF-alpha-responsive organs. Peak NF-kappaB activity occurred 6 hours after injection of TNF-alpha and 12 hours after injection of LPS. Peak activities were, respectively, 3 and 6 hours later than that in other tissues. Mice exposed to 360 J/m(2) of UV-B exhibited a 16-fold increase in NF-kappaB activity 6 hours after exposure, which are characteristics similar to TNF-alpha-exposed mice. In vivo imaging of transgenic mice exposed to LPS, TNF-alpha, and UV-B radiation demonstrated a similarity between in vitro and in vivo measurements of NF-kappaB activity. CONCLUSIONS In NF-kappaB-luciferase transgenic mice, NF-kappaB activity occurs in lens epithelial tissue and is activated when the intact mouse is exposed to bacterial LPS, TNF-alpha, or UV-B. Lens epithelial NF-kappaB kinetics were comparable to those of other tissues, indicating that NF-kappaB may play a role in progression or arrest of lens disorders.
[The diagnostic value of N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide in diastolic heart failure: comparison with echocardiographic findings].

OBJECTIVES We investigated the value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to diagnose diastolic heart failure (DHF) without left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. STUDY DESIGN The study included 33 patients (17 males, 16 females) with DHF, who had acute pulmonary congestion and LV ejection fraction (EF) >50% on admission, and were stable for at least six months of follow-up. The control group consisted of 18 hypertensive patients (9 males, 9 females) without cardiac symptoms, whose LV mass indices matched the study group, and EF was >50%. Plasma NT-proBNP levels were measured and all patients were evaluated by echocardiography to examine the relationship between NT-proBNP levels and the ratio of peak early diastolic mitral velocity to peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/E'). RESULTS NT-proBNP levels were significantly increased in the DHF group (293.4+/-52.1 pg/ml vs. 123.1+/-23.5 pg/ml, p=0.043). Concerning the severity of diastolic dysfunction and NT-proBNP levels, patients with delayed relaxation (n=24) did not differ from the controls, whereas those with pseudonormal (n=5) and restrictive (n=4) forms had significantly elevated NT-proBNP levels (p=011). In ROC analysis, an NT-proBNP level of = or >490 pg/ml predicted DHF with 40% sensitivity and 94% specificity. The mean E/E' values were 5.4, 15.4, and 17.6 in patients with delayed relaxation, pseudonormal, and restrictive forms, respectively. When all the patients were examined in three groups according to the E/E' values (E/E'<8; E/E'=8-15; E/E'>15), those having E/E' >15 had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels (p=0.0001). There was a highly significant relationship between E/E' and NT-proBNP (r=0.761, p=0.001). In ROC analysis, a threshold of 269.1 pg/ml for NT-proBNP predicted E/E' >15 with 90% sensitivity and 73% specificity. In logistic regression analysis, left atrial diameter (p=0.018) and E/E' (p=0.05) were independent factors affecting the NT-proBNP level. CONCLUSION Plasma NT-proBNP levels are elevated in DHF independently from LV hypertrophy. NT-proBNP levels provide estimation of LV end-diastolic pressure in symptomatic hypertensive patients with preserved systolic LV function.
Inverse modulation of plant immune and brassinosteroid signaling pathways by the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase BIK1

Maintaining active growth and effective immune responses is often costly for a living organism to survive. Fine-tuning the shared cross-regulators is crucial for metazoans and plants to make a trade-off between growth and immunity. The Arabidopsis regulatory receptor-like kinase BAK1 complexes with the receptor kinases FLS2 in bacterial flagellin-triggered immunity and BRI1 in brassinosteroid (BR)-mediated growth. BR homeostasis and signaling unidirectionally modulate FLS2-mediated immune responses at multiple levels. We have shown previously that BIK1, a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase, is directly phosphorylated by BAK1 and associates with FLS2/BAK1 complex in transducing flagellin signaling. In contrast to its positive role in plant immunity, we report here that BIK1 acts as a negative regulator in BR signaling. The bik1 mutant displays various BR hypersensitive phenotypes accompanied with increased accumulation of de-phosphorylated BES1 proteins and transcriptional regulation of BZR1 and BES1 target genes. BIK1 associates with BRI1, and is released from BRI1 receptor upon BR treatment, which is reminiscent of FLS2-BIK1 complex dynamics in flagellin signaling. The ligand-induced release of BIK1 from receptor complexes is associated with BIK1 phosphorylation. However, in contrast to BAK1-dependent FLS2-BIK1 dissociation, BAK1 is dispensable for BRI1-BIK1 dissociation. Unlike FLS2 signaling which depends on BAK1 to phosphorylate BIK1, BRI1 directly phosphorylates BIK1 to transduce BR signaling. Thus, BIK1 relays the signaling in plant immunity and BR-mediated growth via distinct phosphorylation by BAK1 and BRI1, respectively. Our studies indicate that BIK1 mediates inverse functions in plant immunity and development via dynamic association with specific receptor complexes and differential phosphorylation events.
Impact of residual transmit RF impairments on training-based MIMO systems

Radio-frequency (RF) impairments, that exist intimately in wireless communications systems, can severely degrade the performance of traditional multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Although compensation schemes can cancel out part of these RF impairments, there still remains a certain amount of impairments. These residual impairments have fundamental impact on the MIMO system performance. However, most of the previous works have neglected this factor. In this paper, a training-based MIMO system with residual transmit RF impairments (RTRI) is considered. In particular, we derive a new channel estimator for the proposed model, and find that RTRI can create an irreducible estimation error floor. Moreover, we show that, in the presence of RTRI, the optimal training sequence length can be larger than the number of transmit antennas, especially in the low and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regimes. An increase in the proposed approximated achievable rate is also observed by adopting the optimal training sequence length. When the training and data symbol powers are required to be equal, we demonstrate that, at high SNRs, systems with RTRI demand more training, whereas at low SNRs, such demands are nearly the same for all practical levels of RTRI.
Thermal stress and morphological adaptations in limpets

Summary 1On thermally stressful rocky shores, small, slow-moving ectotherms such as limpets exhibit morphological characteristics such as high-spired and heavily ridged shells which may reduce the likelihood of reaching stressful or lethal body temperatures. 2The effects of shell height and shell surface area on predicted limpet body temperatures were tested with a previously developed heat budget model. The model was parameterized with morphological data from three species (Lottia gigantea, Patella vulgata and Siphonaria gigas), which differ dramatically in their morphology and in the body temperatures they are likely to reach in the field. 3Limpet models and standard cones with higher height : length ratios lost heat to convection more readily than models with lower spired shells. 4Heavily ridged shells lost heat to convection more readily than smoother shells, but this effect was only pronounced at high wind velocities. 5When the heat budget model parameters were applied to a real environmental data set, the model predicts that maximum body temperatures and cumulative thermal stress vary among species. These differences are related primarily to the height : length ratio of the shell, and to a lesser extent to the presence of ridges. 6These results suggest that some intra- and interspecific variation in limpet morphology may be phenotypic or evolutionary responses to variation in environmental temperatures. Our findings are supported by observed patterns of limpet morphological variation across natural thermal gradients.
Spirulina ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase. The complete amino acid sequence.

The amino acid sequence of ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase [EC 1.18. 1.2, FNR] from Spirulina sp. , a blue-green alga, was determined. Spirulina ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase was composed of 294 amino acid residues and the molecular weight of the holoenzyme was 34,135. An apparent homology of the amino(N)-terminal region was found between ferredoxin-NADP+ reductases from Spirulina and spinach. We also found some sequence similarities in human erythrocyte glutathione reductase and p-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase from Pseudomonas fluorescens, both of which are NADPH-dependent FAD enzymes.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Luca Gaido, MD*; Fabrizio D’Ascenzo, MD*; Yoichi Imori, MD; Wojciech Wojakowski, MD; Andrea Saglietto, MD; Filippo Figini, MD; Alessio Mattesini, MD; Daniela Trabattoni, MD; Andrea Rognoni, MD; Francesco Tomassini, MD; Alessandro Bernardi, MD; Nicola Ryan, MB, BCh; Saverio Muscoli, MD; Gerard Helft, MD; Ovidio De Filippo, MD; Radoslaw Parma, MD; Leonardo De Luca, MD; Fabrizio Ugo, MD; Enrico Cerrato, MD; Antonio Montefusco, MD; Mauro Pennacchi, MD; Wojciech Wańha, MD; Grzegorz Smolka, MD; Giulia de Lio, MD; Francesco Bruno, MD; Zenon Huczek, MD; Giacomo Boccuzzi, MD; Bernardo Cortese, MD; Davide Capodanno, MD, PhD; Pierluigi Omedè, MD; Massimo Mancone, MD; Ivan Nuñez-Gil, MD; Francesco Romeo, MD; Ferdiando Varbella, MD; Mauro Rinaldi, MD, PhD; Javier Escaned, MD, PhD; Federico Conrotto, MD; Francesco Burzotta, MD; Alaide Chieffo, MD; Leor Perl, MD; Maurizio D’Amico, MD; Carlo di Mario, MD, PhD; Imad Sheiban, MD; Andrea Gagnor, MD; Massimo Giammaria, MD; Gaetano Maria De Ferrari, MD
Sensitivity to carcinogenesis is increased and chemoprotective efficacy of enzyme inducers is lost in nrf2 transcription factor-deficient mice

Induction of phase 2 enzymes, which neutralize reactive electrophiles and act as indirect antioxidants, appears to be an effective means for achieving protection against a variety of carcinogens in animals and humans. Transcriptional control of the expression of these enzymes is mediated, at least in part, through the antioxidant response element (ARE) found in the regulatory regions of their genes. The transcription factor Nrf2, which binds to the ARE, appears to be essential for the induction of prototypical phase 2 enzymes such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1). Constitutive hepatic and gastric activities of GST and NQO1 were reduced by 50–80% in nrf2-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. Moreover, the 2- to 5-fold induction of these enzymes in wild-type mice by the chemoprotective agent oltipraz, which is currently in clinical trials, was almost completely abrogated in the nrf2-deficient mice. In parallel with the enzymatic changes, nrf2-deficient mice had a significantly higher burden of gastric neoplasia after treatment with benzo[a]pyrene than did wild-type mice. Oltipraz significantly reduced multiplicity of gastric neoplasia in wild-type mice by 55%, but had no effect on tumor burden in nrf2-deficient mice. Thus, Nrf2 plays a central role in the regulation of constitutive and inducible expression of phase 2 enzymes in vivo and dramatically influences susceptibility to carcinogenesis. Moreover, the total loss of anticarcinogenic efficacy of oltipraz in the nrf2-disrupted mice highlights the prime importance of elevated phase 2 gene expression in chemoprotection by this and similar enzyme inducers.
Microstrip U-shaped dual-band antenna

This paper presents the design of a dual-operation antenna having microstrip configuration. The chosen dual-operation frequencies are that of indoor mobile system; 0.9 GHz and 2.4 GHz. The design starts with a microstrip square patch antenna being fed by a coaxial probe from underneath the substrate. An FR4 material was used for the design. The antenna was first cut into U-shaped configuration to operate at lower frequency of 0.9 GHz. A smaller square patch was then separately designed to operate at the lower frequency of 2.4 GHz. The feeding is similar, i.e coaxial probe feed. Successive simulations were performed on both antennas. Upon achieving a good impedance match at the input of the U-shaped antenna, the antenna was then integrated with the separately designed smaller square patch element. The smaller patch was coupled to internal region of the U-shaped configuration. The integrated U-shaped antenna was then optimized through successive cycles of simulations in order to operate well at the two frequencies of operations.
Time-resolved ICP-MS Measurement: a New Method for Elemental and Multiparametric Analysis of Single Cells

Time-resolved inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has attracted much attention for elemental and multiparametric analysis of single cells, instead of a classical bulk analysis of large amount of cells after a dissolution. In the time-resolved measurement, cells are directly introduced into the plasma via nebulizing or micro drop dispensing, and then ion plumes corresponding to single cells are individually detected with a high time resolution. The sensitivity and cell throughput in the measurement strongly depend on the time resolution. A high cell introduction efficiency into the plasma supports for a reduction of cell consumption. Biomolecules can also be measured through the attachment of elemental tags, and then the amount distribution of elements and biomolecules in single cells can be evaluated, while providing information concerning cell-to-cell variations. By applying ICP time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS), multiparametric analysis of elements and biomolecules can be achieved similar to that by a flow cytometer. This article highlights the technical aspects of the time-resolved ICP-MS measurement technique for elemental and multiparametric analysis of single cells.
Response predictions for organisms water‐exposed to metal mixtures: A meta‐analysis

To develop a multimetal toxicity model requires insight into the relationships between the composition of metal mixtures and their toxicological effects on organisms. As a first step in developing such a model, quantitative data from binary and higher mixture studies of Cu, Cd, and Zn were compiled and used to assess trends in toxicological effects on various organisms. The findings of this meta‐analysis show relatively little occurrence of additive effects compared with antagonistic and synergistic effects. This observation held true irrespective of test species, environmental compartment, or metal concentrations in the mixture. However, the type of effect was significantly correlated with the metal combination tested and the selected toxicological endpoint. It was also found that different methods were used for assessing deviation from additivity in the various individual studies. For robust comparison, standardization on this point is required. Toxicological responses of organisms to metal mixtures were shown to be hard to predict and were often slightly less than or slightly more than additive. The interactions observed could not be explained by metal–metal interactions alone. We therefore conclude that with current scientific knowledge it is not yet possible to predict responses to metal mixtures in individual cases; at best this is possible only in terms of general patterns. Nevertheless, in the context of environmental risk policy, the assumption of additivity produces a conservative prediction of toxicity, because toxicity of a metal mixture will be either predicted correctly or overpredicted by default in approximately 75% of all cases. The use of models based on noninteraction is satisfactory from this regulatory perspective. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1482–1487. © 2011 SETAC
The Impact of Congenital Cardiovascular Malformations on the Assessment and Surgical Management of Infants with Cleft Lip and/or Palate

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the cardiac evaluation of cleft lip and/or palate patients, characterize their cardiovascular malformations, and determine the impact of cardiovascular malformations on surgical management. Design A single-institution retrospective study of 329 consecutive cleft patients was performed. Cardiovascular malformations were categorized according to involvement of cardiac septa, vasculature, and valves. Their impact on the need for cardiac surgery, timing of cleft repair, need for subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) prophylaxis, and the perioperative experience was evaluated. Results Ten percent (33/329) of cleft patients had a cardiovascular malformation, and 3% underwent cardiac surgery prior to cleft repair. Malformations of the septa, vasculature, and valves were present in 9%, 6%, and 2% of cleft infants, respectively. Murmur as a sign of structural cardiovascular disease was 79% sensitive and 97% specific. Cleft palate repair was delayed by 2 months in patients with a cardiovascular malformation (P = .001). Subacute bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis was recommended, not recommended, or not specified by cardiology in 18%, 33%, and 48% of cleft patients with a cardiovascular malformation, respectively. Postoperative stay and surgical complications were not associated with cardiovascular malformation. Conclusions Even in the absence of a murmur, echocardiographic screening should be considered in infants with nonspecific signs of cardiovascular disease. Greater awareness of the guidelines for SBE prophylaxis is needed. Most cleft patients with a cardiovascular malformation do not require cardiac surgery and do not experience an increased rate of complications associated with cleft surgery.