Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of C1q in Teleosts

C1qs are key components of the classical complement pathway. They have been well documented in human and mammals, but little is known about their molecular and functional characteristics in fish. In the present study, full-length cDNAs of c1qA, c1qB, and c1qC from zebrafish (Danio rerio) were cloned, revealing the conservation of their chromosomal synteny and organization between zebrafish and other species. For functional analysis, the globular heads of C1qA (ghA), C1qB (ghB), and C1qC (ghC) were expressed in Escherichia coli as soluble proteins. Hemolytic inhibitory assays showed that hemolytic activity in carp serum can be inhibited significantly by anti-C1qA, -C1qB, and -C1qC of zebrafish, respectively, indicating that C1qA, C1qB, and C1qC are involved in the classical pathway and are conserved functionally from fish to human. Zebrafish C1qs also could specifically bind to heat-aggregated zebrafish IgM, human IgG, and IgM. The involvement of globular head modules in the C1q-dependent classical pathway demonstrates the structural and functional conservation of these molecules in the classical pathway and their IgM or IgG binding sites during evolution. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that c1qA, c1qB, and c1qC may be formed by duplications of a single copy of c1qB and that the C1q family is, evolutionarily, closely related to the Emu family. This study improves current understanding of the evolutionary history of the C1q family and C1q-mediated immunity.
The pathogenesis of septic acute renal failure

Purpose of reviewAcute renal failure is a serious condition that affects as many as 20% of ICU patients. The most common causes of acute renal failure in the ICU patient are severe sepsis and septic shock. The mortality of acute renal failure in septic critically ill patients remains high despite our increasing ability to support vital organs. This is partly the result of our poor understanding of the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced renal dysfunction. Accordingly, a review of our current understanding of the pathogenesis of septic acute renal failure is timely and relevant. Recent findingsThroughout the past half century, acute renal failure of acute illness has essentially been considered a hemodynamic disease caused by kidney ischemia, a view derived by findings in animal models. Unfortunately most such models are greatly deficient in that they do not reproduce the high cardiac output, low systemic vascular resistance state typically seen during human sepsis. Furthermore, most models inducing so-called acute tubular necrosis are based on ischemia–reperfusion (renal artery clamping), an event with little relevance to human sepsis. Recent research highlights a new possible and emerging concept for the pathogenesis of septic acute renal failure: acute apoptosis. This concepts fits well with the typical paucity of histologic changes seen in so-called acute tubular necrosis and with growing evidence of a role for apoptosis in organ injury during sepsis and inflammation in general. Furthermore, the authors present evidence that some potential treatments recently shown to affect the mortality of critically ill patients, (activated protein C, intensive insulin treatment, and low-volume mechanical ventilation) might have antiapoptotic activity. SummaryThis review suggests that, on the evidence available, septic acute renal failure is more likely to be an immune or toxic state rather than simply a hemodynamic condition. The authors speculate that future insights into its pathogenesis might lead to a paradigm shift away from the concept of acute tubular necrosis, which has never been convincingly shown in sepsis, to that of acute tubular apoptosis.
Racial/ethnic and age disparities in chemotherapy selection for colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES To test the hypotheses that African American patients and older patients with stage IV colorectal cancer were less likely to receive newer chemotherapy agents. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort design. METHODS Among 5068 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare patients diagnosed as having stage IV colorectal cancer between 2000 and 2002, a total of 2466 received chemotherapy and were included in the analysis. Irinotecan hydrochloride was the first of the "newer" chemotherapy agents and was marketed in 2000 as a first-line add-on agent. Descriptive statistics were generated, and a multivariable logistic regression was run to estimate the odds of receiving irinotecan among African American patients and older patients and within 2 months of chemotherapy initiation. RESULTS African American patients had lower odds of initiating treatment with a newer chemotherapy than white patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.641; 95% confidence interval, 0.453-0.907). An age disparity was also found, with all older age groups being significantly less likely to initiate treatment with a newer chemotherapy than the youngest age group: the adjusted odds of receiving newer chemotherapy agents (relative to patients aged 66-70 years) were lower and significant among patients aged 71 to 75, 76 to 80, and older than 80 years (odds ratios, 0.708, 0.527, and 0.213, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Disparities in chemotherapy selection exist among patients receiving chemotherapy for stage IV colorectal cancer. On initiating chemotherapy, African American patients and older patients were less likely to receive a newer agent.
Role of Sensory Input and Muscle Strength in Maintenance of Balance, Gait, and Posture in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Nallegowda M, Singh U, Handa G, Khanna M, Wadhwa S, Yadav SL, Kumar G, Behari M: Role of sensory input and muscle strength in maintenance of balance, gait, and posture in Parkinson’s disease: A pilot study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:898–908. Objective:The purpose of this study was to simultaneously evaluate multiple components of disequilibrium in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) in ON and OFF states and healthy age- and sex-matched controls on tests of balance, gait, and dynamometry. Design:Thirty subjects with Parkinson’s disease and 30 controls were matched for age and sex. Isokinetic and balance laboratories of a clinical research center were used for assessment. Performance results for static and dynamic balance by dynamic posturography for sensory organization tests (SOT), limits of stability, clinical gait assessment, and dynamometric assessment for the trunk, hip, and ankle at different speeds for concentric muscle strength were obtained. Tests were done both in ON and OFF state in Parkinson’s disease patients and results compared. Results:Between OFF state and controls, a significant difference was observed for SOT-2 (proprioception, P < 0.005), SOT-6 (conflicting vision, P < 0.001), and SOT-4 (eyes open with sway support, P < 0.038), and there was less use of ankle strategy in SOT-3 (sway vision, P < 0.04). No significant difference was observed for vestibular function (SOT-5). Significant difference was also observed (P < 0.001) for all variables in limits of stability except for reaction time and for muscle strength of trunk, hip, and ankle (P < 0.001) between OFF state and controls. After antiparkinsonian medications, significant improvement was observed for gait velocity (P < 0.002), muscle strength (P < 0.001), and strategy score in SOT-3 between OFF and ON states. A positive correlation was observed between muscle strength (ankle, hip, and trunk) and gait velocity (ON state r = 0.37, OFF state r = 0.56) and movement velocity (ON state r = 0.39). A positive correlation was also seen between ankle strength and gait velocity in both ON (r = 0.393) and OFF states (r = 0.397) and between ankle strength and ankle strategy in all SOTs except SOT-3 in the OFF state. Conclusions:The quantitative reduction of muscle strength in the spine, hip, and ankle, along with impaired proprioception, visual sense, and smaller base of support, were the main causes for postural instability in Parkinson’s disease patients. A correlation was seen between muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, and gait in both ON and OFF states. In contrast to the previous studies, the present study showed that medications improved the muscle strength, gait speed, and use of ankle strategy but did not worsen proprioceptive sense.
Few differences in hot and cold executive functions in children and adolescents with combined and inattentive subtypes of ADHD

The aim of the study was to compare executive processes with pronounced (hot) and less pronounced (cold) emotional salience in medication naïve children and adolescents with ADHD-combined (ADHD-C) and ADHD-inattentive (ADHD-I) subtypes. Thirty-six subjects with ADHD-C, 44 with ADHD-I, and 50 healthy controls between 8 and 17 years were assessed with laboratory tests and inventory-based scales assessing hot and cold executive functions (EF) (controlled attention, working memory, planning, cognitive flexibility, verbal fluency, hot decision making) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). The ADHD-C group displayed significantly more impairment compared to the ADHD-I group on the cold BRIEF Inhibition and Monitor scales. There were no significant differences between ADHD subtypes on cold and hot laboratory tests. The hot decision-making task did not correlate with the other cold or hot EF measures. Overall, few EF measures were shown to differentiate between ADHD subtypes nor were there any relationships between the hot decision-making task and the other EF measures, which seems to indicate separate developmental trajectories.
Toll-Like Receptor- and Filarial Antigen-Mediated, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase- and NF-κB-Dependent Regulation of Angiogenic Growth Factors in Filarial Lymphatic Pathology

ABSTRACT Filarial lymphatic pathology is of multifactorial origin, with inflammation, lymphangiogenesis, and innate immune responses all playing important roles. The role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the development of filarial pathology is well characterized. Similarly, the association of pathology with elevated levels of plasma angiogenic factors has also been documented. To examine the association between TLR function and the development of lymphangiogenesis in filarial infections, we examined TLR- and filarial antigen-induced expression and production of various angiogenic growth factors. We demonstrate that TLR ligands (specifically TLR2, -3, and -5 ligands) induce significantly increased expression/production of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of individuals with lymphatic pathology (CP individuals) compared to that in cells of asymptomatic infected (INF) individuals. Similarly, filarial antigens induce significantly enhanced production of VEGF-C in CP compared with INF individuals. TLR2-mediated enhancement of angiogenic growth factor production in CP individuals was shown to be dependent on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB signaling, as pharmacologic inhibition of either extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, or NF-κB signaling resulted in significantly diminished production of VEGF-A and Ang-1. Our data therefore strongly suggest an important association between TLR signaling and lymphangiogenesis in the development of pathology in human lymphatic filariasis.
Splenectomy in plasma cell dyscrasias: A review of the clinical practice

Plasma cell dyscrasias are a group of clinically and biochemically diverse disorders of unknown etiology, characterized by the disproportionate proliferation of one or more clones of B cells, and the presence of a structurally and electrophoretically homogeneous (monoclonal) immunoglobulin or polypeptide subunit in serum or urine. The role of splenectomy in the management of plasma cell dyscrasias has not been well defined. Using MEDLINE, the authors searched the English‐language published literature from the year 1970 through September 2005 to determine the indications for splenectomy in plasma cell dyscrasias.
Estrogen receptor-negative invasive breast cancer: imaging features of tumors with and without human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 overexpression.

PURPOSE To prospectively determine if estrogen receptor (ER)-negative human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)-positive and ER-negative HER2-negative breast cancers have distinguishing clinical and imaging features with use of retrospectively identified patients and tissue samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS This HIPAA-compliant study was institutional review board approved. Informed consent was obtained from living patients and waived for deceased patients. Mean patient age at diagnosis was 53 years (range, 31-84 years). Clinical history; histopathologic, mammographic, and breast sonographic findings; and HER2 status as determined with immunohistochemistry or fluorescent in situ hybridization were evaluated in 56 women with ER-negative breast cancer. Imaging appearances and clinicopathologic characteristics were correlated with tumor HER2 status. P < . 05 indicated a significant difference. RESULTS Lesion margins on mammograms (P = .028) and sonograms (P = .023), calcifications on mammograms (P = .003), and clinical cancer stage at diagnosis (P = .029) were significantly associated with HER2 status. In contrast to ER-negative HER2-negative tumors, ER-negative HER2-positive tumors were more likely to have spiculated margins (56% vs 15%), be associated with calcifications (65% vs 21%), and be detected at a higher cancer stage (74% vs 57%). CONCLUSION Biologic diversity of cancers may manifest in imaging characteristics, and, conversely, studying the range of imaging features of cancers may help refine current molecular phenotypes.
Multidisciplinary Pediatric Obesity Clinic via Telemedicine Within the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Telemedicine has been shown to be effective for rural populations, but little is reported on pediatric obesity care via telemedicine in urban settings. This study aims to assess feasibility and acceptability of multidisciplinary pediatric obesity care via telemedicine within the same metropolitan area in terms of information technology, coordination, patient care, and clinical outcomes. All project notes and communications were reviewed to extract key lessons from implementation. Patient and Provider Satisfaction Questionnaires were conducted to assess overall satisfaction; baseline and follow-up information were collected from chart reviews to evaluate clinical outcomes. Based on the questionnaires, 93% of responding patients (n = 28) and 88.3% of referring providers (n = 17) felt satisfied with the appointment. Chart review indicated a trend for decreased or stabilized body mass index and blood pressure (n = 32). Implementation of telemedicine for tertiary multidisciplinary pediatric obesity care in urban settings is both feasible and acceptable to patients and health care providers.
Awareness and Approach towards Hypertension Management among General Practitioners of Western Vadodara.

BACKGROUND Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor contributing to premature mortality from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.To decrease morbidity and mortality from HTN, timely diagnosis of the disease and its complications, urgent treatment and referrals are required. General Practioners (GPs) are the first tier of the health care system in India and have a wide scope of practice. It is important to know the awareness and approach of primary care physicians to hypertension in their daily practice as compared to standard practice recommendations and guidelines, to identify targets for improvements. With this objective we decided to interview them personally and analyse their approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 80 general practitioners (GPs) of the western part of Vadodara city with the use of a questionnaire prepared from JNC-7 guidelines and standard medical books. Seventy seven [97.55%] GPs completed the questionnaire and their responses were statistically analysed. RESULTS Twenty percent of GPs were not applying BP cuff properly for BP measurement. Only 18% and 16.6 % could diagnose isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) and isolated systolic hypertension respectively (ISH) and 21% and 29% would have considered treatment of IDH and ISH respectively.48% consider treating pre-hypertension using non-pharmacological measures. Only 21% use thiazide diuretics for uncomplicated HTN and 50% use beta-blockers in coronary artery disease patients. CONCLUSION In our study, most of the GPs in western Vadodara are well aware and updated about the initial lab investigations,non-pharmacological measures and complications of HTN but lack an effective approach towards history taking for HTN,technique for measurement of blood pressure, diagnosis and treatment of IDH and ISH. Pre-hypertension and systolic and diastolic hypertension is under-treated and thiazide diuretics are underutilized. This study can be used to identify targets and approaches to improve hypertension management at the primary care level.
Three‐dimensional structure of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase II from Trichoderma reesei: two conformational states in the active site.

The three‐dimensional structure of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase II (XYNII) from Trichoderma reesei has been determined by X‐ray diffraction techniques and refined to a conventional R‐factor of 18.3% at 1.8 A resolution. The 190 amino acid length protein was found to exist as a single domain where the main chain folds to form two mostly antiparallel beta‐sheets, which are packed against each other in parallel. The beta‐sheet structure is twisted, forming a large cleft on one side of the molecule. The structure of XYNII resembles that of Bacillus 1,3‐1,4‐beta‐glucanase. The cleft is an obvious suggestion for an active site, which has putative binding sites for at least four xylose residues. The catalytic residues are apparently the two glutamic acid residues (Glu86 and Glu177) in the middle of the cleft. One structure was determined at pH 5.0, corresponding to the pH optimum of XYNII. The second structure was determined at pH 6.5, where enzyme activity is reduced considerably. A clear structural change was observed, especially in the position of the side chain of Glu177. The observed conformational change is probably important for the mechanism of catalysis in XYNII.
Merkel cell carcinoma: prognosis and treatment of patients from a single institution.

PURPOSE Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon cutaneous malignancy. Most reports consist of single-institution experiences of fewer than 30 patients. The natural history of MCC is poorly defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS A review was performed of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's MCC database, identifying 251 patients who had been treated between 1970 and 2002. Patient, tumor, and treatment-related factors were analyzed for their association with recurrence and survival. RESULTS The average follow-up for all patients was 40 months and 46 months for patients alive at last follow-up. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 64%. Disease stage was the only independent predictor of survival (stage I, 81%; stage II, 67%; stage III, 52%; stage IV, 11%; P = .001). Pathologic staging of the draining nodal basin was performed in 71 (40%) of 177 patients who presented with clinically negative nodes, and 16 of these patients (23%) were found to have node-positive disease. Pathologic nodal staging was associated with improved stage-specific survival probabilities (clinical node-negative, 75% v pathologic node-negative disease, 97%; P = .009) and decreased nodal recurrence (44% v 11%, P < .001). The median time to recurrence was 9 months, and 102 patients (43%) recurred. Local recurrence developed in 8% of patients after margin-negative excision. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that the natural history of MCC is variable and dependent on the stage of disease at presentation. Pathologic nodal staging identifies a group of patients with excellent long-term survival. After margin-negative excision and pathologic nodal staging, local and nodal recurrence rates are low.
Magnetomechanical Vibrations of Three-Phase Three-Leg Transformer With Different Amorphous-Cored Structures

This paper mainly studies the magnetomechanical effects of three-phase three-leg transformers with amorphous cores in different bending structures, where the magnetic properties of audible noises related to core vibrations are discussed. In general, a Fe-based amorphous SA1 core exhibits higher audible noise and magnetostriction than that of a silicon steel core. Audible noises and core vibrations of amorphous cores can be more easily induced especially after the lamination process. Experiments performed in this study use different core bending structures to determine torsion stresses between core leg and yoke. Three different core structures, including C-core with rectangular corner, C-core with arc corner, and torodial core, are investigated. Experimental results indicate that amorphous-cored transformer with a rectangular core has higher vibration intensities. This is likely due to the condensed distribution of magnetic flux lines in core corners that may induce higher magnetic inductions associated with higher magnetostriction. The effects of core vibrations and audible noises on amorphous-cored transformers due to magnetostriction variations are addressed. It is concluded that a three-phase three-leg amorphous transformer with a toroidal core should have lower core vibrations and audible noises than the counterparts of conventional C-core transformers.
Rapid estimate of adult literacy in medicine: a shortened screening instrument.

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to validate a shortened version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM). This screening instrument is designed to be used in public health and primary care settings to identify patients with low reading levels. It provides reading grade estimates for patients who read below a ninth-grade level. The REALM can be administered in one to two minutes by personnel with minimal training. METHODS Two hundred and three patients in four university hospital clinics (internal medicine, family practice, ambulatory care, and obstetrics/gynecology) were given the REALM and three other standardized reading tests: the reading recognition section of the Peabody Individual Achievement Test-Revised (PIAT-R), the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R), and the Slosson Oral Reading Test-Revised (SORT-R). One hundred inmates at a state prison were also given the REALM twice, one week apart, to determine test-retest reliability. RESULTS The REALM correlated well with the three other tests. (Correlation coefficients were 0.97 [PIAT-R], 0.96 [SORT-R], and 0.88 [WRAT-R].) All correlations were significant at P < . 0001. Test-retest reliability was 0.99 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The REALM provides an estimate of patient reading ability, displays excellent concurrent validity with standardized reading tests, and is a practical instrument for busy primary care settings.