Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calcium Channel Blocker‐Related Peripheral Edema: Can It Be Resolved?

Calcium channel blocker (CCB)‐related edema is quite common in clinical practice and can effectively deter a clinician from continued prescription of these drugs. Its etiology relates to a decrease in arteriolar resistance that goes unmatched in the venous circulation. This disproportionate change in resistance increases hydrostatic pressures in the precapillary circulation and permits fluid shifts into the interstitial compartment. CCB‐related edema is more common in women and relates to upright posture, age, and the choice and dose of the CCB. Once present it can be slow to resolve without intervention. A number of strategies exist to treat CCB‐related edema, including switching CCB classes, reducing the dosage, and/or adding a known venodilator such as a nitrate, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, or an angiotensin‐receptor blocker to the treatment regimen. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors have been best studied in this regard. Diuretics may alter the edema state somewhat, but at the expense of further reducing plasma volume. Traditional measures such as limiting the amount of time that a patient is upright and/or considering use of graduated compression stockings are useful adjunctive therapies. Discontinuing the CCB and switching to an alternative antihypertensive therapy will resolve the edema.
Conformability of a Thin Elastic Membrane Laminated on a Rigid Substrate With Corrugated Surface

When laminating a thin elastic membrane on a substrate with surface roughness, three scenarios can happen: 1) fully conformed, i.e., the membrane completely follows the surface morphology of the substrate without any interfacial gap; 2) partially conformed; and 3) nonconformed, i.e., the membrane remains flat if gravity is not concerned. Good conformability can enhance effective membrane-to-substrate adhesion and can facilitate heat/signal transfer across the interface, which are of great importance for micromembranes or nanomembranes transferred on target substrates and for flexible electronics laminated on rough biotissues. To reveal the governing parameters in this problem and to predict the conformability, energy minimization method is implemented with two different interfacial models, adhesion energy versus traction-separation relation. Depending on the complexity of the models, one to four dimensionless governing parameters have been identified to analytically predict the conformability status and the point of delamination if partial conformability is expected. In any case, partial conformability is achieved only when membrane energy is considered.
Does reversible cysteine oxidation link the Western diet to cardiac dysfunction?

Using a novel cysteine thiol labeling strategy coupled with mass spectrometric analysis, we identified and quantified the changes in global reversible cysteine oxidation of proteins in the left ventricle of hearts from mice with metabolic syndrome‐associated diastolic dysfunction. This phenotype was induced by feeding a high‐fat, high‐sucrose, type‐2 diabetogenic diet to C57BL/6J mice for 8 mo. The extent of reversible thiol oxidation in relationship to the total available (free and reducible) level of each cysteine could be confidently determined for 173 proteins, of which 98 contained cysteines differentially modified ≥1.5‐fold by the diet. Our findings suggest that the metabolic syndrome leads to potentially deleterious changes in the oxidative modification of metabolically active proteins. These alterations may adversely regulate energy substrate flux through glycolysis, β‐oxidation, citric acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (oxphos), thereby contributing to maladaptive tissue remodeling that is associated with, and possibly contributing to, diastolic left ventricular dysfunction. —Behring, J. B. , Kumar, V. , Whelan, S. A. , Chauhan, P., Siwik, D. A. , Costello, C. E. , Colucci, W. S. , Cohen, R. A. , McComb M. E. , Bachschmid, M. M. Does reversible cysteine oxidation link the Western diet to cardiac dysfunction? FASEB J. 28, 1975–1987 (2014). www.fasebj. org
A rhesus monkey model of respiratory syncytial virus infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract disease in infants and young children worldwide. To date, there is no single animal model that adequately reproduces all human disease states. Here, we have developed a model of experimental infection with human RSV in infant Rhesus macaques. Infected animals demonstrated mild clinical disease including increased respiratory rates, fever and adventitious lung sounds. While more severe disease was not observed, preliminary virological and histopathological findings are promising. It is anticipated that with further optimization, this model will provide a useful system with which to study disease due to RSV infection and evaluate candidate vaccines.
INTERPLAY OF REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES AND NITRIC OXIDE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF EXPERIMENTAL LEAD‐INDUCED HYPERTENSION

1 Lead is a common environmental and industrial toxin that can cause a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. For example, chronic exposure to low levels of lead has been shown to raise arterial pressure and promote renal and cardiovascular complications. 2 Several mechanisms have been identified by which chronic lead exposure can cause hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In recent years, increasing evidence has emerged pointing to the role of oxidative stress as a major mediator of lead‐induced hypertension. 3 The present article provides an overview of the published studies on this subject.
Recontextualizing the Behavioral Immune System Within Psychoneuroimmunology

We believe that the concept of the behavioral immune system (BIS) picks out an important set of phenomena, namely, the relationships between the immune system and disease-avoidant psychology. However, our enthusiasm is tempered by the recognition that (a) there are unresolved ambiguities in the BIS concept, which has been used in a variety of (sometimes inconsistent) ways; (b) many types of phenomena it has been used to identify are already well characterized in other disciplines that have received inadequate attention by BIS researchers; and that (c) these disciplines offer a broader contextualization of the phenomena. We argue that the BIS concept should be recontextualized within and integrated with such research programs. More specifically, we believe that the BIS should be set within the framework of psychoneuroimmunology. We consider several ways in which the BIS might be differentiated from psychoneuroimmunology, arguing that none of these clearly sets the BIS apart. These include (a) the notion of the BIS a purely defensive, prophylactic response to disease threats; (b) the BIS as concerned primarily with disgust-related responses; (c) the BIS’s role in generating large-scale effects of pathogens on social structure; (d) the BIS as a primarily psychological, rather than a mechanistic, account of psycho-immune interactions; and (e) the BIS as a specifically evolutionary, rather than descriptive, approach to disease-avoidant psychology and behavior. We believe that centering BIS research within psychoneuroimmunology will better capture the value and novelty of BIS research, more accurately reflect the intentions of BIS researchers, and better advance their aims.
Direct identification of NH...N hydrogen bonds in non-canonical base pairs of RNA by NMR spectroscopy.

It is shown that the recently developed quantitative J(NN)HNN-COSY experiment can be used for the direct identification of hydrogen bonds in non-canonical base pairs in RNA. Scalar(2h)J(NN)couplings across NH.N hydrogen bonds are observed in imino hydrogen bonded GA base pairs of the hpGA RNA molecule, which contains a tandem GA mismatch, and in the reverse Hoogsteen AU base pairs of the E-loop of Escherichia coli 5S rRNA. These scalar couplings correlate the imino donor(15)N nucleus of guanine or uridine with the acceptor N1 or N7 nucleus of adenine. The values of the corresponding(2h)J(NN)coupling constants are similar in size to those observed in Watson-Crick base pairs. The reverse Hoogsteen base pairs could be directly detected for the E-loop of E.coli 5S rRNA both in the free form and in a complex with the ribosomal protein L25. This supports the notion that the E-loop is a pre-folded RNA recognition site that is not subject to significant induced conformational changes. Since Watson-Crick GC and AU base pairs are also readily detected the HNN-COSY experiment provides a useful and sensitive tool for the rapid identification of RNA secondary structure elements.
In-Situ Measurement of Junction Temperature and Light Intensity of Light Emitting Diodes With an Internal Sensor Unit

This study designed and tested an innovative light-emitting diode (LED) chip with a built-in sensor. Two electrically isolated units, the LED (for light emission) and the sensor (for monitoring junction temperature and light intensity), were integrated on a single chip. The sensor unit determines the junction temperature by measuring the forward voltage; the light output power of the LED unit can be precisely extrapolated with a polynomial function based on the photocurrent and junction temperature. This novel structure enables the in-situ real-time monitoring of the LED junction temperature and light output power, which allows a highly detailed and/or in-field LED reliability analysis and provides valuable feedback information for smart LED lighting systems.
Rethinking Autonomy: Relationships as a Source of Resilience in a Changing Healthcare System.

In the face of health system change, there is growing concern about the wellbeing of care providers and their ability to meet the needs of patients. Some scholars have called for expanding the goal of quality, access, and patient experience to a broader goal that includes the well-being of care providers themselves (Bodenheimer and Sinsky 2014). Scholars have found that stress at work is a source of job dissatisfaction, disengagement, burnout, and adverse health outcomes for employees, particularly for employees who feel they have little control (Karasek 1979; Parker and Sprigg 1990), and a source of negative outcomes for their clients as well (Schaubroek and Fink 1998; Gawande et al. 2003). As health care systems respond to pressures to provide higher quality care in an increasingly resource-constrained environment, there is a real risk of declining satisfaction and engagement for care providers and declining satisfaction for the patients they serve (Sexton, Thomas, and Helmreich 2000; Vincent et al. 2004). But there are protective factors that create resilience in the face of stressful circumstances. Resilience is the capability to “recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 1987). It is the maintenance of positive adjustment under challenging conditions (Weick, Sutcliffe, and Obstfeld 1999), the ability to bounce back (Bunderson and Sutcliffe 2002), and the capacity to maintain functions and outcomes in the midst of strain (Edmondson 1999; Masten and Reed 2002). Resilience differs by individual and by workplace, and relationships play a role at both levels. Individuals with healthy, well-functioning relationships respond to the same stressful events with less negative impact on their well-being (Ryff and Singer 2002; Seligman 2002). In workplaces with healthy and well-functioning ©Health Research and Educational Trust DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12578 DEBATE-COMMENTARY
On spectral component estimation using neural networks for rolling bearing fault diagnosis

In general, the functioning state of rotating internal parts of a machine, which is inaccessible without dismantling the machine, can be obtained by indirect methods. Hence, fault diagnosis of rotating components, like rolling bearings, can be done by analyzing the external relevant information obtained by measurements, in order to evaluate their internal states. The most widely used method for detection and fault diagnosis of rolling bearings is based on vibration measurements. In signal processing, there are many applications of neural networks (NN) combined with spectral analysis, using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm. The function approximation using neural networks is a complex task for problems with high dimension of the input space, like those based on signal spectral analysis. In this paper, some neural estimation aspects of spectral components of vibration signals for rolling bearings fault diagnosis are discussed. Inner race defect of bearings is considered in simulations. The goal is to find a feed-forward neural network (FFNN) model for estimating spectral components, with computational complexity comparable with FFT algorithm, but easier to implement in hardware. Different FFNN architectures, with different data sets and training conditions, are analyzed.
NMR solution structure of a DNA decamer containing an interstrand cross-link of the antitumor drug cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II).

A 10 base pairs double-stranded oligonucleotide with the sequence d(CCTCG.CTCTC). d(GAGAG.CGAGG) containing a single interstrand cross-link resulting from chelation of the N7 position of two guanine residues on the opposite strands of DNA at the d(G.C/G.C) site by a cis-diammineplatinum(II) residue was analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. All the exchangeable and nonexchangeable protons resonance lines (except some H5'-H5") were assigned. NOESY spectra and chemical shifts indicated that the cross-linkage of the guanines of G.5 and G.6 induced extrahelicity of C5 and C6. Moreover, several unusual proximities were observed such as: (i) NOE cross-peaks between the H2'-H2" of G.5 or G.6 and the aromatic proton of their 5' neighbor C4 or A7 (ii) the absence of cross-peak for the steps G.5-C6, C6-T7 and C5-G4 (iii) a strong NOESY connectivity between H8(G.5) and H2(A7). All these data allowed us to describe the head to tail arrangement of the two cross-linked guanines as well as their stacking with flanking neighbor nucleotides (G.5 with T7.A7 base pair and G.6 with C4.G4 base pair). Using all the NOESY and TOCSY data (208 constraints), we have obtained a solution structure of the cross-linked duplex by using the NMR-constrained molecular mechanics program JUMNA. The reversal position of the two cross-linked guanines placed the cis-diammineplatinum(II) residue in the minor groove. The stacking of the two cross-linked guanines with the surrounding bases induced a bend of 40 degrees toward the minor groove. The locally left-helix formation, the extrusion of the cytosines and the stacking of the platinated guanines led to an unwinding of 76 degrees. This value is in good agreement with the values deduced from gel electrophoresis experiments.
Cytomegalovirus-associated allograft rejection in heart transplant patients

Purpose of review Modern antiviral strategies are effective in controlling the clinical syndromes associated with acute cytomegalovirus infection in heart transplant recipients. Despite this effectiveness, subclinical cytomegalovirus infection is a common finding in these patients and its impact on long-term graft outcome is currently underestimated. Recent findings Recent studies provide evidence implicating subclinical cytomegalovirus infection in the pathogenesis of allograft rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. In this process, cytomegalovirus interacts with local inflammatory pathways, and systemic immune-regulation mechanisms, which may lead to graft damage, even in the absence of cytomegalovirus replication within the graft. Consequently, in addition to pharmacologic strategies that inhibit viral replication, immune-based therapies that abrogate host immune response may provide an effective tool to prevent the indirect impact of cytomegalovirus on graft function. Summary Current evidence suggests that subclinical cytomegalovirus infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of long-term graft dysfunction in heart transplant recipients and in other solid organ transplant recipients. Pending the availability of definitive data from randomized trials, we propose that the use of pharmacologic and immune-based approaches, directed at complete suppression of cytomegalovirus infection, represents the best strategy for prevention of cytomegalovirus-induced rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy and chronic allograft damage.
Interleukin-8 levels in esophageal mucosa and long-term clinical outcome of patients with reflux esophagitis

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is primarily attributable to gastric contents refluxing via an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are currently the most effective modality in the treatment of RE [1], but unfortunately RE is a chronic relapsing condition with an impact on quality of life [1]. Maintenance therapy with PPIs improves long-term clinical outcome of RE, but there is still a relapse rate of approximately 20% to 25% [2]. Even so, on-demand PPI therapy is increasingly being used for RE patients [2]. For the accurate management after healing, it is important to elucidate the key factors for risk of RE relapse. Recent studies have shown that pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles may underlie the development of RE [3,4]. Expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a CXC chemokine with potent chemotactic activity for neutrophils, is elevated in the esophageal mucosa of RE patients [4]. IL-8 expression levels are decreased after lansoprazole treatment [3,4], highlighting the importance of IL-8 in the pathogenesis of RE. It is tempting to speculate that this cytokine may play a role in RE relapse. Thirty-one outpatients with RE graded by the Los Angeles (LA) classification A or B, who did not fulfill any exclusion criteria including severe concomitant diseases, prior esophageal or gastric surgery and peptic ulcer, were enrolled in the study. The patients were treated with 30 mg lansoprazole daily for 8 weeks and healing was documented in each case by repeat esophagoscopy. Patients underwent upper endoscopy every 6 months and annually for the first and next 2 years, respectively, or when reflux symptoms recurred. Clinical parameters including age, gender, body mass index, smoking habits, alcohol intake, hiatus hernia, Helicobacter pylori status, LA grading and IL-8 levels in esophageal mucosa at baseline were assessed as for RE recurrence. The IL-8 levels were measured using endoscopic biopsies and expressed as pg/mg protein as described previously [4] with slight modification; homogenate supernatants of the samples were diluted to 1 mg/ml total protein concentration and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which has a lower detection limit of 10 pg/ml. Based on analysis with the Kaplan-Meyer and log-rank tests, the estimated relapse of RE within 3 years was 75% and 31.3% in patients with IL-8 levels of more than and under 10 pg/mg protein, respectively (Figure 1, p B/0.005). By analysis using Cox’s proportional hazards regression model, RE recurrence was frequently observed in patients who had
Ceruloplasmin in Early Childhood

Ceruloplasmin was isolated for the first time by Holmberg & Laurel1 in 1948 from human plasma and the plasma of swine. It is an alpha 2 globulin containing approximately 0.32 per cent copper which gives it a bluish tint. Out of the total plasma-proteins it forms 0.03 per cent. I ts molecular weight is 150,000. It contains 96 per cent of the total content of plasmacopper. The remaining 4 per cent of the copper is loosely bound with plasmaalbumin (1 , 9), which probably transports this metal (6).
Elevated 1-hour postload plasma glucose levels identify subjects with normal glucose tolerance but impaired β-cell function, insulin resistance, and worse cardiovascular risk profile: the GENFIEV study.

CONTEXT In subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) 1-hour postload plasma glucose (1-h oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT]) of >155 mg/dL predicts type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate β-cell function, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk profile in subjects with NGT with a 1-h OGTT glucose of >155 mg/dL. PATIENTS AND METHODS The GENFIEV (Genetics, PHYsiopathology, and Evolution of Type 2 diabetes) study is a multicenter study recruiting individuals at high risk of T2DM. A total of 926 subjects underwent a 75-g OGTT for assessment of plasma glucose and C-peptide for mathematical modeling of β-cell function (derivative and proportional control). Fasting insulin, lipid profile, and clinical parameters were determined as well. RESULTS A 1-hour OGTT glucose of >155 mg/dL was found in 39% of subjects with NGT, 76% with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 90% with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 99% and 98% with IFG + IGT or newly diagnosed T2DM, respectively. Among subjects with NGT (n = 474), those with 1-hour OGTT glucose of >155 mg/dL were more insulin-resistant and had worse β-cell function than those with 1-hour OGTT glucose of ≤155 mg/dL. Moreover, glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were higher in subjects with NGT with 1-hour OGTT glucose of >155 mg/dL, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower compared with that in subjects with NGT with 1-hour OGTT glucose of ≤155 mg/dL. Compared with subjects with IGT, those with NGT with 1-hour OGTT glucose of >155 mg/dL had comparable cardiovascular risk profile and insulin resistance but slightly better β-cell function. CONCLUSIONS Among subjects with NGT, those with 1-hour OGTT glucose of >155 mg/dL showed lower insulin sensitivity, impaired β-cell function, and worse cardiovascular risk profile and therefore are at greater risk of developing T2DM and cardiovascular disease.
Wave-based neuromorphic computing framework for brain-like energy efficiency and integration

We present a framework of wave-based neuromorphic computing aiming at brain-like capabilities and efficiencies with nano-scale device integration. We take advantage of the unique nature of elastic wave dynamics in both computations and the IO communications in between as a means to efficiently implement and execute neuromorphic computing. We point out that the group velocity of a wave is one of the essential design parameters.
Needleless transcutaneous electroacupuncture improves rectal distension-induced impairment in intestinal motility and slow waves via vagal mechanisms in dogs.

AIM This study was designed to compare the effects and mechanisms of transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) on rectal distention (RD)-induced intestinal dysmotility with EA. METHODS six female dogs chronically implanted with a duodenal fistula, a proximal colon fistula and intestinal serosal electrodes were studied. EA and TEA were performed via needles and cutaneous electrodes placed at bilateral ST-36 (Zusanli) acupoints respectively; their effects on postprandial intestinal dysmotility (slow waves, contractions and transit) induced by RD, and autonomic functions were compared. RESULTS RD at a volume of 140 ml suppressed intestinal contractions; the motility index was reduced with RD (P = 0.001). Both EA and TEA ameliorated the suppressed contractions (P = 0.003 and 0.001) and their effects were comparable. RD reduced the percentage of normal intestinal slow waves (P = 0.002) that was increased with both EA and TEA (P = 0.005 and 0.035). No significant difference was noted between EA and TEA. EA and TEA reduced small bowel transit time (P = 0.001 and 0.007); these prokinetic effects were blocked by atropine. Both EA and TEA increased vagal activity assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability (both P = 0.03). CONCLUSION RD inhibits postprandial intestinal motility. Both EA and TEA at ST-36 are able to improve the RD-induced impairment in intestinal contractions, transit and slow waves mediated via the vagal mechanism. Needleless TEA is as effective as EA in ameliorating the intestinal hypomotility.