Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α in Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a critical transcription factor that controls oxygen homeostasis in response to hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress. HIF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver injury in which these events play a role, including acetaminophen (APAP) overdose, which is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States. APAP overdose has been reported to activate HIF-1α in mouse livers and isolated hepatocytes downstream of oxidative stress. HIF-1α signaling controls many factors that contribute to APAP hepatotoxicity, including mitochondrial cell death, inflammation, and hemostasis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that HIF-1α contributes to APAP hepatotoxicity. Conditional HIF-1α deletion was generated in mice using an inducible Cre-lox system. Control (HIF-1α-sufficient) mice developed severe liver injury 6 and 24 h after APAP overdose (400 mg/kg). HIF-1α-deficient mice were protected from APAP hepatotoxicity at 6 h, but developed severe liver injury by 24 h, suggesting that HIF-1α is involved in the early stage of APAP toxicity. In further studies, HIF-1α-deficient mice had attenuated thrombin generation and reduced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 production compared with control mice, indicating that HIF-1α signaling contributes to hemostasis in APAP hepatotoxicity. Finally, HIF-1α-deficient animals had decreased hepatic neutrophil accumulation and plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, keratinocyte chemoattractant, and regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted compared with control mice, suggesting an altered inflammatory response. HIF-1α contributes to hemostasis, sterile inflammation, and early hepatocellular necrosis during the pathogenesis of APAP toxicity.
Prognostic value of D-dimer in patients with pulmonary embolism

Summary D-dimer levels appear to be associated with the extent of the thromboembolic burden in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). We therefore hypothesized that D-dimer levels at admission would be associated with prospective risk of mortality in patients with PE. We used data from 366 patients diagnosed with PE at four hospital emergency departments. A highly sensitive D-dimer test was prospectively performed at admission. The outcome was overall mortality within three months. We divided patients into quartiles on the basis of their D-dimer levels and compared mortality rates by quartile. We estimated sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for mortality in the first and fourth quartile. Overall mortality was 5.2%. Patients who died had higher median D-dimer levels than patients who survived (4578 versus 2946 µg/l; P=0.005). Mortality increased with increasing D-dimer levels, rising from 1.1% in the first quartile (<1500 µg/l) to 9.1% in the fourth quartile (>5500 µg/l) (P=0.049). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of D-dimer levels <1500 µg/l to predict mortality were 95%, 26%, 7%, and 99%, respectively. Patients with PE who have D-dimer levels below 1500 µg/l havea very low mortality. Further studies must assess whether D-dimer, alone or combined with other prognostic instruments for PE, can be used to identify low-risk patients with PE who are potential candidates for outpatient treatment or an abbreviated hospital stay.
Performance evaluation of a DVD processor using transaction level models

Modern dav DVD processors are classic e.ram& of system-on-chip (SoC) devigns that grew in an incremental fashion over a long period of development. Performance evolnation of s7rch systems consisting of mnltiple heterogeneous processors at the architectural level is a/airl,v complu and time-consuming efort. The traditional approacli qfwing cycle accurate simulotors is slow in sim~ilution speed and is d;ffirzilt in terms ofintegrating tlie SoC model. Al.so, in mony insiunces, siich models are not necessau? , since certain architectriral . fC;utzires snch as the processor interconnection and ronting nehvorks or memou? , system inierfbces are the ones to he determined in ear& design stage.x In this paper. u’e look at performance evaluation of such an SoC for DVD processing hv means of transaction level models zising Sy.7-
Involvement of nutrients and nutritional mediators in mitochondrial 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA synthase gene expression

Mitochondrial 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) synthase (HMGCS2) catalyses the first step of ketogenesis and is critical in various metabolic conditions. Several nutrient molecules were able to differentially modulate HMGCS2 expression levels. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, n‐3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5, n‐3), arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4, n‐6), and glucose increased HMGCS2 mRNA and protein levels in HepG2 hepatoma cells, while fructose decreased them. The effect of n‐6 AA resulted significantly higher than that of n‐3 PUFA, but when combined all these molecules were far less efficient. Insulin reduced HMGCS2 mRNA and protein levels in HepG2 cells, even when treated with PUFA and monosaccharides. Several nuclear receptors and transcription factors are involved in HMGCS2 expression regulation. While peroxysome proliferator activated receptor α (PPAR‐α) agonist WY14643 increased HMGCS2 expression, this treatment was unable to affect PUFA‐mediated regulation of HMGCS2 expression. Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) inhibitor AS1842856 reduced HMGCS2 expression and suppressed induction promoted by fatty acids. Cells treatment with liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) agonist T0901317 reduced HMGCS2 mRNA, indicating a role for this transcription factor as suppressor of HMGCS2 gene. Previous observations already indicated HMGCS2 expression as possible nutrition status reference: our results show that several nutrients as well as specific nutritional related hormonal conditions are able to affect significantly HMGCS2 gene expression, indicating a relevant role for PUFA, which are mostly derived from nutritional intake. These insights into mechanisms of its regulation, specifically through nutrients commonly associated with disease risk, indicate HMGCS2 expression as possible reference marker of metabolic and nutritional status.
What's New in Shock, December 2015?

The December 2015 issue of Shock offers another excellent combination of reviews, clinical and basic science reports including a strong theme related to mechanisms and application of hemodynamic monitoring. The lead article in this month’s issue is a review by Pati et al. (1) summarizing the current state of the art and future directions for cellular therapies in trauma and critical care. They review the different stem cell sources used as well as application to clinical entities such as brain and spinal cord injury as well as other organ injuries resulting from traumatic or hemorrhagic shock. This review will provide comprehensive resources to help guide future studies in the area of cell therapies. The second review in the December issue introduces a theme of hemodynamic function and monitoring. Duan et al. (2) provided an excellent overview of the development of vascular hyporeactivity in shock including the mediators, cell signaling pathways, and perspectives for management of these changes. In a related opinion piece, McGee et al. (3) discussed the importance of more sophisticated dynamic hemodynamic monitoring for the management of shock. In contrast to the report of Duan et al. who focused on the vasculature, they emphasized the importance of dynamic monitoring of cardiac function using techniques such as ultrasound to assess the parameters such as the variability of stroke volume and pulse pressure, as well as arterial waveform analysis to more comprehensively stage cardiac status. Two clinical studies in this month’s issue then evaluate some of these parameters in human studies. Rasmy et al. (4) studied 36 patients with severe sepsis and examined the utility of perfusion index to predict vasopressor requirements. Although it is not clear from the report exactly how perfusion index was determined, this parameter and plasma lactate were the only parameters measured that significantly predicted the need for vasopressors. In a related study, Janak et al. (5) compared peripheral perfusion index (PPI), pulse pressure variability (PPV), and compensatory reserve index (CRI) as predictors of hemodynamic decompensation in response to central hypovolemia. Functional hypovolemia was produced in normal subjects using lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Compensatory reserve index is an index recently described by this group based on analysis of the arterial waveform from a pulse oximeter and is designed to detect impending hemodynamic decompensation. Their results showed both CRI and PPV to be
Kernel and application partitioning for EDF schedule feasibility

This paper presents a study on the feasibility of joint kernel and application partitioning. In the design of embedded systems, it is customarily the application that is partitioned between hardware and software implementation. However, it is also possible to partition the operating system/kernel. Due to the kernel's high invocation frequency, small reductions in its execution time can lead to significant gains in schedule feasibility. In this paper, partitions are evaluated based on their contribution to feasible scheduling by the Earliest Deadline First (EDF) policy. The results indicate that it is important to evaluate schedule feasibility during partitioning and that partitioning the kernel can contribute significantly to schedule feasibility.
An acute abdomen--with a twist.

A 59-year-old man presented acutely with generalized abdominal pain and tenderness. He was cardiovascularly stable but had an elevated white cell count of 27610 l and a C-reactive protein of 250 mg l. His biochemistry showed a degree of metabolic acidosis and dehydration, and he had been previously fit and well. As routine, an abdominal radiograph was performed, which showed non-specific small bowel dilatation. This prompted an emergency CT scan. The abdominal radiograph (Figure 1) shows obvious small bowel loops and dilatation, but this was nonspecific and caused by the patient’s deteriorating condition. Also note the old rib fractures present. What is the diagnosis?
Absence of implicit and explicit memory during propofol/remifentanil anaesthesia

Background and objective: High doses of opioid associated with low doses of hypnotic is a popular anaesthetic technique since the use of remifentanil has become widespread. This type of anaesthesia could result in a higher incidence of implicit memory. Methods: Ten patients were anaesthetised with a target‐controlled infusion of remifentanil (target concentration of 8 ng mL−1) combined with a target‐controlled infusion of propofol with progressive stepwise increases until loss of consciousness was reached. A tape containing 20 words was then played to the patients. Bispectral index (BIS, Aspect Medical Systems, Newton, MA, USA) was continuously monitored during the whole study period. Implicit and explicit memories were tested between 2 and 4 h after recovery. Results: Loss of consciousness was obtained with a mean calculated propofol plasma concentration of 1.3 ± 0.4 μg mL−1. At this low hypnotic concentration no implicit or explicit memory was found in the three postoperative memory tests. Median (range) BIS value during word presentation was 93 (80‐98). Conclusions: In our group of young American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I/II patients, no explicit or implicit memory was found when the calculated concentration of propofol combined with a high concentration of remifentanil was maintained at the level associated with loss of consciousness with high BIS values.
On turbo decoding of nonbinary codes

Symbol-by-symbol maximum a posteriori (MAP) decoding algorithms for nonbinary block and convolutional codes over an extension field GF(p/sup a/) are presented. Equivalent MAP decoding rules employing the dual code are given which are computationally more efficient for high-rate codes. It is shown that these algorithms meet all requirements needed for iterative decoding as the output of the decoder can be split into three independent estimates: soft channel value, a priori term and extrinsic value. The discussed algorithms are then applied to a parallel concatenated coding scheme with nonbinary component codes in conjunction with orthogonal signaling.
Effect of nitrate and its reduction products on the growth and activity of the rumen microbial population

1. The nature of the digestion-inhibiting substance in Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum, Hochst), containing high levels of nitrate, was investigated using in vitro digestibility techniques. 2. Nitrite, which accumulated during the reduction of nitrate to ammonia, seemed to be the primary factor reducing digestibility. Nitrate and ammonia did not affect digestion in vitro. 3. Nitrite caused a reduction in the cellulolytic, xylanolytic and total microbial population, with a concomitant reduction in cellulase and xylanase activity of the digesta. 4. The mode of action of nitrite on rumen microbial growth was investigated. 5. The possibility that the growth of cellulolytic rumen microbes was depressed by a reduction in concentration of essential branched-chain volatile fatty acids by nitrite was discounted. 6. Although nitrite caused a marked increase in the redox potential, due to its oxidizing properties, the more-positive redox potential did not reduce the digestibility of the grass. 7. The growth of three of the four major cellulolytic bacteria commonly found in the rumen was severely depressed by nitrite, while some rumen bacteria were relatively insensitive to nitrite. 8. Growth inhibition seemed to depend primarily on the extent to which these microbes derive their energy from electron-transport-mediated processes. 9. It was suggested that, due to the sensitivity of some rumen bacteria to nitrite, digestibility and therefore animal performance could be affected long before clinical symptoms of nitrite toxicity become apparent.
The nature of the interaction of amines with the pancreatic beta cell to influence insulin secretion.

Studies were carried out with an in vitro golden hamster pancreas system to determine if amines in general can inhibit insulin release. It was found that these compounds must have both a ring structure and a charged amine group to inhibit insulin secretion. Simple amines (butylamine), polyamines (putrescine) and amino sugars (glucosamine) did not alter this process. β-Phenylethylamine, benzylamine, N-methylbenzylamine, histamine and cyclohexylamine inhibited insulin secretion. Studies with phentolamine utilizing normal hamster pancreas and pancreas from hamsters depleted of catecholamines by pretreatment with reserpine were also carried out. These studies indicate that amines and catecholamines which inhibit insulin release do so by both an indirect action (release of endogenous pancreatic norepinephrine) and a direct effect of the agents themselves on the beta cell. The direct effect of catecholamines and histamine on inhibiting insulin release can be blocked by phentolamine. In contrast, the direct effect of the other amines, such as β-phenylethylamine and cyclohexylamine are not altered by phentolamine.
[Epidemiological study of human type 5 adenovirus in Guangzhou using chemiluminescence for neutralizing antibody assay].

OBJECTIVE To establish a high-throughput chemiluminescence assay of serotype 5 specific neutralizing antibody and understand the epidemiology of this antibody in the healthy adults and children in Guangzhou. METHODS Using rAd5 carrying the reporter gene of secreted alkaline phosphatases (SEAP), serum samples from 116 healthy adults and 94 healthy children were examined with chemiluminescence assay to detect the presence of Ad5 neutralizing antibody. The reliability of this assay was tested against conventional cytopathic effect observation. RESULTS The chemiluminescence assay using secreted alkaline phosphatases (SEAP) as the reporter allowed rapid, sensitive, specific and reproducible detection of serotype 5 specific neutralizing antibody for epidemiological study of Ad5, which was positive in 26.72% of the adults and 17.02% of the children in this study. CONCLUSION Ad5 neutralizing antibody is prevalent in the population of Guangzhou, suggesting the necessity of developing other serotype adenovectors for better vaccination and therapeutic effects.
SEXUAL HEALTH PRACTICES OF HOMELESS YOUTH: A Model for Intervention

This article presents a conceptual model of sexual health practices and outcomes among homeless adolescents. The model provides a framework for understanding what is known about homeless youth and how community-based interventions might be developed and tested to curb the rising number of sexually transmitted diseases among this vulnerable population. Research measures are presented and discussed to promote further development and testing of the model for interventions.
Transcription profile of human lymphocytes following in vitro treatment with thymosin alpha‐1

Thymosin alpha‐1 (Tα1) is a molecule retaining pleiotropic effects toward several pathological conditions, especially acting as a modulator of immune response and inflammation. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the peculiar, wide‐range activity of Tα1 have not been completely elucidated. To get information on the mechanism of action of Tα1 and to find new potential applications, we performed the analysis of the transcription profile of 8300 genes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro treated with Tα1. Together with a variety of genes already known to be modulated by Tα1, our analysis revealed a remarkable number of genes not yet described before to be modulated by this thymic peptide, revealing a complex scenario that underlines the role of this peptide as a regulator of lymphocyte functions. Here, we report the list of the more representative modulated genes and discuss their implications on the modulation of the innate and adaptive responses. Our results open new perspectives on the use of Tα1 for the treatment of diseases associated with immune‐disregulation.
Measles epidemic exposes inadequate vaccination coverage in Pakistan

The sudden rise of measles in the province of Sindh, Pakistan, has further exposed the inadequacy of the expanded programme of immunisation in the country, which has already been demonstrated by the persistence of poliomyelitis. With several thousand reported cases of measles and a death toll of at least 210 in 2012 compared with 28 deaths in 2011, the health authorities in …
Effects of temperature and force requirements on muscle work and power output

ABSTRACT Performance of muscle-powered movements depends on temperature through its effects on muscle contractile properties. In vitro stimulation of Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) plantaris muscles reveals that interactions between force and temperature affect the mechanical work of muscle. At low temperatures (9–17°C), muscle work depends on temperature when shortening at any force, and temperature effects are greater at higher forces. At warmer temperatures (13–21°C), muscle work depends on temperature when shortening with intermediate and high forces (≥30% peak isometric tetanic force). Shortening velocity is most strongly affected by temperature at low temperatures and high forces. Power is also most strongly affected at low temperature intervals, but this effect is minimized at intermediate forces. Effects of temperature on muscle force explain these interactions; force production decreases at lower temperatures, increasing the challenge of moving a constant force relative to the muscle's capacity. These results suggest that animal performance that requires muscles to do work with low forces relative to a muscle's maximum force production will be robust to temperature changes, and this effect should be true whether muscle acts directly or through elastic-recoil mechanisms and whether force is prescribed (i.e. internal) or variable (i.e. external). Conversely, performance requiring muscles to shorten with relatively large forces is expected to be more sensitive to temperature changes. Summary: The temperature at which a muscle shortens determines how the work, velocity and power of contraction are affected by the force of contraction.
A grammar of Cuwabo (Mozambique, Bantu P34)

Cuwabo is a Bantu language, spoken by more than 800,000 people (INE 2007) in the north-eastern part of Mozambique. It is numbered P34 in Guthrie’s classification, and thus belongs to the P30 Makhuwa group. Cuwabo can be subdivided into five main varieties: central Cuwabo, Karungu, Mayindo, Nyaringa, and Manyawa. This work is based on central Cuwabo spoken in the district of Quelimane. First-hand data were recorded from 10 speakers in the course of three fieldtrips realised between 2011 and 2013, achieving a total duration of 10 months. This thesis provides a grammatical description of the language, covering in detail its phonology and its morphosyntax. Phonology is divided into two chapters: the first is devoted to segmental phonology whereas the second describes the tonal system of the language. Note that Cuwabo is the only P30 language whose nominal and verbal stems have retained a lexical tone contrast. Morphologically, the noun phrase is marked by a rich agreement system ruled by the noun classes, as typical in Bantu. Cuwabo has a highly agglutinative verbal morphology, which conveys a rich Tense-Aspect-Mood system combining both prefixes and final suffixes. Note the existence of several enclitics depending on the constructions (locative enclitics, personal pronoun enclitics in relative clauses, comitative or instrumental enclitics). The last three chapters address syntactic issues: the first presents a description of the basic clause structure, involving verbal and non-verbal predication; the second looks into the relative constructions in close interaction with question formation; the last one investigates word order and information structure in Cuwabo. Preverbal and postverbal constituents are examined, as well as their interaction with the morphological marking on the verb, distinguishing conjoint and disjoint tenses. The appendix contains seven Cuwabo texts glossed and translated into English, which allow to illustrate in context many of the grammatical items presented in the descriptive chapters.
Rapid Resurgence of Marine Productivity After the Cretaceous-Paleogene Mass Extinction

Algal Rebound The extinction at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary 65.5 million years ago represented a sudden and dramatic disruption of global ecosystems. Sepúlveda et al. (p. 129) now show, however, that algae recovered rapidly and that photosynthesis and primary production thus also recovered. The authors tracked algal productivity in the thick boundary layer in Denmark through a series of diagnostic biomarkers and isotopes. Algal productivity dropped abruptly during the extinction event but then recovered within the boundary layer, perhaps as quickly as within 50 years of the impact. Preserved lipids imply that primary production recovered perhaps within 50 years of the end-Cretaceous extinction. The course of the biotic recovery after the impact-related disruption of photosynthesis and mass extinction event at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary has been intensely debated. The resurgence of marine primary production in the aftermath remains poorly constrained because of the paucity of fossil records tracing primary producers that lack skeletons. Here we present a high-resolution record of geochemical variation in the remarkably thick Fiskeler (also known as the Fish Clay) boundary layer at Kulstirenden, Denmark. Converging evidence from the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen and abundances of algal steranes and bacterial hopanes indicates that algal primary productivity was strongly reduced for only a brief period of possibly less than a century after the impact, followed by a rapid resurgence of carbon fixation and ecological reorganization.