Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of spontaneous intracranial vertebral artery dissection with large artery disease.

OBJECTIVE To compare clinical and angiographic characteristics and stroke patterns between spontaneous intracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD) and vertebral large artery disease (LAD) (atherosclerosis). DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Tertiary referral center for cerebrovascular diseases. Patients Twenty-two patients with spontaneous VAD and 25 with LAD in the intracranial portion of the vertebral artery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We compared (1) clinical characteristics, including epidemiologic data, vascular risk factors including inflammatory markers, the presence of headache, and stroke syndromes and severity; (2) stroke pattern on diffusion-weighted imaging, which was classified as vertebral perforator infarct, basilar perforator infarct, small scattered infarct, large scattered infarct, and territorial infarct; and (3) angiographic findings, ie, the distribution of involved arteries, degree of stenosis, and the involvement on the anterior circulation and calcification of vertebral artery. RESULTS Although patients with VAD were younger, and more often had headaches and fewer vascular risk factors than those with LAD (P<.01 in all cases), these clinical features were also observed in some LAD patients. Diffusion-weighted imaging data showed that vertebral perforator infarct and small scattered infarct were most common in the VAD group, while territorial infarct and large scattered infarct were most common in the LAD group (P = .02). On angiography, LAD more frequently had anterior circulation arterial involvement (P = .002), higher degree of stenosis (P = .002), and calcifications (P = .008). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that results of diffusion-weighted imaging and noninvasive vascular studies might provide clues to the clinical characteristics in differential diagnosis between VAD and LAD.
Sequence and biochemical analysis of Arabidopsis SP1 protein, a regulator of organelle biogenesis

ABSTRACT Peroxisomes, chloroplasts, and mitochondria are essential eukaryotic organelles that host a suite of metabolic processes crucial to energy metabolism and development. Regulatory mechanisms of the dynamics and biogenesis of these important organelles have begun to be discovered in plants. We recently showed that, aside from its previously reported role in targeting chloroplast protein import proteins, the Arabidopsis ubiquitin E3 ligase SP1 (suppressor of ppi1 locus1) negatively regulates peroxisome matrix protein import by promoting the ubiquitination and destabilization of PEX13 and possibly PEX14 and other components of the peroxisome protein import apparatus. Here, we compared protein sequence and domain structure of SP1-like proteins in Arabidopsis and their human homolog, Mitochondrial-Anchored Protein Ligase (MAPL). We further characterized SP1 protein in respect to its membrane topology and ubiquitin E3 ligase activity.
Sequential Changes in the Harderian and Exorbital Lacrimal Glands in Wistar Rats Infected with Sialodacryoadenitis Virus

Abstract. A sequential light and electron microscopic study of the exorbital and Harderian lacrimal glands was done on 2.5- to 15-month-old Wistar rats exposed to sialodacryoadenitis (SDA) virus. Typical coronaviral particles were readily demonstrated in cytoplasmic vesicles of Harderian and exorbital glands examined at 6 days post-inoculation. Lesions were seen in a relatively high percentage of lacrimal glands in infected animals of all ages, with no obvious age-related variations in the incidence and extent of changes. Lesions frequently persisted for a longer interval post-exposure in lacrimal glands than in salivary glands. The persistence of lesions commonly seen in Harderian glands was attributed, at least in part, to the cytotoxic effects of porphyrincontaining secretions released during the acute necrotizing stages of the disease. The persistence of lesions in some lacrimal glands indicates that they are useful tissues for microscopic examination for the retrospective provisional diagnosis of SDA. Persistent lesions also indicate that normal functions of these glands may be compromised for up to several weeks following outbreaks of SDA.
Dietary restriction in pregnant rats causes gender‐related hypertension and vascular dysfunction in offspring

1 We have investigated the effects of moderate global undernutrition during gestation in the rat on the blood pressure of male and female offspring, and on the development of systemic vascular function. Pregnant Wistar rats were nutritionally restricted (R) by feeding with 70% of the normal gestation‐matched dietary intake from 0 to 18 days gestation. 2 R offspring were growth retarded at birth but of similar weight to controls (C) at 20 days. Systolic and/or diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures, measured directly by femoral artery catheter, were elevated from 60 days onward in male R offspring (mean arterial pressure: day 60, P < 0.01; day 100, P < 0.05; day 200, P < 0.005, R vs. C), and from 100 days onward in female R offspring (mean arterial pressure day 100 and day 200, P < 0.05; R vs. C). 3 Maximal constriction to phenylephrine (PE) (P < 0.05) and to noradrenaline (NA) (P < 0.05) was reduced in isolated femoral arteries of day 20 R pups. These differences did not persist into adulthood. In male adult R offspring (200 days), maximal vasoconstriction to the thromboxane A2 mimetic, U46619 (P < 0.05) and sensitivity to potassium (P < 0.01) were enhanced. 4 Moderate maternal undernutrition in rat gestation adversely affects cardiovascular function in the offspring. These abnormalities increase with age and are more pronounced in males.
Relationship between Doppler blood pressure and survival or response to treatment in critically ill cats: 83 cases (2003-2004).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between Doppler blood pressure (DBP) and survival or response to treatment in critically ill cats. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 83 cats. PROCEDURES Medical records from cats admitted to the intensive care unit with at least 2 recorded DBP measurements were included in the study. Hypotension was defined as 1 or more DBP measurements d 90 mm Hg. Change in blood pressure, survival to hospital discharge, heart rate, rectal temperature, PCV, plasma pH, serum ionized calcium concentration, disease process, body weight, age, duration of hospitalization, and catecholamine treatment were also evaluated. RESULTS 39 cats were included in the hypotensive group, and 44 were consistently normotensive. Overall survival rate was 53% (44/83), with a significantly higher mortality rate in the hypotensive group (64% vs 32%). Among other variables, only low rectal temperature and low PCV were significantly associated with hypotension. Hypotensive cats with an increase in blood pressure of >or=20 mm Hg during hospitalization were more likely to survive to discharge (mortality rate, 69% vs 17%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hypotensive cats had increased mortality rate with lower rectal temperatures and lower PCV, compared with normotensive critically ill cats. The implications of these findings with regard to treatment remain to be elucidated, but addressing these abnormalities may be appropriate.
Factors influencing self-management in adults with diabetes: an umbrella review protocol.

REVIEW OBJECTIVES The aim of this umbrella review is to identify and describe factors influencing diabetes self-management (DSM) in adults with diabetes. More specifically, we will address DSM-related factors and their relationships, considering both qualitative and quantitative components of available literature.The review question for the qualitative component of the umbrella review is:The review questions for the quantitative component of the umbrella review are:An additional question will be applied to both the qualitative and quantitative components of the overview.
Falling by the wayside: a phenomenological exploration of perceived breast-milk inadequacy in lactating women.

OBJECTIVE To provide insight into the lived experience of breast feeding, in primiparous women. The main focus was upon women's perceptions related to the adequacy of their breast milk, for the purpose of exclusively nourishing their babies. DESIGN A longitudinal, phenomenological study involving in-depth, interactive interviews, conducted at 6, 12 and 18 weeks following the birth of the women's babies. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A convenience sample of ten primiparous women were recruited prior to discharge from a maternity unit, in the north of England, in 1998. FINDINGS Two groups of participants emerged, three who became increasingly confident and empowered by breast feeding and the remaining seven whose confidence progressively diminished, with six of them expressing concern that their breast milk was inadequate. Four major themes related to the participants' perceptions emerged from the analysis: the quest to quantify and visualise breast milk; anxiety regarding the adequacy of their diet; breast feeding as a challenging journey, with most feeling that they had 'fallen by the wayside' (this related partly to inadequate and conflicting advice given by health professionals); and finally, unmet needs for support, nurturing and replenishment in return for 'giving out'. CONCLUSION Perceived breast-milk inadequacy is underpinned by a complex and synergistic interaction between socio-cultural influences, feeding management, the baby's behaviour, lactation physiology and the woman's psychological state. IMPLICATIONS Education of midwives and health visitors is required in relation to the needs of breast-feeding mothers within a Western industrialised society. Strong social policy is vital in the UK, to initiate socio-cultural changes, which would enable women who commence breast feeding to perceive it as an empowering and fulfilling experience and not one of 'falling by the wayside'.
Implementation of an Integrative Medicine Treatment Program at a Veterans Health Administration Residential Mental Health Facility

A 4-week interdisciplinary integrative medicine program was recently added to the core treatment offerings for veterans participating in the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Program at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The new integrative medicine program teaches veterans about using meditative practices, nutrition, creative expression, tai chi, hatha yoga, sensory and breathing techniques, and lifestyle changes to enhance well-being. The groups are run by professionals from a variety of disciplines including recreation therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and nutrition. For the first 42 veterans to complete the program, the Short Form 12-item Health Survey was administered before and after participation in the integrative medicine program to assess the potential effectiveness of the program in enhancing physical and psychological well-being. In addition, a brief semistructured interview was used to assess veteran opinions about the program. Results suggest that the program was well received and that both physical and mental health scores improved from before to after treatment in this sample of veterans with complex behavioral health concerns.
New insight into LSD1 function in human cortical neurogenesis

ABSTRACT The cerebral cortex of primates has evolved massively and intricately in comparison to that of other species. Accumulating evidence indicates that this is caused by changes in cell biological features of neural stem cells (NSCs), which differentiate into neurons and glial cells during development. The fate of NSCs during rodent cortical development is stringently regulated by epigenetic factors, such as histone modification enzymes, but the role of these factors in human corticogenesis is largely unknown. We have recently discovered that a lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), which catalyzes the demethylation of methyl groups in the histone tail, plays a unique role in human fetal NSCs (hfNSCs). We show that, unlike the role previously reported in mice, LSD1 in hfNSCs is necessary for neuronal differentiation and controls the expression of HEYL, one of the NOTCH target genes, by modulating the methylation level of histones on its promoter region. Interestingly, LSD1-regulation of Heyl expression is not observed in mouse NSCs. Furthermore, we first demonstrated that HEYL is able to maintain the undifferentiated state of hfNSCs. Our findings provide a new insight indicating that LSD1 may be a key player in the development and characterization of the evolved cerebral cortex.
Effect of sevoflurane and desflurane on the myogenic constriction and flow-induced dilation in rat coronary arterioles.

BACKGROUND Determinants of myocardial blood flow distribution include metabolic, myogenic, endothelial, and neurohumoral control mechanisms. The authors studied the effect of sevoflurane and desflurane on the myogenic and endothelial mechanisms. METHODS Wistar rat subepicardial microvessels, approximately 100 microm in diameter, were monitored for diameter changes in vitro using a video detection system. Myogenic vasomotion was studied by varying the intraluminal pressure from 10 mmHg to 120 mmHg. Flow-induced, endothelium-dependent dilation was evaluated in U46619-preconstricted vessels by varying the pressure gradient across the isolated vessel from 10 mmHg to 80 mmHg, while maintaining the midpoint luminal pressure constant at 40 mmHg to avoid myogenic effects. Myogenic and flow-induced vasomotion both were studied in the presence of sevoflurane, 1 or 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) (MAC is a unit of inhalational anesthetic potency), desflurane, 1 or 2 MAC, or no anesthetic (control). RESULTS Myogenic constriction was shown above intraluminal pressures of 70 mmHg. Myogenic constriction was unchanged by sevoflurane, 1 MAC (P = 0.24), but was mildly enhanced by sevoflurane, 2 MAC (P < 0.05), or desflurane, 1 (P < 0.05) or 2 MAC (P < 0.01). Flow-induced dilation was shown over the pressure gradient range of 10-80 mmHg. Flow-induced dilation was not altered significantly by sevoflurane, 1 or 2 MAC (P > 0.3 each), but was significantly attenuated by desflurane, 1 or 2 MAC (P < 0.001 each). CONCLUSIONS Sevoflurane maintains myogenic and endothelial determinants of myocardial blood flow distribution. Conversely, desflurane attenuates endothelium-dependent flow-induced dilation while mildly enhancing myogenic constriction.
Persistent Depots of Influenza Antigen Fail To Induce a Cytotoxic CD8 T Cell Response1

Encounter with Ag during chronic infections results in the generation of phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous subsets of Ag-specific CD8 T cells. Influenza, an acute infection, results in the generation of similar CD8 T cell heterogeneity, which may be attributed to long-lived depots of flu Ags that stimulate T cell proliferation well after virus clearance. We hypothesized that the heterogeneity of flu-specific CD8 T cells and maintenance of T cell memory required the recruitment of new CD8 T cells to persistent depots of flu Ag, as was the case for flu-specific CD4 T cell responses. However, robust expansion and generation of highly differentiated cytolytic effectors and memory T cells only occurred when naive CD8 T cells were primed during the first week of flu infection. Priming of new naive CD8 T cells after the first week of infection resulted in low numbers of poorly functional effectors, with little to no cytolytic activity, and a negligible contribution to the memory pool. Therefore, although the presentation of flu Ag during the late stages of infection may provide a mechanism for maintaining an activated population of CD8 T cells in the lung, few latecomer CD8 T cells are recruited into the functional memory T cell pool.
Jab1/CSN5 mediates E2F dependent expression of mitotic and apoptotic but not DNA replication targets

The E2F transcription factors are critical regulators of cell cycle and cell fate control. Several classes of E2F target genes have been categorized based on their roles in DNA replication, G2/M and mitosis, apoptosis, DNA repair, etc. How E2Fs coordinate the appropriate and timely expression of these functionally disparate gene products is poorly understood at a molecular level. We previously showed that the E2F1 binding partner Jab1/CSN5 promotes E2F1-dependent induction of apoptosis but not proliferation. To better understand how Jab1 regulates E2F1 dependent transcription, we performed gene expression analysis to identify E2F target genes most and least affected by shRNA depletion of Jab1. We find that a significant number of apoptotic and mitotic E2F target genes are poorly expressed in cells lacking Jab1/CSN5, whereas DNA replication genes are generally still highly expressed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis indicates that both Jab1 and E2F1 co-occupy apoptotic and mitotic, but not DNA replication target genes. We explored a potential connection between PI3K activity and Jab1/E2F1 target gene induction, and found that E2F1/Jab1 co-induction of apoptotic target genes can be inhibited by activated PI3K. Furthermore, PI3K activity interferes with formation of the E2F1/Jab1 complex by co-immunoprecipitation. Jab1/CSN5 is upregulated in a variety of human tumors, but it’s unclear how its pro-proliferatory and apoptotic functions are regulated in this context. We explored the link between increased Jab1 levels and PI3K function in tumors and detected a highly significant correlation between elevated Jab1/CSN5 levels and PI3K activity in breast, ovarian, lung and prostate cancers.
Hybrid Extended Particle Filter (HEPF) for integrated civilian navigation system

Integration of complementary systems like inertial navigation system (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), improves navigation parameters accuracy. Currently, integrated navigation systems are commonly implemented using extended Kalman filter (EKF) and unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The EKF assumes linear process and measurement models while UKF generates sigma points using the real mean and standard deviation of data. However, both EKF and UKF assume the noise to be Gaussian, which is unrealistic for highly nonlinear systems. To overcome these limitations, particle filter (PF) was proposed lately which is a non-parametric filter and hence can easily deal with non-linearity and non-Gaussian noises. In this paper, hybrid extended particle filter (HEPF) is developed as an alternative to the EKF to achieve better navigation accuracy for low-cost micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors. Experimental GPS/INS datasets consisting of GPS carrier phase data and inertial measurements from low-cost MEMS-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) is used to evaluate the proposed HEPF. The HEPF performance is compared to that of other estimation techniques such as the EKF. The results show that both HEPF and EKF provide comparable navigation results during periods without GPS outages. However in cases when GPS outages are simulated, HEPF performs much better than the EKF, especially when simulated outages are located during periods with high vehicle dynamics.
Gaze estimation as a framework for iris liveness detection

This work investigates the possibility of detecting iris print-attacks via the analysis of a number of gaze-related features acquired in a process of eye tracking. Gaze estimation algorithms employ models based on the physical structure and function of the eye, providing thus a number of salient features that can be potentially employed for the detection of spoofing print-attacks. In our study, a combined dataset was assembled for the investigation of these features, consisting of eye movement recordings and the corresponding iris images collected from 100 subjects. The collected iris images were utilized in direct implementation of iris print-attacks against an eye tracking device. We developed a methodology for the detection of spoof indicative artifacts in the recorded signals, and fed the extracted features from the live and spoof eye signals into a two-class SVM classifier. The obtained results indicate a best correct classification rate (CCR) of 95.7%. Furthermore, we demonstrate the moderate decrease in liveness detection rates during subsampling of the eye movement signal to frequencies as low as 15 Hz. This result indicates the usefulness of running gaze estimation algorithms on existing iris recognition devices where such sampling frequency rate is common.
Mitochondrial modulation of Ca2+ sparks and transient KCa currents in smooth muscle cells of rat cerebral arteries

Mitochondria sequester and release calcium (Ca2+) and regulate intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in eukaryotic cells. However, the regulation of different Ca2+ signalling modalities by mitochondria in smooth muscle cells is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the regulation of Ca2+ sparks, Ca2+ waves and global [Ca2+]i by mitochondria in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. CCCP (a protonophore; 1 μm) and rotenone (an electron transport chain complex I inhibitor; 10 μm) depolarized mitochondria, reduced Ca2+ spark and wave frequency, and elevated global [Ca2+]i in smooth muscle cells of intact arteries. In voltage‐clamped (−40 mV) cells, mitochondrial depolarization elevated global [Ca2+]i, reduced Ca2+ spark amplitude, spatial spread and the effective coupling of sparks to large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium (KCa) channels, and decreased transient KCa current frequency and amplitude. Inhibition of Ca2+ sparks and transient KCa currents by mitochondrial depolarization could not be explained by a decrease in intracellular ATP or a reduction in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load, and occurred in the presence of diltiazem, a voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel blocker. Ru360 (10 μm), a mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake blocker, and lonidamine (100 μm), a permeability transition pore (PTP) opener, inhibited transient KCa currents similarly to mitochondrial depolarization. In contrast, CGP37157 (10 μm), a mitochondrial Na+–Ca2+ exchange blocker, activated these events. The PTP blockers bongkrekic acid and cyclosporin A both reduced inhibition of transient KCa currents by mitochondrial depolarization. These results indicate that mitochondrial depolarization leads to a voltage‐independent elevation in global [Ca2+]i and Ca2+ spark and transient KCa current inhibition. Data also suggest that mitochondrial depolarization inhibits Ca2+ sparks and transient KCa currents via PTP opening and a decrease in intramitochondrial [Ca2+].