Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The link between chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease

Context: It is well known that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a strong risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the excess risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with CKD is only partially explained by the presence of traditional risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Evidence Acquisitions: Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO and Web of Science has been searched. Results: Chronic kidney disease even in its early stages can cause hypertension and potentiate the risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the practice of intensive blood pressure lowering was criticized in recent systematic reviews. Available evidence is inconclusive but does not prove that a blood pressure target of less than 130/80 mmHg as recommended in the guidelines improves clinical outcomes more than a target of less than 140/90 mmHg in adults with CKD. Conclusions: The association between CKD and CVD has been extensively documented in the literature. Both CKD and CVD share common traditional risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. However, cardiovascular disease remains often underdiagnosed und undertreated in patients with CKD. It is imperative that as clinicians, we recognize that patients with CKD are a group at high risk for developing CVD and cardiovascular events. Additional studies devoted to further understand the risk factors for CVD in patients with CKD are necessary to develop and institute preventative and treatment strategies to reduce the high morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD.
The Pore Region of N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptors Differentially Influences Stimulation and Block by Spermine

The transmembrane and pore-forming regions of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors containing the NR1 and NR2B subunits were studied by measuring the effects of various NR1 and NR2B mutants on stimulation and block by spermine. Block by spermine was predominantly affected by mutations in the M3 segment of NR1 and especially in the M1 and M3 segments of NR2B. These regions are in the outer vestibule of the channel pore and may contribute to a spermine binding site. Mutations in different regions—predominantly the M3 segment and M2 loop of NR1 and the M3 segment of NR2B—influenced spermine stimulation, a surprising finding because spermine stimulation is thought to involve a spermine binding site in the distal, extracellular regulatory domain. However, some of these mutations also influence sensitivity to ifenprodil and protons, and changes in spermine sensitivity may be secondary to changes in proton sensitivity. The results are consistent with the proposal that the relative positions of the M1 and M3 transmembrane segments and M2 loops are staggered or asymmetric in NR1 and NR2 subunits, and with the idea that stimulation and block by spermine involve separate binding sites and distinct mechanisms, although some residues in the receptor subunits can affect both stimulation and block.
Near-Infrared Brain Volumetric Imaging Method: A Monte Carlo Study

The symptom of brain volumetric changes may provide significant biomarker to predict progressive dementia. The brain volumetric changes of prefrontal cortex are highly associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Besides, brain atrophy reveals the expanded interhemispheric fissure and the concomitant increasing cerebrospinal fluid volume. Thus, the quantitative assessment of brain volumetric changes is an important consideration for clinical studies of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we first proposed an approach that uses near-infrared brain volumetric imaging to detect brain volumetric changes. The healthy, aged, and typical Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains were modeled with different characterization of brain volumetric changes from in vivo MRI data based on time-resolved 3-D Monte Carlo simulation. In the results, the significant difference of prefrontal cortex structure can be observed among healthy, aged, and AD brain with various source-detector separations in sagittal view. Our study shows that the near-infrared brain volumetric imaging can be an indicator of brain atrophy for clinical application of neurodegenerative diseases with patient-oriented measurement.
Immunocytochemical Evidence that GLUT4 Resides in a Specialized Translocation Post-endosomal VAMP2-positive Compartment in Rat Adipose Cells in the Absence of Insulin

Insulin stimulates glucose transport in rat adipose cells through the translocation of GLUT4 from a poorly defined intracellular compartment to the cell surface. We employed confocal microscopy to determine the in situ localization of GLUT4 relative to vesicle, Golgi, and endosomal proteins in these physiological insulin target cells. Three-dimensional analyses of GLUT4 immunostaining in basal cells revealed an intracellular punctate, patchy distribution both in the perinuclear region and scattered throughout the cytoplasm. VAMP2 closely associates with GLUT4 in many punctate vesicle-like structures. A small fraction of GLUT4 overlaps with TGN38-mannosidase ll, γ-adaptin, and mannose-6-phosphate receptors in the perinuclear region, presumably corresponding to late endosome and trans-Golgi network structures. GLUT4 does not co-localize with transferrin receptors, clathrin, and lgp-120. After insulin treatment, GLUT4 partially redistributes to the cell surface and decreases in the perinuclear area. However, GLUT4 remains co-localized with TGN38-mannosidase ll and γ-adaptin. Therefore, the basal compartment from which GLUT4 is translocated in response to insulin comprises specialized post-endosomal VAMP2-positive vesicles, distinct from the constitutively recycling endosomes. These results are consistent with a kinetic model in which GLUT4 is sequestered through two or more intracellular pools in series. (J Histochem Cytochem 45:1083–1096, 1997)
Progress Report for the Robotic Intelligence Evaluation. Program Year 1: Developing Test Methodology for Anti-Rollover Systems

Abstract : The Robotics Intelligence Evaluation Program (RIEP) is a joint effort by the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) and U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to develop methodologies to evaluate robotic behavior algorithms that control the actions of individual robots or groups of robots acting as a team to perform a particular task. Although vehicle chassis performance will impact the evaluation of robotic behavior algorithms, testing of intelligent robotic platforms requires more than the classic automotive tests. The tests and procedures required to evaluate these algorithms cross the traditional boundaries between operational and developmental testing and between hardware and software testing. This document is a discussion of an antirollover case study used to refine the RIEP methodology. We begin with a discussion of vehicle rollover and prevention systems. Most of the information for these sections comes from the automotive industry where anti-rollover technologies are becoming important safety features. We discuss the current measures and tests used by automotive safety engineers and some of the additional elements that need to be considered for robotic systems. We also discuss several simulation tools applicable to vehicle rollover studies. Finally, we make recommendations for virtual and physical tests of anti-rollover systems.
Distinct temporal profiles of activity‐dependent calcium increase in pyramidal neurons of the rat visual cortex

1 Using fluo‐3‐based fluorometry, we studied variation in depolarization‐induced calcium increases in the proximal dendrites or soma of pyramidal neurons in layer II/III of the rat visual cortex. 2 Depolarization for all durations tested (0.1‐2 s; 0.5 nA) evoked a train of action potentials and a small increase in calcium signal (mean 26 %) which peaked within 1 s of the onset of depolarization. With depolarization for longer than 1 s, this small increase was often followed by a larger increase (73 %). This later phase of calcium increase occurred without sudden changes in action potential firing. 3 Application of ryanodine, which suppresses intracellular calcium release, abolished the second phase without affecting the early phase in a use‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, no major changes were observed in the pattern of action potential firing. 4 In calcium‐free medium, both the early and late phases were almost undetectable, although action potential firing was still evoked by injection of depolarizing currents. Since the late phase depended on intracellular calcium release, this effect of calcium‐free medium on the late phase is likely to be indirect through an influence on the early phase. 5 This two‐phase profile was observed with somatic depolarization or with antidromic action potentials induced by tetanization. Neocortical pyramidal neurons can thus recruit calcium from different sources, even without chemical sensitization, generating temporally diverse profiles of intracellular calcium signal in response to action potential firing. 6 Such variety in the mechanisms of calcium increase may be relevant to the role of calcium as a versatile second messenger for various types of synaptic plasticity.
Influences of the aging process on acute perioperative pain management in elderly and cognitively impaired patients.

BACKGROUND The aging process results in physiological deterioration and compromise along with a reduction in the reserve capacity of the human body. Because of the reduced reserves of mammalian organ systems, perioperative stressors may result in compromise of physiologic function or clinical evidence of organ insult secondary to surgery and anesthesia. The purpose of this review is to present evidence-based indications and best practice techniques for perioperative pain management in elderly surgical patients. RESULTS In addition to pain, cognitive dysfunction in elderly surgical patients is a common occurrence that can often be attenuated with appropriate drug therapy. Modalities for pain management must be synthesized with intraoperative anesthesia and the type of surgical intervention and not simply considered a separate entity. CONCLUSIONS Pain in elderly surgical patients continues to challenge physicians and healthcare providers. Current studies show improved surgical outcomes for geriatric patients who receive multimodal therapy for pain control.
Biosequestration via cooperative binding of copper by Ralstonia pickettii

Ralstonia pickettii isolated from copper‐contaminated lake sediment are adapted to high levels of copper after 100 years of selective pressure. Two R. pickettii strains (12D and 12J) were selected for the studies reported herein due to their distinct differences in genomic structure, different metal resistance patterns and carriage of a filamentous phage. Copper sequestration studies revealed that these strains could bind up to 27.44 (12D) and 38.19 (12J) mg copper per g dry weight of cells and that viable cells sequestered more copper than heat‐killed cells. Viable cells and heat‐killed cells had significantly different saturation binding curves, indicating that one or more unique copper sequestration mechanism(s) was involved in binding by viable cells. Electron microscopy showed alteration of cell outer envelope after cells were grown in the presence of copper, suggesting that the accumulation of copper was membrane associated. X‐ray Absorption Near Edge Structure and Extended X‐ray Absorption Fine Structure revealed that the copper sequestered was present as Cu(II) and bound to oxygen and/or nitrogen. Recent completion of the genome sequence revealed that an approximately 220 kb region was enriched with metal resistance and transporter genes found in multiple copies. Comparative sequence analysis revealed that several genes may have been derived from horizontal transfer. Hence, rapid adaptation of R. pickettii to high concentrations of metal appears due to robust gene duplication and importation of several types of resistance determinants.
SimCat: an entity similarity measure for heterogeneous knowledge graph with categories

Establishing similarity between heterogeneous entities in a complex knowledge graph is a challenging task due to the unrestricted nature of categories and relation types. In large graphs, the semantic roles of relation types and entity categories are strongly interdependent at a statistical scale and help in defining a key component of entity similarity measures. In this paper we define a measure that incorporates category information as well as aggregated relationship graph structures. Experimental evaluation in terms of entity retrieval performance on a large subset of the Freebase graph establishes the efficacy of the system.
A comparative study of a 595‐nm with a 585‐nm pulsed dye laser in refractory port wine stains

Background The pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the treatment of choice for port wine stains (PWS); however, some patients' PWS become refractory to further treatments. Technological advances have enabled new machines with the advent of surface cooling devices to deliver longer wavelengths and higher fluence more safely. These advances have the potential to achieve improved response rates in refractory PWS. There are few studies comparing the efficacy of standard PDL treatments for refractory PWS with the wider choice of treatment variables available from newer PDL machines.
Walking and health: an enactive affective system

ABSTRACT This essay presents a transdisciplinary project whose objective is to create a sensorised insole built with latex (Hevea brasiliensis) to measure physiological variations of the human body, as well as to graphically represent affective reciprocal exchanges of the human behaviour with the environment. The purpose is to improve our enactive system through the use of various physiological sensors (e.g. pressure, galvanic skin response and temperature sensors), which can be processed and visualised by revealing the affective exchanges of the body while walking in the city, pinned on a map as data visualisation. Inspired by the enaction theories, the output of sensors and devices application that models the perception as a laboratory phenomenon, as proposed by Dr Ted Krueger, the investigation directed by Dr Domingues is conceived for the expanded sensorium and for the reengineering of life. The artwork is inserted in the domain of aesthetic investigation of art as experiences related to topics on art and technoscience for innovation in health. The created prototype was tested in the city at different locations and the results demonstrated its use as a kind of personal assistant for vital signals by configuring an enactive system added of affective qualities which possibilities to reveal the ‘pathos’, or the affective narratives experienced in the emergent reciprocity with the city. The insole biomaterial, created by Dr Suelia Rodrigues (BioEngeLab), has been successfully used to measure the foot pressure and to serve as a health assistant, especially for people with diabetes. The signal-processing approaches, explored in Biomedical engineering by Dr Cristiano Miosso, were empowered by data visualisation approaches developed by Dr Ricardo Torres (University of Campinas). Finally, we consider this prototype a creative technology for mhealth, which is a disruptive innovation, by providing other forms of existence.
Associations of Characteristics of Renal Transplant Recipients With Clinicians’ Perceptions of Adherence to Immunosuppressant Therapy

Background. The objective of the study was to determine surveillance criteria for renal transplant recipients (RTRs) at highest risk for immunosuppressant therapy nonadherence. Methods. Retrospective analyses were performed on follow-up data in the United States Renal Data System. Those who received transplants between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2002, had at least 36 months of follow-up data, and did not receive a second renal transplant were included in the analyses. The risk of nonadherence was estimated by random effects logistic regression while controlling for age, gender, race, education, donor type, primary insurance, time since transplant, and immunosuppressant medications using the STATA software (College Station, TX). Association between nonadherence and graft failure was also examined. Results. A total of 53,997 individuals met the inclusion criteria. About 6% of RTRs were reported nonadherent. Nonadherence risk increased with time posttransplant and decreased with age (P<0.001). RTRs who were male, nonwhite, or used mycophenolate mofetil or tacrolimus were more likely to be nonadherent with odds ratios (OR) of 1.36, 1.99, 1.13, and 1.31, respectively (P<0.05) than RTRs who used cyclosporine, steroids, azathioprine, or had Medicare (P<0.05). Nonadherent RTRs were more likely to experienced graft failure (P<0.001). Conclusions. Interventions to improve adherence should target younger RTRs, male RTRs, nonwhite RTRs, and those not on Medicare to reduce risk of graft failure.
Protectionism Through Exporting: Subsidies with Export Share Requirements in China

We study the effect of subsidies subject to export share requirements (ESR) - that is, conditioned on a firm exporting at least a given fraction of its output - on exports, the intensity of competition and welfare, through the lens of a two-country model of trade with heterogeneous firms. Our calibrated model suggests that this type of subsidy boosts exports more and provides greater protection for domestic firms than a standard unconditional export subsidy, albeit at a substantial welfare cost.
Histopathological findings of renal tissue induced by oxidative stress due to different concentrations of fluoride

It has been reported that excessive intake of fluoride can induce renal lesions. However, its pathogenesis is still less understood. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate oxidative damage and the relationships between the oxidative damage and renal lesions in fluoride-treated mice by using the methods of histopathology, biochemistry, flow cytometry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A total of 240 ICR mice were randomly divided into four equal groups (sodium fluoride was given orally at the dose of 0, 12, 24 and 48 mg/kg body weight for 42 days, respectively). We found that fluoride in excess of 12 mg/kg induced renal oxidative damage, which was characterized by increasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC), and decreasing the abilities of anti-superoxide anion (ASA) and anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR), glutathione (GSH) content, as well as activities and mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Concurrently, fluoride caused degeneration and necrosis of the tubular cells, renal tubular hyaline casts and glomeruli swelling, which were consistent with the alteration of renal function parameters including elevated contents of serum creatinine (Cr), serum uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the activities of urinary N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), renal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reduced activities of sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the kidney. The above-mentioned results showed that fluoride in excess of 12 mg/kg induced renal oxidative damage, which then caused renal lesions and dysfunctions. These findings also clearly demonstrated that oxidative damage is one of the mechanisms of fluoride-induced renal lesions and dysfunctions.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-&agr; Promotes In Vitro Calcification of Vascular Cells via the cAMP Pathway

BackgroundVascular calcification is an ectopic calcification that commonly occurs in atherosclerosis. Because tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF-&agr;), a pleiotropic cytokine found in atherosclerotic lesions, is also a regulator of bone formation, we investigated the role of TNF-&agr; in in vitro vascular calcification. Methods and ResultsA cloned subpopulation of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells previously shown capable of osteoblastic differentiation was treated with TNF-&agr;, and osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization were assessed. Treatment of vascular cells with TNF-&agr; for 3 days induced an osteoblast-like morphology. It also enhanced both activity and mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase, an early marker of osteoblastic differentiation. Continuous treatment with TNF-&agr; for 10 days enhanced matrix mineralization as measured by radiolabeled calcium incorporation in the matrix. Pretreatment of cells with a protein kinase A–specific inhibitor, KT5720, attenuated cell morphology, the alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization induced by TNF-&agr;. Consistent with this, the intracellular cAMP level was elevated after TNF-&agr; treatment. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that TNF-&agr; enhanced DNA binding of osteoblast specific factor (Osf2), AP1, and CREB, transcription factors that are important for osteoblastic differentiation. ConclusionsThese results suggest that TNF-&agr; enhances in vitro vascular calcification by promoting osteoblastic differentiation of vascular cells through the cAMP pathway.
Acute Effects of Atorvastatin on Glomerular Filtration Rate, Tubular Function, Blood Pressure, and Vasoactive Hormones in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Statins improve cardiovascular survival in both nondiabetic and diabetic patients, but diabetic patients benefit more, in both primary and secondary prevention. Statins seem to have multiple effects beyond cholesterol lowering, that is, pleiotropic effects that may include changes in renal function. This study tests the hypothesis that acute treatment with atorvastatin may change glomerular filtration rate, tubular function, vasoactive hormones, blood pressure, and pulse rate in patients with type 2 diabetes. In an acute, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, crossover trial, the effects of atorvastatin on renal function, vasoactive hormones, blood pressure, and pulse rate are measured in 21 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients are randomized to either 2 doses of atorvastatin 80 mg or placebo before 2 different study days. Treatment with atorvastatin induces a significant reduction in fractional sodium excretion compared with placebo, and sodium clearance tends to be reduced. No significant differences in glomerular filtration rate, albumin/creatinine ratio, vasoactive hormones, and blood pressure by acute treatment with atorvastatin are found in diabetic patients. Acute treatment with atorvastatin reduces renal fractional sodium excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes. No changes are measured in glomerular filtration rate, albumin/creatinine ratio, vasoactive hormones, and blood pressure.