Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Flat Panel Detector CT in Perfusion Assessment of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: Initial Clinical Experience

Five patients with brain arteriovenous malformations were studied with flat panel detector CT, DSC-MR imaging, and vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling. Flat panel detector CT, which was originally thought to measure blood volume, correlated more closely with ASL-CBF and DSC-CBF than with DSC-CBV. Flat panel detector CT perfusion depends on the time point chosen for data collection, which is triggered early in patients with AVMs. This finding, in combination with high data variability, makes flat panel detector CT inappropriate for perfusion assessment in brain AVMs. SUMMARY: The different results from flat panel detector CT in various pathologies have provoked some discussion. Our aim was to assess the role of flat panel detector CT in brain arteriovenous malformations, which has not yet been assessed. Five patients with brain arteriovenous malformations were studied with flat panel detector CT, DSC-MR imaging, and vessel-encoded pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling. In glomerular brain arteriovenous malformations, perfusion was highest next to the brain arteriovenous malformation with decreasing values with increasing distance from the lesion. An inverse tendency was observed in the proliferative brain arteriovenous malformation. Flat panel detector CT, originally thought to measure blood volume, correlated more closely with arterial spin-labeling-CBF and DSC-CBF than with DSC-CBV. We conclude that flat panel detector CT perfusion depends on the time point chosen for data collection, which is triggered too early in these patients (ie, when contrast agent appears in the superior sagittal sinus after rapid shunting through the brain arteriovenous malformation). This finding, in combination with high data variability, makes flat panel detector CT inappropriate for perfusion assessment in brain arteriovenous malformations.
Age‐related decline in chondrocyte response to insulin‐like growth factor‐I: The role of growth factor binding proteins

The synthetic activity of chondrocytes in articular cartilage declines with age, possibly as a result of decreased sensitivity to anabolic growth factors such as insulin‐like growth factor‐I. The sensitivity of these cells to insulin‐like growth factor‐I is regulated, in pan, by the synthesis of insulin‐like growth factor‐I binding proteins. We hypothesized that, as cartilage ages, an increase in the expression of these binding proteins suppresses the synthetic response of chondrocytes to insulin‐like growth factor‐I, To test this hypothesis, we measured proteoglycan synthesis (incorporation of [35S]sulfate per cell) in alginate cultures of chondrocytes from the articular cartilage of 1,3, 12, and 24‐month‐old rats. A dose‐response to insulin‐like growth factor‐I was determined for cells from each age group; incorporation of [35S]sulfate per cell declined with age, regardless of the dose. The sharpest decline was found between cells from the 1 and 3‐month‐old groups. Using the Western ligand b ot technique, we then compared the expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 binding protein in chondrocytes from the 1 and 3‐month‐old rats and found that it was increased in the cells from the older animals. Recombinant insulin‐like growth factor‐3, when added to the cell cultures of the 1‐month‐old rats, inhibited incorporation of [35S]sulfate and blocked responses to insulin‐like growth factor‐I. These findings suggest that the age‐related decline in the synthetic response of chondrocytes to insulin‐like growth factor‐I results, at least in part, from increased expression of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein.
Radio-medyan cubital arteriovenous fistula creation for hemodialysis access Hemodiyaliz erişimi için radio-medyan kubital arteriyovenöz fistül oluşturulmasi

Background:­This study aims to present our institutional experience regarding radio-median cubital arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation in patients unsuitable for standard radiocephalic fistula creation. Methods: Radio-median cubital AVF was created in 66 patients (31 males, 35 females; mean age 49.6 years; range 22 to 77 years) who were unsuitable for standard radiocephalic fistula creation. The study was performed in a prospective manner. All patients were analyzed with duplex Doppler ultrasonography at postoperative 15 th day and sixth month. Results:­ Early postoperative complications -within postoperative 15 days- were observed in 10 patients (15.1%). At first follow-up on 15 th day, 64 in 66 patients (97.0%) had patent AVF. At sixth month follow-up, 56 in 61 patients (91.8%) had patent AVF. Three patients (5.0%) with patent AVFs were not initiated on hemodialysis within six months. None of the patients had signs of steal syndrome within postoperative six months. Conclusion:­ We achieved satisfactory results using radio-median cubital AVF creation technique in patients unsuitable for standard radiocephalic fistula creation. This technique may be a good alternative for patients with poor venous or arterial structure at the level of wrist.
In silico and in vitro studies to elucidate the role of Cu2+ and galanthamine as the limiting step in the amyloid beta (1–42) fibrillation process

The formation of fibrils and oligomers of amyloid beta (Aβ) with 42 amino acid residues (Aβ1–42) is the most important pathophysiological event associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The formation of Aβ fibrils and oligomers requires a conformational change from an α‐helix to a β‐sheet conformation, which is encouraged by the formation of a salt bridge between Asp 23 or Glu 22 and Lys 28. Recently, Cu2+ and various drugs used for AD treatment, such as galanthamine (Reminyl®), have been reported to inhibit the formation of Aβ fibrils. However, the mechanism of this inhibition remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this work was to explore how Cu2+ and galanthamine prevent the formation of Aβ1–42 fibrils using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (20 ns) and in vitro studies using fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies. The MD simulations revealed that Aβ1–42 acquires a characteristic U‐shape before the α‐helix to β‐sheet conformational change. The formation of a salt bridge between Asp 23 and Lys 28 was also observed beginning at 5 ns. However, the MD simulations of Aβ1−42 in the presence of Cu2+ or galanthamine demonstrated that both ligands prevent the formation of the salt bridge by either binding to Glu 22 and Asp 23 (Cu2+) or to Lys 28 (galanthamine), which prevents Aβ1−42 from adopting the U‐characteristic conformation that allows the amino acids to transition to a β‐sheet conformation. The docking results revealed that the conformation obtained by the MD simulation of a monomer from the 1Z0Q structure can form similar interactions to those obtained from the 2BGE structure in the oligomers. The in vitro studies demonstrated that Aβ remains in an unfolded conformation when Cu2+ and galanthamine are used. Then, ligands that bind Asp 23 or Glu 22 and Lys 28 could therefore be used to prevent β turn formation and, consequently, the formation of Aβ fibrils.
Blackhead Disease (Histomoniasis) in Poultry: A Critical Review

Abstract After its discovery in 1893 in Rhode Island, blackhead disease was reported across the continent and soon in many other countries. It decimated the turkey industry in New England and followed production like a faithful shadow. Blackhead disease causes high mortality in turkeys, sometimes approaching 100% of a flock. In chickens, the mortality may be 10%–20% with high morbidity, although many outbreaks pass unnoticed. Early workers identified Histomonas meleagridis, a protozoan related to Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Trichomonas, as the causative agent. Like many other parasites, its life cycle is complex, involving as an intermediate host, the common cecal worm Heterakis gallinarum. The necessity for bacteria for Histomonas to become virulent in the turkey and chicken, notably Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Clostridium spp. , was discovered by research in gnotobiotic birds. Changes in management brought the disease under control, although it remained the first cause of mortality in turkeys until modern antihistomonal products were developed after WWII. The ban of nitroimidazole products in the United States and Europe was followed by an upsurge in reported cases in turkeys and chickens. Immunization is not an option for prevention, as birds do not reliably become resistant to reinfection after suffering a primary exposure. Recent research demonstrated that histomoniasis could spread rapidly through a flock of turkeys by direct contact, probably involving the phenomenon of cloacal drinking. Direct transmission was not demonstrated for chickens, stressing dependence on H. gallinarum as the source of infection. The lack of suitable treatment drugs or vaccines emphasizes the importance of prevention by worm control and management.
Sexual Health Education: A Psychiatric Resident’s Perspective

ObjectiveThis report discusses psychiatric residents’ perceptions of sexual health education and their opinions regarding curricular improvements.MethodsAn anonymous, web-based survey was sent to residents in one general psychiatry program (N=33). The response rate was 69.7%. ResultstResidents reported inadequate experience in multiple areas of sexual health. In every topic surveyed, 61.5% or more of the early residency group and 20% or more of the late residency group reported “none” or “too little” to both clinical and didactic experiences. Approximately one-half of residents responded that more time should be spent on every topic surveyed. The teaching modalities of didactics and outpatient clinical work were thought to provide the greatest educational benefit.ConclusionPsychiatric residents value education regarding sexual health and would like more opportunities to learn about this topic.
Tuberculous meningitis in adults: review of 48 cases.

The cases of 48 adult patients with tuberculous meningitis who were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) between 1982 and 1993 were reviewed. An underlying disease was present in 24 patients (50%), including 10 with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Forty-seven patients were referred to the ICU because of neurological deterioration; 22 were comatose at admission. Forty-six patients received antituberculous treatment; 36 required mechanical ventilatory support, and 16 underwent neurosurgery. Thirty-one patients died within 4 months after admission, and the remaining 17 were alive at a 1-year follow-up. Univariate prognostic analysis selected three variables, all assessed at admission, associated with outcome: time to onset of treatment of > or = 3 days (P = .003), coma (P = .006), and simplified acute physiology score of > 11 (P = .03). Thus, the outcome of tuberculous meningitis is mainly determined by the clinical stage at admission and the delay in starting treatment. These findings underscore the need to initiate early therapy as soon as the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis is suspected.
Identification of SERPINB1 As a Physiological Inhibitor of Human Granzyme H

The granzyme/perforin pathway is a major mechanism for cytotoxic lymphocytes to eliminate virus-infected and tumor cells. The balance between activation and inhibition of the proteolytic cascade must be tightly controlled to avoid self damage. Granzyme H (GzmH) is constitutively expressed in NK cells and induces target cell death; however, how GzmH activity is regulated remains elusive. We reported earlier the crystal structures of inactive D102N-GzmH alone and in complex with its synthetic substrate and inhibitor, as well as defined the mechanisms of substrate recognition and enzymatic activation. In this study, we identified SERPINB1 as a potent intracellular inhibitor for GzmH. Upon cleavage of the reactive center loop at Phe343, SERPINB1 forms an SDS-stable covalent complex with GzmH. SERPINB1 overexpression suppresses GzmH- or LAK cell–mediated cytotoxicity. We determined the crystal structures of active GzmH and SERPINB1 (LM-DD mutant) in the native conformation to 3.0- and 2.9-Å resolution, respectively. Molecular modeling reveals the possible conformational changes in GzmH for the suicide inhibition. Our findings provide new insights into the inhibitory mechanism of SERPINB1 against human GzmH.
Cases of teeth concrescence in the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)

Three cases of concrescence of the fourth premolar with the first molar and one case of concrescence of the third and the fourth premolars are described in the Pacific walrus, Odobenus rosmarus divergens (Illiger, 1815). These cases represent 0.3% of the total number of inspected teeth (n = 1206) from 307 animals. All individuals (n = 3) were adult males aged 22–26 years old. The beginning of concrescence was found in animals ranging from 7 to 23 years old. The sections of concrescent teeth showed them to be joined by newly deposited layers of cementum. How to cite this article: Kryukova N.V. 2017. Cases of teeth concrescence in the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) // Russian J. Theriol. Vol.16. No.1. P.110–113. doi: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.16. 1.10
T suppressor hybridomas and interleukin‐2‐dependent lines induced by copolymer 1 or by spinal cord homogenate down‐regulate experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Suppressor T (Ts) hybridomas and interleukin‐2‐dependent T cell lines were established from spleens of mice, which had been rendered unresponsive to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) either by mouse spinal cord homogenate or by the synthetic suppressant copolymer 1 (Cop 1). The Ts hybridoma supernatants and the Ts line cells specifically suppressed the in vitro response to the encephalitogenic myelin basic protein (BP), as indicated by inhibition of both the proliferation and interleukin‐2‐secretion responses of a BP‐specific T cell line. Moreover, these Ts cells prevented the development of actively induced EAE in vivo. All hybridomas and lines were most effective when injected at the time of disease induction, thus suggesting that they operate as effector suppressor cells, and functionally inhibit encephalitogenic responses. The data presented here suggest that the suppressor cells are stimulated by the protective epitopes included in the BP as well as in the Cop 1 molecules and that they play an active role in the regulation of EAE. The generation of Ts lines and hybridomas, which have been induced by Cop 1, establish the specific stimulation of suppressor cells to EAE as a mechanism underlying the therapeutic activity of Cop l.
Radiation-Induced Changes in Permeability in Unilamellar Phospholipid Liposomes

Abstract Marathe, D. L. and Mishra, K. P. Radiation-Induced Changes in Permeability in Unilamellar Phospholipid Liposomes. Radiat. Res. 157, 685–692 (2002). Gamma-radiation-induced oxidative damage in unilamellar dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes was investigated using a fluorescence technique. Liposomal changes in permeability induced by gamma radiation were monitored by measuring the leakage of pre-encapsulated 6-carboxyfluorescein, and alterations in lipid bilayer fluidity were determined by 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene fluorescence polarization. The changes in permeability and fluidity in the bilayer were found to be dependent on the radiation dose in a biphasic fashion. The results are interpreted in terms of lipid bilayer fluidization after exposure to doses up to 1 kGy, but rigidization of the bilayer at higher doses. These results indicate a relationship between alterations in permeability and fluidity in the lipid bilayer after irradiation. The vesicles were protected significantly against radiation-induced oxidative damage in the presence of α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid. Radiation-induced changes in the permeability of the liposomes after exposure to γ radiation and their modification by antioxidants indicate the involvement of a free radical mechanism in the production of damage, which may offer new insights in to the modification of cellular radiosensitivity by modulation of membrane damage.
Pentoxifylline prevents tumor necrosis factor-induced lung injury.

Human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) is a monokine produced by mononuclear cells after many stimuli, including bacterial endotoxin. Full exploration of its antineoplastic effects has been limited by side effects. We have previously shown that the administration of TNF to guinea pigs is associated with a syndrome similar to gram-negative septic shock, which includes capillary permeability lung injury. In this study, we measured the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on parameters of TNF-induced lung injury including: lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, the ratio of lung-to-plasma 125I-labeled albumin (albumin index), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and peripheral leukocyte counts, and serial measurements of mean arterial pressure (MAP). Four groups of animals were studied: a TNF group received 3.75 x 10(6) U/kg TNF; a PTX group received a 20-mg/kg bolus of PTX followed by an infusion of 6 mg/kg/h; the PTX-TNF group received both; and the final group was a saline control. ANOVA analysis revealed significant elevations of lung wet-to-dry ratio only in the TNF group (5.9 [5.6 to 6.3], p less than 0.001), expressed as the mean followed by 95% confidence intervals). Lung albumin index was elevated only in the TNF group (0.24 [0.19 to 0.29], p less than 0.01). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The cigar ambassador: how Snoop Dogg uses Instagram to promote tobacco use

Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, otherwise known as Snoop Dogg, and now Snoop Lion, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. He has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and is a self-described “savvy adapter of new technology” whose “stronghold over the various social networking platforms makes him more accessible than ever. ”1 His influence in cyberspace is evident in his 23+ million likes on Facebook, 10+ million Twitter followers and over 350 000 YouTube subscribers. He has also acquired more than 1.6 million followers on Instagram, a photo-sharing app recently acquired by Facebook,2 where 90 million monthly users upload 40 million photos per day. Beyond promotion of his artistic endeavours, Snoop Dogg is using social media—Instagram, in particular—to promote cigars. During the three-day Coachella music festival in 2012, where approximately 85 000 people gathered …
Regulating gene expression in zebrafish embryos using light-activated, negatively charged peptide nucleic acids.

We report the synthesis, characterization, and in vivo application of light-activated, negatively charged peptide nucleic acids (caged ncPNAs) for down-regulating gene expression during zebrafish embryonic development. The 18-mer ncPNAs were attached to a short complementary 2‘-OMe RNA sense strand (sRNA) via a heterobifunctional photocleavable linker (PL). Caged ncPNAs were designed to target chordin and bozozok mRNA. Modest UV irradiation cleaved the photoactive linker, which yielded the less stable ncPNA/sRNA duplex (ΔTm ∼ −20 °C for chordin and −41 °C for bozozok). These caged ncPNAs were microinjected into zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos at the one- or two-cell stage. The conjugate was nontoxic, and most embryos showed no phenotypic response at 24 h post fertilization (24 hpf), which indicated low background activity. Embryos that were photoactivated at 2 or 3 hpf developed phenotypic abnormalities typical of embryos with loss of function of the chordin or bozozok gene. Phenotypic results were furthe.
Clinical Features and Recurrence Pattern of Perianal Abscess in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Introduction: Perianal abscess may develop during neutropenia periods in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The standard of care for perianal abscess in AML is unclear. Methods: We retrospectively collected patient data in our institute from 2009 to 2012. Results: Two hundred ninety-two patients with AML were analyzed. In total, 1,051 chemotherapy sessions were administered. Twenty-three patients experienced perianal abscess. Patients with perianal abscess were younger than those without (44 vs. 60 years, p < 0.0001). Perianal abscess developed in various phases of treatment and in the stem cell transplantation period. Twelve recurrences developed in 6 patients. Patients with a prior perianal abscess have a 10-fold risk of developing a subsequent abscess following further chemotherapy. The microbiology profile revealed that most pathogens were derived from the intestinal tracts, which was similar to the findings of previous studies. The 28-day mortality was 14.3% and the direct cause of death was not perianal abscess in any case. Surgical interventions had no impact on recurrence or survival. Conclusion: In patients with AML, perianal abscess results from gastrointestinal tract pathogens. Many patients do not require surgical interventions. The mortality is low but recurrence is common following subsequent chemotherapies. Therefore, awareness of recurrence is important for the timely management of perianal abscess in AML.
A shift of cellular calcium to a more slowly exchangeable fraction during contraction in guinea pig taenia coli.

Abstract It is now generally agreed that Ca ion is essential for the contraction of smooth muscle. On the role of Ca ion in the contraction cycle of smooth muscle, many electrophysiological studies have suggested that the action potential of the muscle cell is associated with an inward movement of Ca ions from anionic sites of cell membrane or from extracellular space and this Ca flow may initiate contractile response (1, 2). It has also been suggested from radioisotope studies (3–6) that contraction in smooth muscle may be triggered and maintained by release of Cellular Ca and/or by influx of extracelluar Ca.
FERTILITY GENES IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. III. SUPERIORITY OF INVERSION HETEROZYGOTES

Chromosomal polymorphism in natural populations is largely maintained by the adaptive superiority of inversion heterozygotes. Dobzhansky and his co-workers have carried out many studies on heterosis in Drosophila pseudoobscura populations (summarized in Dobzhansky, 1970). The superior fitness of heterokaryotypes has also been reported in other Drosophila species: D. persimilis (Spiess, 1958; Spiess and Langer, 1964); D. robusta (Carson, 1958; Prakash, 1967); D. willistoni (da Cunha et al., 1950; Pavan et al., 1957); D. ananassae (Tobari, 1962) and D. pavani (Brncic et al., 1969). Extensive chromosomal polymorphism in Japanese populations of D. melanogaster was demonstrated by Watanabe (1967). Two inversions on the second chromosome and four inversions on the third chromosome which had been found all over the world were highly polymorphic in Japanese natural populations. The second chromosome inversion In(2L)B was maintained in the population year after year at a frequency of about 35%. A higher adaptive value of the inversion heterozygotes was expected from estimates of the pre-adult viability. However, superiority was found only when In(2L)B was combined with another inversion, In(2R)C. The viability of the heterozygotes for In(2L)B and standard chromosomes was the same as that of the standard heterozygotes (Watanabe et al., 1964). A significant superiority of this inversion heterozygote in female