Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence of muscle BOLD effect revealed by simultaneous interleaved gradient‐echo NMRI and myoglobin NMRS during leg ischemia

The purpose of this work was to investigate the temporal relationship between intensity changes in T2*‐weighted NMR images and tissue oxygen content, measured by myoglobin proton NMR spectroscopy, in the skeletal muscle. During an ischemic stress test, the calf muscles of five healthy volunteers were studied at 3 Tesla. An interleaved NMRI‐NMRS sequence was used, which made it possible to record T2*‐weighted images and myoglobin spectra simultaneously. During ischemia, rapid changes in muscle signal intensity were observed on T2*‐weighted images, which immediately preceded myoglobin desaturation. Bearing in mind the respective P50 of hemoglobin and myoglobin, this observation clearly favored the hypothesis that hemoglobin desaturation was responsible for the changes in T2*. This interpretation was further supported by the temporal coincidence between the experimental NMR data and a model of hemoglobin desaturation solely derived from physiological considerations.
Navigation in the fingertip

The tactile sense provides local motion information, such as the speed, the direction, and the duration of motion, of an object sliding on the fingertip. An optimal observer should be able to represent the displacement of the object, or the displacement of its own finger on a surface, by integrating these local motion cues over time. In navigation, this skill is known as path integration. We determined human performance for path integration in the fingertip. For this purpose, we develop an experimental task equivalent to the triangle completion task, which is commonly used in locomotion research to study path integration.
Substrate and Cofactor Dynamics on Guanosine Monophosphate Reductase Probed by High Resolution Field Cycling 31P NMR Relaxometry*

Guanosine-5′-monophosphate reductase (GMPR) catalyzes the reduction of GMP to IMP and ammonia with concomitant oxidation of NADPH. Here we investigated the structure and dynamics of enzyme-bound substrates and cofactors by measuring 31P relaxation rates over a large magnetic field range using high resolution field cycling NMR relaxometry. Surprisingly, these experiments reveal differences in the low field relaxation profiles for the monophosphate of GMP compared with IMP in their respective NADP+ complexes. These complexes undergo partial reactions that mimic different steps in the overall catalytic cycle. The relaxation profiles indicate that the substrate monophosphates have distinct interactions in E·IMP·NADP+ and E·GMP·NADP+ complexes. These findings were not anticipated by x-ray crystal structures, which show identical interactions for the monophosphates of GMP and IMP in several inert complexes. In addition, the motion of the cofactor is enhanced in the E·GMP·NADP+ complex. Last, the motions of the substrate and cofactor are coordinately regulated; the cofactor has faster local motions than GMP in the deamination complex but is more constrained than IMP in that complex, leading to hydride transfer. These results show that field cycling can be used to investigate the dynamics of protein-bound ligands and provide new insights into how portions of the substrate remote from the site of chemical transformation promote catalysis.
Investigations of Temperature Effects on the Dielectric Response Measurements of Transformer Oil-Paper Insulation System

Dielectric testing techniques, in both time and frequency domains, are currently widely used by power utilities for assessment of the condition of transformer oil-paper insulation systems. However, it has been reported that results of these tests are highly influenced by the operating temperature during measurements. The distribution, migration and equilibrium of moisture between oil and paper in a complicated insulation system is highly temperature dependent. It requires adequate experience and proper understanding to interpret the dielectric response results in the presence of temperature variations and thermal instability. Proper analysis of the dielectric test result is only possible with an understanding of the physical behavior of the insulation system in response to temperature. A circuit model, which describes the dielectric behavior of the transformers main insulation system, has been investigated in this paper. The values of the parameters of the model have been identified from the dielectric tests. A correlation has been observed between the operating temperature and the equivalent model parameters that can be used as additional information for better interpretation of the dielectric test results. This paper thus reports a detailed study on the effects of temperature on dielectric measurements of a transformer under controlled laboratory conditions. Some results of practical on-site testing are also presented to demonstrate the possibility of errors that may be introduced in dielectric test results analysis unless temperature effects are taken into consideration.
Fibrin D-dimer and beta-thromboglobulin as markers of thrombogenesis and platelet activation in atrial fibrillation. Effects of introducing ultra-low-dose warfarin and aspirin.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated increased markers of thrombogenesis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), suggesting the presence of a hypercoagulable or prothrombotic state. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of introducing ultra-low-dose warfarin (1 mg), conventional warfarin, and aspirin. (300 mg) therapy on thrombogenesis and platelet activation in AF. METHODS AND RESULTS We measured sequential changes in plasma fibrin D-dimer (an index of thrombogenesis) and beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG, a measure of platelet activation) in 51 patients with chronic AF before and at 2 and 6 weeks after randomization to either 1 mg warfarin or 300 mg aspirin (phase 1). Then all patients were started on conventional warfarin therapy (phase 2) with samples taken 2 and 6 weeks later. Pretreatment results were compared with those from 26 healthy control subjects in sinus rhythm. Baseline (pretreatment) beta-TG and D-dimer levels in patients with AF were elevated compared with those of control subjects (P < .001). In phase 1, there were no significant changes in median levels of fibrin D-dimer or beta-TG, despite warfarin 1 mg or aspirin 300 mg. With standard warfarin therapy (phase 2), there was a reduction in median beta-TG at 6 weeks (P = .025) and a sequential reduction in median D-dimer levels at 2 (P = .001) and 6 (P < .001) weeks compared with baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS Patients with AF have increased intravascular thrombogenesis and platelet activation compared with patients in sinus rhythm. Introduction of ultra-low-dose warfarin (1 mg) or aspirin 300 mg does not significantly alter these markers, although conventional warfarin therapy reduces beta-TG and fibrin D-dimer levels. This is consistent with the beneficial effect of full-dose warfarin in preventing stroke and thromboembolism in AF and suggests that ultra-low-dose warfarin and aspirin may not exert similar beneficial effects.
Vesicle Size Influences the Trafficking, Processing, and Presentation of Antigens in Lipid Vesicles1

Although it is accepted that particulate Ags are more immunogenic than soluble Ags in vivo, it is unclear whether this effect can be explained solely through enhanced uptake by APCs. In this study we demonstrate that vesicle size modulated the efficiency of Ag presentation by murine macrophages and that this effect was accompanied by a profound change in trafficking of Ag. Ag prepared in large particles (560 nm) was delivered into early endosome-like, immature phagosomes, whereas smaller vesicles (155 nm) and soluble Ags localized rapidly to late endosomes/lysosomes. However, peptide/class II complexes could be detected in both compartments. Phagosomes formed on uptake of large vesicles recruit Ag-processing apparatus while retaining the characteristics of early endosomes. In contrast, smaller vesicles bypassed this compartment, appeared to go more rapidly to lysosomal compartments, and exhibited reduced Ag-presenting efficiency. We conclude that the ability of phagocytosed, particulate Ag to target early phagosomes results in more efficient Ag presentation.
Heterotopic pregnancy: should we instrument the uterus at laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancy

The coexistence of intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy (heterotopic pregnancy) occurs in 1/30 000 of spontaneous pregnancies. However, it is getting more common at 1/900 in clomiphene citrate-induced pregnancies and rises to 1% in assisted reproduction. It is a potentially life-threatening condition with diagnostic and therapeutic complexities. Our patient is a 40-year-old who has been trying to get pregnant for 3 years. A planned non-instrumentation of the uterus at laparoscopy despite clear signs of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy has given her a chance of a continuing intrauterine pregnancy. With the increasing number of in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfers, the incidence of heterotopic pregnancies is also increasing, hence issues discussed here is whether the uterus should be instrumented at all during laparoscopy in early pregnancy and misdiagnosis with its sequel.
Adipose tissue has aberrant morphology and function in PCOS: enlarged adipocytes and low serum adiponectin, but not circulating sex steroids, are strongly associated with insulin resistance.

CONTEXT Comprehensive characterization of the adipose tissue in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), over a wide range of body mass indices (BMIs), is lacking. Mechanisms behind insulin resistance in PCOS are unclear. OBJECTIVE To characterize the adipose tissue of women with PCOS and controls matched pair-wise for age and BMI, and to identify factors, among adipose tissue characteristics and serum sex steroids, that are associated with insulin sensitivity in PCOS. DESIGN/OUTCOME MEASURES Seventy-four PCOS women and 31 controls were included. BMI was 18-47 (PCOS) and 19-41 kg/m(2) (controls). Anthropometric variables, volumes of subcutaneous/visceral adipose tissue (magnetic resonance imaging; MRI), and insulin sensitivity (clamp) were investigated. Adipose tissue biopsies were obtained to determine adipocyte size, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, and macrophage density. Circulating testosterone, free testosterone, free 17β-estradiol, SHBG, glycerol, adiponectin, and serum amyloid A were measured/calculated. RESULTS Comparison of 31 pairs revealed lower insulin sensitivity, hyperandrogenemia, and higher free 17β-estradiol in PCOS. Abdominal adipose tissue volumes/distribution did not differ in the groups, but PCOS women had higher waist-to-hip ratio, enlarged adipocytes, reduced adiponectin, and lower LPL activity. In regression analysis, adipocyte size, adiponectin, and waist circumference were the factors most strongly associated with insulin sensitivity in PCOS (R(2)=0.681, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In PCOS, adipose tissue has aberrant morphology/function. Increased waist-to-hip ratio indicates abdominal/visceral fat accumulation, but this is not supported by MRI. Enlarged adipocytes and reduced serum adiponectin, together with a large waistline, rather than androgen excess, may be central factors in the pathogenesis/maintenance of insulin resistance in PCOS.
Long-term in vivo Degradation of Poly-L-lactide (PLLA) in Bone

The use of absorbable orthopedic implants has increased substantially during the last decade. Currently, most of them are fabricated from poly-L-lactide (PLLA), its co-polymers, or mixtures with other constituents. In vivo, PLLA persists for years after its surgical role has ended, which is confirmed by a long-term histological study of PLLA implanted in sheep either as functional interference screws or nonfunctional rods. The first tissue reaction is the sequestration of the implant within new bone during the initial 3 months. After a nonreactive period, a second tissue reaction is associated with the early signs of structural disintegration of the PLLA at 1 year. Subsequently, as the polymer mass reduces, it is replaced by a relatively avascular fibrous tissue containing macrophages and having an occasional multinucleated giant cell on the implant surface. After 3 years much of the polymer is still present, although as isolated fragments. The tissue reactions can be explained in terms of the physical chemistry of PLLA degradation. Though biocompatible, the excessive longevity of PLLA and the absence of its replacement by bone, indicates that despite being satisfactory clinically, it is not an ideal implant material, and that improved absorbable materials need to be developed.
Regeneration of peritoneum using amniotic membrane to prevent postoperative adhesions.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Adhesions following intraperitoneal surgery are frequent causes of small bowel obstruction. Attempts to prevent postoperative adhesions have mostly proven disappointing clinically. Currently used by ophthalmologists in ocular surface disorders, amniotic membrane transplantation can reduce inflammation and promote re-epithelization. We used amniotic membrane for facilitating peritoneal regeneration and prevention of adhesions with surgical trauma. METHODOLOGY 20 rats were randomized in equal number into treatment or control groups. Seven days after operation, the incidence and severity of adhesions were evaluated. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses were examined at 1, 4, 10 weeks after operation. RESULTS While severe adhesions were observed after 1 week between the cecum and surrounding organs in the control group, adhesion formation was significantly reduced in the amniotic membrane group. Histologic examination demonstrated that free-floating myofibroblasts in the peritoneal cavity attached to surfaces of amniotic membrane grafts to form a layered structure. Free-floating mesothelial cells were incorporated into the regenerating mesothelium on the myofibroblast layer in 4 weeks, while implanted amniotic membrane grafts were absorbed by 10 weeks. In the amniotic membrane group the cecum appeared nearly normal. CONCLUSIONS Amniotic membrane grafts reduced intraperitoneal adhesions after surgical trauma, were well absorbed, and served as a substrate for regenerating mesothelium.
The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) separates high-risk from intermediate- or low-risk patients with advanced-stage follicular lymphoma treated front-line with rituximab and the combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) with respect

The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) was developed to predict prognosis of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). However, it was based on different protocols, none of which included rituximab. The current analysis aimed at evaluating the predictive value of the FLIPI for treatment outcome in 362 patients with advanced-stage FL treated front-line with rituximab/CHOP in a prospective trial of the German Low Grade Lymphoma Study Group. According to the FLIPI, 14% of the patients were classified as low-risk, 41% as intermediate-risk, and 45% as high-risk patients. With a 2-year time to treatment failure (TTF) of 67%, high-risk patients had a significantly shorter TTF as compared with low- or intermediate-risk patients (2-year TTF of 92% and 90%, respectively; P < .001). Our data demonstrate that the FLIPI is able to identify high-risk patients with advanced-stage FL after first-line treatment with rituximab/chemotherapy.
Ten-year experience with the artificial urinary sphincter in children.

PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of the artificial urinary sphincter survival and continence were first evaluated 5 years ago. We now evaluated the effects of the artificial urinary sphincter more than a decade after implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Before 1985 an artificial urinary sphincter was implanted in 22 male and 14 female consecutive patients 4 to 30 years old (median age 12). In addition, between 1985 and 1990, 18 other children underwent artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Results of both series were compared. RESULTS Of the 25 sphincters in the original series that were functioning after 5 years 1 was removed and 2 patients were lost to followup, resulting in 22 functioning implants (61% of the patients). Mean survival time of the prostheses was 12.1 years and average followup for functioning sphincters was 13.7 years. There was no statistically significant difference in artificial urinary sphincter survival between the original group at 5 years and the second group treated after 1985. Of the patients in both groups with sphincters in place 32 of 39 (82%) were dry. Augmentation cystoplasty was performed in 9 of 18 patients (50%) in the second series (5 preoperatively and 4 postoperatively) compared to 10 of 36 (28%) in the original series at 5 years (3 preoperatively and 7 postoperatively). Renal failure developed in 6 patients from both series. CONCLUSIONS The artificial urinary sphincter is a durable long-term solution for children with intractable incontinence. Long-term surveillance of the urinary tract is mandatory because of the potential for renal failure in patients who have bladder hypertonicity after placement of the device.
Relationship between the depth of facial wrinkles and the density of the retinacula cutis.

OBJECTIVE To identify whether there is a relationship between the depth of facial wrinkles and the density of the retinacula cutis in the subcutaneous tissue of the skin. DESIGN Wrinkle depth was assessed with image analysis on the forehead and the lateral canthus of human cadavers. The density of the retinacula cutis was measured in Azan-Mallory-stained skin sections obtained around the wrinkles. SETTING Gross Anatomy Section, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-five male and female cadavers (35-93 years old). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The maximum depth of each wrinkle was used to represent the wrinkle's degree. In the skin sections, the density of the retinacula cutis was measured around the deepest point of each wrinkle in a 1-mm-wide area (the wrinkle-specific area) and a 10-mm-wide area that included the wrinkle (the wrinkle-inclusive area). RESULTS In both the wrinkle-specific and wrinkle-inclusive areas, the retinacula cutis densities became lower in the forehead and in the lateral canthus areas. When a wrinkle was shallow, the density was lower in the wrinkle-specific area than in the wrinkle-inclusive area. With wrinkle progression, the density difference between the wrinkle-specific and the wrinkle-inclusive areas gradually decreased until there was no apparent difference. CONCLUSIONS Facial wrinkles seem to develop above sites of reduced lower retinacula cutis density. As a wrinkle develops, the density decreases in both the wrinkle-specific and the wrinkle-inclusive areas, whereas the density difference between those areas vanishes.
Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Variability During Heavy Training and Overtraining in the Female Athlete

We investigated heavy training- and overtraining-induced changes in heart rate and blood pressure variability during supine rest and in response to head-up tilt in female endurance athletes. Nine young female experimental athletes (ETG) increased their training volume at the intensity of 70-90% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) by 125% and training volume at the intensity of < 70% of VO2max by 100% during 6-9 weeks. The corresponding increases in 6 female control athletes were 5% and 10%. The VO2max of the ETG and the control athletes did not change, but it decreased from 53.0 +/- 2.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) to 50.2 +/- 2.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (mean+/-SEM, p < 0.01) in five overtrained experimental athletes. In the ETG, low-frequency power of R-R interval (RRI) variability during supine rest increased from 6 +/- 1 ms2 x 10(2) to 9 +/- 2 ms2 x 10(2) (p < 0.05). The 30/15 index (= RRI(max 30)/RRI(min 15), where RRI(max 30) denotes the longest RRI close to the 30th RRI and RRI(min 15) denotes the shortest RRI close to the 15th RRI after assuming upright position in the head-up tilt test), decreased as a result of training (analysis of variance, p = 0.05). In the ETG, changes in VO2max were related to the changes in total power of RRI variability during standing (r = 0.74, p < 0.05). Heart rate response to prolonged standing after head-up tilt was either accentuated or attenuated in the overtrained athletes as compared to the normal training state. We conclude that heavy training could increase cardiac sympathetic modulation during supine rest and attenuated biphasic baroreflex-mediated response appearing just after shifting to an upright position. Heavy-training-/overtraining-induced decrease in maximal aerobic power was related to decreased heart rate variability during standing. Physiological responses to overtraining were individual.
Comparison of Locoregional versus Extended Locoregional Radiation Volumes for Patients with Nonmetastatic Gastro-esophageal Junction Carcinomas

Introduction: To delineate an optimal clinical target volume (CTV) for gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers by comparing locoregional versus extended locoregional radiation (RT) volumes. Materials: This retrospective analysis examined 222 patients (111 matched pairs treated with locoregional versus extended locoregional RT) with nonmetastatic GEJ carcinomas treated with concurrent chemoradiation ± surgery. The CTV for locoregional volumes was defined as gross tumor volume + elective coverage of first-echelon nodes and sometimes the celiac axis. The CTV for extended locoregional volumes was defined as gross tumor volume + elective coverage of celiac and splenic (±porta) nodes. Variables used for matching included sex, stage, performance status, histology, receipt of induction chemotherapy, type of concurrent chemotherapy, RT modality, receipt of surgery, type of surgery, and Siewert classification. Regression models stratified by matched pairs were fit to estimate effect of RT volume on clinical endpoints. Results: Adjusting p values for multiple testing, patients treated with extended locoregional versus locoregional RT had increased odds of grade 2+ acute chemoradiation-associated gastrointestinal toxicity (odds ratio: 2.92, adj. p = 0.0447). However, differing RT volumes were not significantly associated with postoperative complication rates, pathologic T-stage, frequency of positive perigastric/regional nodes on surgical specimen, distant-metastases progression-free survival, locoregional progression-free survival, or overall survival (adj. p > 0.05). Of the patients who did (n = 124) and did not (n = 72) receive elective celiac RT, two (1.6%) and two patients (2.8%), respectively, relapsed in the celiac nodes. No patients failed in the splenic or porta nodes. Conclusions: Most GEJ cancers can be safely treated without elective inclusion of splenic/porta nodes.