Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator After Intraluminal Thread Occlusion in Mice: Role of Hemodynamic Alterations

Background and Purpose— It has been suggested that recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) may cause an aggravation of injury after transient focal ischemia via excitotoxic side effects. Such rtPA toxicity would be of major clinical significance since rtPA is increasingly used in stroke treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dose, application time, and hemodynamic changes after intravenous rtPA treatment in focal ischemia. Methods— Mice were subjected to a 90-minute episode of middle cerebral artery thread occlusion, and rtPA effects were assessed by laser-Doppler flowmetry, [14C]iodoantipyrine autoradiography, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Results and Conclusions— We provide evidence that rtPA provokes complex hemodynamic alterations in the ischemic brain tissue, which include an initial hyperperfusion and a more delayed hypoperfusion response. Changes are most pronounced in the periphery of the ischemic infarct, where regional blood flow drops below critical thresholds of tissue viability. Our observations suggest that changes of perfusion may at least partly explain the rtPA-induced increase of infarct size, which has previously been reported and which we also confirmed in the present experiments. Notably, both the secondary hypoperfusion and increase of infarct volume were abolished when rtPA-treated animals received additional heparin infusions. This finding suggests that a secondary hypercoagulability may compromise brain perfusion after rtPA delivery. Accordingly, early treatment with heparin might help to prevent the rtPA-induced changes.
An Insight into Methods and Practices in Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has improved the quality of life of patients with hip arthritis. Orthopedic community is striving for excellence to improve surgical techniques and postoperative care. Despite these efforts, patients continue facing postoperative complications. In particular, patients with rheumatoid arthritis display a higher risk of certain complications such as dislocation, periprosthetic infection, and shorter prosthesis durability. In this review we present the current knowledge of hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with more insight into common practices and interventions directed at enhancing recovery of these patients and current shortfalls.
Downregulation of Annexin A1 by short hairpin RNA inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Annexin A1 (ANX A1) is essential in cell differentiation and proliferation. However, the role of ANX A1 in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) osteogenic differentiation and proliferation remains unclear. To investigate whether endogenous ANX A1 influences BM-MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, a stable ANX A1-knockdown cell line was generated using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The proliferation rate of BM-MSCs was analyzed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide proliferation assay. Additionally, BM-MSCs were differentiated into osteoblasts and subsequently used to isolate total proteins to analyze the expression of ANX A1. Cell differentiation was assayed using Alizarin red S staining. The results revealed that the knockdown of ANX A1 in BM-MSCs exerts no apparent effect on the proliferation rate under normal conditions, however, following exposure to an osteogenic medium, downregulation of ANX A1 protected cells from the effect of osteogenic medium-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. Silencing ANX A1 with shRNA significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and the expression of differentiation-associated genes (including runt-related transcription factor 2, osteopontin and osteocalcin) during osteogenesis and resulted in reduced differentiation of BM-MSCs. The results indicate the potential role of ANX A1 in the regulation of BM-MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
Inhibition of glycolysis and enhanced mechanical function of working rat hearts as a result of adenosine A1 receptor stimulation during reperfusion following ischaemia

1 This study examined effects of adenosine and selective adenosine A1 and A2 receptor agonists on glucose metabolism in rat isolated working hearts perfused under aerobic conditions and during reperfusion after 35 min of global no‐flow ischaemia. 2 Hearts were perfused with a modified Krebs‐Henseleit buffer containing 1.25 mM Ca2+, 11 mM glucose, 1.2 mM palmitate and insulin (100 μu ml−1), and paced at 280 beats min−1. Rates of glycolysis and glucose oxidation were measured from the quantitative production of 3H2O and 14CO2, respectively, from [5‐3H/U‐14C]‐glucose. 3 Under aerobic conditions, adenosine (100 μm) and the adenosine A1 receptor agonist, N6‐cyclohexyladenosine (CHA, 0.05 μm), inhibited glycolysis but had no effect on either glucose oxidation or mechanical function (as assessed by heart rate systolic pressure product). The improved coupling of glycolysis to glucose oxidation reduced the calculated rate of proton production from glucose metabolism. The adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX 0.3 μm) did not alter glycolysis or glucose oxidation per se but completely antagonized the adenosine‐ and CHA‐induced inhibition of glycolysis and proton production. 4 During aerobic reperfusion following ischaemia, CHA (0.05 μm) again inhibited glycolysis and proton production from glucose metabolism and had no effect on glucose oxidation. CHA also significantly enhanced the recovery of mechanical function. In contrast, the selective adenosine A2a receptor agonist, CGS‐21680 (1.0 μm), exerted no metabolic or mechanical effects. Similar profiles of action were seen if these agonists were present during ischaemia and throughout reperfusion or when they were present only during reperfusion. 5 DPCPX (0.3 μm), added at reperfusion, antagonized the CHA‐induced improvement in mechanical function. It also significantly depressed the recovery of mechanical function per se during reperfusion. Both the metabolic and mechanical effects of adenosine (100 μm) were antagonized by the nonselective A1/A2 antagonist, 8‐sulphophenyltheophylline (100 μm). 6 These data demonstrate that inhibition of glycolysis and improved recovery of mechanical function during reperfusion of rat isolated hearts are mediated by an adenosine A1 receptor mechanism. Improved coupling of glycolysis and glucose oxidation during reperfusion may contribute to the enhanced recovery of mechanical function by decreasing proton production from glucose metabolism and the potential for intracellular Ca2+ accumulation, which if not corrected leads to mechanical dysfunction of the post‐ischaemic myocardium.
Mass vegetative propagation of rare and endangered tree species of Indonesia by shoot cuttings by KOFFCO method and effect of container type on nursery storage of rooted cuttings

Rachmat HH, Subiakto A, Susilowati A. 2018. Mass vegetative propagation of rare and endangered tree species of Indonesia by shoot cuttings by KOFFCO method and effect of container type on nursery storage of rooted cuttings. Biodiversitas 19: 2353-2358. The Forestry Research and Development Agency (FORDA) and The Advance Research of Komatsu Ltd have developed a mass propagation technique using shoot cuttings, namely KOFFCO system (Komatsu-FORDA Fog Cooling System). KOFFCO system controls environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and light intensity) to produce high percentage of rooted cuttings. The seed production of dipterocarp species is unreliable and unpredictable. Thus, vegetative propagation is an alternative means for producing planting materials of dipterocarp species. An attempt was made to produce rooted cuttings of rare and endangered dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp species of the Indonesian native trees, for further use in both reforestation and plantation programs. In fact, this study attempts to answer two specific research questions: (i) What is the potential of KOFFCO system as a vegetative mass propagation technique for Indonesian dipterocarps and non-dipterocarps? (ii) What is the effect of container types on long-term post-nursery storage of dipterocarp planting stock? To answer the first question stated above, vegetative propagation through shoot cuttings of 24 species belonging to 7 genera of dipterocarps and 13 species belonging to 12 genera of non-dipterocarps was attempted (>30.000 cuttings, in total), using KOFFCO system. The results showed that KOFFCO is an efficient innovative technology for the successful mass propagation from cuttings. 100% root formation obtained for Nauclea orientalis, Anotephalus macrophyllus and Ficus sp. To find the answer for the second question, storage experiments and growth observations of the planting stock of selected dipterocarp species was performed, using three different types of containers. Rooted cuttings of six species of dipterocarps with same germination date were tested in each type of the container. The result showed that medium sized square and medium sized round containers produced an average height increment of 19.92 cm and 21.58 cm, respectively, in a year, while small sized square containers produced only 13.94 cm height increment. Both square and round shaped containers are appropriate for short term storage of planting stock, while small containers are more appropriate for storing planting stocks or seedlings for a longer period.
Separation of structurally related primary aliphatic amines using hydrophilic interaction chromatography with fluorescence detection after postcolumn derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde/mercaptoethanol.

The retention behavior of primary aliphatic amines (homologous series of aliphatic alkyl amines and cycloalkyl amines) and positional isomers of alkylamines in the hydrophilic interaction chromatography mode was studied. The study was carried out on a TSKgel Amide-80 column followed by postcolumn derivatization with fluorescence detection to describe the retention mechanism of tested compounds. The effect of chromatographic conditions including column temperature, acetonitrile content in the mobile phase, mobile phase pH (ranging from 3.5 to 6.8), and salt concentration in the mobile phase was investigated. The final mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and solution of 20 mM potassium formate pH 3.5 in ratio 80:20 v/v. The analyses were carried out at mobile phase flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and the column temperature of 20°C. The developed method was fully validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity (limit of detection and limit of quantification), accuracy, and precision according to International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use guidelines. The proposed new methods were proved to be highly sensitive, simple, and rapid, and were successfully applied to the determinations of isopropylamine, cyclohexylamine, and cyclopropylamine in relevant active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Trajectory based traffic analysis

We present the INTRA system for interactive path-based traffic analysis. The analyses are developed in collaboration with traffic researchers and provide novel insights into conditions such as congestion, travel-time, choice of route, and traffic-flow. INTRA supports interactive point-and-click analysis, due to a novel and efficient indexing structure. With the web-site daisy.aau. dk/its/spqdemo/we will demonstrate several analyses, using a very large real-world data set consisting of 1.9 billion GPS records (1.5 million trajectories) recorded from more than 13 000 vehicles, and touching most of the road network in Denmark.
On the inception of streamers from sprite halo events produced by lightning discharges with positive and negative polarity

[1] In the sprite halo events produced by cloud-to-ground lightning discharges, the spatial offsets, long delays, and polarity asymmetry related to the inception of sprite streamers are yet to be explained consistently with observations. In the present work, we use a two-dimensional model and a high-resolution one-dimensional plasma fluid model accounting for electron impact ionization, dissociative attachment, and photoionization processes to simulate halo events. In order to monitor the inception of sprite streamers, that cannot be modeled with present computer resources in the framework of fluid models, we use an improved avalanche-to-streamer transition criterion and investigate the response of the lower ionosphere to the charge moment changes induced by lightning discharges as a system of avalanches. On the basis of simulation results, we suggest a new mechanism for the inception of sprite streamers, explaining specifically how they can be triggered spatially outside of and temporally separated from the main sprite halo. The inception of sprite streamers is demonstrated to depend strongly on the charge moment change and the ambient electron density profile, which together determine the size of the streamer initiation region. We show that sprite streamers are mostly triggered by positive cloud-to-ground lightning discharges mainly because of mechanisms related to direction of propagation of electron avalanches. Moreover, the triggering of long-delayed sprites is demonstrated to be a unique property of halos produced by positive cloud-to-ground lightning discharges due to the formation of a long-lasting high-field region. Lightning continuing current can enlarge this high-field region and pull it down to lower altitudes where electron density is lower, extending the streamer initiation region.
Non-coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-induced immunotoxicity is coincident with alterations in the serotonergic system

Attention to non-coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in immunotoxicological research is increasing. However, the exact mechanism by which these congeners may induce immune dysfunction is still undefined. Because the serotonergic nervous system has been shown to be involved in the regulation of some immune responses, and also serves as a sensitive target for PCBs, the relationship (if any) between non-coplanar PCB exposure, immune responsiveness and the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) was examined. Using bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) as a model, changes in brain 5-HT levels, 5-HT synthesis and metabolism, and innate and cell-mediated immune parameters were evaluated following a single intraperitoneal injection of PCB 153 (5.0 or 50 μg/g body weight). Results revealed that 3 d following administration, PCB exposure decreased brain 5-HT levels (in the absence of effects on some enzymes involved in 5-HT synthesis and metabolism), increased oxyradical production by kidney phagocytes, and reduced splenic T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation. In vivo treatment of PCB-exposed fish with 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (the immediate precursor to 5-HT) ameliorated the observed PCB-induced immunotoxicity; in vitro treatment of immune cells from PCB-exposed fish with 5-HT failed to reverse the effects. Taken together, results from this study could suggest a link between PCB-induced alterations of brain 5-HT levels and subsequent immune dysfunction. These studies highlight the importance of indirect mechanisms of immunotoxicity, and, specifically, suggest a role for the neuroimmune axis in non-coplanar PCB-induced immune alterations.
Headaches caused by decreased intracranial pressure: diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW More patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension are now being diagnosed, and it is realized that most cases result from spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks. A broader clinical and imaging spectrum of the disorder is recognized. This paper reviews new insights into the variability of clinical manifestations, imaging features, etiological factors, anatomy of leaks, and implications of these in patient management. RECENT FINDINGS Spontaneous intracranial hypotension should not be equated with post-lumbar puncture headaches. In a substantial minority of patients, headaches are not orthostatic and may mimic other types of headache. Additional diverse neurological manifestations may dominate the clinical picture and patients may occasionally have no headache at all. Reports on unusual presentations of the disorder continue to appear in the literature. Furthermore, additional imaging features of cerebrospinal fluid leaks are recognized. High-flow and slow-flow leaks may present diagnostic challenges, and require modification of diagnostic studies aimed at locating the site of the leak. Stigmata of connective tissue abnormality, especially abnormalities of fibrillin and elastin, are seen in a notable minority of patients, pointing to weakness of the dural sac as one of the etiological factors. After treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, surgically or by epidural blood patch, a rebound and self-limiting intracranial hypertension may sometimes develop. SUMMARY In the past decade, interest in spontaneous intracranial hypotension has been rekindled, with a substantial growth of knowledge on various aspects of the disorder. We are in the learning phase, and new information will probably appear in the future, with notable diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Expression and role of adrenomedullin in renal tumors and value of its mRNA levels as prognostic factor in clear‐cell renal carcinoma

Antiangiogenic therapies are used for advanced clear‐cell renal carcinomas (cRCC), but without curative possibilities, underlining the need for new therapeutic targets. Adrenomedullin (AM), a multifunctional peptide, is highly expressed in several tumors and plays an important role in angiogenesis and tumor growth through its receptors: calcitonin receptor‐like receptor/receptor activity‐modifying protein 2 and 3 (CLR/RAMP2 and CLR/RAMP3). In this study, real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcription‐PCR showed AM mRNA levels were higher in cRCC and in chromophobe renal carcinomas (chRCC) than in normal renal tissue. Interestingly, AM mRNA expression in cRCC correlated strongly with VEGF‐A mRNA expression. Immunohistochemically, AM, CLR and RAMP2 were localized in the carcinomatous epithelial compartment of cRCC. Interestingly, RAMP3 immunostaining was found only in the inflammatory cells that infiltrated tumors, suggesting a cross talk between tumor cells and the microenvironment. We also observed that cRCC cells BIZ and 786‐O expressed and secreted AM into the culture medium. In vitro, exogenous AM treatment stimulated cell proliferation, migration and invasion, indicating the cell can respond to AM. The action of AM was specific and was mediated by the CLR/RAMP2 and CLR/RAMP3 receptors. Clinical data showed the prognostic value of AM. High AM mRNA levels were associated with an increased risk of relapse after curative nephrectomy for cRCC. These findings highlight the implication of the AM pathway in the metastatic process and the prognostic relevance of AM in cRCC and point to a potential new therapeutic target. © 2009 UICC
Dynamic Media in Computer Science Education; Content Complexity and Learning Performance: Is Less More?

With the increasing use of dynamic media in multimedia learning material, it is important to consider not only the technological but also the cognitive aspects of its application. A large amount of previous research does not provide preference to either static or dynamic media for educational purposes and a considerable number of studies found positive, negative or even no effects of dynamic media on learning performance. Consequently, it is still necessary to discern which factors contribute to the success or failure of static or dynamic media. The study presented here can be seen as another brick in the wall of understanding students' learning supported by dynamic media. In this study, aspects of cognitive load and the ability to generate mental representations for the purpose of appropriate animation design and development are considered. The learning performance of static versus dynamic media amongst a total of 129 Computer Science students, including a control group, was investigated. The results showed that learning performance using dynamic media was significantly higher than those of the static textbook lesson when the learning material had a certain level of complexity; the more complex the learning material, the larger the benefit of using animations. The results were examined for possible factors that contributed to the success or failure of dynamic media in education. In conclusion, this study has successfully confirmed the theory that dynamic media can support learning when cognitive load and learners' mental representations are taken into account during the design and development of learning material containing dynamic media.
Non-parametric adjustment for covariates when estimating a treatment effect

We consider a non-parametric model for estimating the effect of a binary treatment on an outcome variable while adjusting for an observed covariate. A naive procedure consists of performing two separate non-parametric regressions of the response on the covariate: one with the treated individuals and the other with the untreated. The treatment effect is then obtained by taking the difference between the two fitted regression functions. This article proposes a backfitting algorithm that uses all the data for the two abovementioned non-parametric regressions. We give finite sample theoretical results showing that the resulting estimator of the treatment effect can have lower variance. This improvement is not necessarily achieved at the cost of a larger bias. In all of the performed simulations, we observe that mean squared error is substantially lower for the proposed backfitting estimator. When more than one covariate is observed, our backfitting estimator can still be applied by using the propensity score (the probability of being treated for a given setup of the covariates). We illustrate the use of the backfitting estimator in a several-covariate situation with data on a training program for individuals having faced social and economic problems.
PKI: It's Not Dead, Just Resting

Like other flexible objects, the public key infrastructure sacrifices some utility in trying to be all things to all people. Mainly, PKI's generic, all-purpose identity certificates fall short of what the marketplace demands, forcing vendors to develop more economically efficient, useful, and imaginative business models. Thus, we must adapt the PKI design to the real world rather than trying to constrain the real world to match the PKI. A variety of alternative approaches, ranging from simple workarounds to designing the application to sidestep PKI's shortcomings entirely, can help solve the problems inherent in the standard X.509 model. Despite an original design that failed to address the marketplace's needs, the use of innovative public key infrastructure models can make the technology meet today's requirements.