Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Blood Flow in Rats During Physiological and Humoral Stimuli

The technique for estimating cerebral blood flow (CBF) in anesthetized rats by injecting 123Xe into the internal carotid artery represents a potentially useful and inexpensive model for screening cerebral vascular responses to pathophysiological and pharmacological stimuli. We have examined associated neuropatfaology, the validity and die reproducibility of the method, and made comparisons of initial slope estimates of CBF with those obtained by stochastic analysis. Initial slope estimates (CBF = 1.62 ± 0.04 ml min −1g−1, X ± SE, N = 38) were linearly related to stochastic measurements (CBF = 1.42 ± 0.09 ml min −1g−1, N = 6), and overestimated mean CBF by about 15%. A reactivity to COt of 0.05 ml min −1g−1 per mm Hg, and an autoregulation range of 70 to 180 mm Hg were found. CBF responses to the intra-arterial infusion of aminergic drugs were determined before and after opening of the blood-brain barrier with hypertonic urea. Serotonin reduced CBF after, but not before, the administration of urea. Acetylcholine increased CBF when the barrier was intact, the effect being augmented when the barrier was disrupted; these responses were reduced by atropine. Histamine increased CBF only after barrier opening, and this response was attenuated by the H2receptor antagonist, metiamide. These studies indicate that initial slope estimates of CBF derived in rats from intracarotid 123Xe injection, which represents an inexpensive and simplified approach for screening cerebral circulatory adjustments, may facilitate the characterization of stimuli affecting CBF.
A first generation inhibitor of human Greatwall kinase, enabled by structural and functional characterisation of a minimal kinase domain construct

MASTL (microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like), more commonly known as Greatwall (GWL), has been proposed as a novel cancer therapy target. GWL plays a crucial role in mitotic progression, via its known substrates ENSA/ARPP19, which when phosphorylated inactivate PP2A/B55 phosphatase. When over-expressed in breast cancer, GWL induces oncogenic properties such as transformation and invasiveness. Conversely, down-regulation of GWL selectively sensitises tumour cells to chemotherapy. Here we describe the first structure of the GWL minimal kinase domain and development of a small-molecule inhibitor GKI-1 (Greatwall Kinase Inhibitor-1). In vitro, GKI-1 inhibits full-length human GWL, and shows cellular efficacy. Treatment of HeLa cells with GKI-1 reduces ENSA/ARPP19 phosphorylation levels, such that they are comparable to those obtained by siRNA depletion of GWL; resulting in a decrease in mitotic events, mitotic arrest/cell death and cytokinesis failure. Furthermore, GKI-1 will be a useful starting point for the development of more potent and selective GWL inhibitors.
Nonmelanoma skin cancer in inflammatory bowel disease: A review

&NA; At least 1 million new cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) are diagnosed in the United States each year and the incidence is increasing. A higher incidence of NMSC in organ transplant recipients on immunosuppression has been documented for some time, and recent studies indicate that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly those treated with immunosuppressive medications, might also be at higher risk for this condition. In this review we summarize recent data evaluating the associations between immunomodulators, antitumor necrosis factor‐&agr; biologic agents and NMSC in patients with IBD and other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. We also offer recommendations for prevention of NMSC in these populations. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Partnering to change the world for people with haemophilia: 6th Haemophilia Global Summit, Prague, Czech Republic, 24–26th September 2015

The 6th Haemophilia Global Summit was held in Prague, Czech Republic, in September 2015. The programme was designed by an independent Scientific Steering Committee of haemophilia experts and aimed to share optimal management strategies for haemophilia at all life stages, explore recent potential advances in the management of haemophilia A and B and discuss challenges in haemophilia care. In this supplement from the meeting, Dan Hart reviews the lessons that can be learnt from cost‐constrained environments with regard to improving care for people with haemophilia globally. Sébastien Lobet discusses the importance of physical activity for optimising care and Roseline d'Oiron and Jan Blatný consider the role of real‐world data in understanding the effect of treatment in a clinical setting over the long term and the true impact of treatment on the day‐to‐day life of the patient. Gili Kenet addresses the current challenges relating to the optimal management of prophylaxis, and Gerry Dolan and Cedric Hermans discuss the value of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters in informing treatment decisions. Cedric Hermans and Valérie Libotte explore the importance of considering social and occupational development factors as an integral part of haemophilia care, and Jan Astermark reviews key strategies to predict and prevent inhibitor development.
Phyllostachys edulis Compounds Inhibit Palmitic Acid-Induced Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1) Production

Background Phyllostachys edulis Carriere (Poaceae) is a bamboo species that is part of the traditional Chinese medicine pharmacopoeia. Compounds and extracts from this species have shown potential applications towards several diseases. One of many complications found in obesity and diabetes is the link between elevated circulatory free fatty acids (FFAs) and chronic inflammation. This study aims to present a possible application of P. edulis extract in relieving inflammation caused by FFAs. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL2) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in chronic inflammation. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) are transcription factors activated in response to inflammatory stimuli, and upregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as MCP-1. This study examines the effect of P. edulis extract on cellular production of MCP-1 and on the NF-κB and AP-1 pathways in response to treatment with palmitic acid (PA), a FFA. Methodology/Principal Findings MCP-1 protein was measured by cytometric bead assay. NF-κB and AP-1 nuclear localization was detected by colorimetric DNA-binding ELISA. Relative MCP-1 mRNA was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Murine cells were treated with PA to induce inflammation. PA increased expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein, and increased nuclear localization of NF-κB and AP-1. Adding bamboo extract (BEX) inhibited the effects of PA, reduced MCP-1 production, and inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 subunits. Compounds isolated from BEX inhibited MCP-1 secretion with different potencies. Conclusions/Significance PA induced MCP-1 production in murine adipose, muscle, and liver cells. BEX ameliorated PA-induced production of MCP-1 by inhibiting nuclear translocation of NF-κB and AP-1. Two O-methylated flavones were isolated from BEX with functional effects on MCP-1 production. These results may represent a possible therapeutic application of BEX and its compounds toward alleviating chronic inflammation caused by elevated circulatory FFAs.
Migraine Associated Vertigo

The interrelations of migraine and vertigo are complex, eluding a simple localization either centrally or peripherally. Spontaneous episodic vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and Meniere's disease all occur more frequently in patients with migraine than in those without. Family studies support a hereditary predisposition to migraine associated vertigo. In this review, we discuss definitions, epidemiology, associated syndromes, neurootological abnormalities, genetics and treatment for patients with migraine and vertigo.
Foreign Language Anxiety in Learning English: Students’ Perspectives and Experiences of Learning from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic forced all schools in Indonesia to carry out the online learning since March 2020 which could certainly make the students feel anxious. So, within this paper, the writers report a study which explored the sources and effects of Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) through perceptions and experiences of junior high school students in grade eight of MTs Nurul Huda Mereng, Warungpring, Pemalang regency during learning from home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The design of this study is descriptive qualitative research. The data were collected through the perspectives using interviews and getting the responses to open ended questions of ten students. The findings indicate that in general, students exhibited suffering from anxiety more than benefiting learning English school subject from home. In conclusion, following the foreign language anxiety especially when students learn English from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic can be said as an essential necessary for the English teacher in contributing to the teaching evaluation and reflection.
Assessment of Range Land Degradation, Major Causes, Impacts, and Alternative Rehabilitation Techniques in Yabello Rangelands Southern Ethiopia

Background: Rangeland degradation means that a reduction both in rank and status of general floral/ fauna composition, energy flow and biomass of a certain ecosystem. Objective: The review was conducted to assess rangeland degradation, cause and its impact on local livelihood in Yabello district and also suggests appropriate methods used to rehabilitate it. Methods: The data and literatures were collected from different both domestic and abroad researcher research result reviewed and internet sources. The research paper review mainly addresses concepts of rangeland degradation, major causes in tropics and Ethiopia particularly in Yabello rangelands, impacts of rangeland degradation, principles of rangeland restoration and common restoration techniques.Result: Based on those research papers and the current fact situations the major drivers leading to rangeland degradation includes climate change, overgrazing, bush encroachment, both human and livestock population pressure, drought, and government policy . Of all bush encroachment is becoming the major threat to Yabello rangelands. And this led to decline in rangeland condition, water potential, soil status, and animal performance, livestock holding at the household level and community become destitute and in the long run poverty. In spite of these impacts, the action of restoration techniques in the area is highly insufficient. Conclusion: Generally in order to address rangeland degradation problems, there is a strong need to coordination between the local community and the scientific community for sustainable land management trough post management techniques by applying reseeding technology.
Effects of zinc and magnesium supplements on postpartum depression and anxiety: A randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Postpartum anxiety and depression are prevalent disorders. The authors of this study aimed to determine the effects of zinc and magnesium supplements on depressive symptoms and anxiety in postpartum women referred to three governmental, educational hospitals in Tabriz, Iran during 2014–2015. In this triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, the participants were randomly assigned to the zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and placebo groups (n = 33 per group). The intervention groups received a 27-mg zinc sulfate tablet or 320-mg magnesium sulfate tablet per day for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received a placebo tablet each day during the same period. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were completed before and 8 weeks after the intervention. Blood samples were drawn from each participant to determine serum levels of zinc and magnesium before intervention at 48 hours after delivery. Also, a 24-hour dietary questionnaire was used during the first and last 3 days of the intervention. Adjusting for baseline scores as well as zinc and magnesium serum levels, no significant difference was observed between groups 8 weeks after delivery in mean scores of depressive symptoms (p = .553), state anxiety (p = .995), and trait anxiety (p = .234). This study concluded magnesium and zinc did not reduce postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Analysis of Transcriptional Regulatory Pathways of Photoreceptor Genes by Expression Profiling of the Otx2-Deficient Retina

In the vertebrate retina, the Otx2 transcription factor plays a crucial role in the cell fate determination of both rod and cone photoreceptors. We previously reported that Otx2 conditional knockout (CKO) mice exhibited a total absence of rods and cones in the retina due to their cell fate conversion to amacrine-like cells. In order to investigate the entire transcriptome of the Otx2 CKO retina, we compared expression profile of Otx2 CKO and wild-type retinas at P1 and P12 using microarray. We observed that expression of 101- and 1049-probe sets significantly decreased in the Otx2 CKO retina at P1 and P12, respectively, whereas, expression of 3- and 4149-probe sets increased at P1 and P12, respectively. We found that expression of genes encoding transcription factors involved in photoreceptor development, including Crx, Nrl, Nr2e3, Esrrb, and NeuroD, was markedly down-regulated in the Otx2 CKO at both P1 and P12. Furthermore, we identified three human retinal disease loci mapped in close proximity to certain down-regulated genes in the Otx2 CKO retina including Ccdc126, Tnfsf13 and Pitpnm1, suggesting that these genes are possibly responsible for these diseases. These transcriptome data sets of the Otx2 CKO retina provide a resource on developing rods and cones to further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying photoreceptor development, function and disease.
Changes in corneal epithelial layer inflammatory cells in aqueous tear-deficient dry eye.

PURPOSE To investigate the morphology, distribution, and density of inflammatory cells in the corneal epithelium of aqueous tear-deficient dry eye. METHODS Thirty-two patients with non-Sjögren's syndrome (NSS) dry eye, 14 patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) dry eye, and 33 healthy volunteers were studied. In vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to investigate both Langerhans cell (LCs) and leukocyte distribution and density in the peripheral and central corneal epithelium. LC morphology was also evaluated. Multifactor regression analysis assessed whether there is a correlation between clinical manifestations and inflammatory cell densities. RESULTS LCs were present in both central (34.9 +/- 5.7 cells/mm(2)) and peripheral (90.7 +/- 8.2 cells/mm(2)) parts of the normal corneal epithelium. Moreover, LC density increased dramatically in the central corneal epithelium in patients with NSS (89.8 +/- 10.8 cells/mm(2)) and SS (127.9 +/- 23.7 cells/mm(2)). The ratio of LCs with obvious processes was much higher in patients with dry eye than in healthy volunteers. LC density also increased in peripheral corneal epithelium in patients with SS, but not in those with NSS. Leukocyte density in normal corneal epithelium was very low, whereas it increased in the central corneal epithelium (4.6 +/- 1.0 cells/mm(2)) in NSS and in both central (49.0 +/- 12.9 cells/mm(2)) and peripheral (84.2 +/- 36.8 cells/mm(2)) corneal epithelium in SS. Densities of LCs and leukocytes showed significant correlation with the severity found in clinical evaluation. CONCLUSIONS The LC and leukocyte changes in the corneal epithelium suggest their involvement in aqueous tear-deficient dry eye pathophysiology. In vivo dynamic assessment of central corneal inflammatory cell density may serve as an indicator of dry eye severity and provide new insight for dry eye treatment.
Visual Performance of a Multifocal Toric Soft Contact Lens

Purpose To evaluate the visual performance of the Proclear multifocal toric contact lens (CL; CooperVision, US) for both presbyopia and astigmatism correction. Methods In this crossover study design, 20 presbyopic subjects with astigmatism were fitted in a random order with either Proclear multifocal toric CL or Proclear toric single vision distance CL (DCL) combined with reading spectacles. After 1 month, high-contrast distance visual acuity, near high-contrast visual acuity, distance contrast sensitivity (CS) under photopic and mesopic conditions without and with glare, near CS, defocus curve, and stereopsis were measured. Subjects were then refitted with the alternative correction, and the procedure was repeated. Results Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed differences in visual acuity and CS (p < 0.001) between groups. Mean binocular distance visual acuity and near visual acuity obtained with multifocal toric CL were −0.01 ± 0.03 logMAR and −0.04 ± 0.06 logMAR, respectively. The mean distance CS with the multifocal toric CL was within normal limits under photopic and mesopic conditions. Under photopic conditions, distant CS was better with distance CL than with multifocal toric CL only at 18 cycles/degree. Under mesopic conditions without and with glare, there were differences between both CLs in distant CS for all spatial frequencies. There were differences between the two CLs in near CS for all spatial frequencies. Mean values of stereopsis obtained with multifocal toric CLs and with the DCL combined with reading glasses were 62 ± 12 sec of arc and 59 ± 12 sec of arc, respectively (p = 0.06). Near range of clear vision with the multifocal toric CLs was 1.55 ± 0.33D. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the multifocal toric CL studied is a good option to compensate both presbyopia and astigmatism, providing an optimal distance and near visual quality without compromising the stereopsis.
Toward a Synthesis of Two Accounts of Discourse Structure

Among researchers interested in computational models of discourse, there has been a long-standing debate between proponents of approaches based on domain-independent rhetorical relations, and those who subscribe to approaches based on intentionality. In this paper, we argue that the main theories representing these two approaches, RST (Mann and Thompson 1988) and G&S (Grosz and Sidner 1986), make similar claims about how speakers' intentions determine a structure of their discourse. The similarity occurs because the nucleus-satellite relation among text spans in RST corresponds to the dominance relation among intentions in G&S. Building on this similarity, we sketch a partial mapping between the two theories to show that the main points of the two theories are equivalent. Furthermore, the additional claims found in only RST or only G&S are largely consistent. The issue of what structure is determined by semantic (domain) relations in the discourse and how this structure might be related to the intentional structure is discussed. We suggest the synthesis of the two theories would be useful to researchers in both natural language interpretation and generation.
GDF-15 Contributes to Proliferation and Immune Escape of Malignant Gliomas

Purpose: Growth and differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family. GDF-15 is necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy but has also been linked to other physiologic and pathologic conditions. Experimental Design: The expression of GDF-15 in glioma cell lines was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR and immunoblot. GDF-15 levels in situ and in the peripheral blood of glioma patients were examined by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The effects of short hairpin RNA-mediated GDF-15 inhibition on proliferation and immunogenicity of SMA-560 glioma cells were investigated by [methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation and immune-mediated target cell lysis. The impact of GDF-15 on glioma growth in vivo was assessed in syngeneic mice. Results: GDF-15 is expressed by gliomas of different WHO grades as assessed by immunohistochemistry. The high expression of GDF-15 in tumor tissue translates into elevated GDF-15 serum levels in glioblastoma patients compared with healthy controls. GDF-15 mRNA and protein are also detectable in human and mouse glioma cells in vitro. Silencing of GDF-15 by RNA interference reduces the proliferation of malignant glioma cells. Immunologically, the depletion of glioma-derived GDF-15 enhances the susceptibility of mouse glioma cells towards syngeneic natural killer cells and splenocytes. This results in a reduced in vivo tumorigenicity and increased T-cell infiltration of GDF-15–deficient glioma cells in syngeneic mice. Conclusions: Although previous studies focusing on ectopic overexpression of GDF-15 have proposed unclear or antitumorigenic effects of GDF-15 in glioma cells, we here show that GDF-15 at endogenous levels contributes to proliferation and immune escape of malignant gliomas in an immunocompetent host. Clin Cancer Res; 16(15); 3851–9. ©2010 AACR.
Depression and anxiety disorders among gastroenterologic outpatients

Studies have shown that subjects with depression have altered secretion of ghrelin, a well‐characterized, a p p e t i t e ‐ s t i m u l a t i n g h o r m o n e p r o d u c e d i n gastrointestinal system. Although blood ghrelin response is diminished after meal in untreated subjects with depression, it increases after appropriate antidepressive treatment. [1,2] Moreover, gastrointestinal hormones, including leptin and ghrelin, also have systemic effects, and their metabolism is altered in certain gastrointestinal system disorders. [3]
CD66 nonspecific cross-reacting antigens are involved in neutrophil adherence to cytokine-activated endothelial cells

Neutrophil adherence to cytokine-activated endothelial cell (EC) monolayers depends on the expression of the endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1). The ligand for ELAM-1 is the sialylated Lewis-x antigen (SLe(x)) structure. The selectin LAM-1 (or LECAM-1) has been described as one of the SLe(x)-presenting glycoproteins involved in neutrophil binding to ELAM-1. Other presenter molecules have not yet been described. Our data demonstrate that the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-like surface molecules on neutrophils--known as the nonspecific cross-reacting antigens (NCAs)--are involved in neutrophil adherence to monolayers of IL-1-beta-activated EC. The NCAs are recognized by CD66 (NCA-160 and NCA-90) and CD67 (NCA-95). Because NCA-95 and NCA-90 have previously been found to be phosphatidylinositol (PI)-linked, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) neutrophils (which lack PI- linked surface proteins) were tested as well. PNH neutrophils showed a diminished binding to activated EC. CD66 (on PNH cells still recognizing the transmembrane NCA-160 form) still inhibited the adherence of PNH cells to IL-1-beta-activated EC, but to a limited extent. Soluble CEA(-related) antigens inhibited normal neutrophil adherence as well, whereas neutrophil transmigration was unaffected. Sialidase-treatment as well as CD66 preclearing abolished the inhibitory capacity of the CEA(-related) antigens. The binding of soluble CEA antigens to IL-1-beta-pretreated EC was blocked by anti- ELAM-1. These soluble antigens, as well as the neutrophil NCA-160 and NCA-90, both recognized by CD66 antibodies, presented the SLe(x) determinant. Together, these findings indicate that the CD66 antigens (i.e., NCA-160/NCA-90) function as presenter molecules of the SLe(x) oligosaccharide structures on neutrophils that bind to ELAM-1 on EC.