Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gabapentin Inhibits &ggr;-Amino Butyric Acid Release in the Locus Coeruleus but Not in the Spinal Dorsal Horn after Peripheral Nerve Injury in Rats

Background: Gabapentin reduces acute postoperative and chronic neuropathic pain, but its sites and mechanisms of action are unclear. Based on previous electrophysiologic studies, the authors tested whether gabapentin reduced &ggr;-amino butyric acid (GABA) release in the locus coeruleus (LC), a major site of descending inhibition, rather than in the spinal cord. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats with or without L5–L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) were used. Immunostaining for glutamic acid decarboxylase and GABA release in synaptosomes and microdialysates were examined in the LC and spinal dorsal horn. Results: Basal GABA release and expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase increased in the LC but decreased in the spinal dorsal horn after SNL. In microdialysates from the LC, intravenously administered gabapentin decreased extracellular GABA concentration in normal and SNL rats. In synaptosomes prepared from the LC, gabapentin and other &agr;2&dgr; ligands inhibited KCl-evoked GABA release in normal and SNL rats. In microdialysates from the spinal dorsal horn, intravenous gabapentin did not alter GABA concentrations in normal rats but slightly increased them in SNL rats. In synaptosomes from the spinal dorsal horn, neither gabapentin nor other &agr;2&dgr; ligands affected KCl-evoked GABA release in normal and SNL rats. Discussion: These results suggest that peripheral nerve injury induces plasticity of GABAergic neurons differently in the LC and spinal dorsal horn and that gabapentin reduces presynaptic GABA release in the LC but not in the spinal dorsal horn. The current study supports the idea that gabapentin activates descending noradrenergic inhibition via disinhibition of LC neurons.
Mechanism of cytokine-induced modulation of beta-adrenoceptor responsiveness in airway smooth muscle.

To elucidate the role of specific proinflammatory cytokines in regulating airway responsiveness, we examined the effects and mechanisms of action of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-2 on the beta-adrenoceptor- and postreceptor-coupled transmembrane signaling mechanisms regulating relaxation in isolated rabbit tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) segments. During half-maximal isometric contraction of the tissues with acetylcholine, relaxation responses to isoproterenol, PGE2, and forskolin were separately compared in control (untreated) TSM and tissues incubated for 18 h with IL-1beta (10 ng/ml), TNF-(alpha (100 ng/ml), or IL-2 (200 ng/ml). Relative to controls, IL-1beta- and TNF-alpha-treated TSM, but not IL-2-treated tissues, depicted significant attenuation of their maximal relaxation and sensitivity (i.e., -log dose producing 50% maximal relaxation) to isoproterenol (P < 0.001) and PGE2 (P < 0.05); whereas the relaxation responses to direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase with forskolin were similar in the control and cytokine-treated tissues. Further, the attenuated relaxation to isoproterenol and PGE2 was ablated in the IL-1beta-treated TSM that were pretreated with either the muscarinic M2-receptor antagonist, methoctramine (10(-6) M), or pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml). Moreover, Western immunoblot analysis demonstrated that: (a) Gi protein expression was significantly enhanced in membrane fractions isolated from IL-1beta-treated TSM; and (b) the latter was largely attributed to induced enhanced expression of the Gi alpha2 and Gi alpha3 subunits. Collectively, these observations provide new evidence demonstrating that IL-lbeta and TNF-alpha induce impaired receptor-coupled airway relaxation in naive TSM, and that the latter effect is associated with increased muscarinic M2-receptor/Gi protein-coupled expression and function.
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Intervention afterCarpal Tunnel Release. Literature Review

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is defined as median nerve compression at the level of the wrist and it’s the most common nerve compression at this level. Also there is various rehabilitation treatments may be offered following carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery, the effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear. Objective: Main objective of this study is to review the effectiveness and safety of rehabilitation interventions following CTS release compared with another intervention. Methods: Potentially relevant literature was identified through computerized and manual searches from January 1996 until March 2016. Inclusion and exclusion criteria of the studies were well established and results were analyzed using a rating system with levels of evidence for each extracted outcome. Result: Twelve articles with a total of 576 patients met all eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to support a suitable type of treatment after release of the median nerve because the limited and very low-quality evidence is available for rehabilitation treatments following carpal tunnel release (CTR).
In Vitro Selection and Characterization of Bacillus anthracis Mutants with High-Level Resistance to Ciprofloxacin

ABSTRACT Mutants of attenuated Bacillus anthracis with high-level ciprofloxacin resistance were isolated using a three-step in vitro selection. Ciprofloxacin MICs were 0.5 μg/ml for first-step mutants, which had one of two gyrA quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) mutations. Ciprofloxacin MICs were 8 and 16 μg/ml for second-step mutants, which had one of three parC QRDR mutations. Ciprofloxacin MICs for third-step mutants were 32 and 64 μg/ml. Mutants for which MICs were 64 μg/ml had one of two additional mutations within the gyrA QRDR or one of two mutations within the gyrB QRDR. Mutants for which MICs were 32 μg/ml had no additional target modifications but showed evidence of enhanced ciprofloxacin efflux.
A Longitudinal Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder

Brain involvement is commonly seen in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). However, little is known about the chronic changes of acute brain lesions on MRI over time. Here, our objective was to evaluate how acute brain MRI lesions in NMOSD changed on follow-up MRI. We reviewed the MRIs of 63 patients with NMOSD who had acute brain lesions and follow-up MRI over an interval of at least 3 months. Of the 211 acute brain lesions, 24% of lesions disappeared completely on T2-weighed images (WI) and a decrease in size ≥50% on T2-WI was observed in 58% of lesions on follow-up MRI. However, 47% of lesions revealed focal T1-hypointensity and, in particular, 18% showed focal cystic changes. Cystic changes were observed most commonly in corticospinal tract and corpus callosal lesions whereas the vast majority of lesions in the cerebellum, basal ganglia and temporal white matter resolved completely. MRI remission on T2-WI occurred in 82% of lesions, while approximately half of the lesions presented foci of T1-hypointensity, which may be considered a severe tissue injury over time. The extent of brain injury following an acute brain lesion in NMOSD may depend on the location of the lesion.
Paracetamol Instead of Ketorolac in Post-Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Pain Management: A Randomized Trial

Background Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure that is growing more common around the world. Despite causing less pain compared open thoracic surgery, postoperative pain management is still important. Objectives The aim of the present study was to compare the analgesic effects of paracetamol and ketorolac in VATS patients. Methods This was a double-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted on 70 patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy due to lung masses, using video-assisted methods. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (each n = 35): the ketorolac (K) group and the paracetamol (P) group. The K group received ketorolac 30 mg IV stat at the end of surgery and then a 90 mg/24 h infusion. The P group received paracetamol 1 g IV stat at the end of surgery and then a 3 g/24 h infusion. Pain scores were recorded during recovery and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration. Pain scores, total doses of rescue analgesics, and patient satisfaction levels were compared between the groups. Results There was no significant difference between the K and P groups in pain scores in any of the evaluations. Seventeen (48.6 %) and 9 (25.7 %) patients in the K and P groups, respectively, did not require any rescue analgesia (P = 0.047). The mean doses of rescue analgesia in the K and P groups were 3.129 ± 4.27 mg and 4.38 ± 3.69 mg, respectively, which were similar (P = 0.144). There was no significant difference between the groups in satisfaction scores (P = 0.175). Conclusions Paracetamol 1 g stat + 3 g/24 h infusion is as effective as ketorolac 30 mg stat + 90 mg/24 h infusion in post-VATS pain management, with good tolerability and a low incidence of adverse effects.
Enhanced polarization in melt-quenched and stretched poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) films

β-phase poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) copolymer films were prepared by uniaxially stretching solution-cast or melt-quenched samples. Different preparation routes lead to different amounts of the crystalline α and β phases in the films, as detected by means of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The β phase is significantly enhanced in melt-quenched and stretched films in comparison to solution-cast and stretched films. This is particularly true for copolymer samples with higher HFP content. The β-phase enhancement is also observed in ferroelectric-hysteresis experiments where a rather high polarization of 58 mC/m2 was found on melt-quenched and stretched samples after poling at electric fields of 140 MV/m. After poling at 160 MV/m, one of these samples exhibited a piezoelectric d33 coefficient as high as 21 pC/N. An electric-field-induced partial transition from the α to the β phase was also observed on the melt-quenched and stretched samples. This effect leads to a further increase in the applications-relevant dipole polarization. Uniaxially stretched ferroelectric-polymer films are highly anisotropic. Dielectric resonance spectroscopy reveals a strong increase of the transverse piezoelectric d32 coefficient and a strong decrease of the transverse elastic modulus c32 upon heating from 20 to 50°C.
A dynamic model for ionic polymer–metal composite sensors

A dynamic, physics-based model is presented for ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) sensors. The model is an infinite-dimensional transfer function relating the short-circuit sensing current to the applied deformation. It is obtained by deriving the exact solution to the governing partial differential equation (PDE) for the sensing dynamics, where the effect of distributed surface resistance is incorporated. The PDE is solved in the Laplace domain, subject to the condition that the charge density at the boundary is proportional to the applied stress. The physical model is expressed in terms of fundamental material parameters and sensor dimensions and is thus scalable. It can be easily reduced to low-order models for real-time conditioning of sensor signals in targeted applications of IPMC sensors. Experimental results are provided to validate the proposed model.
Frequency analysis of Dutch vowels from 50 male speakers.

The frequencies and levels of the first three formants of 12 Dutch vowels were measured. The vowels were spoken by 50 male speakers in an h (vowel) t context. Statistical analysis of these formant variables confirmed that F1 and F2 are the most appropriate two distinctive parameters for describing the spectral differences among the vowel sounds. Maximum likelihood regions were computed and used to classify the vowels, and a score of 71.3% correct classification in the logF1 ‐logF2 plane was obtained (87.3% if three related pairs are grouped together). These scores rose to 78.3% and 95.2%, respectively, when a simple speaker‐dependent correction was applied. The scores are comparable with those obtained in an earlier study in which a principal‐components analysis was applied to the 1/3‐oct filter levels of the same vowel sounds [Klein, Plomp, and Pols, J. Acoust. Soc. Amer. 48, 999–1009 (1970)]. From the latter data a two‐dimensional representation (“optimal plane”) equivalent to the logF1 ‐logF2 plane cou.
DIMETHOATE-INDUCED CHANGES IN BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF EXPERIMENTAL RAT SERUM AND ITS NEUTRALIZATION BY BLACK SEED ( NIGELLA SATIVA L . ) OIL

there is a considerable interest in detailed study of free radical-mediated damage to biological systems due to pesticide exposure. however, there is a lack of consensus as to which determinations are best used to quantify future risk of xenobiotic exposure and the use of natural plant products as antioxidant interventions. A purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dimethoate on oxidative stress, biochemical parameters and enzyme activities in rat males as well as possible role of N. sativa oil (NsO) in attenuation of dimethoate-induced changes. The animals were divided randomly into 4 groups and kept at 10 rats per group. The first group was served as a control and administered with corn oil per orally; the group 2 was injected with a single dose of dimethoate (75 mg.kg-1 BW, per orally) 24 h prior to decapitation, the group 3 rats were pretreated per orally with NsO (2 ml.kg-1 BW, three times a week for three weeks), the group 4 rats were pretreated per orally with NsO (2 ml.kg-1 BW, three times a week for three weeks) prior to oral administration of a single dose of dimethoate (75 mg.kg-1 BW). dimethoate induced (P<0.001) increase in serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (tBARs) levels, superoxide dismutase (sOd) and catalase (CAt) activities and inhibited AChE activity. treatment with NsO alone increased the activities of sOd and catalase, while decreased tBARs levels. NsO protected against dimethoate-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in these rats. total lipid (tL), cholesterol, triglyceride (tG), and low density lipoprotein (LDL), were significantly (P<0.01) increased, while high density lipoprotein (hdL) level was decreased. NsO alone decreased levels of lipids and lipoproteins, and neutralized harmful effects of dimethoate. dimethoate increased (P<0.01) levels of serum aminotransferases, phosphatases, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT). Urea, creatinine, uric acid and total bilirubin levels were increased, whilst serum total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly (P<0.01) decreased. the results show that NsO may neutralize dimethoate-induced changes in biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation by activation of the antioxidant defense system in rats.
The contribution of methionine to the stability of the Escherichia coli MetNIQ ABC transporter-substrate binding protein complex

Abstract Despite the ubiquitous role of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) importers in nutrient uptake, only the Escherichia coli maltose and vitamin B12 ABC transporters have been structurally characterized in multiple conformations relevant to the alternating access transport mechanism. To complement our previous structure determination of the E. coli MetNI methionine importer in the inward facing conformation (Kadaba et al. (2008) Science 321, 250–253), we have explored conditions stabilizing the outward facing conformation. Using two variants, the Walker B E166Q mutation with ATP+EDTA to stabilize MetNI in the ATP-bound conformation and the N229A variant of the binding protein MetQ, shown in this work to disrupt methionine binding, a high affinity MetNIQ complex was formed with a dissociation constant measured to be 27 nm. Using wild type MetQ containing a co-purified methionine (for which the crystal structure is reported at 1.6 Å resolution), the dissociation constant for complex formation with MetNI is measured to be ∼40-fold weaker, indicating that complex formation lowers the affinity of MetQ for methionine by this amount. Preparation of a stable MetNIQ complex is an essential step towards the crystallographic analysis of the outward facing conformation, a key intermediate in the uptake of methionine by this transport system.
FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED AND 1H NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPIC FINDINGS OF SILICONE OIL REMOVED FROM EYES AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF EMULSIFICATION WITH RETINOTOMY AND GLAUCOMA

Purpose: To investigate whether structural changes occur in silicone oil that has been left in the eye for different periods and to research the relationship of emulsification with the time during which silicone oil is left in the eye, glaucoma, and wide relaxing retinotomy. Methods: Samples of silicone oil were randomly removed from the eyes of 22 patients. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and spectroscopy were used to identify any changes in the silicone oil. The relationship between spectroscopically determined emulsification with time spent in the eye, glaucoma, and wide relaxing retinotomy was investigated statistically. Results: GPC revealed that no change was found in the 1,000-centistoke silicone oil model after it had been removed from the eye. Spectroscopy identified absorption peaks belonging to water in addition to those belonging to the functional groups. The relationships between emulsification and time spent in the eye and glaucoma were found to be statistically insignificant, while that between emulsification and wide relaxing retinotomy was statistically significant. Conclusion: Intravitreally applied silicone oil undergoes no structural change. Wide relaxing retinotomy constitutes a risk factor for silicone oil emulsification, which can occur earlier than expected and before it can be observed clinically.
Exergaming boxing versus heavy-bag boxing: are these equipotent for individuals with spinal cord injury?

BACKGROUND Current strategies for increased physical activity and exercise in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) face many challenges with regards to maintaining their continuity of participation. Barriers cited often include problems with accessing facilities, mundane, monotonous or boring exercises and expensive equipment that is often not adapted for wheelchair users. AIM To compare the physiological responses and user preferences between conventional heavy-bag boxing against a novel form of video game boxing, known as exergaming boxing. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Exercise laboratory setting in a university medical center. POPULATION Seventeen participants with SCI were recruited, of which sixteen were male and only one female. Their mean age was 35.6±10.2 years. METHODS All of them performed a 15-minute physical exercise session of exergaming and heavy-bag boxing in a sitting position. The study assessed physiological responses in terms of oxygen consumption, metabolic equivalent (MET) and energy expenditure between exergaming and heavy-bag boxing derived from open-circuit spirometry. Participants also rated their perceived exertion using Borg's category-ratio ratings of perceived exertion. RESULTS Both exergaming (MET: 4.3±1.0) and heavy-bag boxing (MET: 4.4±1.0) achieved moderate exercise intensities in these participants with SCI. Paired t-test revealed no significant differences (P>0.05, Cohen's d: 0.02-0.49) in the physiological or perceived exertional responses between the two modalities of boxing. Post session user survey reported all the participants found exergaming boxing more enjoyable. CONCLUSIONS Exergaming boxing, was able to produce equipotent physiological responses as conventional heavy-bag boxing. The intensity of both exercise modalities achieved recommended intensities for health and fitness benefits. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT Exergaming boxing have the potential to provide an enjoyable, self-competitive environment for moderate-vigorous exercise even at the comfort of their homes.
Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin: tissue distribution and long-term excretion after exchange transfusion.

This report describes the tissue distribution and long-term (14-day) excretion of hemoglobin cross-linked between the alpha-chains (alpha alpha Hb) with carbon 14-labeled bis(3,5-dibromosalicyl)fumarate. Fully conscious, chronically cannulated rats (n = 40) were treated with a 50% isovolemic exchange transfusion (ET) with solutions of 14C-labeled alpha alpha Hb (8.0 gm/dl) and were then monitored for as long as 14 days. Thirteen tissue types were analyzed for radioactivity by liquid scintillation counting. The highest concentration of label was found in the kidney and in tissues of the reticuloendothelial system (i.e., spleen, bone marrow, and liver). The 14C-labeled alpha alpha Hb did not appear to cross the blood-brain barrier, because radioactivity in the brain was barely detectable. The dose of 14C-labeled alpha alpha Hb (2.4 gm Hb/kg) produced an initial plasma Hb level of 4.6 gm/dl, with a half-life in the plasma of 5.0 hours. The peak concentration in kidney, spleen, and liver occurred at 24 hours after ET, when at least 92% of the 14C-labeled alpha alpha Hb in plasma had been cleared. At 48 hours, red casts were seen in a tiny number of renal tubules in some rats. By 14 days, up to 64% of the injected radioactivity had been recovered in urine and about 10% was recovered in feces. Most excretion occurred 24 to 48 hours after ET. This study demonstrated that 2 weeks were required for the metabolic degradation and elimination of a large dose of alpha alpha Hb in rats.
A Qualitative Inquiry on the Multidimensional Racial Development among First-Year African American College Students Attending a Predominately White Institution

Abstract:While persistence and completion rates in postsecondary education are on the rise, gaps based on racial/ethnic demographics remain. This is particularly evident at predominately White institutions (PWIs), despite increasing enrollment of African Americans at these institutions. Previous studies have linked psychosocial health of African American students with positive educational outcomes. Using qualitative data from a study of first-year African American students at a PWI, this article examines the influence of racial identity development on the educational experiences through an interpretive theoretical framework—the Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI). Five themes are presented, representing the influence of both internal reconceptualization of racial identity and external sources of support. Implications for policy development and future research are discussed.
A Model of Protests, Revolution, and Information

A revolt or protest succeeds only if sufficient people participate. We study how potential participants' ability to coordinate is affected by their information. We distinguish four phenomena that affect whether information either encourages or inhibits protests and revolutions: (i) Unraveling: When agents learn about each others' types, some are discouraged by meeting partisans of the status quo. This can unravel, as even confident agents realize that enough supporters will be discouraged to preclude a successful revolution. (ii) Homophily: Learning someone else's type under homophily is less informative since that individual is more likely to be similar to the learner. This can lead people to be less confident of a revolution, but can also stop potential unraveling. (iii) Extremism: Meeting other protestors, and seeing pilot demonstrations or outcomes in similar countries, reveal not only how much support for change exists, but also from which constituencies it emerges. This can undercut a revolution if factions differ sufficiently in their preferred changes. (iv) Counter Demonstrations: partisans for the status quo can hold counter-demonstrations to signal their strength. We also discuss why holding mass demonstrations before a revolution may provide better signals of peoples willingness to actively participate than other less costly forms of communication (e.g., via social media), and how governments use redistribution and propaganda to avoid a revolution.