Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of growth factors on proliferation and phenotypic differentiation of human fetal neural stem cells

Human fetal neural stem cells (hNSCs) can be expanded in vitro by mitogens or growth factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and/or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Their effects on proliferation rate and differentiation pattern of hNSCs, however, have not been fully characterized. In this study, we cultured hNSCs in seven regimens, including bFGF, EGF, and LIF, either alone or in combinations. Cells were maintained as neurospheres in treatment media for various periods, up to six passages. A combination of bFGF, EGF, and LIF expanded hNSCs more efficiently than any other treatment as determined by counting total cell numbers using a trypan blue exclusion assay, a WST‐1 cell viability assay, and a bromodeoxyuridine incorporation flow cytometric analysis. Differentiation patterns of hNSCs expanded under different conditions were also analyzed. We reported previously that hNSCs primed in vitro with a combination of bFGF, heparin, and laminin (FHL) induced neuronal differentiation toward a cholinergic phenotype. In this study, we show that the FHL priming increases neuronal differentiation while decreasing astroglial generation in all treatment groups as determined by immunostaining. However, cells proliferated under different growth factor conditions do vary in their phenotypic differentiation patterns. Particularly, significant generation of cholinergic cells was observed only in hNSCs expanded with EGF/bFGF or EGF/bFGF/LIF, but not with other treatment regimens, even when they are exposed to the same priming procedure. Our results indicate that hNSCs are highly plastic, with their proliferation and differentiation potential dependent on different growth factor treatments. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of Complementary and Novel Antiemetic Therapies

Controversy continues to surround the optimal approach to managing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). In a recent article, Scuderi et al. reported that routine antiemetic prophylaxis with ondansetron, 4 mg intravenously (IV), given before the start of surgery did not result in a clinically important improvement in patient outcome compared with symptomatic treatment. In an accompanying editorial, Fisher stated that “there appears to be little evidence to support routine prophylactic administration of antiemetics. ” Although this may be true for patients at low risk (<5%) of developing emetic symptoms, higher risk patient populations clearly benefit from the use of prophylactic approaches to minimize the uncomfortable symptoms of nausea and vomiting. In a more recent study, Scuderi and colleagues found that prophylaxis resulted in an increased level of patient satisfaction compared to systematic treatment in women undergoing outpatient laparoscopic surgery. In spite of the routine use of prophylactic antiemetic drugs in patients at increased risk of developing emetic symptoms, a surprising number of these patients will still require a “rescue” therapy. In a systematic review of postoperative vomiting after day-case surgery, McQuay and Moore concluded that none of the currently available antiemetic drugs is sufficiently effective to be used for routine prophylaxis. When patients develop nausea and vomiting despite traditional pharmacologic prophylaxis, consideration should be given to the use of complimentary nonpharmacologic and other novel therapies. Some of the novel pharmacologic therapies include neurokinin-1 (NK-1) antagonists and inhaled isopropyl alcohol. A wide variety of nonpharmacologic approaches have also been reported to be effective in the prevention of nausea and vomiting, including acupuncture, electroacupuncture, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation, and acupressure. In addition to the Sea BandTM acupressure device, a commercially available acupoint-stimulating device (known as a
Psychosocial effects of workplace physical exercise among workers with chronic pain

Abstract While workplace physical exercise can help manage musculoskeletal disorders, less is known about psychosocial effects of such interventions. This aim of this study was to investigate the effect of workplace physical exercise on psychosocial factors among workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The trial design was a 2-armed parallel-group randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment. A total of 66 slaughterhouse workers (51 men and 15 women, mean age 45 years [standard deviation (SD) 10]) with upper limb chronic musculoskeletal pain were randomly allocated to group-based strength training (physical exercise group) or individual ergonomic training and education (reference group) for 10 weeks. Social climate was assessed with the General Nordic Questionnaire for Psychological and Social Factors at Work, and vitality and mental health were assessed with the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. All scales were converted to 0 to 100 (higher scores are better). Between-group differences from baseline to follow-up were determined using linear mixed models adjusted for workplace, age, gender, and baseline values of the outcome. Mean baseline scores of social climate, mental health, and vitality were 52.2 (SD 14.9), 79.5 (SD 13.7), and 53.9 (SD 19.7), respectively. Complete baseline and follow-up data were obtained from 30 and 31 from the physical exercise and reference groups, respectively. The between-group differences from baseline to follow-up between physical exercise and reference were 7.6 (95% CI 0.3 to 14.9), −2.3 (95% CI -10.3 to 5.8), and 10.1 (95% CI 0.6 to 19.5) for social climate, mental health, and vitality, respectively. For social climate and vitality, this corresponded to moderate effect sizes (Cohen d = 0.51 for both) in favor of physical exercise. There were no reported adverse events. In conclusion, workplace physical exercise performed together with colleagues improves social climate and vitality among workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Mental health remained unchanged.
Feasibility study of an integrated stroke self-management programme: a cluster-randomised controlled trial

Objectives To test the feasibility of conducting a controlled trial into the effectiveness of a self-management programme integrated into stroke rehabilitation. Design A feasibility cluster-randomised design was utilised with stroke rehabilitation teams as units of randomisation. Setting Community-based stroke rehabilitation teams in London. Participants 78 patients with a diagnosis of stroke requiring community based rehabilitation. Intervention The intervention consisted of an individualised approach to self-management based on self-efficacy. Clinicians were trained to integrate defined self-management principles into scheduled rehabilitation sessions, supported by a patient-held workbook. Main outcomes measures Patient measures of quality of life, mood, self-efficacy and functional capacity, and health and social care utilisation, were carried out by blinded assessors at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Fidelity and acceptability of the delivery were evaluated by observation and interviews. Results 4 community stroke rehabilitation teams were recruited, and received a total of 317 stroke referrals over 14 months. Of these, 138 met trial eligibility criteria and 78 participants were finally recruited (56.5%). Demographic and baseline outcome measures were similar between intervention and control arms, with the exception of age. All outcome measures were feasible to use and clinical data at 12 weeks were completed for 66/78 participants (85%; 95% CI 75% to 92%). There was no significant difference in any of the outcomes between the arms of the trial, but measures of functional capacity and self-efficacy showed responsiveness to the intervention. Observation and interview data confirmed acceptability and fidelity of delivery according to predetermined criteria. Costs varied by site. Conclusions It was feasible to integrate a stroke self-management programme into community rehabilitation, using key principles. Some data were lost to follow-up, but overall results support the need for conducting further research in this area and provide data to support the design of a definitive trial. Trial registration number ISRCTN42534180.
Protective effect of adenosine A1 agonists against pentylene tetrazole-induced convulsions

T latex of Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) is used as an anti-inflammatory and in various skin diseases such as scabies, eczema, ringworm etc. The present study was aimed to investigate wound healing potential of Jatropha curcas (JC) latex commonly employed by traditional healers and to prove its traditional use through scientific investigation. The wound healing activity of JC latex was determined using antioxidant, antibacterial, fibroblast proliferation with mouse fibroblast L929, excision, incision and dead space wound model in experimental rats. The latex was found to promote fibroblast L929 survivability more than 90%. It exhibited scavenging activity for DPPH with an IC50 value of 20.4 μg/mL comparable to butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) 12.5 μg/mL. The latex was active against Gram positive bacteria, S. aureus and B. subtilis with zone of inhibition 17 mm and 18.5 mm respectively. Topical application of latex (2 and 5%) exhibited high rate of wound contraction, decrease in period of epitheliazation, high tensile strength in excision, incision and dead space wound model in experimental rats. The JC latex provides scientific evidence of wound healing activity due to its antioxidant, antibacterial, and fibroblast as well as topical application of latex promotes wound healing.
Changes in river channel pattern as a result of the construction, operation and decommissioning of watermills – the case of the middle reach of the River Liswarta near Krzepice, Poland

Abstract Changes in river channel pattern in the middle reach of the River Liswarta and in the lower reaches of its tributaries near Krzepice were analysed, and were related to the construction, operation and decommissioning of watermills. For this purpose, old maps which covered the period from the beginning of the 18th century until the 20th century were used alongside written historical sources. Maps from the first half of the 19th century provided valuable source material. Traces of old mill water systems in the valley floor were analysed on the basis of a numerical terrain model and aerial photographs as well as on the basis of detailed geomorphological mapping. The research made it possible to determine the locations of former mills mentioned in written historical sources and also changes in the course of river channels related to mill construction. It was found that some reaches of the River Liswarta channel and the estuary reach of its tributary River Bieszcza were in fact old mill races. These mill races account for around 31% of the length of the river channel reaches analysed. Analysis of old maps indicated that in the 19th century, the River Liswarta near Krzepice had multiple channels. This development of the River Liswarta channel was not only the result of natural geological, geomorphological and climate conditions, but also the product of watermill construction, since some channels within this network were artificial canals, including mill races. As a result of the construction of mill races, river channel reaches ranging from 1 to 2.5 km in length were shifted. Of the mills studied, as many as 80% ceased to exist in different parts of the period covered by the research. Traces of some of them can still be found in the form of ruins of foundations or of a water system with the remains of hydraulic structures, while some have only left their mark on the river channel pattern.
The organizing pneumonias: an update and review

Purpose of review Basic information as well as more recent concepts regarding cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and secondary forms of the disease. Recent findings More recently described and less well recognized illnesses associated with organizing pneumonia, such as organizing pneumonia associated with radiation, are enumerated. In vitro studies from separate laboratories are integrated to create a proposed model of the pathogenesis and repair mechanisms that occur in organizing pneumonias. Using current criteria, we note other interstitial lung processes, in addition to organizing pneumonia, are present in some earlier reports. Summary Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia has been reported to respond to corticosteroids with clinico-radiographic resolution in 70-80% of cases. Treatment duration is lengthy, and despite this, recurrences and late recurrences are common. Rapidly progressive, steroid resistant and poor prognostic forms of organizing pneumonia have been described and have been reported more frequently with secondary organizing pneumonia. Since other histologic interstitial patterns often coexist with organizing pneumonia, tissue sampling error or an incorrect morphologic diagnosis can be the reason for aggressive clinical behavior. Steroid nonresponsive patients have been treated with secondary non-steroidal agents. Good clinical outcomes have been reported. Inhaled antigens stimulate GM-CSF-mediated airway inflammation in organizing pneumonia. Repair requires the following: granulation tissue, upon which re-epithelialization occurs; a favorable stromal ratio of matrix metalloproteinase to tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase; concurrent resolution of inflammation; and stromal fibroblast ingestion of collagen produced earlier in repair, reversing the initial fibrosis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) related inhibition of aldosterone glucuronidation and arterial dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional clinical study

Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and are also commonly prescribed non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ns-NSAIDs). New in vitro evidence suggests that this increased CV risk may be mediated through aldosterone glucuronidation inhibition (AGI), which differs between NSAIDs (diclofenac>naproxen>indomethacin>ibuprofen). Our aim was to explore the association between ns-NSAID-related AGI and arterial dysfunction. Methods The extent (augmentation index, AIX%) and timing (reflected wave transit time, RWT, ms) of aortic wave reflection (measured using radial applanation pulse wave analysis, PWA, SphygmoCor device) were assessed on a single occasion in 114 consecutive RA patients without overt CV disease aged 40–65 years. A higher AIX% and lower RWT indicate arterial dysfunction. Assessment included a fasting blood sample, patient questionnaire and medical record review. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for age, sex, mean blood pressure, smoking, cumulative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR-years) and Stanford disability score. Results We identified 60 patients taking ns-NSAIDs and 25 non-users. Using a ns-NSAID with the highest AGI was associated with a higher AIX% (and lower RWT) versus treatment with a ns-NSAID with the lowest AGI (diclofenac AIX% 32.3, RWT 132.7 ms vs ibuprofen AIX% 23.8, RWT 150.9 ms): adjusted mean differences AIX% 6.5 (95% CI 1.0 to 11.9; p=0.02); RWT −14.2 ms (95% CI −22.2 to −6.3; p=0.001). Indomethacin demonstrated an intermediate level of arterial dysfunction. In relation to arterial dysfunction, both indomethacin and naproxen were more similar to diclofenac than to ibuprofen. Conclusions ns-NSAID-related AGI is associated with arterial dysfunction in patients with RA. These findings provide a potentially novel insight into the CV toxicity of commonly used ns-NSAIDs. However, the findings are limited by the small number of patients involved and require further replication in a much larger study.
Comparison of prematurity-related outcomes and complications in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates fed with mother`s own milk versus donor milk: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND When mother`s own milk (MOM) is unavailable or insufficient, donor milk (DM) from a human milk bank serves as an alternative feeding option. Our study sought to investigate and compare the outcomes and complications of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants who receive MOM versus DM. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2022, we compared 70 VLBW preterm infants exclusively fed with DM to 70 randomly selected counterparts fed with MOM. Both groups began enteral feeding within 72 hours of birth. Various clinical outcomes were investigated during a three-month follow-up. The clinical outcomes were compared via independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Fisher`s exact test. RESULTS The mean gestational age of the infants who were included was 29.6 ± 1.6 weeks, 84 (60%) were males, and the average birth weight was 1217 ± 151 grams. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. The results of the study demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of hospital length of stay (37±16.3 days in MOM vs 40.3±16.9 days in DM group, P= 0.17), growth rate (13±4 gram/day in MOM vs 13±4 gram/day in DM group, P=0.51), growth velocity (9.8±3.0g/kg/d in MOM vs 9.5±3.2 g/kg/d in DM group), infants with in-hospital vomiting (51 cases in MOM vs 59 cases in DM group, P=0.15),vomiting frequency (1.3±1.1 times in MOM vs 1.5±1.0 times in DM group), incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (4 cases in MOM vs 5 cases in DM group, P > 0.999) and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (7 cases in MOM vs 6 cases in DM group, P > 0.999). CONCLUSION Our study findings indicate that the utilization of DM didn`t have a substantial negative impact on infants` outcomes nor any complications in comparison with MOM.
Anatomic and Biomechanical Comparison of the Classic and Congruent-Arc Techniques of the Latarjet Procedure

Background: The Latarjet procedure is commonly performed using either the classic or the congruent-arc technique. Each technique has potential clinical advantages and disadvantages. However, data on the anatomic and biomechanical effects, benefits, and limitations of each technique are limited. Hypothesis/Purpose: To compare the anatomy and biomechanical fixation strength (failure load) between the 2 techniques. It was hypothesized that the classic technique would have superior initial fixation when compared with the congruent-arc technique and that this would be affected by sex and coracoid size. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A biomechanical cadaver study was performed with 20 pairs of male and female shoulders. One of each pair of shoulders was randomly assigned to receive the classic or congruent-arc technique. Coracoid and glenoid anatomic measurements were collected before biomechanical testing. A tensile force was applied through the conjoined tendon to replicate forces experienced by the coracoid graft in the early postoperative period, and the failure load was determined for each specimen. Results: The mean ± SD surface area available for fixation was 263 ± 63 mm2 in the classic technique compared with 177 ± 63 mm2 in the congruent-arc group (P < .001). 36% of the glenoid width was recreated in the classic group and 50% in the congruent-arc group (P < .001). The congruent-arc technique resulted in a significantly lower (P = .005) mean failure load (239 ± 91 N) compared with the classic technique (303 ± 114 N). Failure load was significantly higher in males (P = .037); male specimens had a mean failure load of 344 ± 122 N for the classic technique and 289 ± 73 N for the congruent-arc technique, and females had a mean failure load of 266 ± 98 N and 194 ± 84 N, respectively. Conclusion: In this biomechanical model, the classic technique of the Latarjet procedure provided a greater surface area for healing to the glenoid and superior initial fixation when compared with the congruent-arc technique. The congruent-arc technique allowed restoration of a larger glenoid defect. Clinical Relevance: The classic and congruent-arc techniques of coracoid transfer have anatomic and biomechanical advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when choosing between the 2 techniques.
Aqueous Flower Extract of Mangifera indica: An Investigation into its In Vitro Anti-Diabetic Effects

: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, affecting 90% of people with diabetes globally. Type 2 diabetes has spread from developed to developing countries. Combining a low-dose oral hypoglycemic medication with a low-dose or even higher-dose of Mangifera indica (MI) extract is one approach for treating diabetes mellitus. This combination has various benefits, including controlling blood glucose levels. More adverse effects would occur with an increase in the dosage of the traditional oral hypoglycemic medication. Our study revealed that after 15 days of oral treatment of an aqueous MI extract, rats with alloxan-induced diabetes had noticeably reduced fasting blood glucose levels. Compared to using gliclazide alone, the combination of MI extract with gliclazide considerably lowered the blood glucose level. In this investigation, rats who had developed diabetes due to alloxan were shown to have normal fasting blood glucose levels when MI extract was administered.
Developmental regulation of muscleblind‐like (MBNL) gene expression in the chicken embryo retina

Muscleblind‐like (MBNL) is a CCCH zinc finger‐containing RNA‐binding protein required for the development of both muscle and photoreceptors in Drosophila; it is conserved evolutionarily, and it is associated in humans with the muscular disease myotonic dystrophy. Its role in the development of vertebrate retinal cells, however, remains unknown. As an initial approach to its investigation, we have cloned three chick muscleblind genes, characterized their isoforms, and examined their expression patterns in the chick embryo retina. The relative levels of expression of the MBNL genes increased during embryonic development. In situ hybridization (ISH) showed that the three MBNL mRNAs had widespread patterns of expression at all the developmental stages examined. Of interest, the temporal and spatial patterns of protein expression, detected by immunocytochemistry with antibodies against MBNL1 and MBNL2, were much more restricted than those seen by ISH. At early stages (ED5–7), for example, MBNL1 and MBNL2 mRNAs were present throughout the retina, but immunoreactivity for the corresponding proteins was largely restricted to the periphery of the optic cup (presumptive iris/ciliary epithelium/ciliary margin zone). MBNL1 and MBNL2 immunoreactivity became detectable at the fundus at later stages, but was limited to a very small subset of the cells that had ISH signals for the cognate mRNAs (particularly ganglion cells and photoreceptors). Within photoreceptors, MBNL1 and MBNL2 immunoreactivity first appeared in their inner segments; MBNL2 remained there, but MBNL1 became subsequently localized to their synaptic terminals. These expression patterns are consistent with the possibility that MBNLs may regulate photoreceptor development in the chick retina, much as MBL does in Drosophila, and suggest that the expression of MBNL1 and MBNL2 may be regulated posttranscriptionally. Developmental Dynamics 237: 286–296, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.