Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and number of hilar neurones in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice: reversion by antidepressant treatment

Cerebral dysfunctions, including a high incidence of depression, are common findings in human type 1 diabetes mellitus. An association between depression and defective hippocampal neurogenesis has been proposed and, in rodents, antidepressant therapy restores neuronal proliferation in the dentate gyrus. Hippocampal neurogenesis is also deficient in diabetic mice, which led us to study whether the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine influences cell proliferation in streptozotocin‐diabetic animals. Diabetic and control C57BL/6 mice received fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day, i.p., 10 days) and dentate gyrus cell proliferation was measured after a single injection of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU). Diabetic mice showed reduced cell proliferation. Fluoxetine treatment, although having no effect in controls, corrected this parameter in diabetic mice. The phenotype of newly generated cells was analysed by confocal microscopy after seven daily BrdU injections, using Tuj‐1/β‐III tubulin as a marker for immature neurones and glial fibrillary acidic protein for astrocytes. In controls, the proportion of Tuj‐1‐BrdU‐positive cells over total BrdU cells was ∼70%. In vehicle‐treated diabetic mice, immature neurones decreased to 56% and fluoxetine brought this proportion back to control values without affecting astrocytes. Therefore, fluoxetine preferentially increased the proliferation of cells with a neuronal phenotype. In addition, neurones were counted in the hilus of the dentate gyrus; a 30% decrease was found in diabetic mice compared with controls, whereas this neuronal loss was prevented by fluoxetine. In conclusion, fluoxetine treatment restored neuroplasticity‐related hippocampal alterations of diabetic mice. These findings may be potentially important to counteract diabetes‐associated depression in humans.
Prediction of Maximum Static Grip Strength in a Standing Posture and with Preferred Grip Span in a Chinese Sample

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS We developed a model for predicting maximum hand grip strength. This model was derived from data on the maximum hand grip strength of a sample of Chinese adults in a standing posture using their preferred grip span. The model’s validity was supported by the high correlation found between the participants’ actual and predicted strengths, a low standard error of the estimate value, and a low mean absolute percentage error. The model provides practitioners with a simple and practical method for obtaining reference grip strengths for tasks that involve gripping in standing work postures, and can aid in designing hand tools that enable users to grip with their preferred grip span, both of which can help prevent hand injuries caused by a mismatch between workers’ grip capabilities and task demands. TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Hand grip strength varies between populations. To design tasks and hand tools for a particular population, it is necessary to have normative data on that population’s maximum hand grip strength. Previous studies have developed models for predicting hand grip strength on the basis of demographic and anthropometric characteristics. However, few of these models considered working postures (e.g., standing) or individual preferences in grip span. Purpose: To develop and validate a model for predicting maximum static grip strength that considers an individual’s posture and preferred grip span. Method: Maximum hand grip strength was obtained from 200 Chinese adults, in a neutral standing position and with vertically oriented straight arms. Data from 180 of these adults were used to develop a prediction model that considered age, gender, and anthropometric characteristics, using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Data from the remaining 20 participants were used to validate the model, based on the correlation between actual and predicted strength, the standard error of the estimate (SEE), and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). We also compared our new prediction model with two published models. Results: Age, gender, and hand length were each significant predictors of hand grip strength. There was a high correlation between the actual and model-predicted strengths (r = 0.82; p < 0.001); the SEE was 55.9 N and the MAPE was 13.7%. Conclusion: The high correlation and low SEE and MAPE values support validity of our new model for predicting maximum hand grip strength. This model provides a convenient and practical method for predicting grip strength, for tasks that require users to grip something while standing with an adjustable grip span.
Business Cycle Convergence: A Survey of Methods and Models

This survey provides an up-to-date summary of the literature that relates to the study of business cycle synchronization. Various paths have been followed through time in empirically testing business cycle co-movement and different data sets have been explored so that to date consensus still dissolves. These studies fall into two major categories: those dealing with the existence of business cycle convergence and the ones trying to identify the macroeconomic variables that induce the co-movement patterns. With respect to the first category and despite the varying empirical results, the majority of studies present evidence in favor of macroeconomic convergence in certain country groups, e.g., the members of the EMU and the US states. Regarding the second category of studies, most authors provide evidence that designates the intensity of trade as a robust factor that induces convergence. We classify the literature into groups depending on the methodology followed in order to provide to the reader a consistent and comprehensive guide. Moreover, we contribute to the existing literature by presenting a novel methodology for analyzing business cycle convergence patterns using tools from Graph Theory and the Minimum Dominating Set technique.
Fat attenuation using a dual steady‐state balanced‐SSFP sequence with periodically variable flip angles

A refocused‐SSFP sequence based on balanced‐FFE (TrueFisp, Fiesta) that attenuates fat signal is presented. The sequence uses periodically variable flip angles and produces a dual steady state of the signal, which is obtained after a dual transient phase if an appropriate preparation is used. The off‐resonance profile of the steady‐state signal exhibits large stopbands that can be employed for fat suppression. Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the signal behavior and the off‐resonance properties of the sequence. Experimental results obtained with a Philips Gyroscan Intera 1.5T MR scanner demonstrated fat attenuation in phantoms and abdominal images in volunteers. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (filgrastim) in chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia

Background: The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors to treat patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is well accepted. To assess whether administration of filgrastim along with standard empiric antibiotic therapy is beneficial for patients with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (FN), we conducted an open, non-randomized clinical trial. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, open, Phase IV clinical trial in patients receiving chemotherapy for histologically confirmed cancer, with an oral temperature of >38.2°C and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of <500/mm 3. Filgrastim was administered subcutaneously in a dose of 5 mcg/kg/day, 24 hours after administration of cytotoxic therapy, for up to two weeks or until the ANC reached 10,000 cells/mm 3. The parameters of assessment included duration of neutropenia, fever, hospitalization and antibiotic usage. Results: All 24 evaluable patients recovered from neutropenia, fever and FN in a median duration of two days. This result is similar to that reported in earlier studies with filgrastim. Despite the acceleration in recovery from neutropenia and fever, it also reduced the duration of hospital stay and usage of intravenous (IV) antibiotic. Only two adverse events were reported, which were of mild nature. Conclusion: Filgrastim, when used in patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, exhibited efficacy in accelerating the recovery from neutropenia and fever comparable to that reported with filgrastim in literature. The data from this study suggest that filgrastim is effective in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and is well tolerated by Indian patients.
Rare creation of recombinant mtDNA haplotypes in mammalian tissues

The problem of whether recombinant mtDNAs are created in mammalian cells has been controversial for many years. We show convincing evidence for the very rare creation of recombinant mtDNA haplotypes by isolating human somatic hybrid cells and by generating mice carrying two different mtDNA haplotypes. To avoid misinterpretation of PCR-jumping products as recombinants, we used purified mtDNAs for cloning and sequencing. The results showed that only three of 318 clones of mtDNA purified from mouse tissues corresponded to recombinant mtDNA haplotypes, whereas no recombinants were found in human somatic hybrid cells. Such an extremely low frequency of mtDNA recombination does not require any revision of important concepts on human evolution that are based on its absence. Considering the high concentration of reactive oxygen species around the mtDNA and its frequent strand breakage, recombinant clones would correspond to gene conversion products created by repair of nucleotide mismatches.
Chronic Administration of Glucocorticoids Directly Upregulates Prepro‐Neuropeptide Y and Y1‐Receptor mRNA Levels in the Arcuate Nucleus of the Rat

The complete sequence of the cDNA encoding the neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1‐receptor has recently been deduced from a rat brain library, and the presence of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding Y1‐receptor protein has been demonstrated within the brain. Using quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry, the content and distribution of Y1receptor and preproNPY mRNAs have been investigated in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of adrenalectomized rats receiving glucocorticoid replacement therapy for 12 days by means of either high doses of dexamethasone in their drinking water or by subcutaneous corticosterone pellets. Basal metabolic parameters such as weight gain or loss, blood glucose and plasma insulin were monitored: Dexamethasone treatment induced weight loss and a state of hyperinsulinemia with normoglycemia, while corticosterone treated animals displayed metabolic parameters identical to sham ADX animals. Within the arcuate nucleus of glucocorticoid treated animals, levels of Y1receptor and preproNPY mRNAs were increased. In contrast, adrenalectomy itself had no effect upon Y1‐receptor mRNA levels or preproNPY mRNA levels in the arcuate nucleus. These studies demonstrate that glucocorticoids exert a stimulatory action on levels of Y1‐receptor mRNA and preproNPY mRNA levels in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. This is the first evidence to suggest that the expression of a neuropeptide‐receptor gene in the central nervous system may be directly sensitive to peripheral hormonal signals.
Comparison of the radiometric BACTEC 460 TB culture system and Löwenstein–Jensen medium for the isolation of mycobacteria in cutaneous tuberculosis and their drug susceptibility pattern

Background Mycobacterial isolation from cutaneous tuberculosis on Löwenstein–Jensen (L–J) medium has been reported to be low. The radiometric BACTEC 460 TB culture system (BACTEC system) has shown better isolation rates in pulmonary tuberculosis. There has been a progressive increase in the prevalence of multidrug resistance in pulmonary tuberculosis, but similar studies are lacking for cutaneous tuberculosis. Therefore, this study was undertaken to compare mycobacterial isolation on conventional L–J medium vs. the BACTEC system, and to determine the prevalence of multidrug resistance in cutaneous tuberculosis.
Reliability and validity of two tests of soccer skill

Abstract Twenty-four players from the 1st/2nd (elite) and 24 players from the 3rd/4th (non-elite) university football teams were recruited to evaluate the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) and Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST) as tools to assess soccer skill. The LSPT requires players to complete 16 passes as quickly as possible. The LSST requires players to pass, control, and shoot the ball to targets on a full-sized goal. Participants completed two main trials each separated by at least one day. During both trials, the participants were given practice efforts before recording the mean of the next two (LSPT) or 10 (LSST) attempts as the performance score. For the LSPT, the mean time taken, added penalty time, and overall performance time were less in the elite players (elite: 43.6 s, s = 3.8; non-elite: 52.5 s, s = 7.4; P = 0.0001). For the LSST, there was no difference in the mean points scored per shot between groups (elite: 1.34, s = 0.46; non-elite: 1.28, s = 0.53). However, the elite players had higher mean shot speed (elite: 80 km · h−1, s = 4.5; non-elite: 74 km · h−1, s = 4.2; P < 0.0001) and performed each shot sequence faster (elite: 7.87 s, s = 0.29; non-elite: 8.07 s, s = 0.35; P = 0.037) than the non-elite players. Performance on both tests was more repeatable in elite players. In conclusion, the LSPT and LSST are valid and reliable protocols to assess differences in soccer skill performance.
Osteoporosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Osteoporosis is one of the systemic effects associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Potential risk factors of osteoporosis may be due to the lifestyle, genetics, treatment with corticosteroids, endocrine abnormalities or the impairment of the body composition and peripheral skeletal muscles. Evidence for the possible contribution of such factors is reviewed. The occurrence of fractures, as a consequence of osteoporosis, can contribute to the disability and mortality of patients with COPD and add to the economic burden of the disease. The treatment with corticosteroids for the lung disease is associated with increased prevalence of fractures, but other factors may contribute. There is a remarkable paucity of interventional studies targeting the osteoporosis in patients with COPD. The results of studies on the treatment of osteoporosis in chronic lung diseases, some including small numbers of patients with COPD, are reviewed in the paper. Prospective longitudinal studies on the incidence of osteoporosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need to assess patients with various degrees of disease severity and investigate the possible contribution of etiological factors. Randomised placebo-controlled trials are required to assess the effect of intervention, such as bisphosphonates, hormone replacement, calcium supplementation, on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and fractures in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Economic evaluation of knee arthroscopy treatment in a general hospital.

Aim The economic evaluation of medical programs applies procedures that search for and ensure the cheapest methods of medical treatment with the best feasible health results. The aim of this study was to thoroughly examine both the costs and results of medical outcomes, which were based upon two alternative methods of treatment. The purpose was to offer obtained information to the medical profession and hospital management, since they must decide on how to use the funds designed for knee arthroscopy surgery. Methods A cost-utility analysis of two competitive treatments for knee arthroscopy was evaluated: the first one was executed by a standard department of surgery and the second one for the implementation within the framework of ambulatory treatment. Results The direct costs of the existing knee arthroscopy surgery amount to 930.39 euro, while the alternative treatment amount to 419.80 euro. The second alternative treatment would significantly reduce labor costs, depreciation costs and material costs. The implementation of the second alternative would reduce the total cost by 54.88%. CONCLUSION Outpatient surgical procedures can bring numerous potential advantages such as lower costs and unchanged or improved medical outcomes, when compared to the classical method of outpatient treatment. The results show that the outpatient treatment does not sacrifice quality in order to reduce hospital costs.
Governors, Bureaus, and State Policymaking

CASE STUDIES of American state and national policymaking underline the importance of both legislative and executive branch actions in determining policy outcomes. Despite the existing evidence for gubernatorial influence, much research on state policymaking focuses solely on the influence of one state political institution—the legislature. In this article, measures of gubernatorial and executive branch characteristics are added to a model of state policy liberalism by Erikson, Wright, and McIver (1989; 1993), which focuses on citizen and legislative ideology and on party legislative strength as forces that determine the liberalism of state policies. Erikson, Wright, and McIver omit considerations of gubernatorial or other executive branch influences “due largely to measurement considerations” because “little evidence exists that demonstrates an empirical link between the powers of the executive and actual policy direction” (1993, 126-127). The decision to ignore the executive branch deserves closer consideration: governors play important roles in establishing state policy agendas and in preparing annual budget requests. Moreover, state executives are granted the responsibility to make and execute public policies, and have formal and informal powers to Governors, Bureaus, and State Policymaking
A Protein Array Screen for Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus LANA Interactors Links LANA to TIP60, PP2A Activity, and Telomere Shortening

ABSTRACT The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) LANA protein functions in latently infected cells as an essential participant in KSHV genome replication and as a driver of dysregulated cell growth. To identify novel LANA protein-cell protein interactions that could contribute to these activities, we performed a proteomic screen in which purified, adenovirus-expressed Flag-LANA protein was incubated with an array displaying 4,192 nonredundant human proteins. Sixty-one interacting cell proteins were consistently detected. LANA interactions with high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1), HMGB1, telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1), xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A (XPA), pygopus homolog 2 (PYGO2), protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)B subunit, Tat-interactive protein 60 (TIP60), replication protein A1 (RPA1), and RPA2 proteins were confirmed in coimmunoprecipitation assays. LANA-associated TIP60 retained acetyltransferase activity and, unlike human papillomavirus E6 and HIV-1 TAT proteins, LANA did not reduce TIP60 stability. The LANA-bound PP2A B subunit was associated with the PP2A A subunit but not the catalytic C subunit, suggesting a disruption of PP2A phosphatase activity. This is reminiscent of the role of simian virus 40 (SV40) small t antigen. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed binding of RPA1 and RPA2 to the KSHV terminal repeats. Interestingly, LANA expression ablated RPA1 and RPA2 binding to the cell telomeric repeats. In U2OS cells that rely on the alternative mechanism for telomere maintenance, LANA expression had minimal effect on telomere length. However, LANA expression in telomerase immortalized endothelial cells resulted in telomere shortening. In KSHV-infected cells, telomere shortening may be one more mechanism by which LANA contributes to the development of malignancy.
Glyburide Transport Across the Human Placenta

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the magnitude of transplacental transfer of glyburide in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted on women with GDM on glyburide therapy. On delivery admission, the glyburide dose and time of last dose were recorded. Immediately postdelivery, maternal and umbilical venous blood samples were obtained and the concentrations of glyburide were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry with a limit of detection of 0.25 ng/mL. RESULTS: Nineteen patient dyads were analyzed. The mean total daily maternal glyburide dose was 6.6±6.3 mg per day and the mean time between last dose and sampling was 13.3±6.5 hours. The mean maternal serum glyburide level at birth was 15.4±20.8 ng/mL, whereas the mean umbilical glyburide level was 7.5±8.2 ng/mL, which showed a statistical correlation (r 2=0.72, P<.01). There were statistically significant relationships between total maternal glyburide dose (1.25–20 mg per day) and maternal glyburide levels (0.93–70.71 ng/mL; r 2=0.46, P⩽.01) and between total maternal glyburide dose and umbilical glyburide levels (0.95–32.41 ng/mL; r 2=0.43, P⩽.01) However, we observed wide variability in maternal and umbilical glyburide levels at both extremes of the total glyburide dose. Seventy-nine percent of cord samples (15/19) had glyburide levels less than 10 ng/mL (the limit of detection reported in earlier studies) and 37% (7/19) were higher than the corresponding maternal samples. CONCLUSION: Transplacental transfer of glyburide is highly variable among patients, corroborating ex vivo placental perfusion studies showing a transport-mediated glyburide efflux from the fetal to the maternal circulation. In most neonates (79%), glyburide levels were below 10 ng/mL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
Hepatic‐Portal Venous Gas in Adults: Etiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Significance

The roentgenographic finding of hepatic-portal venous gas (HPVG) has been reported extensively in the pediatric and radiology literature. The surgical implications and clinical significance have yet to be fully defined. This study reviews the 60 reported cases in the literature and adds four new cases. HPVG appears as a branching radiolucency extending to within 2 cm of the liver capsule. HPVG is associated with necrotic bowel (72%), ulcerative colitis (8%), intra-abdominal abscess (6%), small bowel obstruction (3%), and gastric ulcer (3%). Mucosal damage, bowel distention and sepsis predispose to HPVG. The current mortality rate of 75% represents an improvement from previous experience. Analysis of survivors indicates that the finding of HPVG requires urgent surgical exploration except when it is observed in patients with stable ulcerative colitis.