Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responses of reactive astrocytes containing S100β protein and fibroblast growth factor‐2 in the border and in the adjacent preserved tissue after a contusion injury of the spinal cord in rats: implications for wound repair and neuroregeneration

This paper demonstrates glial reaction and changes in the S100β protein and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF‐2) in the border and in the adjacent preserved tissue of the rat spinal cord after a contusion. In view of the expression of FGF‐2 and S100β in reactive glial cells and their ability to promote gliogenesis and neuronal trophism, the molecules have been considered to participate in the wound repair and regenerative events after nervous tissue injury. Adult rats were submitted to a moderate spinal cord (10th thoracic level) contusion induced by a New York University Impactor by dropping a 10 g rod from a distance of 25 mm onto the dorsal surface of the exposed dura spinal cord. Impactor curves and parameters were used to monitor the severity of the trauma. Control rats were submitted to sham operation. The motor behavioral spontaneous recovery was demonstrated by means of a BBB test and the combining behavior score up to 3 weeks after injury. Animals were killed 72 hours, 2, and 3 weeks after surgery and spinal cords were processed for immunohistochemistry to show glial fibrillary acidic protein positive astrocytes and OX‐42‐positive microglia/macrophages as well as changes in the S100β and FGF‐2 in the border and in the adjacent preserved tissue of the lesioned cords. The changes in the immunoreaction products were quantified by means of morphometric/microdensitometric image analysis, and the cell type expressing S100β and FGF‐2 was analyzed by means of two‐color immunofluorescence procedures. Massive increases of S100β and FGF‐2 were found in reactive astrocytes, not in reactive microglia, in the border and in the white and gray matters of adjacent preserved tissue of the contused spinal cord in the periods studied. The results are discussed in view of possible paracrine trophic actions of the reactive astrocytes, mediated by S100β and FGF‐2, triggering wound repair events in the border of the trauma, and also leading to neurotrophism and neuronal plasticity in the adjacent regions. These cellular and molecular responses may interfere with the pattern of behavioral recovery after a contusion injury of the spinal cord.
Tooth movement activates the central amygdala and the lateral hypothalamus by the magnitude of the force applied.

OBJECTIVE To determine if the magnitude of the force used to induce incisor tooth movement promotes distinct activation in cells in the central amygdala (CEA) and lateral hypothalamus (LH) of rats. Also, the effect of morphine on Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) was investigated in these nuclei. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male rats were anesthetized and divided into six groups: only anesthetized (control), without orthodontic appliance (OA), OA but without force, OA activated with 30g or 70g, OA with 70g in animals pretreated with morphine (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Three hours after the onset of the experiment the rats were reanesthetized and perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. The brains were removed and fixed, and sections containing CEA and LH were processed for Fos protein immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The results show that in the control group, the intramuscular injection of a ketamine/ xylazine mixture did not induce Fos-IR cells in the CEA or in the LH. Again, the without force group showed a little Fos-IR. However, in the 70g group the Fos-IR was the biggest observed (P < .05, Tukey) in the CEA and LH compared with the other groups. In the 30g group, the Fos-IR did not differ from the control group, the without OA group, and the without force group. Furthermore, pretreatment with morphine in the 70g group reduced Fos-IR in these regions. CONCLUSIONS Tooth movement promotes Fos-IR in the CEA and LH according to the magnitude of the force applied.
Influence of Pretreatment and Experimental Conditions on Electrophoretic Mobility and Hydrophobicity of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts

ABSTRACT Surface properties of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were investigated by using electrophoretic mobility and hydrophobicity measurements. Oocysts purified from calf feces by several sucrose flotation steps and deionized water (DI) washes (DIS method) had an electrophoretic mobility (neutral surface charge) near 0.0 m2 V−1 s−1 over a pH range of 2 to 10. The mean electrophoretic mobility of oocysts stored in DI containing a mixture of antibiotics had a lower standard deviation (ς = 0.36) than that of oocysts stored in DI without antibiotics (ς = 0.53); their electrophoretic mobility remained unchanged up to 121 days after collection. The electrophoretic mobility of oocysts purified on a cold Percoll-sucrose gradient after the feces was defatted with ethyl acetate (EAPS method) varied linearly with pH from 0.0 m2V−1 s−1 at pH 2.4 to −3.2 × 10−8 m2 V−1 s−1 at pH 10 (ς = 0.52), thus displaying the negative surface charge at neutral pH observed by other researchers. The hydrophobicity of oocysts and two types of polystyrene beads was measured as a function of ionic strength by adhesion to polystyrene. Oocysts were purified by the DIS method. The ionic strength of the suspending solution was varied from 0 to 95 mmol liter−1. Two-week-old oocysts exhibited strong adhesion (∼85%) at ionic strengths of 0 to 10 mmol liter−1 and moderate adhesion (∼20%) at ionic strengths of 20 to 95 mmol liter−1. Two-month-old oocysts exhibited high adhesion (∼60 to 80%) at all ionic strengths. These results show that adhesion properties governed by the electrophoretic mobility of purified C. parvum oocysts can be altered by the method of purification and that hydrophobicity can change as oocysts age.
Pulsed field gel electrophoresis identifies a high degree of variability in the number of tandem 21‐hydroxylase and complement C4 gene repeats in 21‐hydroxylase deficiency haplotypes.

The human steroid 21‐hydroxylase gene, CYP21B, and its closely homologous pseudogene, CYP21A, are each normally located centromeric to a complement C4 gene C4B and C4A respectively, in an organization suggesting tandem duplication of a CYP21 + C4 unit. Such an organization has been considered to facilitate gene deletion and addition events by unequal crossover between the tandem repeats. However, the large size (approximately 30 kb) of the individual CYP21 + C4 repeat units together with the difficulty in identifying reliable CYP21A‐ and CYP21B‐specific markers has prevented direct monitoring of gene organization on individual haplotypes by conventional Southern analyses. In the present investigation we have sought to clarify the CYP21 and C4 gene organization in members of 32 British 21‐hydroxylase deficiency families by employing additional experimental approaches, notably a long‐range restriction mapping approach, which permits assessment through a VNTR type of analysis, of the number of CYP21 and C4 units on individual haplotypes. Our results show that there is a very high frequency (33%) of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency haplotypes where functional CYP21B gene sequence has been removed as a consequence of CYP21 + C4 gene deletion while several haplotypes show evidence of gene addition. In each case that we have investigated the gene deletion and gene addition haplotypes differ in length from conventional haplotypes by integral multiples of approximately 30 kb, which strongly supports the involvement of unequal crossover mechanisms. Additionally, the comparatively frequent occurrence of CYP21 fusion genes which contain both CYP21A‐ and CYP21B‐associated markers is suggested by the combined data from Southern analyses, long‐range restriction mapping and characterization of selected regions of CYP21 genes which have been amplified in vitro.
Strong immunogenicity of a multicomponent peptide vaccine developed with the branched lysine oligopeptide method for human immunodeficiency virus infection

We synthesized one V3 peptide each from HTLV‐IIIB, Thai A and Thai B, conjugating then to the T cell epitope of the env region, and we also synthesized a p17 protein peptide of the gag region (HGP‐30). These peptide were then coupled to 8‐lysine copolymers using N‐succinimidyl maleimido carboxylate (Mr = ca 60 000). We designated this the branched lysine oligopeptide method. The large peptide complexes constructed from these four macromolecular peptide were used with aluminium hydroxide or complete Freund's adjuvant to immunize mice and rabbits four times. ELISA assay with aluminium hydroxide or complete Freund's adjuvant to immunize mice and rabbits four times. ELISA assay showed high titres of anti‐peptide antibodies to each V3loop peptide and the HGP‐30 peptide. Strong inhibition of CD4+ dependent cell fusion was obtained with these antisera when IIIb, Thai A and Thai B strains of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were used. Strong anti‐fusion inhibition was also observed with two other HIV strains. In addition, an increase of the anti‐HIV effect was observed when we used sera obtained by multicomponent vaccine immunization. The same kind of inhibition was also observed in p24 assay systems using these immunized antisera. Activation of IL‐2 production in lymphocytes was observed in p24 assay systems using these immunized antisera. Activation of IL‐2 production in lymphocytes was observed in mice immunized with this vaccine. These results suggest that immunization with macromolecular peptide complexes can result in strong immunogenicity towards HIV‐1.
CONSUMER ATTITUDES ON BUYING FISH IN BANJA LUKA

The objective of research presented in the paper is to determine the basic parameters affecting he purchase, supply and consumption of fish in the market of the city of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The survey was conducted on a random sample of 100 respondents. The data were analyzed by univariate (frequency and distribution) and two-variant statistical methods and cross-tabulation. The conclusions are that for the purchase of fish, freshness is a primary factor, which is to be expected given the type of product as well as the origin, and price and type of fish. Out of all respondents, 41% said they were not informed enough about the fish as a food, while the remaining 59% said they got information through different media channels. It was found that consumers are generally informed about the importance of fish as a foodstuff through secondary promotion channels, i.e. “word of mouth”. Consumers in Banja Luka prefer fresh fish, and the most consumed is freshwater fish. As a place of buying fish, both hypermarket and fish shops are equally represented. Factors of purchase may have a major role in creating consumer attitude towards fish and therefore, producers and sellers of fish are recommended too take into account the results of this and similar studies, in order to segment their markets and develop better marketing tools/strategies and thus make better approach of fish consumers to defend market segments.
An MCM2‐related gene is expressed in proliferating cells of intact and regenerating planarians

The minichromosome maintenance (MCM2‐7) gene family encodes conserved proteins, which are essential for DNA replication licensing in eukaryotes. They are abundant in proliferating cells, and specific MCM transcripts undergo cell cycle‐dependent oscillations. Here we report the characterization of a planarian MCM2 homologue, DjMCM2, which represents the first molecular marker for detecting proliferating cells in planarians. DjMCM2‐expressing cells are broadly distributed in the mesenchymal space of the body, with the exception of the cephalic region, and are preferentially accumulated in the peripheral area of the dorso‐lateral mesenchyme, along the anteroposterior axis. During regeneration, no DjMCM2 transcripts are observed within the blastema, according to the current view that this structure is not a proliferation site in planarians. Spatio‐temporal changes in DjMCM2 RNA expression pattern in the stump parallel blastema growth, coordinately with the orientation of the cut. X‐ray irradiation results in the disappearance of DjMCM2 expression, thus confirming that these transcripts are detected specifically in proliferating cells, visualized as neoblasts by in situ hybridization in dissociated cells. In addition to neoblasts, rare large DjMCM2‐expressing cells are observed in macerates of tissues excised just below the wound, suggesting that cell types other than neoblasts may be sporadically recruited for proliferation in planarians. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Double-blind, randomized trial of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in formula fed to preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that balanced addition of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) to preterm formula during the first weeks of life would confer long-term neurodevelopmental advantage in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of preterm formula with and without preformed LCPUFA. METHODS The participants were 195 formula-fed preterm infants (birth weight <1750 g, gestation <37 weeks) from 2 UK neonatal units and 88 breast milk-fed infants. Main outcome measures were Bayley Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) at 18 months and Knobloch, Passamanick and Sherrard's Developmental Screening Inventory at 9 months' corrected age. Safety outcome measures were anthropometry at 9 and 18 months, tolerance, infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, and death. RESULTS There were no significant differences in developmental scores between randomized groups, although infants who were fed LCPUFA-supplemented formula showed a nonsignificant 2.6-point (0.25 standard deviation) advantage in MDI and PDI at 18 months, with a greater (nonsignificant) advantage (MDI: 4.5 points; PDI: 5.8 points) in infants below 30 weeks' gestation. LCPUFA-supplemented infants were shorter than control infants at 18 months (difference in length standard deviation score: 0.44; 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.8). No other significant short- or long-term differences in safety outcomes were observed. Breastfed infants had significantly higher developmental scores at 9 and 18 months than both formula groups and were significantly heavier and longer at 18 months than LCPUFA-supplemented but not control infants. CONCLUSIONS With the dose, duration, and preparation of LCPUFA used, efficacy was not demonstrated, although an advantage in later neurodevelopment cannot be excluded by global tests of development up to 18 months, particularly in infants below 30 weeks' gestation. The surprising effect of LCPUFA-supplemented formula on growth 18 months beyond the intervention period needs to be confirmed in other studies using similar supplementation strategies. Additional follow-up of this cohort is critical at an age when more specific tests of cognitive function are possible.
Bridges between individuals and communities: dialogic participation fueling meaningful social engagement

This article presents the narratives of non-academic women who have made essential contributions to their community, and their own lives as well, drawing on their involvement in an adult school. We discuss how dialogic participation in lifelong learning activities may (or may not) prompt people to become active social agents in their communities. Through dialogic participation ordinary individuals whose voices have been always silenced, become active stakeholders in the community they belong to, making relevant contributions, which improve their own lives and the community as well. Drawing on personal narratives we re-construct the trajectories of these women as active social agents in their communities, looking on them through the lenses of their participation in lifelong learning activities. This evidence illustrates how dialogic adult education may become a way for undeserved groups to become empowered and make real changes in our society.
Minimizing adverse events while maintaining clinical improvement in a pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder crossover trial with dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the availability of both dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate provides an opportunity to minimize adverse events in a pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulant trial. METHODS Thirty-six medication-naïve children 9-14 years of age, diagnosed with ADHD, were enrolled for 6 weeks in a crossover trial, with 2 weeks of methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and a placebo in a randomly assigned, counterbalanced sequence. Barkley's Side-Effect Rating Scale (SERS), rated by parents, was used to assess adverse events. SERS were available for 34 children, and data were analyzed both at the group and the single-subject level. RESULTS The side-effect profiles of dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate appeared similar at the group level. Overall, insomnia and decreased appetite were the only adverse events associated with the stimulants as compared with placebo. No significant increase from placebo to stimulant conditions was detected on SERS items reflecting emotional symptoms. Furthermore, dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate did not differ from each other on any SERS item, except that dextroamphetamine was associated with higher severity of "insomnia" and a higher prevalence of "unusually happy. " Single-subject analyses showed that one or more adverse events were reported in 14 children (41%), and were evenly distributed between those with dextroamphetamine as the drug that showed the greatest reduction in their ADHD symptoms ("best drug") and those with methylphenidate as their best drug. Among children in whom both stimulants were associated with a decrease in ADHD symptoms, a clinically valid difference between the two stimulants in total adverse events score was found in 7 (39%) of the 18 cases. In these children, the availability of both stimulants provided an opportunity to minimize adverse events, while maintaining a reduction in ADHD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The availability of both dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate may contribute to minimize adverse events in a subsample of children in pediatric ADHD stimulant trials. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY The study was first registered in clinical trials September 28, 2010. Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01220440.
Combination of Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index and C-Reactive Protein Is a Prognostic Factor in Patients With Operable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Previous study of ours showed that advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are independent significant prognostic factors in operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Since both ALI and CRP are markers of inflammation, the aim of this study was to examine whether the combination of ALI and CRP is a prognostic indicator of resected NSCLC or not. Methods Three hundred forty-one NSCLC patients who underwent surgery at our institution between 2008 and 2012 were included. ALI score was calculated as BMI × ALB/NLR with BMI indicating body mass index, ALB indicating serum albumin and NLR indicating neutrophil lymphocyte ratio. The prognostic significance of the combination of ALI and CRP was evaluated. Results Compared to patients with high ALI (> 37.67) group, low ALI group had significantly poorer cancer-specific survival. Similarly, patients with high CRP (> 0.15 mg/dL) had poorer survival. Based on the combination of ALI and CRP, patients with high ALI and low CRP were assigned an ALI_CRP score of 0, those with both high or both low were assigned an ALI_CRP score of 1, and those with low ALI and high CRP were assigned an ALI_CRP score of 2. The patients’ cancer-specific survival was significantly related to this ALI_CRP score. On multivariate analysis, gender, histology, pN status, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and the ALI_CRP score were associated independently with cancer-specific survival. Conclusions The combination of ALI and CRP is a useful predictor of overall survival and could be a simple prognostic tool to help identify operable NSCLC patients.
Prognostic value of S100B protein in carbon monoxide-poisoned rats

Objective:To assess the possible role of S100B, a structural protein of astroglial cells, as a biochemical marker in acute carbon monoxide-poisoned rats and to compare its prognostic value with consciousness level, which is one of the major parameters for treatment decision in acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Design:Nonrandomized, controlled interventional trial. Setting:University laboratory. Subjects:Male Wistar rats weighing 263 ± 18 g. Interventions:The rats were exposed to a mixture of 3000 ppm carbon monoxide in air for 60 mins (group 1) and a mixture of 5000 ppm carbon monoxide in air for 30 mins (group 2). Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein just before and immediately after the carbon monoxide poisoning. The level of consciousness was evaluated at the end of the exposure, and the survival rate was monitored for 7 days. The S100B concentrations were measured with a commercial immunoluminometric assay. Measurements and Main Results:In the first group, the unconscious rats after carbon monoxide exposure had significantly higher S100B levels compared with the rats without loss of consciousness. In the second group, the unconscious rats that later died had significantly higher S100B levels compared with the unconscious rats that survived. The S100B levels of all conscious and unconscious surviving rats were not significantly different. The serum level of S100B below 0.44 &mgr;g/L predicted survival of carbon monoxide-poisoned rats, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 86%. Conclusions:Acute carbon monoxide poisoning is associated with elevated S100B levels. S100B is a better predictor of final outcome than the consciousness level, so it could be used as a prognostic parameter for acute carbon monoxide poisoning in rats.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Oil-Exporting Countries: Long-run Determinants and Causal Relationship with Economic Growth

This thesis examines the long-run determinants of FDI in oil-exporting countries, and the causal relationship between FDI and economic growth in that group of countries. It focuses on the “traditional” determinants of FDI that have been examined within the literature as well as on a number of other determinants which specifically relate to oil-exporting countries, with a special focus given to political and institutional risk determinants. The thesis relies on two theories as a theoretical background; the Eclectic Paradigm and the Rentier State theory. It contributes to the existing literature of the determinants of FDI. That is to say, it is the first to investigate the long-run determinants of FDI in oil-exporting countries. It also provides a further test for the Eclectic Paradigm particularly by analysing the locational advantages (L) of that theory, taking into the account the long-run effect of these advantages upon FDI in host countries. Finally, it contributes to the literature on economic growth by empirically testing the relationship between FDI and economic growth; considering the impact of FDI on economic growth and vice versa. The data sample in the thesis comprises 44 oil-exporting countries over 30 years from 1984-2012. The thesis reports a number of findings regarding the determinants of FDI. It firstly finds that “openness to trade” and “composite risk” are the most important variables (amongst the overall determinants) for FDI inflows in oil-exporting countries in the long-run, while “law and order” is the most important variable amongst the institutional and political determinants. It also concludes that FDI does not contribute to economic growth in oil-exporting countries; the only contribution is observed within non-rentier and non-Islamic oil-exporting countries.