Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effect of L-Arginine in a Newborn Rat Model of Acute Severe Asphyxia

The left common carotid artery was ligated in anaesthetized 7-day-old Wistar rats (P7), prior to asphyxia by inhaling 100% nitrogen for 9 min. Pups recovered from asphyxia received i.p. saline (n = 16), or L-Arg 300 mg/kg (n = 14). Pups undergoing sham operation remained as controls (n = 12). At day 14, the amount of surviving or degenerating neurons was quantified under optical microscopy by Nissl technique or by Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) in CA1 area of hippocampus and in parietal cortex. In these areas, asphyxia reduced the neuronal density by 23.6 and 30%, and increased the proportion of degenerating neurons two and four times, respectively. L-Arg administration to asphyxiated pups reduced the neuronal loss and the proportion of degenerating neurons by 50% (p < 0.05). We conclude that L-Arg administration after acute severe asphyxia in newborn rats is neuroprotective, reducing early and delayed neuronal loss.
Suppression of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines via Targeting of STAT-Responsive Genes

The Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway play a fundamental role in regulating chronic systemic inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [1-5], based on compelling evidence that JAK/STAT is activated by many of the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-19/IL-20, interferon-α/γ (IFN-α/γ) and oncostatin M (OSM) which are well-known to regulate, in part, immune-mediated inflammation in several autoimmune diseases, including RA [6-10]. However, complicating matters is the fact that some of the an‐ ti-inflammatory cytokines, which are known to dampen inflammatory responses induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines, including, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 also activate JAK/STAT [11-14]. In this regard, Muller-Ladner et al. [15] showed that synovial tissue obtained from RA pa‐ tients contained significant amounts of constitutively activated IL-4/STAT. Therefore it will be necessary to understand more precisely the extent to which proand/or anti-inflammato‐ ry cytokine gene expression is deregulated in RA and which of the STAT-responsive genes known to alter immune-mediated inflammation in response to these cytokines may be ame‐ nable to therapeutic intervention.
Treatment of peripapillary choroidal neovascular membranes with intravitreal bevacizumab

Aims: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab in the treatment of peripapillary choroidal neovascular membranes. Methods: Interventional case series of patients with active peripapillary choroidal neovascular membranes. Ophthalmological examination included best-corrected visual acuity, fundus biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Bevacizumab injections (1.25 mg) were repeated monthly for the first 3 months. Re-treatment was considered if there were any signs of membrane activity. Results: Six eyes of five patients with peripapillary choroidal membranes were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 13 months (range 6 to 16). Bevacizumab was used as the initial treatment in four eyes and to manage recurrences after surgery in the other two. In five eyes, three injections of bevacizumab led to a complete resolution of leakage on fluorescein angiography and OCT. In one eye, membrane activity persisted despite six injections of bevacizumab. Visual acuity improved in five eyes with a mean improvement of four lines (range: 2–10 lines). It deteriorated only in the eye that did not respond to treatment. Conclusions: The results of this case series suggest that the intravitreal injection of bevacizumab may be an effective treatment for peripapillary choroidal membranes.
Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study of rhesus monkey brain development

To examine early brain development, T1‐weighted structural MRI scans of seven rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were obtained longitudinally between the ages of 1 week and 4 years at 12 age points. Total brain volume, calculated at each age point, increased significantly, by 56%, between 1 week and 4 years. The greatest increase of 22% occurred between 1 week and 1 month, followed by further significant increases between 1 and 2 months, and 3 and 4 months. Gradually smaller increases continued up to 3 years with no further significant changes thereafter. A robust maturation of white matter occurred between 1 week, at which the only easily identifiable fibre tracts were internal capsule and optic radiations, and 3 months, at which most large fibre tracts were visible; only at this age reproducible measurements were possible for all cases. White matter volume increased by 126% between 3 months and 4 years, with the biggest increase between 3 and 4 months (32%) followed by smaller but significant increases up to 4 years. The macaque brain development parallels that of humans by reaching the maximum in total brain volume around the age of sexual maturity (in macaques 3–4 years) and by the increases in white matter continuing beyond this age. The most rapid growth in both total brain volume and white matter from birth to approximately 4 months is consistent with the emergence of various cognitive abilities in macaques at that age.
Mothers' estimates of their preschool children and parenting stress

The present study investigates whether the results of the study of Willinger and Eisenwort (2005) could also apply to a sample of preschool children not referred to a tertiary medical institution. Moreover, we were interested in the accuracy of maternal estimates of their children’s development regarding vocabulary for parenting stress, regarding behavioural problems, intellectual development, age and gender of the child. 108 children between the ages of three and six and their mothers were investigated by several diagnostic scales concerning child development with respect to language, motor and intellectual development as well as child behavioural problems and parenting stress concering child and parent characteristics. The mothers’
Transplantation of anergic histoincompatible bone marrow allografts.

BACKGROUND Successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation relies on global immunosuppression or elimination of T cells. In contrast, the induction of anergy can inactivate specific sets of alloreactive T cells in the donor marrow. Previous work has shown that anergy can be induced by blocking the interaction of the B7 molecule on the surface of antigen-presenting cells with the CD28 molecule on the surface of T cells, thus preventing key signaling events essential for the activation of T cells. To investigate the feasibility of this approach with respect to transplantation of histoincompatible bone marrow, we undertook a clinical trial of ex vivo induction of anergy in T cells present in donor marrow to recipient alloantigens. METHODS Outcomes in 12 transplant recipients were evaluated. The recipients' peripheral-blood lymphocytes were collected before myeloablation and served as alloantigen-presenting cells. To induce alloantigen-specific anergy, bone marrow from a donor mismatched with the recipient for one HLA haplotype was cocultured with irradiated cells from the recipient for 36 hours in the presence of CTLA-4-Ig, an agent that inhibits B7:CD28-mediated costimulation. After conventional myeloablation and immunoprophylaxis, the treated donor cells were transfused into the recipient. RESULTS After the induction of anergy, the frequency of T cells capable of recognizing alloantigens of the recipient in donor marrow was sharply reduced (P<0.001), whereas the responsiveness to alloantigens from persons unrelated to the recipient or the donor was unaffected (P=0.51). In the 11 patients who could be evaluated, the haploidentical bone marrow cells engrafted. Of these 11 patients, 3 had acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) confined to the gastrointestinal tract. No deaths were attributable to GVHD. Five of the 12 patients were alive and in remission 4.5 to 29 months after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Donor bone marrow treated ex vivo to induce anergy to alloantigens from the recipient can reconstitute hematopoiesis in vivo with a relatively low risk of GVHD.
Body Composition by Air Displacement Plethysmography in Middle‐Aged and Elderly Japanese: Comparison with Dual‐Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry

Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) is one method for determining percent body fat (%BF) using the two-compartment model1,2 in which the body is partitioned into body fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Although this model assumes a constant density of FFM as 1.10 g/mL, its density may depend upon the bone mineral content (BMC) and total body water (TBW). This study compared %BF determined by ADP (BD%BF) with %BF obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA%BF), and also investigated the effects of BMC, TBW, and other factors on its value.
On the history and selectivity of Turkish and Moroccan migration to Belgium.

This article challenges the oversimplified image of an uneducated and undifferentiated immigrant labor force for Turks and Moroccans through the concept of selectivity. Using a combination of data from two Migration History and Social Mobility surveys carried out among Turkish and Moroccan men living in Belgium, selectivity is discussed with respect to region of origin and in terms of educational attainment. Analysis of selectivity with respect to region indicate that Turkish and Moroccan migrants in Belgium were not all the representative of their countries of origin. It was also noted that network-mediated migration accentuated the unequal distribution of immigrants in terms of their region of origin. Selection with respect to educational attainment analysis confirmed the heterogeneous composition of Moroccan immigrants. Those from the rural Rif and Souss were generally not as well educated as non-migrants. In addition, immigrants from urbanized parts of the country were generally more educated. In the selection process, an explanation for migration emerged, which states that network connections may be a factor for increasing one's possibility of migrating.
Effects of New and Potent Methanesulfonanilide Class III Antiarrhythmic Agents on Myocardial Refractoriness and Contractility in Isolated Cardiac Muscle

The effects of the new and potent methanesulfonanilide class III antiarrhythmic agents (E-4031, UK-66,914, and UK-68,798) on myocardial refractoriness and contractility were compared to those of d-sotalol in ferret isometrically contracting right ventricular papillary muscle preparations. During 1 Hz pacing at 37°C, the four class III agents elicited concentration-dependent increases in ventricular effective refractory period (ERP), with a relative order of potency of UK-68,798 > E-4031 > UK-66,914 > d-sotalol. EC25 values (effective concentration required to increase ERP 25% above baseline) were (in μM) UK-68,798. 0.018; E-4031, 0.058; UK-66,914, 0.501; and d-sotalol, 43.76. Maximal increases in ERP relative to baseline (% of baseline value) for the class III agents at 37°C (range of 44.5 ± 4.5 to 63.0 ± 3.1%) were greater than the maximal increases observed at 27°C (range of 15.0 ± 3.3 to 31.2 ± 4.8%), whereas the maximal absolute (ms) increases in ERP above baseline were comparable for the class III agents at both temperatures. Increases in ERP produced by the four class III agents at 37°C were significantly greater at a pacing frequency of 1 Hz (range of 70.0 ± 7.6 to 102.0 ± 2.3 ms) than at 3 Hz (range of 18.3 ± 4.4 to 31.0 ± 4.8 ms). During a temporary period of hypoxic perfusion at 37°C, increases in ERP produced by the four class III agents were reversed, such that “hypoxic” ERP values approximated pretreatment, baseline values. During 1 Hz pacing at 37°C, modest increases in developed tension (range of + 18 ± 8 to +27 ± 8% above baseline), with balanced increases in the rates of tension development and decline, were observed with the administrations of E-4031, UK-66,914, and UK-68,798. In contrast, d-sotalol produced minimal effects on myocardial contractility.
A meta-analysis study of laparoscopic versus open splenectomy with or without esophagogastric devascularization in the management of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) and LS with esophagogastric devascularization (LSED) were the minimally invasive alternative for portal hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS A meta-analysis of comparative clinical trials was performed to assess our questions noted above. The databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springerlink were searched. RESULTS In total, 725 patients with liver cirrhosis and/or portal hypertension from eight published comparative trials were included. The operation time in the laparoscopic group was more than that in the open group [weighted mean difference (WMD) 35.24 (16.74, 53.74); P<. 001]. However, there were less intraoperative blood loss [WMD -194.84 (-321.34, -68.34); P=. 003] and a shorter postoperative hospital stay [WMD -4.33 (-5.30, -3.36); P<. 001] in the laparoscopic group. The incidence of complications was similar in the two groups. In the subgroup studies about LS versus open splenectomy, no significant differences were found in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complication rates. The postoperative hospital stay in the LS group was apparently decreased [WMD -4.07 (-4.93, -3.21); P<. 001]. Although the operation time of LSED was longer [WMD 43.23 (17.13, 69.32); P=. 001], LSED was associated with less intraoperative blood loss [WMD -189.26 (-295.71, -82.81); P<. 001] and a shorter postoperative hospital stay [WMD -5.41 (-7.84, -2.98); P<. 001]. Meta-analysis did not favor either LSED or open splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization in term of complication rates. CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis were in favor of LS and LSED for being a safe, minimally invasion alternative for patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Knowledge and misconceptions about malaria among secondary school students and teachers in Kassala, Eastern Sudan

This study reports the responses of high secondary school students and teachers to a questionnaire on their knowledge and misconceptions about malaria. Knowledge about symptoms and cause of malaria seems to be adequate. However, there were deficiencies regarding knowledge of the seriousness of malaria in primigravidas and children. There was an exaggerated belief that chloroquine may cause abortion. There were also important misconceptions regarding the causation of malaria by the plant Unkoleeb (sorghum saccharatum), the belief that the local beverage Aradaib (Tramindus indica) cures malaria, as well as beliefs that chloroquine injections are more effective than tablets, that intravenous fluids are essential for treatment of every attack, and that multi-vitamins may prevent the disease. The study throws light on areas where health education should be focused.
Construction and use of a nontoxigenic strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the production of recombinant exotoxin A

To express recombinant forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A in high yield, we have developed a nontoxigenic strain of P. aeruginosa derived from the hypertoxigenic strain PA103. The nontoxigenic strain, designated PA103A, was produced by the excision marker rescue technique to replace the toxA structural gene in PA103 with an insertionally inactivated toxA gene. The PA103A strain (ToxA-) was used subsequently as the host strain for the expression and production of several recombinant versions of exotoxin A, and the results were compared with exotoxin A production in other P. aeruginosa and Escherichia coli strains. Use of the PA103A strain transformed with the high-copy-number pRO1614 plasmid bearing various toxA alleles resulted in final purification yields of exotoxin A averaging 23 mg/liter of culture. By comparison, exotoxin A production in other expression systems and host strains yields approximately 1/4 to 1/10 as much toxin.
High expression of LMO 2 in Hodgkin , Burkitt and germinal center diffuse large B cell lymphomas

LMO2; Immunostaining; Hodgkin lymphoma; Burkitt lymphoma; Diffuse large B-cell; Lymphomas Abstract Background and aim: The LMO2 gene encodes a transcription factor that regulates key events in erythropoiesis, angiogenesis, and embryogenesis and is highly expressed at the most immature stages of lymphopoiesis. Its implication in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is limited in the literature. Material and methods: An immunohistochemical study was performed on 68 lymphoma specimens showing different types including Hodgkin lymphoma (23), Burkitt lymphoma (10) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (35). Also, seven specimens of the reactive nodal tissue were included as control. A monoclonal anti-human antibody has been used to detect LMO2. Results: LMO2 was detected in all cases of HL (100%), in nine cases of BL (90%) and in all cases of DLBCL of germinal center (GC) subtype 20/35 (57.1%) but is completely negative in nongerminal center (NGC) DLBCL. In normal control of reactive nodes, LMO2 was expressed in germinal center area but not expressed in other areas includingmantle,marginal, orT cell zones. InDLBCL; therewas no statistically significant relation betweenLMO2positive cases and the studied clinicopathological parameters including patient’s age, sex and tumor site, stage and histological subtype. On the other hand, it was statistically significant regarding immunophenotyping of GC versus NGC. Conclusions: LMO2 expression is a special feature of GC DLBCL which can be used as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Further studies regarding its prognostic role in patients are recommended. a 2011 National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Oxidative addition of small molecules to a dinuclear Au(I) amidinate complex, Au2[(2,6-Me2Ph)2N2CH]2. Syntheses and characterization of Au(II) amidinate complexes including one which possesses Au(II)-oxygen bonds.

The dinuclear Au(I) amidinate complex Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2 (1) is isolated in quantitative yield by the reaction of (THT)AuCl and the potassium salt of 2,6-Me2Ph-form in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. Various reagents such as Cl2, Br2, I2, CH3I, and benzoyl peroxide add to the dinuclear Au(I)amidinate complex Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2 to form oxidative-addition Au(II) metal-metal-bonded complexes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The Au(II) amidinate complexes are stable as solids at room temperature. The structures of the dinuclear Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2 and the Au(II) oxidative-addition products Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2X2, X=Cl, Br, I, are reported. Crystalline products with an equal amount of oxidized and unoxidized complexes in the same unit cell, [Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2X2][Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2], X=Cl, 2m, or Br, 3m, are isolated and their structures are presented. The structure of [Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2X2][Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2], X=Cl has a Au(II)-Au(II) distance slightly longer, 0.05A, than that observed in the fully oxidized product Au2(2,6-Me2-form)2Cl2, 2. The gold-gold distance in the dinuclear complex decreases upon oxidative addition with halogens from 2.7 to 2.5 A, similar to observations made with the Au(I) dithiolates and ylides. The oxidative addition of benzoyl peroxide leads to the isolation of the first stable dinuclear Au(II) nitrogen complex possessing Au-O bonds, Au2(2,6-Me2Ph-form)2(PhCOO)2, 6, with the shortest Au-Au distance known for Au(II) amidinate complexes, 2.48 A. The structure consists of unidentate benzoate units linked through oxygen to the Au(II) centers. The replacement of the bromide in 3 by chloride, and the benzoate groups in 6 by chloride or bromide also occurs readily. The unit cell dimensions are, for 1, a=7.354(6) A, b=9.661(7) A, c=11.421(10) A, alpha=81.74(5) degrees, beta=71.23(5) degrees, and gamma=86.07(9) degrees (space group P, Z=1), for 2.1. 5C6H12, a=11.012(2) A, b=18.464(4) A, c=19.467(4) A, alpha=90 degrees, beta=94.86(3) degrees, and gamma=90 degrees (space group P21/c, Z=4), for 2m.ClCH2CH2Cl, a=16.597(3) A, b=10.606(2) A, c=19.809(3) A, alpha=90 degrees, beta=94.155(6) degrees, and gamma=90 degrees (space group P21/n, Z=2), for 3m, a=16.967(3) A, b=10.783(2) A, c=20.060(4) A, alpha=90 degrees, beta=93.77(3) degrees, and gamma=90 degrees (space group P21/n, Z=2), for 4.THF, a=8.0611(12) A, b=10.956(16) A, c=11.352(17) A, alpha=84.815(2) degrees, beta=78.352(2) degrees, and gamma=88.577(2) degrees (space group P, Z=1), for 5, a=16.688 A, b=10.672(4) A, c=19.953(7) A, alpha=90.00 (6) degrees, beta=94.565(7) degrees, and gamma=90.00 degrees (space group P21/n, Z=4), for 6.0. 5C7H8, a=11.160(3) A, b=12.112(3) A, c=12.364(3) A, alpha=115.168(4) degrees, beta=161.112(4) degrees, and gamma=106.253(5) degrees (space group P, Z=1).
Branching bisimulation equivalence with explicit divergence

We consider the relational characterisation of branching bisimilarity with explicit divergence. We prove that it is an equivalence and that it coincides with the original definition of branching bisimilarity with explicit divergence in terms of coloured traces. We also establish a correspondence with several variants of an action-based modal logic with until- and divergence modalities.