Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forced Oscillatory Parameters of the Canine Respiratory System with Altered Vagal Tone

Total respiratory impedance was obtained by forced oscillations ranging from 0.9 to 16 Hz in six anesthetized intubated dogs during a control period, after bilateral vagotomy, and during bilateral vagal stimulation. Values for forced oscillatory resistance, compliance, and inertance were calculated using regression analysis with a linear model. Mean values ±SD for the control period were 2.49 ±0.18 cmH2O ·L¿1 ·s, 0.0254 ±0.0039 L ·cmH2O¿1, and 0.0849 ±0.0055 cmH2O ·L¿1·s2, respectively. These were similar to previously reported values. Vagotomy produced only small changes in these parameters. Vagal stimulation produced a 33 percent increase in resistance, a 20 percent decrease in compliance, and an 8 percent increase in inertance. Changes in resistance and compliance were consistent with reported effects in the literature. Thus, the transient mechanical changes induced by vagal stimulation can be characterized by this technique.
Modulation of baroreceptor activity by nitric oxide and S-nitrosocysteine.

The goal of this study was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) and the NO donor, S-nitrosocysteine (cysNO), modulate the activity of carotid sinus baroreceptors. Baroreceptor activity was recorded from the vascularly isolated carotid sinus in anesthetized rabbits. Baroreceptor activity decreased in a dose-dependent manner after injection of either NO or cysNO as constant pressure was maintained, and activity recovered spontaneously over time, within seconds to minutes. The baroreceptor pressure-activity relation was shifted significantly to the right by cysNO, with a profound suppression of activity at high pressure. Baroreceptor activity at 160 mm Hg averaged 76 +/- 8%, 60 +/- 6%, and 36 +/- 5% of the control maximum during exposure to 10(-4), 2 to 3 x 10(-4), and 10(-3) mol/L cysNO, respectively. The inhibition of activity by the L and D isomers of cysNO was equivalent and was blocked by reduced hemoglobin, suggesting that the effect was mediated by NO. The suppression of baroreceptor activity by cysNO was not related to vascular relaxation as measured by videomicrometer. Inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase with methylene blue or 6-anilinoquinoline-5,8-quinone (LY83583, 10(-5) mol/L) did not attenuate and dibutyryl cGMP (10(-3) mol/L) did not mimic the suppression of baroreceptor activity by cysNO, suggesting a cGMP-independent mechanism. Activation of endogenous NO formation with thimerosal (10(-5) to 10(-4) mol/L) reduced maximum baroreceptor activity in five of eight experiments to 59 +/- 7% of the control maximum. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Periapical status, prevalence and quality of endodontic treatment in an adult French population.

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the periapical status and the quality of root-canal treatment amongst an adult population attending the dental school in Nice, France during 1998. METHODOLOGY Patients who attended the dental school for the first time during 1998 were included. Panoramic radiographs, taken by a trained radiology assistant, were used in this study. The periapical areas of all teeth with the exception of third molars, were examined and the technical quality of root fillings were evaluated for both apical extension and density. Statistical analyses were conducted using anova, Chi-square, Fisher's PLSD and Cohen's Kappa tests. RESULTS The survey involved 344 patients: 180 females and 164 males. Males had significantly fewer natural remaining teeth than females (P<0.03). Similarly, the average number of root-filled teeth was lower for males (P<0.01). Nonroot-filled teeth (n=6126) had significantly fewer signs of periapical pathology than root-filled teeth (n=1429) (1.7% vs. 31.5%, P<0.0001). The majority of root fillings were poorly executed. There was a significant correlation between the presence of periapical pathology and inadequate root-canal fillings (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study indicate that many root-canal treatments were technically unsatisfactory in terms of quality and treatment outcome. There is a need for endodontic retreatment in the population examined.
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Antigens in Sera and Urine of Experimentally Infected Mice by Capture ELISA

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite which infects a broad range of hosts. The classical diagnosis of toxoplasmosis relies on serological methods. Detection of parasite or its components could be useful tool for early diagnosis of the infection. Methods: Fifty mice were infected by the intraperitoneal route with 5000 tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. Five of them sacrificed every day from day 1 up to day 7 post infection. Sera and urine of mice were tested by capture ELISA. Results: T.gondii antigens were detected from 3 rd and 2 nd day in serum and urine, respectively, after infection until their death on day 7. Conclusion: Antigenemia detection of antigens of parasite was possible in a short period of acute infection with T. gondii by capture ELISA.
Roche Lobe Overflow from Dwarf Stellar Systems

We examine the evolution of residual gas within tidally limited dwarf galaxies and globular clusters. In systems where the gas sound speed exceeds about 10% of the central velocity dispersion, hydrostatic equilibrium causes the gas to have significant density at the tidal radius. In contrast to the stellar component, gas particles relax rapidly in response to mass loss. Gas lost through the Lagrangian points is quickly replenished, leading to continuous outflow, analogous to the Jeans escape of planetary atmospheres. In such systems, the gas may be lost on timescales as short as a few times the sound crossing time of the system. In colder systems, by contrast, the density contrast between the core and the tidal radius is much larger, greatly reducing the mass-loss rate and allowing the system to retain its gas for over a Hubble time. Using this criterion as a guide, we present the results of numerical simulations to show that either in the proximity of large galaxies or in clusters of galaxies, residual gas in typical dwarf spheroidal galaxies ("dSphs") and globular clusters would be efficiently lost after it is ionized and heated, by either external or internal sources. The tidally removed gas shall follow an orbit close to that of the original host system, forming an extended stream of ionized, gaseous debris. Such tidal mass loss severely limits the ability of dSph's and globular clusters to continuously form stars. The ordinary gas content in many dwarf galaxies is fully ionized during high-redshift epochs. In extreme cases, therefore, star formation may be completely prevented by early segregation of dark and ordinary matter, leading to the formation of starless, dark matter concentrations as the remnants of dwarf galaxy mergers in the CDM model of galaxy formation. In the field, where the dwarf galaxies are tidally isolated, and in the center of clusters of galaxies, where the tidal potential is compressive, ionized gas may be retained by dwarf galaxies, even though its sound speed may be comparable to or even exceed the velocity dispersion. In such situations, dwarf galaxies may retain their gas content until they merge with much larger galaxies. These processes may help to explain some observed differences among dwarf galaxy types as well as observations of the halos of massive galaxies.
Clonidine Extended-Release Tablets as Add-on Therapy to Psychostimulants in Children and Adolescents With ADHD

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets (CLON-XR) combined with stimulants (ie, methylphenidate or amphetamine) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, children and adolescents with hyperactive- or combined-subtype ADHD who had an inadequate response to their stable stimulant regimen were randomized to receive CLON-XR or placebo in combination with their baseline stimulant medication. Predefined efficacy measures evaluated change from baseline to week 5. Safety was assessed by spontaneously reported adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiogram recordings, and clinical laboratory values. Improvement from baseline for all efficacy measures was evaluated using analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Of 198 patients randomized, 102 received CLON-XR plus stimulant and 96 received placebo plus stimulant. At week 5, greater improvement from baseline in ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total score (95% confidence interval: −7.83 to −1.13; P = .009), ADHD-RS-IV hyperactivity and inattention subscale scores (P = .014 and P = .017, respectively), Conners' Parent Rating Scale scores (P < .062), Clinical Global Impression of Severity (P = .021), Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (P = .006), and Parent Global Assessment (P = .001) was observed in the CLON-XR plus stimulant group versus the placebo plus stimulant group. Adverse events and changes in vital signs in the CLON-XR group were generally mild. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that CLON-XR in combination with stimulants is useful in reducing ADHD in children and adolescents with partial response to stimulants.
School connectedness, anger behaviors, and relationships of violent and nonviolent American youth.

PROBLEM Youth violence research often focuses on risk factors arising from early familial interactions rather than school-related factors. METHODS Via an Internet questionnaire, 282 girls and boys (ages 7-19, mean 15.3) from 47 states and Washington, DC, reported on school connectedness, interpersonal relationships, and anger behaviors. FINDINGS Substantial percentages of violent youth did not perceive themselves to be liked by classmates and reported loneliness. If not liked by classmates, 80% hated school. Likers and haters of school differed on seven variables (all p < or = .01). CONCLUSIONS Insufficient attention is paid to the alienation experienced by disliked and lonely students. Mental health nurses could play a pivotal role in fostering change in the social climate of schools and helping youth to achieve better anger management and social skills.
Use of Benzodiazepines, Hypnotics, and Anxiolytics in Major Depressive Disorder: Association With Chronic Pain Diseases

We examined the use of benzodiazepines (BZD), hypnotics, and anxiolytics and their associations with chronic pain diseases (CPD) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). A retrospective analysis of 153,913 MDD patients (18–64 years) in a large administrative insured claims database during the year 2006 was performed. Results showed that during the study year, 33.1% of the patients had been prescribed BZD; 16.9%, hypnotics; and 6.1%, anxiolytics. The use of BZD and hypnotics increased with age. Patients with CPD were more likely than those without CPD to use BZD (41.2% vs. 27.0%, p < 0.001), hypnotics (21.7% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.001), and anxiolytics (7.8% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.01). After adjustment for demographics and comorbidities, CPD was still significantly associated with increased use of BZD (OR = 1.62), hypnotics (OR = 1.49), and anxiolytics (OR = 1.51). Further research is needed to examine the long-term benefits and risks of BZD and hypnotics in the treatment of MDD and CPD.
THE EFFECTS OF VARYING LEVELS OF YEAST ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) ON THE GROWTH AND BODY COMPOSITION OF Heterobranchus longifilis FINGERLINGS

This study investigated the effects of yeast on the growth and body composition of Heterobranchus longifilis. Fingerlings of Heterobrachus longifilis (mean weight 31.89 ± 0.4 g) were stocked ten fish in 35L of water in 54L capacity aquaria and fed varying levels of yeast in floating diets for 56 days. Four treatments having 1.0 g, 2.0 g, 3.0 g and 4.0 g yeast/100 g respectively with a control diet, were investigated in triplicates. The diets had 42.56 %, 43.32 %, 43.69 %, 43.86 % and 43.98% crude protein. The fish fed 4 g yeast /100g and 16.99 g wheat offal/100 g diet showed the best growth. All growth parameters varied significantly (p < 0.05). The carcass composition of the fish showed that the protein and the lipid content were highest with the fish fed the control diet. The survival of the fish was high and it varied significantly (p < 0.05).
Role of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 in Serum Immunoglobulin G Antibody Responses following Mucosal or Systemic Reovirus Infection

ABSTRACT Mucosal and parenteral immunizations elicit qualitatively distinct immune responses, and there is evidence that mucosal immunization can skew the balance of T helper 1 and T helper 2 responses. However, a clear picture of the effect of the route of infection on the balance of the T helper responses has not yet emerged. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that oral reovirus infection elicits specific serum immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a), while parenteral reovirus infection elicits the mixed production of specific serum IgG2a and IgG1 in mice of the H-2d haplotype. Knowing that IgG2a production is indicative of a T helper 1 response and IgG1 production is indicative of a T helper 2 response, we hypothesized that the route of infection influences the development of T helper 1 and T helper 2 responses. Using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, we found that mRNA for the T helper 1 cytokines gamma interferon and interleukin-12 (IL-12) were expressed in draining lymphoid tissues following both oral and parenteral infections. However, we observed that mRNA for the T helper 2 cytokine IL-10 was suppressed in the Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes and IL-4 mRNA was suppressed in the mesenteric lymph nodes compared to noninfected controls, following oral infection. Using recombinant cytokines and cytokine knockout mice, we confirmed that IL-4 plays a major role in mediating the route-of-infection-dependent differences in serum IgG subclass responses. Therefore, the route of infection needs to be taken into consideration when developing vaccines and adjuvant therapies.
Contribution of low- and middle-income countries to research published in leading general psychiatry journals, 2002–2004

Summary We aimed to describe the contribution of low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries to leading general psychiatric journals. We reviewed original research published over a 3-year period (2002–2004) in the six highest-impact general psychiatry journals and contacted editorial offices to gather data on country of origin of submitted and accepted articles. Only 3.7% of published research emerges from these less affluent countries, which account for over 80% of the global population. Compared with the findings of a similar review of the period 1996–1998, there has been little change. The three European journals had a higher representation than the three American Journals. The proportion of psychiatrists in a country was associated with that country's research output. As much as 50% of the research from LAMI countries is led by authors from high-income countries. The proportion of submissions from LAMI countries was very low, and articles from them were more frequently rejected. Strengthening the research capacity of these countries and reviewing the editorial policies of leading journals can help increase the international representation of LAMI countries in psychiatric research.
Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea improves cardiometabolic function in young obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

CONTEXT Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are insulin resistant and have a high risk of early-onset diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has adverse cardiometabolic consequences and is highly prevalent in women with PCOS. We sought to determine whether continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of OSA has beneficial effects on cardiometabolic function in PCOS. METHODS Laboratory polysomnography and cardiometabolic measurements including insulin sensitivity and secretion (iv glucose tolerance test); 24-h profiles of plasma catecholamines, cortisol, and leptin; and daytime profiles of blood pressure and cardiac autonomic activity (heart rate variability) were obtained at baseline and again after 8 wk of home CPAP treatment with daily usage monitoring. RESULTS CPAP treatment modestly improved insulin sensitivity after controlling for body mass index (P = 0.013). The change in insulin sensitivity correlated positively with CPAP use (adjusted P = 0.027) and negatively with body mass index (adjusted P = 0.003). Daytime and nighttime norepinephrine levels were decreased after CPAP (P = 0.002), and the reductions were greater with increased CPAP use (P = 0.03). Epinephrine, cortisol, and leptin levels were not changed significantly. Daytime diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 2.3 mm Hg after CPAP (P = 0.035). Cardiac sympathovagal balance was 44% lower (P = 0.007) after CPAP, reflecting a shift toward lower sympathetic activity. CONCLUSIONS In young obese women with PCOS, successful treatment of OSA improves insulin sensitivity, decreases sympathetic output, and reduces diastolic blood pressure. The magnitude of these beneficial effects is modulated by the hours of CPAP use and the degree of obesity.
Nursery Neurobiologic Risk Score and outcome at 18 months

The aim of this study was to confirm the predictive value of the nursery Neurobiologic Risk Score. Prospectively, 121 infants (mean birthweight 961 ± 179 g, gestation 27.0 ± 1.2 weeks) were followed at 18 months. The nursery Neurobiologic Risk Score was correlated to the developmental quotient (r=– 0.54). From low (scores 0‐4), to moderate (scores 5–7) to high (scores ≥8) risk groups, respectively, significant differences were found in mean developmental quotient (101 ± 9 vs 92 ± 19 vs 76 ± 24) and in prevalence of developmental quotients < 90 (12 vs 24 vs 71%), of cerebral palsy (4 vs 19 vs 41%), of severe disabilities (0 vs 24 vs 50%) and of any disability (16 vs 30 vs 71%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for any disability were 81, 54,49 and 84% for a score ≥ 5 and 56, 87, 71 and 78% for a score ≥ 8. The nursery Neurobiologic Risk Score was useful in predicting 18 months outcome of very premature infants.
Epidemiology of the Homebound Population in the United States.

IMPORTANCE Increasing numbers of older, community-dwelling adults have functional impairments that prevent them from leaving their homes. It is uncertain how many people who live in the United States are homebound. OBJECTIVES To develop measures of the frequency of leaving and ability to leave the home and to use these measures to estimate the size of the homebound population in the US population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study collected in 2011 in the contiguous United States. Participants were a nationally representative sample of 7603 noninstitutionalized Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We defined homebound persons as those who never (completely homebound) or rarely (mostly homebound) left the home in the last month. We defined semihomebound persons as those who only left the home with assistance or had difficulty or needed help leaving the home. We compared demographic, clinical, and health care utilization characteristics across different homebound status categories. RESULTS In 2011, the prevalence of homebound individuals was 5.6% (95% CI, 5.1%-6.2%), including an estimated 395,422 people who were completely homebound and 1,578,984 people who were mostly homebound. Among semihomebound individuals, the prevalence of those who never left home without personal assistance was 3.3% (95% CI, 2.8%-3.8%), and the prevalence of those who required help or had difficulty was 11.7% (95% CI, 10.9%-12.6%). Completely homebound individuals were more likely to be older (83.2 vs 74.3 years, P < .001), female (67.9% vs 53.4%, P < .006), and of nonwhite race (34.1% vs 17.6%, P < .001) and have less education and income than nonhomebound individuals. They also had more chronic conditions (4.9 vs 2.5) and were more likely to have been hospitalized in the last 12 months (52.1% vs 16.2%) (P < .001 for both). Only 11.9% of completely homebound individuals reported receiving primary care services at home. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In total, 5.6% of the elderly, community-dwelling Medicare population (approximately 2 million people) were completely or mostly homebound in 2011. Our findings can inform improvements in clinical and social services for these individuals.
Enhanced Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 IIIc Promotes Human Esophageal Carcinoma Cell Proliferation

Deregulated expression of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and their ligands plays critical roles in tumorigenesis. The gene expression of an alternatively spliced isoforms of FGFR3, FGFR3IIIc, was analyzed by RT-PCR in samples from patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC), including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma (EAC). The incidence of FGFR3IIIc was higher in EC [12/16 (75%); p=0.073] than in non-cancerous mucosa (NCM) [6/16 (38%)]. Indeed, an immunohistochemical analysis of early-stage ESCC showed that carcinoma cells expressing FGFR3IIIc stained positively with SCC-112, a tumor marker, and Ki67, a cell proliferation marker, suggesting that the expression of FGFR3IIIc promotes cell proliferation. We used EC-GI-10 cells endogenously expressing FGFR3IIIc as a model of ESCC to provide mechanistic insight into the role of FGFR3IIIc in ESCC. The knockdown of endogenous FGFR3 using siRNA treatment significantly abrogated cell proliferation and the overexpression of FGFR3IIIc in cells with enhanced cell proliferation. EC-GI-10 cells and ESCC from patients with EC showed endogenous expression of FGF2, a specific ligand for FGFR3IIIc, suggesting that the upregulated expression of FGFR3IIIc may create autocrine FGF signaling in ESCC. Taken together, FGFR3IIIc may have the potential to be an early-stage tumor marker and a molecular target for ESCC therapy.
A Role for the Granzyme B Inhibitor Serine Protease Inhibitor 6 in CD8+ Memory Cell Homeostasis1

Generation and maintenance of protective immunological memory is the goal of vaccination programs. It has recently become clear that CD8+ memory T cells are derived directly from CTLs. The mechanisms underlying this transformation and the subsequent survival of memory cells are not completely understood. However, some effector molecules required by CTLs to eliminate infected cells have also been shown to control the number of Ag-specific cells. We report that memory cells express high levels of serine protease inhibitor (Spi) 6, an inhibitor of the effector molecule granzyme B, and that Spi6 can protect T cells from granzyme B-mediated apoptosis. In mouse models, both elevated expression of Spi6 and the complete absence of granzyme B in CD8+ T cells led to an increase in memory cells after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. This was not the result of increased levels of antilymphocytic choriomeningitis virus CD8+ T cells during the expansion or contraction phases, but rather transgenic Spi6 directly influenced the survival of CD8+ memory T cells. We propose that expression of protective molecules, like Spi6, serves to shield metabolically active CD8+ memory T cells from their own effector molecules.