Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential actions of cocaine and amphetamine on dorsal raphe neurons in vitro.

Intracellular recordings of membrane potential were made from neurons in nucleus dorsal raphe in the rat brain slice. Cocaine (300 nM-30 microM) caused a concentration-dependent hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, with a maximum effect of 13.3 +/- 2.2 mV (N = 6) and an EC50 of 4.2 microM. This action was antagonized by spiperone (1 microM), suggesting that the hyperpolarization was mediated indirectly through endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Cocaine (300 nM) increased the time constant for decay (tau 2) of the 5-HT inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) from 432 +/- 57 msec to 708 +/- 81 msec (N = 14); 10 microM increased tau 2 by about 9-fold. Amphetamine (100 nM-10 microM) caused a depolarization that was antagonized by prazosin (100 nM). In slices taken from reserpine-treated animals (5 mg/kg, 12 hr), the 5-HT-mediated IPSP, the noradrenaline-mediated slow excitatory postsynaptic potential and the amphetamine-induced depolarization were absent. These results indicate that the amphetamine-induced depolarization resulted from the release of endogenous noradrenaline. In the presence of prazosin (100 nM), amphetamine caused a hyperpolarization at a threshold concentration of 10 microM, had an EC50 of 26 microM and a maximum effect of 10 +/- 0.9 mV (N = 8). This hyperpolarization as well as the cocaine-induced hyperpolarization were not reduced by prior treatment with reserpine. Amphetamine (10 microM) caused a 2.2-fold increase in the time constant of decay of the IPSP with no change in the amplitude. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Antibiofilm activity of sandblasted and laser-modified titanium against microorganisms isolated from peri-implantitis lesions

Infections due to biofilm-producing microorganisms are one of the main causes for the failure of dental implants. Increasing efforts have been made in order to develop new strategies to prevent biofilm formation. In this study, the biofilm development on a newly designed laser-modified titanium implant surface was evaluated and compared to that on conventional sandblasted titanium used in implant dentistry. The amount of biofilm produced by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Porphyromonas gingivalis isolated from peri-implantitis was assessed by a semi-quantitative spectrophotometric method and by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results showed a lower biofilm production on laser-modified surface compared to the sandblasted one. In particular, a significantly lower total volume of the biomass was observed on laser-modified surface, while no significant changes in live/dead bacteria percentages were noticed between materials. Modifying the topography of the conventional implant surface with laser ablation could represent a promising approach for inhibiting biofilm formation.
Salivary cortisol responses to dexamethasone in adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder.

OBJECTIVE Previous studies of adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have found various abnormalities in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, including enhanced suppression of cortisol following low-dose dexamethasone. The purpose of the present study was to investigate salivary cortisol responses to low-dose dexamethasone in adolescents with PTSD. METHOD Forty-eight adolescents (20 with current PTSD, 9 trauma controls without PTSD, and 19 healthy nontraumatized controls) were enrolled in the study. On day 1, baseline saliva samples were obtained at 8 a.m. and 0.5 mg of dexamethasone was administered at 11 p.m. Cortisol and dexamethasone levels were assessed at 8 a.m. the following day. RESULTS Adolescents with current PTSD showed no difference in the suppression of salivary cortisol in response to low-dose (0.5 mg) dexamethasone compared to trauma controls without PTSD and nontraumatized controls. More severely affected PTSD subjects with co-occurring major depression showed higher pre- and post-dexamethasone salivary cortisol levels compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS The present study did not find evidence for enhanced suppression of salivary cortisol at 8 a.m. following low-dose dexamethasone in multiply traumatized adolescents with PTSD. This result differs from findings in adults with PTSD. Further investigations of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis abnormalities in traumatized children and adolescents are needed.
Role of Ca2+ Stores in Metabotropicl-Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Supralinear Ca2+Signaling in Rat Hippocampal Neurons

The role of metabotropic l-glutamate (mGlu) receptors in supralinear Ca2+ signaling was investigated in cultured hippocampal cells using Ca2+ imaging techniques and whole-cell voltage-clamp recording. In neurons, but not glia, global supralinear Ca2+ release from intracellular stores was observed when the mGlu receptor agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) was combined with elevated extracellular K+ levels (10.8 mm), moderate depolarization (15–30 mV), or NMDA (3 μm). There was a delay (2–8 min) before the stores were fully charged, and the enhancement persisted for a short period (up to 10 min) after removal of the store-loading stimulus. Studies with the mGlu receptor antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine demonstrated that these effects were mediated by activation of the mGlu5 receptor subtype. The L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine (10 μm) substantially reduced responses to DHPG obtained in the presence of elevated extracellular K+ but not NMDA. This suggests that the Ca2+ that is required to load the stores can enter either through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels or directly through NMDA receptors. The findings that both depolarization and NMDA receptor activation can facilitate mGlu receptor Ca2+ signaling adds considerable flexibility to the processes that underlie activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength. In particular, a temporal separation between the store-loading stimulus and the activation of mGlu receptors could be used as a recency detector in neurons.
p53 and p21(WAF1) expression in lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid tumors.

To clarify the roles of increased apoptosis and cell proliferation in chronic autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid tumorigenesis, expression of p53 and p21(WAF1) proteins was immunohistochemically investigated in a series of 158 cases. Positive epithelial cells were quantified to give numbers per unit square and to score for distribution. They were found scattered in nontumorous thyroid tissue, their numbers increasing with the severity of thyroiditis and the correlation between expression of the two proteins, regardless of the presence or absence of thyroid neoplasms. Simultaneous expression of both proteins was occasionally found in the same cells by analysis of serial histologic sections. In thyroid tumors, increased expression was found to be diffuse, focal, or scattered for the distribution of p53- or p21(WAF1)-immunopositive cells in accordance with tumor cell dedifferentiation, showing significant correlation between expression of the two proteins. Correlated with these findings, enhanced apoptosis along with decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased Ki-67 labeling in lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid tumors was also confirmed in the same series, using in situ DNA nick-end labeling and immunohistochemical methods. Increased expression of p53 and/or p21(WAF1) proteins was thus suggestive of possible DNA damage and increased apoptosis in autoimmune thyroiditis. In addition, a significant correlation between protein overexpression and dedifferentiation of thyroid tumor cells was apparent.
Gastric Helicobacter Infection Induces a Th2 Phenotype but Does Not Elevate Serum Cholesterol in Mice Lacking Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

ABSTRACT Persistent Helicobacter felis infection in (C57BL/6 × 129SvEv)F1 mice induces chronic gastritis. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is upregulated in response to Helicobacter infection. In this study, 20 10-week-old iNOS−/− mice and 20 wild-type [(C57BL/6 × 129SvEv)F1] mice were infected with H. felis by oral gavage and were assessed histologically and serologically at 32 weeks postinfection. Equal numbers of uninfected controls were sham inoculated. The mice were scored for severity of gastric inflammation, hyperplasia, glandular atrophy, and mucous metaplasia in the corpus and for the level of helicobacter colonization. The immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), IgG2a, and IgG2c antibody responses to H. felis were determined. As a secondary measure, serum cholesterol levels were assessed. iNOS−/− mice have a propensity for increased serum cholesterol, and although controversial, several human epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between Helicobacter infection and several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including elevated serum cholesterol. Nevertheless, no differences in serum cholesterol levels were observed between the H. felis-infected and -uninfected iNOS−/− mice in this study. The uninfected animals had minimal to no gastric pathology. The gastric pathology scores for the infected animals were reduced significantly in the iNOS-deficient mice relative to those for the wild-type mice (all P < 0.01). Helicobacter-infected iNOS−/− mice had chronic lymphoid infiltration and negligible to mild glandular atrophy and mucous metaplasia in the fundic mucosa, while H. felis-infected wild-type mice had severe atrophic and metaplastic mucosal changes. The atrophic gastritis in the infected wild-type mice, particularly the female mice, was also accompanied by greater granulocytic infiltration, antral hyperplasia, and diminished antral colonization, unlike that in the infected iNOS−/− mice. iNOS−/− mice developed significantly lower Th1-associated IgG2c antibody responses to H. felis (P < 0.0003); the Th2-associated IgG1 responses were similar (P = 0.09), suggesting a greater effect of the iNOS defect on Th1 responses. H. felis colonization was significantly greater in the iNOS-deficient mice. These findings are indicative of an impaired Th1 component of the H. felis-induced inflammatory response when the influence of iNOS is removed.
Neurobehavioural outcomes of mild head injury in children and adolescents

The vast majority of closed-head injuries (CHI) in children are of mild severity. Even if only a small proportion of children with mild CHI suffer persistent negative outcomes, then mild CHI is a serious public health problem. This paper summarizes the existing literature regarding the neurobehavioural outcomes associated with mild CHI in children and adolescents, focusing on the longstanding debate regarding post-concussive syndrome. The paper also discusses conceptual and methodological issues that arise in research on the outcomes of mild CHI, including the definition of mild CHI; selection of comparison groups; measurement of outcomes; assessment of risk factors; timing of outcome assessments; and prediction of outcomes for individual children. The paper describes an ongoing research project that may help to resolve some of the longstanding controversies and uncertainties regarding the outcomes of mild CHI in children and concludes with a review of likely future directions for research on the outcomes of mild CHI. The long-term goal of research in this area is to develop a comprehensive and integrated biopsychosocial model of outcomes that can help guide clinical management.
Nurses' Attitudes About the Importance of Families in Nursing Care

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of registered nurses (RNs) about the importance of involving families in nursing care. A sample of 634 randomly selected Swedish RNs completed the instrument, Families' Importance in Nursing Care—Nurses' Attitudes (FINC-NA), and reported holding supportive attitudes about families. High scores were found for the subscales: family as a resource in nursing care, family as a conversational partner, family as a burden, and family as its own resource. Variables that predicted a less supportive attitude about involving families in nursing care included being a newly graduated nurse, having no general approach to the care of families at the place of work, and being a male nurse.
Pentoxifylline improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized placebo‐controlled trial

The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) versus placebo on the histological features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In all, 55 adults with biopsy‐confirmed NASH were randomized to receive PTX at a dose of 400 mg three times a day (n = 26) or placebo (n = 29) over 1 year. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as improvement in histological features of NASH through reduction in steatosis, lobular inflammation, and/or hepatocellular ballooning as reflected by a decrease of ≥2 points in the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS). After 1 year, intention‐to‐treat analysis showed a decrease of ≥2 points in the NAS in 38.5% of patients on PTX versus 13.8% of those on placebo (P = 0.036). Per protocol analysis, a decrease of ≥2 points in the NAS from baseline was observed in 50% of the patients on PTX versus 15.4% of those on placebo (P = 0.01). The mean change in NAS score from baseline was −1.6 in the PTX group, versus −0.1 in the placebo group (P < 0.001). PTX significantly improved steatosis (mean change in score −0.9 versus −0.04 with placebo, P < 0.001) and lobular inflammation (median change −1 versus 0 with placebo, P = 0.02). No significant effects in hepatocellular ballooning were observed. PTX also improved liver fibrosis (mean change in fibrosis score was −0.2 among those on PTX versus +0.4 among those on placebo, P = 0.038). Although not statistically significant (P = 0.17), improvement in fibrosis was observed in a greater proportion (35%) of patients in the PTX group compared to placebo (15%). Adverse effects were similar in both groups. Conclusion: PTX improved histological features of NASH compared to placebo. PTX was well tolerated in patients with NASH (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00590161). (HEPATOLOGY 2011)
Economic Analysis of Dairy Cattle Enterprises: The Case of Konya Province

Abstract This study evaluates the economic activity results of dairy cattle enterprises in Konya Province. The data used in the research was obtained through questionnaire technique from 125 dairy cattle enterprises which were determined with stratified random sampling method on a voluntary basis. The total active captial of the enterprises are $845,330.85 and the share of animal capital is 26.27%. Average cattle number in the enterprises have been determined to be 104.95 heads, cow number is 61.22 heads per farm while average daily milk yield in the enterprises is determined as 27.45 lt/head for milker cows. The total average variable cost in dairy cattle enterprises is calculated to be $104,235.23 and the sum of all fixed cost is $40,496.15. The share of feed cost in variable costs is 84.33%. Gross Production Value (GPV) is $194,759.57 and 85.08% of this value is from milk and milk products. Gross profit per enterprise is $90,524.34 and net profit is $50,028.19. In the study, the milk cost is calculated at $0.31/lt. Sale price of milk of enterprises is $0.42/lt in 2015. In the research field, economic profitability of enterprises is calculated at 2.04% and financial profitability is calculated at 2.02%. As a result of the research, the greatest problems of dairy cattle enterprises are identified as supplying of roughage and concentrate feed, low levels of organization, low number of milked stocks, and taking individual actions against the market.
Risk of hepatotoxicity with add-on leflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract Combination of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is increasingly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Hepatotoxicity has been an important safety concern with DMARDs therapy. Though leflunomide (CAS 75706-12-6) has emerged as an effective oral DMARD, its use is associated with hepatotoxicity. Limited data is available regarding hepatotoxic risk when leflunomide is used in combination therapy in RA patients. An open-label, prospective study was conducted to evaluate the hepatotoxic risk after addition of leflunomide with other DMARDs in RA patients, who did not respond to their ongoing DMARD therapy. A total of 46 patients were enrolled and leflunomide was given as add-on therapy with earlier DMARDs. Biochemical parameters of serum aminotransferase levels (AST and ALT) were estimated at the baseline and then every month after addition of leflunomide. Study results showed that 13.0% patients developed <1.5 to <2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) elevation; 6.5%patients developed 2 to <3 times the ULN elevation and 2.2% patients developed >3 times the ULN elevation. In 20% of the patients with hepatic enzyme elevations, enzyme levels returned to normal within 4–6 weeks after discontinuation of leflunomide therapy, whereas in 50% of patients the dose of leflunomide was reduced from 20 mg/day to 10 mg/day for normalization of enzymes levels. 30% of patients were continued with leflunomide without dose reduction. None of the patients showed clinical signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Leflunomide therapy with other DMARDs requires strict monitoring of serum aminotransferases.
Impact of hospital volume on postoperative morbidity and mortality following a colectomy for ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Postoperative morbidity and mortality following a colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) has been primarily reported from tertiary care referral centers that perform a high volume of operations; however, the postoperative outcomes among nonselected hospitals are not known. We set out to evaluate postoperative morbidity and mortality using a nationally representative database and to determine the factors that influenced outcomes. METHODS We analyzed the 1995-2005 Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify 7108 discharges for UC patients who underwent a total abdominal colectomy. The effects of hospital volume on postoperative morbidity and mortality were evaluated in logistic regression models adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 2.3% and 30.8%, respectively. Most operations were performed in low-volume hospitals that had an increased risk of death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-4.63). In-hospital mortality was increased in patients who were admitted emergently (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI: 3.48-8.40), aged 60-80 years (aOR, 8.70; 95% CI: 3.30-22.92), and those with Medicaid (aOR, 4.29; 95% CI: 2.13-8.66). Emergently admitted UC patients whose surgery was performed 6 days after their admission had significantly increased likelihood of in-hospital death (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI: 1.13-3.97). CONCLUSIONS Postoperative mortality was lowest in hospitals that performed the highest volume of operations. Increasing the proportion of total colectomies performed in high-volume hospitals may improve clinical outcomes for patients with UC.
Establishing a Causal Relationship Between Intervention to Promote Self-Determination and Enhanced Student Self-Determination

Promoting the self-determination of adolescents with disabilities has become best practice in secondary education and transition services, but to date there have been no studies establishing a causal relationship between efforts to promote self-determination and enhancement of the self-determination of youth with disabilities. This article reports a randomized trial placebo control group study of 371 high school students receiving special education services under the categorical areas of mental retardation or learning disabilities. Students were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group (by high school campus), with students in the intervention condition receiving multiple instructional components to promote self-determination. Latent growth curve analysis showed that although all students in the study showed improved self-determination over the 3 years of the study, students in the intervention group showed significantly greater growth, though specific intraindividual variables affected this growth. Implications for research and intervention are discussed.
Ownership And Capital Structure Of Pakistani Non-Financial Firms

Existi ng literature has not yet defi ned a clear-cut relati onship between ownership structure and capital structure. This study aims to contribute to this controversial argument by examining the impact of internal (managerial) ownership and external ownership on fi nancing preferences using the case of non-fi nancial fi rms listed on Karachi stock exchange during the period of 2008-2012. Our results suggest that the external ownership has a signifi cant eff ect on capital structure in accordance with the presence of blockholders. In contrast, the internal ownership has a complicated eff ect; it shows signifi cant positi ve and negati ve relati onship to leverage at lower and certain higher proporti on of managerial shareholding respecti vely. Besides, the combined analyses suggest that the presence of blockholders negates the impact of managerial ownership on capital structure. This implies that the presence of large and dominant shareholders in Pakistani fi rms may have caused a bias for debt fi nancing to protect their voti ng power and returns.
Demographic Changes of Hispanic Populations and Hispanic Student Enrollment in Texas Community Colleges: A Literature Review.

In this literature review, Hispanic demographic changes in the United States and in Texas are examined. Hispanics have accounted for large changes in population, population change, and proportion of population. Accordingly, the literature was reviewed regarding Hispanic immigrants, both authorized and non-authorized immigrants. The issue of poverty related to Hispanics was addressed. Hispanics and college enrollment, along with the educational attainment patterns of Hispanics, were discussed. The Texas Closing the Gaps plan was examined, as it was related to Hispanic students. The over-representation of Hispanics in community colleges was addressed. Finally, implications of this review of the literature were provided.
A Griscelli syndrome type 2 murine model of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)

Griscelli syndrome type 2 is caused by mutations in the RAB27A gene and is a rare and potentially fatal immune disorder associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Animal models could provide assistance for better understanding the mechanisms and finding new treatments. Rab27a‐deficient (ashen) mice do not spontaneously develop HLH. When injected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) strain WE, Rab27a‐deficient C57BL/6 mice developed wasting disease, hypothermia, splenomegaly, cytopenia (anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia), hypertriglyceridemia and increased levels of IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, GM‐CSF, IL‐12, CCL5 and IL‐10. Activated macrophages with hemophagocytosis were found in liver sections of these mice. Compared with perforin‐deficient mice, LCMV‐infected Rab27a‐deficient mice showed a substantially better survival rate and slightly higher viral doses were needed to trigger HLH in Rab27a‐deficient mice. This study demonstrates that LCMV‐infected Rab27a‐deficient C57BL/6 mice develop features consistent with HLH and, therefore, represent a murine model of HLH in human Griscelli syndrome type 2.