Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Peripheral neuropathy caused by leflunomide. A case reported with a brief review].

BACKGROUND Leflunomide (LEF) is an immunomodulator derived from isoxazole It is an approved drug in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a recognized side effect of some medications. CLINICAL CASE A 48 years old woman with diabetes type 2 (DM2) and RA; with serum negative rheumatoid factor. She got nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories drugs, corticosteroid, methotrexate, sulfasalazine and chloroquine. Despite this, she was clinically within the functional class III and data of osteopenia. The treatment was switched to LEF, chloroquine and prednisone. After four months, she began with dysesthesia in the left cubital area, paresthesias in her right knee; and then in a progressive pattern others paresthesias, hyporeflexia and a decrease in the muscular strength. She was treated with cholestyramine, but her neuropathy did not improve. Severe segmental demyelination polyneuropathy and retrograde axonal degeneration with predominance of the thoracic members over the pelvic members was reported in the electroneurophysiological and electromyography studies. CONCLUSIONS It is advisable to perform electrophysiological studies in patients' with DM2 before they get treatment with LEF.
Determinants of reproductive success in savannah baboons, Papio cynocephalus

a~d . the Ministry of Tou . 11ss1on to conduct 1 so thank J Kiok ong-tcna · o and research. for their b COOJ>er; e een possible with ·,. f . OUttfle · it.e o Primate Research . :, i1s background inform r· ra . k N a ioa . yoB as zuma, who helped ~~~t -, · muts T Struh k ·~~"" ' · sa er · · )n an e~! '. i er draft vf ch · . id tw ~-. <" nonymous . IS . review. epared wi i'. l . Cheney and Advanced Stuciy ir. the were supported by gnmr~ 76-22.943) , the Alfred P. iucat1on Foundation. Fihe foundations that have ~: : : ' "im Foundation. the -oundation. the National nal Science FC1! mdatio1"1 1 l , l i I Determinants of Reproductive Success in Savannah Baboons, Papio cynocephalus
T Cell-Intrinsic Factors Contribute to the Differential Ability of CD8+ T Cells To Rapidly Secrete IFN-γ in the Absence of Antigen

A subset of CD44hiCD8+ T cells isolated from C57BL/6/J (B6) mice, but not BALB/c/By/J (BALB/c) mice, rapidly secrete IFN-γ within 16 h of infection with Listeria monocytogenes. This Ag-independent response requires the presence of both IL-12 and IL-18. Previous studies showed that dendritic cells from B6 mice produced more Th1-type cytokines such as IL-12 than did those from BALB/c mice in response to L. monocytogenes infection. In this report, we demonstrate that the microenvironment in L. monocytogenes-infected BALB/c mice is sufficient to induce responsive B6 CD8+ T cells to rapidly secrete IFN-γ. Furthermore, BALB/c CD8+ T cells did not rapidly secrete IFN-γ even when they were exposed to high concentrations of IL-12 plus IL-18 in vitro. In the presence of IL-12 and IL-18, B6 CD44hiCD8+ T cells upregulated expression of the receptor subunits for these cytokines more rapidly than did BALB/c T cells. In comparing particular subsets of memory phenotype CD8+ T cells, we found that virtual memory cells, rather than true Ag-experienced cells, had the greatest level of impairment in BALB/c mice. These data suggest that the degree of cytokine-driven bystander activation of CD8+ T cells that occurs during infection depends on both APCs and T cell-intrinsic properties that can vary among mouse strains.
Resistance to aspirin and clopidogrel therapy

Introduction: Despite increasing evidence on the roles of aspirin and clopidogrel in decreasing morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, resistance to therapy remains an emerging clinical entity. The aim of this review was to revisit current knowledge of the mechanisms, laboratory evaluation, clinical impact and management of resistance to aspirin and clopidogrel therapy.
The Mg II λ2797, λ2803 emission in low-metallicity star-forming galaxies from the SDSS

We present 65 Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectra of 62 star-forming galaxies with oxygen abundances 12 + logO/H � 7.5 ‐ 8.4. Redshifts of selected galaxies are in the range z � 0.36 ‐ 0.70. This allows us to detect the redshifted Mg II �2797, �2803 emission lines. Our aim is to use these lines for the magnesium abundance determination. The Mg II emission was detected in � 2/3 of the galaxies. We find that the Mg II �2797 emission-line intensity follows a trend with the excit ation parameter x = O 2+ /O that is similar to that predicted by CLOUDY photoionised H II region models, suggesting a nebular origin of Mg II emission. The Mg/O abundance ratio is lower by a factor � 2 than the solar ratio. This is probably the combined effect of interstellar Mg II absorption and depletion of Mg onto dust. However, the effect of dust depletion in selected galaxies, if present, is small, by a factor of �2 lower than that of iron.
Role of microglia in glioma biology

Microglia, a type of differentiated tissue macrophage, are considered to be the most plastic cell population of the central nervous system (CNS). In response to pathological conditions, resting microglia undergo a stereotypic activation process and become capable of phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte activation. Considering their immune effector function, it is not surprising to see microglia accumulation in almost every CNS disease process, including malignant brain tumors or malignant gliomas. Although the function of these cells in CNS inflammatory processes is being studied, their role in malignant glioma biology remains unclear. On one hand, microglia may represent a CNS anti‐tumor response, which is inactivated by local secretion of immunosuppressive factors by glioma cells. On the other hand, taking into account that microglia are capable of secreting a variety of immunomodulatory cytokines, it is possible that they are attracted by gliomas to promote tumor growth. A better understanding of microglia‐glioma interaction will be helpful in designing novel immune‐based therapies against these fatal tumors. Microsc. Res. Tech. 54:106–113, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide‐protein conjugate vaccines in children

Prevention of invasive infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria has become possible with new vaccines. Covalent coupling to a protein carrier increases the immunogenicity of Hib capsular polysaccharide, and changes it to a T-cell dependent antigen. In clinical use, the conjugate vaccines are immunogenic in infancy, induce immunologic memory, and protect efficiently from invasive infections. They even seem to reduce oropharyngeal carriage of Hib bacteria. Wide-scale use of Hib conjugate vaccines has demonstrated their safety and low reactogenicity. Studies to combine them with other childhood vaccines are in progress. First signs of reduction of severe Hib infections can already be seen in countries where Hib conjugate vaccines are in wide use.
Transmission of Schistosoma mansoni from man to snail: experimental studies of miracidial survival and infectivity in relation to larval age, water temperature, host size and host age

SUMMARY We report the results of experimental work on (a) the influence of temperature on the age-dependent survival and infectivity of the mira-cidia of Schistosoma mansoni and (b) the relationship between snail age, snail size and susceptibility to infection. The death rate of miracidia declined exponentially with age where life-expectancy was maximal (approximately 16 h) at 15 °C. Infectivity also declined rapidly with larval age but, in contrast to larval survival, the rate of infection was at a maximum at 25 °C. Snail susceptibility was shown to be more closely correlated with host size rather than host age. Susceptibility declined exponentially with increased host size. Size-dependent susceptibility was shown to generate concave age-prevalence curves for infection within snail populations, where the maximum prevalence is generated in snails of intermediary age. Simple mathematical models are developed to aid estimation of larval survival and infection rates and experimental results are discussed in relation to the overall transmission success of the parasite from man to snail.
Kinetic reactions of alpha and beta lactose. I. Mutarotation.

Abstract Kinetic studies were made of mutarotation of alpha- and beta-lactose by a polarimetric method. Rate constants were determined in the temperature range of 0.5 to 55C. A complete statistical analysis of the data was made with a computer technique, and interpretation was based on a statistical test of the significance. The specific optical rotation of an equilibrium solution was dependent upon concentration and temperature. Concentration significantly affected the equilibrium rotation, causing a decrease of 0.01688 degree with each 1 g/100ml increase in concentration. The following expression was found to hold at equilibrium: \[ α ∞ \] D = 55.23 − 0.01688 c − 0.07283 \( t − 25 \) where c is gram anhydrous lactose/100ml solution, and t is degrees centigrade. It was shown that the mutarotation of lactose is a first-order reaction: The velocity constants calculated from the experimental data did not vary significantly from the postulation of the first-order rate law. Further evidence supporting this conclusion is that the velocity constant is independent of reaction time and the concentration of the reactant. The same studies where undertaken in a salt solution simulating natural whey in salt composition. The salt solution catalyzes the reaction about twofold, but does not alter the mechanism.
Review of Barley Value Chain Management in Ethiopia

Barley is cultivated by small holders in every region of Ethiopia, since it is able to grow at all elevations, but it performs best at the higher elevations in the northern and central regions of the country. Barley is a major staple food crop in the highlands of Ethiopia. The crop is used for preparing various types of traditional foods such as Kita, Kolo, Beso, Enjera, Giat, cuko (shakeka) and many others. Although the day to day survival is linked to barley, little focus has been given to improve the productivity of the crop in the dry land. The market potential for malt barley is directly dependent on the market for beer; as such, its potential can best be assessed by looking at the evolving dynamics of Ethiopia’s growing brewery sector. Much of Ethiopia’s beer demand is currently being met by domestic brands. BGI Castel is the largest operator in the market, with production capacity of roughly 2 million hectoliters per year (out of a total market production of ~4 million hectoliters per year. The major players in the barley value chain are the input suppliers, smallholders, state and commercial farms, rural assemblers, cooperative unions, grain wholesalers, flourmills, processed food wholesalers, grain retailers, bakeries and pastries, and retailers of processed food. Donors and NGOs also play some role in procuring barley locally for their relief and development activities. To balance the demand and supply of barley the country have to be increase the productivity of the barley by using modern technology, high-yield varieties for specific location based on end user needs, with varieties to include characteristics such as resistance to drought and diseases.
Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Neutrophil Functions and Hypoxanthine/Xanthine Oxidase-Generated, Oxygen-Derived Radicals

The chemiluminescence of isolated neutrophils, stimulated with N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine, latex, lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli, zymosan A, or 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate was inhibited up to 99% by the dose-dependent oxygen radical scavenging activity of 6 mmol/l ascorbic acid. The chemiluminescence of neutrophils in blood, stimulated with 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate, or with zymosan A was inhibited 35% or 48%, respectively, by 6 mmol/l ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid, up to 6 mmol/l, did not inhibit the release of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and elastase from isolated neutrophils activated by the above stimulatory agents. During neutrophil/nylon fibre interaction ascorbic acid reduced the oxygen radical production dose-dependently (77% inhibition of the chemiluminescence response at 6 mmol/l ascorbic acid), whereas the adherence was unaffected. Hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase-generated oxygen radicals were scavenged by ascorbic acid in a dose-dependent manner (99% inhibition of the chemiluminescence response at 100 mumol/l ascorbic acid). From these results, ascorbic acid can highly be recommended for animal experiments and clinical studies in patients with trauma, shock and sepsis and for studies to prevent or reduce reperfusion injuries.
Effects of weightlifting exercise, traditional resistance and plyometric training on countermovement jump performance: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Jump performance is considered an important factor in many sports. Thus, strategies such as weightlifting (WL) exercises, traditional resistance training (TRT) and plyometric training (PT) are effective at improving jump performance. However, it is not entirely clear which of these strategies can enable greater improvements on jump height. Thus, the purpose of the meta-analysis was to compare the improvements on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance between training methods which focus on WL exercises, TRT, and PT. Seven studies were included, of which one study performed both comparison. Therefore, four studies comparing WL exercises vs. TRT (total n = 78) and four studies comparing WL exercises vs. PT (total n = 76). The results showed greater improvements on CMJ performance for WL exercises compared to TRT (ESdiff: 0.72 ± 0.23; 95%CI: 0.26, 1.19; P = 0.002; Δ % = 7.5 and 2.1, respectively). The comparison between WL exercises vs. PT revealed no significant difference between protocols (ESdiff: 0.15 ± 0.23; 95%CI: −0.30, 0.60; P = 0.518; Δ % = 8.8 and 8.1, respectively). In conclusion, WL exercises are superior to promote positive changes on CMJ performance compared to TRT; however, WL exercises and PT are equally effective at improving CMJ performance.
Sampled control for mean-variance hedging in a jump diffusion financial market

In this paper we consider the mean-variance hedging problem of a jump diffusion continuous state space financial model with the re-balancing strategies for the hedging portfolio taken at discrete times, a situation that more closely reflects real market conditions. A direct expression based on some change of measures, not depending on any recursions, is derived for the optimal self-financing mean-variance hedging strategy problem as well as for the “fair hedging price”, considering any given payoff. For the case of a European call option these expressions can be evaluated in a closed form.
Some enigmas associated with the genesis of mammary cancer in mice.

Any advances in our knowledge about the genesis of mammary cancer in mice may be attributed primarily to the availability of homozygous or inbred stocks. For research these strains are to the biologist as pure chemicals are to the chemist. If this analogy may be justified, one striking distinction should be mentioned, however. Whereas chemicals are generally stable over a long period of time, mice, like all living forms, are subject to "mutational" changes which may occur at any time regardless of the degree of inbreeding. Just as many investigators are interested in the biological effects of mutations induced by carcinogenic agents, investigators trained in genetics are constantly on the alert for mutations that occur spontaneously in control strains. If these are recognized they might compare with the synthesis of new chemicals, new "tools" for research; if they go unnoticed, the experimental results may be distorted because of the changes in the genetic constitution of the experimental animals and, therefore, may become the basis for new theories which cannot be confirmed. One purpose of this report is to review the resuits that have been secured by various investigators on the development of mammary cancer in mice, another is to bring together in a single article the observations from many analogous experiments which are now scattered throughout the literature. Some additional material will be included.
Adding up to Good Bayesian Reasoning: Problem Format Manipulations and Individual Skill Differences

Bayesian reasoning is ubiquitous in everyday life. However, how people perform in formal Bayesian reasoning tasks depends on both how the task is presented and individual differences in general ability. Different theoretical views predict that these individual difference factors should either interact with, or be independent of, presentation formats. This research first established changes in reasoning performance across different presentation formats (information presented either in natural frequencies or in percentages and either with pictorial aids or with no pictures). Concurrently, participants were assessed for their general level of numerical literacy and level of spatial ability. Multiple analyses indicate that the contributions of numerical literacy and spatial ability to Bayesian reasoning success were largely independent of the presentation of the tasks (numerical format and picture presence). These findings are shown in a subsequent experiment to hold, broadly, across 4 different assessments of numerical literacy and 4 different assessments of spatial ability. This result is most consistent with an ecological rationality view of statistical reasoning.
Renin and kallikrein in connecting tubule of mouse.

BACKGROUND The observation of renin expression in connecting tubule, a segment that also expresses tissue kallikrein (KLK-1), raises two questions. Are the genes expressed in the same or in different cells of connecting tubule? Does this topography support the hypothesis that KLK-1 activates prorenin or is it more likely that it affords coordinated gene regulation? METHODS Renin and KLK-1 were examined by immunostaining and in situ hybridization. Renin activation by KLK-1 was investigated in vitro. In vivo, excretion of prorenin and active renin was compared in mice homozygous for targeted inactivation of KLK-1 (TK(-/-)) and normal littermates (TK(+/+)). RESULTS Using in situ immunostaining for renin and in situ hybridization for KLK-1 mRNA, we found that connecting tubule cells expressing renin also expressed KLK-1. We confirmed in vitro activation of prorenin by KLK-1, but found no difference in the ratio of active renin to prorenin in urine of TK(-/-) and TK(+/+) animals. Compared to TK(+/+) controls, TK(-/-) mice exhibited significantly lower 24-hour excretion of prorenin (5.05 +/- 1.16 mg Ang I/hour vs. 9.39 +/- 1.96 mg Ang I/hour, P < 0.05) and active renin (1.98 +/- 0.25 mg Ang I/hour vs. 3.58 +/- 0.39 mg Ang I/hour, P < 0.05), with no difference in either urine volumes or plasma renin concentrations. CONCLUSION Direct interaction between renin and KLK-1, not ruled out in vitro, is not supported in vivo. By contrast, lower excretion of active renin and prorenin in TK(-/-) compared to TK(+/+) suggest coordinated regulation of the two proteins in their participation to collecting duct function.
Decreased High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Particle Size, Pre&bgr;-, and Large HDL Subspecies Concentration in Finnish Low-HDL Families: Relationship With Intima-Media Thickness

Objective—High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol correlates inversely with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The precise antiatherogenic mechanisms of HDL subspecies are not thoroughly elucidated. We studied the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and HDL subspecies distribution in Finnish families with low HDL cholesterol and premature CHD. Methods and Results—Altogether, 148 members of Finnish low-HDL families and 133 healthy control subjects participated in our study. HDL particle size was significantly smaller in affected family members (HDL ≤10th Finnish age-sex specific percentile) compared with unaffected family members and control subjects (9.1±0.04 nm versus 9.5±0.05 nm, P<0.0001, versus 9.8±0.03 nm, P<0.0001 [mean±SE]). Large HDL2b particles as well as pre&bgr;-HDL concentration were significantly decreased among the affected family members. Mean IMT was significantly higher in the affected family members than in the control subjects (0.85±0.01 mm versus 0.79±0.01 mm; P<0.0001). Age, HDL2b, systolic blood pressure, and pre&bgr;-HDL were significant independent determinants of mean IMT. Conclusions—The decreased levels of HDL2b and pre&bgr;-HDL reflect the potentially efflux-deficient HDL subspecies profile in the affected low-HDL family members. Decreased HDL particle size caused by the decrease of plasma concentration of HDL2b and decreased pre&bgr;-HDL levels correlate with increased IMT.
Outcome of very low birth weight infants at 12 to 18 months of age in Soweto, South Africa.

OBJECTIVE To describe the long-term outcome of very low birth weight infants growing up in poor socioeconomic conditions in Soweto, South Africa. METHODS A stratified sample of infants weighing < 1500 g surviving to hospital discharge was enrolled. Group 1 consisted of 49 infants 1000 to 1499 g who required mechanical ventilation; group 2 consisted of 39 infants 1000 to 1499 g who did not require mechanical ventilation; and group 3 consisted of 25 infants < 1000 g (such infants are not routinely ventilated). Growth and neurological status were recorded at follow-up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months' corrected age and the infants were evaluated further using the Bayley scales of infant development between 12 and 18 months. RESULTS Fifteen infants died during the period between hospital discharge and 1 year corrected age, and 12 others were lost to follow-up. Although some catch-up growth was noted in the early months, all group means for weight and length were below the 25th percentile at 1 year. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in nine infants (8 from group 1). Periventricular leukomalacia and/or porencephaly was diagnosed in eight of the nine infants during their initial hospital stay and was also the strongest negative predictor of the Bayley scores. Higher maternal education and better intrauterine growth were associated with higher Bayley scores. CONCLUSIONS Mortality after hospital discharge in this study cohort was extremely high. However, despite marked differences in socioeconomic conditions and tertiary care facilities, the handicap rates were comparable with recent studies from developed countries, and some of the predictors of handicap, eg, periventricular leukomalacia and porencephaly, were also similar.
DNA damage in Pakistani pesticide‐manufacturing workers assayed using the Comet assay

The production and use of chemical pesticides has increased in recent years. Although the increased use of pesticides may benefit agriculture, they are also the potential source of environmental pollution, and exposure to pesticides can have negative consequences for human health. In the present study, we have assessed DNA damage in blood leukocytes from 29 Pakistani pesticide‐factory workers and 35 controls of similar age and smoking history. The workers were exposed to various mixtures of organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids. DNA damage was measured with the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay or Comet assay, using the mean comet tail length (μm) as the DNA damage metric. Exposed workers had significantly longer comet tail lengths than the controls (mean ± SD 19.98 ± 2.87 vs. 7.38 ± 1.48, P < 0.001). Of the possible confounding factors, smokers had significantly longer mean comet tail lengths than nonsmokers and exsmokers for both the workers (21.48 ± 2.58 vs.18.37 ± 2.28, P < 0.001) and the controls (8.86 ± 0.56 vs. 6.79 ± 1.31, P < 0.001), while age had a minimal effect on DNA damage (P > 0.05 and P < 0.05 for workers and controls, respectively). The results of this study indicate that occupational exposure to pesticides causes DNA damage. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.