Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment with an Estrogen Receptor α Ligand Is Neuroprotective in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, neurodegenerative disease for which experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a model. Treatments with estrogens have been shown to decrease the severity of EAE through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Here we investigated whether treatment with an estrogen receptor α (ERα) ligand could recapitulate the estrogen-mediated protection in clinical EAE. We then went on to examine both anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective mechanisms. EAE was induced in wild-type, ERα-, or ERβ-deficient mice, and each was treated with the highly selective ERα agonist, propyl pyrazole triol, to determine the effect on clinical outcomes, as well as on inflammatory and neurodegenerative changes. ERα ligand treatment ameliorated clinical disease in both wild-type and ERβ knock-out mice, but not in ERα knock-out mice, thereby demonstrating that the ERα ligand maintained ERα selectivity in vivo during disease. ERα ligand treatment also induced favorable changes in autoantigen-specific cytokine production in the peripheral immune system [decreased TNFα, interferon-γ, and interleukin-6, with increased interleukin-5] and decreased CNS white matter inflammation and demyelination. Interestingly, decreased neuronal staining [NeuN+ (neuronal-specific nuclear protein)/β3-tubulin+/Nissl], accompanied by increased immunolabeling of microglial/monocyte (Mac 3+) cells surrounding these abnormal neurons, was observed in gray matter of spinal cords of EAE mice at the earliest stage of clinical disease, 1–2 d after the onset of clinical signs. Treatment with either estradiol or the ERα ligand significantly reduced this gray matter pathology. In conclusion, treatment with an ERα ligand is highly selective in vivo, mediating both anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in EAE.
The connexions of the amygdala

The amygdaloid nuclei have been the subject of considerable interest in recent years and have been studied with a variety of experimental techniques (cf. Gloor, 1960). From the anatomical point of view attention has been paid mainly to the efferent connexions of these nuclei (Adey and Meyer, 1952; Lammers and Lohman, 1957; Hall, 1960; Nauta, 1961), and it is now generally accepted that there are two main efferent pathways from the amygdala, the well-known stria terminalis and a more diffuse ventral pathway, a component of the longitudinal association bundle of the amygdala. It has not generally been recognized, however, that in studying the efferent connexions of the amygdala it is essential first to exclude a contribution to these pathways from the pyriform cortex, especially in view of the opinion of Cajal (1911) that the stria terminalis arises in this cortical area and represents an 'olfactory projection pathway'. Although recent experimental work has established that the pyriform cortex does not, in fact, contribute fibres to the stria terminalis it is now clear that the major efferent projection from the pyriform cortex passes through the amygdala and has a distribution identical with that of the longitudinal association bundle and the ventral amygdalo-fugal pathway (Powell, Cowan, and Raisman, 1963). For this reason it is not possible, with large lesions of the amygdala, to distinguish between the interruption of fibres which are merely passing through the region and those which may be arising in the amygdaloid nuclei. Thus the question arises whether the ventral pathway may rightly be considered an amygdalo-fugal system as well as a pyriform cortex projection pathway, and at present this remains undecided. The afferent connexions of the amygdala (with the exception of those derived from the olfactory bulb) have, in general, received less attention than the efferents, although there are several reports of caudally directed fibres in the stria terminalis and of afferent fibres to the amygdala in the ventral pathway (Nauta, 1958, 1962; SandersWoudstra, 1961; Shute and Lewis, 1961; Hilton and Zbrozyna, 1963; Valverde, 1963). As yet there has been no study in which an attempt has been made to integrate these connexions and the other known amygdaloid afferents or to relate this information to what is known of the efferent connexions of the amygdala.
A pulse of insulin and dexamethasone stimulates serum leptin in fasting human subjects.

OBJECTIVES We have previously shown that dexamethasone increases serum leptin in fed but not in fasted human subjects. We hypothesized that insulin and/or glucose mediated the effect of food intake. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the administration of a pulse of insulin with dexamethasone was sufficient to increase serum leptin in vivo in fasted human subjects. Whether the presence of transient hyperglycemia and the dose of insulin were important was tested as a secondary aim. METHODS Twenty-nine normal subjects were studied. In experiment 1 (meal-like), a pulse of insulin (0.03 U/kg s.c.) and of dexamethasone (2 mg i.v.) was given, and the blood glucose transiently elevated to 50 mg/dl above baseline for the first 2 h. In experiments 2 and 3 (dose-response), the effect of two doses of insulin (0.03 U/kg in experiment 2 and 0.06 U/kg in experiment 3) was tested in combination with dexamethasone, this time without transient hyperglycemia. Nine subjects were studied under fasting conditions, with or without dexamethasone, as a control experiment. RESULTS A meal-like transient hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, with a pulse of dexamethasone, increased serum leptin levels from baseline by 54+/-21% at 9 h (P=0.038). In the absence of transient hyperglycemia, leptin increased significantly after doses of both insulin and dexamethasone. The effect of insulin was dose-dependent, with a larger increment of serum leptin at 9 h after the highest dose of insulin (75.2+/-15.7% vs 21.3+/-8.5%, P=0.013). Fasting, with or without dexamethasone, resulted in a significant 20% decrease in leptin from morning basal levels. Conversely, the administration of a pulse of insulin and glucose, in the absence of dexamethasone, prevented the drop in serum leptin observed during fasting, regardless of the insulin dose or the serum glucose elevation. CONCLUSIONS With the permissive effect of dexamethasone, a single pulse of insulin triggered a rise in serum leptin in humans, even in the absence of transient hyperglycemia. A single pulse of insulin with glucose can prevent the drop in serum leptin normally observed during fasting.
Biofloc Technology (BFT): A Tool for Water Quality Management in Aquaculture

Biofloc technology (BFT) is considered the new “blue revolution” in aquaculture. Such technique is based on in situ microorganism production which plays three major roles: (i) maintenance of water quality, by the uptake of nitrogen compounds generating in situ microbial protein; (ii) nutrition, increasing culture feasibility by reducing feed conversion ratio (FCR) and a decrease of feed costs; and (iii) competition with pathogens. The aggregates (bioflocs) are a rich protein-lipid natural source of food available in situ 24 hours per day due to a complex interaction between organic matter, physical substrate, and large range of microorganisms. This natural productivity plays an important role recycling nutrients and maintaining the water quality. The present chapter will discuss some insights of the role of microorganisms in BFT, main water quality parameters, the importance of the correct carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in the culture media, its calculations, and different types, as well as metagenomics of microorganisms and future perspectives.
Multifocal cytomegalovirus encephalitis in AIDS

A 43‐year‐old man with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome had clinical evidence of multifocal disease of the brain, but computed tomography was negative. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multifocal lesions, histologically proven to be caused by cytomegalovirus. Therapy with 9{2‐hydroxy‐1‐(hydroxymethyl) ethoxymethyl} guanine (BW B759U) resulted in stabilization of the patient's clinical disease and radiographic improvement of the lesions.
High-Density and Near-Linear Synaptic Device Based on a Reconfigurable Gated Schottky Diode

A reconfigurable gated Schottky diode is proposed as new high-density and low-power synaptic device that has near-linear changes in conductance. The device has a reverse current of less than 12 nA/<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and an effective device area of 6F<sup>2</sup>. Since the Al/poly-Si Schottky junction is located on the bottom gate, which has a SiO<sub>2</sub>/Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> charge trap layer, the effective Schottky barrier height is modulated by the bottom gate bias or by the amount of charge trapped in the Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> layer. The Schottky reverse current has an exponential relationship with the effective Schottky barrier height associated with the amount of stored charge, and the amount of stored charge is logarithmically proportional to the number of potentiation pulses. Because the exponential and logarithmic relationships cancel each other out, a near-linear conductance response to the number of potentiation pulses is obtained from the proposed device.
Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme

OBJECTIVE Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become an effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This retrospective review evaluates the impact of SRS delivered on a gamma knife (GK) unit as an adjuvant therapy in the management of patients with GBM. METHODS Between August 1993 and December 1998, 82 patients with pathologically confirmed GBM received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Of these 82 patients, 64 with a minimum follow-up duration of at least 1 month are the focus of this analysis. Of the 64 assessable patients, 33 patients were treated with EBRT alone (Group 1), and 31 patients received both EBRT plus a GK-SRS boost (Group 2). GK-SRS was administered to most patients within 6 weeks of the completion of EBRT. The median EBRT dose was 59.7 Gy (range, 28–70.2 Gy), and the median GK-SRS dose to the prescription volume was 17.1 Gy (range, 10–28 Gy). The median age of the study population was 50.4 years, and the median pretreatment Karnofsky performance status was 80. Patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related variables were analyzed by Cox regression analysis, and survival curves were generated by the Kaplan-Meier product limit. RESULTS Median overall survival for the entire cohort was 16 months, and the actuarial survival rate at 1, 2, and 3 years were 67, 40, and 26%, respectively. When comparing age, Karnofsky performance status, extent of resection, and tumor volume, no statistical differences where discovered between Group 1 versus Group 2. When comparing the overall survival of Group 1 versus Group 2, the median survival was 13 months versus 25 months, respectively (P = 0.034). Age, Karnofsky performance status, and the addition of GK-SRS were all found to be significant predictors of overall survival via Cox regression analysis. No acute Grade 3 or Grade 4 toxicity was encountered. CONCLUSION The addition of a GK-SRS boost in conjunction with surgery and EBRT significantly improved the overall survival time in this retrospective series of patients with GBM. A prospective, randomized validation of the benefit of SRS awaits the results of the recently completed Radiation Therapy Oncology Group’s trial RTOG 93-05.
Oxidative metabolism and bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from normal young and aged adults.

The ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from young and old individuals to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium, to kill Staphylococcus aureus in vitro, and to generate superoxide was determined. Investigation of PMNs from 202 humans, aged 26 to 95 years, failed to demonstrate an age relationship in their ability to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium. The ability of PMNs from 20 young (M age 34 years) individuals to kill S. aureus in vitro did not differ from cells from 18 elderly (M age 68 years) persons. Mean production of superoxide in response to stimulation with latex particles was, however, significantly lower (P less than .001) in cells from elderly adults. These results suggest a heterogeneity in any age-associated defect in PMN function. Several aspects of PMN function need to be evaluated in order to describe overall PMN function in the elderly.
Comparison of the Bolton Standards to Longitudinal Cephalograms Superimposed on the Occipital Condyle (I-Point)

Objective To compare traditional superimposition on sella turcica and the anterior cranial base (SACB) to superimposition referenced at the occipital condyle (I-point) for demonstrating craniofacial growth and development. Materials and methods Tracings for ages 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 were chosen from the Bolton Standards of Dentofacial Developmental Growth to compare superimposition with the traditional longitudinal reference at SACB (anterior curvature of sella turcica and anterior cranial base) to reference at I-point on the antero-inferior contour of the occipital condyles in norma lateralis. The serial tracings were superimposed using both the sagittal and postero-anterior (PA) tracings. Incremental growth of landmarks was measured in relation to Cartesian coordinates and compared between the superimposition methods. Results Sagittal and PA tracing superimpositions displayed an average 7 mm greater cephalad movement of landmarks, an average 2.4 mm greater ventral movement, and comparable transverse dimension with superimposition referenced at I-point as compared to the SACB reference. Conclusion I-point superimposition demonstrates physiologic growth patterns concealed by traditional registration at sella turcica. The evolution of superimposition on SACB was based on convenience and reproducibility. Fundamental principles of bone development are consistent with the occipital condyles as a more biologic reference for relative craniofacial growth. Actual vertical growth is believed to be greater than displayed in this study, due to the cross-sectional and blended nature of the sample.
Nurses’ perception of the strategies to gaining professional power: A qualitative study

Background Power in nursing is a broad concept that has a determining effect on the achievement of professional goals. Gaining power is essential for promoting the roles of nurses, improving their professional image and the consistent improvement of healthcare systems. Objectives This study was conducted to identify and clarify strategies for gaining power in the nursing profession through the experiences of Iranian nurses. Methods The present qualitative grounded theory study was conducted on fifteen participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data obtained were analyzed using the guidelines provided by Corbin and Strauss, (2008 edition). This study was carried out in Qazvin city of Iran and lasted fourteen months (2015–2016). Results The analysis of the data were classified under the main theme of gaining human-professional power based on individual and organizational capacities, divided into four main categories, including respecting human values and ethical principles (with two subcategories, keeping the human symbols of power and commitment to moral obligations of power), promoting professional interactions (with two subcategories, paying attention to intraprofessional communication and paying attention to interprofessional communication), attempting professional endurance (with two subcategories, raising self-confidence and having professional commitment), and valuing potential capacities (with two subcategories, regard for individual capacities and regard for organizational capacities). Conclusion The findings obtained suggest that success in gaining power in nursing, requires a cumulative focus on human, ethical, professional, individual and organizational capacities.
Relationship between intestinal permeability and calprotectin concentration in gut lavage fluid.

BACKGROUND Calprotectin is released from neutrophils and monocytes, and increased calprotectin levels in stool may serve as a marker of intestinal inflammation. Intestinal permeability is increased in inflammatory bowel diseases, especially in Crohn disease. We studied the relationship between intestinal permeability and calprotectin concentration in intestinal lavage fluid in patients with known or suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS Thirty-eight patients were examined; 17 had Crohn disease; 3, ulcerative colitis; and 18, irritable bowel syndrome. Intestinal lavage was performed by means of a nasojejunal tube positioned by gastroduodenoscopy. By means of a peristaltic pump 2 l isotonic polyethylene glycol solution (MW, 3350) containing 50 microCi 51Cr-labelled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were administered through the tube over a period of 40 min. The first clear fluid passed per rectum was collected and analysed for calprotectin levels with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Urine was collected for 5 h and analysed for gamma radioactivity. 51Cr-EDTA excretion in urine was expressed as percentage of dose administered (that is, intestinal permeability). RESULTS Both intestinal permeability and calprotectin concentration were significantly higher in patients with IBD than in patients with functional conditions. In Crohn disease the values depended on disease activity but not on whether the disease was located in the small or in the large bowel. There was a highly significant correlation between calprotectin concentration in gut lavage fluid and intestinal permeability (r=0.79, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION The significant correlation between calprotectin concentration in gut lavage fluid and intestinal permeability supports the view that increased intestinal permeability in IBD might, at least in part, be a consequence of increased transepithelial migration of neutrophils.
Identification of the Key Pathways and Genes in Hypoxia Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Following Intrauterine Growth Retardation

High-throughput sequencing and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify susceptibility modules and genes in liver tissue for the hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) animal model following intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). A total of 5,000 genes were clustered into eight co-expression modules via WGCNA. Module blue was mostly significantly correlated with the IUGR–hypoxia group. Gene Ontology analysis showed that genes in the module blue were mainly enriched in the fatty acid metabolic process, lipid modification, and fatty acid catabolic process. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses showed that the genes in module blue were mainly associated with fatty acid metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, the maximal clique centrality method was used to identify the hub genes in the subnetworks, and the obtained results were verified using real-time quantitative PCR. Finally, we identified that four genes including Cyp2f4, Lipc, Acadl, and Hacl1 were significantly associated with IUGR-hypoxia. Our study identified a module and several key genes that acted as essential components in the etiology of the long-term metabolic consequences in hypoxia PAH following IUGR.
Genome-Wide Interaction Study of Late-Onset Asthma With Seven Environmental Factors Using a Structured Linear Mixed Model in Europeans

Asthma is among the most common chronic diseases worldwide, creating a substantial healthcare burden. In late-onset asthma, there are wide global differences in asthma prevalence and low genetic heritability. It has been suggested as evidence for genetic susceptibility to asthma triggered by exposure to multiple environmental factors. Very few genome-wide interaction studies have identified gene-environment (G×E) interaction loci for asthma in adults. We evaluated genetic loci for late-onset asthma showing G×E interactions with multiple environmental factors, including alcohol intake, body mass index, insomnia, physical activity, mental status, sedentary behavior, and socioeconomic status. In gene-by-single environment interactions, we found no genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms. However, in the gene-by-multi-environment interaction study, we identified three novel and genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms: rs117996675, rs345749, and rs17704680. Bayes factor analysis suggested that for rs117996675 and rs17704680, body mass index is the most relevant environmental factor; for rs345749, insomnia and alcohol intake frequency are the most relevant factors in the G×E interactions of late-onset asthma. Functional annotations implicate the role of these three novel loci in regulating the immune system. In addition, the annotation for rs117996675 supports the body mass index as the most relevant environmental factor, as evidenced by the Bayes factor value. Our findings help to understand the role of the immune system in asthma and the role of environmental factors in late-onset asthma through G×E interactions. Ultimately, the enhanced understanding of asthma would contribute to better precision treatment depending on personal genetic and environmental information.
Oronasal fistula in cleft palate surgery

Oronasal fistula (ONF) is the commonest complication associated with cleft palate surgery. The main symptoms associated with ONF are nasal regurgitation of food matter and hypernasality of voice. Repair of cleft palate under tension is considered to be the main reason of ONF though vascular accidents and infection can also be the cause. Most of the ONFs are situated in the hard palate or at the junction of hard and soft palate. Repair of ONF depends on its site, size and mode of presentation. A whole spectrum of surgical procedures starting from small local flaps to microvascular tissue transfers have been employed for closure of ONF. Recurrence rate of ONF is 25% on an average after the first attempt of repair.
Vibration isolation analysis for a scanning tunneling microscope

We analyze the efficiency of a vibration isolation system (VIS) for a scanning tunneling microscope as a function of the different parameters involved. The VIS consists of a stack of several metallic plates, separated by rubber elements with known properties. We show three‐dimensional graphs obtained for different values of parameters such as rigidity (spring) constant (K), damping constant (C), mass (M), and the number of stages (n). Analyzing the K dependence of the position of the main peaks, we find a parabolic behavior when the damping constant is small, with a slight deviation for larger values.
Medulloblastoma Variants and Survival at a Children's Hospital

Our 25 year experience with 35 medulloblastomas included classic (NOS) 22 (63%), anaplastic (ANA) 5(14%), desmoplastic (DES) 4(11%), excessive nodularity (EN) 3(9%), and large cell (LC) 1(3%). Overall 5, 10, and 15 year survivals were . 6631, . 5851, and . 5051. Those under 3 years at diagnosis had an overall 2 year survival of . 4379. Two survived 17(NOS) and 19 (EN) years. In the 26 children 3 years or older, late deaths occurred at 8, 8, and 14 years (5, 10, 15 year survivals .7375, .6392, .5114). Because late deaths occur; continued follow-up of these children is required.