Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploratory skin penetration findings relating to the use of lead acetate hair dyes. Hair as a test tissue for monitoring uptake of systemic lead.

Two experiments were conducted. In the first, 9 adult male subjects applied a marketed hair dye containing 2% lead acetate according to prescribed directions daily for a period of 90 days. Scalp, axillary and pubic hair were monitored for lead content before and at the end of the test period. Scalp hair analyses were used to confirm application of the hair dye; axillary and pubic hair were analyzed as biologic indicators of systemic lead absorption, i.e., metabolic incorporation of lead in hair growing at sites different from the dyed site. The axillary and pubic hair lead levels ranged from less than 6 to 41 ppm at the start and rose to 27 to 466 ppm at the conclusion of the experiment. Using 80 ppm hair lead as a measure of significant systemic absorption, 7 of 9 subjects showed this effect according to uptake by axillary hair and 4 of 9 according to pubic hair uptake. In the second experiment, blood and hair lead levels and blood erythroporphyrin were measured in 11 children from a pica clinic. Blood lead and hair lead levels were significantly correlated, i.e., r = +0.84. A regression formula was constructed relating these two parameters and blood lead values were predicted for the data of experiment 1, using observed hair lead values. The technique has important limitations; nevertheless, within these limitations, 1 of 9 subjects might be expected to have sustained an elevated blood lead level, i.e., in excess of 50 microgram/100 ml. It therefore appears that in the use of lead acetate hair dyes, some lead is absorbed systemically from the scalp.
Effect of different holding regimens on the intestinal microflora of herring (Clupea harengus) larvae

The aerobic intestinal microflora of 2-week-old herring (Clupea harengus) larvae was characterized by using conventional microbiological methods and electron microscopy. Larvae were hatched and kept in filtered seawater or in seawater with penicillin and streptomycin. The gastrointestinal tract of herring larvae is essentially a straight tube divided into two compartments. Light microscopy revealed bacteria present in a progressively increasing amount throughout the length of the gastrointestinal tract from esophagus to anus. The posterior region of the intestinal lumen appeared completely occluded with bacteria. The intestinal microflora consisted mainly of members of the genera Pseudomonas and Alteromonas in the larvae incubated in filtered seawater, whereas Flavobacterium spp. dominated in larvae exposed to antibiotics. The intestinal microflora of untreated fish larvae was sensitive to all tested antibiotics, whereas multiple resistance was found in the intestinal microflora of the group given antibiotics. Thus, a dramatic change in the microflora resulted from incubation with antibiotics. Nonpigmented yeasts were detected in both larval groups. Ciliated epithelial cells were observed in the midgut, probably propeling bacteria towards the hindgut, where endocytosis of bacteria has been demonstrated. These findings suggest that transport and sequestering mechanisms resembling those of invertebrates may be found in the gut of fish larvae. The possible significance for larval health and nutrition is discussed.
Variables associated with longitudinally registered plaque accumulation in a cohort of Flemish schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVES To analyze the change in pattern of plaque accumulation on buccal and occlusal surfaces of permanent teeth and associated variables in a cohort of 4,468 children examined on a yearly basis between the ages of 7 and 12 years. METHOD AND MATERIALS Oral hygiene level on buccal surfaces was assessed using the Plaque Index of Silness and Loe; for occlusal surfaces, a simplified version of the index as described by Carvalho et al was used. Data on oral health habits were collected using questionnaires completed by the parents and by the school health care center. Multiple ordinal logistic regression models using first-order generalized estimating equations were fitted to estimate population average effects taking into account the correlated structure of the data. RESULTS Girls brushed significantly more frequently than boys (as reported by the parents) and presented with significantly less dental plaque. In all survey years, starting to brush at a young age, no daily consumption of sugar-containing drinks, and brushing at least twice a day were significantly associated with lower plaque accumulation scores. Parental help did not seem to influence the accumulation of occlusal plaque, but it did influence the amount of buccal plaque on incisors and premolars at older ages. The presence of sealants was significantly associated with less dental plaque. CONCLUSION Regarding future policies for preventive strategies in schoolchildren, help with brushing at older ages can be recommended. Application of sealants can be encouraged, but further research is needed to confirm whether the presence of sealants improves oral cleanliness.
Risk Factors for Strabismus and Amblyopia in Young Singapore Chinese Children

Abstract Purpose: To determine the risk factors for strabismus and amblyopia in young Singapore Chinese children. Methods: A total of 3009 children were recruited for the population-based cross-sectional Strabismus, Amblyopia and Refractive Error in Singaporean Preschoolers Study (STARS). Strabismus was defined as any tropia identified on cover test. Visual acuity was measured in children aged 30–72 months with a logMAR chart where possible and the Sheridan-Gardiner test if not. Amblyopia was defined based on visual acuity and refractive error or presence of strabismus or past/present visual axis obstruction. Parents completed questionnaires on family, prenatal and birth histories. Results: Our study showed that 24 children aged 6–72 months (1.2%) had strabismus (20 with exotropia), and 20 children aged 30–72 months (0.8%) were amblyopic. After multivariate analysis, strabismus was associated with astigmatism ≥1.00 diopter (D; p = 0.03), amblyopia (p = 0.003), a sibling with strabismus (p < 0.001), and families with lower parental education (p = 0.04). In addition to strabismus, amblyopia was associated with anisometropia ≥1.00 D (p < 0.001) and astigmatism ≥1.00 D (p < 0.001). No association was noted between either strabismus or amblyopia and prematurity, maternal age or smoking. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of family history in strabismus, and the close associations between refractive error and strabismus with amblyopia. These factors play a more important role in young Singapore Chinese children.
Evidence that protein kinase Cα interacts with and regulates the glial glutamate transporter GLT‐1

Many of the sodium‐dependent neurotransmitter transporters are rapidly (within minutes) regulated by protein kinase C (PKC), with changes in activity being correlated with changes in transporter trafficking to or from the plasma membrane. Our recent studies suggest that one of the classical subtypes of PKC, PKCα, may selectively mediate redistribution of the neuronal glutamate transporter, excitatory amino acid carrier (EAAC)1, and show that PKCα can be co‐immunoprecipitated with EAAC1. When the glial glutamate transporter GLT‐1a is transfected into C6 glioma cells, this transporter is internalized in response to activation of PKC, but the PKC subtype involved in this regulation is unknown. In the present study, expression of the phorbol ester‐activated subtypes of PKC was examined in C6 glioma transfected with GLT‐1. Of the classical subtypes, only PKCα was detected, and of the non‐classical subtypes, PKCδ and PKCε were detected. In this system, phorbol ester‐dependent internalization of GLT‐1 was blocked by a general inhibitor of PKCs (bisindolylmaleimide II) and by concentrations of Gö6976 that selectively block classical PKCs, but not by an inhibitor of PKCδ (rottlerin). PKCα immunoreactivity was found in GLT‐1 immunoprecipitates obtained from transfected C6 cells and from crude rat brain synaptosomes, a milieu that better mimics in vivo conditions. The amount of PKCα in both types of immunoprecipitate was modestly increased by phorbol ester, and this increase was blocked by a PKC antagonist. These studies suggest that PKCα may be required for the regulated redistribution of GLT‐1.
Psychological functioning and health‐related quality of life in adulthood after preterm birth

The aim of this study was to determine if preterm birth is associated with socioeconomic status (SES), psychological functioning, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in adulthood. We used prospective follow‐up of 192 adult offspring of mothers who took part in a randomized controlled trial of antenatal betamethasone for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (66 born at term [33 males, 33 females] 126 born preterm [66 males, 60 females]). Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. Working memory and attention was assessed using the Benton Visual Retention Test, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, and the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Schizotypy Traits Questionnaire. Handedness was assessed using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. Moderately preterm birth (median gestation 34wks, mean birthweight 1946g [SD 463g]) was not related to later marital status, educational attainment, SES, cognitive functioning, working memory, attention, or symptoms of anxiety or schizotypy at 31 years of age. Preterm birth was associated with fewer symptoms of depression and higher levels of satisfaction in three of the eight HRQoL domains measured (bodily pain, general health perception, and social functioning). Adults who were born moderately preterm have SES, psychological functioning, and HRQoL consistent with those who were born at term. This good long‐term outcome cannot be extrapolated to those with early childhood disability or very low birthweights.
Low Stage Follicular Lymphoma: Biologic and Clinical Characterization According to Nodal or Extranodal Primary Origin

Studies suggest that primary extranodal follicular lymphoma (FL) is not infrequent but it remains poorly characterized with variable histologic, molecular, and clinical outcome findings. We compared 27 extranodal FL to 44 nodal FL using morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic techniques and evaluated the clinical outcome of these 2 similarly staged groups. Eight cases of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma were also studied. In comparison to nodal FL, a greater number of extranodal FL contained a diffuse growth pattern (P=0.004) and lacked CD10 expression (P=0.014). Fifty-four percent of extranodal and 42% of nodal FL cases showed evidence of t(14;18), with minor breakpoints (icr, 3'BCL2, 5'mcr) more commonly found in extranodal cases (P=0.003). Outcome data showed no significant differences in overall survival (P=0.565) and progression-free survival (P=0.627) among extranodal, nodal, and primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma cases. Analysis of all cases by t(14;18) status indicate that the translocation-negative group is characterized by a diffuse growth pattern (P=0.043) and lower BCL2 expression (P=0.018). The t(14;18)-positive group showed significantly better overall survival (P=0.019) and disease-specific survival (P=0.006) in comparison with the t(14;18)-negative group. In low stage FL, the status of t(14;18) seems to be more predictive of outcome than origin from an extranodal versus nodal site.
Monitoring of Viral Load by Quantitative Plasma PCR during Active Cytomegalovirus Infection of Individual Liver Transplant Patients

ABSTRACT A quantitative PCR test, the Cobas Amplicor CMV Monitor, was used for the monitoring of viral load in the peripheral blood of 27 individual liver transplant patients and correlated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) pp65 antigenemia. Altogether, 243 specimens were analyzed. During the first 3 months, 20 patients showed PCR positivity which correlated with pp65 antigenemia. Of those, 13 patients developed symptomatic CMV infection 27 to 52 days after transplantation, with a significantly higher peak viral load in PCR and in pp65 assay compared with the seven asymptomatic infections (median 10,200 versus 2,240 copies/ml, P < 0.05, and median 100 versus 30 pp65-positive cells/50,000 leukocytes, P < 0.01). Five were primary infections of D+/R− cases (donor CMV seropositive and recipient seronegative) and demonstrated, except in one case, a high peak viral load (>10,000 copies/ml; range, 10,200 to 21,600 copies, and ≥50 positive cells, range, 50 to 800 cells). The peak viral loads of the six D+/R+ patients with symptomatic infection varied widely (range, 2,290 to 126,000 copies and 50 to 300 positive cells). Two D−/R+ patients developed symptomatic infection with a lower viral load (range, 1,120 to 6,510 copies and 25 to 100 positive cells). All symptomatic infections were successfully treated with ganciclovir. The asymptomatic infections all in D+/R+ patients with low copy numbers (<5,500 copies) were monitored until CMV disappeared. One of the seven PCR-negative patients had one sample with low antigenemia, but the subsequent specimens were all negative. The time-related correlation of the two methods was also good. In summary, quantitative PCR could equally well be used as the CMV pp65 assay for the monitoring of viral load in individual transplant patients.
Prophylaxis of acute renal allograft rejection using FTY720 in combination with subtherapeutic doses of cyclosporine.

BACKGROUND In rodent transplant models, FTY720 exerts a synergistic affect with cyclosporine (CsA) to prolong allograft survival. The present experiments sought to test this combination in subhuman primates. METHODS Cynomolgus monkeys were transplanted with kidney allografts that were incompatible in mixed lymphocyte culture reactions. The animals were treated with daily intramuscular injections of CsA using doses selected to maintain whole blood trough concentrations at therapeutic values between 40 and 200 ng/ml. The 4 experimental groups included CsA without or with 0.1, 0.3, or 1 mg/kg/day FTY720 delivered daily by intravenous bolus injection. Therapeutic effects were suggested both by the graft histology of biopsy within the first 10 posttransplant days and by the length of host survival. RESULTS Whereas recipients treated with CsA alone rejected kidney allografts at a median survival time of 8.5 days (n=4), those treated with either 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg/day FTY720 in addition to CsA showed significant prolongation of kidney allograft survival to 71 days (n=3; P<0.04) or 63 days (n=5; P<0.05), respectively. The hosts in the 1.0 mg/kg/day FTY720 group survived 48 days, with 2 of 5 recipients succumbing at 9 or 17 days postgraft, suggesting possible complications caused by overimmunosuppression. Biopsies of the 0.1 mg/kg/day FTY720 group on posttransplant day 7 documented mild to moderate rejection (grade I), indicated by multiple focal areas of tubular destruction. The histology results of transplants in the 0.3 or 1 mg/kg/day FTY720 group showed only minimal interstitial inflammatory infiltrates (borderline grade), with no evidence of tubular or arterial damage. Serum creatinine values among the animals in the 0.1 mg/kg/day FTY720 group showed increases in 2 of 3 recipients by day 20 and in the third by day 41 postgraft. Among the 0.3 mg/kg/day FTY720 group, 3 of 5 recipients maintained baseline creatinine values to 45 days postgraft; 1 recipient had stable kidney function for 120 days postgraft. CONCLUSIONS Addition of FTY720 therapy to a subtherapeutic CsA immunosuppressive regimen delays the rejection of renal allografts in subhuman primates.
An automated and unobtrusive system for cough detection

Cough monitoring is useful for people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since cough is associated with an increased risk of frequent exacerbations and hospitalizations. Differently from what exists in the literature, this paper presents an automated cough detector that can be used for long term and remote monitoring. A dataset of sound traces collected in 7 COPD patients' home was used to test the performance of different machine learning approaches. Audio sounds were recorded for 90 days and they contain cough events or environmental noises with the last being the larger proportion. This suggests us to consider supervised methods that can deal with class imbalance learning. The data allow also to investigate the possibility to distinguish between patient coughs and coughs coming from other people in the same environment. The results, presented using a stratified leave-one-subject out cross validation, are promising since the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve gets as high as 0.916 ± 0.027.
Differential effects of sham feeding and meal ingestion on ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide levels: evidence for vagal efferent stimulation mediating ghrelin release 1

Abstract Ghrelin has been suggested to function as an appetite‐stimulating signal from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain acting through a vagal afferent pathway. Ghrelin levels rise before meals and fall after meal ingestion. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors which regulate ghrelin release into the circulation by determining changes in systemic ghrelin concentrations after sham feeding and meal ingestion. Methods: Fifteen normal subjects underwent sham feeding of a bacon and cheese toasted sandwich. Serial blood samples were obtained before and every 5 min for another 30 min during sham feeding and for 30 min after actual meal ingestion. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure plasma ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide concentrations. Results: During sham feeding, plasma ghrelin concentration increased from 1730 ± 237 to 1917 ± 269 pg/mL (P < 0.05) and plasma pancreatic polypeptide increased from 417 ± 50 to 841 ± 97 pg/mL (P < 0.01). Subsequent meal ingestion was characterized by an increase in pancreatic polypeptide from 782 ± 88 to 1710 ± 119 pg/mL (P < 0.01), but no significant change in ghrelin levels. Conclusions: Plasma ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide concentrations increase with sham feeding. This suggests a vagal efferent pathway mediating ghrelin release. In contrast to pancreatic polypeptide which rises with actual meal ingestion, ghrelin levels did not change.
The effects of ziprasidone on prefrontal and amygdalar activation in manic youth with bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND Prior research has found that manic adolescents with bipolar disorder exhibit neurofunctional changes in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex following treatment with some pharmacological agents. We examined the neurofunctional effects of ziprasidone in manic adolescents. METHOD Manic adolescents with bipolar disorder (n=23) participated in a placebo-controlled study of ziprasidone and underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning session while performing a task of sustained attention at baseline, prior to treatment as well as on days 7 and 28 (or early termination) of treatment. A comparison group of healthy adolescents (n=10) participated in a single scanning session. Region of interest analyses were performed to assess activation changes associated with treatment in Brodmann Areas (BA) 10, 11 and 47 and in the amygdala. RESULTS Compared with placebo, treatment with ziprasidone was associated with greater increases over time in right BA 11 and 47 activation. These effects were not associated with differences in symptom improvement between the treatment groups. Patients who subsequently responded to ziprasidone showed significantly greater deactivation in the right Brodmann area 47 at baseline than those who did not respond to ziprasidone. Similarly, among the bipolar adolescents who were treated with ziprasidone, baseline activation in right BA 47 was negatively correlated with improvement in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score. LIMITATIONS The small sample size limits the ability to detect significant group differences in other regions of interest. Healthy comparison subjects were scanned only at a single timepoint, which limits the interpretation of the results. Ziprasidone is not currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of adolescents with mania, and, therefore, the clinical relevance of these results is limited. CONCLUSIONS The increases in right BA 11 and 47 activation observed during sustained attention tasks following ziprasidone treatment and the association identified between lower baseline BA 47 activation and ziprasidone treatment response suggests that ziprasidone may correct prefrontal dysfunction in manic adolescents with bipolar disorder.
Impacts on prenatal development of the human cerebellum: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose: The cerebellum is essential for normal neurodevelopment and is particularly susceptible for intra-uterine disruptions. Although some causal prenatal exposures have been identified, the origin of neurodevelopmental disorders remains mostly unclear. Therefore, a systematic literature search was conducted to provide an overview of parental environmental exposures and intrinsic factors influencing prenatal cerebellar growth and development in humans. Materials and methods: The literature search was limited to human studies in the English language and was conducted in Embase, Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, Pubmed and GoogleScholar. Eligible studies were selected by three independent reviewers and study quality was scored by two independent reviewers. Results: The search yielded 3872 articles. We found 15 eligible studies reporting associations between cerebellar development and maternal smoking (4), use of alcohol (3), in vitro fertilization mediums (1), mercury (1), mifepristone (2), aminopropionitriles (1), ethnicity (2) and cortisol levels (1). No studies reported on paternal factors. Conclusions: Current literature on associations between parental environmental exposures, intrinsic factors and human cerebellar development is scarce. Yet, this systematic review provided an essential overview of human studies demonstrating the vulnerability of the cerebellum to the intra-uterine environment.
Delayed encephalopathy of acute carbon monoxide intoxication: diffusivity of cerebral white matter lesions.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Carbon monoxide intoxication has delayed effects on the cerebral white matter characterized by bilateral, confluent lesions that reflect diffuse demyelination. To increase our understanding of this process, we assessed the diffusion characteristics of these lesions. METHODS Five consecutive patients with delayed encephalopathy of CO intoxication were examined with diffusion MR imaging. Diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) were obtained 25-95 days after their exposure to CO and during a relapse of neuropsychiatric symptoms, which occurred after an initial recovery. Imaging was performed at 1.5 T by using a spin-echo echo-planar sequence with diffusion gradients of 0, 500, and 1000 s/mm(2). DWIs and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were visually evaluated, and mean ADCs were calculated from the periventricular white matter and the centrum semiovale, where confluent hyperintensity was seen on T2-weighted images. Findings were compared with those of normal-looking white matter. RESULTS In all five patients, both T2-weighted images and DWIs showed the white matter lesions as bilateral, diffuse, confluent areas of hyperintensity in the periventricular white matter and centrum semiovale. On ADC maps, these lesions were isointense, with focal areas of hypointensity (n = 4) or diffuse hypointensity (n = 1). Mean ADC values of the white matter lesions were significantly lower than those of normal-looking white matter, regardless of their isointensity or hypointensity on ADC maps (P <.05). CONCLUSION Bilateral, confluent, white matter lesions in patients with delayed encephalopathy of CO intoxication show decreased diffusivity.