Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facial recognition memory deficits in normal aging and senile dementia.

Recognition memory for faces was studied in 167 subjects comprised of young normals, elderly normals and elderly senile dementia patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. A continuous recognition paradigm was used which required an "old-new" decision to be made for each facial stimulus. The design of the stimulus sequence produced delay intervals of . 5, 1, 2, and 4 min between the first and second presentations of each face, and a long delay of 40 min was also evaluated. A signal detection analysis revealed large recognition memory deficits at all delay intervals for the two elderly groups as compared to the young normals, but no differences between the normal and impaired elderly groups. In addition, there were no group differences in response criterion. The results suggest a deficit in nonverbal encoding/storage due to normal aging but no further deficit due to mild to moderate senile dementia. The data also fail to confirm an age-related increase in "cautiousness" in recognition memory tasks.
Retrospective review of the incidence of cytomegalovirus infection and disease after liver transplantation in pediatric patients: Comparison of prophylactic oral ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection after solid organ transplantation (SOT). Safe and effective prophylactic regimens that decrease its incidence after SOT are essential for long‐term graft survival. Although valganciclovir is not Food and Drug Administration–approved for CMV prophylaxis in liver transplant recipients, postmarketing studies have shown valganciclovir to be as effective as ganciclovir in high‐risk adult patients undergoing SOT. Currently, data are lacking for pediatric liver transplantation. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of valganciclovir and ganciclovir for CMV infection prophylaxis in pediatric liver transplant recipients. This was a retrospective study of 56 pediatric liver transplant recipients who were prescribed either oral ganciclovir (n = 37) or valganciclovir (n = 19). Patients were followed until 200 days after transplantation or death. The primary outcome measure compared the rates of early‐onset CMV infection and CMV disease in the 2 medication groups. Secondary outcome measures identified patient‐specific factors that contributed to CMV acquisition and the incidence of late‐onset CMV infection or disease. The rates of adverse drug effects and discontinuation were also evaluated. Early‐onset CMV disease was documented in 0% of valganciclovir patients and in 5.4% of ganciclovir patients (P = 0.54). There were no statistically significant differences in the secondary outcomes. An increased incidence of late‐onset CMV disease was seen in the valganciclovir group versus the ganciclovir group (22.2% versus 8.1%, P = 0.23). No differences in adverse events were reported. In conclusion, no statistically significant differences were found in the incidence of CMV infection or disease between patients receiving oral valganciclovir and patients receiving oral ganciclovir. Liver Transpl 18:347–354, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Analysis of a Tumour Growth Model with MATLAB

Mathematical modelling can play a very important role in cancer research. In particular, modelling the growth of tumour has the potential of shedding light on the mechanisms of tumour cell growth and proliferation. In this paper, we examine and analyze one such model with the aid of MATLAB. The model, first proposed by Sherratt and Chaplain in 2001, is based on a set of partial differential equations. The equations describe the growth, movement and death of tumour cells, accompanied by a supply of nutrients. This spatial-temporal model depends on a number of parameter values as well as rate functions. The model is solved numerically using finite difference method implemented on MATLAB. Effects and influence of the parameter values and rate functions are analyzed. Results are validated against a set of known experimental data, and good agreement is observed.
Ticlopidine and Clopidogrel (SR 25990C) Selectively Neutralize ADP Inhibition of PGE1-Activated Platelet Adenylate Cyclase in Rats and Rabbits

Summary Ticlopidine and its potent analogue, clopidogrel, are powerful inhibitors of ADP-induced platelet aggregation. In order to improve the understanding of this ADP-selectivity, we studied the effect of these compounds on PGE1-stimulated adenylate cyclase and on the inhibition of this enzyme by ADP, epinephrine and thrombin. Neither drug changed the basal cAMP levels nor the kinetics of cAMP accumulation upon PGEj-stimulation in rat or rabbit platelets, which excludes any direct effect on adenylate cyclase or on cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. However, the drop in cAMP levels observed after addition of ADP to PGEr stimulated control platelets was inhibited in platelets from treated animals. In contrast, the drop in cAMP levels produced by epinephrine was not prevented by either drug in rabbit platelets. In rat platelets, thrombin inhibited the PGEX-induced cAMP elevation but this effect seems to be entirely mediated by the released ADP. Under these conditions, it was not surprising to find that clopidogrel also potently inhibited that effect of thrombin on platelet adenylate cyclase. In conclusion, ticlopidine and clopidogrel selectively neutralize the ADP inhibition of PGEr activated platelet adenylate cyclase in rats and rabbits.
Phenolic compounds level and localization in chilled roots of soybean [ Glycine max ( L . ) Merr . ]

Tropical and subtropical plants (e.g. soybean, mungbean, etc.) exhibit marked physiological and biochemical disfunctions when exposed to temperatures below 10ÆC. Some effects induced by chilling are mediated by active oxygen species (AOS) (Wingsle et al., 1999), because, in spite of their toxicity, AOS also trigger stress tolerance (Dat et al., 2000). Plants protect themselves against AOS by activating enzymatic (peroxidases, superoxide dismutases, catalases) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (proline, glutathione, ascorbate, as well as phenolic compounds such as derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids) (Wingsle et al., 1999). Phenolic compounds derived from trans-cinnamic acid are produced by deamination of Lphenylalanine which is catalysed by the enzyme Lphenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.1.3.5). Therefore, changes in PAL activity are significant in modulating phenolic compound biosynthesis in plants. Expression of PAL genes is regulated by a diverse array of environmental factors (such as low temperature, UV radiation and pathogens) and is also dependend upon the developmental stage of the plant (Christie et al., 1994; Sarma et al., 1998). Many studies have focused on the biological activities of Journal of Biological Research 4: 157 – 166, 2005
Towards a Realistic and Self-Contained Biomechanical Model of the Hand

Most of human mechanical interactions with the surrounding world are performed by the hands. They allow us to perform very different tasks; from exerting high forces (e.g. using a hammer) to executing very precise movements (e.g. cutting with a surgical tool). This versatility is possible because of a very complex constitution: a great number of bones connected through different joints, a complicated musculature and a dense nervous system. This complexity is already evident from the kinematics point of view, with more than 20 degrees of freedom (DOF) controlled by muscles, tendons and ligaments. Mathematical representations are used in order to perform qualitative or quantitative analyses on this complex reality. These representations are known as biomechanical models of the hand. In biomechanics, their use allows studying problems that cannot be analysed directly on humans or that have an experimental cost that is too high; e.g., the study of new alternatives for restoring hand pathologies. Biomechanical models are a description of the hand as a mechanical device: the different elements of the hand are defined in terms of rigid bodies, joints and actuators, and the mechanical laws are applied. As they are simplified mathematical models of the reality, their use and validity depends on the simplifications considered. The first biomechanical models of the hand were developed to explain and clarify the functionality of different anatomical elements. In this regard, we can find many works that studied the function of the intrinsic muscles (Leijnse & Kalker, 1995; Spoor, 1983; Spoor & Landsmeer, 1976; Storace & Wolf, 1979, 1982; Thomas et al., 1968) and many others that tried to give an insight into the movement coordination of the interphalangeal joints (Buchner et al., 1988; Lee & Rim, 1990). Models for studying the causes and effects of different pathologies of the hand also appeared early on, such as the swan neck and boutonniere deformities or the rupture of the triangular ligament or the volar displacement of the extensor tendon (Smith et al., 1964; Storace & Wolf, 1979, 1982). All these models were, though, very limited, twodimensional models allowing only the study of flexion-extension movements, they modelled only one finger, and they included important simplifications. By the year 2000, few threedimensional models had been developed (Biryukova & Yourovskaya, 1994; Casolo & Lorenzi,
Transmit/receive filter optimization for doubly-selective underwater acoustic channels

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is receiving increased interest for use in underwater acoustic communication systems. It is well-known that OFDM decomposes linear time-invariant channels into a set of parallel (non-interfering) channels via a Fourier basis. However, underwater acoustic communication channels can suffer from significant Doppler effects; for time-varying channels, inter-channel interference occurs and may have a dramatic impact on the performance. Doubly-selective channels and block-based transmissions are examined. In contrast to much work on pulse shape design, a signal-to-interference plus noise ratio metric is considered as the metric for waveform design. Prior work is extended through the use of an alternate view of the cost function which is easier to optimize and yields improved results at high SNR. Numerical results on the mutual information reveal significant gains over classical zero-padded OFDM and the pulse shape designs of Lattice OFDM.
Complications of the COX-2 inhibitors parecoxib and valdecoxib after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND Valdecoxib and its intravenous prodrug parecoxib are used to treat postoperative pain but may involve risk after coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG). We conducted a randomized trial to assess the safety of these drugs after CABG. METHODS In this randomized, double-blind study involving 10 days of treatment and 30 days of follow-up, 1671 patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous parecoxib for at least 3 days, followed by oral valdecoxib through day 10; intravenous placebo followed by oral valdecoxib; or placebo for 10 days. All patients had access to standard opioid medications. The primary end point was the frequency of predefined adverse events, including cardiovascular events, renal failure or dysfunction, gastroduodenal ulceration, and wound-healing complications. RESULTS As compared with the group given placebo alone, both the group given parecoxib and valdecoxib and the group given placebo and valdecoxib had a higher proportion of patients with at least one confirmed adverse event (7.4 percent in each of these two groups vs. 4.0 percent in the placebo group; risk ratio for each comparison, 1.9; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.2; P=0.02 for each comparison with the placebo group). In particular, cardiovascular events (including myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, stroke, and pulmonary embolism) were more frequent among the patients given parecoxib and valdecoxib than among those given placebo (2.0 percent vs. 0.5 percent; risk ratio, 3.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.0 to 13.5; P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS The use of parecoxib and valdecoxib after CABG was associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events, arousing serious concern about the use of these drugs in such circumstances.
Intraplacental retinol distribution

With the objective of evaluating intraplacental vitamin A distribution, 234 placental samples were collected, corresponding to six samples from each of the placentas analyzed: two from the lateral maternal portion, one from the central maternal portion, two from the lateral fetal portion, and one from the central fetal portion. Samples were obtained from 39 adult puerperal mothers with low-risk pregnancies, without vitamin A deficiency or night blindness. Retinol content determination was achieved through spectrophotometry. Retinol values obtained for each region were correlated with the most probable value for each placenta (P < 0.001). Despite differences in retinol content between samples, statistical data analysis showed that intra-tissue variation had no influence on the conversion of data into information. Consequently, any portion of the placenta may be used for retinol level determination purposes, due to the correlation between all portions and the most probable value. The findings of the present study represent an advance for surveys intending to incorporate the collection and dosage of placental vitamin A levels into their analyses, thus increasing the arsenal of pre-pathological or subclinical vitamin A deficiency markers, which can allow for earlier intervention on the maternal–infant group.
Developmental expression of the gene encoding growth‐associated protein 43 (GAP43) in the brains of normal and aneuploid mice

The gene encoding growth‐associated protein 43 (Gap43), a neuronal phosphoprotein associated with axonal outgrowth and synaptic plasticity, is located on mouse chromosome 16 (MMU16). We examined the developmental expression of Gap43 in normal, trisomy 16 (Tsl6), and trisomy 19 (Tsl9) mouse brain using northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization as a first step toward understanding the neurobio‐logic consequences of increased gene dosage on brain development. Gap43 expression was detected by in situ hybridization throughout the mesencephalon, rhombencephalon, spinal cord, and first branchial arch in whole embryos as early as (Jay 10 of gestation (E10). By E15, Gap43 expression was localized to cells in the retina, the olfactory bulbs, and anterior olfactory structures, the cortical plate, the basal telen‐cephalon, diencephalon, midbrain, hindbrain, ana spinal cord. Northern blot analysis detected a threefold increase in Gap43mRNA levels in the brains of normal mice between E12–E18. At E15, Gap43 mRNA levels were increased 35–40% in Tsl6 mouse brain and decreased 10% in Tsl9 mouse brain, relative to euploid littermate controls. Using in situ hybridization we found that overexpression of Gap43 occurred in the diencephalon, medial and lateral basal telencephalon, and cortical plate region in Tsl6 mice relative to littermate controls. Thus, the degree of overexpression of Gap43mRNA in Ts16 mice is consistent with that expected from gene dosage effects.
Psychoanalytic case presentations in a weaving thoughts group: On countertransference and group dynamics

This article summarizes experiences of psychoanalytic case presentations in weaving thoughts (WT) peer groups. The format is presented and illustrated using a session with a group of analysts. In this setting, the frame of the presentation is guaranteed by the moderator. One aim is to create a group setting with many parallels to the analytic situation. A second aim is to discourage members from becoming enmeshed in destructive group functioning, such as internal disputes that may block a deeper understanding of the material. Classical psychoanalysis permits the analyst to reflect behind the patient on the transference–countertransference interplay. However, such reflections may be marred by undetected countertransference problems. Different supervision formats have different ways of helping the analyst with them. The WT format ‘copies’ the analytic session to the group, hence each member associates to the material in peace. Meanwhile the presenter looks, metaphorically speaking, at the web of their associations at his or her own pace. This may help him or her to confront and reflect on unresolved countertransference issues. This article indicates the method’s similarities and differences compared with other formats. Arguments are supported by a child psychotherapy session, but the method is equally suitable for adult case material.
C‐terminal deletions of Merkel cell polyomavirus large T‐antigen, a highly specific surrogate marker for virally induced malignancy

In 67–100% of cutaneous Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) integrates into the host genome. Mutations and deletions truncating the C‐terminal helicase domain of the T‐antigen (TAg) protein have been detected in these MCCs, but not in healthy skin specimens. C‐terminal deletions of the TAg nucleic acid sequences are characteristic for about 38% of these cases. While the association of MCPyV with MCC has been proven, it is unknown whether MCPyV may play a similar role in other tumor entities. We describe in detail the development and validation of a novel Merkel cell polyomavirus TAg C‐terminus deletion assay (MCPyV ΔC‐TAg). The triplex real‐time PCR quantifies the N‐ and C‐terminal part of the MCPyV TAg gene and the cellular β‐globin gene. By comparing the copy numbers of the N‐ and C‐terminal part, deletions of the MCPyV TAg C‐terminus are rapidly identified. MCPyV ΔC‐TAg was used to assess the physical state of MCPyV TAg in a large series of 55 MCCs, 15 cutaneous lymphomas and 47 forehead smears of healthy individuals. Neither DNA positivity nor viral load was able to discriminate MCCs from the other different types of samples. However, deleted TAg C‐terminus sequences were detected only in MCPyV positive MCCs (39%). Consequently, detection of deleted C‐terminal TAg sequences appears to be a highly specific surrogate marker for virally induced malignancy and should be used to support novel assumed MCPyV–tumor associations. The study further supports the notion that MCPyV does not play a role in cutaneous lymphoma pathogenesis.
Pathology with reference to the bile retention syndrome

The pathological significance of giant cells, inspissitated bile plugs and hepatic fibrosis in the liver of infants is critically reviewed. Evidence is presented suggesting that a wide variety of pathological change in the paediatric liver results from the interaction of the effects of growth, metabolic maturity, genetic metabolic variability and infection. Understanding of the bile retention syndromes might increase if the diagnosis of ‘Neonatal Hepatitis’ and ‘biliary atresia’ as finite conditions, were to cease and their pathogenesis considered in such a multifactorial way.
[Value of the expression of p21RAS, P53, Bcl-2 oncoproteins and Ki-67(MIB-1) antigen of cellular proliferation in the diagnosis and prognosis of thyroi].

INTRODUCTION The thyroid gland is a good organ for the study of genetic alterations in tumoural development and progress. The study of oncogenes and antigens of cellular proliferation is of interest. MATERIAL AND METHODS 36 cases of thyroid adenomas, 58 papillary carcinomas, 32 follicular carcinomas, 2 anaplastic carcinomas and 12 medullary carcinomas were selected. Clinical and histological prognostic factors were studied and an immunohistochemical study with Ki-67 (MIB-1), p53, Bcl-2 and p21 RAS antibodies was performed. RESULTS The proliferative rate Ki-67 (MIB-1) showed statistical differences in adenomas and follicular carcinomas. The p53 protein did not appear in adenomas, but was shown in those carcinomas with bigger histological dedifferentiation. A relationship was also established with greater age, larger size and progression of the tumour. The Bcl-2 protein was high in the normal thyroid, in the adenomas and in the carcinomas, decreasing in correlation with histological dedifferentiation, and totally disappearing in the anaplastic carcinomas. In medullary carcinomas its disappearance was correlated with mortality. The intense expression of the p21 RAS protein in papillary carcinomas is statistically correlated with advanced clinical studies. CONCLUSIONS The differences in the proliferative rate between adenomas and follicular carcinomas can be of help in differential diagnosis. The p53 manifestation and the loss of the Bcl-2 expression are correlated with the histological redifferentiation process. An intense manifestation of p21 RAS in papillary carcinoma is correlated with tumoural progression.
Spectrum of floppy children in Indian scenario.

OBJECTIVE To study the clinical profile of paralytic floppy infants undertaking available investigations and detect the frequency of exon7 of survival motor neuron (SMNT) gene deletion among the spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) cases. DESIGN Descriptive study. SETTING Tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS 70 paralytic floppy infants (40 males/30 females) with age less than 13 years were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included central hypotonia of any cause. Detailed clinical evaluation was done followed by serum creatine phosphokinase levels, electrophysiological studies, muscle biopsy including immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Exon7 of SMNT gene deletion studies was done by PCR. RESULTS Final diagnosis of SMA was assigned to 37 patients followed by congenital myopathy (n = 7), cogenital muscular dystrophy (n = 5), mitochondrial myopathy (n = 4), neuropathies (n = 5) and diaphragmatic SMA (n = 1). Only 15.7% of cases remained unclassified. When EMG was correlated with final diagnosis, it was 80.6% and 75% sensitive and 68.8% and 87.5% specific for neurogenic and muscle disease, respectively. Muscle biopsy revealed neurogenic atrophy in 47.8% cases followed by normal in 37.3% and myopathic pattern in 14.97% cases. Exon7 of SMNT gene was deleted in only 50% of SMA cases. CONCLUSIONS Spinal muscular atrophy was the commonest cause of floppy children. The low rate of SMNT gene deletion detected needs confirmation with further studies.
Water Supply and Water Management at Ancient Sabra (Jordan)

Abstract The oasis town of Sabra, situated about7·5 km SSW from the Nabataean capital Petra in present-day Jordan, was explored by the author and groups of the Naturhistorische Gesellschaft Nürnberg (Germany) in1982 and 1990. The little town boasts a kind of acropolis, a temple, a theatre and a number of presumably private lodgings. Architectural remains and still rare pieces of sculpture together with pottery finds date Sabra to the first century of the Nabataean period and to the Late Roman time. Of special interest are the water supply systems and the water management for an apparently growing population. There is a spring which would not have produced enough water throughout the year and, notably, over lengthy periods of drought. The damage done by unexpected floods had to be prevented by storing and directing water. Natural hollows, gutters and gullies were cleverly used to divert rainwater from the steep rock wall of Jabal al-Jathum into the theatre and farther on. Another hydraulic system consisted of a 17 m long dam collecting the run-off from a basin-shaped valley. An ingeniously constructed conduit brought the collected water across a number of aqueducts down to the wadi for further use in the town. The water management of Sabra is compared with similar constructions in other Nabataean places, such as es-Sadeh, Umm Ratam, the ed-Deir plateau at Petra and, thus suggesting the construction date, with the Hasmonaean hydraulic works of c.