Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of an Early Physical Therapy Intervention for Very Preterm, Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Purpose: A randomized controlled clinical trial was used to investigate effects of physical therapy (PT) intervention on motor outcome of infants born very preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW). Methods: Seventy-two infants born very preterm with VLBW were randomly assigned to a nontreatment (NT) (n = 38) or treatment (T) (n = 34) group. The T group received developmental PT from birth until four months corrected age (CA) weekdays during the infant’s neonatal stay and on a needs- and problem-orientated basis thereafter. The NT group received no intervention. Both groups were assessed at four months CA using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) as was a control group of 14 infants born full term. Parental compliance was measured using a parent questionnaire. Results: PT intervention had no significant effect on the T group’s motor performance. However, no T group subjects had abnormal motor development at four months CA when compared to the NT group (16%) and the control group (14%) (p = 0.09). The T group subjects with high levels of parental compliance had better scores on the AIMS than those with lower parental compliance (p = 0.05). Conclusion: PT intervention does not significantly affect motor performance of infants born very preterm with VLBW at four months CA. Parental compliance and intervention frequency may have influenced the outcome. Preliminary evidence suggests that neonatal and early PT may reduce the incidence of motor delay among infants born very preterm with VLBW. Follow-up of this group is recommended to ascertain the long-term benefits of this type of early PT.
Observations of 5.9‐GHz Radio Propagation and 802.11p Network Performance at Road Junctions

The propagation of 5.9‐GHz radio signals and performance of an 802.11p network were measured at three road junctions each having a different density of buildings. The maximum range for which acceptable performance (defined as where the packet delivery ratio was greater than 90%) was dependent on the junction but lies in the range of 45–70 m. While reflections from transient vehicles were often found to have a small positive impact on network performance, this could not be relied upon to provide a reliable improvement in communications. The received signal strength was dependent on the junction type with the strong reflections from buildings located on the opposite side of a T‐junction leading to higher signal strength. Finally, an empirical relationship between the packet delivery ratio and the received signal strength has been established that will allow modelers to link signal strength to network performance for field conditions.
Stimulation of Release of Insulin by an Extract of Intestinal Mucosa

The mechanism of action of an extract of intestinal mucosa that accelerates the disposal of glucose given intravenously in normal man was investigated. The active material is biologically distinguishable from pancreozymin, and its effects cannot be attributed to insulin, insulin-like activity, glucagon or amino acids in the preparation. The extract enhances the increase in blood-insulin concentration which occurs in response to the intravenous infusion of glucose in normal man and which has been compared with that following ingestion of glucose. No response was demonstrable in insulin-treated juvenile-onset diabetes, and it is suggested that the extract acts in normal subjects by stimulating the jrelease of endogenous insulin. It is concluded that an insujln-aecretagogue, derived from the small intestine, may be concerned in the response to ingested glucose, and that such, an agent may be present in the active extract.
Multiple periodic solutions for two classes of nonlinear difference systems involving classical $(\phi_1,\phi_2)$-Laplacian

In this paper, we investigate the existence of multiple periodic solutions for two classes of nonlinear difference systems involving $(\phi_1,\phi_2)$-Laplacian. First, by using an important critical point theorem due to B. Ricceri, we establish an existence theorem of three periodic solutions for the first nonlinear difference system with $(\phi_1,\phi_2)$-Laplacian and two parameters. Moreover, for the second nonlinear difference system with $(\phi_1,\phi_2)$-Laplacian, by using the Clark's Theorem, we obtain a multiplicity result of periodic solutions under a symmetric condition. Finally, two examples are given to verify our theorems.
Study of the wavefront aberrations in children with amblyopia.

BACKGROUND Amblyopia is a common ophthalmological condition and the wavefront aberrometer is a relatively new diagnostic tool used globally to measure optical characteristics of human eyes as well as to study refractive errors in amblyopic eyes. We studied the wavefront aberration of the amblyopic children's eyes and analyzed the mechanism of the wavefront aberration in the formation of the amblyopia, try to investigate the new evidence of the treatment of the amblyopia, especially in the refractory amblyopia. METHODS The WaveScan Wavefront System (VISX, USA) aberrometer was used to investigate four groups of children under dark accommodation and cilliary muscle paralysis. There were 45 cases in the metropic group, 87 in the amblyopic group, 92 in the corrected-amblyopic group and 38 in the refractory amblyopic group. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-test and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze all the data. RESULTS Third order to 6th order aberrations showed a decreasing trend whereas in the higher order aberrations the main ones were 3rd order coma (Z(3)(-1)-Z(3)(1)), trefoil (Z(3)(-3)-Z(3)(3)) and 4th order aberration (Z(4)(0)); and 3rd order coma represented the highest percentage of all three main aberrations. Within 3rd order coma, vertical coma (Z(3)(-1)) accounted for a greater percentage than horizontal coma (Z(3)(1)). Significant differences of vertical coma were found among all clinical groups of children: vertical coma in the amblyopic group (0.17 +/- 0.15) was significantly higher than in the metropic group (0.11 +/- 0.13, P < 0.05). In addition, the vertical coma in the refractory amblyopic group (0.19 +/- 0.15) was higher compared with the metropic group (P < 0.05), the 5th order aberration (0.11 +/- 0.08) was also significantly higher than in the metropic group (0.07 +/- 0.04, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in vertical coma and 5th order aberration between the corrected-amblyopic group (0.13 +/- 0.11) and metropic group (0.07 +/- 0.04) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Although lower order aberrations such as defocus (myopia and hyperopia) and astigmatism are major factors determining the quality of the retinal image, higher order aberrations also need to be considered in amblyopic eyes as their effects are significant.
Clinical characteristics and response to therapy in Egyptian children infected with Schistosoma haematobium.

Forty-one Egyptian students with infections due to Schistosoma haematobium, who were selected by results of a urine screening examination, were evaluated for morbidity and response to chemotherapy. Symptoms associated with infection were hematuria, dysuria, and swimmer's itch. A positive correlation existed between the intensity of infection and frequency of exposure to water. Laboratory abnormalities included eosinophilia (41), anemia (9), hematuria (38), pyuria (33), and proteinuria (8). Three of 26 subjects had abnormalities intravenous pyelograms: hydroureter, bladder polyp , and bladder calcification. The bladder polyp was noted also by sonography. Cure rates were 66.7% in 18 subjects treated with two 10-mg/kg doses of trichlorfon and were 89.5% in 19 subjects given three doses. Those not cured had an average reduction in ova excretion of 96%. Follow-up at 12 months of 33 subjects showed that nine had S. haematobium ova in urine, although 75% admitted to exposure to canal or irrigation water in the interim.
Maternal mortality in Hong Kong 1961–1985

Summary. The maternal mortality rate in Hong Kong feil from 0·45/1000 total births in 1961 to 0·05/1000 total births in 1985. During the period between 1961 and 1985 there were a total of 438 maternal deaths and 2 193 012 births. Of the 438 deaths 150 (34%) were due to haemor‐rhage during pregnancy and childbirth (ICD 640, 641, 666), 89 (20%) were due to pre‐eclampsia (ICD 642, 643) and 60 (13·7%) were due to ectopic pregnancy (ICD 633). Comparison of maternal deaths by cause between the periods 1961–1965 and 1981–1985 showed an 86% reduc‐tion in deaths due to haemorrhage and pre‐eclampsia and a 72% reduc‐tion in deaths due to ectopic pregnancy. Pulmonary embolism was not a major cause of maternal mortality.
Non-cancer Effects of Chronic Arsenicosis in Bangladesh: Preliminary Results

Abstract A total of 136 patients were studied in three Upazillas of Laxmipur, Barisal and Madaripur districts were selected for health awareness campaign program. According to the existing data, these villages were ranked as high exposure. Demographic data of the patients investigated are showing pigmentation was seen in all—136 cases, keratosis was found only in 110 cases, and skin ulcer was detected in 13 cases. The predominant features are indicating respiratory sign and symptoms followed by conjunctival congestion and redness of eyes. Weakness was predominant symptom, and all most all cases reported weakness. There were few smokers (n = 16) and analyses were confined to non-smokers (n = 94). A total of the 94 subjects participated in this study. The sex ratio was 1:1.3 (male vs. female). The relative risk of chronic cough increased with age (RR = 2.12, for 26–50 age group; RR = 2.30 for age group more than 51) reflecting chronic exposure, but the 95% confidence intervals included unity. The relative risk of chronic bronchitis increased with age (RR = 2.68, for 26–50 age group; RR = 2.30 for age group more than 51) reflecting chronic exposure, but the 95% confidence intervals also included unity. The findings presented here provide evidence that ingestion of inorganic arsenic in drinking water may results in increases risk of chronic cough and bronchitis.
Design of a wideband bandpass filter using microstrip parallel-coupled dual-mode ring resonator

In this paper, a micostrip parallel-coupled dual-mode ring resonator is analyzed based on its equivalent transmission line circuit and the even- and odd-mode method. Closed-form formulas relating the transmission zeros and 3dB fractional bandwidth of the resonator to the circuit parameters are derived, and are verified effective by using a circuit simulator and an electromagnetic simulator. A bandpass filter is designed by using this type of dual-mode resonator, and it shows a wide passband with a 3dB fractional bandwidth of 30%, low reflection loss in the passband, and very sharp passband skirt property.
EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE, ESTROGEN ADMINISTRATION ON LEPTIN, THYROID, REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE CONCENTRATION AND LIPID PROFILE OF FEMALE RABBITS SERUM.

The aim of this study investigate the effects of long term administration of Dexamethasone (DEX.) 17 β-estradiol (EST.) on body weight, concentration of some hormones ( Leptin, thyroid and reproductive hormone) in addition to determination of lipid profile of female rabbits blood serum. Thirty local rabbits were subdivided randomly and equally into three groups. The first group was used as a control which injected with normal saline . The second group was injected daily (0.5mg /kg B.W) DEX . Intramuscularly. The third group was injected subcutaneously daily with 0.3 mg /kg B.W s/c 17 β-estradiol. All groups in this study were treated for 60 days , and blood collected every 15 days. Serum was tested for leptin, LH, FSH, T3, T4 hormones total Cholesterol(TC), HDL(height density lipo-protein), LDL (low density lipoprotein),TG (triglycerides), Body weight was taken every 15 days from the first day . The result showed significant (P≤0.05) decreased in body weight after administration of both dexamethasone (DEX.) and Estrogen (EST.), significant increased in leptin concentration with dexamethasone (DEX.) Treatment while significant decreased with Estrogen (EST.) treatment, in the other hand LH and FSH concentration showed significant decreased in both treatment dexamethasone (DEX.) and Estrogen (EST.) thyroid hormone show significant decreased with dexamethasone (DEX.) Treatment and significant increased T3 & T4 hormone with Estrogen (EST.) treatment as compare with control while the increase in the T4 it was occurred only in the periods (45 Bas.j.vet.Res. Vol.12,No.1,2013 42 and 60)days within treatment groups , lipid profile (TC,TG,LDL, HDL,VLDL) show significant increased with DEX. treatment while Significant decreased with EST. treatment.
The Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor R 115777 Upregulates the Expression of Death Receptor 5 and Enhances TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in Human Lung Cancer Cells

Tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) preferentially induces apoptosis in transformed or malignant cells, thus exhibiting potential as a tumor-selective apoptosis-inducing cytokine for cancer treatment. Many studies have shown that the apoptosis-inducing activity of TRAIL can be enhanced by various cancer therapeutic agents. R115777 (tipifarnib) is the first farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) that showed clinical activity in myeloid malignancies. In general, R115777, like other FTIs, exerts relatively weak effects on the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells with undefined mechanism(s). In the current study, we studied its effects on the growth of human lung cancer cells, including induction of apoptosis, and examined potential underlying mechanisms for these effects. We showed that R115777 induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells, in addition to inducing G1 or G2-M arrest. Moreover, we found that R115777 up-regulated the expression of death receptor 5 (DR5), an important death receptor for TRAIL, and exhibited an augmented effect on the induction of apoptosis when combined with recombinant TRAIL. Blockage of DR5 induction by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abrogated the ability of R115777 to enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis, indicating that R115777 augments TRAIL-induced apoptosis through up-regulation of DR5 expression. Thus, our findings show the efficacy of R115777 in human lung cancer cells and suggest that R115777 may be used clinically in combination with TRAIL for treatment of human lung cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(10):4973–80]
Robust numerical algorithm to model induction tool responses in planar-layered media

We present a robust, rapid, and computationally efficient forward solver to compute electromagnetic (EM) fields produced by active, induction-regime remote sensing instruments embedded in subsurface, planar-stratified environments containing media of arbitrary anisotropy and loss. The algorithm is based on the robust evaluation of the spectral integral representation for the fields in such complex media, synthesizing the spacedomain EM field as a superposition of plane wave fields. To validate the algorithm's versatility and efficacy, we present and discuss results involving electromagnetic induction tools used for geophysical prospection and exploration in planar-stratified geophysical formations containing media with isotropic and uniaxial-conductive properties.
Ablation of a galectin preferentially expressed in adipocytes increases lipolysis, reduces adiposity, and improves insulin sensitivity in mice

The breakdown of triglycerides, or lipolysis, is a tightly controlled process that regulates fat mobilization in accord with an animal's energy needs. It is well established that lipolysis is stimulated by hormones that signal energy demand and is suppressed by the antilipolytic hormone insulin. However, much still remains to be learned about regulation of lipolysis by intracellular signaling pathways in adipocytes. Here we show that galectin-12, a member of a β-galactoside–binding lectin family preferentially expressed by adipocytes, functions as an intrinsic negative regulator of lipolysis. Galectin-12 is primarily localized on lipid droplets and regulates lipolytic protein kinase A signaling by acting upstream of phosphodiesterase activity to control cAMP levels. Ablation of galectin-12 in mice results in increased adipocyte mitochondrial respiration, reduced adiposity, and ameliorated insulin resistance/glucose intolerance. This study identifies unique properties of this intracellular galectin that is localized to an organelle and performs a critical function in lipid metabolism. These findings add to the significant functions exhibited by intracellular galectins, and have important therapeutic implications for human metabolic disorders.
Interleukin-7 and Anti–Programmed Cell Death 1 Antibody Have Differing Effects to Reverse Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression

ABSTRACT Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in most intensive care units. Protracted sepsis can evolve into a state of profound immunosuppression characterized by secondary infections, frequently with opportunistic-type pathogens. Immunoadjuvant therapy is currently being evaluated as a novel treatment for patients with sepsis. Two of the most promising immunoadjuvants are interleukin-7 (IL-7) and anti–programmed cell death 1 antibody (anti–PD-1). Both IL-7 and anti–PD-1 have been reported to boost host immunity and improve outcomes in patients with viral infections and cancer. The purpose of this study was to define the immunological mechanisms of action of IL-7 and anti–PD-1 in the two-hit sepsis model of cecal ligation and puncture followed by Candida albicans. In addition, we examined whether combined treatment with IL-7 and anti–PD-1 provided any additive beneficial effects in reversing immune dysfunction. The present findings demonstrated that IL-7 and anti–PD-1 had differing effects on innate and adaptive immune functions. Compared with anti–PD-1, IL-7 increased lymphocyte proliferation; expression of lymphocyte adhesion molecules, lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1, and very late antigen-4; interferon-&ggr; production; and CD28 expression on splenic CD8+ T cells. In contrast, anti–PD-1 seemed to have a greater effect on major histocompatibility complex class II expression on splenic macrophages and dendritic cells than IL-7. Combined treatment with IL-7 and anti–PD-1 produced additive effects on CD28 expression, lymphocyte proliferation, and splenic secretion of interferon-&ggr;. In conclusion, the present study shows differences in immunomodulatory actions between IL-7 and anti–PD-1 and provides a potential rationale for combining IL-7 and anti–PD-1 in the therapy of sepsis.
Effects of similarity and experience on discrimination learning: a nonassociative connectionist model of perceptual learning.

This article describes a novel connectionist model of perceptual learning (PL) that provides a mechanism for nonassociative differentiation (J. J. Gibson & E. J. Gibson, 1955). The model begins with the assumption that 2 processes--1 that decreases associability and 1 that increases discriminability--operate during preexposure (S. Channell & G. Hall, 1981). In contrast to other models (e.g., I. P. L. McLaren, H. Kaye, & N. J. Mackintosh, 1989), in the current model the mechanisms for these processes are compatible with a configural model of associative learning. A set of simulations demonstrates that the present model can account for critical PL phenomena such as exposure learning and effects of similarity on discrimination. It is also shown that the model can explain the paradoxical result that preexposure to stimuli can either facilitate or impair subsequent discrimination learning. Predictions made by the model are discussed in relation to extant theories of PL.
Electroporation of embryogenic protoplasts of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) and regeneration of transformed plants

SummaryElectroporation conditions were optimized for the transfection of protoplasts isolated from an embryogenic cell line of sweet organe [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck ev. Hamlin]. Electric field strength (375–450 V cm−1) vector DNA concentration (100 μgml−1), carrier DNA concentration (100 μgml−1), electroporation buffer (pH 8), and preelectroporation heat shock of protoplasts (5 min at 45°C) were optimized. The plasmid vector pBI221 containing the β-glucuronidase (GUS) coding sequence under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter was used and GUS activity was measured 24h after electroporation. All variables significantly affected transfection efficiency and when optimal conditions for each were combined. GUS activity was 7714 pmol 4-methylumbelliferone (MU) mg−1 (protein) min−1. Protoplasts were then electroporated in the presence of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression vectors pARS101 or pARS108. Green fluorescent embryos were selected, plants regenerated, and integration of the transgene was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Both plasmids were constructed using EGFP, a GFP variant 35 times brighter than wtGFP, having a single, red-shifted excitation peak, and optimized for human codon-usage. pARS101 was constructed by placing EGFP under the control of a 35S–35S promoter containing 33 bp of the untranslated leader sequence from alfalfa mosaic virus. pARS108 was constructed similarly except sequences were added for transport and retention of EGFP in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum.
Age- and gender-related alteration in plasma advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentrations in physiological ageing

Abstract Background: The authors studied the role of increased oxidative stress in the development of oxidative protein damage and extracellular matrix (ECM) components in ageing. The age- and gender-associated disturbances in connective tissue metabolism were evaluated by the plasma chondroitin sulphated glycosaminoglycans (CS-GAG) and non-sulphated GAG-hyaluronan (HA) measurements. Plasma concentration of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) was analysed in order to assess oxidative protein damage and evaluate the possible deleterious role of oxidative phenomenon on tissue proteoglycans’ metabolism during the physiological ageing process. Methods: Sulphated and non-sulphated GAGs as well as AOPP were quantified in plasma samples from 177 healthy volunteers. Results: A linear age-related decline of plasma CS-GAG level was found in this study (r=–0.46; p<0.05). In contrast, HA concentrations rise gradually with age (r=0.44; p<0.05) in plasma samples. For both ECM components, the observed differences were not gender-specific. A strong age-dependent relationship has been shown in regard to AOPP. AOPP levels significantly increased with age (r=0.63; p<0.05), equally strongly in both men (r=0.69; p<0.05) and women (r=0.57; p<0.05) during physiological ageing. A significant correlation was found between the concentrations of AOPP and both CS-GAG (r=–0.31; p<0.05) and HA (r=0.33; p<0.05). Conclusions: Proceeding with age changes in the ECM are reflected by CS-GAG and HA plasma levels. Strong correlations between AOPP and ECM components indicate that oxidative stress targets protein and non-protein components of the connective tissue matrix during human ageing.