Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF THE MONTREAL COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT TEST AND ITS AGREEMENT WITH MINI MENTAL STATE EXAMINATION AMONG HEALTHY ELDERLY

مقدمه: آسیب شناختی خفیف (Mild cognitive impairment یا MCI) یک وضعیت بینابینی میان وضعیت شناختی طبیعی سالمندی و دمانس می‌باشد و سندرم بالینی است که در گروه آسیب‌های شناختی قرار می‌گیرد. سالمندان مبتلا به MCI خطر پیشرفت بیماری را تا دمانس و به خصوص بیماری آلزایمر دارند. با توجه به روند پیر شدن جامعه ضرورت شناسایی ابزارهایی که بتواند با روشی آسان موارد مشکوک به این اختلال را شناسایی کنند، به شدت احساس می‌شود. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی همخوانی بین دو آزمون MMSE (Mini-Mental state examination) و MoCA (Montreal cognitive assessment) در تعیین اختلال شناختی در سالمندان سالم که علایم بالینی اختلال شناختی خفیف را نشان نمی‌دهند، طراحی و انجام شده است. مواد و روش‌ها: در این مطالعه مقطعی 47 سالمند (25 زن و 22 مرد) با سن 60 سال به بالا در سطح شهر شیراز از طريق نمونه‌گيري در دسترس، مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. از افراد شرکت کننده آزمون‌های MMSE و MoCA به صورت آزمون- پس‌آزمون و با فاصله 2 ماه گرفته شد و روش‌های آماری به کار گرفته شده جهت مقایسه همخوانی این دو آزمون شامل Regression analysis بود. یافته‌ها: میانگین سنی افراد سالمند 05/22 ± 43/69 بود. ضریب همبستگی Pearson (0001/0 > P، 69/0 = r) رابطه معنی‌دار مثبتی بین آزمون MoCA درtest و retest نشان داد. عدم وجود همخوانی بین دو آزمون MMSE و MoCA توسط تحلیل رگرسیون ساده (602/0 = r و 362/0 = 2 R) نشان داده شد. نتیجه گیری: نتایج نشان داد که بین دو آزمون همخوانی قابل قبولی وجود ندارد. به نظر می‌رسد به دلیل بالا بودن ثبات داخلی آزمون ارزیابی شناختی مونترآل و سالم بودن جمعیت مورد مطالعه می‌باشد. عدم همخوانی بین نمرات این دو آزمون به معنی عدم توانایی آزمون معاینه مختصر وضعیت روانی در تشخیص اختلال شناختی خفیف شناختی می‌باشد. کلید واژه‌ها: آزمون معاینه مختصر وضعیت روانی،آزمون ارزیابی شناختی مونترآل، اختلال شناختی خفیف، سالمندان
Cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation for people with early-stage dementia

The aims of psychosocial intervention for people with early-stage dementia are essentially those of rehabilitation. That is to say, the focus should be an attempt to optimize functioning and wellbeing, and to support the person’s social system, thus facilitating continued engagement and participation. It can be argued that a focus on rehabilitation is consistent with the person-centred approach advocated by Kitwood, emphasizing the potential disabling effects of negative social environments and the importance of attempting to counter the resulting excess disability and thus support the selfhood of the person with dementia.
Effects of energy supply and nicotinic acid supplementation on serum anti‐oxidative capacity and on expression of oxidative stress‐related genes in blood leucocytes of periparturient primi‐ and pluriparous dairy cows

The periparturient period is accompanied by metabolic and oxidative stress. Niacin is known to decrease lipolysis but is also reported to have anti-oxidative effects. Therefore, we examined the effects of energy supply and a nicotinic acid (NA) supplementation on anti-oxidative serum parameters and on the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in blood leucocytes of periparturient dairy cows, differing in parity. Twenty-nine pluriparous and 18 primiparous cows were allocated to four different feeding groups 42 days before expected parturition until 100 days postpartum and fed a ration with either a low concentrate proportion of 30% (LC) or a high concentrate proportion of 60% (HC). After parturition, all animals received 30% concentrate which was increased to 50% either within 16 (LC group) or 24 days (HC group). Half of the animals per group were supplemented with 24 g NA per day from 42 days prepartum until 24 days postpartum. All investigated parameters varied significantly over time compared to parturition (p < .05). Ferric reducing ability (FRA) exhibited a nadir before parturition, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed peak activities around parturition. Expression levels of GPX1, SOD2, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) peaked before calving. The concentrate level influenced GPX activity and mRNA abundance of SOD2, XDH and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1). Pluriparous animals exhibited higher serum GPX activities, a more distinct nadir for FRA and higher expression levels for GPX1, SOD2 and XDH. Primiparous cows displayed higher serum SOD activities. NA supplementation increased serum SOD activity antepartum in LC animals. Parturition was characterised by an increased need for antioxidants and an increased expression of oxidative stress-related genes that clearly differed with parity and was influenced by energy supply while NA exerted only minor effects on the investigated parameters.
Antifungal therapy for genitourinary infections

The first part of this paper defines fungi and reviews the changing patterns of fungal infections. An overview of fungal induced genitourinary disease and concise analysis of present 20th century fungal treatment modalities is presented. This includes amphotericin and liposomal agents, the azoles and immune modulators. The second portion of the paper reviews 47 drug patents (1998 – 2001) and describes known biological activity and chemistry. A commentary summarises the patent data of the azoles, immune modulators and novel drug therapy. All of these patents present therapies that may have a role in the future treatment of fungal infections of the genitourinary system.
Serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and citalopram effectiveness and side effects in children with depression and/or anxiety disorders.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the association between polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and citalopram effectiveness and side effects in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and/or anxiety disorders. METHODS Outpatients, aged 7- 18 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) MDD and/or anxiety disorder were treated in an 8-week open trial with 20-40 mg/day of citalopram. Subjects were genotyped with respect to short (s) versus long (l) forms of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter, and the relationship between genotype and outcome and side effects was assessed. RESULTS Subjects with 5-HTTLPR ss genotype showed a less vigorous response with regard to depressive symptoms measured by the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) scores over time compared to subjects with sl/ll genotypes (beta = 0.67, z = 2.02, p = 0.04). In addition, the 5-HTTLPR ss group exhibited lower rates of agitation compared to those with sl/ll genotype (6.3% vs. 32.8%, p = 0.05). Also, subjects with 5-HTTLPR ss genotype had consistently higher scores of suicidality at each week compared to the sl/ll group (beta = 0.76, z = 2.04, p = 0.04) as measured by item number 13 of the CDRS-R. CONCLUSIONS The 5-HTTLPR ss genotype was associated with a poorer clinical response with regard to depressive symptoms as well with fewer reports of agitation. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may be a genetic marker of response to citalopram in children and adolescents with depression and/or anxiety.
Pattern of Extracranial Peripheral Aneurysm at a Referral Hospital in Kenya

Peripheral aneurysms are important because of concurrence with aortic ones and potential to thromboembolise or rapture. Their distribution shows population variations yet reports from Africa are scarce and altogether absent from Kenya. Objective To describe the pattern of peripheral aneurysms in a Kenyan national referral hospital. Patients and methods Records of in-patients with a diagnosis of peripheral aneurysms at Kenyatta National Hospital between January 1998 and December 2007 were analyzed for presentation, diagnostic method, risk factors, site, age and gender distribution. Only records containing all these data were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 and presented using tables, and bar charts. Results Ninety six cases involved the femoral (24%), common carotid (15.6%); brachial (12.5%); brachiocephalic (11.5%) and popliteal (10.4%) arteries. They presented with pulsatile mass (37.5%), painful swelling (22.9%) and pressure on subjacent structures (13.5%). Diagnosis was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound (37.5%), conventional angiography (30.2%) and plain ultrasound (14.6%). Mean age was 45.6 years (range 13 – 79 years); with 50% of them occurring in individuals aged 40 years and younger. Common risk factors were trauma (39.6%), hypertension (13.5%) and atherosclerosis (9.4%). Male:female ratio was: 15:1 for femoropopliteal, 5:1 for brachial; 1:1 for common carotid and 1:2.6 for brachiocephalic trunk. Conclusion Characteristics of peripheral aneurysms in the Kenyan study population vary from those of Caucasians. They are more widespread, trauma related, and occur in younger individuals. Prudent management of risk factors is recommended.
Does pharmacotherapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder predict risk of later major depression?

OBJECTIVE This study's goal was to determine among youths with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) how the history of ADHD pharmacotherapy influenced the risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD), compared to other commonly reported predictors. METHOD Diagnostic and treatment history data were analyzed retrospectively in 75 youths 11-18 years old with definite or probable ADHD, enrolled in an observational study at a tertiary mental health clinic. Subjects with histories of MDD (H/o MDD) (n = 36) were compared to others who had never been depressed (Never-Depressed) (n = 39) regarding histories of ADHD pharmacotherapy, psychopathology and other potential covariates of MDD risk. RESULTS H/o MDD subjects reported longer delays before initiating ADHD pharmacotherapy, were more often female, reported having experienced more traumatic event types, and had higher rates of early anxiety and externalizing disorders. With all covariates allowed to enter a backward stepwise Cox regression of survival time till first episodes of MDD, only two variables remained in the model. The time-dependent variable, ADHD pharmacotherapy, prolonged survival times (p = .012), while having experienced more traumatic event types shortened them (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence that pharmacotherapy for ADHD may have a protective effect in ADHD youths, reducing the risk of later MDD.
Cd translocation into generative organs of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Linseed is able to accumulate considerably high concentrations of Cd in generative organs, the dietary critical value of 0.3 μg Cd/g seed often being exceeded. Differences between genotypes of linseed in this respect, however, have been observed but the underlying mechanisms responsible for these differences are unknown. The aim of the present work was to identify these mechanisms by studying the Cd accumulation of the linseed genotypes Antares and McGregor which differ in their ability to accumulate Cd in the seeds. Cultivar Antares is a high and cv. McGregor a low Cd accumulator which was confirmed in a pot experiment. It was found that the differences between these genotypes were Cd-specific and were caused neither by single seed weight nor by Cd translocation into the shoot. The distribution pattern of Cd within mature capsules between the pericarp and the seeds differed from that of Ca which was used as a phloem-immobile reference ion. From these results we conclude that Cd was translocated from the pericarp into the seeds via the phloem. This conclusion was supported by direct Cd determination in collected phloem sap from linseed stems. As sources of seed-Cd we identified the pericarps of capsules and the leaves. The genotype differences concerning the Cd concentrations in the seeds may be explained in terms of differences in phloem translocation of Cd. Cd-Verlagerung in die generativen Organe von Ollein (Linum usitatissimum L.) Ollein vermag Cd in betrachtlichen Konzentrationen in den Samen zu akkumulieren. Aus diesem Grund wird der Grenzwert fur Diatlein von 0,3 μg/g Samen im Anbau haufig uberschritten. Es gibt jedoch genotypische Unterschiede, deren zugrundeliegende Mechanismen nicht bekannt sind. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit bestand darin, diese Mechanismen an den Olleinsorten Antares und McGregor zu untersuchen. Antares akkumuliert grose, McGregor hingegen geringe Mengen Cd in den Samen. Diese Beobachtungen konnten in einem Gefasversuch bestatigt werden. Es wurde gezeigt, das die genotypischen Unterschiede Cd-spezifisch waren und weder durch das Einzelsamengewicht noch durch die Cd-Konzentrationen im Spros beeinflust wurden. Das Cd-Verteilungsmuster zwischen dem Fruchtgehause und den Samen reifer Kapseln wich deutlich von dem des Ca ab, das als phloemimmobiles Referenzion gemessen wurde. Aufgrund dieser Beobachtungen kamen wir zu dem Schlus, das Cd aus dem Fruchtgehause in die Samen uber das Phloem verlagert wurde. Dies wurde durch den direkten Cd-Nachweis in gesammeltem Phloemsaft aus Olleinstengeln unterstutzt. Als Quellen fur das Samen-Cd identifizierten wir Fruchtgehause und Blatter. Die genotypischen Unterschiede bezuglich der Cd-Konzentrationen in den Samen liesen sich durch Unterschiede in der Cd-Verlagerung uber das Phloem erklaren.
Cryptic Speciation in the Genus Cryptoglena (Euglenaceae) Revealed by Nuclear and Plastid SSU and LSU rRNA Gene

The photosynthetic euglenoid genus Cryptoglena is differentiated from other euglenoid genera by having a longitudinal sulcus, one chloroplast, two large trough‐shaped paramylon plates positioned between the chloroplast and pellicle, and lack of metaboly. The genus contains only two species. To understand genetic diversity and taxonomy of Cryptoglena species, we analyzed molecular and morphological data from 25 strains. A combined data set of nuclear SSU and LSU and plastid SSU and LSU rRNA genes was analyzed using Bayesian, maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and distance (neighbor joining) methods. Although morphological data of all strains showed no significant species‐specific pattern, molecular data segregated the taxa into five clades, two of which represented previously known species: C. skujae and C. pigra, and three of which were designated as the new species, C. soropigra, C. similis, and C. longisulca. Each species had unique molecular signatures that could be found in the plastid SSU rRNA Helix P23_1 and LSU rRNA H2 domain. The genetic similarity of intraspecies based on nr SSU rDNA ranged from 97.8% to 100% and interspecies ranged from 95.3% to 98.9%. Therefore, we propose three new species based on specific molecular signatures and gene divergence of the nr SSU rDNA sequences.
Immunohistochemical Characteristics Of Breast Cancers In South East Nigeria

Breast cancer is a common disease in Nigeria and immunohistochemical characteristics of such tumours in south east Nigerian women show that they are of the triple negative subtype (45%, 44/98) and of invasive ductal carcinoma (85%, 69/79). They are 83% ER negative, 83% PR negative and 36% HER2 positive with an average age of 44years and most likely to affect the left breast (54%). ( Keywords : Breast, Growth, Prognosis,Analysis,Markers Ebonyi Medical Journal Vol. 6 (1) 2007 pp. 9-12
Conditional senescence in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlorophyceae)

The mechanisms of microalgal senescence may play an important role in nutrient recycling and enhanced survival. However, the aging physiology of microalgae is an understudied phenomenon. To investigate the patterns of conditional senescence in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii P. A. Dangeard, we used a cell wall‐less strain, transformed with a reporter gene to infer changes in photosynthetic gene expression. We examined plastid ultrastructure, photosynthetic function, and photoprotective mechanisms during aging in batch cultures. LHCII transcription levels decreased before the population entered stationary phase, and the characteristic transcriptional light‐shift response was lost. A decline in photosynthetic proteins with a concomitant increase in the photoprotective protein, LHCSR, was observed over time. However, nonphotochemical quenching remained stable during growth and stationary phase, and then declined as alternative quenching mechanisms were up‐regulated. Photosynthetic efficiency declined, while Fv/Fm remained stable until the death phases. As the culture progressed through stationary phase, disorganization of the chloroplast was observed along with an increase in cytoplasmic oil bodies. We also observed a partial recovery of function and proteins during the final death phase, and attribute this to the release of nutrients into the medium from cell lysis and/or active secretion while cells were senescing. Allowing open gas exchange resulted in high levels of sustained starch production and maintained maximum cell density, prolonging the stationary phase.
Effects of brefeldin A on the endomembrane system and germ tube formation of the tetraspore of Gelidium floridanum (Rhodophyta, Florideophyceae)

Gelidium floridanum W.R. Taylor tetraspores are units of dispersal and are responsible for substrate attachment. This study aimed to examine evidence of direct interaction between germ tube formation and Golgi activity during tetraspore germination of G. floridanum. After release, the tetraspores were incubated with brefeldin A (BFA) in concentrations of 4 and 8 μM over a 6 h period. The controls and treatments were analyzed with light, fluorescence (FM4‐64 dye) and transmission electron microscopy. In the control samples, the Golgi bodies were responsible for germ tube formation. In contrast, BFA‐treated samples were observed to inhibit spore adhesion and germ tube formation. These tetraspores also showed an increase in volume (≥30 μm width). BFA treatment also resulted in the disassembly of Golgi cisternae and the formation of vesiculated areas of the cytoplasm, blocking the secretion of protein and amorphous matrix polysaccharides. When stained with FM4‐64, the control samples showed fluorescence in the apical region of the germ tube, but the treated samples showed an intense fluorescence throughout the cytoplasm. From these results, we can conclude that the germ tube is formed by the incorporation of vesicles derived from Golgi. Thus, vesicle secretion and Golgi organization are basic processes and essential in adhesion and tube formation. By blocking the secretion of protein and amorphous matrix polysaccharides, BFA treatment precluded tetraspore germination.
Yeast water channels: an overview of orthodox aquaporins

In yeast, the presence of orthodox aquaporins has been first recognized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in which two genes (AQY1 and AQY2) were shown to be related to mammal and plant water channels. The present review summarizes the putative orthodox aquaporin protein sequences found in available genomes of yeast and filamentous fungi. Among the 28 yeast genomes sequenced, most species present only one orthodox aquaporin, and no aquaporins were found in eight yeast species. Alignment of amino acid sequences reveals a very diverse group. Similarity values vary from 99% among species within the Saccharomyces genus to 34% between ScAqy1 and the aquaporin from Debaryomyces hansenii. All of the fungal aquaporins possess the known characteristic sequences, and residues involved in the water channel pore are highly conserved. Advances in the establishment of the structure are reviewed in relation to the mechanisms of selectivity, conductance and gating. In particular, the involvement of the protein cytosolic N‐terminus as a channel blocker preventing water flow is addressed. Methodologies used in the evaluation of aquaporin activity frequently involve the measurement of fast volume changes. Particular attention is paid to data analysis to obtain accurate membrane water permeability parameters. Although the presence of aquaporins clearly enhances membrane water permeability, the relevance of these ubiquitous water channels in yeast performance remains obscure.
Biodiversity of soil cyanobacteria in the hyper‐arid Atacama Desert, Chile

The cyanobacterial diversity of soils of the Atacama Desert (Chile) was investigated using 16S rRNA gene cloning/sequencing directly from soil samples and 16S rRNA gene sequencing from unialgal cultures. Within the hyper‐arid Atacama Desert, one of the driest parts of the world, 10 sites with differing altitude and distance to the shore were sampled along a total air‐line distance (from south to north) of ~1,100 km. Filamentous cyanobacteria belonging to Nostocophycideae and Synechococcophycideae were present. Oscillatoriophycideae exhibited the highest species richness among the subclasses of cyanobacteria, and included mostly filamentous species along with some coccoids (e.g., Chroococcidiopsis). Thirty species‐level phylotypes could be recognized using a cut‐off of 99% 16S rRNA sequence similarity within the 22 genera defined at 97% 16S rRNA sequence similarity. Eight of the 30 taxa could be detected by both clonal and culture sequences. Five taxa were observed only in cultures, whereas the cloning approach revealed 17 additional taxa, which might be in the collection but unsequenced, hard‐to‐cultivate, or entirely unculturable species using standard cultivation media. The Atacama Desert soils have a high diversity of phylotypes, among which are likely both new genera and new species awaiting characterization and description.
A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Cranberry Supplements in Multiple Sclerosis

&NA; Cranberry cocktail has been reported to reduce bacteriuria and pyuria in elderly women and self‐reported urinary tract infection (UTI) in young female undergraduates, but commercially prepared cranberry concentrate supplements have never been evaluated in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with neurogenic bladder. The purpose of this study was to determine whether one 8,000‐mg cranberry concentrate supplement daily could prevent UTI in MS participants with bladder symptoms. We conducted a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled longitudinal trial of cranberry supplement versus placebo with participants who have MS. After informed consent had been obtained from the participants, baseline data were collected and participants were randomized to receive either one cranberry supplement or placebo daily for 6 months. The sample consisted of 135 participants. In the cranberry group 34.6% of participants failed (i.e., developed a UTI) versus 32.4% in the control group (p = .849). Not all cranberry supplements have been found to contain proanthocyanidins, the active ingredient of cranberries. Because there is no way for the consumer to distinguish supplements that contain proanthocyanidins from those that do not, taking juice or whole cranberries may be preferable.