Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
orphological aspects of Angiostrongylus costaricensis by light and canning electron microscopy

Angiostrongylus costaricensis is a parasitic nematode that can cause severe gastrointestinal disease, known as abdominal angiostrongiliasis, in humans. This paper presents the characterization of firstand third-stage larvae and male and female adult worms of A. costaricensis by scanning electron and light microscopy. Several novel anatomical structures were identified by scanning electron microscopy, including details of the cuticular striations of the spicules in male worms and a protective flap of the cuticle covering the vulvar aperture in female worms. Other taxonomic features revealed by light microscopy include the gubernaculum and the esophageal–intestinal valve. The use of two microscopy techniques orphology canning electron microscopy ight microscopy allowed a detailed characterization of the morphology of this nematode. A number of previously identified taxonomic features, such as the striated nature of the spicules and the lateral alae were confirmed; however, the use of scanning electron microscopy resulted in a reassessment of the correct number of papillae distributed around the oral opening and behind the cloacal opening. These observations, in combination with light microscopy-based characterization of the gubernaculum and esophageal valves, have allowed a more detailed description of this nematode taxonomy. © 201
A systematic review of quality of life of adults on the autism spectrum

Autism spectrum disorder is associated with co-existing conditions that may adversely affect an individual’s quality of life. No systematic review of quality of life of adults on the autism spectrum has been conducted. Our objectives were as follows: (1) review the evidence about quality of life for adults on the autism spectrum; (2) critically appraise current practice in assessing quality of life of adults on the autism spectrum. We searched bibliographic databases and other literature to identify studies using a direct measure of quality of life of adults on the autism spectrum. Hand searching of reference lists, citation searching and personal communication with field experts were also undertaken. In total, 827 studies were identified; 14 were included. Only one quality of life measure designed for use with the general autism spectrum population was identified. Quality of life of adults on the autism spectrum is lower than that of typically developing adults, when measured with tools designed for the general population. There are no comprehensive autism spectrum disorder–specific quality of life measurement tools validated for use with representative samples of adults on the autism spectrum. There is a pressing need to develop robust measures of quality of life of autistic adults.
Middle- to late-Holocene fire history and the impact on Mediterranean pine and oak forests according to the core RF93-30, central Adriatic Sea

The high-resolution Adriatic RF93-30 core shows changes in its microcharcoal record, which correlate to terrestrial fires from the last 7000 years. Pollen and microcharcoals were transported by wind and fluvial transport from the sedimentary basin, including the Po River and other rivers flowing into the sea off the Italian east coast. Charcoal particles and pollen were counted in the same samples, and the maximum breadth and length of charcoal particles were measured. Microcharcoals with large dimensions were taken as fire indicators occurring along the near coast, as they probably arrived from short distances, the nearest being in Apulia, in southern Italy. The age–depth model was developed within the multidisciplinary PALICLAS project. Several potential fire activity increases (PFAIs) were visible as peaks in the diagram. The oldest PFAIs occurred at the middle Holocene (approximately dated to c. 6730, 5430, 4150 cal BP), others occurred at the late Holocene (c. 3760, 2660, 2240, 2030, 1930, 1510 cal BP) and during the last millennium (c. 900–865, 530, 120–96 cal BP). The two oldest peaks in the diagram, occurring in the 7th–6th millennia, showed the highest contribution of charcoal corresponding to the highest values of arboreal pollen (AP) in the sedimentary record. Although the CHAR peaks did not represent a single fire event, the diagram suggests a good correspondence between paleofire activity and terrestrial vegetation biomass during this early phase. Pollen containing black particles was observed, which suggested some grains were transported in suspension with winds from burned woods. The main unambiguous anthropogenic fire causation would have occurred during the last four millennia. From 4.2 ka, it became hard to disentangle climate and Bronze Age actions. Technology and human activity probably improved the pace of fire events, especially involving oak woods, with evidence of an increase of CHAR during the last millennium.
Hyperphosphorylation induces self-assembly of τ into tangles of paired helical filaments/straight filaments

The microtubule-associated protein τ is a family of six isoforms that becomes abnormally hyperphosphorylated and accumulates in the form of paired helical filaments (PHF) in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and patients with several other tauopathies. Here, we show that the abnormally hyperphosphorylated τ from AD brain cytosol (AD P-τ) self-aggregates into PHF-like structures on incubation at pH 6.9 under reducing conditions at 35°C during 90 min. In vitro dephosphorylation, but not deglycosylation, of AD P-τ inhibits its self-association into PHF. Furthermore, hyperphosphorylation induces self-assembly of each of the six τ isoforms into tangles of PHF and straight filaments, and the microtubule binding domains/repeats region in the absence of the rest of the molecule can also self-assemble into PHF. Thus, it appears that τ self-assembles by association of the microtubule binding domains/repeats and that the abnormal hyperphosphorylation promotes the self-assembly of τ into tangles of PHF and straight filaments by neutralizing the inhibitory basic charges of the flanking regions.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Dideco’s paediatric cardiopulmonary circuit for neonates weighing less than five kilograms

The neonate cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit, including a KIDS D100 oxygenator (The Sorin Group, Mirandola, Italy) and a D130 arterial filter (The Sorin Group), was evaluated in vitro with respect to the removal of free micro gas bubbles. No gas bubbles > 40µm were measured after the arterial filter D130 upon manual introduction of 10 ml of air into the venous line or during the use of vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD). The D130 arterial filter removed 88 % of gas bubbles < 40 µm during manual introduction of air into the venous line; however, only 50 % of gas bubbles < 40 µm were removed during the use of VAVD. The same CPB circuit was evaluated in vivo to compare with another CPB circuit, including a D901 oxygenator (The Sorin Group) and arterial filter D736 (The Sorin Group), in 155 neonates weighing ≤5 kg. The D100 circuit required significantly less priming volume than the D901 circuit. Postoperative haemoglobin was significantly higher, artificial ventilation time was significantly shorter and postoperative bleeding was significantly less in the D100 group. This neonate CPB circuit effectively removed the gas bubbles and required up to 37% less priming volume and, thus, decreased the need for blood transfusion.
Comparison of Rabbit Monoclonal and Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunohistochemistry in Canine Tissues

Rabbit monoclonal (RM) antibodies appear to have higher affinity for antigens than mouse monoclonal (MM) antibodies. However, RM antibodies have not been used in veterinary diagnostic immunohistochemistry. The authors compared reactivities of RM and MM antibodies on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine tissues, targeting 11 different antigens: CD3, CD79a, calcitonin, calretinin, chromogranin A, COX-2, estrogen receptor, Ki67, progesterone receptor, synaptophysin, and vimentin. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were processed by 1 of 2 antigen-retrieval methods: 1) proteinase K digestion or 2) steam heat in citrate buffer. An additional set of slides did not receive antigen retrieval. Immunostaining was performed using an automated stainer, and scores were assigned to the different dilutions and antigen-retrieval methods on the basis of staining intensity and number of positive cells. Steam heat was usually the best antigen-retrieval method. The optimal dilution for each antibody was that which resulted in the highest specific staining and the lowest nonspecific (background) staining. The RM or MM antibodies yielded a specific reaction for all antigens examined except calretinin. The RM and MM antibodies yielded a specific reaction for 4 antigens only: COX-2, Ki67, synaptophysin, and vimentin. Three antigens (CD3, chromogranin A, and progesterone receptor) were detected only with RM antibodies, whereas the other 3 (CD79a, calcitonin, estrogen receptor) were detected only with MM antibodies. The results of this study differed from those reported for human tissues by the manufacturers of the antibodies. These results emphasize that, regardless of manufacturers' recommendations, each antibody must be individually standardized and validated before routine use in canine tissues.
Incidence of Chromosomal Abnormalities in the Presence of Fetal Subcutaneous Oedema, Such as Nuchal Oedema, Cystic Hygroma and Non-Immune Hydrops

Introduction: The authors investigated the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in subcutaneous oedema detected in the fetus by intrauterine ultrasonography. Material and Method: In the 10-year period, intrauterine karyotyping was performed in pregnancies with positive ultrasound findings for subcutaneous oedema, such as nuchal oedema, cystic hygroma and non-immune hydrops. Results: Intrauterine karyotyping in fetal subcutaneous oedema was carried out in 434 cases. The chromosomal investigation was made in nuchal oedema in 374 cases, in 120 patients the chromosomal examination was made in the first trimester because of nuchal translucency, and in 254 cases in the second trimester because of nuchal thickening. Cystic hygroma cases (27 patients), non-immune hydrops cases (20 patients), and combined cases of non-immune hydrops and cystic hygroma (13 patients) were investigated separately. In nuchal oedema, pathological karyotypes were detected in 8.33% in the first trimester and in 5.51% in the second trimester. Chromosomal abnormality was found in 48.15, 20, and 53.8% in cystic hygroma, non-immune hydrops, and combined occurrence of non-immune hydrops and cystic hygroma, respectively. Considering all of the changes accompanied by subcutaneous oedema, 50, 25 and 18.75% of the pathological karyotypes was X-monosomy, trisomy 18 and trisomy 21, respectively. Discussion: It was important to distinguish nuchal oedema and cystic hygroma, and in the case of non-immune hydrops, it was also important to discuss cases with or without cystic hygroma separately. During the investigations, cases of non-immune hydrops with or without cystic hygroma were evaluated as separate categories. Conclusions: The authors emphasize the differentiation of the various types of subcutaneous oedema and the importance of precise information about the risks, provided during genetic counselling.
Antioxidant Properties and Toxicity Assessment of the Crescentia cujete Extracts in Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina)

Crescentia cujete has traditionally been used to treat various ailments. The present study attempted to determine the antioxidant activities of 100% ethanol, 50% ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves, bark and fruit of the herb. Additionally, the toxicity of the extracts was investigated in brine shrimp. The results showed that 100% ethanol leaf extract had the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 261.97 ± 0.57 μg/mL according to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Estimation of the total phenolic content (TPC) using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent showed that the leaves extracted with 100% ethanol had the highest concentration of TPC compared to the extracts prepared with other solvents of all parts of the plant. Analysis of the minerals using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) showed that the parts of the plant primarily consist of high levels of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Titration analysis of vitamin C showed that the highest concentration of the vitamin is present in the bark. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of vitamin E indicated that the content is the highest in the fruit, and the content of vitamin A was the highest in the leaves. Brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) results showed that 50% ethanol extract of the leaves is the most toxic during a 24 h treatment. Thus, the leaves and bark exhibit excellent antioxidant effects and can be potentially developed as functional food ingredients. The findings of the present study suggest further research in cell lines and in vivo.
User interface applications in desktop VR using a mirror metaphor

The main objective of this research work is to create a desktop VR environment to allow users to interact naturally with virtual objects positioned both in front and behind a screen. We propose a mirror metaphor that simulates a physical stereoscopic screen with the properties of a mirror. In addition to allowing users to interact with virtual objects positioned in front of a stereoscopic screen using virtual hands, the virtual hands can be transferred inside a virtual mirror and interact with objects behind the screen. When the virtual hands are operating inside the virtual mirror, they are displayed like the reflection in a real mirror. We present application scenarios that would make use of the expanded interactable space in a desktop VR environment created by the proposed mirror metaphor.
Fibre concentrate from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) stem by-products: Characterization and application as a bakery product ingredient

The potential of fibre concentrate from artichoke stem by-product in bakery application was investigated. The elaboration of fibre concentrate was characterized by an extraction yield of 48.5%. The chemical composition showed high total dietary fibre (85 g/100 g d.m) and low lipid contents (0.5 g/100 g d.m). The fibre concentrate showed good water holding capacity (8.17 g/g) and high oil holding capacity (16.17 g/g). The effect of fibre concentrate incorporation to wheat dough, at level of 2%, on the rheological properties and physical characteristics of bread was also evaluated. The results showed that the addition of fibre concentrate in wheat flour significantly improved (P < 0.05) dough properties inducing an increase of water absorption, stability and tenacity, and a reduction of extensibility and softening in comparison to the dough without fibre. The colour values of the crust and crumb were significantly (P < 0.05) altered by the addition of fibre concentrate. It was also found that incorporation of fibre concentrate to bread produced a comparable specific volume and enhanced the shelf life, as textural studies revealed.
Characteristics of a soluble nuclear antigen precipitating with sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were demonstrated to contain precipitating antibodies to soluble tissue components other than DNA. One dominant reaction was observed which was provisionally termed the Sm system. The antigen involved was identified in nuclei of a wide variety of cells from different species. It was associated with protein fractions but was a non-histone substance quite sensitive to periodate treatment. Antibodies to the Sm antigen could also be detected by complement fixation. They showed a high incidence in systemic lupus erythematosus with considerable specificity for the disease.
Heat-induced conformational change of human lens recombinant alphaA- and alphaB-crystallins.

PURPOSE To determine which component of lens alpha-crystallin is responsible for heat-induced transition, conformational change and high molecular weight (HMW) aggregation. METHODS Recombinant alphaA- and alphaB-crystallins were used. Temperature dependent changes were probed by Trp fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) measurements. HMW aggregates were induced by heating at 62 degrees C for 1-2 h and then cooling to room temperature. The nature of HMW aggregation was studied with fluorescent probes, 4,4'-dianilino-1, 1'-binaphthalene-5,5'-disulfonic acid (bis-ANS) and thioflavin T (ThT). RESULTS CD and Trp fluorescence revealed that alphaB-crystallin was more susceptible than alphaA-crystallin to heat-induced conformational change and aggregation. At temperatures greater than 70 degrees C, alphaB-crystallin precipitated but alphaA-crystallin remained soluble. Both bis-ANS and ThT probes displayed increased fluorescence intensity with HMW aggregation, but the increase for bis-ANS was greater with alphaB-crystallin than with alphaA-crystallin, while the reverse was true for ThT. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that alphaB-crystallin is more susceptible than alphaA-crystallin to heat-induced conformational change and aggregation and are consistent with the notion that alphaA- and alphaB-crystallins have different biochemical and biophysical properties in spite of their high degree of homology.
Cancer and contagious disease in twins. Interrelation of host defense mechanisms

A co‐twin control method was utilized in a study of twin pairs with benign and malignant neoplastic disease and without neoplastic disease in relation to their contagious disease experience. These data were analyzed in respect to intrapair discordances for neoplastic disease and contagious disease. Relative birth weight and birth order also were analyzed in these twin pairs. In pairs discordant for cancer and contagious disease the member with malignant disease was most frequently the member who indicated having had clinical symptoms of a contagious disease not shared by his co‐twin. Also, the twin member with malignant disease was usually of heavier birth weight, and more frequently the first born member of the pair. These data suggest that there is an interrelationship between host defense mechanisms against cancer and viral infection and that prenatal and perinatal factors play a role in cancer resistance.
The role of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria innon gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men

Objectives: To identify causative microorganisms of nongonococcal (NGU) urethritis in men. Methods: A descriptive comparative study included 240 male patients with urethritis and 40 agematched males free from urethritis was carried out. The urethral swabs were inoculated on different culture media and incubated both aerobically and anaerobically. Results: A 153 patients were considered as NGU cases. From them, 18 genera of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms were isolated. Aerobic bacterial isolates were two times the anaerobic bacterial isolates. The type of growth was heavy among patients in comparison to scanty growth among controls. The most common microorganism in each group were Staph. epidermidis, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Bacteroides species. Conclusion: Aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms are associated with urethritis in men. The confluent growth and dramatic response after treatment by appropriate antibiotics confirm the roles of the isolated bacteria in development of NGU in men.
Selectivity of Oxymetazoline for Urethral Pressure vs Blood Pressure in the Anaesthetized Female Rabbit

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test alpha-adrenergic reference agonists for tissue selectivity in the urethra and to pharmacologically characterize the functional alpha-adrenoceptor type of the female rabbit urethra in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS The effect of alpha-adrenergic agonists and antagonists on the urethral pressure was compared with that on blood pressure and heart rate measured simultaneously in the anaesthetized female rabbit. RESULTS Oxymetazoline, NS-49, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine enhanced the urethral pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine also enhanced the blood pressure with significantly lower ED50 (dose that gives half of the maximal enhancing effect) values than for the urethral pressure. This was in contrast to oxymetazoline and NS-49. The ED50 values for oxymetazoline on urethral pressure, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 0.00067, 0.0030 and 0.0020 mg/kg, respectively. The ED50 values for NS-49 on urethral pressure, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 0.019, 0.21 and 0.18 mg/kg, respectively. Clonidine and UK 14,304 had no effect on urethral or blood pressure. The oxymetazoline-evoked increase in urethral pressure was inhibited by WB-4101 with an ID50 (dose that gives half of the inhibitory effect) significantly lower than that for rauwolscine. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that in the female rabbit in vivo activation of alpha1-adrenoceptors increased the urethral pressure. Phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine, in contrast to oxymetazoline and NS-49, selectively enhanced blood pressure as compared with urethral pressure. Provided that the present results also have validity in humans, it would seem possible to develop urethra-selective drugs for treatment of stress incontinence with few or no cardiovascular side-effects.
ESTUDO COMPARATIVO SOBRE QUALIDADE DO SONO ENTRE UNIVERSITÁRIOS DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO DE ENSINO DO SUL CATARINENSE

O sono tem funcao biologica fundamental na consolidacao da memoria, na termorregulacao, na conservacao e restauracao da energia e, na restauracao do metabolismo energetico cerebral. Suas alteracoes interferem no funcionamento fisico, ocupacional, cognitivo e social do individuo, comprometendo a qualidade de vida. Logo, este estudo objetivou estudar a qualidade do sono de 309 academicos dos cursos de Medicina, Engenharia Civil e Direito, das primeiras, segundas, setimas e oitavas fases, da Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, atraves do questionario de Pittsburgh-PSQI. Este estudo respeita a norma 466/2012 do Conselho Nacional de Saude e, foi aprovado pelo CEP da Universidade. Dos estudantes entrevistados, 51,7% sao do sexo feminino. As idades variaram de 18 a 56 anos, com media de 23 anos. 45% dos estudantes eram do curso de Medicina, 25,8% eram do curso de Engenharia Civil e 25,2% eram do curso de Direito. Por meio do questionario PSQI verificou-se que os estudantes demoravam, em media, 25 minutos para iniciar o sono. A duracao media do sono na amostra foi de 6h50min. A associacao entre qualidade do sono e os diferentes cursos se mostrou estatisticamente significante ( p =0,009). Verificou-se que a Medicina apresentou 64,7% dos alunos com qualidade do sono ruim, no Direito, 60,3% e, no curso de Engenharia Civil 44,6% dos estudantes. Logo, concluiu-se que a qualidade do sono ruim foi mais prevalente entre os estudantes de Medicina, se comparada ao Direito e a Engenharia Civil e, a pior qualidade do sono foi encontrada nos estudantes da oitava fase.
Bose-Einstein Condensates in Time Dependent Traps.

We present analytical results for the macroscopic wave function of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a time dependent harmonic potential. The evolution of the spatial density is a dilatation, characterized by three scaling factors which allow a classical interpretation of the dynamics. This approach is an efficient tool for the analysis of recent experimental results on the expansion and collective excitation of a condensate. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society. }