Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Meeting Mitchell's Challenge: A Comparison of Relational Psychoanalysis and Intersubjective Systems Theory

A human being is part of the whole, called by us, the “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and foundation for inner security. 1
A Self-Rectifying $\hbox{HfO}_{x}$ -Based Unipolar RRAM With NiSi Electrode

In this letter, a unipolar resistive switching random access memory (RAM) based on NiSi/HfOx/TiN structure is demonstrated, which is compatible with NiSi S/D in advance CMOS technology process. Highlights of the demonstrated resistive RAM include the following: 1) CMOS-technology-friendly materials and process; 2) excellent self-rectifying behavior in low-resistance state (>; 103 at 1 V); 3) well-behaved memory performance, such as high on/off resistance ratio (>; 102) and good retention characteristics (>;105 s at 125 °C ); and 4) wide readout margin for high-density cross-point memory devices (number of word lines 106 for the worst case condition).
Inhibition of Smad7 with a specific antisense oligonucleotide facilitates TGF-beta1-mediated suppression of colitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Defective transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 signaling due to high levels of Smad7 is a feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we analyzed the effect of reducing Smad7 levels with antisense oligonucleotide on mouse models of colitis. METHODS Mucosal samples taken from colitic tissue of mice with colitis due to either haptenating reagents (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid [TNBS] or oxazolone) or to transfer of T cells (SCID transfer colitis) were analyzed for Smad3 and/or Smad7 expression by Western blotting and, in some cases, content of TGF-beta1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of oral Smad7 antisense oligonucleotide on mucosal inflammation was assessed. RESULTS TGF-beta1 levels were increased in the inflamed tissues of mice with colitis induced by either TNBS or oxazolone. Nevertheless, TGF-beta1 did not exert a regulatory effect, probably because TGF-beta1 signaling was blocked, as indicated by the presence of reduced Smad3 phosphorylation and high levels of Smad7. Oral administration of Smad7 antisense oligonucleotide to colitic mice restored TGF-beta1 signaling via Smad3 and ameliorated inflammation in hapten-induced colitis. In addition, Smad7 antisense oligonucleotide had a therapeutic effect on relapsing TNBS-induced colitis but not on cell-transfer colitis. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that colitis models associated with high endogenous TGF-beta1 levels and defective TGF-beta1 signaling due to high levels of Smad7 can be ameliorated by down-regulation of Smad7 and by oral administration of Smad7 antisense oligonucleotide. This may represent a new approach to the control of IBD, particularly during active phases when its Smad7 profile resembles that of hapten-induced colitis.
Effectiveness and safety of the sirolimus‐eluting stents coated with bioabsorbable polymer coating in human coronary arteries

Background: Although the sirolimus‐eluting stent (CYPHER®, Cordis, USA) has shown a dramatic reduction of restenosis, there are still some concerns about its efficacy and safety. Its durable polymer coating may enhance neointimal proliferation and residual sirolimus, which cannot be released from polymer, may result in incomplete reendothelization. As a drug reservoir, bioabsorbable polymer (polylactic acid, PLA) is more rational. Objective: We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of sirolimus‐eluting stent coated with PLA (EXCEL®, JW Medical Systems, China) in the treatment of human coronary arterial diseases. Methods: The study included 31 patients with de novo coronary lesions, with vessels 2.5–3.5 mm in diameter. The primary end points included the percentage of in‐stent restenosis of the luminal diameter and in‐stent late luminal loss at 6 months, as determined by quantitative angiography. The secondary end point was the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) 30 days and 6 months after the index procedure. Results: Forty‐eight EXCEL stents were successfully delivered in the 34 lesions, and multiple stents were implanted in 35.3% of lesions. All patients were discharged without clinical complications and completed clinical follow‐up at 1 and 6 months. No MACE had occurred. Twenty patients (30 stents) completed 6 months of angiographic follow‐up. No in‐stent or in‐lesion restenosis (diameter stenosis ≥≥50%) was observed. In‐stent late loss was (0.07 ± 0.17) mm. Conclusions: The implantation of EXCEL stent is feasible and safe and elicits minimal neointimal proliferation. This new stent has potential advantages regarding the long‐long‐term result over the commercially stent as the new stent has no sustained stimulation to the local tissue. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paediatric toe-to-hand transfer: an assessment of outcomes from a single unit

Toe-to-hand transfer is an acceptable treatment option for children born with absent digits. Toe transfer can provide functionally useful digits and may enhance patient wellbeing. A total of 19 children had 31 free second-toe-to-hand microsurgical transfers between 1998 and 2012. The mean age of these children at the time of the first operation was 45 months. All transferred toes survived. The donor site was satisfactory in all 19 patients. Twelve children (19 toes) attended a special review clinic; all children could grasp large objects (Duplo bricks) after toe transfer. The total passive range of motion was greater than total active range of motion by an average of 54 degrees. Static 2-point discrimination was generally excellent (mean = 5 mm). Eleven out of 12 children strongly agreed that their toe transfer had improved hand function. Microsurgical toe-to-hand transfer is a safe and reliable technique that can provide useful function for children with congenital differences. Our series compares favourably with the published literature. Level of evidence: IV
Efficacy and economic evaluation of pilocarpine in treating radiation-induced xerostomia

Xerostomia, resulting from therapeutic irradiation of the head and neck, can be debilitating and destructively impact the patient’s quality of life. The first priority of treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia should be to preserve oral and dental health. Therapeutic doses of fluoride and meticulous dental hygiene are the treatments of choice for this purpose. Measures taken to prevent superinfection with cariogenic bacteria and fungi are also important. In addition to minimising damage to the dentition, it is important to provide palliative therapy to help the patient live a more normal life. Salivary substitutes help some patients but muscarinic, cholinergic sialogogues provide a more physiological replacement in those patients who have measurable residual salivary function. An oral formulation of pilocarpine hydrochloride is approved to treat radiation-induced xerostomia. In such cases, it has been shown to effectively stimulate salivary flow and relieve subjective symptoms associated with oral dryness. Administration of this drug is associated with predictable, but generally tolerable, adverse effects. Similar drugs, approved for other indications, have been shown to produce comparable results. These drugs are generally less expensive than the oral formulation of pilocarpine. As treatment of irradiation-induced xerostomia with muscarinic, cholinergic sialogogues is palliative, not curative, administration of these drugs should be individualised and guided by the patient’s willingness to balance symptomatic efficacy with adverse effects and the expense of treatment.
Blood serotonin, serum melatonin and light therapy in healthy subjects and in patients with nonseasonal depression

The 24‐h rhythms of blood serotonin and serum melatonin were determined in 39 unmediated inpatients with nonseasonal affective disorder and in 14 healthy men and women after 7 days of morning bright‐light (2500 lx) or dim‐light (50 lx) treatment. Bright‐light treatment led to a more than 50% decrease in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score in 4/19 patients and dim light in 1/17 patients. After light treatment the mesor (the daily mean estimated by cosinor analysis) of patients’ and subjects’ melatonin levels did not change significantly, nor was there a correlation between phase change and decrease in HRSD score. We observed after bright‐ and dim‐light treatment a consistent increase in blood serotonin in patients and healthy subjects, which differed significantly between healthy subjects and patients. These findings suggest the involvement of serotonergic mechanisms following light therapy.
RAS and leukemia: from basic mechanisms to gene-directed therapy.

PURPOSE AND DESIGN The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the literature linking Ras signaling pathways and leukemia and to discuss the biologic and potential therapeutic implications of these observations. A search of MEDLINE from 1966 to October 1998 was performed. RESULTS A wealth of data has been published on the role of Ras pathways in cancer. To be biologically active, Ras must move from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. Importantly, a posttranslational modification--addition of a farnesyl group to the Ras C-terminal cysteine--is a requisite for membrane localization of Ras. Farnesylation of Ras is catalyzed by an enzyme that is designated farnesyltransferase. Recently, several compounds have been developed that can inhibit farnesylation. Preclinical studies indicate that these molecules can suppress transformation and tumor growth in vitro and in animal models, with little toxicity to normal cells. CONCLUSION An increasing body of data suggests that disruption of Ras signaling pathways, either directly through mutations or indirectly through other genetic aberrations, is important in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of cancers. Molecules such as farnesyl transferase inhibitors that interfere with the function of Ras may be exploitable in leukemia (as well as in solid tumors) as novel antitumor agents.
Contraceptive use among hairdressers in South-west Nigeria

Summary Hairdressers and their apprentices are mostly women in their reproductive years. The social environment in hairdressing salons provides the opportunity to discuss sexual exploits among peers and may influence decisions on sexual behavior. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and use of contraceptives among hairdressers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics and knowledge and use of contraceptive methods among hairdressers in Ibadan, South-west Nigeria. A total of 355 hairdressers were interviewed: 60 apprentices (17%) and 295 qualified hairdressers (83%); 110 (31%) single and 240 (67%) married. They were females aged 15 – 49 years (mean 29 ± 6.9 years). Some 70% of single women had regular sexual partners. A total of 24 single women (21%) had been pregnant and 20 (18%) had abortions. Some 121 (34%) of the study population were currently using contraceptives: 27 single and 94 married respondents. The prevalence of contraceptive use among sexually active single women was 34%. The condom was the most known and used contraceptive method. The major reasons for non-use of contraceptives were fear of side-effects (23%); need for more children (16%); or respondents were not engaged in sexual activity (12%). Contraceptive use among sexually active single hairdressers is lower than the national average. Workplace educational intervention is needed to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among these young women.
Resveratrol at high doses acts as an apoptotic inducer in endothelial cells.

PURPOSES Resveratrol is a phenolic compound found in grapes and other food products. In order to assess the availability of resveratrol as an angio-inhibiting drug, we examined whether resveratrol plays an important role in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) for cell apoptosis and cell migration. METHODS AND MATERIALS Endothelial cell apoptosis was observed as detected by the Hoechst staining and the caspase-3 activity. Additionally, Western blotting was performed for monitoring the activities of various cell signaling molecules. RESULTS Resveratrol was shown to act as a pro-apoptotic agent. The pro-apoptotic effect of resveratrol was as great as that of etoposide, a well-known anti-cancer drug. In addition, resveratrol had an inhibitory effect on endothelial cell migration. The demonstrated efficacy of resveratrol suggests that resveratrol may be utilized as an anti-angiogenic drug. To determine the underlying mechanisms, we further investigated which signaling molecules are activated by resveratrol. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was activated by the treatment with resveratrol in BAECs, whereas endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS), Akt, and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were inhibited. The pretreatment with PD compound, an ERK inhibitor, had no effect on the pro-apoptosis induced by resveratrol. CONCLUSION Resveratrol plays an important role in endothelial cell apoptosis, indicating that resveratrol can be utilized as a potent anti-angiogenic drug.
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Central Nervous System of Patients with X‐Adrenoleukodystrophy

X-Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited peroxisomal disorder of deficient catabolism of very long-chain (VLC) fatty acids with resulting neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease. Our recent documentation of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated increase in VLC fatty acid levels in glial cells and demonstration of greater increase of VLC fatty acids levels in the inflammatory region (plaque) of X-ALD brain as compared to the normal-looking region away from the plaque prompted us to investigate the possible involvement of NO in the pathophysiology of X-ALD. Herein we provide evidence of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the CNS of X-ALD patients. In situ hybridization demonstrated that iNOS mRNA was present in brain tissues from X-ALD patients but not in normal controls. Double-labeling immunofluorescence studies using cell-specific markers confirmed that iNOS-expressing cells in the CNS of X-ALD were astrocytes and microglia/macrophages. Finally, antibodies against nitrotyrosine strongly immunoreacted with tissues from the center of the plaque region of X-ALD brains suggesting the presence of the NO reaction product nitrotyrosine in the CNS of X-ALD. Taken together, these results demonstrate that iNOS is expressed in the brains of patients with X-ALD and may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Aliskiren, a novel, orally effective renin inhibitor, lowers blood pressure in marmosets and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objectives Aliskiren is a new renin inhibitor of a novel structural class that has recently been shown to be efficacious in hypertensive patients after once-daily oral dosing. We report the results of animal experiments performed in marmosets and rats in order to characterize aliskiren before its recent investigation in humans. Methods The effects of aliskiren were investigated in sodium-depleted marmosets (oral dosing) and in spontaneously hypertensive rats (dosing via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps). Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were measured by radiotelemetry. Results In sodium-depleted marmosets, single oral doses of aliskiren (1-30 mg/kg) dose-dependently lowered BP. At a dose of 3 mg/kg, peak effects were observed 1 h after dosing (−30 ± 4 mmHg, n = 6) and the response persisted for more than 12 h. A single oral dose of 3 mg/kg aliskiren was more effective than the same dose of either remikiren or zankiren, two orally active renin inhibitors previously tested in humans. Aliskiren (10 mg/kg) was at least as effective as equal doses of the AT1-receptor blocker valsartan or the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor benazepril. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, aliskiren dose-dependently (10-100 mg/kg per day) decreased BP. Aliskiren also potentiated the antihypertensive effects of low doses of valsartan or benazeprilat (1 or 3 mg/kg per day). Conclusions Aliskiren is an orally effective, long-lasting renin inhibitor that shows antihypertensive efficacy in animals superior to previous renin inhibitors and at least equivalent to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and AT1-receptor blockers. Aliskiren may therefore represent an effective, novel approach to the treatment of hypertension and related disorders, alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
Transient Neurologic Symptoms after Spinal Anesthesia with Mepivacaine and Lidocaine

Background Spinal anesthesia with lidocaine is ideal for ambulatory surgery because of its short duration of action. However, transient neurologic symptoms (TNS) occur in 0–40% of patients. The incidence of TNS with mepivacaine, which has a similar duration of action, is unknown. Methods Sixty ambulatory patients undergoing knee arthroscopy received spinal anesthesia in a randomized, double‐blinded manner, with either 45 mg 1.5% mepivacaine or 60 mg 2% lidocaine. An L3‐L4 midline approach was used with a 27‐gauge Whitacre needle and a 20‐gauge introducer. The local anesthetic was injected over approximately 30 s with the aperture of the Whitacre needle in a cephalad direction. Two to 4 days after operation, each patient was questioned about the development of TNS. In addition, the two groups were compared for time to regression of sensory and motor blockade and time to discharge milestones. Results Three patients receiving lidocaine were lost to follow‐up. None of the 30 patients in the mepivacaine group developed TNS, whereas 6 of 27 (22%) in the lidocaine group did (P = 0.008). Time to regression to the L5 sensory level and to complete resolution of motor block were similar in both groups. The times to discharge milestones were also comparable. Conclusions The incidence of TNS is greater with 2% lidocaine than with 1.5% mepivacaine for patients having unilateral knee arthroscopy under spinal anesthesia. Mepivacaine seems to be a promising alternative to lidocaine for outpatient surgical procedures because of its similar duration of action. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal dose of intrathecal mepivacaine for ambulatory surgery and the incidence of TNS with other doses and concentrations of intrathecal mepivacaine.
Stability of Recombinant Protein Production in the GS‐NS0 Expression System Is Unaffected by Cryopreservation

Mammalian cells form a very important part of the repertoire of production systems available to scientists involved in the production of recombinant proteins. During the production of therapeutic proteins it is vital for regulatory approval of products that no phenotypic or genetic changes are observed in the cell line or product. As part of the generation and development of therapeutic protein production, cell lines have to be frozen at various stages to create cell banks. If cryopreservation and revival of frozen stocks were to give rise to any phenotypic changes in the cells, this would again be detrimental to the further development of that particular cell line. This study uses one of the most industrially important expression systems, the GS‐NS0 expression system, to examine the effect of cryopreservation on the growth and productivity profile of cell lines that exhibit differential degrees of stability during prolonged (production) culture periods. Results show that cryopreservation and revival procedures do not alter the stability characteristics of cell lines. This type of information is of great value in definition of protocols for cell line development.
Clinical equivalence between salbutamol hydro£uoroalkane pMDI and salbutamol Turbuhaler TM at the same cumulative microgram doses in paediatric patients

This study aimed to demonstrate equivalent efficacy and safety between salbutamol delivered via the HFA134a pMDI (Hydrofluoroalkane134a pressurised Metered Dose Inhaler) and theTurbuhaler t drypowderinhalerin asthmaticchildren.Thiswas arandomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, crossover studyin10 asthmatic children aged 6^15 years who demonstrated at least10% reversibility of FEV 1 after inhaling 400 m g of salbutamol. On 5 single studydays subjectsreceived either placebo orcumulative doses of100, 200,400 and 800 m g of salbutamol at 30 minuteintervals.Bothdeviceswereplacebo ononestudyday, whileeachdevicewasactiveontwostudydays.FEV 1 was measuredbefore and 20 minutes aftereachdose.Heartratewasmeasuredbefore spirometry.Mean FEV 1 andheartrate ateachtimepoint andthe areaunder the doseresponsetime curve (AUC) were analysedusing ANOVA.FEV 1 increased similarlyaftercumulative doses ofsalbutamoloneachofthe studydays, irrespective ofdevice.Meantreatmentdifference in AUCwas 0.01L. min (95%CI ^0.05 to 0.08L). Heartdidnotdifferatanydose.Itisconcludedthatsalbutamoldelivery from a HFApMDIand Turbuhaler t isequivalentonamicrogrambasisinasthmaticchildrenforefficacyandsafety. r 2002Elsevier
CC‐Type chemokine receptor 5‐&Dgr;32 mutation protects against primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and characterized by fibrosing inflammatory destruction of biliary ducts. The pathogenesis of PSC remains unknown, but immunological, bacterial, viral, and toxic factors play a role in a genetically susceptible host. We hypothesized that CC‐type chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) would be an interesting candidate gene for susceptibility to PSC from its chromosomal location within the IBD susceptibility locus on 3p21, as well as from a functional perspective. We therefore investigated the role of the functional 32‐bp deletion in this gene (CCR5‐&Dgr;32) with regard to susceptibility to PSC. Methods: A total of 110 patients with PSC, 56 with concomitant IBD (23 with Crohn's disease, 28 with ulcerative colitis, 5 with indeterminate colitis), were collected. All of the subjects were genotyped for CCR5‐&Dgr;32 with polymerase chain reaction amplification, followed by detection on ethidium bromide‐stained agarose gel. Genotypes and allele frequencies were compared with a cohort of IBD patients without PSC (n = 400) and healthy control subjects (n = 362). Results: The frequency of the CCR5‐&Dgr;32 mutation in PSC (6.8%) was significantly lower compared with IBD (12.6%; P = 0.016) and healthy control subjects (12.2%, P = 0.026), suggesting a protective effect of this mutation on PSC. None of the PSC patients with severe disease necessitating liver transplantation (n = 17) carried CCR5‐&Dgr;32. Conclusions: Because an intact CCR5 receptor is needed for internalization of specific pathogens and homing of memory T lymphocytes to the liver, we hypothesize that a deficient expression of this receptor resulting from the CCR5‐&Dgr;32 variant may protect against PSC.