Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local and diffuse mechanisms of primary afferent depolarization and presynaptic inhibition in the rat spinal cord

Two types of dorsal root potential (DRP) were found in the spinal cord of urethane‐anaesthetized rats. Local DRPs with short latency‐to‐onset were evoked on roots close to the point of entry of an afferent volley. Diffuse DRPs with a longer latency‐to‐onset were seen on more distant roots up to 17 segments from the volley entry zone. The switch to long latency‐to‐onset occurred abruptly as a function of distance along the cord and could not be explained by conduction delays within the dorsal columns. Long‐latency DRPs were also present and superimposed on the short‐latency DRPs on nearby roots. Both local and diffuse DRPs were evoked by light mechanical stimuli: von Frey hair thresholds were ≤ 1 gram force Changes in excitability of the terminals of sural nerve afferents were used to confirm that both local and diffuse DRPs were associated with primary afferent depolarization (PAD). These effects were potent: the area of the antidromic volley evoked in the sural nerve by intraspinal microstimulation in the L4/5 spinal segment was increased by 109 ± 50% (mean ±s.d.; n= 5) by nearby conditioning stimuli, and by 52 ± 12% (n= 6) with stimuli applied 9–13 mm (5–8 segments) away. The time course of the changes in terminal excitability closely matched those of the DRPs. Reduction of the field potentials evoked in the dorsal horn by stimulation of dorsal roots was also shown to accompany both local and diffuse DRPs. The area of the monosynaptically evoked field potential was reduced by 48 ± 19% (n= 7) with nearby conditioning stimulation and 16 ± 9% (n= 10) with stimulation 9–12 mm distant. Evidence is presented that this inhibition includes a presynaptic component. Similar effects were seen with field potentials evoked by sural nerve stimulation. It is concluded that diffuse DRPs are mediated through propriospinal networks which may contribute to the gating of sensory information flow during natural behaviour as they respond to weak mechanical stimuli and provoke presynaptic inhibition.
The Ilizarov hip reconstruction osteotomy for hip dislocation

Treatment of neglected high dislocation of the hip is difficult in adults. We performed hip reconstruction osteotomy, consisting of a proximal abduction and extension osteotomy, and a distal varisation and lengthening osteotomy, utilizing the Ilizarov external fixator in 14 (12 women) patients having a mean age of 20 (12-33) years. The most frequent preoperative complaints were pain, leg-length discrepancy, limping, reduced activity and limited abduction of the hip. After an average follow-up of 68 (55-81) months, the outcome was satisfactory; pain subsided in all patients, the Trendelenburg sign became negative in all but 3 patients, no patient had limb-length discrepancy, and alignment of the extremity was reestablished. However, 3 patients still complained of lurch.
Combination of vitamin E and vitamin C alleviates renal function in hyperoxaluric rats via antioxidant activity

Hyperoxaluria and oxidative stress are risk factors in calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation. Supplement with antioxidant could be effective in prevention of recurrent stone formation. The present study aims to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin E and vitamin C in hyperoxaluric rat. The experiment was performed in rats for 21 days. Rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: control (group 1, n=8), hyperoxaluric rats (group 2, n=8), hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin E supplement (group 3, n=7), hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin C supplement (group 4, n=7) and hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin E and C supplement (group 5, n=7). Hyperoxaluria was induced by feeding hydroxyl L-proline (HLP) 2% w/v dissolved in drinking water. Intraperitoneal 200 mg/kg of vitamin E was given in groups 3 and 5 on days 1, 6, 11 and 16, while 500 mg of vitamin C was injected intravenously in groups 4 and 5 on days 1 and 11. Renal functions and oxidative status were measured. The urinary oxalate excretion was increased in HLP supplement rats, while glomerular filtration rate, proximal water and sodium reabsorption were significantly lower in group 2 compared with a control (P<0.05). Giving antioxidants significantly lower urinary calcium oxalate crystals (P<0.05). Hyperoxaluric rats had higher plasma malondialdehyde (PMDA) and lower urinary total antioxidant status (UTAS), which were alleviated by vitamin E and/or vitamin C supplement. In conclusion, giving combination of vitamin E and vitamin C exerts a protective role against HLP-induced oxalate nephropathy.
Ubiquitin D is an independent prognostic marker for survival in stage IIB–IIC colon cancer patients treated with 5‐fluoruracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy

Postoperative 5‐fluoruracil (5‐FU)‐based adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for stage II colon cancer patients with high conventional risk factors; however, some of these patients still experience tumor recurrence. Identifying novel biomarkers to distinguish the risk of tumor recurrence after surgery is vital for improving their prognoses. We previously showed that ubiquitin D (UBD) can predict the prognosis of colon cancer; however, there are limited data on whether UBD is an independent prognostic factor for stage II patients treated with 5‐FU‐based adjuvant chemotherapy.
Barriers to cataract surgery of persons screened at camps in Ibadan, Nigeria.

PURPOSE To determine barriers to uptake of cataract surgery by outreach patients at the University College Hospital, Ibadan and to make appropriate recommendations for improved cataract surgery uptake METHODS Consenting cataract blind/visually impaired (presenting vision < 6/18) outreach patients identified from the outreach patient register of the University College Hospital, (UCH) Ibadan during a five months period (January to May 2009) were followed up for a visit in late June and July 2009. A semi-structured questionnaire schedule was used for data collection. People who did not use the services were administered a barriers questionnaire-schedule while those who accepted the services were administered a questionnaire schedule to elicit motivating factors for acceptance of services. Subjects were also examined using standard ophthalmic equipment (pen torch, ETDRS vision charts and ophthalmoscope) and information obtained recorded in a data entry form. RESULTS A total of 186 subjects comprising 115 who had undergone cataract surgery and 71 who were yet to access cataract surgery services were followed up and included in the study. Reason for accessing surgery included awareness of quality service 63 (57.0%), was referred 32(29.0%) and pressure from family or friends 13(12.0%). Barriers to access included, untreated medical problems 21 (29.0%), not able to afford total (direct and indirect) cost of treatment 15 (21.0%), cataract not mature 10 (14.0%), not able to afford cost of surgery 9 (13.0%) and Dr's appointment 8 (11.0%). CONCLUSION barriers to surgery uptake by outreach camp patients include cost of services, underlying medical problems and preferred doctors' practice. Adoption and scaling up of health insurance to cover those most in need as well as a change in preferred practice amongst eye care practitioners are possible areas for intervention.
Both p16 and p21 Families of Cyclin-dependent Kinase (CDK) Inhibitors Block the Phosphorylation of Cyclin-dependent Kinases by the CDK-activating Kinase (*)

Phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) by the CDK-activating kinase is required for the activation of CDK enzymes. Members of two families of CDK inhibitors, p16/p18 and p21/p27, become physically associated with and inhibit the activity of CDKs in response to a variety of growth-modulating signals. Here, we show that the representative members of both families of CDK inhibitors, p21, p27, and p18, can prevent the phosphorylation of their CDK partners, CDK2 and CDK6, by CDK-activating kinase. No direct interaction between CDK-activating kinase and the CDK inhibitors could be detected, suggesting that binding of these CDK inhibitors to CDK subunits renders CDK inaccessible to the CDK-activating kinase phosphorylation. These findings suggest that a general mechanism of CDK inhibitor function is to block the phosphorylation of CDK enzymes by CDK-activating kinase.
Slopes, Spreads, and Depth: Monetary Policy Announcements and Liquidity Provision in the Energy Futures Market

Abstract Crude oil futures play an important role in the global energy and financial markets, yet the dynamics of liquidity in this crucial market have largely been ignored. Understanding how macroeconomic events shape liquidity in this market is important for both hedgers and speculators. Using high-frequency data, we consider three elements of market liquidity to achieve a detailed picture of liquidity provision in the period around monetary policy announcements; the bid-ask spread, market depth, and order book slope. We show that liquidity is removed from the market around 2-mins prior to the announcement, is exceptionally low at the time of the announcement, and then reverts to normal within 9-mins of the announcement. The magnitude of the liquidity response is influenced by the size of the monetary policy surprise, consistent with traders that seek to protect themselves when the risk of adverse selection is greatest. The liquidity response is also determined by the term structure of the futures curve and prevailing credit conditions.
Psychology of Learning: A New Approach to Study Behavior of Rhodnius Prolixus Stal under Laboratory Conditions

Conditioning methodologies associated with the psychology of learning are suggested as a new strategy to investigate behavior of the assassin bug Rhodnius prolixus, which is the main vector of Chagas disease in Venezuela. Chagas disease is the fourth leading cause of death in Latin America, as it causes severe chronic illness and approximately 43,000 deaths per year. To illustrate this strategy, two preliminary experiments are reported. In the first, Pavlovian conditioning was examined by pairing an olfactory conditioned stimulus with a temperature unconditioned stimulus. A temperature of 42°C elicits a complex behavioral sequence in R. prolixus consisting of proboscis extension and crawling. Over the course of 12 training trials, this behavioral sequence was not elicited by an olfactory conditioned stimulus. In the second experiment, a latent inhibition paradigm was used to pre-expose R. prolixus to an olfactory conditioned stimulus before pairing the odor with temperature. Over the course of training, an effect of pre-exposure was found. Suggestions for research are discussed and potential conditioned and unconditioned stimuli identified.
Modeling of energy intensity in Turkey

ABSTRACT This study aims to model the energy intensity (or reversely energy use efficiency) of Turkey by using macroeconomic variables. The energy use per US$1,000 is found to decrease about 0.294 kg of oil equivalent per real US$1,000 as the world energy real price increases by one dollar, about 0.134 kg as the real per capita gross domestic product (GDP) increases by one dollar, about 0.008 as the energy gap (approximating net energy import) decreases by one kt of oil equivalent, and it is found to decrease about 4.88 kg of oil equivalent annually. The estimated models indicate co-integrated movement between energy intensity and explanatory variables for the period 1980–2011, as well each variable is found integrated at the first-order differences. These results imply that the energy efficiency improves as the world energy price and the per capita GDP increase while it decreases as the energy gap or import enlarges.
Secondary School Department Heads as Teacher Leaders: A Study in Suburban Ontario

This study focused on the leadership perceptions of 6 department heads, the conditions for their leadership role and their strategies, and supports for navigating their role. Research participants engaged in 2 sets of semistructured interviews; this resulted in . a wealth of richly detailed data. It is clear that department heads do act as teacher leaders, even if they do not use this language to discuss their roles. Five elements of the role of the department head as teacher leader unfolded. The research participants perceived their leadership role to be rooted in teaching. They noted their management and leadership roles. They recognized the importance of support for their work and the support that they provide to others. In addition, they provided an overview of key strategies that they implement to lead in their individualized contexts. Department heads also noted the difficulties associated with their position and the effects that these challenges have on them as individuals. This research has resulted in a number of key recommendations for stakeholders. Department heads themselves need to openly discus's their leadership role with their colleagues and their administrators. In turn, administrators need to develop a deeper understanding of the role along with the potential for balkanization in schools. In addition, unions, school districts, and professional bodies need to develop a system of support for department heads and other teacher leaders. With ongoing meanmgful communication and professional development, department heads will be more fully recognized as teacher leaders.
Constitutive Activity of TRPML2 and TRPML3 Channels versus Activation by Low Extracellular Sodium and Small Molecules*

Background: Physiological function(s) and activation mechanism(s) of TRPML2 and TRPML3 channels are largely unknown. Results: TRPML2 and TRPML3 channels are activated by different small chemical compounds and low extracellular sodium. Mutations in the first and second extracellular loops render TRPML3 constitutively active in high extracellular sodium. Conclusion: TRPML2 and TRPML3 display similar activation mechanisms. Significance: Novel insights into TRPML2 and TRPML3 activation are provided. The transient receptor potential channels TRPML2 and TRPML3 (MCOLN2 and MCOLN3) are nonselective cation channels. They are widely expressed in mammals. However, little is known about their physiological function(s) and activation mechanism(s). TRPML3 can be activated or rather de-inhibited by exposing it first to sodium-free extracellular solution and subsequently to high extracellular sodium. TRPML3 can also be activated by a variety of small chemical compounds identified in a high throughput screen and is inhibited by low pH. Furthermore, it was found that TRPML3 is constitutively active in low or no sodium-containing extracellular solution. This constitutive activity is independent of the intracellular presence of sodium, and whole-cell current densities are similar with pipette solutions containing cesium, potassium, or sodium. Here, we present mutagenesis data generated based on the hypothesis that negatively charged amino acids in the extracellular loops of TRPML3 may interfere with the observed sodium inhibition. We systematically mutated negatively charged amino acids in the first and second extracellular loops and found that mutating Glu-361 in the second loop has a significant impact on the sodium-mediated block of TRPML3. We further demonstrate that the TRPML3-related cation channel TRPML2 is also activated by lowering the extracellular sodium concentration as well as by a subset of small chemical compounds that were previously identified as activators of TRPML3, thus confirming the functional activity of TRPML2 at the plasma membrane and suggesting similar gating mechanisms for both TRPML channels.
Elimination of Electrically Induced Iontophoretic Artefacts: Implications for Non-Invasive Assessment of Peripheral Microvascular Function

Iontophoretic assessment of skin microvascular function is complicated by the occurrence of electrically induced hyperaemia, especially at the cathode. Studies were performed to identify means of reducing such effects. Skin vasodilator responses were measured using a laser Doppler imager that controlled iontophoretic current delivery. A novel feature involved monitoring voltage across the iontophoresis chambers. Comparison between responses to vehicle (distilled H2O), acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) showed electrically induced hyperaemia at the cathode associated with the vehicle, whose time course overlapped with that of the SNP response. Voltage across the chambers containing drugs dissolved in H2O was significantly (p = 0.018, n = 7) lower than the voltage profile of H2O alone. H2O iontophoresis was associated with cathodal hyperaemic responses in most subjects, whereas a 0.5% NaCl vehicle produced lower voltages and eliminated this artefact. Voltage·time integral rather than charge was the prime determinant of electrically induced hyperaemic responses. No significant correlation was found between skin fold thickness and either calculated skin resistance (r2 = 0.0002) or vascular response to ACh (r2 = 0.13). Smaller chamber size led to higher voltages and greater electrically induced hyperaemic responses. These appear to be prostaglandin dependent as they were ablated by cyclooxygenase inhibition. Use of a low-resistance vehicle combined with larger chamber sizes and lower currents can prevent such artefacts, thereby increasing the robustness of this methodology for clinical assessment of endothelial function.
Topical treatment of actinic keratoses with 3·0% diclofenac in 2·5% hyaluronan gel

Summary Background Actinic keratoses (AKs) are premalignant skin lesions, which, if left untreated, can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Current treatments for AKs are destructive and are often associated with significant adverse events. The development of an effective and well‐tolerated topical treatment for AK is desirable.
Differential effects of retinoids on proliferation of bovine mammary epithelial cells in collagen gel culture

The effects of increasing concentrations of retinol, retinal and retinoic acid on proliferation of bovine mammary epithelial cells were investigated in collagen gel cultures. All retinoids significantly inhibited proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. The relative inhibitory potency of the retinoids was: retinoic acid > retinal > retinol. Maximal inhibition at 10 μg/ml corresponded to a 75–95% inhibition of proliferation obtained in basal medium. Retinol, retinal and retinoic acid also inhibited proliferation of cells growth-stimulated with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Retinoids in highest concentrations (10 μg/ml) inhibited 68–85% of proliferation of cells obtained in culture medium containing 25 ng IGF-I/ml. Retinol and retinoic acid also inhibited proliferation of cells growth-stimulated by insulin and other growth factors from the IGF growth factor family (des(1-3)IGF-I and IGF-II), as well as growth factors from the epidermal growth factor family (EGF and TGF-α), with retinoic acid being more effective than retinol. At a concentration of 100 ng/ml, retinol and retinoic acid inhibited respectively 24–38 and 44–52% of mammary cell proliferation stimulated by growth factors of the IGF family, and at 10000 ng/ml, 61–71% of cell proliferation was inhibited. The growth-stimulating effect of insulin, EGF and TGF-α was inhibited 42–64% by retinol and retinoic acid at 100 ng/ml, and 64–84% at 10000 ng/ml. The present results show that retinol, retinal and retinoic acid are potent inhibitors of bovine mammary epithelial cell proliferation. It is suggested that retinoids may have concentration-dependent roles in regulation of pubertal mammary growth and development, indicating that the milk yield potential of heifers may be affected by vitamin A status.
Secular trends in physical fitness and obesity in Danish 9‐year‐old girls and boys: Odense School Child Study and Danish substudy of the European Youth Heart Study

Introduction: Low physical fitness and obesity have been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Obesity is on the increase in many countries, but little is known about physical fitness trends. Monitoring of changes in fitness and obesity in the population is important for preventive strategies, and the aim of this study was to analyse the secular trends in fitness and body composition in Danish children.
Medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT) diet in intractable seizure disorders

Seventeen patients with intractable seizures have been treated with the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet. All had frequent (often daily) seizures despite multiple medications. Age range was 12 months to 13 years. Types of seizures included myoclonic, akinetic, focal motor, atypical absence, generalized tonic, rind tonic-clonic. Five patients achieved total seizure control, and anticonvulsants were decreased or stopped. Five others had some improvement in seizure control. No change was seen in two. In two cases, parents could not deal with the diet, even though total control had been achieved in one case. The diet had to be discontinued in three others because of side effects (diarrhea, vomiting, irritability). Intractable seizure of all types may responld to treatment with the MCT diet. This mode of therapy has few side effects, is tolerated well in most instances, and can result in reduction or discontinuation of anticonvulsant medications.
Studies on the Role of Vasopressin in Blood Pressure Control of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats with Established Hypertension (SHR, Stroke‐Prone Strain)

We investigated the role of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in maintaining the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats (stroke-prone strain) with established hypertension (22 - 28 weeks of age). In comparison with normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, plasma AVP concentrations of SH rats with benign hypertension (BH) were elevated twofold and in rats with severe or malignant hypertension (S-MH), fourfold. The height of one blood pressure was quantitatively related to plasma AVP in both BH and S-MH rats, the overall correlation coefficient being 0.66 (p < 0.001). The intravenous injection of a specific AVP antiserum into conscious and unrestrained rats lowered blood pressure in 4 BH rats by 48 $pM 14 mm Hg and in 4 S-MH rats by 78 $pM 10 mm Hg and had only a marginal effect in 4 normotensive WKY rats. Infusion of saralasin did not lower blood pressure in WKYU and BH rats and reduced blood pressure in only 2 of 7 S-MH rats tested (by 15 and 20 mm Hg). During AVP infusion the blood pressure of SH rats increased more (p < 0.001) and heart fell much less (p < 0.001) than in WKY rats. It is concluded that in SH rats with established hypertension, plasma AVP plays an important role in the maintenance of high blood pressure, while the renin-angiotensin system plays a minor or no role.
Immunohistochemical study of the telencephalon of the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias

The paucity of experimental data and the differences in telencephalic organization between sharks and other jawed vertebrates have complicated telencephalic comparisons. The distribution of neuropeptides has been extremely useful in recognizing and comparing major subdivisions of the telencephalon among vertebrates. Immunohistochemical techniques were therefore used to study the distribution of substance P (SP), leucine‐enkephalin (LENK), and serotonin (5HT), as well as tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an indicator of catecholamines, in the telencephalon of the spiny dogfish.