Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Illuminating the Effects of Stroke on the Diabetic Brain: Insights From Imaging Neural and Vascular Networks in Experimental Animal Models

Type 1 diabetes is known to cause circulatory problems in the eyes, heart, and limbs, and the brain is no exception. Because of the insidious effects of diabetes on brain circulation, patients with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have an ischemic stroke and are less likely to regain functions that are lost. To provide a more mechanistic understanding of this clinically significant problem, imaging studies have focused on how stroke affects neural and vascular networks in experimental models of type 1 diabetes. The emerging picture is that diabetes leads to maladaptive changes in the cerebrovascular system that ultimately limit neuronal rewiring and recovery of functions after stroke. At the cellular and systems level, diabetes is associated with abnormal cerebral blood flow in surviving brain regions and greater disruption of the blood-brain barrier. The abnormal vascular responses to stroke can be partly attributed to aberrant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling because genetic or pharmacological inhibition of VEGF signaling can mitigate vascular dysfunction and improve stroke recovery in diabetic animals. These experimental studies offer new insights and strategies for optimizing stroke recovery in diabetic populations.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Is a Substrate and Downstream Effector of SHP-2 Complexed with Helicobacter pylori CagA

ABSTRACT Infection with cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated with atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma. The cagA gene product CagA is translocated from H. pylori into gastric epithelial cells and undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation by Src family kinases (SFKs). Tyrosine-phosphorylated CagA binds and activates SHP-2 phosphatase and the C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) while inducing an elongated cell shape termed the “hummingbird phenotype. ” Here we show that CagA reduces the level of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation in gastric epithelial cells. The decrease in phosphorylated FAK is due to SHP-2-mediated dephosphorylation of FAK at the activating phosphorylation sites, not due to Csk-dependent inhibition of SFKs, which phosphorylate FAK. Coexpression of constitutively active FAK with CagA inhibits induction of the hummingbird phenotype, whereas expression of dominant-negative FAK elicits an elongated cell shape characteristic of the hummingbird phenotype. These results indicate that inhibition of FAK by SHP-2 plays a crucial role in the morphogenetic activity of CagA. Impaired cell adhesion and increased motility by CagA may be involved in the development of gastric lesions associated with cagA-positive H. pylori infection.
Evaluation of Low-dose Endotoxin Administration during Pregnancy as a Model of Preeclampsia

BackgroundRecent evidence implicates nitric oxide ( · NO) in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The authors tested the hypothesis that administration of low-dose endotoxin to pregnant rats mimics the signs of preeclampsia in humans and that · NO and · NO-derived species play a role in that animal model. MethodsEndotoxin was infused at doses of 1, 2 and 10 &mgr;g/kg over 1 h to rats on day 14 of pregnancy. Mean arterial pressure, urinary protein, urinary and plasma nitrite plus nitrate (NO2− + NO3−) concentrations, and platelet count were measured before and after the endotoxin infusion. In another group of pregnant rats, the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-nitroarginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was administered in drinking water at a dose of 3 mg · kg−1 · d−1 starting on day 7 of pregnancy. Endotoxin was then infused at 10 &mgr;g/kg on day 14 of pregnancy. Kidneys and uteroplacental units were examined histologically and analyzed immunohistochemically for 3-nitrotyrosine. ResultsEndotoxin administration at doses of 2 and 10 &mgr;g/kg caused proteinuria and thrombocytopenia in pregnant rats, but did not result in hypertension. Urinary NO2− + NO3− concentration, reflective of tissue · NO production rates, was significantly elevated in pregnant rats that received endotoxin at 10 &mgr;g/kg. Ingestion of l-NAME caused hypertension. Tissues from pregnant rats treated with l-NAME, endotoxin at 10 &mgr;g/kg, and a combination of l-NAME and endotoxin had increased 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity. ConclusionNitric oxide either directly or through secondary species plays a significant role in the biochemical and physiologic changes that occur in a rodent model of endotoxin-induced injury.
CHANGES IN VARIOUS METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN BLOOD AND MILK OF DAIRY COWS DURING BOVINE MASTITIS

The aim of this study was to elucidate and compile some of major findings concern to biochemical changes in blood and milk of cow during bovine mastitis. The surf field mastitis test was used to diagnose bovine mastitis and health status of animals was also further confirmed by veterinary doctor. The analysis of blood samples revealed a significant decrease in the heamoglobin and RBC count, whereas significant increase in the leucocytes counts in the blood sample of cows suffering from mastitis. Evaluation of oxidative stress parameters revealed that their was a significant decline in the activity of SOD, CAT and GST and also decline in the level of GSH. However, significant elevation in the level of TBARS was observed in the blood sample of cows with mastitis. Further the study showed a significant increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in the blood of the cows with bovine mastitis. Whereas significant decrease in the concentration of phosphorus was noted in the blood of cows suffering from mastitis. Additionaly, the study presented a significant decrease in the carbohydrate and fat content, whereas significant increase in the protein and total dissolved solids in milk of cows with intramammary infection. It was also noted that in SDS PAGE number of protein bands in the milk sample of infected cows were more than the healthy milk samples. The results of present study is an evidences to suggest the effective defence mechanism of the immune system to prevent and neutralize the free radical induced during intramammary infections and our results conclude that all the noticeable findings in this investigation are due to the impairment in mammary gland due to invading pathogenic bacteria causing bovine mastitis.
Ascending-to-Supraceliac Abdominal Aortic Bypass for Complex Coarctation , Recoarctation and Aortic Arch Obstruction in Adults : A 20-Year Postoperative Appraisal

Background: Use of the supraceliac segment of abdominal aorta for ascending aorta-to-abdominal aorta bypass has been poorly documented for coarctation of aorta and interrupted aortic arch presenting in adults as an alternative to decrease the high complication rate associated with anatomic repair. Patients and Methods: Between January 1998and September 2018, 16 consecutive patients underwent ascending aorta-to-abdominal aorta bypass in the supraceliac bare area for adult coarctation of aorta and interrupted aortic arch. Age ranged from 18 to 60 years. Indications were coarctation of aorta (n=10), aortic arch interruption (n=3), long segment coarctation of aorta (n=1) and recurrent coarctation of aorta not amenable to endovascular intervention (n=2). Results: There was no early or late death. There was no spinal cord ischemia, phrenic or left recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, cerebral or coronary steal, chylothorax or massive bleeding. Three patients had paradoxical hypertension, managed conservatively. At a mean follow-up of 10.6 (SD±6.8) years, all patients are in NYHA functional class I and had statistically significant reduction of gradient across the coarctation (p<0.001). Magnetic resonance angiography (n=14) revealed wide, unrestricted anastomoses with no kinking, distortion or anastomotic aneurysms. Conclusion: On the basis of these results, ascending aorta-to-abdominal aorta bypass in the supraceliac bare area appears to be a versatile technique for relief of coarctation of aorta and interrupted aortic arch presenting in adulthood and eliminates the operative complications associated with anatomical repair. We believe that the absence of mortality and morbidity resulted from careful operative technique and a repair that is well protected deep within the mediastinal space. Long-term evaluation will be mandatory to assess the possible occurrence of specific complications encountered with prosthetic materials.
Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nutritional status in pancreatic cancer patients.

BACKGROUND Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a multifunctional cytokine associated with cancer-related cachexia. In this study we evaluated serum levels of TNF-alpha in pancreatic cancer patients and investigated their relationships to cachexia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum TNF-alpha levels were determined in 63 patients with pancreatic cancer using an enzyme immunoassay specific for human TNF-alpha. RESULTS Serum TNF-alpha levels were detected in 36.5% of patients. Patients with metastatic disease showed significantly higher positive serum TNF-alpha rate compared to those with non-metastatic disease. Patients with detectable serum TNF-alpha levels had significantly lower body weight and body mass index, lower haematocrit and haemoglobin values, and lower serum total protein and albumin levels compared to those with undetectable TNF-alpha levels. Serum TNF-alpha levels were inversely correlated with body weight, body mass index, haematocrit, haemoglobin, and serum protein and albumin levels. CONCLUSIONS TNF-alpha levels are detectable in the serum of pancreatic cancer patients, particularly in those with advanced disease, and these levels correlate with poor nutritional status.
Expression of miR-218 in brain glioma and its relationship with AKT / mTOR signal pathway

Brain glioma is one common and severe intracranial malignant tumor. Current treatment strategy cannot obtain satisfactory efficacy. Further study of pathogenesis mechanism is thus of critical importance for novel treatment measure. MicroRNA (miR)-218 is closely related with pathogenesis and progression of brain glioma, detailed mechanism of which, however, remains unknown. This study thus investigated the role of miR-218 in brain glioma by examining Akt/mTOR signal pathway. Tumor tissue and adjacent tissue samples were collected from glioma patients. Meanwhile miR-218 mimic or NC plasmid was used to transfect U251 cells. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was employed to detect miR-218 level in both tumor tissue and culture cells. Protein level of p-Akt and p-mTOR was measured by Western blotting. MiR-218 expression level was significantly lower in brain glioma tissues compared to adjacent tissues (t=8.32, P<0.001). MiR-218 level was gradually decreased with higher pathology grade of glioma, which also had remarkably higher level of p-Akt and p-mTOR than normal tissues. The expression level of p-Akt and p-mTOR protein was positively correlated with pathology grade of glioma and was negatively correlated with miR-218 level (r=-0.91 or -0.90, P<0.001). Cultured cells had significantly lower levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR proteins after over-expressing miR-218 (P<0.05). MiR-218 and abnormal expression of Akt/mTOR signal pathways are related with occurrence and prognosis of brain glioma. Mir-218 might exert anti-tumor effects via regulating Akt/mTOR signal pathways.
[Suggestions for utilization of the mini-mental state examination in Brazil].

UNLABELLED Mini-metal state examination (MMSE) is a screening test to detect cognitive impairment. The objectives of the present study are to describe some adaptations for use of MMSE in Brazil and to propose rules for its uniform application. METHOD We evaluated 433 healthy subjects using the MMSE and verified the possible influence of demographic variables on total scores. RESULTS Educational level was the main factor that influenced performance, demonstrated by ANOVA: F(4,425) = 100.45, p<0.0001. The median values for educational groups were: 20 for illiterates; 25 for 1 to 4 yrs; 26.5 for 5 to 8 yrs; 28 for 9 to 11 yrs and 29 for higher levels. CONCLUSION The MMSE is an excellent screening instrument and definitive rules are necessary for comparison purposes.
Survey on some ectoparasitic infestation in Sparus aurata in mariculture and trials to treatment with an herbal drug

In the present study, seventy sea bream (Sparus aurata) were collected from private fish farms in Damietta governorate between October 2016 to Septmber 2017. The clinical manifestations of examined fish were observed and recorded. Parasitic examination of fish revealed infection with two protozoa genera including: Trichodina, and Amyloodinum with total prevalence rates 34.3%and 17.1%, respectively. Infestation with monogenetic trematode from the genus Furnestinia with prevalence rate of 35.7%, as well as one genus of crustacean: Caligus with prevalence rate of 21.4% has also been demonstrated. Efficacy of an essential oils product (Vaccium 210) was tested in vitro against Trichodina and Furnestinia. Also in vivo efficacy was investigated by bathing of naturally infested Sparus aurata suffered from mixed infestation of a Trichodina and Furnestinia at variable Vaccium 210 concentrations and exposure times. Complete eradication of both parasites from all infested Sparus aurata was achieved by 10 ppm / 1 hour. Vaccium 210 was not toxic to Sparus aurata fish and hat a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) 93.6ppt / 96hr.
Different neuronal populations mediate inflammatory pain analgesia by exogenous and endogenous opioids

Mu-opioid receptors (MORs) are crucial for analgesia by both exogenous and endogenous opioids. However, the distinct mechanisms underlying these two types of opioid analgesia remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that analgesic effects of exogenous and endogenous opioids on inflammatory pain are mediated by MORs expressed in distinct subpopulations of neurons in mice. We found that the exogenous opioid-induced analgesia of inflammatory pain is mediated by MORs in Vglut2+ glutamatergic but not GABAergic neurons. In contrast, analgesia by endogenous opioids is mediated by MORs in GABAergic rather than Vglut2+ glutamatergic neurons. Furthermore, MORs expressed at the spinal level is mainly involved in the analgesic effect of morphine in acute pain, but not in endogenous opioid analgesia during chronic inflammatory pain. Thus, our study revealed distinct mechanisms underlying analgesia by exogenous and endogenous opioids, and laid the foundation for further dissecting the circuit mechanism underlying opioid analgesia.
ATTENUATION MODELS FOR RESPONSE SPECTRA DERIVED FROM JAPANESE STRONG-MOTION RECORDS ACCOUNTING FOR TECTONIC SOURCE TYPES

A spectral acceleration attenuation model for Japan is presented. It accounts for effects of tectonic source type and the faulting mechanisms for crustal earthquakes. Site class terms, instead of individual site correction terms, are used based on a recent study on site classification for strong motion recording stations in Japan. By using site class terms, source type effects are identified. For crustal and interface earthquakes, a simple form of attenuation model is able to capture the main strong motion characteristics and achieve unbiased estimates. For subduction slab events, a simple distance modification factor is employed to achieve plausible and unbiased prediction. Effects of source depth, tectonic source type, and faulting mechanisms for crustal earthquakes are significant.
Acute undifferentiated neonatal diarrhea of beef calves: the prevalence of enterotoxigenic E. coli, reo-like (rota) virus and other enteropathogens in cow-calf herds.

THE ETIOLOGY OF NEONATAL CALF DIARRHEA is complex and involves a variety of infectious, nutritional, immunological and environmental factors. Although many infectious agents have been isolated from the feces and tissues of diarrheic calves the relative importance of each one has not been established. Recently, infections of individual calves and herds with multiple enteropathogens have been demonstrated (1, 2, 4, 10, 18, 19, 20, 31). Calves in
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF POOR SANITATION IN AFRICA

Tanzania sanitation coverage Traditionally, sanitation has not received the priority it deserves. It has not been widely recognized how good sanitation policies and practices can underpin socio-economic development and environmental protection. This study provides an estimation of economic impacts on populations without access to improved sanitation in order to provide information on the losses to society of the current sanitation situation. While not all these economic impacts can be immediately recovered from improved sanitation practices, it provides a perspective on the economic gains that are available to countries through a range of policies to mitigate these impacts over the longer term. Underlying data sets to estimate economic impacts are weak; the study therefore uses objectively verified data sources and conservative numbers to estimate economic impacts. Several impacts have been excluded due to lack of data (see page 3). Therefore the total costs of poor sanitation in this report are likely to be a significant underestimate. March 2012
Mutational and crystallographic analyses of the active site residues of the bacillus circulans xylanase

Using site‐directed mutagenesis we have investigated the catalytic residues in a xylanase from Bacillus circulans. Analysis of the mutants E78D and E172D indicated that mutations in these conserved residues do not grossly alter the structure of the enzyme and that these residues participate in the catalytic mechanism. We have now determined the crystal structure of an enzyme‐substrate complex to 1.8 Å resolution using a catalytically incompetent mutant (E172C). In addition to the catalytic residues, Glu 78 and Glu 172, we have identified 2 tyrosine residues, Tyr 69 and Tyr 80, which likely function in substrate binding, and an arginine residue, Arg 112, which plays an important role in the active site of this enzyme. On the basis of our work we would propose that Glu 78 is the nucleophile and that Glu 172 is the acid‐base catalyst in the reaction.
Transcranial Doppler screening for stroke risk in children with sickle cell disease: a systematic review

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common causes of stroke in children worldwide. Based on the results of the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP), annual transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) screening for affected children is standard practice. However, the need for TCD surveillance programs could override the accuracy of the screening, affecting the correct stratification of stroke risk and subsequent clinical management of the target population. Aims To shed light on this issue, a systematic review of the literature on TCD screening for children and adolescents with SCD was carried out (CRD42016050549), according to a list of clinically relevant questions, with a particular focus on screening practices in European countries. Quality of the evidence was rated using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation. Summary of review Thirty-three studies published in English or French were included (5 randomized controlled trials, 8 experimental non-randomized, and 20 observational studies). The quality of the retrieved evidence ranged between low and high, but was rated as moderate or high most of the times. TCD is effective as a screening tool for the primary prevention of stroke in SCD children. There is no high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of alternative screening methods, such as imaging-TCD with or without angle correction or magnetic resonance angiography. No evidence was found on effectiveness of the screening on children on hydroxyurea and with genotypes other than HbSS and HbS/β0. No European data were found on screening rates or adherence of screening practices to the STOP protocol. Conclusions High-quality studies on alternative screening methods that are currently used in real-world practice, and on screening applicability to specific subgroups of patients are urgently needed. Considering the low awareness of the disease in European countries and the lack of data on screening practices and adherence, clinicians need up-to-date guidelines for more uniform and evidence-based surveillance of children with SCD.
The Diagnostic Accuracy and Clinical Utility of Three Noninvasive Models for Predicting Liver Fibrosis in Patients with HBV Infection

Aim To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase -to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and aspartate aminotransferase–alanine aminotransferase ratio index (AAR) for predicting liver fibrosis in patients with HBV infection. Methods From January 2006 to December 2010,a total of 1543 consecutive chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients who underwent liver biopsies were enrolled. FIB-4,APRI, and AAR were calculated.The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) were calculated to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these models.The AUROCs of these models were compared by DeLong’s test.For further comparisons in different studies,the AUROCs were adjusted to conduct Adjusted AUROCs(ADjAUROCs) according to the prevalence of fibrosis stages using the difference between advanced and nonadvanced fibrosis (DANA). Results For prediction of significant fibrosis,severe fibrosis,and cirrhosis,the AUROCs of FIB-4 were 0.646(ADjAUROC 0.717),0.670(ADjAUROC 0.741), and 0.715(ADjAUROC 0.786) respectively;whereas it were 0.656(ADjAUROC 0.727),0.653(ADjAUROC 0.724) and 0.639(ADjAUROC 0.710) for APRI, 0.498(ADjAUROC 0.569),0.548(ADjAUROC 0.619) and 0.573(ADjAUROC 0.644) for AAR. The further comparisons demonstrated that there were no significant differences of AUROCs between FIB-4 and APRI in predicting significant and severe fibrosis(P > 0.05),while FIB-4 was superior to APRI in predicting cirrhosis(P < 0.001). Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of FIB-4 and APRI in patients with normal alanine aminotransferase(ALT) were higher than that in patients with elevated ALT. Conclusions The results demonstrated that FIB-4 and APRI are useful for diagnosis of fibrosis. FIB-4 and APRI have similar diagnostic accuracy in predicting significant and severe fibrosis,while FIB-4 is superior to APRI in predicting cirrhosis. The clinical utility of FIB-4 and APRI for fibrosis need further external validation in a large population before it was used for prediction of fibrosis in patients with HBV infection.
Association Analysis for Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphism with Major Depression and Fluoxetine Response

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced from its precursor L-arginine by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS), which includes at least three distinct isoforms – neuronal (nNOS), endothelial, and inducible NOS. Recent studies have implicated NOS in the mechanism that underlies the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant medication. In addition, major depressive disorder (MDD) patients were found to have significantly higher plasma nitrate concentrations than normal subjects, an index of NO production, in comparison to normal subjects. In a population-based association study, we tested the hypothesis that the nNOS C276T polymorphism confers susceptibility to MDD. We also examined the association between this polymorphism and therapeutic fluoxetine response in 114 MDD patients who underwent a 4-week fluoxetine treatment. The results demonstrate that the nNOS variants are found at similar frequencies in MDD patients and healthy control subjects. Further, we did not discover any genetic variants that influenced the fluoxetine response in MDD patients treated with fluoxetine. Our findings suggest that this nNOS C276T polymorphism does not play a major role in the susceptibility to, or fluoxetine response in, MDD. However, the association between other NOS variants and MDD or antidepressant response, including sexual dysfunction, may warrant further investigation.