Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does obesity play a major role in the pathogenesis of sleep apnoea and its associated manifestations via inflammation, visceral adiposity, and insulin resistance?

Abstract Despite the early recognition of the strong association between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and obesity, and OSA and cardiovascular problems, sleep apnoea has been treated as a “local abnormality” of the respiratory track rather than as a “systemic illness”. In 1997, we first reported that the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) were elevated in patients with disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and proposed that these cytokines were mediators of daytime sleepiness. In subsequent studies, it was shown that IL-6, TNFα, and insulin levels were elevated in sleep apnoea independently of obesity and that visceral fat was the primary parameter linked with sleep apnoea. Further studies showed that women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were much more likely than controls to have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and daytime sleepiness, suggesting a pathogenetic role of insulin resistance in OSA. Additional accumulated evidence that supports the role of obesity and the associated metabolic aberrations in the pathogenesis of sleep apnoea and related symptoms include: obesity without sleep apnoea is associated with daytime sleepiness; the protective role of gonadal hormones as suggested by the increased prevalence of sleep apnoea in post-menopausal women and the significantly reduced risk for OSA in women on hormonal therapy; partial effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in obese patients with apnoea on hypercytokinemia, insulin resistance indices, and visceral fat; and that the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the U.S. population from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994) parallels the prevalence of symptomatic sleep apnoea in general random samples. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of a cytokine antagonist on EDS and apnoea in obese, male apnoeics and that of exercise and weight loss on SDB and EDS in general random or clinical samples, supports the hypothesis that cytokines and insulin resistance are mediators of EDS and sleep apnoea in humans. Finally, our recent finding that in obese, hypothalamic CRH neuron is hypoactive, provides additional evidence on the potential central neural mechanisms for depressed ventilation and consequent development of sleep apnoea in obese individuals. In conclusion, accumulating evidence provides support to our thesis that obesity via inflammation, insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, and central neural mechanisms, e.g. hypofunctioning hypothalamic CRH, play a major role in the pathogenesis of sleep apnoea, sleepiness, and the associated cardiovascular co-morbidities.
BASAL JUNCTIONS AT SYNAPTIC ENDINGS OF TURTLE VISUAL CELLS

It has been often assumed that the first synapse of the visual pathway is confined to the region where the visual cell ending is indented by processes of other retinal elements (4, 9, 15), identified as horizontal and bipolar cells (11, 16). In the vicinity of the indented area, the visual cells contain small vesicles similar to those found at other synapses (3, 13, 14), and dense lamellae are conspicuously placed between the branches of the indenting processes (9). This recessed junction has received considerable attention in the past, but recently the existence of other junctional areas between visual cells and second order neurons has been suggested in the primate and frog retinas (6, 7, 11). In those instances junctions were found at the basal surface of cone pedicles, and structures interpreted as filaments extending between both cell membranes were noted in the frog retina (6). During the course of previous work on toad and rat retinas, I have also occasionally noticed the presence of opaque cross-bars in the intercellular gaps surrounding visual cell endings. These structures did not seem to be located within the area of the recessed junction, but the complex architecture of the toad and rat retinas made this interpretation
Cdk5 phosphorylation of EFhd2 at S74 affects its calcium binding activity

EFhd2 is a calcium binding protein, which is highly expressed in the central nervous system and associated with pathological forms of tau proteins in tauopathies. Previous phosphoproteomics studies and bioinformatics analysis suggest that EFhd2 may be phosphorylated. Here, we determine whether Cdk5, a hyperactivated kinase in tauopathies, phosphorylates EFhd2 and influence its known molecular activities. The results indicated that EFhd2 is phosphorylated by brain extract of the transgenic mouse CK‐p25, which overexpresses the Cdk5 constitutive activator p25. Consistently, in vitro kinase assays demonstrated that Cdk5, but not GSK3β, directly phosphorylates EFhd2. Biomass, tandem mass spectrometry, and mutagenesis analyses indicated that Cdk5 monophosphorylates EFhd2 at S74, but not the adjacent S76. Furthermore, Cdk5‐mediated phosphorylation of EFhd2 affected its calcium binding activity. Finally, a phospho‐specific antibody was generated against EFhd2 phosphorylated at S74 and was used to detect this phosphorylation event in postmortem brain tissue from Alzheimer's disease and normal‐aging control cases. Results demonstrated that EFhd2 is phosphorylated in vivo at S74. These results imply that EFhd2's physiological and/or pathological function could be regulated by its phosphorylation state.
Effect of music therapy with emotional-approach coping on preprocedural anxiety in cardiac catheterization: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Individuals undergoing cardiac catheterization are likely to experience elevated anxiety periprocedurally, with highest anxiety levels occurring immediately prior to the procedure. Elevated anxiety has the potential to negatively impact these individuals psychologically and physiologically in ways that may influence the subsequent procedure. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the use of music therapy, with a specific emphasis on emotional-approach coping, immediately prior to cardiac catheterization to impact periprocedural outcomes. METHODS The randomized, pretest/posttest control group design consisted of two experimental groups--the Music Therapy with Emotional-Approach Coping group [MT/EAC] (n = 13), and a talk-based Emotional-Approach Coping group (n = 14), compared with a standard care Control group (n = 10). RESULTS MT/EAC led to improved positive affective states in adults awaiting elective cardiac catheterization, whereas a talk-based emphasis on emotional-approach coping or standard care did not. All groups demonstrated a significant overall decrease in negative affect. The MT/EAC group demonstrated a statistically significant, but not clinically significant, increase in systolic blood pressure most likely due to active engagement in music making. The MT/EAC group trended toward shortest procedure length and least amount of anxiolytic required during the procedure, while the EAC group trended toward least amount of analgesic required during the procedure, but these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Actively engaging in a session of music therapy with an emphasis on emotional-approach coping can improve the well-being of adults awaiting cardiac catheterization procedures.
Effects of Serratia marcescens on the F1 Generation of Laboratory-Reared Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract The effects of the bacterium Serratia marcescens (Bizio) was investigated on the F1 generation of laboratory-reared Heliothis virescens (F.). There was no difference in adult male or female longevity (i.e., parental generation) for individuals inoculated with S. marcescens as larvae (Serratia treatment) and those that were free of the bacterium (control treatment). However, the number of eggs laid and the prevalence of eclosion of eggs from Serratia treatment adults were reduced relative to control treatment adults. A very low number of F1 Serratia treatment eggs exhibited signs of infection, but a higher prevalence of mortality was observed for F1 larvae (n = 2,888) for the Serratia (3.5–4.6%) than for the control (1.1–1.5%) treatment. No S. marcescens was isolated from dead control larvae; whereas, 48–54% of dead F1 larvae for the Serratia treatment were positive for the bacterium. However, there was no significant difference in larval weights between treatments. There were also no differences in either mortality or weight of F1 male pupae between treatments, but F1 female pupae were significantly smaller and prevalence of mortality was higher for the Serratia treatment. Serratia marcescens was not isolated from any of the control F1 pupae, but 6% of pupal cadavers for the Serratia treatment were positive for the bacterium. No S. marcescens was recovered from the meconia of any of the F1 adults (n = 2,600) regardless of treatment, and there were no differences in adult weights between treatments. Although sublethal effects of S. marcescens were detected, the impact and prevalence of the bacterium were tremendously reduced over the F1 generation in the absence of all but the most basic management strategies.
Parental perceptions of oral health-related quality of life for children with special needs: impact of oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia.

PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to: (1) describe the symptoms, daily life problems and parental concerns related to oral health for children with special health care needs; and (2) examine the effectiveness of oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia at improving quality of life (QOL). METHODS A single-group design measuring change over time was used. Family caregivers of 107 children with special needs, for whom oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia was recommended, completed a QOL survey upon dental examination. RESULTS Seventy-three children underwent oral rehabilitation, and 50 completed a follow-up survey. The most frequent survey responses before oral rehabilitation were: (1) spontaneous toothache and pain with hot/cold temperatures (oral symptoms); (2) difficulty eating and sleeping (daily life problems); and (3) worrying about eating and nutrition (parental concerns). Severity ratings for oral symptoms, daily life problems, and parental concerns were significantly lower (P<.001), and scores for oral well-being were significantly higher (P<.001) following oral rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers of special health care needs patients report a variety of oral symptoms, daily life problems, and concerns attributable to their child's oral health that impact QOL. Oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia is effective at improving QOL for special health care needs children and their families.
Nowy Jedwabny Szlak a wzrost pozycji krajów Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej wobec Rosji i Chin

This article discusses the realization of the conception of the New Silk Road in the countries of East-Central Europe. Author in the introduction of the article described the idea of The New Silk Road and its six corridors. Then, it was depicted format “16+1” and its meaning for the realization of the Chinese conception in first part of the article. Moreover, it became underlined the meaning economic buildings „the Belt and Road” for the countries of Central-East-Europe. Author in second part represented Poland in the format „16+1” and her relation to the New Silk Road.
Postnatal Growth of the Calcaneus Does not Simulate Growth of the Foot

Background: In the absence of age and sex-specific normative data for postnatal growth of the calcaneus, it has been hypothesized that the growth of the calcaneus would simulate growth of the foot. Methods: A total of 860 normal lateral foot radiographs, 50 (25 female and 25 male) for each year of development from 1 to 18 years, and 10 radiographs from birth till 1 year, were measured for the length and height of the calcaneus, Bohler angle, the appearance, fusion and fragmentation of calcaneus apophysis, and the height and width of apophysis. Nonlinear curves were fit to a growth chart of the calcaneus, and the results were superimposed on the historical growth charts of the foot, stature, and long bones (femur, tibia). The ratio of calcaneus length to apophysis height was calculated. Results: Growth of the calcaneus does not simulate growth of the foot (which attains 50% of its mature dimension by the age of 1 y in girls and 1.5 y in boys), but simulates the growth of the long bones, which attain 50% of their mature length after the age of 3 years in girls and 4 years in boys. Bohler angle remains within normal limits across all ages. When the length of calcaneus is triple the height of its apophysis, 80% of calcaneus growth is complete. Conclusions: We provide normative data for postnatal growth of the calcaneus. On the basis of these data, the assumption that growth disturbance in children affects the length of the calcaneus proportionately less than similar disturbances in the long bones, is false. Children <3 years have at least 50% of growth remaining. Bohler angle should be maintained at all ages. Clinical Relevance: This study of postnatal growth of the calcaneus provides age and sex-based normative data to predict growth pattern of calcaneus.
The Gujarati lyrics of Kavi Dayarambhai

Kavi Dayarambhai or Dayaram (1777-1852), considered to be one of the three greatest poets of Gujarati, brought to an end not only the age of the great bhakta-poets, but also the age of Gujarati medieval literature. After Dayaram, a new age of Gujarati literature and language began, influenced by Western education and thinking. The three chapters of Part I of the thesis look at the ways of approaching North Indian devotional literature which have informed all subsequent readings of Dayaram in the hundred and fifty years since his death. Chapter 1 is concerned with the treatment by Indologists of the Krsnaite literature in Braj Bhasa, which forms a significant part of Dayaram's literary antecedents. Chapter 2 then considers studies of Dayaram by Gujarati scholars which tend to focus on him as a devotee of Krsna and a member of the Pustimarga. It also looks at literary criticism of his writings in the context of the Gujarati literary world. Chapter 3 discusses Dayaram's lyrics from an Indological perspective, concentrating on form and language. Part II puts forward a new approach to a study of Dayaram's lyrics. Chapter 4 argues that these texts deserve treatment as literary texts in their own right and suggests a reading informed by the thought of Mikhail Bakhtin (1895- 1975). Chapter 5 discusses Dayaram's lyrics in the light of Bakhtin's concept of the camivalesque, Chapter 6 looks at the functions of chronotopic features in the lyrics. Part III is a selection of Dayaram's lyrics. The Gujarati texts are given in Roman transliteration, followed by literal translations into English. A full bibliography of primary and secondary sources consulted is included. The thesis introduces a poet scarcely known to western scholars and makes a selection of his work available to those who do not know Gujarati. It examines a number of approaches which have conventionally been brought to bear on literature of this kind. It finds much which is valuable in them but highlights some of their limitations for a study of this poet; a new critical approach from literary theory, using the ideas of Bakhtin (in particular those of the carnivalesque and the chronotope) allows the thesis to re-examine the position of Dayaram in the history of Gujarati literature.
p16INK4a Immunoexpression: Surrogate Marker of High-risk HPV and High-grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

p16INK4a has emerged as a valuable surrogate marker for high-risk human papillomavirus infection and shows increased immunoexpression with worsening grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Numerous studies have emerged in recent years supporting its role in the detection of high-grade dysplasia and have lead to the use of p16INK4a immunohistochemistry in many laboratories. However, only a few studies have examined the possible predictive or prognostic value of p16INK4a in CIN or cervical cancer. This review addresses some of the practical issues in the application of p16INK4a in everyday practice, with an emphasis on integrating the extensive data that have emerged in the literature on p16INK4a immunoreactivity in CIN. The potential role of p16INK4a immunohistochemistry in the prediction of CIN progression is also discussed.
Herpesviruses in etiopathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis: A meta-analysis based on case-control studies

Objective Previous studies have found that herpesviruses are associated with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). However, these findings are controversial. This meta-analysis was aimed at clarifying the association between herpesviruses and AgP. Methods We identified eligible case–control studies evaluating the association between herpesviruses and AgP from PubMed and Embase databases in October 2015. Original data were extracted and quality assessment was done. Overall odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Random-effects model was determined. The stability was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Finally, Egger’s funnel plot was used to investigate the publication bias. Results Twelve case-control studies involving 322 patients and 342 controls were included in the present meta-analysis. The included case-control studies were assessed as high quality. The quantitative synthesis results for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) showed significance (10 studies: p = 0.0008, OR = 6.11, 95% CI = 2.13–17.51); nevertheless, evidence of publication bias for EBV was considerable (EBV: Egger’s test, p<0.001). Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) had significant association with AgP (12 studies for HCMV: p = 0.009, OR = 3.63, 95% CI = 2.15–6.13; 4 studies for HSV-1: p<0.001, OR = 19.19, 95% CI = 4.16–79.06). Sensitivity analyses showed the results yielded consistency, and no significant publication bias was observed for HCMV. The association between Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and AgP was inconclusive (2 studies: p = 0.20, OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 0.51–23.51). Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that HCMV and HSV-1 are significantly associated with AgP. However, due to the heterogeneity among studies these conclusions should be cautiously interpreted. There is insufficient evidence to draw any conclusion between EBV, HSV-2 and AgP based on the currently limited data.
On the action of the anticonvulsant 5,5‐diphenylhydantoin and the convulsant picrotoxin in crayfish stretch receptor.

1. The effects of the anticonvulsant drug 5,5‐diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and the convulsant drug picrotoxin (PTX) on various membrane properties and GABA‐ergic inhibition were investigated in the slowly adapting neurone of the isolated crayfish stretch receptor. The soma was penetrated with two micro‐electrodes to allow accurate determination of membrane conductances. 2. Neither DPH nor PTX at 10(‐4) M had any significant effect on parameters of the anti‐ or orthodromic action potential or on the amplitude and duration of post‐tetanic hyperpolarization. This suggests that the pharmacological properties of the two drugs are unlikely to be mediated by effects on cationic movements in this preparation. 3. DPH increased the amplitude and duration of the inhibitory post‐synaptic potential (i.p.s.p.) within the range 10(‐9) to 10(‐4) M. The response to ionophoretically applied GABA was similarly prolonged. 4. PTX decreased the amplitude of the i.p.s.p. and prolonged its rising phase within the range 10(‐8) to 10(‐4) M. The response to ionophoretically applied GABA was similarly depressed. 5. A slow component of fluctuations in the resting potential was accentuated by DPH at 10(‐4) M and eliminated by PTX 10(‐4) M. This may reflect effects on the random opening and closing of inhibitory channels. 6. We conclude that the action of both drugs is post‐synaptic and suggest that DPH decreases the probability of closing, and PTX the probability of opening, of the transmitter‐activated channels. 7. The lack of any structural similarity between the two drugs suggests that they modify post‐synaptic inhibition at separate sites. These sites appear to be interdependent since analysis of the shift in the DPH dose‐response curve by PTX and vice versa, showed neither truly non‐competitive nor competitive interaction.
The functions of autobiographical memory: An integrative approach

Recent research in cognitive psychology has emphasised the uses, or functions, of autobiographical memory. Theoretical and empirical approaches have focused on a three-function model: autobiographical memory serves self, directive, and social functions. In the reminiscence literature other taxonomies and additional functions have been postulated. We examined the relationships between functions proposed by these literatures, in order to broaden conceptualisations and make links between research traditions. In Study 1 we combined two measures of individual differences in the uses of autobiographical memory. Our results suggested four classes of memory functions, which we labelled Reflective, Generative, Ruminative, and Social. In Study 2 we tested relationships between our four functions and broader individual differences, and found conceptually consistent relationships. In Study 3 we found that memories cued by Generative and Social functions were more emotionally positive than were memories cued by Reflective and Ruminative functions. In Study 4 we found that reported use of Generative functions increased across the lifespan, while reported use of the other three functions decreased. Overall our findings suggest a broader view of autobiographical memory functions that links them to ways in which people make meaning of their selves, their environment, and their social world more generally.
Metabolic and endocrine characteristics of pregnancy toxemia in the ferret.

Metabolic and endocrine characteristics of pregnancy toxemia are well documented in small ruminants, but less known in other species. The objective of this study was to measure plasma levels of certain metabolites and metabolic hormones related to the energetic status in blood from sick and healthy, non-pregnant (control) ferrets. Blood was collected from moribund, hypothermic, late pregnant females suffering from pregnancy toxemia (n = 4) and from healthy female ferrets (n = 14) to measure glucose, ketone (βOH-butyrate, BHB), insulin, thyroxine (T 4 ) and 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T 3 ) concentrations. In contrast to healthy animals, hypoglycemia, hyperketonemia, hypoinsulinemia and decreased T 4 and T 3 levels were detected in females with pregnancy toxemia and necropsy showed excessive hepatic lipidosis. In summary, it can be concluded that pregnancy toxemia caused by a negative energy balance in ferrets resembles the late-gestational hyperketonemia of twin-pregnant ewes, and moreover that similar endocrine changes may occur.
Newspapers in Times of Low Advertising Revenues

We model the consequences on newspapers’ content and prices of a reduction in advertising revenues. Newspapers choose the size of their newsroom, and readers are heterogeneous in their ideal amount of journalistic-intensive content. We show that a reduction in advertising revenues lowers newspapers’ incentives to produce journalistic-intensive content. We also build a unique dataset on French newspapers between 1960 and 1974 and perform a difference-in-differences analysis exploiting the introduction of advertising on television, which affected national newspapers more severely than local ones. We find robust evidence of a decrease in the amount of journalistic-intensive content produced and the subscription price. (JEL L11, L82, M37)