Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Beneficial Effects of PKF275-055, a Novel, Selective, Orally Bioavailable, Long-Acting Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

1-[(2-adamantyl)amino]acetyl-2-cyano-(S)-pyrrolidine, monohydrochloride (PKF275–055), a vildagliptin analog, is a novel, selective, potent, orally bioavailable, and long-acting dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor. We studied the effect of PKF275-055 administration on the prevention, protection, and treatment of diabetic neuropathy in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. PKF275-055 improved body and muscle weight. Oral glucose tolerance tests showed a marked improvement in glucose metabolism under all treatment schedules. When tested in prevention and protection experiments, PKF275-055 completely averted the decrease of Na+/K+-ATPase activity and partially counteracted the nerve conduction velocity (NCV) deficit observed in untreated diabetic rats but had no effects on abnormal mechanical and thermal sensitivity. When used in a therapeutic setting, PKF275-055 induced a significant correction in the alteration in Na+,K+-ATPase activity and NCV present in untreated diabetics. Diabetic rats developed mechanical hyperalgesia within 2 weeks after streptozotocin injection and exhibited significantly longer thermal response latencies. It is noteworthy that PKF275-055 treatment restored mechanical sensitivity thresholds by approximately 50% (p < 0.01) and progressively improved the alteration in thermal responsiveness. In conclusion, PKF275-055 showed an anabolic effect, improved oral glucose tolerance, and counteracted the alterations in Na+,K+-ATPase activity, NCV, and nociceptive thresholds in diabetic rats. The present data support a potential therapeutic effect of PKF275-055 in the treatment of rodent diabetic neuropathy.
Effect of discrete wires on the implosion dynamics of wire array z-pinches

A review of recent experiments at the MAGPIE facility (1MA, 250ns) at Imperial College is presented. The experiments show that the core-corona structure of the plasma, combined with the 3-D topology of the magnetic field in wire array z-pinches, results in the implosion dynamics being significantly different from that of a thin plasma shell. During the first ∼80% of the implosion time the interior of the array is gradually filled by the plasma ablated from the stationary wire cores. This phase ends with the formation of gaps in the wire cores, which occurs due to non-uniformity of the ablation rate along the wires. The final phase of the implosion, starting at this time, occurs as a rapid snowplough-like implosion of the radially distributed plasma, previously injected into the interior of the array. The density distribution of the precursor plasma being peaked on the array axis could be a key factor providing stability of wire array implosions.
Decreased Bone Density in Ambulatory Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Osteoporosis has been recognized in nonambulatory boys with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. In this study, the hips and spines of 10 ambulatory children with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy were examined. The study group comprised 10 boys with a mean age of 8 years (range 6–11). All patients were scanned by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) using a DPX LUNAR Corporation scanner (Madison, WI, U.S.A.). Manual muscle testing of the major muscle groups of the upper and lower extremities was performed on all patients. Pubertal development status was determined using the Tanner scale. Although they were still ambulatory, boys diagnosed with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy experienced weakness in the lower extremity musculature, as well as proximal femur and lumbar spine osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using soil Actinomycetes Streptomyces sp

The work is being carried out for the applications which would help in the prevention of human pathogens. We describe the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Actinomycetes Streptomyces sp. A strong characteristic absorbance peak at around --- nm was observed at different time intervals. Particle size analysis of these particles shows that they are 70-100 nm in range and also this paper deals with a thorough investigation on the characterization of the silver nanoparticles by UV Visible, XRD, SEM and FTIR analysis and result reveals that, the average grain size of the silver nanoparticles formed in the bioreduction process is determined by XRD pattern of the silver nanoparticles formed in the experiment and is estimated to be greater than 50 nm and spherical in shape. FTIR spectral analysis showed array of absorbance bands in 400 cm -1 - 1500 cm -1 finally tested the biocompatibility by antimicrobial test against multi drug resistant human pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Shiegella dysentriae and Staphylococcus aureus. The evaluation of agar diffusion test was made on the basis of zone of inhibition of bacteria around the test sample. The result reveals that the maximum antimicrobial activity was observed for Escherichia coli. K e y w o r d s
Postural rehabilitation through Kinect-based biofeedback

The evolution of technology generates a wide number of devices, which can be useful for different applications. Microsoft-KinectTM is one of these devices and in this study we used its features in order to project and develop solutions for postural rehabilitation. Particularly, we developed a system capable to record biomechanical data and return an audio-visual biofeedback regarding the correct/incorrect body position during rehabilitation treatments. This solution clears the way for cheap and easy manner to improve postural rehabilitation: it ensures good control during rehabilitation exercises and movement's analysis and it increases patients' motivation concerning their psychophysical recovery and progress.
Sotrastaurin, a Novel Small Molecule Inhibiting Protein Kinase C: First Clinical Results in Renal‐Transplant Recipients

Sotrastaurin, a novel protein‐kinase‐C inhibitor, blocks early T‐cell activation. In this 12‐month, Phase II study, de novo renal‐transplant patients were randomized to sotrastaurin (200 mg b.i.d.) + standard‐exposure tacrolimus (SET) or reduced‐exposure tacrolimus (RET) (SET: n = 76; RET: n = 66), or control (SET + mycophenolic acid [MPA, 720 mg b.i.d.]; n = 74). In both sotrastaurin groups, patients were converted from tacrolimus to MPA after Month 3, achieving calcineurin inhibitor‐free immunosuppression. The primary endpoint was composite efficacy failure (treated biopsy‐proven acute rejection, graft loss, death or loss to follow‐up). The key secondary endpoint was glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Composite efficacy failure rates were: 4.1%, 5.4% and 1.5% at Month 3 (preconversion) and 7.8%, 44.8% and 34.1% at study end in the control, sotrastaurin + SET and sotrastaurin + RET groups, respectively; these results led to premature study discontinuation. Median GFR at Month 6 was: 57.0, 53.0 and 60.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Study‐drug discontinuations due to adverse events occurred in 16.2%, 18.4% and 12.1%, respectively. Leukopenia and neutropenia occurred more frequently preconversion in control versus sotrastaurin groups: 13.7%, 5.6%, and 4.6%; and 11.1%, 4.3% and 3.1%, respectively. The initial sotrastaurin + tacrolimus regimen was efficacious and well tolerated but the postconversion sotrastaurin + MPA regimen showed inadequate efficacy. Longer‐term evaluation of sotrastaurin + tacrolimus is warranted.
The continuum of growth hormone–IGF‐I axis defects causing short stature: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

The growth hormone (GH)–IGF‐I axis is essential for normal foetal and childhood growth. Defects at different sites in the axis frequently result in short stature which may compromise adult height. We describe a continuum of clinically relevant abnormalities from GH deficiency through to GH resistance and discuss the implementation and interpretation of investigations. We consider appropriate therapy for patients with abnormal auxology and subnormal adult height prognosis, highlighting new data to clarify therapeutic choices leading to optimal clinical outcome.
THE OUTCOME OF PREGNANCY FOLLOWING RENAL TRANSPLANTATION—THE EXPERIENCE OF A SINGLE CENTER

Many centers still recommend avoidance of pregnancy after renal transplantation because of fears for the safety of both mother and fetus. These fears are in part based on a lack of information concerning the effects of newer immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine on the course and outcome of pregnancy. The present study examines the experience of first pregnancies following renal transplantation in a single center, with emphasis on the role of CsA. Data on the first pregnancies of 22 women transplanted between 1977 and 1988 were studied. The mean age of patients at the time of transplant was 23.4±3.1 years and interval from transplant to pregnancy was 34.5±24.5 months (range 1–75 months). Twelve patients received CsA alone or in combination with other immunosuppressives, while the remaining 10 patients received azathioprine and prednisone. Mean serum creatinine fell progressively during pregnancy in both CsA-and azathioprine-treated mothers. Mean CsA dose rose during pregnancy while mean CsA blood concentration fell during the 2nd trimester (P=0.042). The gestation period ranged from 27 to 40 weeks (35.5±3.3) with 14 pregnancies ending prematurely prior to 37 weeks. Thirteen deliveries occurred by Caesarian section. Hypertension complicated 10 pregnancies. Birth weight correlated directly with both maternal weight gain (r=0.57; P < 0.02) and gestational age (r=0.9; P < 0.01). Ten of 23 offspring were below the 10th percentile for weight. Mean birth weight ranged from 0.72 to 3.7 kg (2.3±0.84 kg). The mean birth weight and gestational age of children born to mothers taking CsA were lower than those in azathioprine treated mothers but these differences were not statistically significant. Successful pregnancy is possible following renal transplantation, although there is a high rate of prematurity, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth retardation. CsA dose requirements may be increased. Maternal risks including hypertension require that such pregnancies be handled by a multidisciplinary team approach.
Effects of β‐adrenergic stimulation on calcium movements in rabbit aortic smooth muscle: relationship with cyclic AMP

1. The effects of isoprenaline (10−6 M) on relaxation, unidirectional as well as net Ca2+ fluxes, and cyclic AMP levels were investigated in rabbit aorta under the condition of high‐K+ depolarization in the presence of phentolamine (10−5 M).
Global Precipitation: A 17-Year Monthly Analysis Based on Gauge Observations, Satellite Estimates, and Numerical Model Outputs

Gridded fields (analyses) of global monthly precipitation have been constructed on a 2.5° latitude–longitude grid for the 17-yr period from 1979 to 1995 by merging several kinds of information sources with different characteristics, including gauge observations, estimates inferred from a variety of satellite observations, and the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis. This new dataset, which the authors have named the CPC Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP), contains precipitation distributions with full global coverage and improved quality compared to the individual data sources. Examinations showed no discontinuity during the 17-yr period, despite the different data sources used for the different subperiods. Comparisons of the CMAP with the merged analysis of Huffman et al. revealed remarkable agreements over the global land areas and over tropical and subtropical oceanic areas, with differences observed over extratropical oceanic areas. The 17-yr CMAP dataset is used to investigate the annual and interannual variab.
TRPM‐2 gene expression in normal rat ventral prostate following castration and exposure to diethylstilbestrol, flutamide, MK‐906 (finasteride), and coumarin

TRPM‐2, not normally expressed in the rat ventral prostate, has been identified as an important genetic marker of castration‐induced apoptotic cell death. It is not known whether other agents capable of causing growth inhibition of the rat ventral prostate also induce TRPM‐2 expression. To investigate this further, 270 mature Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized into one of six groups: control, castration, diethylstilbestrol (DES), flutamide, MK‐906 (finasteride), or coumarin. Five rats per group were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 21. Serum testosterone, body weights, and prostate weights were determined at each time point. The ventral prostate was removed and cellular RNA extracted. Northern blot analysis using cDNA probes for TRPM‐2 and γ‐actin were performed at each time point.
Role of CTLA-4 in the Activation of Single- and Double-Positive Thymocytes1

CTLA-4, a homologue of CD28, is a negative regulator of T cell activation in the periphery and is transiently expressed on the cell surface after T cell activation. However, the role of CTLA-4 in T cell activation in the thymus is not clear. This investigation was initiated to determine the role of CTLA-4 in the activation of CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) and CD4+CD8− and CD4−CD8+ single-positive (SP) thymocytes using fetal thymic organ cultures (FTOC) of MHC class II-restricted, OVA323–339-restricted TCR transgenic mice (DO11.10). We found that treatment of the FTOC with anti-CTLA-4-blocking Ab during activation with OVA323–339 increased the proportion and number of DP thymocytes, but decreased the proportion and number of SP thymocytes compared with OVA323–339-stimulated FTOC without anti-CTLA-4 Ab treatment. In addition, anti-CTLA-4 Ab treatment inhibited OVA323–339-induced expression of the early activation marker, CD69, in DP thymocytes, but increased CD69 in SP thymocytes. Similarly, CTLA-4 blockage decreased phosphorylation of ERK in DP thymocytes by Ag-specific TCR engagement, but increased phosphorylation of ERK in SP thymocytes. CTLA-4 blockage inhibited deletion of DP thymocytes treated with a high dose of OVA323–339, whereas CTLA-4 blockage did not inhibit deletion of DP thymocytes treated with a low dose of OVA323–339. We conclude that CTLA-4 positively regulates the activation of DP thymocytes, resulting in their deletion, whereas blocking CTLA-4 suppresses the activation of DP thymocytes, leading to inhibition of DP thymocyte deletion. In contrast, CTLA-4 negatively regulates the activation of SP thymocytes.
Young people’s comfort receiving sexual health information via social media and other sources

Social media are growing in popularity and will play a key role in future sexual health promotion initiatives. We asked 620 survey participants aged 16 to 29 years about their time spent using social media and their comfort in receiving information about sexual health via different channels. Median hours per day spent using social network sites was two; 36% spent more than 2 hours per day using social network sites. In multivariable logistic regression, being aged less than 20 years and living in a major city (compared to rural/regional Australia) were associated with use of social media more than 2 hours per day. Most participants reported being comfortable or very comfortable accessing sexual health information from websites (85%), followed by a doctor (81%), school (73%), and the mainstream media (67%). Fewer reported being comfortable getting information from social media; Facebook (52%), apps (51%), SMS (44%), and Twitter (36%). Several health promotion programmes via social media have demonstrated efficacy; however, we have shown that many young people are not comfortable with accessing sexual health information through these channels. Further research is needed to determine how to best take advantage of these novel opportunities for health promotion.
Altruism in individual and joint-giving decisions: What's gender got to do with it?

Abstract This paper uses dictator experiments to examine gender differences in altruistic behavior in the United States when decisions are made individually and jointly. In anonymous individual giving to charity, women give substantially more than men, and in paired settings, mixed-sex groups give the most while all male pairs give the least. Evidence supports social information and negotiation effects as participants change giving toward that of their partners. Social image effects are found only in mixed-sex groups, indicating a gender-based component to the value of the social signal sent. Although men and women appear to have similar influence, the positive social image effect pushes giving in mixed-sex pairs above the sum of the members' individual gifts because the less altruistic partners (usually men) adjust their giving upward more than the more altruistic partners (usually women) reduce giving. Therefore, increasing women's participation in traditionally male spheres of decision making may result in more altruistic economic behavior.
Meta‐analysis by combining parameter estimates: Simulated linkage studies

Several meta‐analytic techniques have been developed for combining information from multiple studies in contexts other than linkage detection. We apply the technique of combining parameter estimates to the problem of finding disease loci in the simulated data and compare results with those obtained by reanalyzing pooled raw data. To facilitate the combination of study results, we highly recommend that parameter estimates and their standard errors be reported in published studies. If different research groups were to make original data available, progress toward disease gene location and characterization may be more quickly made.
Renal Sarcoidosis : A Case with Granulomatous Interstitial Nephritis , Renal Failure and Moderate Proteinuria

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology characterized by the development of epithelioid granulomas in different organs. Most cases show pulmonary and mediastinal lymph node involvement whereas renal involvement in sarcoidosis is rare. We present the case of a female patient with extra pulmonary sarcoidosis (i.e. abdominal lymph node involvement) without calcium metabolism abnormalities but with renal involvement consisting of interstitial granulomatous nephritis and moderate proteinuria, complicated by renal failure. Oral administration of corticosteroids was successfully applied.
Assessing Risk Factors for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Retrospective Study in Patients Undergoing Retromastoid Craniectomy With Microvascular Decompression of Cranial Nerves

We have observed that patients, after retromastoid craniectomy (RMC) with microvascular decompression (MVD) of cranial nerves, frequently experienced postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The authors conducted this study to track the incidence of PONV and to identify potential factors for PONV after RMC with MVD. Medical records from 185 adults, who underwent elective RMC with MVD, were identified and reviewed from January 2000 to December 2004. Extracted data included patient, anesthesia, and surgery related variables that were considered to have a possible effect on the patients experiencing PONV after RMC with MVD. Despite the use of intraoperative prophylactic ondansetron in 99% of patients, the overall incidence of PONV (nausea or emesis or both) was 60% during the first 24 hours postoperatively. It was higher for the patients after RMC with MVD of cranial nerve V [69%, 82/119, P=0.005, odds ratio (OR)=2.8]. Regression modeling demonstrated that female sex (OR=3.0, P=0.005) and use of desflurane (OR=2.8, P=0.003) were significant independent predictors of PONV. Prophylactic transdermal scopolamine patch administered preoperatively was associated with less PONV (OR=0.3, P=0.001). We concluded that PONV occurs frequently in adults recovering from RMC with MVD. The results of this study suggest that it may be necessary to administer a combination of antiemetics to decrease the incidence of PONV after RMC.
Immune response to the pre-S(1) region of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): a pre-S(1)-specific T cell response can bypass nonresponsiveness to the pre-S(2) and S regions of HBsAg.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) particles are composed of a major polypeptide, p25, and additional polypeptides of higher m.w. , namely p33 and p39, are variably present. All three polypeptides share the 226 amino acid residues of the S region: p33 consists of the p25 sequence plus an NH2-terminal 55 residues (pre-S(2], and p39 consists of the p33 sequence plus an NH2-terminal 108-119 residues (pre-S(1). In previous studies we demonstrated the influence of two Ir genes on the humoral and cellular immune responses to the S region and identified nonresponder phenotypes (H-2f,s). Subsequent studies showed that the immune response to the pre-S(2) region was regulated by H-2-linked genes independently of the S region response, such that immunization of S region nonresponder, pre-(S2) region responder mice (H-2s) with HBsAg/p33 circumvented nonresponse to the S region. In the present study, we have extended this analysis to the pre-S(1) region of HBsAg, with the following results: 1) and pre-S(1) region is immunogenic at the T and B cell levels; 2) anti-pre-S(1) specific antibody production is regulated by H-2-linked genes and can be independent of anti-S and anti-pre-S(2) antibody production; 3) immunization of H-2f strains with HBsAg/p39 particles containing the pre-S(1) region can bypass nonresponsiveness to the S and pre-S(2) regions in terms of antibody production; 4) two synthetic peptides, p32-53 and p94-117, define murine and human antibody binding sites on the pre-S(1) region, and p1-21 and p12-32 define additional human antibody binding sites; 5) pre-S(1)-specific T cells can be elicited in S and pre-S(2) region nonresponder mice (H-2f) and provide functional T cell help for S-pre-S(2)-, and pre-S(1)-specific antibody production; and 6) a T cell recognition site in the pre-S(1) region, p12-32 was identified. These results are relevant to HBV vaccine development, and possibly to viral clearance mechanisms, since the higher m.w. polypeptides are preferentially expressed on intact virions.
Pneumococcal LytA Autolysin, a Potent Therapeutic Agent in Experimental Peritonitis-Sepsis Caused by Highly β-Lactam-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

ABSTRACT The in vitro and in vivo antipneumococcal activities of the main pneumococcal autolysin (LytA) and Cpl-1, a lysozyme encoded by phage Cp-1, were studied. Intraperitoneal therapy with LytA or high-dose Cpl-1 remarkably reduced peritoneal bacterial counts (>5 log10 CFU/ml) compared with those for the controls. After intravenous injection, LytA was the most effective treatment.