Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FACTORS AFFECTING TREATMENT RESPONSE TO OVSYNCH PROTOCOL IN HOLSTEIN DAIRY COWS SUFFERED FROM CYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE

Received at: 25/12/2014 Accepted: 28/2/2015 The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using Ovsynch synchronization protocol as a treatment tool for cows affected with ovarian cysts. In addition, the effects of season, parity, days in milk (DIM) and level of milk production in 100 days on the treatment response were also investigated. On the day of cyst diagnosis (Day 0), 96 lactating Holstein dairy cows with cystic ovarian disease (COD) were treated with Busrelin ® (GnRH), Cloprostenol ® (PGF2aα) on Day 7, Busrelin ® on Day 9, and TAI on 10th day (Ovsynch protocol). Pregnancy was diagnosed between 42 and 48 days after timed artificial insemination (TAI). Cows were classified according to the milk production level into high producers (above average) and low producers (below average); according to parity into primiparous (first lactation) or multiparous (second or more lactations); according to season into hot and cold season and according to DIM into below 100 DIM and above 100 DIM. Data for conception rate (CR) were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The treatment of COD with Ovsynch protocol resulted in acceptable CRs regardless the cyst type. Although the investigated factors exerted no significant influences on the treatment response, cows treated in cold season tend to become pregnant more than cows treated in hot season. Primiparous cows were more likely to become pregnant than multiparous cows. It appears that high-producing cows respond better to treatment compared to low-producing cows. It was concluded that the Ovsynchbased TAI protocol can be successfully used for the treatment of ovarian cysts in lactating dairy cows and produce an acceptable CR that not significantly influenced neither by season, parity, and milk yield nor by days in milk.
Muscle glycogen utilization during prolonged strenuous exercise when fed carbohydrate.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the postponement of fatigue in subjects fed carbohydrate during prolonged strenuous exercise is associated with a slowing of muscle glycogen depletion. Seven endurance-trained cyclists exercised at 71 +/- 1% of maximal O2 consumption (VO2max), to fatigue, while ingesting a flavored water solution (i.e., placebo) during one trial and while ingesting a glucose polymer solution (i.e., 2.0 g/kg at 20 min and 0.4 g/kg every 20 min thereafter) during another trial. Fatigue during the placebo trial occurred after 3.02 +/- 0.19 h of exercise and was preceded by a decline (P less than 0.01) in plasma glucose to 2.5 +/- 0.5 mM and by a decline in the respiratory exchange ratio (i.e., R; from 0.85 to 0.80; P less than 0.05). Glycogen within the vastus lateralis muscle declined at an average rate of 51.5 +/- 5.4 mmol glucosyl units (GU) X kg-1 X h-1 during the first 2 h of exercise and at a slower rate (P less than 0.01) of 23.0 +/- 14.3 mmol GU X kg-1 X h-1 during the third and final hour. When fed carbohydrate, which maintained plasma glucose concentration (4.2-5.2 mM), the subjects exercised for an additional hour before fatiguing (4.02 +/- 0.33 h; P less than 0.01) and maintained their initial R (i.e., 0.86) and rate of carbohydrate oxidation throughout exercise. The pattern of muscle glycogen utilization, however, was not different during the first 3 h of exercise with the placebo or the carbohydrate feedings. The additional hour of exercise performed when fed carbohydrate was accomplished with little reliance on muscle glycogen (i.e., 5 mmol GU X kg-1 X h-1; NS) and without compromising carbohydrate oxidation. We conclude that when they are fed carbohydrate, highly trained endurance athletes are capable of oxidizing carbohydrate at relatively high rates from sources other than muscle glycogen during the latter stages of prolonged strenuous exercise and that this postpones fatigue.
Pembrolizumab for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligand, PD-L1, have recently led to significant and durable improvements in the clinical outcomes of some types of cancers including lung cancer. Areas covered: Pembrolizumab was approved by the US FDA for the treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose disease has progressed after other treatments and with tumors that express PD-L1. In the phase I KEYNOTE-001 trial, the overall response rate (ORR) was 19.4%, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.7 months and 12.0 months for 495 unselected NSCLC patients. Strong PD-L1 expression (≥ 50%) was associated with higher ORR, longer PFS, and longer OS. The phase II/III randomized KEYNOTE-010 trial demonstrated that pembrolizumab improved OS versus docetaxel in patients with previously treated NSCLC. Expert opinion: Pembrolizumab, demonstrated durable response and prolonged OS especially in NSCLC patients with high expression of PD-1, thereby suggests a new treatment paradigm. However, many issues remain to be explored, including the identification of other robust biomarkers that can accurately predict the immune-responsiveness of tumors. Along with the identification of predictive biomarkers, further understanding of the tumor microenvironment is necessary to improve treatment outcomes through combinations of immunotherapy or combined with other targeted therapies.
Terminator-specific Recycling of a B1-AluTranscription Complex by RNA Polymerase III Is Mediated by the RNA Terminus-binding Protein La*

Efficient synthesis of many small abundant RNAs is achieved by the proficient recycling of RNA polymerase (pol) III and stable transcription complexes. Cellular Alu and related retroposons represent unusual pol III genes that are normally repressed but are activated by viral infection and other conditions. The core sequences of these elements contain pol III promoters but must rely on fortuitous downstream oligo(dT) tracts for terminator function. We show that aB1-Alu gene differs markedly from a classical pol III gene (tRNA i Met ) in terminator sequence requirements. B1-Alu genes that differ only in terminator sequence context direct differential RNA 3′ end formation. These genes are assembled into stable transcription complexes but differ in their ability to be recycled in the presence of the La transcription termination factor. La binds to the nascent RNA 3′UUUoh end motif that is generated by transcriptional termination within the pol III termination signal, oligo(dT). We found that the recycling efficiency of the B1-Alu genes is correlated with the ability of La to access the 3′ end of the nascent transcript and protect it from 3′-5′ exonucleolytic processing. These results illuminate a relationship between RNA 3′ end formation and transcription termination, and La-mediated reinitiation by pol III.
Comparison of developmental pattern change in preschool children with spastic diplegic and quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND This study compares the longitudinal change of developmental patterns in preschool children with spastic diplegic (SD) and spastic quadriplegic (SQ) cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS Sixty children with spastic CP, aged 1-5 years (3.2 +/- 1.2 years), were classified into 2 groups: SD (n = 29) and SQ (n = 31). Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels were classified during the initial assessments. Developmental profiles, including development quotients (DQs) of gross motor, fine motor, expressive language, concept comprehension, situation comprehension, self help, personal social and general development, were evaluated on initial and final assessments and an average of one year later. The DQ change index (%) was calculated as 100% x (final DQ - initial DQ)/initial DQ. RESULTS Children with SQ had lower DQs in all developmental functions than those with SD on both assessments (p < 0.01). The DQ distributions of developmental profiles were different in SD and SQ groups, although both groups displayed the lowest DQs in the gross motor domain. As indicated by the DQ change index, most DQs increased with age in children with SD; however, most decreased with age in children with SQ (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION These findings suggest different CP subtypes demonstrate various development profiles. The evolvement of developmental patterns with age was different in children with various CP subtypes.
Racial differences in the frequencies of scleroderma-related autoantibodies.

OBJECTIVE To determine demographic differences in scleroderma-related autoantibodies. METHODS One hundred fifty-six patients with systemic sclerosis were prospectively examined for anticentromere antibodies (ACA), anti-topoisomerase I (anti-topo I, or Scl-70), antinucleolar, and anti-U1 RNP autoantibodies. RESULTS ACA was found in 36% of Caucasians and 4% of American blacks (P = 0.002, odds ratio [OR] 15). Anti-topo I was found in 37% of American blacks, compared with 17% of Caucasians (P = 0.04, OR 3). No significant differences in the frequencies of antinucleolar and anti-U1 RNP autoantibodies were found. CONCLUSION These data suggest important demographic differences in scleroderma-associated autoantibodies.
Mucinous Eccrine Adenocarcinoma of the Periocular Region

Purpose: To report 4 patients with mucinous eccrine adenocarcinoma of the periocular region. Methods: Interventional case series of 4 patients with mucinous eccrine adenocarcinoma of the periocular region treated at 2 centers. Results: Two patients with mucinous eccrine adenocarcinoma of the upper eyelid, 1 with mucinous eccrine adenocarcinoma of the lower eyelid, and 1 with mucinous eccrine adenocarcinoma of the eyebrow were included in this report. The lower eyelid lesion and the eyebrow lesion recurred after Mohs micrographic surgery. Both recurrent lesions were treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and postoperative adjuvant external-beam radiation therapy. The other 2 primary tumors were treated with wide local excision with frozen section control of margins and did not recur. The follow-up time after the most recent surgical procedure ranged from 8 to 17 months (median, 12 months). Conclusions: Mucinous eccrine adenocarcinoma is a rare ocular adnexal neoplasm that can involve the eyelid and periocular skin, can be locally invasive, and has a high risk of local recurrence despite Mohs surgery.
T Cells Enhance Production of IL-18 by Monocytes in Response to an Intracellular Pathogen1

We studied the effect of T cells on IL-18 production by human monocytes in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Addition of activated T cells markedly enhanced IL-18 production by monocytes exposed to M. tuberculosis. This effect was mediated by a soluble factor and did not require cell-to-cell contact. The effect of activated T cells was mimicked by recombinant IFN-γ and was abrogated by neutralizing Abs to IFN-γ. IFN-γ also enhanced the capacity of alveolar macrophages to produce IL-18 in response to M. tuberculosis, suggesting that this mechanism also operates in the lung during mycobacterial infection. IFN-γ increased IL-18 production by increasing cleavage of pro-IL-18 to mature IL-18, as it enhanced caspase-1 activity but did not increase IL-18 mRNA expression. These findings suggest that activated T cells can contribute to the initial immune response by augmenting IL-18 production by monocytes in response to an intracellular pathogen.
INTERVIEWING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Types of disabilities: Intellectual Motor Sensory Neurological Medical Psychiatric Communication • People with disabilities are 4 to 10 times more likely to become a victim of violence, abuse, or neglect than people without disabilities (Petersilia 2001). • Children with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be physically or sexually abused as children without disabilities (Petersilia 2001; Sobsey and Mansell 1994). • Similar proportions of women with and without disabilities report having experienced episodes of physical violence, sexual violence, or emotional abuse (Sobsey and Mansell 1994). Women with disabilities, however, report greater numbers of perpetrators and longer time periods of individual episodes than women without disabilities (Young et al. 1997). Facts from: http://www.cdc. gov/ncipc/tbi/FactSheets/VictimizationTBI_FactSheet4Professionals. htm
Lactitol, a new hydrogenated lactose derivative: intestinal absorption and laxative threshold in normal human subjects

1. In the first part of the study, the absorption of lactitol, a new disaccharide analogue of lactose, was studied using an in vivo jejunal perfusion technique in man. Intestinal uptake of lactitol from isotonic solutions containing 10, 30, 60, and 100 mmol lactitol/l was insignificant. 2. In the second part of the study the laxative threshold of lactitol was determined and compared with that of sorbitol in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study on twenty-one normal subjects. Laxative threshold was considered to be either the maximum dose tolerated without unacceptable diarrhoea or gastrointestinal side effects, or when the maximum dose in the study was reached. Increasing amounts of lactitol, sorbitol or placebo were administered in two divided doses each day until subjects developed diarrhoea or severe gastrointestinal side effects. The laxative threshold of lactitol (74 (SE 5) g/d) was similar to that of sorbitol (71 (SE 5) g/d). 3. These findings indicate that lactitol is not absorbed by the human small intestine. Although diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal side effects occurred as the dose was increased, 40 g lactitol/d was well tolerated.
Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on Schistosoma japonicum egg‐induced granuloma formation in the mouse liver

Nitric oxide (NO) plays diverse roles in a variety of pathological processes. We investigated the role of NO in Schistosoma japonicum egg‐induced granuloma formation in a mouse hepatic model. Immunohistological analysis revealed that there is the most intense and extensive inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) expression 2 weeks after egg implantation, and thereafter it decreased considerably with time. Treatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, NIL (lN6‐ (iminoethyl)‐lysine) or Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), resulted in two different types of unusual granulomas at 2 weeks. One type showed suppressed fibrosis, while another showed foreign body‐type multinuclear cell formation which frequently appeared particularly when 50 µg/ml NIL was given. At 3 weeks following treatment, fibrotic granulomas with scanty peripheral cellularity was obvious. However, there were no apparent changes after this period (at 4 weeks). Cytokine analysis in NIL‐treated mice showed a significant increase of IL‐4 and IL‐13 production at 2 weeks. These findings indicated that nitric oxide contributes to granuloma development during the early stages, probably through the regulation of Th2 cytokine production.
The pharmacogenetics of metformin and its impact on plasma metformin steady-state levels and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic variations in OCT1, OCT2, MATE1, MATE 2, and PMAT on the trough steady-state plasma concentration of metformin and hemoglobin A1c (Hb1Ac). METHOD The South Danish Diabetes Study was a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. One hundred and fifty-nine patients received 1 g of metformin, twice daily continuously, and 415 repeated plasma metformin measurements were obtained after 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment. RESULTS The mean trough steady-state metformin plasma concentration was estimated to be 576 ng/ml (range, 54–4133 ng/ml, p = 0.55) and correlated to the number of reduced function alleles in OCT1 (none, one or two: 642, 542, 397 ng/ml; P = 0.001). The absolute decrease in Hb1Ac both initially and long term was also correlated to the number of reduced function alleles in OCT1 resulting in diminished pharmacodynamic effect of metformin after 6 and 24 months. CONCLUSION In a large cohort of type 2 diabetics, we either confirm or show for the first time: (a) an enormous (80-fold) variability in trough steady-state metformin plasma concentration, (b) OCT1 activity affects metformin steady-state pharmacokinetics, and (c) OCT1 genotype has a bearing on HbA1c during metformin treatment.
[The clinical picture, treatment and prognosis of meningitis due to anaerobic and nonfermentative bacteria].

OBJECTIVES The study of incidence, clinical manifestations and prognosis of meningitis with anaerobic and non-fermentative bacteria. MATERIAL AND METHOD Retrospective study of 10 patients with severe forms of purulent meningitis admitted in the Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Iaşi, during 1.01. 1990-31.12. 1998. RESULTS 3 of them were diagnosed with etiology with polymicrobial flora and the rest had etiology with: Peptostreptococcus (2 cases), Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (4 cases), Eikenella corrodens (1 case). The majority were male sex (8 cases), and from rural area (9 cases). The age of patients ranged from 2.5 to 59 years (the majority being adults of group of age 50-60 years). The gate of entrance was: iatrogenic in the majority of cases (6 cases), posttraumatic (2 cases) and othogen (2 cases); 3 cases being with cerebrospinal fluid fistula and 8 patients being in coma. The factors associated with poor prognosis were: the immunosuppression (chronic etilism--4 cases; bronchopneumonia--2 cases, pulmonary cancer--1 case) and the presence of the focal neurological findings on the noser of illness. The diagnosis was established by clinical characters and confirmed by isolating germs from cerebrospinal fluid. The treatment was done at the beginning with first intervention antibiotic association with a high spectrum and then according to the antibiogramme. The evolution was severe even under treatment with 3 deaths, the mortality being of 30.0%. CONCLUSIONS We wished to present these cases as a general remark on the severity of illness, generally appeared on a suppressed ground, together with the rarity of those germs implicated in the etiology of purulent meningitis.
Age‐related gene expression profiles of rhesus monkey bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells

The objective of this study was to elucidate age‐related differences in gene expression profiles of rhesus monkey bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (rhMSC) obtained from fetal, infant, and adult donors relevant to their growth and other properties. Although a high degree of similarity was observed in the rhMSC gene expression profiles when comparing the three age groups, significant differences were found that strongly parallel gene expression profiles of human MSC. In general, there was a trend towards increased abundance of transcripts associated with differentiation and growth arrest with increasing donor age. Conversely, transcripts involved in RNA processing and the negative regulation of gene expression showed a downward trend with increasing donor age. Overall, the observed gene expression profiles were found to be similar to observations that MSC from older individuals show diminished proliferative capacity. These data highlight the importance of use of non‐human primates to study the properties of stem and progenitor cells, and for future therapies. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1198–1210, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genistein and Gut Inflammation: Role of Nitric Oxide

Abstract Genistein, a principal soy isoflavone, has been identified as a protein kinase inhibitor that possesses immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the study was to determine if genistein modified chronic ileitis in guinea pigs induced by the hapten trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and the activity index of cultured macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Genistein at low doses (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) had mild anti-inflammatory effects in TNBS ileitis. Therapeutic benefit included a reduction in nitric oxide production, granulocyte infiltration and improved mucosal architecture. Genistein, at low doses, also appeared to attenuate immunohistochemical staining for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine. The beneficial effects of genistein were not apparent at doses above 0.1 mg/kg. We found that genistein also inhibited LPS-induced nitrite production by cultured macrophages and protected against LPS-induced necrosis despite its ability to cause apoptosis. These results indicate that genistein displayed mild antiinflammatory properties which may, in part, involve an attenuation of nitric oxide release via inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the formation of peroxynitrite.
Regulation Influence on the Dividend Policy of the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) Corporations

In this study, the regulation influence on the dividend policy of the ISE corporations is analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. In 1995, there has been a significant change in the dividend regulations granting extensive flexibility in the dividend policy decision making for the corporations that are traded in the ISE. The empirical results show that for the period before the 1995 regulatory change, there are no industrial differences in the cash dividend policy due to the regulations that left little room for managers in determining their cash dividend policies. However, significant industrial differences in the cash dividend policy are found for the period after the 1995 regulatory change. Moreover, there is a substantial decrease in the median cash dividend payout ratios and ISE corporations tended to use the resources for internal financing. Additionally, ISE corporations collect back the distributed cash dividends through simultaneous rights issues for new equity. The repeated test results using net dividend payouts are similar to the results of cash dividend payouts.
The psychometric function and reaction times of automated perimetry in normal and abnormal areas of the visual field in patients with glaucoma.

PURPOSE To study the relationship of reaction time to the psychometric function in normal subjects, normal sensitivity test locations in patients with glaucoma, and test locations with 10 to 20 dB loss in patients with glaucoma. METHODS The authors tested 10 patients with glaucoma and 10 age-matched normal volunteers with the Humphrey perimeter, first with program 24-2 and then with the method of constant stimuli to generate frequency of seeing curves. At two widely separated visual field locations on the program 24-2 grid, they presented stimuli in 2-dB intervals, 10 dB either side of the program 24-2 threshold, at 0 dB and 60 dB (15 repetitions per intensity). For the patients with glaucoma, they chose a visual field location with normal sensitivity and a location in an area of 10 to 20 dB loss. RESULTS Analysis of variance with post hoc t-tests showed that reaction time (RT) at the 0-dB intensity was prolonged by approximately 90 msec in the abnormal sensitivity test location of patients with glaucoma compared to the control and the glaucoma normal sensitivity groups (P<0.0001). However, this difference was accounted for by only 4 of the 10 patients with glaucoma, reaching 100% of stimuli seen with the brightest stimulus at the moderately damaged test location. Reaction time at the frequency of seeing 50% estimated threshold showed no significant differences among the groups. Prolongation of RT from the 0-dB value was analyzed as a function of increasing attenuation of stimulus intensity. The results fit the equation RT = a + b(Intensity3) for all groups. CONCLUSIONS There is no significant difference in RT between normal subjects and patients with glaucoma either at threshold or to suprathreshold stimuli. Reaction time increases after a power function with increasing attenuation of stimulus intensity up to the threshold.