Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continuous infusion of lipoic acid rapidly reduces plasma β-hydroxybutyrate with elevation of non-esterified fatty acids in broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on fatty acid mobilisation and ketone body production in female broiler chickens. In the first experiment, chickens received an intravenous infusion of ALA (0, 25 or 50 mg/kg per h) for 90 min. Blood was drawn at 30 min intervals, and plasma glucose, NEFA, free glycerol and hydroxybutyrate were analysed. In the second experiment, ALA (100 mg/kg per h) was continuously infused to chickens fed or fasted for at least 24 h. Changes in plasma metabolites for 90 min were determined. In the first experiment, as shown by the response area, ALA infusion did not affect plasma glucose but increased (P < 0·05) plasma NEFA, regardless of the dose level. In contrast, plasma hydroxybutyrate was reduced at the lower infusion rate (P < 0·05). No significant changes in plasma free glycerol were observed. In experiment 2, ALA stimulated both plasma glucose (P < 0·01) and NEFA (P < 0·001) and the responses were greater than those of controls, regardless of the feeding state. The interaction between ALA and the feeding condition had a significant effect on plasma hydroxybutyrate (P < 0·01). ALA reduced plasma hydroxybutyrate, and this response was greater in the fasted birds than in those fed. Therefore, the present study found a lowering effect of ALA on plasma hydroxybutyrate level and suggests that the ALA-induced plasma NEFA increment was attributable to decreased hepatic fatty acid oxidation in chickens.
Autosomal recessive posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa caused by novel mutations in the FLVCR1 gene

Posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe sensory ataxia, muscle weakness and atrophy, and progressive pigmentary retinopathy. Recently, mutations in the FLVCR1 gene were described in four families with this condition. We investigated the molecular basis and studied the phenotype of PCARP in a new family. The proband is a 33-year-old woman presented with sensory polyneuropathy and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The constellation of clinical findings with normal metabolic and genetic evaluation, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis and normal levels of phytanic acid and vitamin E, prompted us to seek other causes of our patient's condition. Sequencing of FLVCR1 in the proband and targeted mutation testing in her two affected siblings revealed two novel variants, c.1547G>A (p.R516Q) and c.1593+5_+8delGTAA predicted, respectively, to be highly conserved throughout evolution and affecting the normal splicing, therefore, deleterious. This study supports the pathogenic role of FLVCR1 in PCARP and expands the molecular and clinical spectra of PCARP. We show for the first time that nontransmembrane domain (TMD) mutations in the FLVCR1 can cause PCARP, suggesting different mechanisms for pathogenicity. Our clinical data reveal that impaired sensation can be part of the phenotypic spectrum of PCARP. This study along with previously reported cases suggests that targeted sequencing of the FLVCR1 gene should be considered in patients with severe sensory ataxia, RP, and peripheral sensory neuropathy.
Increased automatic spreading activation in healthy subjects with elevated scores in a scale assessing schizophrenic language disturbances

Background. Previous studies on semantic priming have suggested that schizophrenic patients with language disturbances demonstrate enhanced semantic and indirect semantic priming effects relative to controls. However, the interpretation of semantic priming studies in schizophrenic patients is obscured by methological problems and several artefacts (such as length of illness). We, therefore, used a psychometric high-risk approach to test whether healthy subjects reporting language disturbances resembling those of schizophrenics (as measured by the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire subscale ‘language’) display increased priming effects. In addition, the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire was used to cover symptoms of schizotypal personality. Enhanced priming was expected to occur under conditions favouring automatic processes. Methods. One hundred and sixty healthy subjects performed a lexical decision semantic priming task containing two different stimulus onset asynchronicities (200 ms and 700 ms) with two experimental conditions (semantic priming and indirect semantic priming) each. Results. Analyses of variance revealed that the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire-‘language’ high scorers significantly differed from low scorers in three of the four priming conditions indicating increased automatic spreading activation. No significant results were obtained for the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire total and subscales scores. Conclusions. In line with Maher and Spitzer it is suggested that increased automatic spreading activation underlies schizophrenia-typical language disturbances which in our study cannot be attributed to confounding variables such as different reaction time baselines, medication or length of illness. Finally, results confirm that the psychometric high-risk approach is an important tool for investigating issues relevant to schizophrenia.
High, persistent hepatocellular proliferation and apoptosis precede hepatocarcinogenesis in growth hormone transgenic mice.

AIMS/BACKGROUND Growth hormone (GH) transgenic mice are known to develop hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas. In order to understand more about hepatocarcinogenesis in the GH-transgenic mouse model we quantitated the rates of hepatocellular proliferation and apoptosis in these mice. METHODS Two lines of GH-transgenic mice and non-transgenic control mice were generated and sacrificed at regular intervals between one and nine months. Hepatocellular replication was measured by in vivo incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and counting BrdU-positive nuclei in histological liver sections. Serial sections taken from these mouse livers were also assessed for rates of hepatocellular apoptosis using the in situ end-labelling of fragmented DNA (TUNEL) method. RESULTS High levels of hepatocellular replication were sustained life-long in this model. Increased rates of hepatocellular proliferation preceded the onset of hepatic inflammation, a prominent feature in the liver pathology of GH-transgenic mice. In tumour tissue, cellular proliferation was up to 17-fold greater than in surrounding non-tumour tissue. Apoptosis rates were also elevated in non-tumour regions of GH-transgenic mouse livers compared to controls. Interestingly, large dysplastic hepatocytes were common in the fraction of cells undergoing apoptosis, especially in older mice with inflamed livers. The increase in the rate of hepatocellular apoptosis in GH-transgenic animals largely balanced the augmented levels of proliferation seen in these mice. In tumour tissue, however, the profound increase in the number of proliferating tumour cells outstripped the increase in apoptosis. CONCLUSION Relatively high and enduring levels of hepatocellular replication and apoptosis precede hepatocarcinogenesis in GH-transgenic mice. Increased cellular proliferation and resistance to apoptosis were evident in tumour growth in older animals.
3D Echo Planar Imaging: Application to the Human Head

In this work, the authors present 3D images acquired from the human head using echo planar encoding for two of the three dimensions of k‐space. The third dimension of k‐space is filled by selecting and phase encoding a slab of spins as in conventional 3D steady state (GRASS based) acquisition regimens. Using this approach, a 128 x 64 x 64 3D data matrix could be obtained in 3.4–4.7 sec using effective TE values of 24 and 34 ms, respectively. High quality 3D images could be acquired once phase ghosts present on 2D images were minimized through proper adjustments of scanner hardware.
High-affinity hemoglobin and blood oxygen saturation in diving emperor penguins

SUMMARY The emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) thrives in the Antarctic underwater environment, diving to depths greater than 500 m and for durations longer than 23 min. To examine mechanisms underlying the exceptional diving ability of this species and further describe blood oxygen (O2) transport and depletion while diving, we characterized the O2–hemoglobin (Hb) dissociation curve of the emperor penguin in whole blood. This allowed us to (1) investigate the biochemical adaptation of Hb in this species, and (2) address blood O2 depletion during diving, by applying the dissociation curve to previously collected partial pressure of O2 (PO2) profiles to estimate in vivo Hb saturation (SO2) changes during dives. This investigation revealed enhanced Hb–O2 affinity (P50=28 mmHg, pH 7.5) in the emperor penguin, similar to high-altitude birds and other penguin species. This allows for increased O2 at low blood PO2 levels during diving and more complete depletion of the respiratory O2 store. SO2 profiles during diving demonstrated that arterial SO2 levels are maintained near 100% throughout much of the dive, not decreasing significantly until the final ascent phase. End-of-dive venous SO2 values were widely distributed and optimization of the venous blood O2 store resulted from arterialization and near complete depletion of venous blood O2 during longer dives. The estimated contribution of the blood O2 store to diving metabolic rate was low and highly variable. This pattern is due, in part, to the influx of O2 from the lungs into the blood during diving, and variable rates of tissue O2 uptake.
HOW BRITISH COLUMBIA SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS MANAGE DATA

The British Columbia Ministry of Education has been collecting demographic and academic performance information on every student in grades Kindergarten-12 since 1992. The amount of data held by the Ministry and now available for use is considerable: between 50 and 500 data elements have been collected from each of more than 500,000 students annually for the last 15 years. In most school districts additional data, not provided to the Ministry, is collected on the performance of their students. School District Superintendents, as senior educational leaders in each school district, play vital roles in connecting data use to student learning and achievement. However, the patterns and strategies they employ to manage data use are largely unknown: consequently, the central research question of this dissertation is how British Columbia Superintendents manage data use in their districts. The study uses a grounded theory method to pursue this question. Twenty-two British Columbia Superintendents participated in interviews that each lasted between one and two hours. The resulting transcripts were analysed intensively to determine the underlying patterns and core variables at play. Eventually the following theory emerged: School District Superintendents improve their districts’ capacity to create and use databased knowledge by combining staff engagement with structural support in such a way that the school district advances along a trajectory of increased data use in a series of five developmental phases. The theory offers a model that enables assessment of how far a Superintendent has taken a district and what possibilities there may be for further development of databased knowledge. The model also provides Superintendents with an understanding of the
Role of CYP pharmacogenetics and drug‐drug interactions in the efficacy and safety of atypical and other antipsychotic agents

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) drug oxidases play a pivotal role in the elimination of antipsychotic agents, and therefore influence the toxicity and efficacy of these drugs. Factors that affect CYP function and expression have a major impact on treatment outcomes with antipsychotic agents. In particular, aspects of CYP pharmacogenetics, and the processes of CYP induction and inhibition all influence in‐vivo rates of drug elimination. Certain CYPs that mediate the oxidation of antipsychotic drugs exhibit genetic variants that may influence in‐vivo activity. Thus, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP genes have been shown to encode enzymes that have decreased drug oxidation capacity. Additionally, psychopharmacotherapy has the potential for drug‐drug inhibitory interactions involving CYPs, as well as drug‐mediated CYP induction. Literature evidence supports a role for CYP1A2 in the clearance of the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine; CYP1A2 is inducible by certain drugs and environmental chemicals. Recent studies have suggested that specific CYP1A2 variants possessing individual SNPs, and possibly also SNP combinations (haplotypes), in the 5′‐regulatory regions may respond differently to inducing chemicals. CYP2D6 is an important catalyst of the oxidation of chlorpromazine, thioridazine, risperidone and haloperidol. Certain CYP2D6 allelic variants that encode enzymes with decreased drug oxidation capacity are more common in particular ethnic groups, which may lead to adverse effects with standard doses of psychoactive drugs. Thus, genotyping may be useful for dose optimization with certain psychoactive drugs that are substrates for CYP2D6. However, genotyping for inducible CYPs is unlikely to be sufficient to direct therapy with all antipsychotic agents. In‐vivo CYP phenotyping with cocktails of drug substrates may assist at the commencement of therapy, but this approach could be complicated by pharmacokinetic interactions if applied when an antipsychotic drug regimen is ongoing.
Impact of environmental factors on community participation of persons with an intellectual disability: a systematic review.

STUDY DESIGN A systematic review of the literature. OBJECTIVES To describe which environmental factors have an impact on community participation of persons with an intellectual disability. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted for the period of 1996-2006 in Pubmed, CINAHL and PSYCINFO. Search terms were derived from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Three investigators assessed the relevance of the studies identified using predefined selection criteria. Aspects of community participation included were: domestic life; interpersonal interactions and relationships; major life areas; community, civic and social life. Environmental factors included were: products and technology; natural environment and human-made changes to environment; support and relationships; attitudes; services, systems and policies. RESULTS Out of 236 initial hits, 9 quantitative studies and 2 qualitative studies met the predefined selection criteria and were included in the study. Various research instruments were used in the studies and only one study used a conceptual framework. The review allowed the identification of a number of environmental factors positively affecting participation: opportunities to make choices; variety and stimulation of the environment of facilities; opportunities for resident involvement in policy making; small residential facilities; opportunities for autonomy; vocational services; social support; family involvement; assistive technology; and positive staff attitudes. A number of identified environmental factors negatively affecting participation are: lack of transport and not feeling accepted. DISCUSSION It can be concluded that little has been published about the impact of environmental factors on community participation. Many studies do not clearly define the concept of community participation. Research on the impact of environmental factors on community participation so far seems not to be based on a theoretical framework. Most studies focused on the impact of services on community participation in general.
Concussions: What a neurosurgeon should know about current scientific evidence and management strategies

Background: There has been a tremendous amount of interest focused on the topic of concussions over the past few decades. Neurosurgeons are frequently consulted to manage patients with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) that have radiographic evidence of cerebral injury. These injuries share significant overlap with concussions, injuries that typically do not reveal radiographic evidence of structural injury, in the realms of epidemiology, pathophysiology, outcomes, and management. Further, neurosurgeons often manage patients with extracranial injuries that have concomitant concussions. In these cases, neurosurgeons are often the only “concussion experts” that patients encounter. Results: The literature has been reviewed and data have been synthesized on the topic including sections on historical background, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic advances, clinical sequelae, and treatment suggestions, with neurosurgeons as the intended target audience. Conclusions: Neurosurgeons should have a fundamental knowledge of the scientific evidence that has developed regarding concussions and be prepared to guide patients with treatment plans.
Changes in oral health-related quality of life among children following dental treatment under general anaesthesia. A systematic review.

AIM To review the results of studies reporting data on changes in aspects of children's oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) following dental treatment under general anaesthesia (GA). To describe instruments measuring children's OHRQoL used in the studies. METHODS A literature review was carried out to identify relevant studies reporting data on changes in aspects of children's OHRQoL following dental treatment under GA. The data was extracted from the selected papers. RESULTS The review included 11 journal articles, which presented the results of clinical trials. The studies were based on different questionnaires measuring children's OHRQoL and parental satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Oral rehabilitation under GA results in the immediate improvement of children's oral health and physical, emotional and social quality of life. It also has a positive impact on the family. However, a more accurate comparison of results is not possible due to differences in instruments used. And no single decision exists on the choice of the instrument measuring children's OHRQoL following dental treatment under GA. It may be concluded that further studies on measuring long term OHRQoL changes and studies surveying children are needed.
SLEEP AND CIRCADIAN PHASE CHARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT MALES IN A NATURALISTIC SUMMERTIME CONDITION

Our aim was to compare the circadian phase characteristics of healthy adolescent and young adult males in a naturalistic summertime condition. A total of 19 adolescents (mean age 15.7 years) and 18 young adults (mean age 24.5 years) with no sleep problems took part in this study. Two-night polysomnographic (PSG) sleep recordings and 24h secretion patterns of urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin were monitored in all 37 subjects. Sleep-wake patterns were initially assessed at home using a standard sleep diary. Circadian assessment included the measure of dim light melatonin offset (DLMOff) and the morningness-eveningness (M/E) questionnaire. As expected, compared to young adults, adolescents habitually spent more nocturnal time in bed and spent more time (and percentage) in delta sleep. No difference was found between adolescents and young adults on multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) sleep onset latencies, M/E, melatonin secretion measures (24h total, nighttime, daytime, and night ratio), and DLMOff. For the subjects as a whole, correlational analyses revealed a significant association between the DLMOff and M/E and between both these phase markers and habitual bedtimes, habitual rising times, and melatonin secretion measures (daytime levels and the night ratio). No association was found between phase markers and daytime sleepiness or sleep consolidation parameters such as sleep efficiency or number of microarousals. These results together indicate that adolescents and young adults investigated during summertime showed similar circadian phase characteristics, and that, in these age groups, an evening phase preference is associated with a delayed melatonin secretion pattern and delayed habitual sleep patterns without a decrease in sleep consolidation or vigilance. (Chronobiology International, 17(4), 489–501, 2000)
Electromagnetic Interference To Infusion Pumps From GSM Mobile Phones

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) to critical care medical devices has been reported by various groups. Previuos studies have demonstrated that infusion and syringe pumps are susceptible of false alarm buzzing and block, when exposed to various EMI sources. Whether these events may have clinical relevance is still debated. The risk of EMI depends on several factors such as phone emitted power, distance and carrier frequency. We investigated the EMI on infusion and siringe pumps from GSM phones at various distances and emitted powers. Malfunctions were observed in 4/7 infusion pumps and 1/4 syringe pumps exposed to mobiles at their maximum output, for distances as long as 30 cm. The maximum power not inducing any malfunction even at 0 cm distance was also determined. The selection of a proper maximum power class reduces significantly the risk of EMI. Such a function is already built in the GSM standard and thus represents one of the feasible solutions to the EMI problem in hospitals.
Structural changes in simian virus 40 chromatin as probed by restriction endonucleases

The structure of simian virus 40 (SV40) chromatin was probed by treatment with single- and multiple-site bacterial restriction endonucleases. Approximately the same fraction of the chromatin DNA was cleaved by each of three different single-site endonucleases, indicating that the nucleosomes do not have unique positions with regard to specific nucleotide sequences within the population of chromatin molecules. However, the extent of digestion was found to be strongly influenced by salt concentration. At 100 mM NaCl-5 mM MgCl2, only about 20% of the simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA I in chromatin was converted to linear SV40 DNA III. In contrast, at lower concentrations of NaCl (0.05 or 0.01 M), an additional 20 to 30% of the DNA was cleaved. These results suggest that at 100 mM NaCl only the DNA between nucleosomes was accessible to the restriction enzymes, whereas at the lower salt concentrations, DNA within the nucleosome regions became available for cleavage. Surprisingly, when SV40 chromatin was digested with multiple-site restriction enzymes, less than 2% of the DNA was digested to limit digest fragment, whereas only a small fraction (9 to 15%) received two or more cuts. Instead, the principal digest fragment was full-length linear SV40 DNA III. The failure to generate limit digest fragments was not a consequence of reduced enzyme activity in the reaction mixtures or of histone exchange. When the position of the principal cleavage site was mapped after HpaI digestion, it was found that this site was not unique. Nevertheless, all sites wree not cleaved with equal probability. An additional finding was that SV40 chromatin containing nicked-circular DNA II produced by random nicking of DNA I was also resistant to digestion by restriction enzymes. These results suggest that the initial cut which causes relaxation of topological constraint in SV40 chromatin DNA imparts resistance to further digestion by restriction enzymes. We propose that this may be accomplished by either "winding" of the internucleosomal DNA into the body of the nucleosome, or as suggested by others, by successive right-hand rotation of nucleosomes.