Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parasympathetic innervation of the rat cornea.

The mammalian cornea receives a dense sensory innervation and a modest sympathetic innervation. The purpose of the current study was to determine if the rat cornea is also innervated by parasympathetic nerves. In the first set of experiments, unilateral combined sympathetic and sensory ocular denervations were performed in adult rats by surgical removal of the superior cervical ganglion and intracranial transection of the trigeminal ophthalmomaxillary nerve. Completeness of the denervation procedure was verified postmortem by a variety of macroscopic and immunohistochemical methods. Five to twelve days later, the corneas were serially sectioned tangential to the ocular surface and processed immunohistochemically with antibodies against the pan-neuronal markers, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP-9.5) and peripherin. In every animal a small, but constant, population of corneal and limbal immunoreactive fibers were unaffected by the surgical denervations and were concluded to derive from parasympathetic ganglia. In the second set of experiments, the origins of the rat corneal innervation were determined by applying the neuroanatomical tracer, wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) to the central cornea. Two to four days later, the trigeminal, superior cervical, ciliary, accessory ciliary and pterygopalatine ganglia were sectioned and analysed for the presence of HRP-labeled neurons. Examination of the corneal application site and associated ocular tissues revealed no evidence of tracer spread into neighbouring structures. Small numbers (0-6 per animal) of HRP-labeled neurons were observed in the ipsilateral ciliary and accessory ciliary ganglia of most animals. The results of these carefully controlled studies provide strong anatomical evidence of a modest parasympathetic innervation of the rat cornea.
Amacrine cell contributions to red-green color opponency in central primate retina: A model study

To investigate the contributions of amacrine cells to red-green opponency, a linear computational model of the central macaque retina was developed based on a published cone mosaic. In the model, amacrine cells of ON and OFF types received input from all neighboring midget bipolar cells of the same polarity, but OFF amacrine cells had a bias toward bipolar cells whose center responses were mediated by middle wavelength sensitive cones. This bias might arise due to activity dependent plasticity because there are midget bipolar cells driven by short wavelength sensitive cones in the OFF pathway. The model midget ganglion cells received inputs from neighboring amacrine cells of both types. As in physiological experiments, the model ganglion cells showed spatially opponent responses to achromatic stimuli, but they responded to cone isolating stimuli as though center and surround were each driven by a single cone type. Without amacrine cell input, long and middle wavelength sensitive cones contributed to both the centers and surrounds of model ganglion cell receptive fields. According to the model, the summed amacrine cell input was red-green opponent even though inputs to individual amacrine cells were unselective. A key prediction is that GABA and glycine depolarize two of the four types of central midget ganglion cells; this may reflect lower levels of the potassium chloride co-transporter in their dendrites.
Tax Reform and Tax Simplicity: A New and 'Simpler' Tax System?

A definition of legal simplicity of taxation is the ease by which a body of a tax law can be read and correctly understood and applied to practical situations. Tax simplicity is desirable in isolation but not necessary in conjunction with other objectives of the tax system which has an ambiguous effect on tax revenue because some taxpayers pay more while some pay less, making a decline in total tax collection possible.
Fabrication of novel thermal-expandable microcapsules and their applications in intumescent flame-retardant water-based coatings

Thermal-expandable microcapsules (TEMs) for water-based coatings were synthesized with co-polymer of Acrylonitrile (AN) Methyl methacrylate (MMA) Ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) Divinylbenzene (DVB) as shell and toluene-p-sulfonyl hydrazide as core by suspension polymerization method. It was found that the microcapsules with desirable thermal expansion property and good heat stability could be obtained with a shell monomers composition of 70% AN /20% MMA /9% EHA /1% DVB. When 2% styrene-maleic acid copolymer (SMC) as emulsifier and 3% poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as dispersing agent were used, well defined spherical and more uniform microcapsules could be prepared. It was also found that when the shell/core mass ratio was 3:1, an encapsulation efficiency of ca. 94.5% could be achieved. Beyond this ratio, the increase of encapsulation efficiency reached a plateau. The 100 μm thickness film of water-based coating containing 5% microcapsules could be expanded to the thickness of 450 μm after exposed at 150 °C for 2 minutes. TG analysis revealed the mass loss start temperature of coating increased by more than 30 °C when 5% microcapsules were added to water-based coatings, which demonstrated the flame-retardant function of the coatings.
Effects of mission duration on neuroimmune responses in astronauts.

BACKGROUND Spaceflight poses a unique stress to humans that can impair cellular immune responses and reactivate latent herpes viruses. Notably, prior studies have suggested that mission length may be an important factor in the variability of immune alterations observed after spaceflight. In this study, adrenocortical responses and circulating leukocytes were compared between astronauts who participated in either 9- or 16-d missions. HYPOTHESIS Mission duration will differentially affect neuroimmune responses after spaceflight. METHODS Blood and urine samples, collected from 28 crew-members who flew on 5 Space Shuttle missions, were analyzed for levels of plasma and urinary cortisol, urinary catecholamines, leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, and total IgE. RESULTS After spaceflight, plasma cortisol was significantly decreased after the 9-d missions but increased after the 16-d missions. In contrast urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were greater after the 9-d missions than the 16-d missions. Total IgE was significantly increased after the 16-d missions and correlated with urinary cortisol. The number of white blood cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and CD4+ T cells were significantly increased postflight. After the 9-d missions, monocytes were increased while natural killer cells were decreased. However, monocytes were decreased after the 16-d missions; no change occurred in natural killer cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that sympathetic nervous system responses predominate after shorter spaceflights, while longer flights are characterized by glucocorticoid-mediated changes at landing that may result from the accumulative effects of microgravity (i.e., physiological deconditioning) over time.
Three-dimensional Stress Distribution Around a Dental Implant at Different Stages of Interface Development

An anchor-type ceramic dental implant contained in a section of the mandibular molar region was modeled for finite element stress analysis. The distributions of stresses in the bone around the implant due to axial and transverse loading were calculated for different stages of normal and pathological development of the implant-bone interface. Highest stress concentrations are observed in the crestal region with transverse loading when spongy bone surrounds the implant immediately after surgery. Development of a lamina dura around the implant slightly reduces severe stress peaks, whereas ingrowth of connective tissue almost eliminates them.
Characterization of de novo four‐helix bundles by molecular dynamics simulations

We have investigated the structure and dynamics of three cavitand‐based four‐helix bundles (caviteins) by computer simulation. In these systems, designed de novo, each of the four helices contain the identical basis sequence EELLKKLEELLKKG (N1). Each cavitein consists of a rigid macrocycle (cavitand) with four aryl linkages, to each of which is connected an N1 peptide by means of a linker peptide. The three caviteins studied here differ only in the linker peptide, which consist of one, two, or three glycine residues. Previous experimental work has shown that these systems exhibit very different behavior in terms of stability and oligomerization states despite the small differences in the linker peptide. Given that to date no three‐dimensional structure is available for these caviteins, we have undertaken a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in explicit water to try to rationalize the large differences in the experimentally observed behavior of these systems. Our results provide insight, for the first time, into why and how the cavitein with a single glycine linker forms dimers. In addition, our results indicate why although the two‐ and three‐glycine‐linked caviteins have similar stabilities, they have different native‐like characteristics: the cavitein with three glycines can form a supercoiled helix, whereas the one with two glycines cannot. These findings may provide a useful guide in the rational de novo design of novel proteins with finely tunable structures and functions in the future. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diazepam Enhances Inotropic Responses to Dopamine in Rat Ventricular Myocardium

Diazepam inhibits phosphodiesterase type 4 and enhances the effect of some 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent positive inotropic drugs. We sought to determine whether diazepam and the selective phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor rolipram enhances the contractile response and cAMP levels induced by dopamine in rat myocardium. Dopamine (3–100 &mgr;M) produced concentration-dependent positive inotropic effects (−log EC50 = 5.21 ± 0.2, n = 5), which were augmented in the presence of 10 &mgr;M diazepam (-log EC50 = 5.40 ± 0.08, n = 6, P < 0.05) or 1 &mgr;M rolipram (-log EC50 = 5.41 ± 0.1, n = 6, P < 0.05). The effect of diazepam was not mimicked by 100 &mgr;M &ggr;-aminobutyric acid nor it was antagonized by a 5 &mgr;M concentration of the blockers of central and peripheral type benzodiazepine receptors, flumazenil and PK 11195. cAMP levels (pmol/g) produced by dopamine (744.4 ± 111.8, n = 5) in this tissue were enhanced by the presence of diazepam (1073 ± 97.7, n = 6, P < 0.05) or rolipram (1034.0 ± 245.2, n = 5, P < 0.05). Therefore, diazepam, like rolipram, augments the inotropic and biochemical effects of dopamine in rat myocardium. This effect is not mediated by benzodiazepine receptors but is probably the consequence of the phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitory activity of diazepam.
Bladder augmentation using the gastrointestinal tract. Indication, follow up and complications.

UNLABELLED The purpose of bladder augmentation using the gastrointestinal tract is to create a low-pressure and high-capacity reservoir, permitting suitable continence and voiding, preserving the upper urinary tract. OBJECTIVE To analyze the indications, complications and results of our series of augmentation enterocystoplasties. METHOD We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing augmentation enterocystoplasty in our department between 1997 and 2010, both included. The indications were: Interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder and inflammatory bladder retraction. In all cases a cystography, urethrocystoscopy, urodynamic study and studies of each condition. Bladder release is performed by means of medial laparotomy and an extraperitoneal approach with bivalve opening to the urethral orifices. The bladder augmentation is performed with a 15-20 cm segment of detubularized ileum obtained at 20 cm from the ileocecal valve; in cases of kidney failure, a 7-cm gastric body wedge is added. The bladder catheter was removed following cystogram after 15 days. Monitoring was performed by means of ultrasound with postvoid residual, blood analyses, urine culture and voiding diary. We performed a descriptive study of the demographic characteristics, postoperative complications according to the Clavien classification and in the long term. RESULTS We included 24 patients, 19 women and 5 men with a mean age of 48.5 years and a median of 47 (21-77). Mean follow up was 7.5 years with a median of 8 (1-11). The indications were: 7 interstitial cystitis, 8 bladder retraction and 7 neurogenic bladder. There were no intraoperative complications. The postoperative complications were 3 Clavien I, 2 type II, 2 IIIA and 1 IIIB. In the long term, 3 patients presented urinary incontinence, 2 mild metabolic acidosis, 5 required self-catheterization, 6 bladder stones, 2 febrile urinary tract infections and 1 stricture of the anastomotic mouth. In three cases, an ileogastrocystoplasty was performed without hydroelectrolytic impairment or impairment of kidney function. CONCLUSIONS In selected patients, augmentation enterocystoplasty constitutes an efficacious therapeutic option in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction with scant morbidity and few complications.
Early Ischaemic Diffusion Lesion Reduction in Patients Treated with Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator: Infrequent, but Significantly Associated with Recanalization

Background and purpose Recent studies have shown that thrombolysis could decrease or eliminate ischaemic diffusion-weighted imaging lesions. However, the features of such diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reduction are not well known. Aims To clarify, the frequency of and factors associated with lesion reduction were investigated. Methods Patients given intravenous tissue plasminogen activator therapy within three-hours of onset were prospectively enrolled. Magnetic resonance imaging including diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance angiography was performed four times: on admission, just after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, 24 h from intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, and seven-days after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. The diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume was measured by manual trace using National Institutes of Health imaging software. All patients were divided into three groups according to the early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume change from admission to just after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator: the lesion reduction group (>20% decrease); the lesion growth group (>20% increase); and the lesion unchanged group. Results In total, 105 patients [56 males, median age 77 (interquartile range 70–83) years, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 16 (10–22)] were enrolled. Early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reduction was observed in seven (7%) patients. The decreased lesion increased subsequently. On multivariate analysis, the glucose level on admission (odds ratio 0·95, 95% confidence interval 0·91 to 0·99, P = 0·045) and early recanalization (odds ratio 15·7, 95% confidence interval 1·61 to 153, P = 0·018) were independently related to early lesion reduction. Conclusion Early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reduction was observed in 7% of patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. The decreased lesion increased subsequently. Initial glucose level and early recanalization were independently associated with early diffusion-weighted imaging lesion reduction.
Management of pouch dysfunction in a tertiary centre

Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis is the operation of choice for ulcerative colitis (UC) and some cases of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Although it offers improvement in quality of life and high patient satisfaction, pouch surgery is also associated with significant morbidity. The aim of this study was to describe the management of patients referred to a tertiary centre with pouch dysfunction.
Characterizing social environment's association with neurocognition using census and crime data linked to the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort

Background The contribution of ‘environment’ has been investigated across diverse and multiple domains related to health. However, in the context of large-scale genomic studies the focus has been on obtaining individual-level endophenotypes with environment left for future decomposition. Geo-social research has indicated that environment-level variables can be reduced, and these composites can then be used with other variables as intuitive, precise representations of environment in research. Method Using a large community sample (N = 9498) from the Philadelphia area, participant addresses were linked to 2010 census and crime data. These were then factor analyzed (exploratory factor analysis; EFA) to arrive at social and criminal dimensions of participants' environments. These were used to calculate environment-level scores, which were merged with individual-level variables. We estimated an exploratory multilevel structural equation model (MSEM) exploring associations among environment- and individual-level variables in diverse communities. Results The EFAs revealed that census data was best represented by two factors, one socioeconomic status and one household/language. Crime data was best represented by a single crime factor. The MSEM variables had good fit (e.g. comparative fit index = 0.98), and revealed that environment had the largest association with neurocognitive performance (β = 0.41, p < 0.0005), followed by parent education (β = 0.23, p < 0.0005). Conclusions Environment-level variables can be combined to create factor scores or composites for use in larger statistical models. Our results are consistent with literature indicating that individual-level socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. race and gender) and aspects of familial social capital (e.g. parental education) have statistical relationships with neurocognitive performance.
Measuring the Effect of Size on Technical Efficiency of the United Arab Emirates Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE The main purpose of this study is to estimate the technical efficiency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hospitals and examine the effect of hospital size on estimated technical efficiency scores. METHODS Using 2012 data from Ministry of Health, Dubai Health Authority, and Health Authority in Abu Dhabi, we employed a nonparametric method, data envelopment analysis (DEA), to estimate the technical efficiency of 96 private and governmental hospitals in the UAE. Efficiency scores are calculated using both Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) and Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (CCR) models. RESULTS: The average technical efficiency of the UAE hospitals is estimated at 59% based on the BBC model and at 48% based on the CCR model. The optimal size of a hospital in the UAE is between 100 to 300 beds. We also found evidence of economies of scope between the provision of outpatient and inpatient care in the UAE hospitals. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that only one third of the UAE hospitals are technically efficient. There is evidence to suggest that there are considerable efficiency gains yet to be made by many UAE hospitals. Additional empirical research is needed to inform future health policies aimed at improving both the technical and allocative efficiency of hospital services in the UAE.
Diabetes management by residents in training in a municipal hospital primary care site (IPCAAD 2).

PURPOSE Since diabetes is largely a primary care problem but we know little about management by residents in training--the primary care practitioners of the future--we examined surrogate outcomes reflective of their performance. METHODS A seven-week observational study was conducted in a typical training site- a municipal hospital internal medicine resident "continuity" (primary care) clinic in a large, academic, university-affiliated training program. We evaluated control of glucose, blood pressure, and lipids; screening for proteinuria; and use of aspirin relative to national standards. RESULTS Five hundred fifty-six (556) patients were 72% female and 97% African-American, with mean age 63 years, duration of diabetes 12 years, and BMI 34 kg/m2. Patients were managed largely with diet alone (22%) or oral agents alone (40%); 7% used oral agents and insulin in combination, and 30% insulin alone. Hemoglobin A1c (mean 8.2%) was above goal (<7.0%) in 61% of patients. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean 128 mg/dL) was above goal (<100) in 76% of patients, but high density lipoprotein (mean 53 mg/dL) was at goal in 46%, and triglycerides (mean 138 mg/dL) were at goal in 85%. Diastolic pressure (mean 75 mm Hg) was at goal (<85) in 77% of patients, but systolic pressure (mean 143) was at goal (<130) in only 25% of patients. An average of only 53% of the patients had urine protein screening per 12 months, and use of aspirin was documented for only 39% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with type 2 diabetes in a typical internal medicine resident primary care clinic frequently do not achieve national standard of care goals. Since skills and attitudes developed in residency are likely to carry over into later practice, local diabetes educators may need to work with medical faculty to develop new interventions to improve postgraduate medical education in diabetes management.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of infant feeding strategies to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in South Africa

Despite increasing availability of perinatal interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in South Africa, MTCT remains high due to breastfeeding. To inform policy decisions in the country, cost-effectiveness of alternative infant-feeding interventions was conducted. Mathematical modelling was used to simulate post-natal transmission and mortality due to infant feeding in a hypothetical cohort of 1 000 HIV-exposed infants. Lifetime costs to the health system were calculated for each strategy. Interventions compared with current practice were: increasing coverage of extended nevirapine prophylaxis (ENP) to infants from 30% (base case) to 60% without changing current feeding practices; actively supporting breastfeeding with ENP to infants for 12 months; and actively supporting exclusive formula (replacement) feeding for 6 months. HIV-free survival at 24 months and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted were estimated for typical rural and certain urban settings. Base-case analysis revealed that expanding coverage of nevirapine prophylaxis with breastfeeding is cost-saving and improves HIV-free survival. Changing feeding practices is beneficial, depending on context. Breastfeeding is dominant (less costly, more effective) in rural settings, whilst formula feeding is a dominant strategy in urban settings. Cost-effectiveness was most sensitive to proportion of women on lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) and infant mortality rate (IMR). When >55% of women are on ART, breastfeeding dominates in the urban settings modelled, whilst formula feeding is cost-effective in rural settings when IMR ≤ 45/1000. The study concludes that strategies to support breastfeeding are essential. Strengthening health systems is critical to ensure optimal nevirapine delivery during breastfeeding. A case can be made for formula feeding or breastfeeding in HIV-infected women in specific contexts.