Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abnormalities of P300 cortical current density in unmedicated depressed patients revealed by LORETA analysis of event‐related potentials

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to investigate the neural substrates underlying event‐related potential (ERP) abnormalities, with respect to the generators of the ERP components in depressed patients. Using an oddball paradigm, ERP from auditory stimuli were recorded from 22 unmedicated patients with current depressive episodes and compared with those from 22 age‐ and gender‐matched normal controls. Cortical current densities of the N100 and P300 components were analyzed using low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA). Group differences in cortical current density were mapped on a 3‐D cortex model. The results revealed that N100 cortical current densities did not differ between the two groups, while P300 cortical current densities were significantly lower in depressed patients over the bilateral temporal lobes, the left frontal region, and the right temporal–parietal area. Furthermore, the cortical area in which the group difference in P300 current density had been identified was remarkably larger over the right than the left hemisphere, thus supporting the hypothesis of right hemisphere dysfunction in depression.
Favorable effects of a prolonged treatment with melatonin on the level of oxidative damage and neurodegeneration in senescence‐accelerated mice

Abstract: Senescence‐accelerated mice (SAMP8) and senescence‐accelerated resistant mice (SAMR1) were studied at 5 and 10 months of age, respectively. In the animals, neurodegenerative processes and how they were influenced by melatonin were examined. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (ethanol at 0.066%) treatments were administrated from the age of 1 to 9 months in the drinking water. Differences in the neurodegenerative markers examined were found between the two strains with a more damaged protein, phosphorylated Tau at Ser392, increased neurofibrillary tangles (NT) and higher α‐synuclein expression in SAMP8 versus SAMR1 mice overall, when the mice were 10 months of age. Changes in density of receptors and oxidative stress‐related signaling with age were found in the brains of SAM strains at 10 months as shown by a marked decrease in the level of MT‐1 melatonin receptor and retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor (ROR)‐α1. This diminution was earlier and more pronounced in SAMP8 mice. Likewise, the levels of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kB) transcriptional factor were higher in SAMP8 mice compared with SAMR1 mice regardless of age confirming the direct role of oxidative stress in the aging process. Treatment with melatonin in SAMP8 and SAMR1 mice reduced the neurodegenerative changes with an increase of ROR‐α1 levels without an apparent influence in the levels of MT‐1 receptor. However, different melatonin effects on NF‐kB signaling were observed suggesting that NF‐kB could trigger inflammatory processes in a different way, being SAM strain‐dependent and associated with age‐related oxidative stress levels. The effectiveness of melatonin in improving age‐related neural impairments is corroborated.
Towards nutrition MDGs in Burkina Faso: will capacity to act follow the commitment?

The past few years have witnessed an increasing interest in nutrition interventions, which have emerged as a key matter to achieve MDGs. While political commitment is widely spread, more needs to be done to improve operational capacity. This article, resulting from the Landscape Analysis Country Assessment, provides an overall picture of Burkina Faso’s nutrition situation and outlines the steps to be taken over the next few years to develop more effective nutrition programmes and improve nutritional status across the whole population. It addresses several topics from policy down to services delivery levels and community involvement.
Phytomelatonin: a universal abiotic stress regulator

Melatonin, a derivative of tryptophan, was first detected in plant species in 1995 and it has been shown to be a diverse regulator during plant growth and development, and in stress responses. Recently, great progress has been made towards determining the detailed functions of melatonin in plant responses to abiotic stress. Melatonin priming improves plant tolerance to cold, heat, salt, and drought stresses through regulation of genes involved in the DREB/CBF, HSF, SOS, and ABA pathways, respectively. As a scavenger of free radicals, melatonin also directly detoxifies reactive oxygen species, thus alleviating membrane oxidation. Abiotic stress-inhibited photosynthesis is partially recovered and metabolites accumulate in the presence of melatonin, leading to improved plant growth, delayed leaf senescence, and increased stress tolerance. In this review, we summarize the interactions of melatonin with phytohormones to regulate downstream gene expression, protein stabilization, and epigenetic modification in plants. Finally, we consider the need for, and approaches to, the identification of melatonin receptors and components during signaling transduction pathways.
Gene Discovery of Modular Diterpene Metabolism in Nonmodel Systems1[W][OA]

Metabolite-guided transcriptome sequencing of nonmodel species, custom reference databases of terpene synthases and cytochrome P450s, and phylogenetic and enzymatic analyses identified new gene family members for modular biosynthesis of diterpenes with applications as bioproducts. Plants produce over 10,000 different diterpenes of specialized (secondary) metabolism, and fewer diterpenes of general (primary) metabolism. Specialized diterpenes may have functions in ecological interactions of plants with other organisms and also benefit humanity as pharmaceuticals, fragrances, resins, and other industrial bioproducts. Examples of high-value diterpenes are taxol and forskolin pharmaceuticals or ambroxide fragrances. Yields and purity of diterpenes obtained from natural sources or by chemical synthesis are often insufficient for large-volume or high-end applications. Improvement of agricultural or biotechnological diterpene production requires knowledge of biosynthetic genes and enzymes. However, specialized diterpene pathways are extremely diverse across the plant kingdom, and most specialized diterpenes are taxonomically restricted to a few plant species, genera, or families. Consequently, there is no single reference system to guide gene discovery and rapid annotation of specialized diterpene pathways. Functional diversification of genes and plasticity of enzyme functions of these pathways further complicate correct annotation. To address this challenge, we used a set of 10 different plant species to develop a general strategy for diterpene gene discovery in nonmodel systems. The approach combines metabolite-guided transcriptome resources, custom diterpene synthase (diTPS) and cytochrome P450 reference gene databases, phylogenies, and, as shown for select diTPSs, single and coupled enzyme assays using microbial and plant expression systems. In the 10 species, we identified 46 new diTPS candidates and over 400 putatively terpenoid-related P450s in a resource of nearly 1 million predicted transcripts of diterpene-accumulating tissues. Phylogenetic patterns of lineage-specific blooms of genes guided functional characterization.
Aldosterone and cardiovascular remodelling: focus on myocardial failure

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome that may result from different disease states or conditions that injure the myocardium. The activation of circulating neurohormones, particularly aldosterone, may play a pivotal role in left ventricular (LV) remodelling. The Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study and Eplerenone Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival trial have emphasised the clinical importance of aldosterone. This review addresses some of the proposed mechanisms of LV remodelling in heart failure.
Enhanced memory in Wistar rats by virgin coconut oil is associated with increased antioxidative, cholinergic activities and reduced oxidative stress

Abstract Context: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been reported to possess antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties. Objective: Capitalizing on these therapeutic effects, this study investigated for the first time the potential of VCO on memory improvement in vivo. Materials and methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (7–8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = six per group). Treatment groups were administered with 1, 5 and 10 g/kg VCO for 31 days by oral gavages. The cognitive function of treated-rats were assessed using the Morris Water Maze Test. Brains were removed, homogenized and subjected to biochemical analyses of acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRx)], lipid peroxidase [malondialdehyde (MDA)] as well as nitric oxide (NO). α-Tocopherol (αT; 150 mg/kg) was also included for comparison purposes. Results: VCO-fed Wistar rats exhibited significant (p < 0.05) improvement of cognitive functions [reduced escape latency (≥ 1.8 s), reduced escape distance (≥ 0.3 m) and increased total time spent on platform (≥ 1 s)]. The findings were accompanied by elevation of ACh (15%), SOD (8%), CAT (≥ 54%), GSH (≥ 20%) and GPx (≥ 12%) and reduction of AChE (≥17%), MDA (> 33%) and NO (≥ 34%). Overall, memory improvement by VCO was comparable to αT. Discussion and conclusion: VCO has the potential to be used as a memory enhancer, the effect of which was mediated, at least in part, through enhanced cholinergic activity, increased antioxidants level and reduced oxidative stress.
Exercise Promotes Neuroplasticity in Both Healthy and Depressed Brains: An fMRI Pilot Study

Memory impairments are a frequently reported cognitive symptom in people suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) and often persist despite antidepressant therapy. Neuroimaging studies have identified abnormal hippocampal activity during memory processes in MDD. Exercise as an ad-on treatment for MDD is a promising therapeutic strategy shown to improve mood, cognitive function, and neural structure and function. To advance our understanding of how exercise impacts neural function in MDD, we must also understand how exercise impacts healthy individuals without MDD. This pilot study used a subsequent memory paradigm to investigate the effects of an eight-week exercise intervention on hippocampal function in low-active healthy (n = 8) and low-active MDD (n = 8) individuals. Results showed a marked improvement in depression scores for the MDD group (p < 0.0001) and no change in memory performance for either group (p > 0.05). Functional imaging results showed a marginally significant decrease in hippocampal activity in both groups following the exercise intervention. Our whole brain analysis collapsed across groups revealed a similar deactivation pattern across several memory-associated regions. These results suggest that exercise may enhance neural efficiency in low-fit individuals while still resulting in a substantially greater mood effect for those suffering from MDD. This trial is registered with clinical trials.gov NCT03191994.
Whole blood coagulation measured by modified thrombelastography (ROTEM) is impaired in infants with congenital heart diseases

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) often do have a variety of coagulation abnormalities that results in bleeding diathesis. Our study aimed to determine the impact of cyanosis and CHD on modified thrombelastography parameters, compared with children without CHD. Preoperative blood samples were taken for TEM analyses from a total of 51 infants scheduled for surgery. The following groups were examined: normal patients without CHD, acyanotic patients with acyanotic CHD, and cyanotic patients with CHD and with preoperative hemoglobin values higher than 15 g dl−1. Mean values of all patient groups as well as all individual values of normal patients were within their normal ranges. Within these limits, however, clots were significantly inferior in cyanotic patients (worse mean values of eight out of 10 measured TEM parameters representing the intrinsic, extrinsic, and plasmatic pathways of coagulation) and in acyanotic patients (two out of 10 TEM parameters). Individually, pathological TEM parameters were found in seven (41%) cyanotic patients (P = 0.003; vs. normal patients) and in three (17%) acyanotic patients (P = 0.01). More than one abnormal TEM coagulation parameter was found in four patients, all of them cyanotic patients. Hyperfibrinolysis was detected in one patient, a cyanotic patient. The present investigation confirms previous findings that in patients with CHD the heart defect itself compromises coagulation monitored with TEM, but in addition, we demonstrate that cyanosis and/or polycythemia exert the essential negative impact on hemostasis. Preoperative hyperfibrinolysis detected with TEM seems to play no important role.
Sympathetic neuron density differentially regulates transmitter phenotypic expression in culture.

The effects of cell density and aggregation on expression of transmitter traits were examined in dissociated, pure sympathetic neuron cultures, grown in fully defined, serum-free medium. After 1 week at a density of 7-8 X 10(3) neurons per 35-mm dish, moderate levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (tyrosine 3-monooxygenase, EC 1.14.16.2) activity and substance P were detected. When neuron density was increased 4-fold, a 4-fold increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity was observed; i.e., there was no change in tyrosine hydroxylase activity per neuron. In contrast, substance P increased 30-fold, corresponding to a 7-fold increase in substance P per neuron. Choline O-acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6) activity, not detected at low cell densities, was first detectable at a concentration of 15,000 neurons per dish and increased 6-fold when this cell concentration was doubled. Medium conditioned by high-density cultures failed to reproduce these effects on low-density cultures, suggesting that diffusible factors are not involved in the density-dependent differential regulation. Time-lapse phase-contrast microscopy of high-density cultures showed neuronal migration and progressive aggregation, which did not occur in low-density cultures. Our observations suggest that cell contact may mediate differential expression of transmitter traits.
Divalent cations modulate the activity of metabotropic glutamate receptors

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and calcium receptors (CaR) are closely related G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). The similar structural and functional properties of mGluRs and CaRs include conserved amino acid residues involved in glutamate binding in mGluRs and Ca2+ binding in the CaR. Furthermore, recent findings have demonstrated that mGluRs can respond to high extracellular Ca2+ (Ca o2+ ) whereas CaR activity is potentiated by L‐amino acids. We show that both mGluR1 and mGluR2 are activated by Ca o2+ in the absence of glutamate in the extracellular media. This activation by Ca o2+ is antagonized by Mg o2+ . Unlike the CaR, in which the intracellular carboxyl tail has been reported to be involved in Ca o2+ ‐dependent activity, the carboxyl tail of mGluRs does not seem to play a role in mediating Ca o2+ actions. On the other hand, we find that preservation of disulfide bonds in the N‐terminal extracellular domain of mGluRs is essential for stimulation by Ca o2+ as well as glutamate. Because the mGluR1 EC50 for Ca o2+ is within the physiologic range of Ca2+ in the synaptic cleft, mGluR function is likely regulated by changes in divalent cations caused by synaptic activity under normal or pathologic conditions. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance improvement of CMOS-MEMS Pirani vacuum gauge with hollow heater design

A novel heater-with-holes design is developed to realize a CMOS-MEMS Pirani vacuum gauge. The Pirani vacuum gauge is a thermal-based pressure sensor consisting of heater and heat-sink units. The heat is conducted from heater to heat-sink through gas whose thermal conductivity changed with pressure. The proposed design has the following merits: (1) The holes on heater increase the thermal resistance and then improve the efficiency of heat transfer; (2) The heat-sink mesas are added to compensate the lost active area between heater and heat sink; (3) Easily integrate with other packaged CMOS-MEMS devices for pressure monitoring [1]. This study demonstrates two heaters with different hole-designs for concept proven. The devices have total die size of 206μm×82μm and 0. 53μm sensing gap. Preliminary results show that the gauges have sensing range of 0.8-200torr and 0.2-200torr with sensitivity of 6.99×103(K/W)/torr and 8.15×103(K/W)/torr. The power dissipations are respectively 179. 43μW and 127. 59μW. In comparison, the conventional gauge containing heater w/o holes has sensing range 1-200torr with sensitivity of 0.91×103(K/W)/torr and power dissipation of 1117. 34μW.
Clinical profile of unclassifiable interstitial lung disease: Comparison with chronic fibrosing idiopathic interstitial pneumonias

Objective Unclassifiable interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common problem in clinical practice. These patients pose a distinct challenge with regard to appropriate evaluation and management. We investigated the clinical features and prognosis of unclassifiable ILD and compared its clinical profile with that of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Methods Patients with IPF (n = 40), NSIP (n = 14), and unclassifiable ILD (n = 27) were selected from an ongoing database. Baseline clinical features, pulmonary function, and the extent of fibrosis on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were evaluated. Mortality was estimated based on the ILD–Gender, Age, Physiology (ILD-GAP) index and composite physiologic index (CPI). Results IPF was associated with the worst survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.361 compared with NSIP), followed by unclassifiable cases (HR = 1.251 compared with NSIP). Increasing mortality was significantly impacted by age (HR = 1.04 per 1-year increase), lower carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung (HR = 0.97), HRCT interstitial score (HR = 1.119 per 1-point increase), ILD-GAP score (HR = 1.570 per 1-point increase), and CPI (HR = 1.039 per 1-point increase). Conclusions Patients with unclassifiable ILD had an intermediate prognosis between that of IPF and NSIP. Patients at high risk of mortality can be identified using baseline clinical, physiological, and radiological features.
Plasma renin activity and excretion of water and electrolytes in stroke-prone SHR rats.

The elevated levels of plasma renin activity (PRA) in stroke-prone SHR rats (SHRSP) at several months of age were reported by Matsunaga et al (Jap Circulat J 39: 1305, 1975) and Morita and Okamoto (Jap Heart J 18: 573, 1977). Matsunaga et al (Jap Circulat J 40: 889, 1976) divided SHRSP into 2 groups on the basis of water turnover: one had significantly higher water intake and urine volume than the other. In the present study, blood pressure (BP), PRA, water, and electrolytes excretion were determined in SHRSP and compared with those in stroke-resistant SHR rats (SHRSR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY).
Birth order and postpartum psychiatric disorders

Primiparity is a well‐established and significant risk factor for postpartum psychosis and especially bipolar affective disorders. However, no studies have, to our knowledge, quantified the risk of psychiatric disorders after the first, second, or subsequent births. The overall aim of the present study was to study the risk of first‐time psychiatric episodes requiring inpatient treatment after the birth of the first, second, or third child.
Disparity limits of stereopsis.

THE OLDER visual physiologists, in particular Volkmann, von Helmholtz, 1 Hering, 2 and von Kries and Auerbach, 3 knew that stereoscopic depth perception exists even when the disparities between images in the two eyes are large enough that those images appear double. It is a common experience for observers using the Hering "drop test" to report that the falling beads appear unmistakably nearer or farther than the fixation point even when the beads are seen as double images. Yet von Helmholtz stated that if the disparity was too large then indeed would stereopsis cease. Hillebrand, 4 however, in his book published in 1929 declared that stereopsis occurs only so long as the disparate images in the two eyes are fused. Also, Matsuda 5 declared that for vision in low illuminations the limit of the perception of double images coincides with the limit of stereoscopic depth perception. Tschermak 6 took a
What Does the Staff Think?: Factors Associated With Clinical Staff Perceptions of What Constitutes High-Quality Dying and Death at a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital

In an effort to improve the care of a dying child in the hospital, research was conducted to identify factors associated with the staff's perception of high-quality dying and death. The research used a unique electronic survey that was administered to clinical staff caring for children within the final 3 days of their life in the hospital. Positive death experiences were associated with absence of patient pain, dyspnea, anxiety, or agitation and the presence of spiritual, psychological, and culturally appropriate care for the patient and family. A positive correlation with quality was noted if there was clarity about goals of care and appropriate directives were in place to alleviate suffering. When clinicians felt their needs were met and they had more end-of-life education, they also perceived the quality of the experience as higher and had less distress from the event. Variability in perceived quality of the death experience was noted between different units of the hospital. Providing a supportive environment for pediatric deaths is enhanced by ensuring certain processes are in place and clinicians have the education and support to deliver high-quality care at the end of life.
Leg blood flow during exercise in man.

1. An indicator-dilution technique was used to determine human leg blood flow at rest and during exercise. The method is based on the infusion of Indocyanine Green into the femoral artery with blood sampling from the femoral vein at the level of the inguinal ligament. Evidence for mixing of dye and blood is presented, based on the finding of equal dye concentrations at two different sampling levels in the femoral vein. The minimum time of infusion required for equilibration at rest is 3 min and during exercise 1 min 20 s. 2. Leg blood flow was measured in eight healthy athletic subjects at rest and during upright exercise on a bicycle ergometer at 400, 800 and 1200 kpm/min. Linear relationships were found between blood flow on the one hand and work intensity and pulmonary oxygen uptake on the other. 3. Leg oxygen uptake was measured as the product of blood flow and femoral arterio-venous oxygen difference. Linear regressions were found for leg oxygen uptake in relation to both work intensity and pulmonary oxygen uptake. Leg mechanical efficiency during exercise averaged 34%. 4. A formula for the approximate calculation of leg blood flow is suggested, based on the pulmonary oxygen uptake and the femoral arterio-venous oxygen difference.