Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of depression on vision function in age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVES To report the prevalence rate of depression in older patients with recent vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to describe the effect of depression on self-reported vision function during 6 months. METHODS Prospective cohort study of 51 older patients with recent-onset bilateral AMD attending the Retina Clinic of Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. Main outcome measures included the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, visual acuity, Functional Vision Screening Questionnaire, Chronic Disease Score, and Community Disability Scale. RESULTS Seventeen patients (33%) were depressed at baseline and had worse visual acuity (P =.04) and greater levels of vision-specific (P =.03) and general (P =.002) physical disability than nondepressed patients. The correlations of Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score with visual acuity and visual-specific disability, however, were not significant after controlling for general physical disability. An increase in depressive symptoms over time predicted decline in self-reported vision function independent of changes in visual acuity or medical status (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence and disabling effects of depression in older patients with AMD are substantial. Recognizing that depression is a treatable disorder that exacerbates the effects of AMD will lead to improved outcomes. Innovative interventions to prevent or treat depression in specialty eye clinics are possible.
The Effect of Inversion on the Anger Superiority Effect in Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders

Previous studies have demonstrated that angry faces capture humans’ attention more rapidly than emotionally positive faces. This phenomenon is referred to as the anger superiority effect (ASE). Despite atypical emotional processing, adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been reported to show ASE as well as typically developed (TD) individuals. In this study, we tested ASE in children with and without ASD using upright/ inverted schematic faces to explore the face-processing style employed by them during detection of emotional faces. The results revealed that faster detection of angry faces over happy faces was observed in both TD and ASD children. Interestingly, however, the effect was stronger in children with ASD compared to TD children when faces were inverted. These findings suggest that different face-processing style would be employed or different mechanisms of emotional processing would underlie the quick detection of angry faces in children with and without ASD.
A test of the predictive validity of hypothetical intentions to offend

Abstract Researchers commonly use hypothetical intentions to offend as proxies for real-world offending behavior. The current study examined the predictive validity of these hypothetical intentions, as well as the consequences of using offending intentions in statistical models of decision-making. Undergraduate students were asked to self-report their intentions to cheat on a hypothetical online exam for which they were unprepared. Minutes later, they completed a difficult online trivia test for course credit. Students who performed well on the trivia test were presumed to have cheated. Hypothetical intentions to cheat were found to predict actual cheating at a rate no better than chance. Furthermore, while several factors were found to be predictive of hypothetical cheating, none were predictive of actual cheating. This incongruence between intentions and behavior may be attributed to the different emotional reactions evoked by hypothetical and real-world offending opportunities. Implications for research on offender decision-making are discussed.
Pediatric Churg‐Strauss syndrome in Mexico

Churg‐Strauss syndrome (CSS) is one of the rarest forms of vasculitis, and very rarely presents in the pediatric population. We present two cases of childhood CSS, both with hepatic and cardiac involvement. To our knowledge, these are the first two cases of CSS in the pediatric population described in Mexico. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efecto citotóxico del hipoclorito de sodio (NaClO), en células ápicales de raíces de cebolla ( Allium cepa L.)

El hipoclorito de sodio (NaClO), es un compuesto quimico altamente toxico y ampliamente utilizado por sus propiedades desinfectantes. Una de las especies vegetales mas usadas para la deteccion de diferentes tipos de cambios geneticos causados por substancias quimicas es Allium cepa L. mediante la cual se hacen pruebas para la vigilancia del medio ambiente. El objetivo de esta investigacion fue evaluar el efecto citotoxico del hipoclorito de sodio (NaClO) en celulas apicales de raices de cebolla ( Allium cepa L.). Se prepararon cinco soluciones de hipoclorito de sodio a diferentes concentraciones mas una solucion control con 3 replicas para cada tratamiento; se midio el crecimiento de las raices durante 3 dias, se cortaron los apices sumergiendose en acido clorhidrico, posteriormente fueron tenidos con Aceto-Orceina y se observaron al microscopio; se calculo el Indice mitotico (IM) y se observaron las anomalias celulares (cromosomicas). Se realizo un analisis de varianza (ANOVA) y prueba de rangos multiples mediante el metodo de diferencia minima significativa (LSD). Los resultados mostraron que no existe una diferencia estadisticamente significativa entre los tratamientos (P-valor ˂ 0,05). La concentracion donde se presento un mayor IM fue de 1ppm. Se evidenciaron las anomalias celulares: en anafase con puente entre cromosomas, hipercromasia, lesiones nucleares, rompimiento de cromosomas en anafase y metafase. Los resultados evidenciaron que Allium cepa L. es una especie que ofrece un modelo experimental para evaluar el efecto citotoxico, en este caso del hipoclorito de sodio, el cual genero anomalias celulares (cromosomicas) en todas las concentraciones
Correlation between the concentration of beta-trace protein and the number of spermatozoa in human semen.

Beta-trace protein (\g=b\-TP) is predominantly associated with the central nervous system (CNS) and was first discovered in concentrated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by Clausen (1961). The protein has a low molecular weight of 31,000 and is present in high concentration in the CSF (0\m=.\8 to 3\m=.\9 mg/100 ml), con-stituting about 7% of the total CSF protein concentration (Link, 1967). By contrast, the serum concentration ofthe protein is low (0\m=.\26 to 0\m=.\60mg/100 ml) and \g=b\-TP constitutes only 1/20,000 of the total serum protein content (Olsson, Link & Nosslin, 1973). The protein is also found in urine (Hochwald & Thor-becke, 1962), in which the daily excretion is below 9\m=. \5 mg (Ericsson, Link & Zettervall, 1969), as well as in various organ extracts, e.g. brain, kidney, pancreas and genital organs (Laterre, Heremans & Carbonara, 1964; Penny & Osserman, 1971). The highest amounts of \g=b\-TP are found in white matter (Olsson & Link, 1973) and in the epididymis (Olsson & Nord, 1973). In the former, \g=b\-TP is mostly found in the glial cells and in brain tumours of glial cell origin (Olsson, Blomstrand & Haglid, 1974). An increased concentration of /? -TP is found in the CSF after strokes involving brain and in disabled patients with multiple sclerosis and its
Intercomparison of UAV, Aircraft and Satellite Remote Sensing Platforms for Precision Viticulture

Precision Viticulture is experiencing substantial growth thanks to the availability of improved and cost-effective instruments and methodologies for data acquisition and analysis, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), that demonstrated to compete with traditional acquisition platforms, such as satellite and aircraft, due to low operational costs, high operational flexibility and high spatial resolution of imagery. In order to optimize the use of these technologies for precision viticulture, their technical, scientific and economic performances need to be assessed. The aim of this work is to compare NDVI surveys performed with UAV, aircraft and satellite, to assess the capability of each platform to represent the intra-vineyard vegetation spatial variability. NDVI images of two Italian vineyards were acquired simultaneously from different multi-spectral sensors onboard the three platforms, and a spatial statistical framework was used to assess their degree of similarity. Moreover, the pros and cons of each technique were also assessed performing a cost analysis as a function of the scale of application. Results indicate that the different platforms provide comparable results in vineyards characterized by coarse vegetation gradients and large vegetation clusters. On the contrary, in more heterogeneous vineyards, low-resolution images fail in representing part of the intra-vineyard variability. The cost analysis showed that the adoption of UAV platform is advantageous for small areas and that a break-even point exists above five hectares; above such threshold, airborne and then satellite have lower imagery cost.
Management of Mason type-III radial head fractures with a titanium prosthesis, ligament repair, and early mobilization.

BACKGROUND Radial head fractures often occur in association with other elbow fractures and soft-tissue injuries. Radial head replacement is indicated for irreparable radial head fractures associated with elbow instability. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results after treatment of such injuries with a titanium radial head prosthesis, repair of torn collateral ligaments, and early mobilization of the elbow. METHODS Sixteen patients with sixteen Mason type-III radial head fractures and collateral ligament injury were treated with use of a titanium radial head prosthesis over a five-year period at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Modbury Public Hospital in South Australia. The surgery was performed acutely in ten patients and was delayed an average of thirty-seven days (range, fifteen to seventy-nine days) in six. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a mean of 2.8 years (range, 1.2 to 4.3 years). RESULTS Eight patients had an excellent result; five, a good result; and three, a fair result, according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. The three fair results occurred in patients with delayed surgery. The mean flexion contracture was 15 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 42 degrees ), with an average loss of 10 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 25 degrees ) of full flexion compared with that of the contralateral elbow. Both pronation and supination decreased an average of 12 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 45 degrees ) compared with that of the contralateral forearm. CONCLUSIONS The results of treatment of Mason type-III radial head fractures with a monoblock titanium radial head prosthesis and soft-tissue reconstruction are satisfactory. Early mobilization of the elbow is important for the restoration of elbow range of motion and function.
Immunosuppressant PG490 (Triptolide) Inhibits T-cell Interleukin-2 Expression at the Level of Purine-box/Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells and NF-κB Transcriptional Activation*

PG490 (triptolide) is a diterpene triepoxide with potent immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory properties. PG490 inhibits interleukin(IL)-2 expression by normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and antibody to CD3 (IC50 of 10 ng/ml), and with PMA and ionomycin (Iono, IC50 of 40 ng/ml). In Jurkat T-cells, PG490 inhibits PMA/Iono-stimulated IL-2 transcription. PG490 inhibits the induction of DNA binding activity at the purine-box/antigen receptor response element (ARRE)/nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT) target sequence but not at the NF-κB site. PG490 can completely inhibit transcriptional activation at the purine-box/ARRE/NF-AT and NF-κB target DNA sequences triggered by all stimuli examined (PMA, PMA/Iono, tumor necrosis factor-α). PG490 also inhibits PMA-stimulated activation of a chimeric transcription factor in which the C-terminal TA1 transactivation domain of NF-κB p65 is fused to the DNA binding domain of GAL4. In 16HBE human bronchial epithelial cells, IL-8 expression is regulated predominantly by NF-κB, and PG490 but not cyclosporin A can completely inhibit expression of IL-8. The mechanism of PG490 inhibition of cytokine gene expression differs from cyclosporin A and involves nuclear inhibition of transcriptional activation of NF-κB and the purine-box regulator operating at the ARRE/NF-AT site at a step after specific DNA binding.
Mass-to-Light Ratios of Groups and Clusters of Galaxies

We constrain the mass-to-light ratios, gas mass fractions, baryon mass fractions, and the ratios of total to luminous mass for a sample of eight nearby relaxed galaxy groups and clusters: A262, A426, A478, A1795, A2052, A2063, A2199, and MKW 4s. We use ASCA spatially resolved spectroscopic X-ray observations and ROSAT PSPC images to constrain the total and gas masses of these clusters. To measure cluster luminosities, we use galaxy catalogs resulting from the digitization and automated processing of the second generation Palomar Sky Survey plates calibrated with CCD images in the Gunn-Thuan g, r, and i bands. Under the assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium and spherical symmetry, we can measure the total masses of clusters from their intracluster gas temperature and density profiles. Spatially resolved ASCA spectra show that the gas temperature decreases with increasing distance from the center. By comparison, the assumption that the gas is isothermal results in an underestimate of the total mass at small radii and an overestimate at large cluster radii. We have obtained luminosity functions for all clusters in our sample. After correcting for background and foreground galaxies, we estimate the total cluster luminosity using Schechter function fits to the galaxy catalogs. In the three lowest redshift clusters where we can sample to fainter absolute magnitudes, we have detected a flattening of the luminosity function at intermediate magnitudes and a rise at the faint end. These clusters were fitted with a sum of two Schechter functions. The remaining clusters were well fitted with a single Schechter function. Assuming H0 = 50 h50 km s-1 Mpc-1, the measured mass-to-light ratios are ~100 h50 M☉ /L☉. This, along with a high baryonic fraction, is indicative of a low-density universe with Ω0 ~ 0.15-0.2.
Effects of Rapamycin on the Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition of Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells

The preservation of the peritoneal membrane is crucial for long-term survival in peritoneal dialysis. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process demonstrated in mesothelial cells (MC), responsible for negative peritoneal changes and directly related to PD. EMT enables neovascularization and fibrogenic capabilities in MC. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the mediator for neo-vascularization. Rapamycin is a potent immunosuppressor with antifibrotic action in renal allografts and has a demonstrated anti-VEGF effect. We performed this study with the hypothesis that rapamycin may regulate the EMT of MC. MC from human omentum were cultured. When mesothelial cells reached confluence, some of them were stimulated with r-TGF-ß (1 ng/mL) to induce EMT, co-administered with rapamycin (0.2, 2, 4, 20 and 40 nM). Other groups of cells received similar doses of rapamycin or r-TGF-ß, separately. Cells were analyzed at 6, 24, 48 hours and 7 days. As markers of EMT we included α-SMA, E-cadherin and snail nuclear factor by quantitative RT-PCR. EMT markers and regulators demonstrated the following changes with rapamycin: E-cadherin (a protective gene for EMT) increased 2.5-fold relative to controls under 40 nM, at 24h. Importantly, rapamycin inhibited snail expression induced by TGF-ß at 6h, whereas TGF-ß increased snail 10fold. At day 7, rapamycin showed no anti-EMT properties. An important decrease in α-SMA expression by MC after rapamycin addition was observed. In conclusion, rapamycin shows a mild protective effect on EMT, as it increases E-cadherin and decreases α-SMA expression. Consequently, rapamycin might partially regulate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells.
Running head : SCHOLARLY PROJECT III 1 Standardized Parenteral Nutrition in the Very Low Birth Weight Infant : A Systematic Literature Review

Nutrition of the premature infant has been gaining importance as evidence emerges that early support in the critical period plays an important role in the long-term health and neurodevelopment of very low birth weight neonates (VLBW). Traditionally, the components of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were prescribed individually, but more recently, standardized formulations have been introduced which may result in cost savings without affecting overall nutrition and growth. This systematic literature review comprehensively synthesized the existing evidence to date to determine if standardized TPN is an evidenced-based, cost-effective means to deliver early nutrition to VLBW infants. SCHOLARLY PROJECT III 3 Table of
A genomic scan for age at onset of alzheimer's disease in 437 families from the NIMH genetic initiative

We performed linkage analysis for age at onset (AAO) in the total Alzheimer's disease (AD) NIMH sample (N = 437 families). Families were subset as late‐onset (320 families, AAO ≥65) and early/mixed (117 families, at least 1 member with 50< AAO <65). Treating AAO as a censored trait, we obtained the gender and APOE adjusted residuals in a parametric survival model and analyzed the residuals as the quantitative trait (QT) in variance‐component linkage analysis. For comparison, AAO–age at exam (AAE) was analyzed as the QT adjusting for affection status, gender, and APOE. Heritabilities for residual and AAO–AAE outcomes were 66.3% and 74.0%, respectively for the total sample, 56.0% and 57.0% in the late‐onset sample, and 33.0% for both models in the early/mixed sample. The residual model yielded the largest peaks on chromosome 1 with LOD = 2.0 at 190 cM in the total set, LOD = 1.7 at 116 cM on chromosome 3 in the early/mixed subset, and LOD = 1.4 at 71 and 86 cM, respectively, on chromosome 6 in the late‐onset subset. For the AAO–AAE outcome model the largest peaks were identified on chromosome 1 at 137 cM (LOD = 2.8) and chromosome 6 at 69 cM (LOD = 2.3) and 86 cM (LOD = 2.2) all in the late‐onset subset. Additional peaks with LOD ≥1 were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12 for the total sample and each subset. Results replicate previous findings, but identify additional suggestive peaks indicating the genetics of AAO in AD is complex with many chromosomal regions potentially containing modifying genes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal films impregnated with carvedilol nanosuspension: a potential approach for delivery of drugs having high first-pass metabolism

Abstract Context: Mucoadhesive buccal films containing three layers (mucoadhesive layer, nanosuspension containing layer and backing membrane) were incorporated with carvedilol nanosuspension. Objective: Formulation and evaluation of nanosuspension incorporated mucoadhesive buccal films of carvedilol for bioavailability enhancement by avoiding first-pass metabolism. Methods: Carvedilol-loaded nanosuspension was prepared by a precipitation–ultrasonication method with varying concentrations of the polymer. The formulation was analyzed for size, size distribution, surface charge and morphology. Optimized nanosuspension was incorporated into drug gel layer which was sandwiched between a mucoadhesive layer and a backing layer to form tri-layered buccal films. They were evaluated for their physical, mechanical and bioadhesive parameters followed by in vitro and in vivo studies. Results and discussion: Nanosuspension showed a negative zeta potential (−17.21 mV) with a diameter of around 495 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.203. Nanosuspension incorporated drug gel layer (62.4% drug loading) was optimized to contain 3% HPMC and 50 mg Carbopol 934P. The mucoadhesive layer and the backing layer were optimized to contain 3% HPMC and 1% ethyl cellulose, respectively. In vitro drug release was 69% and 62.4% in 9 h across synthetic membrane and porcine buccal mucosa, respectively. In vivo studies conducted in rabbit model showed 916% increase in the relative bioavailability in comparison to marketed oral tablet formulation. The Cmax and Tmax of the prepared formulation increased due to increased surface area of drug and also by-passing hepatic metabolism. Conclusion: The drug delivery system has been designed as a novel platform for potential buccal delivery of drugs having high first-pass metabolism.
Adhesion molecules and matrix proteins on human spermatozoa

Summary Ejaculated spermatozoa and spermatogenic cells express α‐ and β‐chains of β1, 3 and 4 integrins as well as their ligands fibronectin and laminin in an extended intra‐ and interindividual variation and in different patterns of location. The mRNA transcripts of these molecules were detectable by nested polymerase chain reaction in the spermatozoa. The conclusion of a functional competence of these adhesion molecules (AM) was supported by their relation to the results of the zona‐free hamster oocyte penetration (HOP) test, the in vitro fertilization of human oocytes and cell attachment assays. AM labelling was influenced by the disintegration of the sperm plasma membrane, especially in seminal plasma, by progesterone, human follicular fluid and microorganisms, but was barely modified by sperm cryopreservation. Despite substantial advances in the knowledge about sperm adhesion molecules, many questions remain to be answered.
Histogenesis of the Rumen of the Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) stomach *

Introduction There is no work on the histogenesis of rumen of the buffalo. Even in other ruminants, the histogenesis of the rumen has only been studied in cattle (WARNER, 1958) and sheep (WARDROP, 1961). In the present study, the histogenesis of the rumen of the buffalo from primordial stage upto birth was observed. This forms part of a continuing study of the prenatal development of the buffalo stomah.
Peptidoglycan: a critical activator of the mammalian immune system during infection and homeostasis

Summary: Peptidoglycan is a conserved structural component of the bacterial cell wall with molecular motifs unique to bacteria. The mammalian immune system takes advantage of these properties and has evolved to recognize this microbial associated molecular pattern. Mammals have four secreted peptidoglycan recognition proteins, PGLYRP‐1‐4, as well as two intracellular sensors of peptidoglycan, Nod1 and Nod2. Recognition of peptidoglycan is important in initiating and shaping the immune response under both homeostatic and infection conditions. During infection, peptidoglycan recognition drives both cell‐autonomous and whole‐organism defense responses. Here, we examine recent advances in the understanding of how peptidoglycan recognition shapes mammalian immune responses in these diverse contexts.
The conversion of citrate into cis-aconitate and isocitrate in the presence of aconitase.

the rate of formation of isocitrate should gradually rise until the optimal concentration range of ciaconitate was built up, and they conclude from the absence of a lag period in their experiments that the interconversion of citrate and isocitrate does not necessitate the formation of c8-aconitate. The experiments reported in this paper were designed to re-investigate the question of the existence of a lag period in the aconitate system. Dilute heart-muscle aconitase preparations were mixed with citrate, and the time course of the formation of aconitate and i8ocitrate was measured at 25°. Dilution and a relatively low temperature draws out the time curve and thus favours the detection of a lag period.