Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metformin for treatment of antipsychotic-induced amenorrhea and weight gain in women with first-episode schizophrenia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE Data on the treatment of antipsychotic-induced amenorrhea, particularly when occurring with weight gain, are limited. The authors investigated the efficacy and safety of metformin in the treatment of antipsychotic-induced amenorrhea and weight gain in women with first-episode schizophrenia. METHOD Eighty-four women (ages 18-40 years) with first-episode schizophrenia who suffered from amenorrhea during antipsychotic treatment were randomly assigned, in a double-blind study design, to receive 1000 mg/day of metformin or placebo in addition to their antipsychotic treatment for 6 months. The primary outcome measures were restoration of menstruation and change in body weight and body mass index (BMI). Secondary outcome measures were changes in levels of prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and testosterone; in fasting levels of insulin and glucose; in LH/FSH ratio; and in insulin resistance index. Repeated mixed models with repeated-measures regression analyses and binary logistic regression were used in the analysis. RESULTS A total of 76 patients completed the 6-month trial. Significantly more patients in the metformin group (N=28, 66.7%) than in placebo group (N=2, 4.8%) resumed their menstruation. Among patients treated with metformin, BMI decreased by a mean of 0.93 and the insulin resistance index by 2.04. In contrast, patients who received placebo had a mean increase in BMI of 0.85. The prolactin, LH, and testosterone levels and LH/FSH ratio decreased significantly in the metformin group at months 2, 4, and 6, but these levels did not change in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Metformin was effective in reversing antipsychotic-induced adverse events, including restoration of menstruation, promotion of weight loss, and improvement in insulin resistance in female patients with schizophrenia.
Kidney diseases in Africa: aetiological considerations, peculiarities and burden.

AIM To review available literature on the burden of kidney diseases in Africa from the perspective of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. It also aims to provide information on the status of renal replacement therapy activities, and the emerging roles of the double burden of communicable and non communicable diseases interfacing with the kidney in a continent with distinct environmental, socio-cultural, infrastructural and economical peculiarities. METHODS A literature search was conducted on the aetiopathogenesis, management options of peculiar diseases causing both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney diseases and renal replacement therapies in Africa. The literature review used the electronic database; Medline, Pubmed and theAfrican Journal on line (AJOL). Information related to the topic over a 30-year period (1979-2009) was retrieved and reviewed. Search terms used were; acute renal failure in Africa, acute kidney injury in Africa, chronic renal failure/chronic kidney disease in Africa, heamodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplantation in Africa. RESULT Nephrotoxins and infections are prevalent causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the continent. Chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertension and lately diabetes mellitus are still major peculiar aetiological factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A variety of renal syndromes which can be acute or chronic is associated with the Human immunodiefficency virus infection and its magnitude and consequences portend a grim reality in a continent that is least prepared to respond appropriately. Renal replacement therapy therapy is limited to less than five percent of those that need it especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. CONCLUSION There is a huge burden of AKI and CKD in Africa from the perspective of their peculiar aetiological considerations. The status of renal replacement therapy activities is poor except in North and South Africa. The major challenges of kidney diseases in Africa include the high prevalence, delayed presentation, cost of treatment, general lack of preventive measures, lack of epidemiological studies and general lack of functional renal registries. There is thus a need for a strong advocacy for support for renal care in Africa.
Dopamine D3 receptor gene polymorphism and the psychiatric symptoms seen in first‐break schizophrenic patients

To investigate the possible effect of polymorphism at the BalI site of the dopamine D3 receptor gene (DRD3) on the phenotype in human subjects, allele and genotype frequencies for this polymorphic site were examined in 113 schizophrenic patients, including six subgroups, and 48 normal controls. The schizophrenic subgroups included patients with early onset, those with a family history, and those who suffered from one of the following psychiatric symptoms at their first episode: (1) delusion and hallucination; (2) disorganization; (3) bizarre behavior; and (4) negative symptoms. No significant differences were observed in genotype, allele and homozygosity frequencies between the whole group or any subgroup of schizophrenic patients and the controls. The present results indicate that polymorphism at the BalI site of the DRD3 is unlikely to be a major contributor to any of the psychiatric parameters examined in the present population of schizophrenic subjects.
Efficacy of glucantime in the treatment of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis

Background Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Depending on the parasite species and host response, the disease presents itself in different clinical forms. The cutaneous form of the disease is most common in the Old World. Pentavalent antimonials in the form of an injection represent the most widely used therapy for all clinical forms of the disease. As a result of reports on the development of resistance from various parts of the world, we thought it pertinent to determine its response in our region.
Myocardial circulatory and metabolic effects of isoflurane and sufentanil during coronary artery surgery.

The global and regional coronary hemodynamic and myocardial metabolic effects of isoflurane administered intraoperatively as an adjunct to sufentanil were studied in seven of nine patients who experienced increased systemic arterial pressure while undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. All patients were premedicated and maintained on their preoperative medications (beta-blockers, nitrates, Ca++ entry blockers) up to and including the morning of surgery. Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics and global (coronary sinus, CS) and regional (great cardiac vein, GCV) coronary blood flows were measured, and blood samples were obtained for systemic and myocardial metabolic parameters: after induction with 30 mcg/kg of sufentanil and 0.12 mg/kg vecuronium (FIO2 1.0), but prior to incision (control); 5 min after sternotomy; and during ventilation with isoflurane-oxygen. Heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, and GCV/CS flow ratio did not change throughout the study. Neither global nor regional myocardial lactate production was detected in any patient at any time, and the electrocardiogram (lead II, V5) remained unchanged. In response to sternotomy, seven of nine patients experienced an increase in mean systemic arterial pressure of 20% or more (27 +/- 3% from control values), due to an elevation in systemic vascular resistance (30 +/- 5%). Coronary sinus (CS) and great cardiac vein (GCV) flows, as well as CS and GCV lactate extractions, were unchanged 5 min after sternotomy. Both global and regional myocardial oxygen extraction increased, while coronary venous oxygen content decreased. Isoflurane was administered in a dose that restored systemic arterial pressure to baseline values (inspired concentration 0.75-1.0%). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An Exploration of Networks in Value Cocreation: A Service-Ecosystems View

Purpose – The purpose of this essay is to explore further the concept of value cocreation from a service-ecosystems view, by considering the importance of networks and the configuration of relationships and resources in markets. Methodology/approach – We use a conceptual approach to extend a service-dominant (S-D) logic, ecosystems view of value cocreation by drawing on the literature regarding networks in marketing and related research. Findings – A service-ecosystems approach to cocreating value-in-context is proposed, which points toward networks as mediating factors in value cocreation because they influence the ability to access, adapt, and integrate resources by establishing exchange relationships and shaping the social contexts through which value is experienced. Research implications – This research suggests that value cocreation is a complex and multidimensional process that is best studied in the context of dynamic networks or ecosystems of service exchange. Practical implications – This research suggests that networks mediate value cocreation, and thus, firms should consider the configurations of relationships and resources to develop more compelling value propositions. Social implications – This research draws on the idea that exchange relationships are embedded within society and suggests that processes of value cocreation not only draw on but also contribute to the social contexts that frame market exchange. Originality/value of essay – This research extends the value cocreation and S-D logic literature by exploring the role of networks in service ecosystems. In this framework, networks are mediators of value cocreation because they enable access to resources and help to (re)shape social contexts through which value is derived.
Antioxidant and Antiaging Activity of N‐Acetylserotonin and Melatonin in the in Vivo Models

Abstract: It is generally accepted that antioxidant properties of melatonin significantly contribute to its antiaging effect. Antioxidant effects of N‐acetylserotonin (NAS), a melatonin precursor and metabolite, might predict its antiaging action as well. The antiaging effect of NAS was studied in female retired breeders and male C3H mice. Both NAS and melatonin administered with drinking water prolonged life span in male animals by about 20% versus control animals (p < 0.01) but did not affect the life span of female mice. Antioxidative activity was evaluated by determining the malonaldehyde + 4‐hydroxynonenal (MDA + 4‐HNE) and cellular glutathion peroxidase (GPx) levels in male, 11‐month‐old, C57Bl/6J mice with very limited (if any) capacity to convert pineal NAS into melatonin. NAS increased the antioxidant capacity of kidney. Both NAS and melatonin (four weeks daily i.p. injections) increased the antioxidant capacity of brain as demonstrated by decreased MDA + 4‐HNE and increased GPx levels. NAS‐treated C57Bl/6J mice experienced a weight loss of 9%, whereas the saline and melatonin groups only 3%. NAS‐ and melatonin‐treated animals had healthy and luxuriant fur coats with some gray fur in the melatonin group; animals in the saline group had large areas of baldness. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the antiaging effect of NAS. This effect needs to be confirmed in animals with impaired capacity to convert NAS into melatonin.
Patient-centered Microsurgical Management of Gingival Recession using Coronally Advanced Flap with Either Platelet-rich Fibrin or Connective Tissue Graft: A Comparative Analysis

Purpose: To evaluate autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and autogenous connective tissue graft (CTG) in gingival recession defects in conjunction with coronally advanced flap (CAF) using a microsurgical technique. Materials and Methods: Forty-five Class I and II recession defects were randomly equally (n = 15) divided into three groups: Group I sites treated with CAF with PRF, Group II sites treated with CAF with CTG, and Group III sites treated with CAF alone using microsurgical approach. Parameters recorded were vertical gingival recession (VGR) and horizontal gingival recession (HGR), % complete root coverage (CRC), patient comfort score (PCS), patient esthetic score (PES), and hypersensitivity score (HS) at 10 days, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: CAF surgery alone and in combination with PRF or CTG are effective procedures to cover denuded roots with mean VGR values of 1.26 ± 0.70 mm (74.4%), 1.26 ± 0.59 mm (58%), and 1.06 ± 0.79 mm (53.3%) for Groups I, II, and III, respectively. In terms of CRC achieved at 6 months, results showed that 100% CRC was obtained in 60% sites of Group I, 20% sites of Group II, and 27% sites of Group III. Patient response and acceptance for surgical treatment modality in terms of PCS and PES were highest for Group I (PRF and CAF) followed by Group III and Group II, and there was decrease in HS for Group I (PRF and CAF) while no significant changes in HS were observed for Group II and Group III. At the end of 6 months follow-up, there was a significant increase in gingival thickness measurements using transgingival probing in Group II, whereas nonsignificant changes were observed in Group I and Group III. Conclusions: A long-term multicenter randomized controlled clinical study may be necessary to evaluate the clinical outcome for autologous PRF in comparison to CTG and CAF alone.
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow: Studies in the Fetal Lamb during Hypoxia, Hypercapnia, Addosis, and Hypotension

ABSTRACT: In order to determine the relative roles of O2 tension and content, CO2 tension, hydrogen ion concentration, arterial blood pressure, and cardiac output in the regulation of fetal cerebral blood flow (CBF), we used radioactively labeled microspheres to measure flow to 20 major brain regions in 24 chronically catheterized fetal lambs. We continually monitored fetal heart rate and blood pressure, and periodically measured arterial Po2, Pco2, pH, and hematocrit. In addition to CBF measurements during control periods, we measured CBF during: 1) hypoxia (O2 content < 6 ml·dl-1; O2 tension < 15 torr) induced by having the ewe breathe a gas mixture with low O2 concentration, 2) hypercapnia (Pco2 > 50 torr) induced by increasing the maternal inspired CO2, 3) acidosis and alkalosis (7.60 > pH > 6.60) induced by infusing lactic acid or bicarbonate into the fetus, and 4) hypotension (blood pressure < 35 mm Hg) and hypertension (blood pressure > 55 mm Hg) induced by rapidly phlebotomizing or transfusing the fetus. We used multiple regression analysis and analysis of covariance to examine the dependence of total cerebral blood flow on arterial O2 tension and content, CO2 tension, pH, blood pressure, and cardiac output. The results demonstrated that 1) fetal CBF increased linearly as oxygen tension or content decreased and a hierarchy of responsivity occurred (brainstem > subcortex and cortex), 2) fetal CBF increased as carbon dioxide tension increased with a different hierarchy of responsivity (brainstem > subcortex > cortex), and 3) autoregulation of fetal CBF over a wide range of blood pressure or cardiac output was maintained for both total CBF and the various brain regions examined.
Spontaneous and intentional trait inferences recruit a common mentalizing network to a different degree: Spontaneous inferences activate only its core areas

This fMRI study analyzes inferences on other persons' traits, whereby half of the participants were given spontaneous (“read”) instructions while the other half were given intentional (“infer the person's trait”) instructions. Several sentences described the behavior of a target person from which a strong trait could be inferred (trait diagnostic) or not (trait nondiagnostic). A direct contrast between spontaneous and intentional instructions revealed no significant differences, indicating that the same social mentalizing network was recruited. There was, however, a difference with respect to different brain areas that passed the significance threshold, suggesting that this common network was recruited to a different degree. Specifically, spontaneous inferences significantly recruited only core mentalizing areas, including the temporo-parietal junction and medial prefrontal cortex, whereas intentional inferences additionally recruited other brain areas, including the (pre)cuneus, superior temporal sulcus, temporal poles, and parts of the premotor and parietal cortex. These results suggest that intentional instructions invite observers to think more about the material they read, and consider it in many ways besides its social impact. Future research on the neurological underpinnings of trait inference might profit from the use of spontaneous instructions to get purer results that involve only the core brain areas in social judgment.
Modelling haemopoietic stem cell division by analysis of mutant red cells

Data describing the number of human red cells mutated at the glycophorin A locus, measured flow cytometrically, are reported for 752 adults and 49 neonates. The variance increases with age more rapidly than the approximately linear increase in mean. It is postulated that this discrepancy is explained by the known property of asymmetric stem cell division, so that the division of a single mutant stem cell may result in zero, one or two progeny stem cells. A mathematical analysis allows description of this process with three parameters: stem cell number, mean division rate and mutation rate per division. The values of these parameters can not be deduced from the data presented here. However, estimates of either stem cell number or mutation rate from other sources enable deduction of the two other parameters. The mean number of divisions per stem cell per lifetime was estimated to be about 70. This analysis therefore implies that the rate at which blood cell telomeres shorten with age acts as a direct measure of stem cell turnover. Furthermore, it is argued that this low figure implies that mutations occurring during early life, including organogenesis, are relatively important in initiating stem cell‐derived malignancy. Finally, the number of human stem cell divisions per lifetime is similar to shorter‐lived mammals, suggesting this number is important in the ageing process.
An Empirical Analysis of the Relation between Financial Macro-Control and Liquidity

In recent years,how to effectively control liquidity problems has become a great concern of the whole society.This paper explores the relationship between financial macro-control and liquidity.The results indicate that improving the one-year deposit rate and loan rate can effectively inhibit liquidity excess in the long run,while improving the legal deposit reserve rate does not work very well.
Rice and soy protein isolate in pre-starter diets for broilers.

Although most industries use a specific diet for the pre-starter phase, ingredients are used in the later phases, primarily corn and soybean meal, which at this stage do not have high digestibility. Three experiments : Exp : were carried out to evaluate the substitution of corn by white or parboiled rice : WR, PR : and the inclusion of 6% soy protein isolate : SPI : in pre-starter diets (1 to 7 d). In Exp 1 (1 to 21 d), WR, PR, and SPI were added to the diets until the birds were 21-day-old, whereas in Exps 2 and 3 (1 to 33 d), only until birds were 7-day-old. Birds were fed a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal until the end of the experimental period. In Exp 1, the coefficients of total tract apparent retention : CTTAR : of the pre-starter and the starter diets, ileal and jejunal digestibility of starch in the starter diets, and broiler performance were measured. Subsequently, the same pre-starter diets Exp 1 were evaluated in pellet (Exp 2) or mash (Exp 3) form and different oil percentage (Exp 2) or not (Exp 3). We hypothesized that the ingredients particle size (Exp 2) and fat content (Exp 3) could influence feed intake. There was no interaction among the evaluated factors (P > 0.05). Rice (WR or PR) promoted better results than corn in terms of CTTAR of dietary components, jejunal and ileal starch digestibility, and broiler performance (P < 0.01). In Exp 1, diets with 6% SPI presented better CTTAR, except Nitrogen ( N: ), but lower feed intake, which negatively affected broiler performance (P < 0.01). In Exps 1, 2, and 3, the inclusion of SPI did not improve broiler performance (P > 0.05), so that SPI may not be the best choice for pre-starter diets. The study also suggests that better growth performance and nutrient digestibility can be obtained in broiler chickens if corn is replaced by rice in pre-starter diets.
A review of spontaneous neoplasia in baboons (Papio spp.)

Abstract: The baboon has become an increasingly important animal model and accurate information on baboon neoplasia is frequently required for biomedical research. To satisfy this demand, a complete literature search was carried out. Two hundred and four spontaneous neoplasms were found in published literature: 53 cases were male (26%), 76 were female (37%); sex was not reported in 75 cases (37%). Ages ranged from 3 months to 31 years (mean 14.1 years) in the 93 cases that reported them. Spontaneous neoplasms have been documented in Papio cynocephalus and Papio hamadryas as well as in most subspecies and hybrid combinations. The organ systems affected in descending order of number of neoplasms were hematopoietic (n = 53, 26%), alimentary (n = 52, 25%), urogenital (n = 35, 17%), integumentary (n = 26, 13%), endocrine (n = 14, 7%), nervous (n = 12, 5%), musculoskeletal (n = 4, 2%) and respiratory (n = 3, 1%). There were five miscellaneous neoplasms (2%) that could not be classified by system. Lymphosarcoma was the most common neoplasm (n = 51, 25%), and adenocarcinomas were second (n = 23, 11%), followed by squamous cell carcinomas (n = 10, 5%). Malignant cases numbered 114 (56%); 87 cases were (43%) benign. The malignancy of three cases (1%) was unreported.
[Nutritional status and intestinal iron absorption in children with chronic hepatic disease with and without cholestasis].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate food intake, occurrence of energy-protein malnutrition and anemia, and intestinal iron absorption in children with chronic liver disease. METHODS The study included 25 children with chronic liver disease, 14 with cholestasis and 11 without cholestasis. The age varied between 6.5 months and 12.1 years. Intestinal iron absorption was evaluated by the increment of serum iron one hour after the ingestion of 1 mg/kg of elemental iron and by the response to oral iron therapy. Iron intestinal absorption was compared to a group with iron deficiency anemia (without liver disease). RESULTS The mean intake of energy and protein in the cholestatic group was higher than in patients without cholestasis. The nutritional deficit was more severe in cholestatic patients, especially with regard to height-for-age and weight-for-age indices. Anemia was found in both cholestatic group (11/14; 78.6%) and noncholestatic group (7/11; 63.6%). The cholestatic group presented lower (p < 0.05) intestinal iron absorption (90.6+/-42.1 microg/dl) than the iron deficiency anemia group (159.6+/-69.9 microg/dl). However, cholestatic patients responded to oral iron therapy. The noncholestatic group showed intestinal iron absorption similar to the iron deficiency anemia group. CONCLUSION The cholestatic group showed more severe nutritional deficits. Despite the evidence of lower iron intestinal absorption, cholestatic patients responded to oral iron therapy, probably, due to the coexistence of iron deficiency.