Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Connections of the pretectum in the cat

The connections of the pretectal complex in the cat have been examined by anatomical methods which utilize the anterograde axonal transport of tritiated proteins or the retrograde axonal transport of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase. Following injections of tritiated amino acids into the eye, label can be seen in the contralateral and ipsilateral nucleus of the optic tract and olivary nucleus where it appears as two or three finger‐like strips. Following large injections of tritiated amino acids into the pretectal complex transported label accumulates ipsilaterally in a region dorsolateral to the red nucleus, the central and pericentral divisions of the tegmental reticular nucleus, the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus, the nucleus of Darkschewitch, the thalamic reticular nucleus, zona incerta and fields of Forel, the central lateral nucleus, the pulvinar nucleus and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus. Contralaterally label accumulates in the nucleus of the posterior commissure, the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, the anterior, posterior and medial pretectal nuclei, and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus
Collateral formation and clinical variables in obstructive coronary artery disease: the influence of hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus

BackgroundCollateral circulation is severely compromised in patients who have a limited degree of spontaneous myocardial angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. MethodTo determine the clinical characteristics associated with angiographic apparent collaterals (AAC) and myocardial blush score (MBS), this study compared the clinical variables in various AAC and MBS grades (0 = no, 1 = minimal, 2 = moderate and 3 = maximal collaterals defined by the two variables) among a consecutive group of 112 patients (aged 62 ± 12 years, 76% men) with a native artery chronic total coronary occlusion studied by selective coronary angiograms. ResultsBy univariate analysis, including variables such as age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and ejection fraction, the only variable that was found more frequently in patients with greater AAC grade was hypercholesterolemia (59%, 63%, 71% and 78% in patients with AAC grade 0, 1, 2 and 3, P = 0.003). Ejection fraction tended to be more preserved in patients with greater AAC score (46%, 48%, 51% and 54% in patients with AAC grade 0, 1, 2 and 3, respectively, P = 0.052). Diabetes mellitus was the only factor that was negatively associated with MBS (23%, 22%, 18% and 16% in patients with MBS grade 0, 1, 2 and 3, P = 0.01). Using a multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict maximal AAC grade, the only independent predictor found was hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio = 1.3, confidence limits = 1.05–1.9, P = 0.048). Diabetes mellitus was the only predictor found to be negatively associated with MBS (odds ratio = 0.72, confidence limits = 0.46–0.98, P = 0.04). It is concluded that collateral grade is associated with hypercholesterolemia and myocardial blush is negatively associated with diabetes mellitus. These findings may reflect a conflicting impact of hypercolesterolemia and diabetes mellitus upon collateral formation, leading to enhanced or depressed angiogenesis in response to obstructive coronary artery disease.
Comparative genetic and physiological studies of the MAP kinase Mpk1p from Kluyveromyces lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

MAP kinases are essential components of signal transduction pathways in yeasts and higher eukaryotes. Here, we report on the isolation of the gene encoding the MAP kinase KlMpk1p by complementation of the respective Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion mutant with a genomic library from Kluyveromyces lactis. Sequencing revealed the presence of an open reading frame capable of encoding a protein of 520 amino acid residues with a deduced molecular mass of 59.726 Da. The deduced protein sequence displayed a high degree of similarity to known MAP kinases from yeast to man, with an overall identity of 70 % to ScMpk1p. One-hybrid analysis demonstrated the presence of a cryptic transcriptional activation domain in the C-terminal part of the protein. Deletion of this sequence in ScMpk1p resulted in a reduced MAP kinase activity (measured by an indirect assay), an increased sensitivity towards caffeine and an increased resistance against Calcofluor white. Complete deletion mutants of Klmpk1 display an osmo-remedial phenotype on rich medium, but are capable of growth in the absence of osmotic stabilization on synthetic medium. As Scmpk1 deletion mutants, they are sensitive to cell surface destabilizing agents such as Calcofluor white and SDS, and growth is inhibited in the presence of 5 mM caffeine. Overexpression of KlMPK1 did not produce a growth defect in S. cerevisiae or in K. lactis.
Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health: What We Know and Why This is a Tough Topic to Research

Before continuing with this thought, here is an explanation about my use of the term RS. The construct of religion is fairly well-grounded, while that of spirituality is much more diffuse. Nonetheless, the 2 necessarily interact. Therefore, I use the term RS (in a way similar to Dr Marilyn Baetz and Dr John Toews) to describe this overall construct, recognizing that RS can be interpreted broadly and confusing. When using the term RS, it is always best in an empirical study to operationally define what is meant. For example, an operational measure of one dimension of religion may be membership in a particular faith community and participation in the activities and rituals associated with that community. An operational measure of spirituality may be the scores recorded by a subject on a scale that assesses spirituality, such as measures used by Pargament of spirituality and coping.
Visual outcome of laser treatment in diabetic retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the visual outcome of laser treatment in diabetic retinopathy. DESIGN Prospective, non-comparative case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 80 eyes of 50 patients with diabetic retinopathy in different stages were photocoagulated using diode green laser. Focal laser only was given in 46 eyes and pan retinal photocoagulation only was given in 29 eyes while 3 eyes received focal laser and pan retinal photocoagulation. One eye was given grid laser only and one eye received both grid and focal laser. The best corrected visual acuity was noted and fundus examination was carried out prior to laser therapy and at the last follow-up and results were compared. RESULTS Non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy was present in 76%. Following laser treatment, best corrected visual acuity improved in 52.50%, remained static in 35% and deteriorated in 12.5%. Maculopathy improved in 52%, remained static in 6% and deteriorated in 2% in right eyes while there was no maculopathy in 40% in right eyes. Similarly, maculopathy improved in 38% and remained same in 10% while 52% had no maculopathy in left eyes. After laser treatment, NVD (OD) regressed in 6% and remained unchanged in 4%. Similarly, NVE (OD) regressed in 18% and remained unchanged in 4% and NVE (OS) regressed in 18% and remained unchanged in 2% following laser therapy. CONCLUSION Timely and adequate laser treatment helps in saving the vision in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Analysis of Mean Disintegration Time and Mean Dissolution Time by Moment Analysis Using Microcalorimetric Curves

The mean disintegration time (MDGT; mean time required for disintegration of tablets) and mean dissolution time (MDST; mean time required for drug dissolution) of water-soluble drugsfrom solid dosage forms were determined by moment analysis using microcalorimetric curves. Microcalorimetric curves for heat of dilution and for heat of dissolution of the drug were prepared, and the zeroth and first moments of the calorimetric curves were then calculated. The difference between the first moments of the curves for powder dissolution and tablet dissolution was taken to be the MDGT. The difference between the first moment of the curve for heat of dilutionand that of the curve for heat of dissolution was taken to be the MDST. Nicotinic acid and D-mannitol were used as model drugs. The dissolution rate was determined by the conventional beaker method and also by the deconvolution method. The dissolution process could betraced well by moment analysis, as well as by the other methods employed. Moment analysis has some advantages: (a) both the MDGT and the MDST can be determined simultaneously; (b) it is applicable to many drugs that are soluble with heat evolution without the need for quantitative analysis of the drug.
Particular Features of Neonatal Seizures Populational Study Raluca

The characteristic features of the neonatal seizures is determined by the anatomical and physiological peculiarities of the human brain in the perinatal period. Current data point towards an excessive depolarization as the underlying mechanism of neonatal seizures. We conducted a retrospective population-based study whose objective was to identify the etiologic factors, predisposing and prognostic predictors of neonatal seizures, by recording epidemiological data, data regarding antenatal or perinatal pathology, clinical aspects of neonatal seizures, neurological syndrome severity, and complications during the follow-up. 206 children were enrolled in the study, all with neonatal seizures in their medical records and born in the Sibiu, Medias and Cisnădie Maternity Hospitals between January 1995 and December 2005. The incidence of neonatal seizures was double in males. The postmature male newborns showed a significantly higher birth weight than the female newborns. Although the boys presented an early onset seizure, the average seizure duration was lower. The hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intracerebral hemorrhage, and symptomatic infections are the primary etiological factors for girls and the metabolic context, for boys. The female gender was associated with increased rates of mortality and morbidity compared to male gender. In the case of late complications, the mental retardation predominates in female gender and the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in male gender .
Effect of permethrin on the induction of sister chromatid exchanges and micronuclei in cultured human lymphocytes

Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are analogs of the natural pyrethrins of botanical origin. The synthesis of biologically active, photostable pyrethroids has led to the rapid development of the use of some of them as insecticides [Elliot, 1976; Elliot et al., 1978; Casida, 19801 due to their high activity against insects and relatively low mammalian toxicity [Papadopoulou-Mourkidou, 19831. Permethrin is a stable synthetic pyrethroid because of the lack of photolabile methyl group. The carcinogenic potential of the pyrethroids has been discussed in the review of Litchfield [ 19851. Although high dose levels of permethrin caused an increased number of lung and liver tumors in mice in some studies, the compound was judged by the EPA to be of very little or no hazard to humans. The tumors were nonmalignant, and no oncogenic effects were even noted in rats. Other pyrethroids tested were not carcinogenic [Bradbury and Coats, 19891. Permethrin did not induce mutation in either bacteria or cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells [Moriya et al., 1983; Pluijmen et al., 1984; Herrera and Laborda, 19881. It did not induce mutations or aneuploidy in Drosophila melanogaster [Gupta et al., 1990; Woodruff et al., 19831. It did not induce primary DNA damage measured as differential toxicity in bacteria [Miyamoto, 19761. The present work was undertaken to determine the effect of permethrin in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes employing the sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and micronucleus (MNs) tests.
Systemic pneumococcal disease in Norway 1995–2001: capsular serotypes and antimicrobial resistance

A total of 4624 pneumococcal isolates from episodes of systemic pneumococcal disease were received at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health during the period 1995–2001. All isolates were serotyped and tested for susceptibility to benzylpenicillin, lincomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline and trimethroprim–sulphamethoxazole. The proportion of strains resistant to these antimicrobial agents remained stable at a low level, ranging from 0·1% for benzylpenicillin to 2·5% for erythromycin. The distribution of serotypes was also stable over the 7 years: serotypes 1, 4, 9, 14, 7, 6 and 23 were the most frequent, representing 70·5% of isolates. Overall, 95·8% of the isolates were of serotypes/groups included in the current 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine, 52·2% were of serotypes/groups included in the 7-valent conjugated vaccine and 85·5% were of serotypes/groups included in the 11-valent conjugated vaccine.
Malaria: A Major Cause of Anemia Among Under 5 Children on Hospital Bed in State Specialist Hospital, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Background Anemia during childhood remains a major public health challenge especially in Sub Saharan Africa with malaria being a major risk factor. Malaria also accounts for most hospital visits especially in children. Objective This study aimed to determine malaria as a major cause of anemia among under 5 children on hospital bed in State Specialist Hospital, Ondo, Ondo State. Nigeria. Method Three hundred and forty six under 5 children, 186 males and 160 females were admitted with packed cell volume (PCV) of <30% over a 6 month period from April September 2010. Malaria parasite was detected through simple chromatographic test (Rapid diagnostic test) and thick blood film microscopy. Anemia was defined as Packed Cell Volume <30%. Results At presentation, anemia occurred in 346[100%] of the patients admitted, 186[54%] were males and 160[46%] females, malaria parasite was positive in 315[91%] of patients. Children of age 1year had the highest prevalence of anemia which was 101[29%]; the lowest prevalence of 11[3%] was in 5years age group. Males have significant higher risk for both malaria and anemia. Mortality rate over the period of 6months was 4% [13 children died]. Conclusion Several factors contribute to anemia in children in African countries but Malaria remains the number one risk factor. Effective control measure against malaria is however advocated. The low mortality rate in this study shows that diagnosis and prompt treatment of malaria can reduce the malaria burden while effective control is being advocated for.
Long-term management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease with omeprazole or open antireflux surgery: results of a prospective, randomized clinical trial. The Nordic GORD Study Group.

BACKGROUND AND AIM The efficacy of antireflux surgery (ARS) and omeprazole treatment in the control of gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD) are well established. We have compared these two therapeutic options in a randomized, clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three hundred and ten patients with erosive oesophagitis were enrolled into the trial. After a run-in period when all patients had < or = 40 mg of omeprazole daily to heal the oesophagitis and relieve symptoms, 155 patients were randomized to continuous omeprazole therapy and 155 to open antireflux surgery, of whom 144 later had an operation. One hundred and thirty-nine and 129 in the omeprazole and antireflux surgery groups, respectively, completed the 3-year follow-up. Symptoms, 24-h pH monitoring and endoscopy were used to document the outcome. Quality of life was evaluated by the psychological general well-being (PGWB) index and the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). RESULTS Analysis of time to treatment failure (defined as moderate to severe GORD symptoms for > or = 3 days during the last 7 days, oesophagitis or changed therapy) revealed a significant difference in favour of antireflux surgery (P = 0.0016). Seventeen patients originally submitted to antireflux surgery experienced symptom relapse alone, 14 had oesophagitis at endoscopy and another six had omeprazole for different reasons, leaving 97 patients in clinical remission after 3 years. The corresponding figures in the omeprazole arm were 50 relapses, 18 with oesophagitis, two had surgery, leaving 77 patients in remission. Allowing a dose adjustment in the case of relapse in those on omeprazole therapy to either 40 or 60 mg, the curves describing the failure rates were not significantly different from each other. Quality of life assessment showed a comparable outcome in the two study groups. CONCLUSION In this randomized multicentre trial we found antireflux surgery to be very efficacious in controlling GORD, a level of control which could also be achieved by omeprazole provided that advantage was taken of the opportunity of adjusting the dose.
In Vivo Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy of the Ocular Surface in Glaucoma

Abstract Over the past decade, knowledge about the ocular surface in glaucoma has significantly increased through the use of in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). This in vivo imaging method can show modifications at the cellular level induced by anti-glaucoma drugs on ocular surface structures and adnexa in the eye. High-quality images of the conjunctiva, cornea, limbus, meibomian glands, and lymphoid structures during therapy can be obtained. In addition, LSCM opened new fields of research on the patho-physiology of aqueous humor (AH) hydrodynamics in untreated, and in medically or surgically treated glaucomatous patients. In these conditions, an enhancement of the trans-scleral AH outflow contributed to clarification of the mechanism of action of different anti-glaucoma medications and surgical approaches. Finally, the use of LSCM represented a huge advance in evaluation of bleb functionality after filtration surgery, defining the hallmarks of AH filtration through the bleb-wall and distinguishing functional from nonfunctional blebs. Thus, signs seen with LSCM may anticipate clinical failure, guiding the clinician in planning the appropriate timing of the various steps in bleb management. In this review we summarize the current knowledge about in vivo LSCM of the ocular surface in glaucoma.
Comparison of liver regeneration after a splenectomy and splenic artery ligation in a dimethylnitrosamine-induced cirrhotic rat model.

AIM A splenectomy and splenic artery ligation accelerate liver regeneration and improve liver function after a hepatectomy. However, there are no studies that directly compared the effects of a splenectomy and splenic artery ligation. In the present study, we compared the effects of a splenectomy and splenic artery ligation in cirrhotic rats. METHODS Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) was administered intraperitoneally for 4 weeks to induce cirrhosis. The rats were divided into three groups: sham operation (CT group), splenic artery ligation (SAL group) and splenectomy (SP group). Liver functions [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (T. Bil)], plasma TGF-beta1, histopathological changes, extent of liver fibrosis (fibrotic rate) and regeneration [Ki-67 labelling index(LI)] were investigated in each group. RESULTS ALT and T. Bil levels were significantly lower in the SP group than the CT and SAL groups. TGF-beta1 levels were significantly lower in the SP group than in the CT and SAL groups. The fibrotic rate was significantly lower in the SP group than in the CT and SAL groups. The Ki-67 labelling index was significantly higher in the SP group than in the CT and SAL groups. DISCUSSION A splenectomy significantly improved liver regeneration with reduction of plasma TGF-beta1 levels compared with splenic artery ligation in DMN-treated cirrhotic rats.
Community Participation and Empowerment in a Post-disaster Environment: Differences Tied to Age and Personal Networks of Social Support

In this article, an attempt was made to identify the level of community social participation according to age, gender, and the structural characteristics of the personal support networks in a population displaced by floods in the Colombian Caribbean. The research was based on a non-experimental methodology with an associative-relational strategy. An intentional non-probabilistic sample of 151 people affected by the winter wave in the south of the Department of Atlántico (Colombia) was selected. In total, the study included 42 males (27.8%) and 109 females (72.2%) participants, with an average age of 37.48 (±14, ranging from 18 to 80) and average relocation time of 21.79 months (±8.22, ranging from 5 to 36). The Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule (ASSIS) and Community Empowerment instruments were responded to with an instrument adapted from the leadership competence factor. The results show lower rates of intermediation in the older population, and the relationship between social participation and gender shows equally cohesive social support networks in men and women. This evidence is discussed to promote psychosocial interventions aimed to increase community engagement and empowerment of people that have experienced non-voluntary mobility processes.
Introductions and Evolution of Human-Origin Seasonal Influenza A Viruses in Multinational Swine Populations

ABSTRACT The capacity of influenza A viruses to cross species barriers presents a continual threat to human and animal health. Knowledge of the human-swine interface is particularly important for understanding how viruses with pandemic potential evolve in swine hosts. We sequenced the genomes of 141 influenza viruses collected from North American swine during 2002 to 2011 and identified a swine virus that possessed all eight genome segments of human seasonal A/H3N2 virus origin. A molecular clock analysis indicates that this virus—A/sw/Saskatchewan/02903/2009(H3N2)—has likely circulated undetected in swine for at least 7 years. For historical context, we performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of an additional 1,404 whole-genome sequences from swine influenza A viruses collected globally during 1931 to 2013. Human-to-swine transmission occurred frequently over this time period, with 20 discrete introductions of human seasonal influenza A viruses showing sustained onward transmission in swine for at least 1 year since 1965. Notably, human-origin hemagglutinin (H1 and H3) and neuraminidase (particularly N2) segments were detected in swine at a much higher rate than the six internal gene segments, suggesting an association between the acquisition of swine-origin internal genes via reassortment and the adaptation of human influenza viruses to new swine hosts. Further understanding of the fitness constraints on the adaptation of human viruses to swine, and vice versa, at a genomic level is central to understanding the complex multihost ecology of influenza and the disease threats that swine and humans pose to each other. IMPORTANCE The swine origin of the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic virus underscored the importance of understanding how influenza A virus evolves in these animals hosts. While the importance of reassortment in generating genetically diverse influenza viruses in swine is well documented, the role of human-to-swine transmission has not been as intensively studied. Through a large-scale sequencing effort, we identified a novel influenza virus of wholly human origin that has been circulating undetected in swine for at least 7 years. In addition, we demonstrate that human-to-swine transmission has occurred frequently on a global scale over the past decades but that there is little persistence of human virus internal gene segments in swine.