Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of the Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia in Relation to the Calcaneus in Various Age Groups

Ten adult cadaver feet, three neonatal feet, and the feet of two fetuses were dissected to investigate whether an anatomical continuity exists between the fibers of the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. Histologic sections of the feet were done in three age groups: neonate, persons in their mid-20s, and the elderly. As the foot ages, there appears to be continued diminution of the number of fibers connecting the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. The neonate has a thick continuation of fibers, while the middle-aged foot has only superficial periosteal fibers that continue from tendon to fascia. The elderly feet show simply an insertion of fibers of both structures into the calcaneus with periosteum in between.
Quercetin ameliorates experimental autoimmune myocarditis in rats.

PURPOSE Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in rats is an animal model of human giant cell myocarditis and post-myocarditis dilated cardiomyopathy. The pathogenesis of EAM has not been elucidated, but there is accumulating evidence that cytokines secreted from monocytes/macrophages and T cells play a crucial role in the induction and progression of disease. Flavonoids are a large group of polyphenolic compounds abundantly present in the human diet, which scavenge oxygen radicals and have anti-inflammatory activities. Having in mind in vivo beneficial effects of flavonoid quercetin in different animal models of immunoinflammatory diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and adjuvant arthritis, on the one side, and its in vitro suppressive effect on production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on the other side, we investigated the effects of quercetin on EAM in rats. METHODS Myocarditis was induced in Dark Agouti (DA) rats by injection of porcine cardiac myosin and quercetin at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg was orally administered from days 0 to 21 after induction of disease. The severity of myocarditis was evaluated by determination of heart weight/body weight ratio (Hw/Bw) and histopathological examination of hearts. The levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-12, IL-17 and IL-10) in serum and lymph node cells (LNC) culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. RESULTS The rats treated with 20 mg/kg of quercetin had significantly decreased incidence of EAM, Hw/Bw, macroscopic and microscopic scores of hearts. Further, in EAM rats treated with quercetin levels of TNF-α and IL-17 were significantly lower, while the level of IL-10 was significantly higher both in serum and culture supernatants of LNC stimulated with concanavalin A compared with vehicle-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that quercetin ameliorates EAM, at least in part, by interfering production of proinflammatory (TNF-α and IL-17) and/or anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines.
Intraoperative hemorrhage during patent ductus arteriosus ligation in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of intraoperative hemorrhage in a consecutive series of dogs undergoing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation at a veterinary teaching hospital, and to describe strategies to reduce the risk of ductus perforation and deal with hemorrhage when it occurs. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS Sixty-four dogs. METHODS The records of all dogs undergoing PDA ligation at the University Veterinary Center, Sydney between May 1989 and February 1998 were reviewed and the prevalence and nature of complications identified. RESULTS Serious hemorrhage occurred in 4 of 64 dogs (6.25%) that underwent PDA ligation. In all cases, hemorrhage resulted from perforation of the craniomedial aspect of the ductus while attempting to expose the tips of the dissecting forceps. Hemorrhage was controlled in 3 dogs by clamping the main pulmonary artery, digital compression of the descending aorta, and completion of ductus ligation during an approximately 5-minute period of circulatory arrest. The remaining dog exsanguinated during an unsuccessful attempt to locate, clamp, and ligate the bleeding point. The mortality rate for PDA ligation was I of 64 dogs (1.6 %). CONCLUSIONS The technique described in this report permits simple ligation of a range of different ductus morphologies in dogs of varying breeds, weights, and ages. In the event of serious hemorrhage, prompt ventricular outflow occlusion and ductus ligation followed by rapid whole blood transfusion is life saving in most cases.
Facteurs associés à la dissociation immunovirologique chez les patients infectés par le VIH-1 sous traitement antirétroviral hautement actif au Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire (CTA) de Dakar

Introduction L'objectif de ce travail était d'évaluer les différents facteurs associés à la dissociation immunovirologique malgré un traitement antirétroviral hautement actif et efficace. Méthodes Il s'agissait d'une étude de cohorte historique, descriptive et analytique faite à partir de dossiers de patients infectés par le VIH-1; sous traitement antirétroviral depuis au moins 12 mois, suivis dans la cohorte du CTA de 2001 à 2011 et ayant une charge virale indétectable depuis 6 mois. Résultats Durant cette période d'étude de 10 ans, la prévalence de la DIV était de 19,3%. Le sexe féminin était prédominant avec un sexe ratio de 1,9. La dissociation immunovirologique a été plus fréquemment rencontrée chez les patients de sexe masculin (29,7% vs 14,1%) avec une différence statistiquement significative (p = 0,00006). L'âge médian était de 44 ans ± 10 ans. Un antécédent de tuberculose a été retrouvé dans environ un tiers des cas (31,4%). La dissociation immunovirologique était significativement plus fréquente chez les patients ayant un antécédent de tuberculose (p = 0,00005). La plupart des patients (68%) était au stade SIDA 3 ou 4 de l'OMS. Les patients ayant une dissociation immunovirologique étaient plus souvent aux stades 3 et 4 de l'OMS (p = 0,0001). La dénutrition a été notée dans plus de la moitié des cas (56,2%) et la dissociation immunovirologique prédominait chez les patients dénutris (p=0,005). Le taux moyen de lymphocytes TCD4+ était de 86,7± 83 cellules / mm3. La dissociation immunovirologique était plus fréquente chez les patients ayant un taux de lymphocytes TCD4 bas à l'initiation avec une différence statistiquement significative (p = 0,00000). En analyse multivariée; Seuls l'âge supérieur ou égal à 43 ans, le taux de CD4 initial < 100 c/mm3 et le sexe masculin étaient significativement associés à cette dissociation immunovirologique. Conclusion Les principaux facteurs associés à la dissociation immunovirologique étant évalués, d'autres études portant sur ce groupe mériteraient d'être envisagées afin de connaitre l'impact de cette réponse immunologique partielle sur la survenue d'infections opportunistes ou bien la mise en place d'une trithérapie spécifique uniquement dans le but d'avoir une restauration immunologique optimale.
Radiation‐induced, lamina‐specific deletion of neurons in the primate visual cortex

To examine the early determinants of cortical cytoarchitecture, we deleted specific neuronal classes in the primate visual cortex by ionizing irradiation at selected prenatal stages. Multiple doses of X‐rays were delivered to the macaque monkey brain between embryonic day (E) 80 and E90 to block the division of cells destined to populate the superficial cortical layers, between E70 and E79 to eliminate neurons destined for the middle layers; and between E33 and E40 to delete neurons destined for the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) that project to the cortex. All animals were killed after birth, and their brains were processed for histological and electron microscopic analyses. Cell density and number in the LGN and visual cortex were determined by using three‐dimensional, computer‐aided morphometry. In animals irradiated with low doses (total of ∼200 cGy) during the genesis of the LGN but before the onset of corticogenesis (E33‐40), the LGN was reduced in both volume and number of neurons. Area 17 in these animals displayed only slight changes in cortical thickness, cell density, and area‐specific cytoarchitectonic features, whereas the total surface devoted to area 17 was significantly diminished. In contrast, animals irradiated with low doses during the period of corticogenesis, after the completion of the LGN genesis, showed no significant change in the volume of the LGN or in the number of its cells. Moreover, in these animals, the surface of area 17 was not significantly altered, although the cortical layers generated at the time of irradiation had a significantly lower density and total number of cells, whereas the layers generated before and after the period of irradiation were spared. In contrast, cases exposed to high doses of X‐ray (total > 300 cGy) showed more severe effects, including all layers. However, layers normally generated during irradiation were depleted and consisted of cell‐sparse strata populated by densely packed neuropil (axons, small dendrites, dendritic spines, and synaptic boutons). These cell‐sparse strata were situated deeper in the early irradiated animals than in the later irradiated animals, and their laminar position changed abruptly at the area 17/18 border. These results show that low doses of irradiation in a slowly developing primate brain can be used effectively to eliminate targeted classes of neurons before they reach their final position, providing an opportunity to examine the role of cell‐cell interactions in the formation of circuitry and the role of specific cell classes in cortical development. J. Comp. Neurol. 381:335‐352, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparable dose estimates of blinded whole blood samples are obtained independently of culture conditions and analytical approaches. Second RENEB gene expression study

Abstract Purpose: This collaboration of five established European gene expression labs investigated the potential impact of culture conditions on the transcriptional response of peripheral blood to radiation exposure. Materials and methods: Blood from one healthy donor was exposed ex vivo to a Cobalt 60 source to produce a calibration curve in addition to four unknown doses. After exposure, the blood samples were either diluted with RPMI medium or left untouched. After 24-h incubation at 37 °C the diluted blood samples were lysed, while the undiluted samples were mixed with the preservative RNALater and all samples were shipped frozen to the participating labs. Samples were processed by each lab using microarray (one lab) and QRT-PCR (four labs). Results: We show that although culture conditions affect the total amount of RNA recovered (p < .0001) and its integrity (p < .0001), it does not significantly affect dose estimates (except for the true dose at 1.1 Gy). Most importantly, the different analysis approaches provide comparable mean absolute difference of estimated doses relative to the true doses (p = .9) and number of out of range (>0.5 Gy) measurements (p = .6). Conclusion: This study confirms the robustness of gene expression as a method for biological dosimetry.
Decolorization of Azo Dyes C.I.Acid Yellow 17 and C.I.Direct Red 31 by Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Air Plasma

In this paper, dielectric-barrier discharge plasma was applied to the decolorization and degradation of the azo dyes C.I. Acid Yellow 17 and C.I. Direct Red 31. The experimental results have shown that the decolorization and degradation percentage increases with rising applied voltages and current intensity and decreasing air-gap distances. When the air-gap distances were 4 mm and the voltage was 17 kV, the decolorization and degradation percentages went up to 100% and 91% in 180 s, respectively. Operations under optimum condition also had higher treatment efficiency after about two more minutes of treatment. Time extension after treatment could also lead to the rise of decolorization and degradation percentages.
Proinflammatory Adjuvants Enhance the Cognate Helper Activity of Aged CD4 T Cells1

Age-related declines in humoral responses contribute to the reduced efficacy of vaccines in older populations. Using an adoptive transfer model, we have shown that age-related intrinsic declines in CD4 T cell function contribute significantly to the reduced humoral responses observed with aging, resulting in reduced B cell expansion and differentiation as well as reduced IgG production. In this current study, we show that the helper function of aged CD4 T cells can be enhanced using a TLR-binding adjuvant or an adjuvant containing proinflammatory (PI) cytokines. The helper function of aged CD4 T cells was also enhanced when PI cytokines were added during in vitro CD4 effector generation. Enhanced helper activity resulted in improved expansion and differentiation of B cells and affinity maturation of IgG. PI cytokines also induced significant production of effector cytokines, including IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-21, by both young and aged CD4 T cells. Importantly, we also show that proinflammatory adjuvants can significantly enhance the humoral response in intact aged animals. We propose that one of the mechanisms involved in the ability of adjuvants to enhance both young and aged T cell responses includes driving multifaceted T cell differentiation and production of multiple cytokines by responding CD4 T cells.
Excitability changes induced in the human motor cortex by weak transcranial direct current stimulation

1 In this paper we demonstrate in the intact human the possibility of a non‐invasive modulation of motor cortex excitability by the application of weak direct current through the scalp. 2 Excitability changes of up to 40 %, revealed by transcranial magnetic stimulation, were accomplished and lasted for several minutes after the end of current stimulation. 3 Excitation could be achieved selectively by anodal stimulation, and inhibition by cathodal stimulation. 4 By varying the current intensity and duration, the strength and duration of the after‐effects could be controlled. 5 The effects were probably induced by modification of membrane polarisation. Functional alterations related to post‐tetanic potentiation, short‐term potentiation and processes similar to postexcitatory central inhibition are the likely candidates for the excitability changes after the end of stimulation. Transcranial electrical stimulation using weak current may thus be a promising tool to modulate cerebral excitability in a non‐invasive, painless, reversible, selective and focal way.
EFFECT OF LONG-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF SILDENAFIL CITRATE (VIAGRA) ON SOME SPERM CHARACTERISTICS AND TESTIS ARCHITECTURE OF MALE RATS

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is an oral medication used to treat male impotence by the inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 in the corpus cavernosum and subsequent facilitation of penile erection. The side effects of sildenafil citrate have been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of long term administration of sildenafil citrate on some characteristics (sperm count, sperm malformations) and testis architecture of male rats. The results indicated that the oral administration of 50 mg and 100 mg of suldinafil citrate (Viagra) for 8 weeks caused a significant decreased and a significant increased in sperm count and sperm malformations respectively. The results were showed the histopathological changes in testis of male rats treated with 50 mg and 100 mg sildenafil citrate.
Decoupling CEO Wealth and Firm Performance : Evidence from Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures

We examine CEO pay and incentives around major corporate investments to explore whether compensation policies in investing firms counter or exacerbate the divergence in interests between CEOs and shareholders. We find that CEOs are richly rewarded for growth through acquisition, and to a lesser extent for growth via capital expenditure. Even in mergers where bidding shareholders are worse off, bidding CEOs are better off three quarters of the time. In the years following investments, CEOs of poorly performing firms continue receiving substantial option and stock grants that offset any effect of long-term underperformance on their wealth. As a result, the acquiring CEO’s pay and his overall wealth become insensitive to negative stock performance, but his wealth continues to rise in step with positive stock performance. However, CEOs making large capital expenditures do not receive the same downside protection. Corporate governance matters; bidding firms with stronger boards retain the sensitivity of their CEOs’ compensation to poor performance following the acquisition. Our results highlight that acquisitions are treated differently from other capital investments by the board in setting CEO compensation and our evidence is consistent with the self-serving management hypothesis in corporate investments.
Transport accessibility at regional scale

The main aim of the paper is to introduce a common methodology for case study accessibility analysis presented in the following chapters. Background information concerning the TRACC ESPON project is presented and a justification for the selection of case studies is provided. Finally, the generalised results of the in-depth analysis, conducted for particular case studies, are presented and compared.
A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF THE CRYOTHERAPY (LIQUID NITROGEN) WITH TOPICAL 20percent PODOPHYLLIN V/S INTRALESIONAL BLEOMYCIN WITH TOPICAL 5percent PLACENTREX GEL IN THE TREATMENT OF CONDYLOMA ACUMINATA

Background : Condyloma acuminata is a common sexually transmitted disease of sexually active adults caused by HPV having variable response to the different available therapies and none of them have proved to be uniformly effective as recurrences are common. Objective : A randomized, single blinded, paralleled group, intention to treat prospective study was conducted not only to compare the two treatment modalities but also to determine the efficacy and safety of drugs under study. Materials and Methods : 60 cases of clinically diagnosed condyloma acuminata were randomly divided into two equally matched groups (n=30). Group-I, patients were treated with a combination of cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) with topical 20percent podophyllin and Group-II, patients were treated with a combination of intralesional bleomycin with topical 5percent placentrex gel. Evaluation criteria included assessment of lesion response, patient’s response, duration of response, recurrence rate and safety. Photographic assessment at baseline, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks was done. Results : 289 condylomas were treated in total (n=60), 175 (60.55percent) Group-I and 114(39.4percent) in Group-II . 49 patients completed the study, 24 treated in Group-I and 25 in Group-II. By intention to treat, lesional clearance rate at 24 weeks in Group-I was 80percent as compared to 83.33percent in Group-II. The clinical efficacy of combination therapy in Group-II was higher as compared to Group-I but there was no statistically significant difference between both the groups (p greater than0.05). The side effects evaluated in this study were mild and transient and they were assessed using a 4 point clinical score (0=absent, 1=mild, 2=moderate, and 3=severe). Conclusion : In this comparative study Intralesional bleomycin with 5percent placentrex gel was found to be more effective although both treatment modalities have good potential for treatment of condyloma. Key words : Anogenital warts, Liquid Nitrogen, Combination therapy, Intralesional injection, Topical application
Organisation of the cytoskeleton during in vitro maturation of horse oocytes

Meiotic maturation of mammalian oocytes is a complex process during which microfilaments and microtubules provide the framework for chromosomal reorganisation and cell division. The aim of this study was to use fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine changes in the distribution of these important cytoskeletal elements and their relationship to chromatin configuration during the maturation of horse oocytes in vitro. Oocytes were cultured in M199 supplemented with pFSH and eLH and, at 0, 12, 24, and 36 hr after the onset of culture, they were fixed for immunocytochemistry and stained with markers for microtubules (a monoclonal anti‐α‐tubulin antibody), microfilaments (AlexaFluor 488 Phalloidin) and DNA (TO‐PRO3). At the germinal vesicle stage, oocyte chromatin was amorphous and poorly condensed and the microfilaments and microtubules were distributed relatively evenly throughout the ooplasm. After germinal vesicle breakdown, the microtubules were aggregated around the now condensed chromosomes and the microfilaments had become concentrated within the oocyte cortex. During metaphase I, microtubules were detected only in the meiotic spindle, as elongated asters encompassing the aligned chromosomes, and, as maturation progressed through anaphase‐I and telophase‐I, the spindle assumed a more eccentric position and gradually rotated to assist in the separation of the homologous chromosomes and in the subsequent formation of the first polar body. During metaphase II, the meiotic spindle was a symmetrical, barrel‐shaped structure with two poles and with the chromosomes aligned along its midline. At this stage, microtubules were found intermingled with chromatin within the polar body and, although, the bulk of the microfilaments remained within the oocyte cortex, a rich domain was found overlying the spindle. Thus, during the in vitro maturation of horse oocytes both the microfilament and microtubular elements of the cytoskeleton were seen to reorganise dramatically in a fashion that appeared to enable chromosomal alignment and segregation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 60: 260–269, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Air Pollution and Children ’ s Respiratory Health : A Cohort Analysis 1

This paper uses a large database of multiple birth cohorts to study relationships between air pollution exposure and non-infant children’s respiratory health outcomes. We observe several years of early-life health treatments for hundreds of thousands of English children. Three distinct research designs account for potential socioeconomic, behavioral, seasonal, and economic confounders. We find that marginal increases in carbon monoxide and ground-level ozone are associated with statistically significant increases in children’s contemporaneous respiratory treatments. We also find that carbon monoxide exposure over the previous year has an effect on children’s health that goes above and beyond contemporaneous exposure alone.
The Impact of Marital Conflict on Health and Health Care Utilization in Older Couples

This study tested the hypothesis that marital distress has a significant effect on health care utilization for older couples. Results from 536 intact couples in long term marriages showed men in dissatisfying marriages are more likely to utilize health care services; women in satisfying marriages are more likely to use health care services. There were no significant partner effects of marital quality on health problems or health care utilization. The association between husbands' marital quality and wives' health care utilization approached significance. Implications for future research and clinical practice, including gender differences, are discussed.