Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STUDY OF VARIATION OF BIOCHEMICAL COMPONENTS INHYPERICUM PERFORATUM L. GROWN IN NORTH OF IRAN

Hypericum perforatum L. is among important herbs worldwide, which growing wild in Iran various areas and altitudes particularly north of the country. However, according to different regional and genetic reasons, its secondary metabolites differ in its growth vegetative. Therefore, in order to define its best vegetative area, the most important biochemical components in five regions and three altitudes and four samples from each regions (60 samples all together) were sampled and analyzed. Experiment revealed that the highest values of hypericin (0.251% DW) and total phenols (412 mg/l) were obtained in Jannat Roodbar region in a height of 1218 m and the highest amounts of flavonoid (73 µg/ml) and carotenoid (0.13 mg/ml) were observed in Pole Zangoole region in a height of 2300 m. Regression equations have been demonstrated to have a positive linear relationship between hypericin and total phenols contents. While among hypericin and flavonoid as well as carotenoid, this relation forms a second degree equation. The relationship of hypericin and total phenols contents was a negative correlation as well. Keyword: Hypericum perforatum L . , Biochemical Components, Variation , Hypericin,Total phenol, Flavonoid
Stereotactic Radiosurgery of the Rete Mirabile in Swine: A Longitudinal Study of Histopathological Changes

OBJECTIVE: Stereotactic radiosurgery is an established, effective treatment for brain arteriovenous malformations. The mechanisms of vessel occlusion in arteriovenous malformations has not been extensively evaluated. To better understand these mechanisms, we report histopathological changes in the swine rete mirabile after stereotactic radiosurgery. METHODS: Thirty-five swine were used, 15 as nonradiated controls and 20 as radiated. Two in the control group and five in the radiated group were sacrificed before the study endpoint. Tissue was obtained from 13 nonradiated (4 at 3 mo, 5 at 6 mo, 4 at 9 mo) and 15 radiated swine (2 at 3 mo, 3 at 6 mo, 10 at 9 mo) for histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analysis. RESULTS: Radiated vessels showed increasing intimal hyperplasia over the follow-up period. Histometrical analysis confirmed this with evidence of progressive luminal narrowing over the follow-up period. Immunohistochemical analysis showed intimal cells to be proliferating smooth muscle cells with surrounding extracellular collagen Type IV. Adventitial fibrosis composed of collagen Type IV was also seen with smooth muscle cells interspersed within the collagen matrix. The nonradiated animals showed no intimal hyperplasia or change in the appearance or size of the vessels over the same follow-up period. Adventitial fibrosis was minimal in the nonradiated animals. CONCLUSION: The vessels show an intimal response to radiation with progressive occlusion caused by migrating, proliferating smooth muscle cells, a likely source of the extracellular collagen in the intima. Cytokine mediated pathways likely produce these morphological changes. Future studies will be directed toward elucidating these underlying molecular mechanisms.
Platelet released growth factors boost expansion of bone marrow derived CD34+ and CD133+ endothelial progenitor cells for autologous grafting

Stem cell based autologous grafting has recently gained mayor interest in various surgical fields for the treatment of extensive tissue defects. CD34+ and CD133+ cells that can be isolated from the pool of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMC) are capable of differentiating into mature endothelial cells in vivo. These endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are believed to represent a major portion of the angiogenic regenerative cells that are released from bone marrow when tissue injury has occurred. In recent years tissue engineers increasingly looked at the process of vessel neoformation because of its major importance for successful cell grafting to replace damaged tissue. Up to now one of the greatest problems preventing a clinical application is the large scale of expansion that is required for such purpose. We established a method to effectively enhance the expansion of CD34+ and CD133+ cells by the use of platelet-released growth factors (PRGF) as a media supplement. PRGF were prepared from thrombocyte concentrates and used as a media supplement to iscove's modified dulbecco's media (IMDM). EPC were immunomagnetically separated from human bone morrow monocyte cells and cultured in IMDM + 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), IMDM + 5%, FCS + 5% PRGF and IMDM + 10% PRGF. We clearly demonstrate a statistically significant higher and faster cell proliferation rate at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of culture when both PRGF and FCS were added to the medium as opposed to 10% FCS or 10% PRGF alone. The addition of 10% PRGF to IMDM in the absence of FCS leads to a growth arrest from day 14 on. In histochemical, immunocytochemical, and gene-expression analysis we showed that angiogenic and precursor markers of CD34+ and CD133+ cells are maintained during long-term culture. In summary, we established a protocol to boost the expansion of CD34+ and CD133+ cells. Thereby we provide a technical step towards the clinical application of autologous stem cell transplantation.
Role of CD30 in B/T Segregation in the Spleen1

In this report, we identify an important function for CD30 signals in the effective segregation of B and T lymphocytes in the murine spleen, additional to the recognized requirement for lymphotoxin signals. We show that CD30 signals are not required for transcription or protein expression of homeostatic chemokines, but CD30-deficient mice display impaired B/T segregation. This defect correlates with defective expression as detected by Abs of the transmembrane mucin-type protein podoplanin on T zone stroma, although expression at other sites is normal. Defective segregation is not intrinsic to CD30-deficient lymphocytes which segregate normally following transfer into RAG-deficient mice and significantly up-regulate the expression of both CCL21 and podoplanin on T zone stroma of RAG-deficient mice. During development, induction of expression of the CD30 ligand by lymphoid tissue inducer cells and podoplanin by T zone stroma are temporally linked, and the spatial association of these cells suggests that lymphoid tissue inducer cells are capable of providing the CD30 signals. Finally, we show that the appearance of podoplanin on T zone stroma in development is associated with B/T segregation of splenic white pulp areas. Our studies indicate that homeostatic chemokine expression by itself is not sufficient for B/T segregation and our data point to a significant role for podoplanin or molecules associated with podoplanin expressing stroma in the effective segregation of lymphocytes.
Analysis of the two common alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency alleles PiMS and PiMZ as modifiers of Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility in cystic fibrosis

Lung disease is the direct cause of death in more than 90% of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Proteinase‐antiproteinase imbalances are common in CF and alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. We investigated the hypothesis that the AAT deficiency alleles PiS and PiZ contribute to pulmonary prognosis in CF. Two hundred and sixty‐nine CF patients from Southern Germany were included in this study. The serum concentrations of AAT and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were determined by nephelometry, and patients were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme digest for the common AAT deficiency alleles PiS and PiZ. The onset of chronic bacterial colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pae) was correlated with the AAT phenotypes PiMM, PiMS and PiMZ. Only three out of nine CF patients (33%) diagnosed with either PiMS or PiMZ had developed chronic Pae lung infection earlier in their lives. The remaining six patients showing a PiMS or PiMZ phenotype showed a later onset of chronic Pae lung infection. Our results indicate that PiMS and PiMZ are not associated with worse pulmonary prognosis in CF. These data need to be confirmed in studies with a much larger number of cases.
Prevalence of palmar fibromatosis with and without contracture in asymptomatic patients

Abstract Background: This retrospective study documents the proportion of hand clinic patients presenting with palmar fibromatosis with and without contracture. Methods: All “new” patients >18 years presenting to a single surgeon’s hand clinic over a 16-month period were included, and information was abstracted from chart review regarding patient demographics, reason for presentation, presence or absence of palmar fibromatosis, contracture, and prior known diagnosis of Dupuytren’s disease. The percentage of asymptomatic patients with palmar fibromatosis was calculated. Results: Of 827 patients, 306 had palmar fibromatosis. Among all patients, 33% of male and 40% of female patients had palmar fibromatosis. Only 8% had contractures, while 92% had palmar fibromatosis without contracture. Among those who had contractures, 81% presented with a primary complaint of Dupuytren’s disease (symptomatic contracture). Prevalence of palmar fibromatosis increased with increasing age. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that Dupuytren’s palmar fibromatosis is common and often present without overt contractures.
Capacity and Energy-Only Markets Under High Renewable Penetration

This paper presents a multi-nodal intertemporal Cournot gaming model with transmission constraints and uses it to simulate energy-only and capacity-energy market designs in the presence of uncertainties stemming from intermittent renewable power generation. Both market paradigms are compared to a competitive benchmark in order to determine which one performs better in a concentrated market with significant penetration of wind and solar generation. As a specific example, the model is applied to the South Australian zone of the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM). The simulation results for the time interval 2013-2030 show that the capacity-energy market has the potential to induce significant new capacity and push prices much closer to the competitive level in contrast to the current energy-only market design.
Anticipatory Loss and Early Mastectomy for Young Female BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers

Young women who carry BRCA1/2 mutations face difficult decisions in managing their hereditary breast/ovarian cancer risk. Through this National Cancer Institute study, we sought to understand the process by which some young women choose risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy (RRBM) instead of alternative risk-management options. Data indicate that electing to undergo RRBM, although difficult, is experienced as a way to sidestep potentially devastating outcomes, such as stressful and costly high-risk screening, chemotherapy or radiation, or putting loved ones through the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. The decision to pursue RRBM is often the product of screening fatigue, encouragement from loved ones, and/or a sense of urgency to put one’s high-risk period behind one. By understanding how young carriers make decisions about surgical risk reduction, providers can better guide, counsel, and support patients in the important tasks surrounding this life-changing medical decision, thereby helping to increase the duration and quality of their lives.
Evaluation of harmonic methods for calculating the free energy of defects in solids.

The free energy of defects in solids is computed with Monte Carlo simulation techniques and by various approximate techniques. The results are compared in order to determine the accuracy and range of applicability of the various approximate methods. The systems studied are a bulk crystal, a vacancy, a (100) free surface, and a [Sigma]5(310)/[001] symmetric tilt boundary in Cu described by embedded-atom method potentials. The Monte Carlo simulations employ both the Frenkel-Ladd method and thermodynamic integration. The approximate techniques include quasiharmonic calculations and the recently proposed local harmonic method. The results indicate that the harmonic methods significantly underestimate the temperature variation of the defect-free energies for this potential. The discrepancies become large for temperatures above about half of the melting point.
Feasibility and Efficacy of Intensive Cognitive Training in Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Cognitive training may be beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the effects are modest with little evidence of carryover. Prior studies included limited hours and low intensity of training. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and efficacy of many hours of intensive cognitive training with adults in the early stages of AD. Twenty-one adults with very mild or mild AD participated in cognitive training for 10 days over 2 weeks with 4 to 5 hours of training each day. Participants significantly improved in practiced computer-based tasks including those involving working memory, sustained attention, and switching attention. Outcome measures that improved included the Mini-Mental State Examination, letter fluency, and 3 of 5 Trail-Making Tests. Gains in outcome measures were maintained at 2- and 4-month follow-up. Adults in early-stage AD can participate in intensive cognitive training and make modest gains in both practiced and unpracticed cognitive tasks.
Effect of fructose-reduced diet in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and its correlation to a standard fructose breath test

Abstract Objectives. To perform a validation of dairy registrations for use as diagnostic tool in IBS and fructose malabsorption (FM). To investigate the precision of the fructose breath test (FBT) as compared with symptom score reduction on fructose-reduced diet (FRD) in a cohort of patients with Rome II defined irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Design. IBS patients diagnosed according to the Rome II criteria and with no organic gastrointestinal disease were enrolled. The patients were randomized in an open study design with a 2 week run-in on IBS diet, followed by 4 weeks w/wo additional FRD. FBT was performed in all patients. Dairy registrations of stool frequency and consistency as well as abdominal pain/discomfort and bloating on a visual analog scale (VAS) were performed during the whole study. Results. A total of 182 subjects performed the study according to protocol (88 FRD, 94 controls). The VAS symptom registration performed well in validation procedures, whereas stool data showed less impressive characteristics. FRD improved symptom scores (abdominal pain/discomfort and bloating) significantly whereas no changes were observed in the control group. The effect of FRD on the stool frequency was modest but no effect was observed on the stool consistency. The FBT did not discriminate between patients with and without effect of FRD, and even in the group with a negative FBT significant improvement of symptom scores was observed. Conclusion. VAS measures yield reliable symptom evaluation in dairy registrations of IBS. FRD improves symptom scores in IBS patients independent of results from the FBT.
Stem/Progenitor-Cell-Based Approach for Restenosis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Application of Bone Marrow Progenitors and Future Perspectives

Endothelial dysfunction and cell loss are prominent features of cardiovascular disease. Endothelial damage is a critical trigger of restenosis after percutaneous coronary angioplasty or stent implantation. Consequently, rapid re-endothelialization is essential for restoring normal vascular function and regulating neointimal hyperplasia. Bone-marrow-derived cell therapy has emerged as a therapeutic option for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular diseases by virtue of its effects in enhancing endothelial capillary growth and collateral formation. It remains to be seen whether this cell therapy is also effective for the treatment of restenosis, but evidence suggests that it may be. Bone marrow stem/progenitor cells promote endothelialization and modulate immune response, processes that can lead to vascular repair after injury. Given the increased concern over late thrombosis after drug-eluting stents, therapeutic re-endothelialization by the bone marrow stem/progenitor cells seems both attractive and promising. In this review we focus on the therapeutic potential of endothelial progenitors and mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow for the prevention of restenosis after coronary intervention. We describe the current status of this nascent therapy and perspectives on where it may lead in the future.
Proteomic analysis of embryonic stem cell–derived neural cells exposed to the antidepressant paroxetine

Antidepressant drugs can have significant effects on the mood of a patient suffering from major depression or other disorders. The pharmacological actions of these drugs generally affect the uptake or metabolism of the neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenalin, and, to a lesser extent, dopamine. However, many aspects of antidepressant action are not understood. We conducted a proteomic analysis in a neuronal cell culture model in an attempt to identify molecules important to the operation of pathways functionally relevant to antidepressant action. The model involved generating cultures containing mixed neural and glial cells by controlled differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells, followed by exposure to 1 μM paroxetine for 14 days. After antidepressant exposure, we observed increased expression or modification of sepiapterin reductase (SPR), heat shock protein 9A, RAS and EF‐hand domain containing, and protein disulfide isomerase associated 3 and decreased expression or modification of creatine kinase, actin, prohibitin, a T‐cell receptor α chain, defensin‐related cryptdin 5, and the intermediate filament proteins glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin. SPR, the most strongly up‐regulated protein observed, controls production of tetrahydrobiopterin, an essential cofactor for the synthesis of many neurotransmitters including serotonin, making it a plausible and intriguing candidate protein for involvement in mood control and antidepressant drug action. SPR and the other proteins identified may represent links to molecular processes of importance to mood dysregulation and control, and their respective genes may be novel candidates for the study of antidepressant pharmacogenetics. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FEF-Controlled Alpha Delay Activity Precedes Stimulus-Induced Gamma-Band Activity in Visual Cortex

Recent findings in the visual system of nonhuman primates have demonstrated an important role of gamma-band activity (40–100 Hz) in the feedforward flow of sensory information, whereas feedback control appears to be established dynamically by oscillations in the alpha (8–13 Hz) and beta (13–18 Hz) bands (van Kerkoerle et al., 2014; Bastos et al., 2015). It is not clear, however, how alpha oscillations are controlled and how they interact with the flow of visual information mediated by gamma-band activity. Using noninvasive human MEG recordings in subjects performing a visuospatial attention task, we show that fluctuations in alpha power during a delay period in a spatial attention task preceded subsequent stimulus-driven gamma-band activity. Importantly, these interactions correlated with behavioral performance. Using Granger analysis, we further show that the right frontal-eye field (rFEF) exerted feedback control of the visual alpha oscillations. Our findings suggest that alpha oscillations controlled by the FEF route cortical information flow by modulating gamma-band activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Visual perception relies on a feedforward flow of information from sensory regions, which is modulated by a feedback drive. We have identified the neuronal dynamics supporting integration of the feedforward and feedback information. Alpha oscillations in early visual regions reflect feedback control when spatial attention is allocated and this control is exercised by the right frontal eye field. Importantly, the alpha-band activity predicted both performance and activity in the gamma band. In particular, gamma activity was modulated by the phase of the alpha oscillations. These findings provide novel insight into how the brain operates as a network and suggest that the integration of feedforward and feedback information is implemented by cross-frequency interactions between slow and fast neuronal oscillations.
The Uncanny Valley [From the Field]

More than 40 years ago, Masahiro Mori, a robotics professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, wrote an essay [1] on how he envisioned people's reactions to robots that looked and acted almost like a human. In particular, he hypothesized that a person's response to a humanlike robot would abruptly shift from empathy to revulsion as it approached, but failed to attain, a lifelike appearance. This descent into eeriness is known as the uncanny valley. The essay appeared in an obscure Japanese journal called Energy in 1970, and in subsequent years, it received almost no attention. However, more recently, the concept of the uncanny valley has rapidly attracted interest in robotics and other scientific circles as well as in popular culture. Some researchers have explored its implications for human-robot interaction and computer-graphics animation, whereas others have investigated its biological and social roots. Now interest in the uncanny valley should only intensify, as technology evolves and researchers build robots that look human. Although copies of Mori's essay have circulated among researchers, a complete version hasn't been widely available. The following is the first publication of an English translation that has been authorized and reviewed by Mori. (See “Turning Point” in this issue for an interview with Mori.).
Clinical spectrum and surgical management of acute mesenteric ischaemia in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a surgical emergency with a dismal prognosis. Much of the literature concerning this condition is from the West. This study aims to present a single-centre Asian experience of management of patients with AMI and the immediate outcome following surgical treatment. METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients managed for AMI in our department between 1990 and 2003. The data was obtained from a prospectively-collected surgical data base as well as from clinical case records. RESULTS 65 patients were managed by our department for AMI over 14 years. The median age of this patient group was 69 years, with a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. The majority of patients presented with abdominal pain, distension and vomiting. The commonest subtype of AMI was caused by mesenteric arterial occlusion; this subtype also had the highest in-hospital mortality. Our overall in-hospital mortality for all 65 patients was 55.4 percent. CONCLUSION Clinical suspicion, especially in a patient with the relevant risk factors, remains the mainstay of appropriate early management of AMI. Our patient demographics, coexistent diseases and commonest subtype of AMI were similar to that reported in the Western literature. In this paper, we also suggest a management algorithm for patients with suspected AMI.