Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Organization and Connections of Second Somatosensory Cortex in the Agouti

In order to understand how the mammalian sensory cortex has been structured during evolution, it is necessary to compare data from different species across distinct mammalian lineages. Here, we investigated the organization of the secondary somatosensory area (S2) in the agouti (Dasyprocta aguti), a medium-sized Amazonian rodent, using microelectrode mapping techniques and neurotracer injections. The topographic map obtained from multiunit electrophysiological recordings were correlated with both cytochrome oxidase (CO) histochemistry and with patterns of corticocortical connections in tangential sections. The electrophysiological mapping of the lateral strip of parietal cortex adjacent to the primary somatosensory area (S1) revealed that S2 displays a mirror-reversed topographical representation of S1, but with a smaller cortical magnification factor. The caudal border of S2 is surrounded by sensory fields which also respond to auditory stimulation. BDA injections into the forelimb representation of S2 revealed a dense homotopic ipsilateral projection to S1, supplemented by a less dense projection to the caudolateral cortex located near the rhinal sulcus (parietal rhinal area) and to a frontal region probably associated with the motor cortex. Our findings were similar to those described in other mammalian species, reinforcing the existence of a common plan of organization for S2 in the mammalian parietal cortex.
Increased DJ-1 and α-Synuclein in Plasma Neural-Derived Exosomes as Potential Markers for Parkinson’s Disease

The diagnosis of PD might be in difficulty, especially in the early stages. Therefore, the identification of novel biomarkers is imperative for the diagnosis and monitoring disease progression in PD. DJ-1 and α-synuclein, are two proteins that are critically involved in the pathogenesis of PD, and they have been examined as disease biomarkers in studies. However, no study exists regarding DJ-1 in plasma neural-derived exosomes. In the present study, the levels of DJ-1 and α-synuclein in plasma neural-derived exosomes were studied together in order to investigate novel biomarkers for PD. DJ-1 and α-synuclein in plasma and plasma neural-derived exosomes of the patients with PD and controls were quantified by ELISAs. The data revealed that the levels of DJ-1 and α-synuclein in plasma neural-derived exosomes and the ratio of plasma neural-derived exosomal DJ-1 to total DJ-1 were significantly higher in patients with PD, compared with controls, while levels of the two proteins in plasma exhibited no difference between the patients with PD and controls. However, no relationship was identified between biomarkers and disease progression. In addition, significant positive correlations between DJ-1 and α-synuclein in plasma neural-derived exosomes were found in the patients with PD and in healthy individuals. We hypothesize that DJ-1 in plasma neural-derived exosomes may be used as a potential biomarker as α-synuclein in PD and they might participate in the mechanism of PD together.
Circular RNA Expression Alteration and Bioinformatics Analysis in Rats After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is mostly caused by trauma. As primary mechanical injury is unavoidable in SCI, a focus on the pathophysiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of SCI-induced secondary injury is necessary to develop promising treatments for SCI patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are associated with various diseases. Nevertheless, studies to date have not yet determined the functional roles of circRNAs in traumatic SCI. We examined circRNA expression profiles in the contused spinal cords of rats using microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) then predict their potential roles in post-SCI pathophysiology with bioinformatics. We found a total of 1676 differentially expressed circRNAs (fold change ≥ 2.0; P < 0.05) in spinal cord 3 days after contusion using circRNA microarray; 1261 circRNAs were significantly downregulated, whereas the remaining 415 were significantly upregulated. Then, five selected circRNAs, namely, rno_circRNA_005342, rno_circRNA_015513, rno_circRNA_002948, rno_circRNA_006096, and rno_circRNA_013017 were all significantly downregulated in the SCI group after verification by qRT-PCR, demonstrating a similar expression pattern in both microarray and PCR data. The next section of the study was concerned with the prediction of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA interactions using bioinformatics analysis. In the final part of the study, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses indicated carbohydrate metabolic process was one of the most significant enrichments and meaningful terms after GO analysis, and the top two signaling pathways affected by the circRNAs-miRNAs axes were the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and the peroxisome related pathway. In summary, this study showed an altered circRNA expression pattern that may be involved in physiological and pathological processes in rats after traumatic SCI, providing deep insights into numerous possibilities for SCI treatment targets by regulating circRNAs.
Molecular and in vivo Functions of the CDK8 and CDK19 Kinase Modules

CDK8 and its paralog, CDK19, collectively termed ‘Mediator Kinase,’ are cyclin-dependent kinases that have been implicated as key rheostats in cellular homeostasis and developmental programming. CDK8 and CDK19 are incorporated, in a mutually exclusive manner, as part of a 4-protein complex called the Mediator kinase module. This module reversibly associates with the Mediator, a 26 subunit protein complex that regulates RNA Polymerase II mediated gene expression. As part of this complex, the Mediator kinases have been implicated in diverse process such as developmental signaling, metabolic homeostasis and in innate immunity. In recent years, dysregulation of Mediator kinase module proteins, including CDK8/19, has been implicated in the development of different human diseases, and in particular cancer. This has led to intense efforts to understand how CDK8/19 regulate diverse biological outputs and develop Mediator kinase inhibitors that can be exploited therapeutically. Herein, we review both context and function of the Mediator kinases at a molecular, cellular and animal level. In so doing, we illuminate emerging concepts underpinning Mediator kinase biology and highlight certain aspects that remain unsolved.
Paeoniflorin Ameliorates Chronic Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behaviors and Neuronal Damages in Rats via Activation of the ERK-CREB Pathway

Neuronal damage is related to the onset and treatment of depressive disorders. Antidepressant-like effects have been elicited by paeoniflorin on animal models. The aim of this study is to demonstrate whether the neuroprotective effect of paeoniflorin on rats suffered from chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was regulated by the ERK-CREB signaling pathway. Results showed that paeoniflorin not only ameliorated depressive-like behavior with low locomotor activity and prolonged immobility duration in our forced swimming test but also reduced sucrose consumption. Paeoniflorin treatment decreased the degree of neuronal damage in the hippocampus of the model rats. Conversely, it markedly increased the mRNA levels of ERK1, ERK2, and CREB and the levels of ERK, p-ERK, CREB, and p-CREB protein expression in the hippocampus. Blockade of the ERK-CREB axis with the ERK-specific inhibitor U0126 repressed the neuroprotective and antidepressant-like effects of paeoniflorin on rats in the setting of chronic-mild-stress and abolished the recoveries of p-ERK mediated by paeoniflorin treatment. Thus, paeoniflorin possibly exerted a neuroprotective effect modulated by the ERK-CREB signaling pathway on CUMS-induced hippocampal damage in rats.
Acinic Cell Carcinoma:: Cytologic Features and Diagnostic Pitfalls

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is commonly used to evaluate salivary gland lesions and is considered to be highly accurate in the diagnosis of salivary gland tumors. Acinic cell carcinoma is an uncommon malignant neoplasm, mostly arising in the parotid gland. Aspirates from these tumors can be diagnostically challenging. The lesions that have to be considered in the differential diagnosis include a wide variety of nonneoplastic as well as neoplastic conditions. Attention to subtle cytologic details of these tumor aspirates, and familiarity with the spectrum of cytomorphologic features and potential diagnostic pitfalls will in most cases provide enough information to reach a correct FNA diagnosis.
Applied Econometrics with R

This is the first book on applied econometrics using the R system for statistical computing and graphics. It presents hands-on examples for a wide range of econometric models, from classical linear regression models for cross-section, time series or panel data and the common non-linear models of microeconometrics such as logit, probit and tobit models, to recent semiparametric extensions. In addition, it provides a chapter on programming, including simulations, optimization, and an introduction to R tools enabling reproducible econometric research. An R package accompanying this book, AER, is available from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) at http://CRAN.R-project.org/package=AER. It contains some 100 data sets taken from a wide variety of sources, the full source code for all examples used in the text plus further worked examples, e.g., from popular textbooks. The data sets are suitable for illustrating, among other things, the fitting of wage equations, growth regressions, hedonic regressions, dynamic regressions and time series models as well as models of labor force participation or the demand for health care. The goal of this book is to provide a guide to R for users with a background in economics or the social sciences. Readers are assumed to have a background in basic statistics and econometrics at the undergraduate level. A large number of examples should make the book of interest to graduate students, researchers and practitioners alike.
Psychosocial Characteristics of Patients Admitted to a Drug Rehabilitation Unit in Nigeria

Purpose: To identify the pattern and psychosocial characteristics of alcohol and other psychoactive substance use among patients admitted to a drug treatment unit of a regional psychiatric hospital in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 90 in-patients was conducted over a 6 month period, using a specially designed questionnaire to elicit socio-demographic and personality characteristics. Patterns of psychoactive substance use were obtained by self reporting and corroborated from case notes. Associated psychiatric diagnoses were recorded according to clinicians’ diagnosis using to the ICD-10. Results: Majority of respondents were single (86.7%), male (92.2%), and unemployed (62.2%) with up to 12 years formal education (52.2%) and raised by both parents (60%) in polygamous family settings. Most (52.2%) misused a combination of psychoactive substances. Some (41.1%) had been using these substances for over 7 yr prior to admission. Psychiatric co-morbidity was infrequent (60%) and the commonest psychiatric diagnosis seen was schizophrenia (23.3%). A minority reported a history of parental use of psychoactive substances. Shy, reserved and sociable traits were seen in a minority of respondents. Conclusion: Combinations of psychoactive substances are usually misused by young males from polygamous family settings. Cannabis use accounts for a high proportion of inpatient admissions. The successful management of substance use disorders needs preventive social strategies among vulnerable groups in resource-poor settings like ours. Keywords: psychoactive substance use, psycho-social, sociodemographic characteristics.
What are the predictors, barriers and facilitators to effective management of acute pain in children by ambulance services? A mixed-methods systematic review protocol

Abstract Introduction: The management of pain is complex, especially in children, as age, developmental level, cognitive and communication skills and associated beliefs must be considered. Without effective pain treatment, children may suffer long-term changes in stress hormone responses and pain perception and are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder. Pre-hospital analgesic treatment of injured children is suboptimal, with very few children in pain receiving analgesia. The aim of this review is to identify predictors, barriers and facilitators to effective management of acute pain in children by ambulance services. Methods: A mixed-methods approach has been adopted due to the research question lending itself to qualitative and quantitative inquiry. The segregated methodology will be used where quantitative and qualitative papers are synthesised separately, followed by mixed-methods synthesis (meta-integration). We will search from inception: MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO via EBSCOHost, EMBASE via Ovid SP, Web of Science and Scopus. The Cochrane Library, the Joanna Briggs Institute, PROSPERO, ISRCTN and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched. We will include empirical qualitative and quantitative studies. We will exclude animal studies, reviews, audits, service evaluations, simulated studies, letters, Best Evidence Topics, case studies, self-efficacy studies, comments and abstracts. Two authors will perform full screening and selection, data extraction and quality assessment. GRADE and CERQual will determine the confidence in cumulative evidence. Discussion: If confidence in the cumulative evidence is deemed Moderate, Low or Very Low, then this review will inform the development of a novel mixed-methods sequential explanatory study which aims to comprehensively identify predictors, barriers and facilitators to effective pain management of acute pain in children within ambulance services. Future research will be discussed among authors if confidence is deemed High. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42017058960.
ACTIVITIES OF SOME ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS AGAINST PHYTOPATHOGENIC YAM ROT FUNGI SPORES IN ZARIA, NIGERIA

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY. DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICS AND PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY, FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA, KADUNA, NIGERIA.
Advance planning of form properties in the written production of single and multiple words

Three experiments investigated the scope of advance planning in written production. Experiment 1 manipulated phonological factors in single word written production, and Experiments 2 and 3 did the same in the production of adjective-noun utterances. In all three experiments, effects on latencies were found which mirrored those previously documented with spoken responses, and are taken to suggest that writers planned the entire utterance before initiating a response. Additionally, response durations were measured, and these provided further support for the complete planning assumption. The results suggest that writers, like speakers, plan utterances of at least two words in their entirety before initiating a response.
Effects of Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Extracts on the Menopause Women

【A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled human intervention study involving 58 menopause women was performed to investigate the effect of pomegranate extracts on menopausal symptoms. The volunteers were randomly distributed into two groups, one taking pomegranate extracts (1.5 g/day) and the other being a placebo by taking oral administration for 8 weeks. The results from this study showed that duration of hot flush and sweating were significantly decreased by taking pomegranate extracts. In addition, menopausal rating scales and the Kuppermann index were significantly decreased in pomegranate extract taking group. This result suggests a possibility that pomegranate extracts can be helpful for menopause women. 】
Delay-Constrained Covert Communications With a Full-Duplex Receiver

In this letter, we consider delay-constrained covert communications with the aid of a full-duplex (FD) receiver. Without delay constraints, it has been shown that the transmit power of artificial noise (AN) at the FD receiver should be random in order to enhance covert communications. In this letter, we show that transmitting AN with a fixed power indeed improve covert communications with delay constraints, since in a limited time period the warden cannot exactly learn its received power. This explicitly shows one benefit of considering practical delay constraints in the context of covert communications. We analyze the optimal transmit power of AN for either fixed or globally optimized transmit power of covert information, based on which we also determine the specific condition under which transmitting AN by the FD receiver can aid covert communications and a larger transmit power of AN always leads to better covert communication performance.
Maternal Health Problems and Strategies for Promoting Safe Motherhood Amongst Pregnant Married Women in Kanke LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

This study determined the factors associated with maternal health problems and strategies for promoting safe motherhood amongst pregnant married women in Kanke LGA. Survey research design was employed for the study. The population of the study consisted of pregnant married women. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The findings of the study revealed that factors associated with maternal health problems of semi-urban and rural pregnant married women were: pelvic inflammatory diseases, cultural beliefs and traditional practices, maternal mortality and vesico-vaginal fistulae. The factors associated with maternal health problems among age 15 – 30 and 31+ pregnant married women were: poverty, hypertension in pregnancy and prolonged labour. The perceived strategies for promoting safe motherhood were: improving the skills of community health workers, screening of high risk pregnant mothers, even distribution of health care personnel and elimination of cultural beliefs and traditional practices. There was significant difference in the factors associated with maternal health problems amongst semi-urban and rural pregnant married women. There was significant difference in the perceived strategies for promoting safe motherhood between semi-urban and rural pregnant married women. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations on how to curtail the maternal health problems of pregnant women were proffered. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n17p135
The five-point heart healthy lifestyle

The “Lifestyle Big-Five” are, in order of importance, nonsmoking, daily exercise for 30 min or more, a body mass index of 25 or less, the ideal diet and last and least, modest alcohol. This lifestyle is associated with a pattern of maximal freedom from cardiovascular disease, stroke and with improved longevity. The major data supporting the “Lifestyle Big-Five” chiefly come from the results of the Nurses’ Health Study over 26 years and the Health Professionals Study over 20 years, both in the USA. Both these studies are supported by several large European studies including one that by computer randomly recruited a selected population. Apart from the evidence for non-smoking, which is already well-established and well-known, each of the other four components are evaluated in this review, with recommendations for application to patients. SAHeart 2011; 8:154-163
Cross-sectional associations of physical activity and gross motor proficiency with adiposity in South African children of pre-school age

Abstract Objective The study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity, gross motor skills and adiposity in South African children of pre-school age. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting High-income urban, and low-income urban and rural settings in South Africa. Participants Children (3–6 years old, n 268) were recruited from urban high-income (n 46), urban low-income (n 91) and rural low-income (n 122) settings. Height and weight were measured to calculate the main outcome variables: BMI and BMI-for-age Z-score (BAZ). Height-for-age and weight-for-age Z-scores were also calculated. Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers were used to objectively measure physical activity; the Test of Gross Motor Development (Version 2) was used to assess gross motor skills. Results More children were overweight/obese and had a higher BAZ from urban low-income settings compared with urban high-income settings and rural low-income settings. Being less physically active was associated with thinness, but not overweight/obesity. Time spent in physical activity at moderate and vigorous intensities was positively associated with BMI and BAZ. Gross motor proficiency was not associated with adiposity in this sample. Conclusions The findings of this research highlight the need for obesity prevention particularly in urban low-income settings, as well as the need to take into consideration the complexity of the relationship between adiposity, physical activity and gross motor skills in South African pre-school children.
Study of Influence Factor on Maximal Mouth Pressure Part II : Influence of Trunk Flexion

We studied the influence of posture on maximal mouth pressure in Part I. The study of Part II was aimed at determining the influence of trunk flexion on maximal mouth pressure. Nineteen healthy, young adult students from WCMAS comprised a STANDING study group, and 27 healthy, young adult students from IUHW comprised a LYING study group (same subjects of Part I). Maximal expiratory mouth pressure (PEmax) and maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax) were measured at 0, 30, and 60 degrees of trunk flexion. Posture changes were significantly related to maximal mouth pressure values, and trunk flexion from the standing posture statistically influenced maximal mouth pressure. PEmax and PImax in standing were enhanced with trunk flexion. Respiratory muscle strength changes with trunk flexion, because respiratory muscle tension occurs with the change in interabdominal pressure and the muscle length-tension relationship.
Credibility of the combined test in prenatal diagnostics

Congenital anomalies are the cause of perinatal death in 20-25% of the cases, while 3% of children are born with malformation of varying size. The objective of this study was to examine the predictive value and define the credibility ratio of the combined test results. Of 317 examined pregnant women, we had sixteen (5.05%) with the result of pathological karyotype after amniocentesis including: nine (2.84%) with fetal numerical aberrations and seven (2.21%) with fetal structural aberrations. While determining the ultrasonographic parameters of the combined test we used the standards of the Fetal Medicine Foundation. We carried out the quantitative settings of free β-HCG and PAPP-A from vein blood of patients by applying commercial tests of firm DPC-USA. Tests were based on the analytical immunochemiluminescence assay and were realized by using the automated analyzer IMMULITE 2000. Manufacturer of the analyzer is also the firm DPC-USA. Sensitivity of the test is 94%, and specificity is 99%. Positive likelihood ratio [likelihood ratio test (LR+)] is 94.00, a negative likelihood ratio is [likelihood ratio test (LR-)] 12:06. Pretest probability that pregnant women carries fetus with chromosomal abnormality is 1:250 or 0004. Posttest odds after the combined test to discover this abnormality is 0.3760, and probability of the same case is 0.2732 if it happens that the test result is positive. The result of our study confirms the justification of combined test usage in routine clinical practice, since the posttest odds rate in the case of a positive screening increases several times over (almost 90 times), the probability of detecting a chromosomal abnormality was about 70 times. Combined screening test if used methodologically correct, has a high predictive value in detecting fetal congenital anomalies.