Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elephants Have Relatively the Largest Cerebellum Size of Mammals

The current study used MR imaging to determine the volume of the cerebellum and its component parts in the brain of three adult male African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and compared this with published data from Asian elephants and other mammalian species including odontocete cetaceans, primates, chiropterans, insectivores, carnivores, and artiodactyls. The cerebellum of the adult elephant has a volume of ∼925 mL (average of both African and Asian species). Allometric analysis indicates that the elephant has the largest relative cerebellum size of all mammals studied to date. In addition, both odontocete cetaceans and microchiropterans appear to have large relative cerebellar sizes. The vermal and hemispheric components of the African elephant cerebellum are both large relative to other mammals of similar brain size, however, for odontocete cetaceans the vermal component is small and the hemispheric component is large. These volumetric observations are related to life‐histories and anatomies of the species investigated. The current study provides context for one aspect of the elephant brain in the broader picture of mammalian brain evolution. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pattern of drug use amongst antenatal patients in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Drugs taken by pregnant women could have profound effect on pregnancy outcome for both the mother and fetus. In most developing country regulation of drug is poor, access is unrestricted and abuse of drugs especially antibiotics is rampant. The study was undertaken to determine the pattern and extent of drug consumption amongst pregnant women in Benin City. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 1200 pregnant patients at various gestational ages was undertaken, using a structured questionnaire to obtain details of the extent and character of drug use before or during pregnancy. FINDINGS Folic acid was taken by 76.08% of all the pregnant patients, while anti-malarial drugs were taken by 19.75%; 15.83% used the drugs on doctors' prescription and 3.92% without a doctor's prescription. The proportion of the mothers that consumed native herbs was 12.08%. The use of native medication was more prevalent amongst nulliparous mothers (41.82%). Native herb consumption decreased with increase in parity. Both educated and illiterate mothers consumed herbal medications. Less than 1% of the mothers smoke cigarettes. INTERPRETATION In Benin City drug use in pregnancy is characterized by a pattern of low consumption except folic acid and native herbs. This could be a major setback for any program of drug intervention, as in chemoprophylaxis for malaria in pregnancy. Much resource will be needed for patients' education for successful implementation of any planned program in the community.
AMONG‐FAMILY VARIATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SEX DETERMINATION IN REPTILES

Unlike birds and mammals, in many reptiles the temperature experienced by a developing embryo determines its gonadal sex. To understand how temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD) evolves, we must first determine the nature of genetic variation for sex ratio. Here, we analyze among‐family variation for sex ratio in three TSD species: the American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis), the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). Significant family effects and significant temperature effects were detected in all three species. In addition, family‐by‐temperature interactions were evident in the alligator and the snapping turtle, but not in the painted turtle. Overall, the among‐family variation detected in this study indicates potential for sex‐ratio evolution in at least three reptiles with TSD. Consequently, climate change scenarios that are posited on the presumption that sex‐ratio evolution in TSD reptiles is genetically constrained may require reevaluation.
Serial changes in longitudinal graft function and implications of acute cellular graft rejections during the first year after heart transplantation.

AIMS The aim of this prospective study was to use left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) as a non-invasive tool for the monitoring of graft function in relation to acute cellular rejection (ACR) during the first year after heart transplantation (HTX). METHODS AND RESULTS The study population consisted of 36 patients undergoing HTX from November 2010 until October 2013. Patients were followed by comprehensive echocardiography and biopsies at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after HTX. ACRs were classified based on the ISHLT classification (0R-3R). Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of one or more episodes of biopsy proven ≥grade 2R ACR during follow-up. We found that LV-GLS and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were significantly related to ACR burden in a linear regression model. The absolute difference in LV-GLS between patients in the ACR group (-14.4%) and patients in the ACR-free group (-16.8%) was -2.4% (P < 0.01) 12 months after HTX. In the ACR group, patients' LV-GLS did not improve between 1 and 12 months, whereas an improvement of -2.9% was seen in the ACR-free group in this period (P < 0.01). The two groups appeared not to differ in terms of diastolic Doppler parameters or LV ejection fraction, but TAPSE was 15.3 ± 2.8 mm in the ACR-free group vs. 13.2 ± 2.1 mm ACR group, P < 0.05, 12 months after HTX. CONCLUSION Gradual improvement of longitudinal LV and RV function was seen within the first year after HTX, but the degree of recovery was strongly influenced by ACR episodes.
Fewer women receive tertiary care for epilepsy in Kerala State, India.

PURPOSE The stigma attached to epilepsy often restricts early diagnosis and optimal care, particularly among the underprivileged. We aimed to ascertain any gender bias in the utilization of services for epilepsy in a tertiary and community care facility in Kerala State, India. METHODS The R. Madhavan Nayar Center for Comprehensive Epilepsy Care (RMNC) is a leading tertiary care facility in South India. The District Mental Health Program (DMHP) is a community-based care facility that provides medical consultation and anti-epileptic drugs (AED) free of charge. We analyzed the sex ratio (SR) - number of women per one thousand men - of all registrations in these centers according to year of registration, age, religion, income, distance from domicile to the center, and religion. RESULTS The SR in the RMNC (1976-2004, n = 12354) was 729. At RMNC, age-specific SR increased up to the 3rd decade (864), and progressively declined beyond 50 years. The SR was lower for those domiciliated at more than 200 km from the center when compared to others. The SR at the DMHP (1999-2004, n = 221) was high (1125). The age-specific SR at DMHP showed two peaks at 21-30 years (1368) and 51-60 years (2333). CONCLUSION Fewer women with epilepsy (particularly in lower socioeconomic groups) receive tertiary care in this state, in spite of a higher SR in the community (907 for epilepsy and 1058 for all population). The tertiary treatment gap is wider for women over 30 years (particularly over 50 years), when their longer life expectancy is also taken into consideration.
Concomitant Angiotensin AT1 Receptor Antagonism and Neprilysin Inhibition Produces Omapatrilat-like Antihypertensive Effects Without Promoting Tracheal Plasma Extravasation in the Rat

Dual inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and neprilysin (NEP) by drugs such as omapatrilat produces superior antihypertensive efficacy but cause high incidence of angioedema. We examined whether dual inhibition of angiotensin AT1 receptor (ARB) and NEP (ARB-NEPI, valsartan-candoxatril) provides similar efficacy to omapatrilat without the risk of angioedema. Activity of test compounds at the targets was assayed using fluorescence-based enzyme assays (ACE, NEP, aminopeptidase P) or competition binding assays (AT1). Target engagement in vivo (ACE, AT1, and NEP) was quantified by measuring inhibition of angiotensin-pressor responses and potentiation of atrial natriuretic peptide-induced urinary cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) output in rats. Tracheal plasma extravasation (TPE) was used as a surrogate to assess propensity of compounds to promote upper airway angioedema. Antihypertensive efficacy in renin-dependent and -independent states was measured in spontaneously hypertensive rats and deoxycorticosterone acetate salt hypertensive rats, respectively. Administration of omapatrilat and coadministration of valsartan and candoxatril blocked angiotensin induced vasopressor responses and potentiated atrial natriuretic peptide-induced increase in urinary cGMP output. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, valsartan, omapatrilat, and valsartan-candoxatril combination all produced reduction in blood pressure to a similar extent, whereas candoxatril was ineffective. In deoxycorticosterone acetate rats, omapatrilat, candoxatril, and valsartan-candoxatril combination but not valsartan produced reduction in blood pressure. Antihypertensive doses of omapatrilat produced robust increases in TPE; by contrast, valsartan, candoxatril, or their combination did not increase TPE. Pretreatment with icatibant, a bradykinin B2 antagonist, abolished omapatrilat-induced TPE but not its antihypertensive effects. On the background of NEP inhibition, suppression of the renin-angiotensin system through ARB and ACE inhibition shows a similar antihypertensive efficacy but exerts differential effects on bradykinin metabolism and TPE indicative of reduced risk of angioedema. Thus, dual AT1 receptor blockade and NEP inhibition is potentially an attractive approach to retain the excellent antihypertensive effects of omapatrilat but with a superior safety profile.
Transplantation of Autologously‐Derived Mitochondria Protects the Heart from Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury

The ability of mitochondria to regulate myocardial homeostasis and energetic requirements is compromised following reduction or cessation of blood flow resulting in tissue necrosis and impaired cardiac function. We hypothesized that transplantation of autologously‐derived mitochondria immediately prior to reperfusion would ameliorate these effects. NZW rabbits were subjected to regional ischemia (RI) by temporarily snaring the left anterior descending artery for 30 min. Following 29 min. RI, mitochondria (RI‐Mito) or vehicle (RI‐V) were injected into the RI zone and the hearts recovered for 4 weeks. RI‐Mito decreased infarct size (7.9±2.9%) as compared to RI‐V (34.2±3.3%; P<0.05). Serial echocardiograms showed RI‐Mito hearts returned to normal contraction in early reperfusion but RI‐V hearts had persistent hypokinesia in the RI zone. The injected mitochondria were retained in the myocardium with the majority located in the interstitium but many were internalized by cardiomyocytes. The transplanted mitochondria enhanced oxygen consumption and upregulated proteomic pathways for enhanced myocardial energetics. Our results demonstrate that the transplantation of autologously‐derived mitochondria into the RI zone just prior to reperfusion provides cardioprotection both intracellularly and extracellularly to significantly decrease necrosis and enhance post‐ischemic functional recovery.
Profile, Burden, and Quality of Life of Israeli Stroke Survivor Caregivers: A Longitudinal Study

The aims of this study were to (1) delineate the sociodemographic profile of Israeli primary caregivers of stroke survivors; (2) examine the changes in caregivers' burden, physical and emotional health, social support network, and quality of life (QOL) during the first 6 months after the stroke occurrence; and (3) identify the predictors of caregivers' QOL for that time period. Primary caregivers (N = 140) were assessed at three intervals during this period: within 2 weeks after the stroke occurrence, in the geriatric rehabilitation ward, and at 3 and 6 months poststroke in the community. Results of the study revealed that during the 6-month period, caregivers' physical health remained stable. After 3 months, depression levels decreased, as did the need for instrumental support in and outside the home. Nevertheless, satisfaction with informal support and family relationships decreased, as did QOL. Burden decreased consistently at 3- and 6-month intervals. After 6 months, perception of health and QOL improved, whereas the other variables remained stable. These results indicate that overall, this population of caregivers adapted to their role over the 6-month period. At each of the three intervals, QOL was explained by the same four variables, although with differential weights: number of diseases, confidence in the support system, burden, and sharing a household with the survivor. The results of this study contribute to nurses' ability to identify caregivers at risk and develop appropriately timed interventions for empowering caregivers in their role fulfillment.
Surgical management of adult choledochal cysts.

OBJECTIVES Results of the surgical management of 17 choledochal cysts in adults at the Department of Surgery, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, are presented MATERIAL AND METHOD All the patients who underwent diagnosis and were surgically managed during the period between October 1990 and January 1999 were analyzed retrospectively. Cysts were classified anatomically according to the descriptions of Todani et al. The authors assessed the clinical features, operative procedure and outcome of the patients. RESULTS There were 15 females and 2 males, with ages ranging from 16-45 years. Only 2 patients (11.8%) had the clinical triad: jaundice, abdominal pain and mass. Clinical pancreatitis was presented in 3 patients (17.6%). There were 10 type 1 (58.8%), 6 type IVa (35.3%) and one type V (5.9%) according to Todanis classification. Cholangiocarcinoma was found in one patient (5.9%). Extrahepatic cyst excision with a Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy was performed on 16 patients with type I or IVa cysts (94.1%). There were no surgical deaths or complications. Ten survivors are well. The authors lost contact with 6 patients during follow-up (35.2%). The median follow up was 3.2 years. The patient with cholangiocarcinoma died 2 years after treatment. CONCLUSION This experience recommends total extra-hepatic cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy as the treatment of choice for adult choledochal cyst type I and IV to eliminate the risk of recurrent cholangitis and malignancy.
Melatonin prevents the estrogenic effects of sub‐chronic administration of cadmium on mice mammary glands and uterus

Abstract: Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal classified as a human carcinogen. Occupational exposure, dietary consumption and cigarette smoking are sources of Cd contamination. Cd‐induced carcinogenicity depends on its oxidative and estrogenic actions. A possible role of Cd in breast cancer etiology has been recently suggested. Melatonin, because of its antioxidant and antiestrogenic properties could counteract the toxic effects of this metalloestrogen. Our aim was both to determine the effects of relevant doses of Cd on mice mammary glands and uterus and to test whether melatonin would counteract its effects. Female mice of different ages and estrogenic status (prepuberal, adult intact, adult ovariectomized) were treated with CdCl2 (2–3 mg/kg, i.p.), melatonin (10 μg/mL in drinking water), CdCl2 + melatonin, or diluents. Whereas in prepuberal animals Cd disturbs mammary ductal growth and reduces the number of terminal end buds, in adults, regardless of the steroidal milieu, Cd exerts estrogenic effects on mammary glands, increasing lobuloalveolar development and ductal branching. Uterine weight also increased as a result of Cd treatment. The effects of Cd are partially inhibited by melatonin. In adult ovariectomized mice, Cd concentration in blood of animals treated with CdCl2 + melatonin was lower than in mice receiving only Cd; the opposite effects were found in non‐castrated animals. As Cd mimics the effect of estrogens, the high incidence of breast cancer in tobacco smokers and women working in industries related with Cd could be explained because of the properties of this metal. The effects of melatonin point to a possible role of this indoleamine as a preventive agent for environmental or occupational Cd contamination.
Merger imbalance and returns in international equity markets

ABSTRACT At the global level, the mispricing theory of mergers by Shleifer and Vishny (2003) may imply that a significant number of targets acquired in a given country is a sign of market-wide undervaluation whereas intense acquisition activity indicates overvaluation. The present study develops a measure of merger imbalance that compares the quantity of targets and acquirers in a local market and tests significance of this variable for country-level asset pricing. The results prove that countries with a high merger imbalance significantly outperform countries with a low merger imbalance. The research is based on data from 46 countries for the years 1999–2015. The outcomes are robust to many considerations, and the findings support the theory of stock market-driven acquisitions.
Traumatic posterior fracture-dislocation of the hip with fracture of the femoral head or neck, or both.

To determine the prognosis and best treatment for patients who have a posterior dislocation of the hip associated with a fracture of the femoral head or neck (Grade IV, according to the classification of Stewart and Milford), we surveyed the records of 201 patients who had been treated for 203 posterior dislocations from 1958 to 1985 and selected the cases of 19 patients (19 posterior fracture-dislocations of the hip) for further review. Each of the injuries had resulted from a motor-vehicle accident. Thirteen patients had had a posterior dislocation with an associated fracture of the femoral head located either caudad or cephalad to the fovea centralis (Pipkin Type-I or Type-II injury), one had had a posterior dislocation with associated fractures of the femoral head and neck (Pipkin Type III), two had had a posterior dislocation with associated fractures of the femoral head and the acetabular rim (Pipkin Type IV), and three had had a fracture-dislocation that we could not categorize according to the Pipkin classification. Twelve patients had been treated by closed reduction for a Type-I or Type-II injury; one, by open reduction after an unsuccessful closed reduction for a Type-I injury; one, by primary total hip replacement for a Type-III injury; and three, by open reduction with screw fixation of the acetabular fracture and removal of the fragment of the head for two Type-IV injuries and one unclassified injury. An additional two patients had had both a fracture of the femoral neck and a dislocation; one hip was treated primarily with a Moore prosthesis and the other was left unreduced. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Commitments and challenges in participatory development: a Korean NGO working in Cambodia

ABSTRACT Despite their growing significance in the development field, academic research regarding development NGOs from emerging donors, such as South Korea, is almost non-existent. This study is based on a case study of LotusWorld, a Korean NGO, and its two recent projects conducted in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Based on interviews with Korean staff and with a group of villagers in the local community, the article examines how LotusWorld’s vision and practices of participation have evolved from the first project to the second, as well as the challenges that they faced. Suggestions for further community participation are made for key actors.
Bridge-Type Solid-State Fault Current Limiter Based on AC/DC Reactor

This paper proposes a novel bridge-type solid-state fault current limiter (BSSFCL) based on one series reactor which operates in ac and dc modes. The proposed BSSFCL includes a rectifier bridge with a reactor. This reactor is used as a dc reactor in normal operation mode and as an ac reactor in fault conditions. The advantages of the proposed BSSFCL over the existing dc reactor-type FCLs are its negligible impedance in normal operation mode and its high impedance during a fault interval using simple and novel switching. In other words, during the normal operation mode, the proposed BSSFCL operates in dc mode and in the fault interval, its topology is changed to the ac mode. This switching decreases the switching transient recovery voltage and introduces considerable impedance during the fault period. MATLAB/Simulink software is used for simulations and a prototype is designed and tested for results verification, and to show the performance of the proposed BSSFCL.
Prediksi Financial Distress pada Perusahaan Manufaktur di Bursa Efek Indonesia

Financial Distress Prediction in Manufacturing Companies at Indonesian Stock Exchange This study aims to identify, analyze, demonstrate and test the differences in health status between the model results Grover, Springate, and Zmijewski. The model used by investors who will invest in the company. This study has a characteristic that is tested three models and find the one best model. Data was tested using chi-square test. Results showed Hypothesis 1 accepted that there are differences in health status in the test model of Grover, Springate, and Zmijewski on manufacturing companies listed on the Stock Exchange 2006-2015. Model Springate is the best predictive model than the model Grover and Springate, because it has more components than the other models and models Springate have EBIT To Current Liabilities component is how much profit the ability to pay debts. This component is a very important component to see financial distress, due to financial distress occur because one debt that not covered by the company DOI: 10.15408/ess.v7i2. 4797
The Inhibitory Effect of Curcumin Derivative J147 on Melanogenesis and Melanosome Transport by Facilitating ERK-Mediated MITF Degradation

The therapeutic use of curcumin and chemically modified curcumin (CMC) for suppressing melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity have been recognized. J147 is a modified version of curcumin with superior bioavailability and stability. However, there is no report about the effects of J147 on pigmentation in vitro and in vivo. In our studies, we investigated the hypopigmentary effects of J147 treatment on melanocytes and explored the underlying mechanism. The present studies suggested that J147 suppressed both basal and α-MSH-induced melanogenesis, as well as decreased melanocyte dendricity extension and melanosome transport. J147 played these roles mainly by activating the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway. Once activated, it resulted in MITF degradation and further down-regulated the expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, Myosin Va, Rab27a and Cdc42, ultimately inhibited melanin synthesis and melanosome transport. Furthermore, the hypopigmentary effects of J147 were demonstrated in vivo in a zebrafish model and UVB-induced hyperpigmentation model in brown guinea pigs. Our findings also suggested that J147 exhibited no cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these data confirmed that J147 may prove quite useful as a safer natural skin-whitening agent.