Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased vasopressin transmission from the paraventricular nucleus to the rostral medulla augments cardiorespiratory outflow in chronic intermittent hypoxia‐conditioned rats

A co‐morbidity of sleep apnoea is hypertension associated with elevated sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) which may result from conditioning to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Our hypothesis is that SNA depends on input to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) from neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) that release arginine vasopressin (AVP) and specifically, that increased SNA evoked by CIH depends on this excitatory input. In two sets of neuroanatomical experiments, we determined if AVP neurons project from the PVN to the RVLM and if arginine vasopressin (V1A) receptor expression increases in the RVLM after CIH conditioning (8 h per day for 10 days). In the first set, cholera toxin β subunit (CT‐β) was microinjected into the RVLM to retrogradely label the PVN neurons. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that 14.6% of CT‐β‐labelled PVN neurons were double‐labelled with AVP. In the second set, sections of the medulla were immunolabelled for V1A receptors, and the V1A receptor‐expressing cell count was significantly greater in the RVLM (P < 0.01) and in the neighbouring rostral ventral respiratory column (rVRC) from CIH‐ than from room air (RA)‐conditioned rats. In a series of physiological experiments, we determined if blocking V1A receptors in the medulla would normalize blood pressure in CIH‐conditioned animals and attenuate its response to disinhibition of PVN. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), diaphragm (DEMG) and genioglossus muscle (GGEMG) activity were recorded in anaesthetized, ventilated and vagotomized rats. The PVN was disinhibited by microinjecting a GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline (BIC, 0.1 nmol), before and after blocking V1A receptors within the RVLM and rVRC with SR49059 (0.2 nmol). In RA‐conditioned rats, disinhibition of the PVN increased BP, HR, minute DEMG and GGEMG activity and these increases were attenuated after blocking V1A receptors. In CIH‐conditioned rats, a significantly greater dose of blocker (0.4 nmol) was required to blunt these physiological responses (P < 0.05). Further, this dose normalized the baseline BP. In summary, AVP released by a subset of PVN neurons modulates cardiorespiratory output via V1A receptors in the RVLM and rVRC, and increased SNA in CIH‐conditioned animals depends on up‐regulation of V1A receptors in the RVLM.
Species‐delimitation and phylogenetic analyses of some cosmopolitan species of Hypnea (Rhodophyta) reveal synonyms and misapplied names to H. cervicornis, including a new species from Brazil

Hypnea has an intricate nomenclatural history due to a wide pantropical distribution and considerable morphological variation. Recent molecular studies have provided further clarification on the systematics of the genus; however, species of uncertain affinities remain due to flawed taxonomic identification. Detailed analyses coupled with literature review indicated a strong relationship among H. aspera, H. cervicornis, H. flexicaulis, and H. tenuis, suggesting a need for further taxonomic studies. Here, we analyzed sequences from two molecular markers (COI‐5P and rbcL) and performed several DNA‐based delimitation methods (mBGD, ABGD, SPN, PTP and GMYC). These molecular approaches were contrasted with morphological and phylogenetic evidence from type specimens and/or topotype collections of related species under a conservative approach. Our results demonstrate that H. aspera and H. flexicaulis represent heterotypic synonyms of H. cervicornis and indicate the existence of a misidentified Hypnea species, widely distributed on the Brazilian coast, described here as a new species: H. brasiliensis. Finally, inconsistencies observed among our results based on six different species delimitation methods evidence the need for adequate sampling and marker choice for different methods.
A Case Report of Severe Visceral β2‐Microglobulin‐derived Amyloidosis Without Obvious Joint Symptoms or Radiological Findings in a Chronic Hemodialyzed Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Beta‐2‐microglobulin‐derived amyloidosis (Aβ2M amyloidosis) is a critical complication for patients undergoing long‐term renal replacement therapy. Osteoarticular lesions, rather than visceral organs, are susceptible to this type of amyloidosis, and the visceral form seems to occur at a relatively late stage. Herein, we report a case of severe visceral Aβ2M amyloidosis without obvious joint symptoms or radiological findings in a chronic hemodialyzed patient who had received long‐term treatment with glucocorticoid steroids for systemic lupus erythematosus. It should be noted that prominent visceral Aβ2M amyloidosis can develop without any osteoarticular symptoms or radiological abnormalities in dialyzed patients undergoing prolonged glucocorticoid therapy.
Disturbances of speech prosody following right hemisphere infarcts

ABSTRACT The ability to perceive and express emotional, as well as number of linguistic prosodic qualities of speech was tested in 20 Swedish‐speaking patients with right‐sided cortical, as well as purely subcortical brain infarcts, and in 18 normal controls. The infarcts were assessed by clinical neurological examination, and by CT, EEG, and measurements of regional cerebral blod flow (rCBF). In the patients the identification of emotional messages was disturbed, as well as the identification and production of several linguistic prosodic qualities. The study supports the claim that prosodic impairment could be linguistic in nature, and not secondary to affective disorder. The total degree of anatomical and functional disturbance of the right hemisphere played a role for both the ability to identify emotional messages and for identification of two of the linguistic prosodic qualities tested. However, it was not possible to find support for the hypothesis that the organization of prosody in the right hemisphere mirrors that of propositional speech on the left side.
Second primary cancers in patients with carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix. The norwegian experience 1970–1992

Multiple primary cancers in the same individual occur rarely. Consequently, a large number of cancer patients have to be followed for long periods to obtain adequate information about their risk of subsequent tumour development. Studies of multiple malignancies are of interest, since they may provide information on common or opposite risk factors. In the present study, the risk of second primary cancers following carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix diagnosed in Norway in the period 1970–1992 was examined and quantified. Altogether, 37,001 patients with carcinoma m situ were followed from the date of diagnosis until 31 December 1992. The follow‐up period was divided into 5‐year intervals. The results were expressed as standardized incidence ratios (SIR = O/E), and their 95% confidence intervals were given. A total of 1,037 second primary cancers in 989 individuals were identified. There was no overall excess of second primary cancers. However, there were differences depending on the site: cancers of the oesophagus, nose, nasal cavities, trachea, bronchus, lung, vulva, vagina, bladder and other urinary organs, and other skin cancers, excluding basal‐cell carcinoma, occurred more frequently. A lower risk than expected was noted for cancer of the cervix uteri and cancer of the corpus uteri. There was a rising trend with time in the observed/expected ratio for cancer of urinary organs. In the group of patients evaluated, the likelihood of subsequent tumour development was no greater than in the general female population. Nevertheless, cancer sites of higher and of lower risk than expected were identified among the carcinoma‐In situ patients. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Serum variations of anti-mullerian hormone and total testosterone with aging in healthy adult Iranian men: A population-based study

Background Literature proves anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and total testosterone (TT) as two important reproductive hormones in male development, however evidence regarding age variations of these hormones is lacking. Aims To estimate the normal serum AMH values and to assess the age-specific TT levels in men aged 30–70, we conducted the present population-based study. Methods A total of 831 healthy eligible men, aged 30–70 years, were recruited from Tehran Lipid and Glucose study cohort. Centiles for AMH were estimated according to the exponential normal 3-parameter model. The parametric method of Royston available in general software was applied for the first time to estimate the age-specific AMH and TT percentiles of 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th. Results Mean AMH level was 6.93, ranging from 0.1 to 40.1 ng/ml. Serum AMH concentrations followed a steady reduction with increasing age. Mean TT level was 4.8, ranging from 0.44 to 11.4 ng/ml. Discussion A measurable serum concentrations of AMH in healthy males throughout lifespan with variations, based on age, confirming a slight age-related AMH decline. Fractional polynomial (FP) regression models revealed that the mean and standard deviation (SD) of the TT were not associated with age, so the percentiles estimated were not age-specific. Conclusion We presented a nomogram of age-specific AMH values in a healthy cohort of Iranian men. This finding might have clinical importance in dealing hormonal disorders in men.
Hospital care of children in four countries.

BACKGROUND While perceptions of parents and staff about care of hospitalized children have been explored in developed countries, little research has examined these in developing countries. Assumptions about family-centred care are often based on Western values, with little evidence of how cultural constructs affect care delivery in developing nations. AIM This paper reports a study to provide evidence from which culturally-appropriate hospital care for children can be delivered. METHODS Using a rigorously devised and trialed questionnaire, attitudes of staff and parents about the way children are cared for in children's hospitals in four countries were examined and subjected to a four way analysis: parents and staff within and between developed and developing countries. RESULTS There were no questions where all parents and staff in both developed and developing country groups were in complete agreement. However, there was some indication that, while culture plays a major role in paediatric care delivery, basic concepts of family-centred care are similar. CONCLUSIONS The findings are limited by the sampling strategy. Nevertheless, while differences were found between parents' and staff's expectations of the delivery of care to children in hospitals, similarities existed and the influence of culture cannot be ignored. Education programmes for staff and parents should reflect these influences to ensure the optimum delivery of family-centred care, regardless of where the hospital is situated.
Aripiprazole in pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified and Asperger's disorder: a 14-week, prospective, open-label study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of aripiprazole for irritability in pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger's disorder. METHOD This is a 14-week, prospective, open-label investigation of aripiprazole in 25 children and adolescents diagnosed with PDD-NOS or Asperger's disorder. Primary outcome measures included the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) scale and the Irritability subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC-I). RESULTS Twenty-five subjects, ages 5-17 years (mean 8.6 years) received a mean final aripiprazole dosage of 7.8 mg/day (range 2.5-15 mg/day). Full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) scores ranged from 48 to 122 (mean 84). Twenty-two (88%) of 25 subjects were responders in regard to interfering symptoms of irritability, including aggression, self-injury, and tantrums, with a final CGI-I of 1 or 2 (very much or much improved) and a 25% or greater improvement on the ABC-I. The final mean CGI-I was 1.6 (p <or= 0.0001). ABC-I scores ranged from 18 to 43 (mean 29) at baseline, whereas scores at week 14 ranged from 0 to 27 (mean 8.1) (p <or= 0.001). Aripiprazole was well tolerated. Mild extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) were reported in 9 subjects. Age- and sex-normed body mass index (BMI) increased from a mean value of 20.3 at baseline to 21.1 at end point (p <or= 0.04). Prolactin significantly decreased from a mean value of 9.3 at baseline to 2.9 at end point (p <or= 0.0001). No subject exited the study due to a drug-related adverse event. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest that aripiprazole may be effective and well tolerated for severe irritability in pediatric patients with PDD-NOS or Asperger's disorder. Larger-scale placebo-controlled studies are needed to elucidate the efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole in this understudied population.
Patient–Provider Discussion of Online Health Information: Results From the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

Increasing numbers of people have turned to the Internet for health information. Little has been done beyond speculation to empirically investigate patients' discussion of online health information with health care professionals (HCPs) and patients' perception of HCPs' reactions to such discussion. The author analyzed data from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) to identify the characteristics of patients (a) who search for health information on the Internet, (b) who discuss the information found on the Internet with HCPs, and (c) who positively assess HCPs' reaction to the online information. Findings show that men were more likely than were women to have a conversation on online information with HCPs. It is unfortunate that patients who had trouble understanding or trusting online health information were no more likely to ask questions to or seek guidance from HCPs. Reactions of HCPs to online information were perceived as particularly negative by certain groups of patients, such as those who experienced poor health and those who had more concerns about the quality of their searched information. Results are discussed for their implications for patient empowerment and patient–HCP relationships.
Service Barriers of Chinese Family Caregivers in Canada

ABSTRACT Family caregiving is a stressful process, especially when the complexity of being an immigrant or ethnic minority is added. This paper examined service barriers experienced by Chinese immigrant family caregivers in Canada and the predictors of different types of barriers. Principle component analysis was performed with the barriers reported loading onto cultural barriers, administrative problems, circumstantial challenges, perceived negative quality of services, and personal attitudes. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the role of the culture-related factors in predicting service barriers, controlling for socio-demographic status of the caregivers'. The results show that financial factors significantly predicted the number and types of barriers reported by the caregivers. Culture-related factors were significant in predicting the total number of access barriers and the different types of barriers experienced by the family caregivers. The findings indicate the importance of culturally sensitive support for family caregivers in order to reduce the access barriers.
Overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor is causative in crow–fukase (POEMS) syndrome

Crow–Fukase or POEMS syndrome of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M‐protein, and skin changes is a rare multisystem disorder of obscure pathogenesis that is associated with microangiopathy, neovascularization, and accelerated vasopermeability. We examined the levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular permeability factor (VEGF) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 10 patients with this syndrome. Serum VEGF levels were about 15–30 times those in control subjects or patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and other neurological disorders. The CSF VEGF levels, however, were similar to those found in GBS and CIDP. Elevated VEGF levels in the serum decreased in 7 patients with Crow–Fukase syndrome after conventional therapy. The principal isoform of VEGF in Crow–Fukase syndrome was VEGF165. Elevated VEGF was independent of M‐protein. Our results suggest that the overproduction of VEGF is important in the pathogenesis of this disorder. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 21: 1390–1397, 1998
alpha1-Adrenergic mechanism in diabetic urethral dysfunction in rats.

PURPOSE We investigated the contribution of alpha1-adrenoceptor mechanisms to urethral dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight weeks after streptozotocin injection (65 mg/kg intraperitoneally) the effects of DM on urethral relaxation mechanisms were evaluated with subjects under urethane anesthesia by simultaneous recordings of intravesical pressure in isovolumetric conditions and urethral perfusion pressure (UPP). RESULTS In diabetic rats the intravesical pressure thresholds for inducing urethral relaxation and the lowest urethral pressure (UPP nadir) during urethral relaxation were significantly higher by 142% and 86%, respectively, than in normal rats, while baseline UPPs were not significantly different. The mean rate of high frequency oscillations of urethral striated muscle in diabetic rats was also significantly lower by 23% than in normal rats. After alpha-bungarotoxin treatment (333 mug/kg intravenously) to eliminate striated muscle sphincter contractions the SD of baseline UPPs was significantly larger by 93% than in normal rats. Intravenous administration of terazosin (0.4 mg/kg), an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, significantly decreased the UPP nadir, intravesical pressure thresholds inducing urethral relaxation and the SD by 41%, 87% and 138%, respectively, in diabetic rats but not in normal rats. In the 2 groups of animals after alpha-bungarotoxin treatment urethral relaxation during a reflex bladder contraction was inhibited by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (40 mg/kg intravenously), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS During reflex bladder contractions streptozotocin induced diabetic rats showed smooth and striated muscle dysfunctions of the urethra. The inhibition of alpha1-adrenoceptors, which decreased the UPP nadir and UPP fluctuation, may be useful for treating urethral dysfunction in DM.
Comparison of the Relative Quantities of γ-mRNAs and Fetal Hemoglobin in SS Patients with Different Haplotypes

We have studied the relative levels of γ-mRNA [%γ/(γ + β)], <sup>G</sup>γ- and <sup>A</sup>γ-mRNAs [%<sup>G</sup>γ/(<sup>G</sup>γ + <sup>A</sup>γ)], hemoglobin (Hb) F, and the <sup>G</sup>γ and <sup>A</sup>γ chains in some 50 patients with sickle cell anemia (SS) and with different haplotypes. As expected, the Hb F levels varied greatly and were high in patients with the Saudi Arabian-Indian haplotype. Similarly, the <sup>G</sup>γ values varied greatly (from 19.5 to 76.5%) and depended on the haplotypes. A rare haplotype, named Mor, was found in 3 SS patients, 1 of whom was a homozygote Mor/Mor; this haplotype is associated with the lowest <sup>G</sup>γ value (19.5% in the homozygote) and with a C→T mutation at position –202 of the <sup>A</sup>γ promoter. The levels of γ-mRNA roughly parallel those of Hb F, but older patients have increased levels of mRNA, which appears not to be efficiently translated into Hb F. Similar observation have been reported for other hemoglobinopathies such as δβ-thalassemia heterozygotes and Hb Lepore heterozygotes. The relative quantity of <sup>G</sup>γ-mRNA was closely related to that of the <sup>G</sup>γ chain in the 15 patients who were studied; the <sup>G</sup>γ- to <sup>A</sup>γ-mRNA ratio did not change with age.
Lightning surge into a substation at a back-flashover and review of lightning protective level through the FDTD simulation

Higher accuracy in the lightning-surge analysis has been pursued; based on circuit analysis. However, the need to analyze phenomena where a plane wave propagation mode cannot be assumed is an outstanding issue. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is a dominant measure to solve such issue. This study evaluated surge waveforms intruding into a 500 kV air-insulated substation due to a back-flashover through FDTD simulation. The lightning surges were calculated with the inclined angle of the incoming line changed from 0 to 69 degrees and the voltage of the lightning surge intruding into the substation decreased with increasing incline angle of the incoming line. At the open end of the incoming line to the substation at the circuit breaker, the voltage was minimized and maximized when the span length was 20 m and 200 m respectively. This result differed in terms of characteristics from that obtained using the conventional circuit analysis model, whereby the voltage was minimized when the span length was 200 m. The lightning overvoltage at the circuit breaker terminal based on FDTD analysis was lower than that based on circuit analysis. Their relative ratio is 0.557 for a standard incoming line span length of 150 m, showing a 44 % reduction in FDTD analysis from the circuit analytical result. Since the current lightning impulse test voltage is evaluated based on this circuit analytical result, it was clarified that the lightning impulse test voltage level could be potentially reduced with consideration of the inclined conductors at the incoming line span, the vertical conductors of the tower and lightning path, and their mutual coupling with the transmission line.
Characterization of ligV Essential for Catabolism of Vanillin by Sphingomonas paucimobilis SYK-6

The vanillin dehydrogenase gene (ligV), which conferred the ability to transform vanillin into vanillate on Escherichia coli, was isolated from Sphingomonas paucimobilis SYK-6. The ligV gene consists of a 1,440-bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide with a molecular mass of 50,301 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of ligV showed about 50% identity with the known vanillin dehydrogenases of Pseudomonas vanillin degraders. The gene product of ligV (LigV) produced in E. coli preferred NAD+ to NADP+ and exhibited a broad substrate preference, including vanillin, benzaldehyde, protocatechualdehyde, m-anisaldehyde, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, but the activity toward syringaldehyde was less than 5% of that toward vanillin. Insertional inactivation of ligV in SYK-6 indicated that ligV is essential for normal growth on vanillin. On the other hand, growth on syringaldehyde was only slightly affected by ligV disruption, indicating the presence of a syringaldehyde dehydrogenase gene or genes in SYK-6.
Compact Unfocused Antenna Setup for X-Band Free-Space Dielectric Measurements Based on Line-Network-Network Calibration Method

This paper presents a compact free-space measurement system for the characterization of dielectric materials within the X-band based on the line-network-network (LNN) calibration method. Using a pair of dielectric-filled horn antennas with enhanced directivity, the setup exhibits a total length of 250 mm between the antenna apertures and is suitable for measurements of planar samples with transverse dimensions equal to or greater than 250 mm×250 mm. Based on 3-D field simulations and measurements, the assumptions of plane wave incidence on the sample and negligible diffraction effects at the sample edges are investigated. The scattering parameters of the sample are obtained according to the LNN calibration method. Remaining multipath propagation effects caused by reflections at the antennas and their fixtures are filtered out via time gating. The complex permittivity is finally calculated from the transmission scattering parameter using the Newton-Raphson method. Results for exemplary dielectrics are in good accordance with reference values.