Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional deficits in brain volume in schizophrenia: a meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry studies.

OBJECTIVE Voxel-based morphometry is a method for detecting group differences in the density or volume of brain matter. The authors reviewed the literature on use of voxel-based morphometry in schizophrenia imaging research to examine the capabilities of this method for clearly identifying specific structural differences in patients with schizophrenia, compared with healthy subjects. The authors looked for consistently reported results of relative deficits in gray and white matter in schizophrenia and evaluated voxel-based morphometry methods in order to propose a future strategy for using voxel-based morphometry in schizophrenia research. METHOD The authors reviewed all voxel-based morphometry studies of schizophrenia that were published to May 2004 (15 studies). The studies included a total of 390 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 364 healthy volunteers. RESULTS Gray and white matter deficits in patients with schizophrenia, relative to healthy comparison subjects, were reported in a total of 50 brain regions. Deficits were reported in two of the 50 regions in more than 50% of the studies and in nine of the 50 regions in one study only. The most consistent findings were of relative deficits in the left superior temporal gyrus and the left medial temporal lobe. Use of a smaller smoothing kernel (4-8 mm) led to detection of a greater number of regions implicated in schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS This review implicates the left superior temporal gyrus and the left medial temporal lobe as key regions of structural difference in patients with schizophrenia, compared to healthy subjects. The diversity of regions reported in voxel-based morphometry studies is in part related to the choice of variables in the automated process, such as smoothing kernel size and linear versus affine transformation, as well as to differences in patient groups. Voxel-based morphometry can be used as an exploratory whole-brain approach to identify abnormal brain regions in schizophrenia, which should then be validated by using region-of-interest analyses.
Influence of IN‐1 antibody and acidic FGF‐fibrin glue on the response of injured corticospinal tract axons to human Schwann cell grafts

Two strategies have been shown by others to improve CST regeneration following thoracic spinal cord injury: 1) the administration of a monoclonal antibody, IN‐1, raised against a myelin‐associated, neurite growth inhibitory protein, and 2) the delivery of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in fibrin glue in association with peripheral nerve grafts. Because autologous transplantation of human Schwann cells (SCs) is a potential strategy for CNS repair, we evaluated the ability of these two molecular agents to induce CST regeneration into human SC grafts placed to span a midthoracic spinal cord transection in the adult nude rat, a xenograft tolerant strain. IN‐1 or control (HRP) antibodies were delivered to the injury/graft region by encapsulated hybridoma cells (“IN‐1 ravioli”) or daily infusion of hybridoma culture supernatant; aFGF‐fibrin glue was placed in the same region in other animals. Anterograde tracing from the motor cortex using the dextran amine tracers, Fluororuby (FR) and biotinylated dextran amine (BDA), was performed. Thirty‐five days after grafting, the CST response was evaluated qualitatively by looking for regenerated CST fibers in or beyond grafts and quantitatively by constructing camera lucida composites to determine the sprouting index (SI), the position of the maximum termination density (MTD) rostral to the GFAP‐defined host/graft interface, and the longitudinal spread (LS) of bulbous end terminals. The latter two measures provided information about axonal die‐back. In control animals (graft only), the CST did not enter the SC graft and underwent axonal die‐back [SI = 1.4 ± 0.1, MTD = 2.0 ± 0.2, LS = 1.3 ± 0.3, (n = 3)]. Results of IN‐1 delivery from ravioli did not differ from controls, but injections of IN‐1‐containing supernatant resulted in a significant degree of sprouting but did not prevent axonal die‐back [SI = 1.9 ± 0.1, MTD = 1.5 ± 0.2, LS = 1.1 ± 0.1, (n = 7)] and traced fibers did not enter grafts. Acidic FGF dramatically reduced axonal die‐back and caused sprouting [SI = 2.0 ± 0.1 (n = 5), MTD = 0.5 ± 0.04 (n = 6), LS = 0.4 ± 0.1 (n = 6)]. Some traced fibers entered SC grafts and in 2/6 cases entered the distal interface. We conclude that 1) human SC grafts alone do not support the regeneration of injured CST fibers and do not prevent die‐back, 2) grafts plus IN‐1 antibody‐containing supernatant support some sprouting but die‐back continues, and 3) grafts plus aFGF‐fibrin glue support regeneration of some fibers into the grafts and reduce die‐back. J. Neurosci. Res. 50:888–905, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laryngeal Recurrent Nerve Injury in Surgery for Benign Thyroid Diseases: Effect of Nerve Dissection and Impact of Individual Surgeon in More Than 27,000 Nerves at Risk

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of recurrent nerve dissection on the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (RLNI) and to analyze the performance of individual surgeons. Summary Background DataDissection of the recurrent nerve is mandatory in total thyroidectomy, but its relative merit in less extensive resections is not clear. The reported rates of RLNI differ widely; this may reflect a variation in the performance of individual surgeons. MethodsThe authors studied the incidence of RLNI in primary surgery for benign thyroid disease during three periods in a single center. In period 1 (1979–1990; 9,385 consecutive patients, 15,865 nerves at risk), the recurrent nerve was not exposed. In period 2 (1991–1998; 6,128 patients, 10,548 nerves at risk), dissection of the recurrent nerve was the standard procedure. Global outcome and individual performance in these two periods were compared and presented to the surgeons. The effect of this quality control procedure was tested in 1999 (period 3; 930 patients, 1,561 nerves at risk). ResultsExposure of the recurrent nerve significantly reduced the global rate of postoperative and permanent RLNI. Some but not all surgeons improved their results by recurrent nerve dissection (e.g., permanent RLNI rates ranged from 0% to 1.1%). The documented significant differences in individual performances did not affect the outcome in period 3. The extent of nerve dissection was a source of variability; the rate of permanent RLNI averaged 0.9%, 0.3%, and 0.1% for surgeons who only localized, partially exposed, and completely dissected the recurrent nerve, respectively. ConclusionsRecurrent nerve dissection significantly reduces the risk of RLNI. Extensive dissection facilitates visual control of nerve integrity during resection and is therefore superior to a more limited exposure of the nerve. Quality control can improve the global outcome and identify the variability in individual performance. This cannot be eliminated by merely confronting surgeons with comparative data; hence, it is important to search for the underlying causes.
Age‐related change in duration of afterhyperpolarization of human motoneurones

Motor unit (MU) potentials were recorded from brachial biceps of healthy subjects aged 5.5–79 years. The subjects were subdivided into young (5.5–19 year) and adult (37.5–79 year) groups, between which single MU discharge characteristics were compared. Firing rates were in the ranges of 8.3–21.7 s−1 (mean 12.87 s−1) and 5.9–18.7 s−1 (mean 11.08 s−1) for young and adult groups, respectively. Standard deviations (s.d.) of interspike intervals (ISIs) were in the range 4.84–11.57 ms (mean 8.39 ms) for the young group and 4.26–12.23 ms (mean 7.76 ms) for the adult group. Both differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Special attention was paid to the previously developed method of ISI variability analysis, which enabled the comparison of MUs with respect to afterhyperpolarization (AHP) duration of their motoneurones (MNs). The results show that AHP duration increases gradually with increasing age, which is in line with the transformation of muscle properties towards a slower phenotype. This transformation seems to be a continuous process, covering the entire lifespan of a human being, from childhood to senescence. The results presented here are significant for their insight into the ageing process of the neuromuscular system. The age‐related change in AHP duration has not been investigated previously in human studies and has been met with ambiguous results in animal studies.
Patterns of Chemotherapy Administration in High-Risk Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Impact on Overall Survival.

BACKGROUND Conflicting data exist on the benefit of chemotherapy in the management of high-risk soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Use of chemotherapy may be dependent on patient, tumor, and facility characteristics. This study sought to identify these factors and compare survival between treatment groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stage III STS were identified from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) from 1998 to 2012. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors that influenced the probability of receiving chemotherapy. In a subset of patients, we determined the relationship between chemotherapy use and overall survival, using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis with propensity score adjustment. We also examined the effect of chemotherapy by histologic subgroup using interaction models. RESULTS A total of 16,370 patients were included (N=5,377 for survival analysis). Patients who were younger than 40 years; male; privately insured; earned a higher income; had no comorbidities; had synovial sarcoma, angiosarcoma or "other" histology; and whose tumors were high-grade, greater than 10 cm, or from the lower extremity were significantly more likely to receive chemotherapy. Median unadjusted overall survival (OS) in the nonchemotherapy and chemotherapy groups was 51.3 and 82.7 months, respectively (P<.001). On adjusted analysis, the survival benefit remained significant (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; P=.004). The benefit was particularly strong in the undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) group on adjustment, with a median OS of 49.1 and 77.8 months for nonchemotherapy versus chemotherapy, respectively (HR, 0.77; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS In addition to expected tumor and patient factors, histology, location of primary tumor, and socioeconomic status are associated with receipt/nonreceipt of chemotherapy in stage III STS. Chemotherapy use was associated with improved OS in the overall population, and specifically in the UPS subgroup.
atozoa n and capacitation are regulated by a cAMP-depe

Sperm capacitation is a poorly understood maturational process, which occurs in vivo in the female reproductive tract or can be accomplished in vitro in defined media, the endpoint of which confers upon the sperm the ability to undergo the acrosome reaction and to fertilize an egg (Yanagimachi, 1994). Capacitation has been shown to be correlated with changes in sperm plasma membrane fluidity, intracellular ion concentrations, metabolism, and motility (Yanagimachi, 1994 and references therein), but it is not clear how such changes are necessarily tied to the development of this fertilization-competent state. Moreover, although these changes have been know many years, the molecular basis underlying these eve poorly understood. It is clear from studies in somatic cell many of these aforementioned cellular changes ca modulated by extrinsic factors that function intracellular receptors and second messengers. However, it appears th initiation and completion of capacitation in mammalian s may be regulated by processes inherent to the sperm itself mechanism by which such an inherent regulation occurs clear, although it is likely that the controlling factor(s) lies the sperm plasma membrane itself and that changes i properties of the membrane might lead to a de-repressi Developm Printed in 1995
A Kir6.2 Mutation Causing Neonatal Diabetes Impairs Electrical Activity and Insulin Secretion From INS-1 β-Cells

ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels) couple β-cell metabolism to electrical activity and thereby play an essential role in the control of insulin secretion. Gain-of-function mutations in Kir6.2 (KCNJ11), the pore-forming subunit of this channel, cause neonatal diabetes. We investigated the effect of the most common neonatal diabetes mutation (R201H) on β-cell electrical activity and insulin secretion by stable transfection in the INS-1 cell line. Expression was regulated by placing the gene under the control of a tetracycline promoter. Transfection with wild-type Kir6.2 had no effect on the ATP sensitivity of the KATP channel, whole-cell KATP current magnitude, or insulin secretion. However, induction of Kir6.2-R201H expression strongly reduced KATP channel ATP sensitivity (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration increased from ∼20 μmol/l to ∼2 mmol/l), and the metabolic substrate methyl succinate failed to close KATP channels or stimulate electrical activity and insulin secretion. Thus, these results directly demonstrate that Kir6.2 mutations prevent electrical activity and insulin release from INS-1 cells by increasing the KATP current and hyperpolarizing the β-cell membrane. This is consistent with the ability of the R201H mutation to cause neonatal diabetes in patients. The relationship between KATP current and the membrane potential reveals that very small changes in current amplitude are sufficient to prevent hormone secretion.
New results on robust H ∞ filtering design for discrete-time piecewise linear delay systems

This paper revisits the problem of robust H ∞ filtering design for a class of discrete-time piecewise linear state-delayed systems. The state delay is assumed to be time-varying and of an interval-like type, which means that both the lower and upper bounds of the time-varying delay are available. The parameter uncertainties are assumed to have a structured linear fractional form. Based on a novel delay-dependent piecewise Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional combined with Finsler's Lemma, a new delay-dependent sufficient condition for robust H ∞ performance analysis is first derived and then the filter synthesis is developed. It is shown that by using a new linearisation technique, a unified framework can be developed so that both the full-order and reduced-order filters can be obtained by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which are numerically efficient with commercially available software. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and less conservatism of the proposed approach.
MEASURING PRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY INCORPORATING FIRMS' HETEROGENEITY: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

Heterogeneity among firms is quite prevalent in industries. Using the random coefficients model, this paper aims to measure productive efficiency of firms allowing heterogeneity of firms. Firm level data from the Bangladesh food manufacturing are used for empirical estimation. The results show that there are wide variations in efficiency across firms attributable to firmsi¯ heterogeneity. Further, it shows that there is ample scope for increasing efficiency from the given resources and technology.
Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor COL-3 in the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma: a phase I AIDS malignancy consortium study.

PURPOSE Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in tumor invasion and metastasis and are overexpressed in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) cells. The primary aim was to define the safety and toxicity of the MMP inhibitor COL-3 in patients with AIDS-related KS. Secondary aims were to evaluate tumor response, pharmacokinetics, and changes in blood levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). PATIENTS AND METHODS COL-3 was administered orally once daily, and doses were escalated in cohorts of three to six subjects. Patients with symptomatic visceral KS or severe tumor-associated edema were excluded. Antiretroviral therapy was permitted but not required. Study end points were grade 3 or 4 toxicity or progressive KS. Serial blood specimens were obtained for pharmacokinetics and levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and bFGF. RESULTS Eighteen patients received COL-3 in dosing cohorts of 25, 50, and 70 mg/m(2)/d. Prior KS therapy was reported by 17 patients (94%). COL-3-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events were reported by six patients and included photosensitivity, rash, and headache. There was one complete response and seven partial responses, for an overall response rate of 44%, with a median response duration of 25+ weeks. The median COL-3 half-life was 39.3 hours (range, 4.1 to 251.1 hours). There was a significant difference between responders and nonresponders with respect to the change in MMP-2 serum levels from baseline to minimum value on treatment (P =.037). CONCLUSION COL-3 administered orally once daily to patients with AIDS-related KS is reasonably well tolerated. The most common adverse event was dose-related photosensitivity. Antitumor activity was noted. Further evaluation of COL-3 for the treatment of KS is warranted.
Comparative efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler and budesonide Turbuhaler.

To the Editor: Bousquet et al. 1 recently compared the efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler (MF DPI) and budesonide DPI (Turbuhaler®) for the treatment of moderate persistent asthma. They concluded that lower doses of MF DPI appeared to be more effective than a clinically recommended dose of budesonide DPI, while providing a comparable degree of safety. For several reasons we do not agree with this conclusion. Experiences gained during the last decade have taught us that the greatest amount of care must be taken in the design of studies where the relative efficacy of inhaled steroids are to be investigated. Not least has it repeatedly been seen that the dose-response curves for these drugs on most antiasthma variables are very flat, which means that traditional dose-response studies are acceptable for comparisons of relative efficacy only if several doses are selected over a wide dose range 2 …
Improved micropropagation in Polygala myrtifolia

SummaryStem segments from apical shoot tips of Polygala myrtifolia were used as primary explants to establish in vitro cultures. Axillary shoots produced on non-contaminated explants were excised and recultured in the same medium to increase the stock of shoot cultures. Equal molar concentrations of five cytokinins [2-isopentenyladenine, kinetin, zeatin, N6-benzyladenine (BA), and adenine] were tested for ability to induce axillary shoot development from double-node stem segments. The highest rate of axillary shoot proliferation was induced on Murashige and Skoog agar medium supplemented with 1.8 μM BA. Seven indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentrations (0, 2.9, 5.7, 8.6, 11.4, 14.3, 17.1 μM) were tested to determine the optimum conditions for in vitro rooting of microshoots. Up to 72% of the microshoots rooted with 14.3 μM IAA. Other auxins tested, α-naphthaleneacetic acid and indole-3-butyric acid, were less effective than IAA in inducing adventitious root formation. All rooted plantlets having more than three roots were successfully established in soil.
The power of the European Union protocol to test for carcinogenicity of inhaled fibers.

We evaluate the power of a recent protocol proposed by the European Union (EU) for testing the carcinogenicity of inhaled fibers. We assume that every fiber has oncogenic potential determined by its biopersistence. We use a recently estimated potency for the oncogenic potential of fibers together with experimentally determined "weighted" half-lives (WHL) of a dozen fibers to generate simulations of long-term bioassays conducted according to the EU protocol. We analyze these experiments using standard statistical techniques and determine the number of tests that would have yielded significant results. We conclude that the EU protocol will readily detect the carcinogenic effect of long-lived fibers, such as amosite with a WHL of more than 450 days, and usually detect the effect of fibers, such as RCF1a, with WHL of about 40-50 days. However, the EU protocol has very low power to detect effects of short-lived fibers, such as X607, with WHL of about 10 days.
Investigation of porous asphalt microstructure using optical and electron microscopy

Direct observations of porous asphalt concrete samples in their natural state using optical and electron microscopy techniques led to useful information regarding the microstructure of two mixes and indicated a relationship between microstructure and in situ performance. This paper presents evidence that suboptimal microstructure can lead to premature failure thus making a first step in defining well or suboptimal performing pavements with a bottom‐up approach (microstructure). Laboratory and field compaction produce different samples in terms of the microstructure. Laboratory compaction using the gyratory method has produced more microcracks in mineral aggregates after the binder had cooled. Well‐performing mixes used polymer‐modified binders, had a more homogeneous void structure with fewer elongated voids and better interlocking of the aggregates. Furthermore, well‐performing mixes showed better distribution of the mastic and better coverage of the aggregates with bitumen. Low vacuum scanning electron microscopy showed that styrene butadiene styrene polymer modification in binder exists in the form of discontinuous globules and not continuous networks. A reduction in the polymer phase was observed as a result of aging and in‐service use.
Efficacy of BMY-28142 in experimental bacteremia and meningitis caused by Escherichia coli and group B streptococci

We evaluated the activity of BMY-28142 against a K1 E. coli strain and a type III group B streptococcal strain in vitro and in vivo and compared the results with those of cefotaxime and penicillin G, respectively. In vitro, the MICs and MBCs of BMY-28142 were close to those of cefotaxime (less than or equal to 2-fold difference) for E. coli and fourfold less than those of penicillin G for group B streptococci. In vivo studies with an experimental bacteremia and meningitis model in newborn rats revealed that the mean penetration of BMY-28142 into the cerebrospinal fluid was 15% that of concomitant levels in serum and that significantly greater bactericidal titers were achieved in blood and cerebrospinal fluid for both test organisms with BMY-28142 than with cefotaxime and penicillin G. However, the overall efficacy of BMY-28142 was similar to that of cefotaxime for the E. coli infection and that of penicillin G for the group B streptococcal infection. This was shown by similar rates of bacterial clearance from blood and cerebrospinal fluid and similar mortality rates. These findings indicate that the activity of BMY-28142 is bactericidal in vitro and in vivo against E. coli and group B streptococci, suggesting that this agent may be a suitable alternative for the therapy of E. coli and group B streptococcal bacteremia and meningitis.