Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging in cannabis use: a systematic review of the literature

Background We conducted a systematic review to assess the evidence for specific effects of cannabis on brain structure and function. The review focuses on the cognitive changes associated with acute and chronic use of the drug. Method We reviewed literature reporting neuroimaging studies of chronic or acute cannabis use published up until January 2009. The search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, LILACS and PsycLIT indexing services using the following key words: cannabis, marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, cannabidiol, CBD, neuroimaging, brain imaging, computerized tomography, CT, magnetic resonance, MRI, single photon emission tomography, SPECT, functional magnetic resonance, fMRI, positron emission tomography, PET, diffusion tensor MRI, DTI-MRI, MRS and spectroscopy. Results Sixty-six studies were identified, of which 41 met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-three were functional (SPECT/PET/fMRI) and eight structural (volumetric/DTI) imaging studies. The high degree of heterogeneity across studies precluded a meta-analysis. The functional studies suggest that resting global and prefrontal blood flow are lower in cannabis users than in controls. The results from the activation studies using a cognitive task are inconsistent because of the heterogeneity of the methods used. Studies of acute administration of THC or marijuana report increased resting activity and activation of the frontal and anterior cingulate cortex during cognitive tasks. Only three of the structural imaging studies found differences between users and controls. Conclusions Functional neuroimaging studies suggest a modulation of global and prefrontal metabolism both during the resting state and after the administration of THC/marijuana cigarettes. Minimal evidence of major effects of cannabis on brain structure has been reported.
Involvement of CD252 (CD134L) and IL-2 in the Expression of Cytotoxic Proteins in Bacterial- or Viral-Activated Human T Cells1

Regulation of cytotoxic effector molecule expression in human CTLs after viral or bacterial activation is poorly understood. By using human autologous dendritic cells (DCs) to prime T lymphocytes, we found perforin only highly up-regulated in virus- (HSV-1, vaccinia virus) but not in intracellular bacteria- (Listeria innocua, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae) activated CTLs. In contrast, larger quantities of IFN-γ and TNF-α were produced in Listeria-stimulated cultures. Granzyme B and granulysin were similarly up-regulated by all tested viruses and intracellular bacteria. DCs infected with HSV-1 showed enhanced surface expression of the costimulatory molecule CD252 (CD134L) compared with Listeria-infected DC and induced enhanced secretion of IL-2. Adding blocking CD134 or neutralizing IL-2 Abs during T cell activation reduced the HSV-dependent up-regulation of perforin. These data indicate a distinct CTL effector function in response to intracellular pathogens triggered via differing endogenous IL-2 production upon costimulation through CD252.
Assessing Speech Perception in Children With Hearing Loss: What Conventional Clinical Tools May Miss

Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that word recognition in a complex, two-talker masker is more closely related to real-world speech perception for children with hearing loss than testing performed in quiet or steady-state noise. Design: Sixteen school-age hearing aid users were tested on aided word recognition in noise or two-talker speech. Unaided estimates of speech perception in quiet were retrospectively obtained from the clinical record. Ten parents completed a questionnaire regarding their children’s ease of communication and understanding in background noise. Results: Unaided performance in quiet was correlated with aided performance in competing noise, but not in two-talker speech. Only results in the two-talker masker were correlated with parental reports of their children’s functional hearing abilities. Conclusions: Speech perception testing in a complex background such as two-talker speech may provide a more accurate predictor of the communication challenges of children with hearing loss than testing in steady noise or quiet.
2-2010 A Stochastic Model of Cell Cycle Desynchronization

A general branching process model is suggested to describe cell cycle desynchronization. Cell cycle phase times are modeled as random variables and a formula for the expected fraction of cells in S phase as a function of time is established. The model is compared to data from the literature and is also compared to previously suggested deterministic and stochastic models.
The taxonomy of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas putida: current status and need for revision

De nombreuses etudes sont dediees a l'ecologie des Pseudomonas fluorescens et des Pseudomonas putida. Les bacteries appartenant a ces especes presentent en effet un interet potentiel pour l'environnement. Certaines ameliorent la croissance et la sante des plantes, et contribuent donc a reduire l'utilisation d'intrants de synthese en agriculture. D'autres sont capables de reduire les oxydes d'azote et de degrader les composes xenobiotiques. L'identification precise des souches bacteriennes utilisees lors de ces etudes d'ecologie est necessaire. L'objectif de cette synthese bibliographique est de decrire l'etat de la taxonomie de P. fluorescens et P. putida et de presenter les methodes permettant la discrimination de ces deux especes. Les premiers travaux relatifs a la taxonomie de P. fluorescens et de P. putida etaient bases sur la caracterisation phenotypique des bacteries (tests metaboliques, composition des acides gras, profils proteiques). Ces etudes ont abouti a la subdivision de P. fluorescens et P. putida en respectivement 5 et 2 biovars. La subdivision de ces deux especes en biovars revele les limites de l'identification basee sur des caracteres phenotypiques. Des travaux complementaires ont donc pris en compte certains caracteres genotypiques tels que la variabilite de genes conserves (ADNr) et l'ensemble du genome (hydridation ADN-ADN). L'ensemble des travaux conduits sur la taxonomie de P. fluorescens et de P. putida montre que la definition de ces deux especes est obsolete et qu'elles devraient etre divisees en plusieurs nomenspecies. La clarification de la taxonomie de P. fluorescens et de P. putida requiert des recherches complementaires qui associent des methodes phenotypiques recentes, et genotypiques.
PATHOLOGY OF WILD BOAR ( Sus scrofa ) IN LIGURIA , ITALY , BETWEEN 1989 AND 1992

During the hunting season 1992/93 it has been possible to collect 450 Wild boar serum samples. A serological survey on Hog Cholera has been carried out, with the aim to reveal the presence of this disease in Liguria, since there have been recently revealed some cases in Wild boar in the nearby Tuscany. All samples examinated were negative. Later on tests for African Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth disease, Aujeszky disease, Lyme disease and Parvovirus were carried out on the same serum samples.
Teaching Percentage as a Multiplicative Relationship

The theory of Teaching for Abstraction was used to construct a unit for teaching percentages in Grade 6. The unit focused on percent ag as a multiplicative relationship and put more emphasis on why percentages are used than on how they are calculated. Analysis of the data collected showed that many students did learn to apply percentages meaningfully, although the level of achievement was not as high as expected. It was found that the Teaching for Abstraction approach provides many challenges for students and teachers, but is worthy of further research.
High Doses of SN1 Type Methylating Agents Activate DNA Damage Signaling Cascades that are Largely Independent of Mismatch Repair

Methylating agents of the SN1 type represent an important class of cancer chemotherapeutics. Efficient killing by clinically-relevant doses of these agents requires cell division and low levels or absence of the repair enzyme methylguanine methyl transferase (MGMT). The process requires also an active mismatch repair (MMR) system, as treatment of cells with the prototypic methylating agent N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) could be shown to trigger a delayed cell cycle arrest, which was absolutely MMR-dependent. We now show that DNA damage signaling activated by high doses of MNNG is very rapid and largely MMR-independent. However, the MMR system still contributes towards cell killing, as MMR deficiency favors the long-term survival of the cells, albeit to a substantially smaller extent than when low MNNG concentrations are deployed.
Cross sections from proton irradiation of thorium at 800 MeV

Nuclear formation cross sections are reported for 65 nuclides produced from 800-MeV proton irradiation of thorium foils. These data are useful as benchmarks for computational predictions in the ongoing process of theoretical code development and also to the design of spallation-based radioisotope production currently being considered for multiple radiotherapeutic pharmaceutical agents. Measured data are compared with the predictions of three MCNP6 event generators and used to evaluate the potential for 800-MeV productions of radioisotopes of interest for medical radiotherapy. In only a few instances code predictions are discrepant from measured values by more than a factor of two, demonstrating satisfactory predictive power across a large mass range. Similarly, agreement between measurements presented here and those previously reported is good, lending credibility to predictions of target yields and radioimpurities for high-energy accelerator-produced radionuclides.
EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON GROWTH , BIOCHEMICAL AND YIELD OF INDIAN MUSTARD [ BRASSICA JUNCEA ( L . ) CZERN . & COSS . ] UNDER DROUGHT STRESS CONDITION

The present investigation entitled “Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and yield of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss. ] under drought stress condition” was conducted during Rabi season, 2013-14 at the Student Instructional Farm (SIF) of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad (U.P.), India. Experiment was setup in randomized block design with twelve treatments, viz. and three replications on mustard variety Narendra rai under normal and drought conditions. PGRs were applied on the foliage of plant at 30 DAS. Drought was imposed for 30 days by curtailing irrigation at 30 DAS and normal condition plots were irrigated at 30 DAS. Normal and drought conditions plots were irrigated at 60 DAS. On the basis of results obtained foliar application of plant growth regulators improved all the growth (plant height and number of branches plant-1) and biochemical parameters (chlorophyll and proline content in leaves) as well as the yield and yield attributing characters under normal and drought conditions. But the effect of PGRs were more pronounced under drought condition and they minimize the detrimental effect on mustard.
Acute and Chronic Cardiovascular Response to 16 Weeks of Combined Eccentric or Traditional Resistance and Aerobic Training in Elderly Hypertensive Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract dos Santos, ES, Asano, RY, Filho, IG, Lopes, NL, Panelli, P, Nascimento, DdaC, Collier, SR, and Prestes, J. Acute and chronic cardiovascular response to 16 weeks of combined eccentric or traditional resistance and aerobic training in elderly hypertensive women: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 28(11): 3073–3084, 2014—Both aerobic (AT) and resistance training (RT) are recommended as nonpharmacological treatments to prevent hypertension. However, there is a paucity of literature investigating the effects of combined exercise modes (RT combined with AT) in elderly hypertensive women. Thus, our aim was to compare the postexercise hypotension (PEH) response to both protocol models and to assess the correlation between the degree of PEH after acute and chronic training. Furthermore, we also compared several biochemical variables for each training group. Sixty hypertensive older women were randomly assigned into nonexercised control (no systematic exercise training throughout the study), eccentric RT (ERT), and traditional RT (TRT). The training programs consisted of 16 weeks of RT combined with AT. Blood pressure (BP), biochemical profiles, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) were evaluated. There was a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) after both training regimens pre- to posttraining (combined ERT +5% and TRT +7%; p = 0.001 for both). There was a decrease in systolic BP (SBP) (combined ERT −19% and TRT −21%; p = 0.001 for both) and diastolic BP (DBP) (−13% for both; p = 0.001 for both). There was an increase in bench press 1RM (combined ERT +54% and TRT +35%; p = 0.001 for both) and leg press 1RM (combined ERT +52% and TRT +33%; p = 0.001 for both). The magnitude of decrease in SBP after acute exercise was moderately correlated with the drop in SBP after chronic training for the ERT combined with AT group (r = 0.64). Both combined training protocols are effective in promoting benefits in health-related factors (HDL, SBP, DBP, and 1RM). Considering the lower cardiovascular stress experienced during combined ERT, this type of training seems to be the most suitable for elders, deconditioned individuals, and hypertensives.
Massive Posttraumatic Bleeding: Epidemiology, Causes, Clinical Features, and Therapeutic Management

Abstract Bleeding typically results as a consequence of derangements of primary hemostasis, secondary hemostasis, or both, and can be dramatically amplified by the presence of other predisposing conditions, especially inherited bleeding disorders. Life-threatening hemorrhages are, however, almost exclusively caused by penetrating wounds, blunt traumas of chest and abdomen, suicide attempts, amputations, bone fractures with concomitant injury to internal organs and blood vessels, and shearing forces from sudden rotation, violent flexion, extension, or deceleration injuries. The pathogenesis of posttraumatic bleeding is complex and multifaceted. The most dramatic phenomenon that always accompanies major hemorrhages is the abrupt and considerable loss of intravascular volume, that further leads to hypovolemic shock, also known as hemorrhagic shock, culminating with peripheral ischemia, especially in those tissues where oxygen delivery is more critical (i.e., central nervous system and myocardium). The mortality rate of severe posttraumatic bleeding can be as high as 50%, especially when an appropriate treatment is not established in a timely manner. The damage control sequence basically entails a four-step approach including damage control surgery, damage control resuscitation with fluid restoration, and hemocomponents administration, as well as correction of the coagulopathy with platelets, antifibrinolytic (e.g., tranexamic acid), and/or procoagulant agents such as fresh frozen plasma, prothrombin complex concentrate, or recombinant-activated Factor VII.
Changes in Lipids Containing Long- and Very Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Cryptorchid Rat Testes1

Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of experimental cryptorchidism on rat testicular phospholipids and neutral lipids that contain long-chain (C18-C22) and very long-chain (VLC) (C24-C32) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The weight of the cryptorchid testis was nearly half that of the contralateral control at postsurgical Days 7–10 owing to the depletion of germ cells. Concomitantly, the amounts of major glycerophospholipids (GPL) and sphingomyelin (SM) per testis decreased. Both these lipids lost their characteristic long-chain and very long-chain PUFA, notably 22:5n-6 and 28:4n-6, respectively, which suggests that these species are linked to the membranes of germ cells. In contrast, the amounts and concentrations of triglycerides (TG; triacylglycerols and 1-O-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerols) and cholesterol esters (CE) increased several fold in the surviving cells (mainly Sertoli cells) in the cryptorchid testis. All these neutral lipids, but especially CE, accumulated large amounts of the major PUFA of the testis, 22:5n-6, as well as pentaenes with longer carbon chains (i.e., 24:5n-6 in TG and 28:5n-6 in CE). This accretion suggests that neutral lipids may store preformed PUFA coming from dying germ cell GPL and also VLCPUFA no longer needed as a source of PUFA destined to assemble new germ cell GPL. The lipid adjustments observed in cryptorchidism suggest a possible role for Sertoli cell CE in the turnover and conservation of PUFA within seminiferous tubules.
Beta-Cell Function and Insulin Resistance Evaluated by HOMA in Pancreatic Cancer Subjects with Varying Degrees of Glucose Intolerance

Background/Aims: To gain insights into pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer-associated diabetes. Methods: Using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), we estimated β-cell function (BCF) and insulin resistance (IR) from fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin in 67 normoglycemic controls and 62 age- and BMI-matched normoglycemic pancreatic cancer patients. In addition, we studied 73 pancreatic cancer subjects with glucose intolerance; 21 had impaired FPG and 51 had diabetes. Results: BCF was similar in controls and normoglycemic pancreatic cancer subjects (64 ± 5 vs. 78 ± 9, p = ns), while IR was higher in pancreatic cancer subjects with normal FPG (1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1, p = 0.002). Among pancreatic cancer subjects, those with impaired FPG had markedly decreased BCF compared to those with normal FPG (44 ± 5 vs. 78 ± 9, p < 0.02) without significant difference in IR (1.9 ± 0.2 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6, p = ns). In cancer subjects, those with diabetes had markedly increased IR compared to those with impaired FPG (3.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001), while the BCF was similar (37 ± 4 vs. 44 ± 5). Conclusion: Diabetes associated with pancreatic cancer is likely due to a combination of marked decline in BCF and increased insulin resistance.
Cyclic AMP-gated sodium current in neurons of the pedal ganglion of Pleurobranchaea californica is activated by serotonin.

1. We studied the roles of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and cAMP-gated Na+ current (INa,cAMP) in the serotonin (5-HT)-induced excitation of putatively serotonergic "G" neurons of the pedal ganglion of Pleurobranchaea californica. Currents were recorded under voltage clamp during 5-HT application and iontophoretic intracellular cAMP injections. INa,cAMP responses to pulsed injections of cAMP were occluded by 5-HT-induced inward current (I5-HT). Occlusion was qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that observed during steady-state activation of INa,cAMP by tonic iontophoretic injection of cAMP. 2. Those neurons exhibiting occlusion of INa,cAMP during 5-HT application also exhibited depolarization-induced (Ca(2+)-dependent) inactivation of both INa,cAMP and I5-HT. The magnitudes of the inactivation to depolarizing pulses of I5-HT or INa,cAMP were similar. Recoveries from inactivation for I5-HT and INa,cAMP followed similar exponentially decaying time courses. 3. The decay rate of the INa,cAMP response is affected by phosphodiesterase inhibitors and can be taken as a sensitive measure of the rate of cAMP degradation. As background steady-state INa,cAMP was increased by larger tonic cAMP injections, the decay rate of super-imposed INa,cAMP responses to pulsed injections of cAMP was slowed as would be expected from saturation of endogenous phosphodiesterase activity. The decay of INa,cAMP responses to pulsed cAMP injections superimposed on I5-HT were similarly slowed, suggesting that 5-HT action is mediated specifically by cAMP. 4. The decay rate constants for INa,cAMP responses to pulsed injections of cAMP superimposed on I5-HT did not differ from those of INa,cAMP responses superimposed on equivalent, background steady-state INa,cAMP induced by tonic injection of cAMP. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fatty Acid Composition of Erythrocytes and Blood Plasma in Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

This paper focused on analysis of fatty acids of erythrocytes and blood plasma in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. For the study, fatty acids ethyl esters, obtained during sample preparation from blood plasma and erythrocytes, were analyzed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test (p<0.05). The conducted research has shown that blood plasma of MODS patients has a decreased relative level of polyunsaturated fatty acids and saturated stearic (C18:0) acid, while there is a significant increase in relative content of monounsaturated fatty acids. In conditions of an increased level of monounsaturated palmitoleic (C16:1) and oleic (C18:1) fatty acids in blood plasma, only the level of palmitoleic (C16:1) acid is increased in erythrocytes. The disorder of lipid composition constancy of erythrocyte membranes is also manifested by a change in the content of saturated palmitic (C16:0) and polyunsaturated linoleic (C18:2) fatty acids. The changes revealed in fatty acid composition of erythrocytes may indicate systemic modifications of cell membranes in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The changes in blood plasma fatty acid composition in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is mainly caused by activation of lipolysis in fat depots.
Chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (CREAE) in mice: enhancement by monoclonal antibodies against interferon‐γ

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a T cell‐mediated inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Depending on the experimental conditions, it takes an acute monophasic or a chronic relapsing‐remitting course. We have previously reported that the incidence and severity of acute EAE in mice are reduced by administration of interferon (IFN)‐γ and augmented by treatment with neutralizing antibodies against IFN‐γ. Here, we investigated the role of IFN‐γ in chronic relapsing models of EAE (CREAE) in SJL/J and Biozzi ABH mice. Spontaneous relapses in Biozzi mice as well as induced relapses in SJL/J mice were facilitated by administration of neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) against IFN‐γ in the disease‐free interval. The enhancing effect of anti‐IFN‐γ mAb given before and during the primary attack did not carry over to the relapses. However, early administration of IFN‐γ in Biozzi mice, which developed spontaneous relapses in a high proportion, provided partial protection not only against the first attack, but also against subsequent relapses. Administration of exogenous IFN‐γ during the remission phase provided some protection against subsequent relapses. These results indicate that in both types of relapses, IFN‐γ is produced and does provide a certain degree of protection against disease progression.
Pulpal effects of glass ionomer cements.

Summary. The incidence of pulpal damage beneath cavities filled with ASPA, Chemfil and Chembond was studied in class I cavities in human premolar teeth after 1–10 days, 11–30 days, and 31 or more days. Cavities filled with Kalzinol or zinc oxide/eugenol acted as controls. All glass ionomer cements were accompanied by more pulpal damage than controls, but Chemfil was associated with the least changes. Bacteria were demonstrated at the material/cavity wall interface in a number of cavities with all materials, although no significant correlation was demonstrated between them and pulpal inflammation. The use of a base is recommended in cavities where large numbers of previously unaffected dentinal tubules are present.