Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drug Discovery and Development for Inflammatory Diseases

Numerous recent investigations have pointed to a key role of the pro-inflammatory, pleotropic cytokines TNF-α and IL-1 in host defence and inflammatory disease processes. TNF and IL-1 overexpression has been found in disease target tissue and in the circulation of patients with acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, and it was suggested early on in this field of basic medical research that TNF-α and IL-1 were crucial in these diseases. Over the last 10 years, several approaches to inhibit TNF-α and, in one case, IL-1 activity, have been developed by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. These include neutralising antibodies to TNF-α as well as soluble TNF-α receptors with characteristic properties designed to bind the 17 kDa soluble trimeric TNF-α and the 26 kDa membrane-bound form of TNF-α. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant effects with these agents and it is likely that blocking TNF-α will become an important standard therapeutic option for clinicians. The data available from these trials contribute to the further understanding of inflammation by demonstrating the major role of these cytokines. This research and clinical background have provided the basis for a variety of lectures on novel drug discovery targets, the current status of previously identified targets and technologies to develop new therapeutics in inflammation. At this meeting, emphasis was placed upon drug targets and their validation in animal models and early stage clinical trials.
Growth Responses and Performance of Kentucky Bluegrass under Summer Stress

Cultivars and selections of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) exhibit varying degrees of summer stress tolerance. Understanding the factors associated with performance under summer stress is important for identifying stress tolerant germplasm. The objective of this field study was to evaluate shoot and root growth responses of 10 Kentucky bluegrass genotypes subjected to high temperature and drought stress conditions in New Jersey. Turf canopy characteristics, shoot and root growth responses, and soil water depletion patterns were evaluated on a Nixon Loam (fine-loamy, mixed mesic Typic Hapludult) and used to characterize Kentucky bluegrass selections having variable summer stress tolerance. Tolerant entries maintained 19% more roots at the 15- to 30-cm depth in 1995 and 65% more roots at the 30- to 45-cm depth than intolerant entries. Gravimetric soil water contents of tolerant plots were significantly lower at the 15- to 30-cm depth than intolerant entries for both years. Tolerant Kentucky bluegrass, able to exploit deep soil moisture under heat and drought conditions, exhibited significantly fewer summer stress symptoms, had significantly lower stomatal resistance (based on subset of cultivars), and maintained canopy temperature 5°C cooler than intolerant entries at the end of stress periods. This indicated that maintenance of transpirational cooling was an important factor associated with better summer stress performance of turf plots under high temperature and drought conditions in New Jersey.
Subcellular Organization of Developing Embryos of Bidens cernua

Anatomical and submicroscopical changes in the cotyledons and radicles of Bidens cernua L. have been studied at five developmental stages. In the subcellular structure, these two plant organs are relatively similar but each developmental stage is characterized by a distinct fine structure. Protein bodies, which occupy the bulk of the cell in dormant embryos, develop as filling products of vacuoles. Ribosomes are seen abundantly at this stage, both in the nucleus and the plasma strands. Small vesicles which are the initials of globoids can be detected in the vacuoles even of rather young cells. They later associate at the periphery of protein masses secreted in the vacuoles. Many light globoids are seen in the protein bodies of mature cells. Some amyloplasts are present in the early developmental stages but not in the dormant cells. The endoplasmic reticulum becomes filled with osmiophilic storage fat, and later many spherosomes are seen between the protein bodies. Some osmiophilic material is also found in the intercellular spaces.
Evaluation of an electronic memory aid in the neuropsychological rehabilitation of prospective memory deficits

Five subjects with acquired memory impairment were trained to use a new electronic memory aid, the Voice Organizer, to manage prospective memory errors. Performance was assessed on two measures analogous to everyday memory tasks; a Message-Passing task requiring prospective recall after a delay of 9 hours, and a Domestic Task measure which involved the recall of household chores following a delay of 1? 6 days. All subjects benefited from the introduction of the aid on the Message-Passing task and all but one improved their prospective recall on the Domestic Task measure. These results suggest that the Voice Organizer may be a useful aid in the neuropsychological rehabilitation of prospective memory impairment.
A randomized trial of two treatments for mild traumatic brain injury: 1 year follow-up

The purpose of this study was to provide 1 year follow-up data to a previous paper that compared single-session (SS) treatment to treatment-as-needed (TAN) outcomes for mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) survivors at 3 months post-injury. Participants were 105 adults with MTBI who were recruited from consecutive admissions to two hospital emergency wards, and randomly assigned to either the SS or TAN modality. No group differences in outcome were evident at 12 months postinjury. As well, improvements seen in the groups after 3 months were maintained at 12 months. As improvements between 3 and 12 months were negligible, self-reported improvement after a treated MTBI typically occurred within the first 3 months. Brief educational intervention given soon after MTBI appears to be as helpful as more intensive treatment for most MTBI survivors for at least 12 months post-injury.
Antidepressant therapy: new targets for drug development

Antidepressant drugs have been available for more than 40 years. However, essentially all drugs currently available share the common mechanism of modulating the synaptic transmission of the monoamines serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline (NE), or dopamine (DA). The mechanisms of action of available drugs include the enhancing the synaptic availability of the monoamines via blockade of the high-affinity transporter proteins for these transmitters or α-1 receptors, or antagonism of 5-HT receptors. Although the available medications are often effective, treatment resistance is common and many patients discontinue prematurely because of side effect problems. More recently, evidence has accumulated suggesting that antidepressants may have effects beyond the postsynaptic receptors. Enhancement or inhibition of mRNA expression for a number of polypeptides have been demonstrated. These proposed ultimate effects of antidepressant agents, such as increasing the expression of glucocorticoid receptors and brain derived neurotrophic factor or inhibition of NMDA receptor subunit and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) expression, relate to possible new therapeutic targets for antidepressant development. This paper will present data supporting potential new drug targets: antagonists for CRH, NMDA, neurokinins and agonists for neuropeptide Y1 receptors, as well as reviewing recent relevant patents. The problems with establishing new antidepressant agents will also be discussed.
Cultural variations in the understanding of traumatic brain injury and brain injury rehabilitation

Little is known about how people from different cultures experience and understand traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the process of brain injury rehabilitation. The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) undertook a qualitative project to research cultural variations in the understanding of TBI and the rehabilitation process, interviewing 39 people with TBI and family members from Italian, Lebanese and Vietnamese backgrounds. The focus was on the reporting of sequelae of the TBI; valued qualities of service providers; barriers to effective communication; the role of the families in the rehabilitation process; and the experience of social stigma. Findings suggest there is a universal experience of TBI that transcends individual cultures. Study participants valued attentiveness, friendliness and guidance from rehabilitation staff. Family support was not always available to the person with TBI due to family conflict. Generally, people with TBI and family members valued the assistance of health interpreters facilitating their communication with rehabilitation staff. People with TBI from all three cultures experienced problems of stigma and social isolation. The findings have a number of implications for how brain injury rehabilitation staff can approach service provision to people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Status of the Pale Sand Rat, Psammomys vexillaris Thomas, 1925

In 1902 Thomas (p. 10) wrote ". There are clearly two species (of Psammomys) — a larger darker and a smaller paler one — living together in Algeria and Tripoli. " At that time he referred the larger Libyan material to a new species, Psammomys Iripolitanus. The smaller one, of which he had only a single specimen from "Bonjem", Libya, he then referred to Psammomys roudairei Lataste, 1881. A second, immature specimen from "W. Wagis" he doubtfully referred to this species. In 1925 Thomas (p. 197) indicated that P. roudairei Lataste, 1881 was based on a young specimen of the larger darker species (= Psammomys obesus Cretzschmar, 1826). At that time he described the smaller, paler animal as a new species, Psammomys vexillaris, based upon the single specimen from "Bonjem" [ = Bu Ngem, Tripolitania Province, Libya]. At the same time he described as a new subspecies, Psammomys vexillaris edusa, material from Mil Mahases, Ghegga, just south of Biskra, Algeria. The latter he distinguished on the basis of "much smaller and less inflated bullae". The status of the small, pale form has been the subject of much confusion in most recent literature. Most workers (eg. Ellerman and Morrison-Scott, 1951:648 ; and Petter, 1975) have recognized only a single species (Psammomys obesus) and have variously placed P. vexillaris and P. vexillaris edusa of Thomas as subspecies or synonyms within P. obesus. Ranck (1968:187) recognized P. vexillaris as a distinct species and, based on additional specimens, tabulated additional differences between it and Psammomys obesus. Ranck had no Algerian material available, thus he was unable to comment on the status of Psammomys vexillaris edusa. Basically, the problem concerning the recognition of P. vexillaris as a distinct species appears to be the result of several factors : adult P. vexillaris are broadly overlapped in general size by young and subadult P. obesus that often inhabit the same general region. Thus, P. vexillaris are often thought to be young P. obesus. Further, sexual dimorphism in size exists in this genus. Finally, the morphological limits of P. vexillaris have never been adequately quantified, primarily because so few specimens have been available. However, as shown in figure 1, when specimens are separated in age groups
Effect of glaze and selected herbal extracts on lipid oxidation and sensory properties of frozen Atlantic herrings (Clupea harengus L.)

Frozen fillets of Atlantic herrings (Clupea harengus) were used to evaluate the effect of glaze with or without addition of selected herbal extracts on lipid oxidation and sensory properties during 8 months of freezing storage under −14 °C. Fillets were divided into four groups: control non-glazed group, glazed group without addition of herbal extracts, and glazed groups with addition of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha L.) extract (0.3%) and agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria L.) extract (0.3%). The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in hawthorn and agrimony extracts, and their effect on lipid deterioration expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were measured. The results showed that the herbal extracts of hawthorn and agrimony are effective antioxidants and good sources of total phenols. Significant influence of herbal extracts added into glaze on the extent of lipid oxidation changes has been obvious within 4 months storage of herring fillets under freezing conditions. Finally, positive influence of glaze and herbal extracts on organoleptic characteristics of fish fillets was found.
Atopiclair

Background: MAS063DP cream has received marketing authorization in the USA and the EU as a medical device for the relief of symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) and contact dermatitis. Objective: Review of technical and clinical data in the literature on MAS063DP to evaluate the role that MAS063DP (Sinclair Pharmaceuticals Ltd) holds in the management of patients affected by AD. Methods: We explored the characteristics and efficacy of the product by a wide-ranging search of the medical and scientific studies in the literature and drew our conclusions also on the basis of our medical practice and knowledge concerning the treatment guidelines and therapy options of AD. Conclusion: MAS063DP is a product dermatologists could enroll in the treatment of signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate AD in adult and pediatric patients.
TBI knowledge and pragmatic assessment among Connecticut school speech?language pathologists

School-based speech? language pathologists from Connecticut responded to a random survey which had a twofold purpose, (1) to replicate a previous conclusion that clinicians' specific experience with traumatic brain injury (TBI) influences their knowledge of this subject, and (2) to explore the topic of pragmatic assessment and whether it is also influenced by specific TBI experience. Results indicate that Connecticut school clinicians favourably regard both their own knowledge of TBI and the contemporary issue of pragmatic assessment. Connecticut clinicians also report a relatively low degree of prior TBI training and clinical experience. Clinicians' degree of TBI training and clinical experience did not appear directly related to their reported competence in TBI knowledge and pragmatic assessment.
The late Pliocene locality of Ah1 a1 Oughlam, Morocco: vertebrate fauna and interpretation

The late Pliocene site of Ah1 a1 Oughlam near Casablanca, Morocco, dated to ca. 2.5 Ma, yielded the richest vertebrate fauna of the North African late Cainozoic. It includes more than 55 species of mammals, and a variety of birds and reptiles, probably accumulated by carnivores. The faunal assemblage, and its poor diversity, point to a quite open and not very favourable environment, perhaps markedly seasonal. Overall similarity of the ungulate fauna with the rest of Africa definitely shows that the Sahara did not yet act as a major geographical barrier for large mammals, but there is no evidence of human presence.
Aroma Volatiles Generated during Extrusion Cooking of Maize Flour

Volatile components in maize flour, extruded under different conditions obtained by varying product temperature (120, 150, or 180 °C), moisture level (14, 18, or 22%), and residence time (35 or 60 s), were identified and evaluated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and GC olfactometry (GCO). Eighty compounds were identified in the headspace collections of the extrudates. Increasing the product temperature, reducing the moisture level, or prolonging the residence times generally increased the numbers and quantities of Maillard-derived compounds, such as pyrazines, pyrroles, furans, and sulfur-containing heterocycles. In low-temperature (120 °C) and high-moisture (22%) extrusions, the main volatiles were compounds associated with lipid degradation, with few compounds derived from the Maillard reaction. Increasing the temperature and reducing the moisture level to 18% gave rise to the formation of some pyrazines and thiophenones. A marked increase in quantities of 2-furfural, 2-furanmethanol, an.
Tertiary amide ureido derivatives VLA-4 antagonists

Ureido tertiary amide derivatives are claimed as antagonists of the 4β1integrin receptor (VLA-4). They inhibit the binding of adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and fibronectin to this integrin receptor. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of a range of inflammatory diseases such as asthma.
Quinoline antimalarials

Quinoline antimalarial patents and relevant scientific literature concerning their mechanism of action, mechanism of resistance and structure-function relationships are discussed in this review. The review provides a brief history of current antimalarial drugs and describes some salient features about their use, occurrence of drug resistance, their metabolism and known adverse effects. Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism of action of 4-aminoquinolines, quinoline methanols and 8-aminoquinolines are discussed as is the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms of drug resistance. New insights into structure-function relationships in 4-aminoquinolines, both with respect to activity and resistance, are emphasised. Finally, patents registered since 1997 are described and an expert opinion offered. The review emphasises advances made during the last four years.
NOTES ON BLACKFLIES (DIPTERA : SIMULIIDAE) FROM SULAWESI, INDONESIA

A total of nine taxa of Simuliidae, including six new species, were collected from northern Sulawesi, Indonesia. All belong to the genus Simulium Latreille, and are assigned to the subgenera Nevermannia Enderlein {S. (N.) aureohirtum Brunetti and another unnamed species}, Morops Enderlein (1 new species), Gomphostilbia Enderlein (3 new species and another unnamed species) and Simulium Latreille s. str. (2 new species). Descriptions of all the new species are provided, with keys for their separation. Notes on their taxonomic relationships and the ecology of the immature stages are given.
Immunohistochemical localization of rainbow trout androgen receptors in the testis

SUMMARY: We examined the distribution of two rainbow trout androgen receptors (rtAR: rtAR-α and rtAR-β) in the testis immunohistochemically using a specific antibody to clarify the target cells of androgen in spermatogenesis. Positive rtAR immunoreactivity in paraffin-embedded sections was revealed using microwave treatment, and was detected in the nuclei of Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and other interstitial cells. The presence of rtAR in Leydig cells suggested that fish androgens regulate Leydig cell activity in an autocrine fashion similar to mammalian androgens. In addition, we found that not all Leydig cells exhibited rtAR immunoreactivity in the mature testis by double staining using anti-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) antibody. Furthermore, rtAR immunoreactivity was also detected in the nuclei of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids. The intensity of rtAR immunoreactivity in the nuclei of spermatogonia seemed to be weaker than those of spermatocytes and spermatids. These results suggested that androgens act directly on both germ cells and somatic cells in the regulation of spermatogenesis in the rainbow trout.
Compactação da cromatina e morfometria da cabeça de espermatozoides na produção de embriões in vitro utilizando touros zebuínos

The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship between sperm head morphometry and chromatin packaging with the cleavage ratio and blastocyst formation during in vitro fertilization programs (IVF). Data of 38 IVFs using semen of zebu bulls with normal spermogram, carried out at two laboratories in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were used in this study. Sperm smears stained with toluidine blue and analyzed by computer image analysis were used to evaluate the morphometry and chromatin packaging. The packaging intensity and homogeneity of sperm chromatin were evaluated. The results made it possible to conclude that light variations in the head morphometry and chromatin packaging had little influence on the cleavage and number of morphologically normal blastocysts during IVF.
Changes in the incidence and severity of Cassava mosaic virus disease, varietal diversity and cassava production in Uganda

Summary A survey in 1994 assessed the incidence and severity of Cassava mosaic virus disease (CMD) in Uganda and the changes that had occurred since the previous survey in 1990–92. Three counties in each of 27 districts were selected and 15 fields were assessed per county. CMD occurred in each of the 1215 fields surveyed and the overall incidence within fields was 64% compared with 52% in the same districts in 1990–92. Mean incidence differed significantly between districts and between counties within some districts. The incidence and severity of CMD had increased in 20 and 23 of the 27 districts, respectively, compared with 1990–92, indicating the continued progress of the epidemic that was first reported in Uganda in 1988. In all but three districts, there had been a decrease in the total area of cassava. The number of different varieties that predominated in one or more fields had increased in 17 districts compared with 1990–92, although the total number of varieties encountered was little changed. Ebwanateraka was again the most widely grown variety but it was recorded less frequently and predominated or was co-dominant in only two districts in 1994 compared with seven in 1990–92. The biggest decrease in the cultivation of Ebwanateraka had occurred in districts where there was a high incidence of CMD in 1990–92.
Dynamics of Pneumonia in a Bighorn Sheep Metapopulation

Abstract We investigated the dynamics of 8 populations of a bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) metapopulation in Hells Canyon, USA from 1997 to 2003. Pneumonia was the most common cause (43%) of adult mortality and the primary factor limiting population growth. Cougar (Puma concolor) predation was the second most-frequent source (27%) of adult mortality but did not reduce the rate of population growth significantly. Most pneumonia-caused mortality occurred in fall and early winter and most cougar predation occurred in late winter and early spring. Average annual survival of adult males (0.84) was lower than females (0.91). Pneumonia was the most common known cause of lamb mortality (86%), and pneumonia-related mortality was detected whenever summer lamb survival was <50%. Pneumonia-caused mortality rates in lambs were high from 21 days to 91 days of age and peaked at 42 days to 70 days. Summer pneumonia epizootics in lambs were independent of pneumonia-caused mortality in adults. Pneumonia-caused mortality occurred at the population level and was not synchronized geographically or temporally among populations. Although catastrophic all-age pneumonia-epizootics have previously been described in bighorn sheep, we found that chronic, although sporadic, pneumonia-caused mortality in adults and lambs can also have important effects on the dynamics of bighorn sheep populations.