Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of sizing and subcoronary implantation technique on the function of porcine aortic homografts

The function and longevity of the homograft aortic valve may be influenced by valve size and subcoronary implantation technique. Dynamic function and leaflet configuration of the porcine aortic valve were analysed first in it snatural root in a left heart simulator using glycerol at 120/80 mm Hg pressure and 4 l min-1 Cardiac Output (C.O.). Then the valve was implanted in the porcine root and studied: Group I (n = 4) 1-2 mm smaller, Group II (n = 8) 3-4 mm smaller and Group III (n = 4) 5-7 mm smaller donor valve than the recipient. A silicone rubber mould of the implanted valve was made and analysed. In the donor aortic root the commissural expansion for 0 to 80 mm Hg pressure was 42% which was reduced significantly in all assemblies. Group I showed the largest decrease in the orifice area (OA). In Group III decrease in the OA was less, however, two of the four valves had aortic insufficiency (AI). In Group II decrease in the OA was only 13% and there was no AI. During opening the leaflet surface was smooth and freeof wrinkles in the intact valve, but had creases and folds in all three groups. All implanted valves had an indentation along the suture line disrupting the leaflet-sinus continuity. Hence, to enhance valve longevity, donor valve 3-4 mm smaller than the recipient should be chosen and the implantation technique modified to preserve the leaflet-sinus continuity.
Speaking F0 characteristics of elderly Euro-American and African-American speakers: building a clinical comparative platform

This study sought to describe speaking fundamental frequency characteristics of elderly Euro-American and African-American individuals and to explore the effects of ethnicity and ageing on vocal parameters of speech production. Speech samples from 42 elderly Euro-American and 37 elderly African-American individuals (age range: 70-80 years) were compared on measures of mean speaking fundamental frequency (F0), maximum and minimum speaking F0, speaking F0 standard deviation (F0 SD), and speaking F0 range (in semitones). Elderly African-American females had significantly lower mean speaking F0 and speaking F0 SD than their Euro-American cohorts. Results indicate that researchers need to improve the clinical database for speakers from non-Euro-American backgrounds, and speech-language pathologists must exercise discretion when assessing the speaking F0 and other speech characteristics of elderly individuals from different ethnic groups.
EFFECTS OF NONFIBROUS PARTICLES ON CERAMIC FIBER (RCF1) TOXICITY IN RATS

In previous investigations a reference test sample of prepared ceramic fibers called RCF1 induced lung tumors in a 2-yr inhalation study in rats. It was hypothesized that nonfibrous particles in RCF1 may have played a significant role. The objective of the present study was to compare lung retention and biological effects of another sample of ceramic fibers, called RCF1a, to the original RCF1. The main difference between these 2 samples was the content of nonfibrous particles: 25% of the mass of RCF1 versus 2% for RCF1a. These nonfibrous particles were chemically identical to the fibers. Female Wistar rats were exposed 6 h/day, 5 days/wk for 3 wk to either RCF1a or RCF1 fiber aerosol at a concentration of about 125 fibers (> 20 µm long)/ml. Because of differences in the nonfibrous particle contents, the average gravimetric aerosol concentration differed between the two samples (RCF1, 51.2 mg/m 3; RCF1a, 25.8 mg/m 3) . The post-treatment observation period was 12 mo. Biological effects measured include the clearance function of alveolar macrophages (clearance of fibers and tracer particles), and inflammation and its persistence during the recovery period. Alveolar clearance of tracer particles (46 Sc 2 O 3) was barely retarded after RCF1a exposure (80 days clearance half time compared to 60 days in controls). After RCF1 exposure, however, a severe retardation of clearance was observed (1200 vs. 66 days). In both groups, differential cell counts on pulmonary lavage showed a significant increase of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) (about 15%) and lymphocytes 3 days after the end of exposure. The PMN influx persisted longer after exposure to RCF1 than RCF1a. The conclusion of the study is that the particle fraction of RCF1 significantly enhanced any adverse effects. This clearly demonstrates the importance of the physical characteristics of the test material for the degree of toxic effects to be expected. The presence of nonfibrous particulates can enhance the effects on the lung of a mixture of fibrous and nonfibrous particulates following exposure.
Interaction of Small Molecules with Specific Immune Receptors: The p-i Concept and its Consequences

Drugs may stimulate the immune system by forming stable new antigenic complexes consisting of the drug or drug metabolite which is covalently bound to a protein or peptide (hapten-carrier complex). Both, B- and T-cell immunity may arise, the latter directed to hapten modified peptides presented by HLA molecules. Beside this immunological stimulation, drugs can also stimulate the immune system through binding by non-covalent bonds to proteins like immune receptors. This so-called “pharmacological interaction with immune receptors” concept (“p-i concept”) may occur with HLA or TCR molecules themselves (p-i HLA or p-i TCR), and not the immunogenic peptide. It is a type of “off-target” activity of the drug on immune receptors, but more complex as various cell types, cell interactions and functionally different T cells are involved. In this review the conditions which lead to activation of T cells by p-i are discussed: important factors for a functional consequence of drug binding is the location of binding (p-i HLA or p-i TCR); the exact site within these immune receptors; the affinity of binding and the finding that p-i HLA can stimulate the immune system like an allo-allele. The p-i concept is able to solve some puzzles of drug hypersensitivity reactions and are a basis to better treat and potentially avoid drug hypersensitivity reactions. Moreover, the p-i concept shows that in contrast to previous beliefs small molecules do interact with immune receptors with functional consequence. But these interactions are not based on “immune recognition”, are at odds with some immunological concepts, but may nevertheless open new possibilities to understand and even treat immune reactions
COMBINED RESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF COLD AIR WITH SO2 OR NO2 IN REPEATED 10-MINUTE EXPOSURES OF HYPERVENTILATING GUINEA PIGS

Previous studies in asthmatic subjects and guinea pigs have demonstrated attenuation of bronchoconstriction in repeated exposures to clean cold dry air. In the present animal study, we have simulated short-lasting human exposures to subfreezing urban air containing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated guinea pigs had 4 consecutive 10-min exposures either to clean cold dry air or to cold air with graded concentrations of SO2 (0-5 ppm) or NO2 (0-4 ppm). Peak expiratory flow (PEF) and tidal volume (VT
DNA damage formation, DNA repair, and survival after exposure of DNA repair-proficient and nucleotide excision repair-deficient human lymphoblasts to UVA1 and UVB

Purpose : The comet assay has been used to visualize DNA damage in single cells after exposure to UV light. These comets are commonly thought to reflect transient, repair-induced DNA breaks. The goal of the work presented here was to further characterize the nature of UV-induced comets and to further elucidate DNA damage formation by different wavelengths of ultraviolet light. Materials and methods : Detailed dose–response and time-course experiments with comet formation were carried out with normal and nucleotide excision repair (NER)-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) lymphoblasts. Irradiation was carried out with low, intermediate, or high doses of UVA1 or UVB, comet formation was observed, cell survival and viability were determined, and UV-induced apoptosis was measured. Results : All responses were dose-dependent. With the intermediate dose of UVA1, a pronounced comet formation was observed without subsequent growth inhibition. Raising levels of porphyrins, which act as photosensitizers, by preincubation with 5-amino-levulinic acid increased comet formation with UVA1, but not with UVB. UVA1-sensitivity and comet formation in XP cells was not significantly different from the normal cells. With UVB no comet formation was seen without subsequent apoptotic cell death. XP cells exhibited the known UVB-hypersensitivity, but their comet formation was not significantly different from that of normal cells. Conclusions : The findings are compatible with the hypothesis that UV-induced comets represent transient repair-induced DNA breaks. Both, the NER of dimers and the base excision repair of oxidative DNA modifications are thought to contribute to comet formation.
CHARACTERIZATION OF RESPIRATORY EXPOSURE TO AND EFFECTS OF COLD-AIR HYPERVENTILATION IN GUINEA PIGS

The purpose of this study was to characterize the respiratory effects of single and repeated controlled exposures to clean warm humid and cold dry air in a new model of anesthetized, mechanically ventilated guinea pigs, and to compare findings with known effects in humans. Intratracheal air (Ttr) and retrotracheal tissue (Toe) temperatures and peak expiratory airflow (PEF), tidal volume (VT), heart rate, and blood pressure of hyperventilating animals were measured continuously. Four consecutive 10-min exposures to warm humid air (n = 7) produced slight airway warming and minimal lung function changes during the exposure. In a single 10-min exposure to cold dry air (n = 39), Ttr
Effect of diabetes in pregnancy on offspring: Follow-up research in the pima indians

Objective: To review data on the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to the diabetic intrauterine environment in the Pima Indians of Arizona. This population has high rates of Type 2 diabetes mellitus that has a strong genetic component and develops at young ages. Methods: Since 1965, Pima Indians at least 5 years old participated in a study of diabetes and its complications. This study consisted of biennial examinations with measurements of obesity and glucose tolerance and of glucose tolerance testing during pregnancy. The longitudinal nature of the study has permitted comparisons of data collected on children and young adults whose mothers were tested during pregnancy. Results: Offspring of women who had diabetes during pregnancy were more obese and had a higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. Exposure to the diabetic intrauterine environment was responsible for about 40% of Type 2 diabetes in 5–19-year-old children between 1987 and 1996—approximately twice the attributable risk found between 1967 and 1976. Over 70% of persons with prenatal exposure have Type 2 diabetes at 25–34 years of age. Conclusions: The effects of the diabetic pregnancy can be thought of as a vicious cycle, with consequences for the offspring extending well beyond the neonatal period. The young woman whose mother had diabetes during pregnancy is at risk of perpetuating the cycle by developing diabetes by her childbearing years. In this population, much of the increase in childhood Type 2 diabetes can be attributed to the diabetic intrauterine environment, which may be a factor in the alarming rise of this disease nationally.
Coenzyme Q 10 as a Possible Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ) is an essential cofactor of the electron transport gene as well as an important antioxidant, which is particularly effective within mitochondria. A number of prior studies have shown that it can exert efficacy in treating patients with known mitochondrial disorders. We investigated the potential usefulness of coenzyme Q 10 in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington's disease (HD). It has been demonstrated that CoQ 10 can protect against striatal lesions produced by the mitochondrial toxins malonate and 3-nitropropionic acid. These toxins have been utilized to model the striatal pathology, which occurs in HD. It also protects against 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) toxicity in mice. CoQ 10 significantly extended survival in a transgenic mouse model of ALS. CoQ 10 can significantly extend survival, delay motor deficits and delay weight loss and attenuate the development of striatal atrophy in a transgenic mouse model of HD. In this mouse model, it showed additive efficacy when combined with the N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, remacemide. CoQ 10 is presently being studied as a potential treatment for early PD as well as in combination with remacemide as a potential treatment for HD.
The consumption, digestion and utilization of two castor‐bean varieties by larvae of the Eri silk worm, Attacus ricini Boisd

The quantity of castor-bean leaves ingested by larvae of the Eri silk worm, Attacus ricini Boisd. increased gradually till the fourth instar, after which a sudden increase towards the fifth instar was observed. The fifth instar larvae ingested more of red than of the green castor leaf variety. The digestibility of food for larvae fed on the red variety was higher than that of those fed on the green variety. Similar results were obtained for the mean weights of different instar larvae and the efficiency of conversion of digested food to body matter. Larvae reared in the fourth and fifth generations and their corresponding ninth and tenth ones during the period extending from mid September to early February demonstrated the highest rates of the studied indices. Zusammenfassung Verbrauch, Verdauung und Verwertung zweier Bohnensorten durch die Raupen des Seidenspinners, Attacus ricini Boisd. Die von den Larven von A. ricini aufgenommene Menge an Blattern der Castorbohne stieg bis zum 4. Stadium allmahlich an, um mit dem 5. Stadium sich plotzlich stark zu erhohen. Die L5-Larven frasen mehr von der rotblattrigen als von der grunblattrigen Sorte der Bohne. Die Auswertbarkeit der roten Blatter war groser als die der grunen. Dies zeigte sich auch im mittleren Larvengewicht. Bei Untersuchung der Larven der 4. und 5. sowie 9. und 10. Generation jeweils in der Zeit zwischen September und Februar wurden in allen Fallen die hochsten Indices gewonnen.
Dwindling pollen resources trigger the transition to broodless populations of long‐lived honeybees each autumn

Abstract 1. Each autumn in northern regions, honeybee colonies shift from populations of short‐lived workers that actively rear brood to broodless populations of long‐lived winter bees. To determine if dwindling pollen resources trigger this transition, the natural disappearance of external pollen resources was artificially accelerated or delayed and colonies were monitored for effects on the decline in brood‐rearing activity and the development of populations of long‐lived winter bees.
First Record of the Invasive Green Seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia (Bryopsidales) on the Coast of Turkey

Abstract The first record of the invasive green alga Caulerpa taxifolia in Yolluca Military Base located near Cesmeaalti port (Izmir, Turkey), far away from the other affected areas, is reported, thus reinforcing the hypothesis of anthropogenic dissemination of this alga in the Mediterranean Sea.
Diving behaviour, aquatic respiration and blood respiratory properties: a comparison of hatchling and juvenile Australian turtles

Australia has a number of bimodally respiring freshwater turtle species that use aquatic respiration to extend their aerobic dive limit. While species variations in reliance on aquatic respiration are reflected in the diving behaviour and ecology of adults, it is unknown whether these relationships also occur in hatchling and juvenile turtles. This study compared the diving behaviour, aquatic respiration and blood respiratory properties of hatchling and juveniles from five species of Australian freshwater turtles: Rheodytes leukops, Elusor macrurus, Elseya albagula, Elseya latisternum and Emydura signata. Both diving behaviour and physiology differed significantly between species as well as age classes. Dive duration in R. leukops was 17 times longer than the other species, with two hatchlings remaining submerged for the entire 72 h recording period. The long dive duration recorded for R. leukops was supported by a high reliance on aquatic respiration (63–73%) and high blood oxygen affinity (P50=17.24 mmHg). A correlation between dive duration, aquatic respiration and blood respiratory properties was not observed in the remaining turtle species where, despite the longer dive duration of Els. albagula and Elu. macrurus compared with Em. signata and Els. latisternum, there was no difference observed in per cent aquatic respiration or blood oxygen affinity between these species. When compared with adult individuals (data from previous studies), dive duration was positively correlated with body size in Em. signata, Els. albagula and R. leukops, but a negative relationship occurred in Els. latisternum and Elu. macrurus.
TIME COURSE OF RESPONSE TO OZONE EXPOSURE IN HEALTHY ADULT FEMALES

Ozone exposure causes acute decrements in pulmonary function, increases airway responsiveness, and changes the breathing pattern. We examined these responses in 19 ozone-responsive (D FEV1 > 5%) young females exposed to both air and 0.35 ppm ozone. The randomized 75-min exposures included two 30-min exercise periods at V E 40 L/min. Responses were measured before, during, and after exposure and at 18 and 42 h postexposure. FVC, FEV1, and FIV0.5 decreased (p < .01) immediately postexposure by 13.2%, 19.9%, and 20.8%, respectively, and the airway responsiveness was significantly increased. Raw increased (p < .05), while TGV remained essentially unchanged. At 18 h postexposure, the airways were still hyperresponsive and FEV1 and FIV0.5 were still 5% below the preexposure levels. There were no residual effects in any of the variables at 42 h postexposure. During exercise in ozone the tidal volume was decreased (-14%) and respiratory frequency increased (+15%). The changes in airway responsiveness were not related to changes in spirometric measurements. We found no significant differences between postair and postozone mouth occlusion pressure (Pm0.1) and the hypercapnic response to CO2 rebreathing. We conclude that ozone induced typical acute changes in airway responsiveness and that ventilatory (exercise), spirometric (inspiratory and expiratory), and plethysmographic pulmonary function may show some residual effects for up to 18 h after exposure. The ozoneinduced alteration in breathing pattern during exercise does not appear to be related to a change in ventilatory drive.
A Simple Method for the Assessment of Crown Rot Disease Severity in Wheat Seedlings Inoculated with Fusarium pseudograminearum

Crown rot caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum (teleomorph: Gibberella coronicola) is a serious disease of wheat. A simple and reliable method for assessing this disease would enhance our capacity in identifying resistance sources and developing resistant wheat cultivars. In searching for such a method, several inoculation techniques were tested. One technique, soaking 1- to 4-day old seedlings in fungal spore suspension, produced consistent and severe crown rot symptoms. Glasshouse testing of several wheat genotypes using this method produced results that agreed well with previously established field ratings for crown rot disease, suggesting that this assay can be conveniently employed for screening of wheat genotypes for crown rot resistance.
Efficacy of Epoetin Beta on Hemoglobin, Quality of Life, and Transfusion Needs in Patients with Anemia Due to Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer - A Randomized Study

Objective: Erythropoietin is shown to be an effective treatment for anemia in various types of cancers, however only limited studies have evaluated its benefits in advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). This multi-center study investigated the influence of 2 different doses of epoetin beta on quality of life, hemoglobin level, need for blood transfusion, and safety, in the treatment of anemia in patients with metastatic HRPC. Materials and methods: This study randomized 180 patients to receive either epoetin beta 1000 IU or 5000 IU subcutaneously 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Hemoglobin was evaluated at study start and 6 time-points during the study. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire, QLC-C30, before treatment start and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. Best supportive care and blood transfusions were given, if clinically indicated. Additional laboratory values and adverse events were followed for safety. Results: Hemoglobin increased significantly (>20 g/l) in 43% in the high dose (HD) group and 25% in the low dose (LD) group in response to treatment. Levels were significantly higher in the HD group than the LD group (p < 0.001) after 8 and 12 weeks. QoL improved significantly if the increase in hemoglobin was >20 g/l. Significantly more patients in the LD group received blood transfusions than the HD group (p < 0.005). There were no differences between the groups regarding overall quality of life and fatigue. The treatment was well tolerated in both groups. Conclusions: Epoetin beta is shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of anemia in many patients with HRPC. It is found to improve QoL and physical functioning, and relieve fatigue symptoms, in many of these critically ill patients.