Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of adverse drug reaction profiles of two tacrolimus formulations in rats

Tacrobell® (TB) is a generic tacrolimus which showed the comparable efficacy to original product, Prograf® (PG) in renal transplantation, but toxicity between two drugs is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the toxicity between these two formulations. TB and PG (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg/day) was administered to rats for 4 weeks. The rat survival rate, kidney, liver and pancreas injury was investigated. The survival rate was similar between TB- and PG-treated rats. TB and PG induced renal dysfunction in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to PG treatment in equal dose, TB treatment reduced urinary creatinine clearance in a less degree and renal interstitial fibrosis was comparable between two regimens. The r-glutamyl transpeptidase was aggravated by tacrolimus treatment, and this was not different between TB and PG treatment. In the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, a significant diabetogenic effect was observed in all tacrolimus treated-rats. The glucose tolerance of TB-treated rats was similar to those of PG-treated rats in each dose. The decrement in pancreatic β-cell mass by tacrolimus showed the dose-dependent response and it was comparable between TB and PG treatment. In conclusion, TB is similar to PG in terms of nephrotoxicity, hepatoxicity and diabetogenic effect.
Paroxetine in the treatment of recurrent brief depressive disorder

Recurrent brief depressive disorder is now a well-recognized type of depressive disorder. However, there is still no clear evidence base for its treatment. The efficacy of several drugs including antidepressants and mood stabilizers in this disorder has been controversial. Methodological limitations need to be considered when interpreting the results of studies on efficacy of drugs in this disorder. We report a case of recurrent brief depressive disorder that responded dramatically to paroxetine. However, there is a need for larger, methodologically sound, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
Gene transfer in the nervous system and implications for transsynaptic neuronal tracing

Importance of the field: Neuronal circuitries are determined by specific synaptic connections and they provide the cellular basis of cognitive processes and behavioral functions. To investigate neuronal circuitries, tracers are typically used to identify the original neurons and their projection targets. Areas covered in this review: Traditional tracing methods using chemical tracers have major limitations such as non-specificity. In this review, we highlight novel genetic tracing approaches that enable visualization of specific neuronal pathways by introducing cDNA encoding a transsynaptic tracer. In contrast to conventional tracing methods, these genetic approaches use cell-type-specific promoters to express transsynaptic tracers such as wheat germ agglutinin and C-terminal fragment of tetanus toxin, which allows labeling of either the input or output populations and connections of specific neuronal type. What the reader will gain: Specific neuronal circuit information by these genetic approaches will allow more precise, comprehensive and novel information about individual neural circuits and their function in normal and diseased brains. Take home message: Using tracer gene transfer, neuronal circuit plasticity after traumatic injury or neurodegenerative diseases can be visualized. Also, this can provide a good marker for evaluation of therapeutic effects of neuroprotective or neurotrophic agents.
5th International Conference on Sex Hormones, Pregnancy and Rheumatic Disease

This conference focused on pregnancy in rheumatic diseases. In antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), thrombotic phenomena, complement system and direct binding of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies to the trophoblast can explain the wide obstetrical manifestations. A significant rate of prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction is observed in APS pregnancies. Concerning infant health, shortand longterm outcome for babies born to patients with APS was reported; the pathogenesis of congenital heart block and its management in the first years of a child’s life was extensively discussed. Moreover, a specific session analyzed the outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), demonstrating frequent clinical relapse during pregnancy. By contrast, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually improves, mainly owing to a dramatic change in the cytokines’ profile. Finally, based on experts’ opinions, recommendations for treatment with new antirheumatic drugs in pregnancy were proposed. The conference, held in Florence April 20–21, 2007, attracted over 500 attendees from 53 different countries. It was co-chaired by Maurizio Cutolo, Marco Matucci Cerinic, Angela Tincani and Pierluigi Meroni. The major topics aimed to analyze the pathogenesis of fetal damage and pregnancy complications in APS, immune modulation of RA during pregnancy, pregnancy outcome in different autoimmune diseases (i.e., SLE and systemic sclerosis [SSc]), the health status of children born to mothers with aPL antibodies or anti-Ro/SSA antibodies and, finally, some recommendations regarding drug treatment during pregnancy in patients affected by rheumatic diseases.
Increased Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Bell's Palsy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the mean platelet volume (MPV) levels in patients with Bell palsy (BP). Moreover, we aimed to find out any correlation between MPV levels and the severity and prognosis of BP. MATERIALS and METHODS: The study group consisted of 30 subjects who presented with BP and 30 control subjects with no evidence of facial nerve pathology. The evaluation of subjects included a detailed history, general physical examination, and assessment of laboratory blood parameters. RESULTS: The mean MPV and platelet distribution width (PDW) values in patients with BP were significantly higher than the control group (p=0.02, p=0.0001 respectively). The mean platelet count (PC) values in the BP group and control group were similar (p=0.169). There was positive correlation between MPV values and grade of facial paralysis (r=0.716, p=0.0001). Also, there was positive correlation between PDW values and grade of facial paralysis (r=0.376, p=0.041). In contrast, there was no correlation between MPV and PDW values and prognosis of facial paralysis (r= 0.275, p=0.142; r= 0.073, p=0.703 respectively). CONCLUSION: There is no previous study that has investigated the association between MPV values and BP in the literature. Higher MPV values in BP patients may be a predictor of worse severity.
Cardiovascular Assessment in Radiotelemetry-Implanted Pregnant Rats

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the potential adverse effects of the chronic use of surgically implanted radiotelemetry transmitters and femoral catheters on embryo–fetal development in rats. Methods: Two groups of 10 female rats were implanted with femoral catheters and radiotelemetry transmitters. Ten additional rats were implanted with femoral catheters alone. The females were then time mated with male rats and pregnancy confirmed. Saline was continuously infused from gestation days 6–17. Saline infusion was replaced with 0.8 μg/ml angiotensin II in one group of animals, on gestation days 6, 9, 12, and 15 in order to demonstrate the validity of the system to detect changes in hemodynamic function by a pharmacologically active agent. Embryo–fetal development was assessed by examination of the number and location of the fetuses, early and late resorptions, and number of implantation sites. Parameters evaluated included postimplantation loss, live litter size, mean fetal body weights, and fetal sex ratios. Results: Intrauterine survival was unaffected in all groups. Mean numbers of corpora lutea and implantation sites and the mean litter proportions of preimplantation loss were similar across all groups. Infusion of angiotensin II elicited the expected hemodynamic response, i.e., increased arterial blood pressure with a concomitant decrease in heart rate. Conclusion: Radiotelemetry can be used in combination with continuous intravenous infusion as a viable methodology for detecting test article induced changes in cardiovascular function in pregnant rats, with no effects on intrauterine growth and survival or fetal morphology.
Physical Exercise Influences Academic Performance and Well-being in Children and Adolescents

Volume 1 • Issue 1 • 1000e102 Int J Sch Cogn Psychol ISSN: 24 3 IJSCP, an open access journal Physical exercise and other activity-promoting behaviors, including sports, hold incalculable benefits for children and adolescents besides physical and psychological health and quality of life [1]. A multitude factors contribute to increased brain and functional integrity [2,3] and optimal development [4,5] through exercise. Concurrently, a vast range of situations and techniques have demonstrated the marked cognitive [6], emotional [7,8] and neuroimmunological [9,10] functioning manifestations. Unsurprisingly, the influence of physical exercise upon school and academic performance is an issue of some magnitude [11-13]. In a systematic review of randomized control trials of school children, Lees and Hopkins [14] observed that there was a positive association between aerobic physical activity and cognition, academic achievement, behavior, and psychosocial functioning outcomes. Nevertheless, they indicated the necessity for more rigorous trials with adequate sample sizes assessing the impact of aerobic physical activity on children’s cognitive abilities, psychosocial functioning, behavior, and academic achievement; standardized interventions, valid and reliable tools of measurement, and long-term follow-up for sustained cognitive and psychosocial outcomes were advanced as primary targets. Furthermore, Singh et al. [15] showed that physical exercise was linked positively to children’s academic performance on the basis of two highquality studies. In their turn, they called for the examination of doseresponse relationships between extent of physical activity and academic performance. These avenues of consideration seem essential since poorer motor performance has been found to be related to inferior academic skills in school children, particularly among boys [16]. Their results beg the conclusion that early identification of children with poor motor/athletic prowess is of necessity and that actions aimed at improving these children’s motor performance and academic skills during the first school years are important investments. Latham et al. [17] showed that provision of middle school students with a choice of performing the “FitnessGram” mile run in either traditional one-mile run or the treadmill one-mile format exerted positive influences on several measures of performance.
A Novel Experimental Animal Model of Arterial Stenosis Based on Endovascular Radiofrequency Energy Application

ABSTRACT Purpose: To develop a new rabbit model of arterial stenosis using endovascular radiofrequency (RF) energy. Materials and Methods: Ten rabbits were used for multiple endovascular RF applications to the aorta and left common carotid artery through the Habib™ VesCoag™ catheter. Angiography and color Doppler ultrasound were used to assess vessel patency immediately following the procedure and six weeks later. One rabbit was sacrificed following the procedure for histopathologic analysis of the vessel wall. Two rabbits died of aortic and carotid rupture, respectively, immediately after the procedure. The remaining seven rabbits were sacrificed after six-week follow-up for histopathological analysis. Results: Optimal RF generator settings to induce significant arterial stenosis (>50%) without complications were standardized at 24–26 watts (W) for 1.5 min for the aorta and 6 W for 1 min for the common carotid artery. The six-week follow-up showed permanent results in all surviving rabbits. Histopathology revealed intima and medial smooth muscle layer necrosis. Conclusion: We have developed a novel rabbit model of arterial stenosis using endovascular RF energy. Our model is fast, safe, inexpensive, and reproducible. It would be useful for experimental investigations and new therapeutic devices.
Risk Factors for the Probability of Pregnancy Following Synchronization Protocols in Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with pregnancy following 3 synchronization protocols in dairy cows. Data were collected on 1,952 cows from 22 dairy farms, including synchronization protocols (PGF2α + estradiol benzoate [PG+EB], Ovsynch, and CIDR-ovsynch), cow parity, body condition score (BCS), and dates of previous calving, insemination and conception. The odds ratio (OR) for pregnancy were analyzed by logistic regression using the LOGISTIC procedure in SAS. The analysis revealed that farm (p = 0.005), cow parity (p = 0.0001), BCS (p 0.05), cow parity and synchronization protocols showed a significant interaction (p 0.05). Cows with BCS ≥ 3.00 were more likely pregnant (OR: 1.41) compared with cows having BCS ≤ 2.75, whereas cows inseminated during summer had a lower OR (0.73) compared with those inseminated during spring. Cows with a calving to AI interval > 150 days were more likely to be pregnant (OR: 1.20) compared with cows with a calving to AI interval ≤ 150 days. In conclusion, the OR for pregnancy following synchronization protocols in dairy cows was affected by farm, parity, BCS, calving to AI interval of the cow, and AI season, and there was a significant interaction between cow parity and synchronization protocols; the OR for pregnancy was lower for multiparous cows compared with primiparous cows using the PG+EB protocol.
Tacrine Treatment and Nursing Home Placement: Application of the Cox Proportional Hazards Model With Time-Dependent Covariates

Cox proportional hazards regressions with time-dependent covariates were used to determine the effect of continuous, long-term, open-label tacrine hydrochloride (Cognex®) treatment on nursing home placement in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The results were compared with those obtained using logistic regression analyses, life table survival plots, and Kaplan-Meier estimates. Patients with probable AD (NINCDS criteria) initially randomized in a 30-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, high-dose study of tacrine could continue on long-term, open-label treatment at doses up to 160 mg/day. The population of interest consisted of patients who remained on tacrine or were off tacrine for only a short period of time (1–60 days) prior to an event. Using last tacrine dose, the Cox proportional hazards regression approach with timedependent covariates demonstrated there was a dose-response trend favoring higher doses (risk ratio = 1.7, p = 0.056) and a statistically significant difference favoring medium and higher doses combined (risk ratio = 1.8, p = 0.014).
Tooth positioners and their effects on treatment outcome

Malocclusion can also be corrected by means of clear removable appliances called as “tooth positioners” or “aligners”. A tooth positioner is used to control settling and to minimize or eliminate relapse of the teeth after an orthodontic treatment. In this article, a complete review of the objectives, course of treatment, fabrication, and the materials used for fabrication of tooth positioners along with their importance and disadvantages were discussed. Tooth positioners did improve the overall orthodontic treatment outcome as quantified by the ABO (American Board of orthodontics) objective scoring method. But once the initial occlusal contact was achieved, the vertical movement of teeth was found to be inhibited.
Genetic Polymorphism of DNA Methyltransferase 3A rs1550117 A>G and Risk of Cancer: A Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have investigated the association between DNMT3A rs1550117 A>G polymorphism and cancer risk, but the results are inconsistent. To obtain a more precise evaluation of the relationship, we performed a meta-analysis of 10 case-control studies involving a total of 2184 cancer cases and 3420 controls. Our findings demonstrated a significant association between DNMT3A rs1550117 A>G polymorphism and increased risk of cancer in three genetic models: AA vs. AG + GG (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.12–2.88; p = 0.015), AA vs. GG (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.11–2.95; p = 0.018) and AA vs. AG (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.13–2.79; p = 0.013). In a stratified analysis by cancer type, significant association between DNMT3A rs1550117 A>G polymorphism and increased risk of colorectal cancer was identified in four genetic models: AA vs. AG + GG (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.56–6.06; p = 0.001), AA vs. GG (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.58–6.29; p = 0.001), AA vs. AG (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.41–5.84; p = 0.004), A vs. G (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.11–1.83; p = 0.005). Furthermore, a stratified analysis by ethnicity, significant increased risk of cancer was found among Asians in three genetic models: AA vs. AG + GG (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.09–2.88; p = 0.022), AA vs. GG (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.08–2.96; p = 0.025), AA vs. AG (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.10–2.79; p = 0.019). No significant publication bias was revealed for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis suggested the reliability of our findings. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that DNMT3A rs1550117 A>G polymorphism may be associated with cancer susceptibility.
Effects of MTHFR c.677C>T, F2 c.20210G>A and F5 Leiden Polymorphisms in Gastroschisis

ABSTRACT Background: Gastroschisis is a developmental disorder involving the extrusion of fetal intestines through a defect in the abdominal wall. The mechanism is presumed to be a dual vascular/thrombotic pathogenesis, where normal right umbilical vein involution forms a possible site for thrombosis adjacent to the umbilical ring. Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the 3 common prothrombotic polymorphisms, MTHFR c.677C>T, F2 c.20210G>A, and F5 Leiden, were elevated in frequency in Indonesian gastroschisis patients. Material and Methods: Three genetic markers were investigated in 46 patients with gastroschisis and 89 ethnicity-matched controls for association studies using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) or TaqMan Genotyping Assays on genomic DNA. Results: MTHFR c.677C>T showed a significant association with gastroschisis (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.13–3.86; p = .018) but no affected infants had risk alleles for either F2 c.20210G>A or F5 Leiden. Further, the frequency of MTHFR risk allele (T) in patients with maternal age <25 years is marginally significant higher than those in cases with maternal age ≥25 years (p = .069) with an OR of 2.7 (95% CI = 0.90–8.07). Conclusions: MTHFR is a common susceptibility factor for gastroschisis in Indonesia. The increased gastroschisis risk in offspring of younger maternal age suggests the thrombotic pathogenesis model. A founder effect is the most likely explanation for the rarity of the F2 and F5 Leiden polymorphisms in Indonesian population.
Does Vitamin E Improve the Outcomes of Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background and Aims: To systemically evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant vitamin E on the outcomes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and/or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in children. Materials and Methods: We searched MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews over the period between January 1980 and September 2012 for the studies that examined the role of adjuvant vitamin E given at any dose or duration, alone or in combination with other interventions, on the outcome of pediatric NAFLD. The outcomes are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization and histological improvement. Results: Five randomized trials were eligible to be included in our analysis, with a total of 270 participants. There was no statistically significant difference in the effect of adjuvant vitamin E on normalizing serum ALT [risk ratio (RR) =1.18, confidence interval (CI) =0.92-1.53, P = 0.77 for heterogeneity, I2 = 0%]. Sensitivity analysis showed that using higher doses of vitamin E, a longer duration of therapy or adding vitamin C did not change the effect on the measured outcome. Only two studies looked at histological changes as an outcome. We observed substantial heterogeneity between the two studies. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis did not find a significant effect of adjuvant vitamin E over placebo in normalizing serum ALT. Data on the long-term effect of adjuvant vitamin E on histological improvements in NAFLD patients are still lacking. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in children with histological endpoints are still needed to answer this question.
Exposure assessment of carbon nanotube manufacturing workplaces

Seven CNT (carbon nanotube) handling workplaces were investigated for exposure assessment. Personal sampling, area sampling, and real-time monitoring using an SMPS (scanning mobility particle sizer), dust monitor, and aethalometer were performed to characterize the mass exposure, particle size distribution, and particle number exposure. No workplace was found to exceed the current ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) TLVs (threshold limit values) and OELs (occupational exposure levels) set by the Korean Ministry of Labor for carbon black (3.5 mg/m3), PNOS (particles not otherwise specified; 3 mg/m3), and asbestos (0.1 fiber/cc). Nanoparticles and fine particles were most frequently released after opening the CVD (chemical vapor deposition) cover, followed by catalyst preparation. Other work processes that prompted nanoparticle release included spraying, CNT preparation, ultrasonic dispersion, wafer heating, and opening the water bath cover. All these operation processes could be effectively controlled with the implementation of exposure mitigation, such as engineering control, except at one workplace where only natural ventilation was used.
Effect of matricaria recutita on acute pain in the presence and absence of sex hormones

BACKGROUND: Chamomile is a beneficial herbal drug that is used as an anti-inflammatory, sedative and anti-allergic agent. The mechanism of action of matricaria recutita (MR), a specious of chamomile, in nociception in male and fe- male animals is not fully understood. In this study, the sedative effect of a species of chamomile, MR, on acute pain was investigated in both male and female adult mice in the presence and absence of sex hormones. METHODS: Male and female NMRI mice weighing 28 ± 3 grams were used. Animals of each sex were divided into in- tact and gonadectomized groups. Intact group received saline or MR extract (10, 30, 50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Go- nadectomized group contained two subgroups: a) group that received saline or MR hydro alcoholic extract (50 mg/kg, I.P.), and b) group that received sex hormones (testosterone in male mice and estradiol benzoate and progesterone in female mice), both with and without MR extract (50mg/kg, IP). The analgesia times in all groups were evaluated by hot plate test. RESULTS: MR increased analgesia time both in intact and gonadectomized male and female mice, but had no effect in the presence of pharmacological doses of testosterone (2 mg/kg, subcutaneous) in male mice, and estradiol benzoate (0.1 mg/kg, SC) and progesterone (0.5 mg/kg, SC) in female mice. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that MR can induce a pain-relieving effect with and without physiological doses of sex hor- mones in male and female mice, but sex hormones probably interact with its analgesic effect in their pharmacological doses.