Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
All‐Trans Retinoic Acid and Intra‐Amniotic Endotoxin‐Mediated Effects on Fetal Sheep Lung

All‐trans retinoic acid (RA) is a potent modulator of lung development. Chorioamnionitis, which is frequently associated with preterm birth, causes fetal lung inflammation and improves lung function but also results in alveolar simplification and microvascular injury. Endotoxin‐mediated chorioamnionitis reduces RA concentration in the fetal lung to 16% of control values. We hypothesized that administration of RA to the fetus before induction of chorioamnionitis would preserve septation of the distal airspaces. Time‐mated ewes with singletons were assigned to receive a fetal intramuscular treatment with 20,000 IU of RA in olive oil (or olive oil only) 3 hr prior to intra‐amniotic injection of endotoxin (20 mg, E. coli 055:B5) or saline, at 124‐day gestational age and 7 days after the fetal treatment. The right cranial lung lobe was processed for morphometric analysis. RA treatment did not affect chorioamnionitis‐induced fetal and systemic inflammation or interleukin‐8 concentrations in lung tissue. RA administration alone did not alter lung structure. Relative to control lungs (5 ± 3 mL/kg), lung volume increased similarly with endotoxin (22 ± 4 mL/kg) or RA plus endotoxin (20 ± 3 mL/kg; P < 0.05). Alveolar wall thickness was 4.2 ± 0.3 μm after endotoxin‐induced chorioamnionitis, 6.0 ± 0.4 μm in controls (P < 0.05 versus endotoxin) and 5.5 ± 0.2 μm after RA and endotoxin (P < 0.05 versus control, n.s. versus endotoxin). The ratio of airspace versus tissue was 4.6 ± 0.3 in endotoxin‐induced chorioamnionitis, 2.1 ± 0.3 in controls and 4.1 ± 0.5 after RA and endotoxin. We conclude that fetal treatment with RA did not prevent inflammation‐induced alveolar simplification. Anat Rec, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diabetes mellitus induces decreased plasma fibrinolytic activity and increased tissue synthesis of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in the rat

Abstract In diabetes, plasma fibrinolytic activity is decreased while plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is increased. Both liver and adipose tissue can synthesize and release PAI-1, but PAI-1 synthesis in these tissues has not been investigated in diabetes. Furthermore, little is known about PAI-1 localization in arterial wall cells of diabetic animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chronic hyperglycemia on plasma fibrinolysis and plasma PAI-1 levels and on liver, adipose tissue and arterial wall PAI-1 content in the rat. We compared plasma fibrinolytic activity (lysis of fibrin plates) and plasma PAI-1 activity (chromogenic assay) in 10 Sprague Dowley 90% pancreatectomized rats (a model of diabetes characterized by normal fasting insulin and the absence of obesity, therefore closely resembling lean type 2 diabetes) and in 15 sham-operated rats. Furthermore, we measured PAI-1-related fluorescence, by immunofluorescent staining and Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy, in liver, adipose tissue and aortic wall in diabetic and control animals. In the diabetic animals plasma fibrinolytic activity was reduced (lysis areas = 163 ± 23 vs 308 ± 21 mm2, P These data provide evidence that in diabetes mellitus hyperglycemia is associated with increased PAI-1 content in the liver, adipose tissue and in the arterial wall. This suggests that in diabetes the liver and adipose tissue can be important sources for increased plasma PAI-1 and local fibrinolysis can be affected by increased PAI-1 levels in the arterial wall.
UCF‐101, A Novel Omi/HtrA2 Inhibitor, Protects Against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and neuroprotective mechanisms of UCF‐101, a novel Omi/HtrA2 inhibitor, following ischemia/reperfusion brain injury. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 2 hr of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Animals were divided into 3 groups: sham, vehicle‐treated ischemia/reperfusion, and UCF‐101 treatment. In the UCF‐101 treatment group, rats were intraperitoneally administered UCF‐101 (1.5 μmol/kg) 10 min prior to reperfusion. The rats were evaluated for neurological deficits, and brain infarct volume was assessed by 2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. TUNEL staining was utilized to evaluate the amount of apoptosis. In addition, expressions of protein caspase‐8, caspase‐3, FasL, and FLIP were examined by Western blot analysis. Results demonstrated that UCF‐101 treatment significantly decreased cerebral infarct size by about 16.27% (P < 0.05) and also improved neurological behavior. TUNEL staining revealed that UCF‐101 treatment significantly reduced TUNEL‐positive cells in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, the upregulation in the expression of FasL and the cleavage products of active caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 induced by ischemia was attenuated in mice treated with UCF‐101, whereas upregulation of FLIP levels was increased. The present results demonstrated that UCF‐101 protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. UCF‐101 provided neuroprotection in vivo, and this was correlated with regulation of Fas‐mediated apoptotic proteins. Taken together, the use of UCF‐101 is a potent, neuroprotective factor for the treatment of focal cerebral ischemia. Anat Rec, 292:849–856, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical Properties of the Hindlimb Bones of Bullfrogs and Cane Toads in Bending and Torsion

When compared with most vertebrates, frogs use a novel style of jumping locomotion powered by the hindlimbs. Hindlimb bones of frogs must withstand the potentially erratic loads associated with such saltatory locomotion. To evaluate the load bearing capacity of anuran limb bones, we used three‐point bending, torsion, and hardness tests to measure the mechanical properties of the femur and tibiofibula from adults of two species that use different jumping styles: explosively jumping bullfrogs (Rana (Lithobates) catesbeiana) and cyclically hopping cane toads (Bufo (Chaunus) marinus). Yield stress and strain values for R. catesbeiana and B. marinus hindlimb bones are within the range of values previously reported for other vertebrates. However, anuran hindlimb bones generally stand out as having higher yield stresses in bending than those of closely related, nonsaltatory salamanders, highlighting the importance of considering phylogenetic context in comparisons of bone functional capacity and adaptation. Stiffness values for both frog species tested were also high, which may facilitate efficient transmission of muscular forces while jumping. Elevated stiffness may also contribute to some discrepancies between determinations of bone properties via hardness versus bending tests. In comparisons between species, B. marinus bones showed significantly higher bending yield stresses than R. catesbeiana, whereas R. catesbeiana bones showed significantly higher torsional yield stresses than B. marinus. These differences may correlate with differences in jumping style and limb anatomy between ranid and bufonid frogs, suggesting that evolutionary changes in bone mechanical properties may help to accommodate new functional demands that emerge in lineages. Anat Rec, 292:935–944, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Brain Network Organization From EEG Signals: A Preliminary Evidence in Stroke Patient

Synchronous brain activity in motor cortex in perception or in complex cognitive processing has been the subject of several studies. The advanced analysis of cerebral electro‐physiological activity during the course of planning (PRE) or execution of movement (EXE) in a high temporal resolution could reveal interesting information about the brain functional organization in patients following stroke damage. High‐power (128 channels) electroencephalography registration was carried out on 8 healthy subjects and on a patient with stroke with capsular lacuna in the right hemisphere. For activation of motor cortex, the finger tapping paradigm was used. In this preliminary study, we tested a theoretical graph approach to characterize the task‐related spectral coherence. All of the obtained brain functional networks were analyzed by the connectivity degree, the degree distribution, and efficiency parameters in the Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma bands during the PRE and EXE intervals. All the brain networks were found to hold a regular and ordered topology. However, significant differences (P < 0.01) emerged between the patient with stroke and the control subjects, independently of the neural processes related to the PRE or EXE periods. In the Beta (13–29 Hz) and Gamma (30–40 Hz) bands, the significant (P < 0.01) decrease in global‐ and local‐efficiency in the patient's networks, reflected a lower capacity to integrate communication between distant brain regions and a lower tendency to be modular. This weak organization is principally due to the significant (P < 0.01 Bonferroni corrected) increase in disconnected nodes together with the significant increase in the links in some other crucial vertices. Anat Rec, 292:2023–2031, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
After discontinuation of calcineurin inhibitors, tapering of mycophenolate mofetil further impairs donor‐directed cytotoxicity

Abstract: Background: Recently, we described a significant decrease in donor‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte precursor frequency (CTLpf) after discontinuation of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), while the proliferative capacity in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), and the number of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) producing cells (pc) in Elispot remained unchanged.
Are Highly Hypnotizable People Naturally Aware Of Their Hypnotic Talents? Implications for Human Potentialities

Abstract This article investigated the degree to which high hypnotizables are aware of their capability and assessed their ability to produce it without guidance from a hypnotist. Qualitative data suggest that most participants reported being surprised by their hypnotic responsiveness and the realness of the suggestions. Quantitative data tended to support this trend, in which participants had higher overall responsiveness scores, both objectively and subjectively, when the suggestions were given by a hypnotist compared to self-hypnosis. Though some were able to self-produce some hypnotic phenomena, all participants reported that it was easier to experience the suggested effects when given by the hypnotist. An explanation accounting for this finding, implications for future research, and limitations of the study are also provided.
Neurochemical and Structural Organization of the Principal Nucleus of the Inferior Olive in the Human

The inferior olive (IO) is the sole source of the climbing fibers that innervate the Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex. The IO comprises several subdivisions, the dorsal accessory olive (DAO), medial accessory olive (MAO), and principal nuclei of the IO (IOpr); the relative sizes of these subnuclei vary among species. In human, there is an expansion of the cerebellar hemispheres and a corresponding expansion of the IOpr. We have examined the structural and neurochemical organization of the human IOpr, using sections stained with cresyl violet (CV) or immunostained for the calcium‐binding proteins calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR), and parvalbumin (PV), the synthetic enzyme for nitric oxide (nNOS), and nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein (NPNFP). We found qualitative differences in the folding patterns of the IOpr among individuals and between the two sides of the brainstem. Quantification of IOpr volumes and indices of folding complexity, however, did not reveal consistent left–right differences in either parameter. Single‐label immunohistochemistry showed that populations of neurons in the IOpr express CB, CR, NPNFP, and nNOS. Individual fibers labeled for PV, CB, CR, NPNFP, and nNOS were also found. There was individual variability in the numbers and density of stained neurons in the human IOpr; such variability was not seen in other brainstem nuclei. These data are consistent with, and complement, earlier studies showing a dramatic age‐related increase in lipofuscin and decrease in RNA in the human IOpr. The impact of these changes in the IOpr on cerebellar function is, however, not known. Anat Rec,, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN PIGS EXPOSED TO AFLATOXIN B1 DURING PREGNANCY

The present study was undertaken to find out histopathological changes during experimental induction of aflatoxicosis in sows during pregnancy. In this experiment, 19 sows and 2 boars were used. The sows were divided in to three groups, consisting of control group without toxin in the feed. For treatment groups, aflatoxin was fed at 1 and 3 ppm respectively. The treated sows showed clinical signs of anorexia, jaundice and loss of body weight. The postmortem examination of the treatment groups revealed tannish discoloration of liver with insissated bile in the gall bladder and atrophied spleen. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed hypertrophy of the bile duct epithelium, dissociation of the liver cords, karyomegaly and extensive fibrosis with appearance of pseudolobulation in certain areas resulting in frank adenoma. Spleen showed depletion of lymphocytes in germinal epithelium area. Kidney showed prominent intertubular hemorrhages and atrophy of the glomeruli. The present study indicated hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic feature of the aflatoxin B1 in pregnant sows.
Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases: Winning on Facts but Losing on Passion

Abstract—For the past ten years, there has been an extensive analytical effort attempting to convince policy makers to invest in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries. From an analytical perspective, it has been an impressive decade of data gathering and presentations culminating in the United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs in September 2011. On the other hand, funding for NCDs has remained at very low levels compared to the burden of disease associated with NCDs. An important question, therefore, becomes why has all this important analytical work so far been unable to generate significantly more additional funding for NCDs? There are many possible explanations for the lack of appreciable additional funding, but perhaps the most important reason is a lack of passion or grass roots advocacy for preventing and treating NCDs by the general public. Until the politicians and policy makers see some urgency from the general public, the funding situation is unlikely to fundamentally change. However, there are many different actions that can be taken by researchers and funders while the funding levels remain low. In addition, many highly cost effective programs should be highlighted.
Quantitative Analysis of Histological Staining and Fluorescence Using ImageJ

An important objective for scientists is to statistically compare staining intensity (Fig. 1) or fluorescence (Fig. 2) for a particular marker between treatments or groups. Simply “eyeballing” an image and stating that a particular treatment or group is more densely stained or brightly fluorescent than another treatment or group is insufficient for scientific publications. Systems are available for image analysis in immunohistochemistry. However, many of these systems require expensive software and hardware attachments for acquisition, analysis, and storage of images. Therefore, an inexpensive and reliable alternative for image analysis is desirable. The cost effective answer for quantitative immunohistochemical analysis is ImageJ, developed by Wayne Rasband (http://imagej.nih.gov/ij/docs/index. html). ImageJ is a Java image processing and analysis program based on NIH Image for the Macintosh. ImageJ is available in the public domain (i.e., free). ImageJ runs on any computer that is a Java 1.5 or later virtual machine. Java runtime environments are available for free from Sun Microsystems or bundled with platform-specific installations of ImageJ (rsb.info.nih.gov/ij). Downloadable copies are available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX. For the evaluation of immunohistochemistry slides using ImageJ, images are captured onto the hard drive of the workstation computer. Thereafter, captured images are opened in NIH Image/ ImageJ for evaluating indices of positivity on immunohistochemistry slides, as well as fluorescence images.
Covariation Between Midline Cranial Base, Lateral Basicranium, and Face in Modern Humans and Chimpanzees: A 3D Geometric Morphometric Analysis

Previous studies showed that in modern humans the basicranium is formed of two modules: the midline cranial base and the lateral basicranium which are integrated with the face in very different ways. The study of the relationship between these structures is of prime interest in the context of hominids craniofacial evolutionary history. In this study, we aim to test if the relationship between the midline cranial base and the face on one hand and the lateral basicranium and the face on the other hand are qualitatively and quantitatively different in modern humans and chimpanzees: two phylogenetically close but morphologically different hominids. This work is performed using three‐dimensional (3D) landmarks to take into account the face and basicranium 3D shape. Modern humans and chimpanzees both exhibit a significant relationship between lateral basicranium and face, and a nonsignificant relationship between midline cranial base and face. However, the patterns of integration are different for the two species. These results underscore the essential role of the lateral basicranial shape in the setting of the facial morphology in modern humans and chimpanzees. The important differences in the patterns of integration may be related to the genetic, developmental, and functional requirements of each taxon, acquired along their respective evolution. From a common, tight, relationship between lateral basicranium, and face, each taxon may develop different patterns of integration in order to adapt to particular functions and morphologies. Anat Rec, 296:568–579, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell Proliferation Patterns in Early Zebrafish Development

Although cell proliferation is an essential cell behavior for animal development, a detailed analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of proliferation in whole embryos are still lacking for most model organisms. Zebrafish embryos are particularly suitable for this type of analysis due to their transparency and size. Therefore, the main objective of the present work was to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of proliferation during the first day of zebrafish embryo development by indirect immunofluorescence against phosphorylated histone H3, a commonly used mitotic marker. Several interesting findings were established. First, we found that mitosis metasynchrony among blastomeres could begin at the 2‐ to 4‐cell stage embryos. Second, mitosis synchrony was lost before the midblastula transition (MBT). Third, we observed a novel pattern of mitotic clusters that coincided in time with the mitotic pseudo “waves” described to occur before the MBT. Altogether, our findings indicate that early development is less synchronic than anticipated and that synchrony is not a requirement for proper development in zebrafish. Anat Rec, 296:759–773, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ovarian Follicular Morphometry of South American Fur Seal Pups (Arctophoca australis)

The aim of this study was to analyze the morphometric characteristics of ovarian follicles and their distribution in the ovarian cortex in South American fur seal pups (Arctophoca australis). Samples were obtained from animals stranded in the Uruguayan Atlantic coast. Ovaries were dissected, fixed, weighed, and processed by standard histological techniques. Ovarian weight increased with pup age and body length. There was an increase in the diameter of the oocytes (22.24 ± 0.6 to 68.2 ± 5.3 µm), the nuclei (10.04 ± 0.2 to 20.7 ± 1.6 µm), and follicles (30.4 ± 1.2 to 252.6 ± 53.6 µm) of type 1 to type 5 follicles; there was a wide range of variation in the diameter of follicle type 4 and 5. Granulosa layer thickness increased between follicles type 3 and 4, whereas between type 4 and 5 there was a reduction. Thecal layer from follicles type 3 and 4 consisted of 1–2 layers of cells, whereas type 5 showed an increase in thickness (3.13 ± 0.3 to 13.8 ± 5.2 µm). Follicles type 1 and 2 occupied superficial regions within the ovarian cortex while the remaining follicles had a deeper location. These results provide a basis for comparison with females of other age categories as well as follicular dynamics studies in South American fur seals. Anat Rec, 296:1658–1663, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating the risks of acquiring a kidney abroad: a meta‐analysis of complications following participation in transplant tourism

A meta‐analysis of odds ratios comparing the risks of participating in transplant tourism by acquiring a kidney abroad to the risks associated with domestic kidney transplant was undertaken. Comparison across 12 medical outcomes indicates transplant tourists are significantly more likely to contract cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B, HIV, post‐transplantation diabetes mellitus, and wound infection than those receiving domestic kidney transplant. Results also indicate that domestic kidney transplant recipients experience significantly higher one‐yr patient‐ and graft‐survival rates. Analyses are supplemented by independent comparisons of outcomes and provide practitioners with weighted estimates of the proportion of transplant recipients experiencing 15 medical outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to caution patients of the medical risks associated with transplant tourism. Despite the illegal and unethical nature of transplant tourism, additional efforts are indicated to eliminate the organ trade and to educate wait‐listed patients about the risks of transplant tourism.
It's good to talk: auditing clinicians' interactions with patients in a primary care setting

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect on clinical practice of auditing doctors, advanced nurse practitioners and pharmacist consultations within an out of hours primary care organisation and the resultant effects this may have on clinical practice and the quality of care provision.Design/methodology/approach – The study utilises a multi method time series case study approach using the results from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) audit tool analysis, alongside focus group analysis and participant observation.Findings – The results demonstrate that there is a clear link between implementation of a clinical audit strategy within a wider clinical governance framework and improved standards of all clinician's work. This study also demonstrates how the analysis can inform a definition of quality.Research limitations/implications – The definition of quality is limited and is one of the limitations of the study since it is related to out of hours primary care only.Practica.
Rethinking elements of informed consent for living kidney donation: findings from a New Zealand study

Living kidney donation is an alternative treatment option for end-stage renal failure. Prospective donors are protected from risk by counselling and assessment processes, to ensure they are fully informed about all the stages of donation. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 25 living kidney donors from across New Zealand, this article discusses donors’ experience of the pre-donation screening process, donation workup coordination, psychological preparation, and post-operative follow-up care and support. In particular, the article examines donor perceptions of the informed consent process. The findings indicate that donors’ experience of the consent process may be at odds with the New Zealand Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights 1996. Instead of a primary healthcare focus on the threshold elements of informed consent, this study indicates that more effort should be made to adequately inform donors and to clearly spell out each stage of the donation process to better meet donors’ needs.