Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mental disease postpartum - Social competence, work efficiency and behaviour problems in eight-year-old children

In a longitudinal study, children of 14 mentally ill women, admitted to hospital within six months after delivery, were compared to children of 23 women who had been somatically ill postpartum, and to a matched sample of children of 22 healthy women. Also, children in the somatic sample were compared to another matched sample of healthy children (n=41). Questionnaires measuring social competence, work efficiency and child behavior problems were given to parents and teachers, when the child was eight years old. Children in the psychiatric sample were rated, by teachers as well as by parents, to have low work efficiency as compared to the matched healthy psychiatric controls. In the somatic sample, teachers rated the children to have low work efficiency as compared to the matched healthy somatic controls. In all samples, teachers rated the children as being less prosocially oriented, as having less social initiative and less work efficiency as compared to parent ratings. Children who had been separated from their mother during her stay in hospital did not differ from children who had not been separated on any of the scales, neither on teacher nor on parent ratings. A possible interpretation of our data is that maternal mental illness during a sensitive period for the development of secure attachment may have long term effects on the child's development.
Molecular Characterization of α‐Thalassemia in Pakistan

Common α‐thalassemia (thal) rearrangements were studied in a normal random population and in six ethnic groups of Pakistan. Analyses of 204 individuals from the normal population revealed the presence of only the −α3.7 allele with an overall frequency of 8.3%. Ethnic differences were statistically significant for Pashtoon vs. Balochi (p < 0.0005) and Pashtoon vs. Sindhi (p < 0.002). Two hundred and eighty‐five thalassemia patients were also studied to identify rare α‐thal alleles. In this group, 24.6% of the patients had one or two α genes deleted. Two rare alleles in the Pakistani population, −α4. 2 (0.2%) and αααanti 3.7 (0.9%), were identified in these patients. The −α4. 2 allele was found only in Sindhis, while αααanti 3.7 was present in Punjabis, Sindhis and Balochis. Five patients with triplicated α genes were homozygous for either the β+ or the β0 genotype.
The use of additives to modulate the release of a sparingly water soluble drug entrapped in PLA50 microparticles: in vivo investigation

Sustained and total release of the sparingly water soluble compound, namely 1-[2-(4-fluorobenzoyl)aminoethyl]-4-(7-methoxynaphthyl) piperazine hydrochloride (FAM), from poly (DL-lactic acid) (PL A50) microparticles was previously shown to be feasible if the particles are obtained by grinding a solid mixture composed of the polymer and a percolating array of the compound mixed with an additive. Such microparticles, where the additive was poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG), dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), or Poloxamer 6800, were administrated subcutaneously to rates either as depot or using a liquid vehicle. The variations of the plasma concentration vs time determined by high pressure liquid chromatography and fluorometric detection, were plotted for the various microparticle systems, blood being taken twice from each animal and each measurement being triplicated. Data were analysed by non-compartmental analysis, in order to evaluate the elimination constant, the half-life, the area under the curve and the bioavailability for each system. Kinetics experiments were performed over 24h and also for 7 days. It was found that, for the selected formulations, the release of the sparingly water soluble com pound depends on the dissolution rate in vivo and on the physicochemical characteristics of the additive, including solubility and micelle formation. Data correlated well with the results of previous in vitro investigation.
Effect of Soaking and Germination on Polyphenol Content and Polyphenol Oxidase Activity of Mung Bean (Phaseolus Aureus L.) Cultivars Differing in Seed Color

Five mung bean cultivars varying in seed coat color were analyzed for polyphenol content. The effect of soaking and germination on the polyphenol content and polyphenol oxidase activity was investigated. The level of total polyphenols was found to be in the range of 310–340 mg/100 g in whole seeds. Soaking reduced the total polyphenols, whereas germination for 48 h increased total polyphenol content by 41–76%. The hydrolysable tannins, condensed tannins, and hydrolysable tannins/condensed tannins index increased with an increase in period of germination. The total and percent condensed tannins content slightly decreased while hydrolysable tannins increased during germination. Maximum polyphenol oxidase activity of 102–108 units was observed in 24 h germinated seeds. There was no significant correlation found between the polyphenolic content and polyphenol oxidase activity in germinating mung bean seeds. These findings demonstrated that the mung beans are fair sources of polyphenols, thus having great potential as a source of natural antioxidants.
Effect of lateral connections on the accuracy of the population code for a network of spiking neurons

We study how neuronal connections in a population of spiking neurons affect the accuracy of stimulus estimation. Neurons in our model code for a one-dimensional orientation variable. Connectivity between two neurons depends on the absolute difference |-'| between the preferred orientation of the two neurons. We derive an analytical expression of the activity profile for a population of neurons described by the spike response model with noisy threshold. We estimate the stimulus orientation and the trial-to-trial fluctuations using the population vector method. For stationary stimuli, uniform inhibitory connections produce a more reliable estimation of the stimulus than short-range excitatory connections with long-range inhibitions, although the latter interaction type produces a sharper tuning curve. These results are consistent with previous analytical studies of the Fisher information.
Growth Inhibition of Macrophage-like and Other Cell Types by Liposome-encapsulated, Calcium-bound, and Free Bisphosphonates In Vitro

Bisphosphonates effectively inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption in diseases characterized by excessive bone loss. Liposome-encapsulated clodronate (dichloromethylene bisphosphonate) also is known to inactivate phagocytic cells in vivo, and inhibit the growth of macrophage-like Raw 264 cells in vitro. The macrophage suppressive effect of liposomal clodronate is of interest in autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, in which phagocytic cells are involved in inflammatory processes. Earlier in vivo studies suggested that liposomal clodronate is a far more potent inactivator of macrophages than liposomal forms of two other bisphosphonate compounds, pamidronate (3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidene bisphosphonate), and etidronate (1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate). We examined the growth inhibitory properties of these three bisphosphonates with macrophage-like RAW 264 cells and with other types of cells in vitro. All three bisphosphonates encapsulated in liposomes effectively inhibited the growth of RAW 264 and CV1-P cells, while free drugs were 20–1000 times less potent growth inhibitors. Also, high extracellular calcium concentrations enhanced the potency of bisphosphonates for RAW 264 cells, indicating that, in addition to liposomes, the uptake of bisphosphonates by macrophages, is mediated also by calcium. In all formulations, pamidronate was the most potent compound for the cells, with the exception CV1-P cells, for which liposomal clodronate was the most potent. The effects of liposomal drugs were selective for highly endocytotic cells. The results suggest that liposome-encapsulated bisphosphonates could provide a specific tool to affect the function of macrophages and all three of these bisphosphonates are potentially effective as macrophage suppressors in autoimmune diseases.
Rates of amino acid uptake and mineralization in Resurrection Bay (Alaska) sediments

The rates of uptake and mineralization of glutamic acid, alanine, lyslne, serine and glycine were measured in sediments from Resurrection Bay, Alaska, USA, using I4C-labeled amino acids. Amino acid concentrations and specific activities were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The fate of radiolabeled amino acids added to killed control sediments was also investigated. Free amino acids were lost from the dissolved pool by both bacterial uptake and adsorption to sediment particles. Adsorption was the dominant process for the basic amino acid lysine and was responsible for about half of the glutamic acid and alanine removal from solution. Rates of bacterial mineralization of porewater amino acids, calculated using a model which corrects for the effects of adsorption, were 8 (glutamic acid), 1 (alanine), 0.7 (lysine), 1 (serine) and 3 (glycine) nmol cm? sed i ment d-'. These rates indicate that amino acids could be quantitatively important intermediates in the mineralization of organic nitrogen in this sediment.
Letter to the editor

Stopeck et al. recently published a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing denosumab vs zoledronic acid for the prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) among patients with solid tumors, including castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), breast cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and bone metastases. This study is of substantial interest; however, we believe the assumptions applied, particularly those regarding the model inputs with the greatest impact on results, could lead to erroneous conclusions.
Comparison of clinical and best-estimate research DSM-IV diagnoses in a Finnish sample of first-admission psychosis and severe affective disorder

The purpose of this study was to investigate diagnostic agreement between clinicians and a research group in a sample of first-admission psychosis and severe affective disorder patients. Clinical DSM-IV discharge diagnoses and best-estimate DSM-IV research diagnoses were compared in 116 first-episode patients in the city of Turku, Finland. The best-estimate research diagnoses were made at consensus meetings by integrating longitudinal data; patients' medical records; and findings of a clinical interview, the structured SCAN-interview, and symptom severity ratings. Overall diagnostic agreement was moderate, with a kappa value 0.51 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39? 0.63). Of the diagnostic groups, schizophrenic disorders had the lowest kappa value of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.26? 0.63). Clinicians had a tendency to miss depressive symptoms in psychotic patients; to overdiagnose psychotic symptoms in depressive patients; and to fail to discover earlier hypomanic or depressive episodes in depressive patients. In conclusion, hospital diagnoses were not reliable in first-episode patients. Inappropriate diagnoses may compromise both treatment and epidemiologic findings based on discharge diagnoses.
Digital Soil-Class Mapping from Proximal and Remotely Sensed Data at the Field Level

Effective agronomic management at the field level requires an understanding of the spatial distribution of soil because edaphological processes are a function of interrelationships among the physical and chemical properties. In precision agriculture, these interrelationships need to be considered to create soil management classes. In order to identify management classes, the age-old questions associated with soil classification are problematic: what properties need to be included and at what intensity; what repeatable methods can be employed and how many classes are present? To answer the first question with regards to farm-scale studies requires the collection of high-density soil data, which is often cost prohibitive. Therefore, ancillary information such as proximal sensing electromagnetic induction (EM) and remotely sensed data, with digital numbers (DN) in Red, Green, and Blue, are increasingly being used. To answer the second and third questions requires an exhaustive investigation of a quantitative method that is amenable to optimal selection of the number of classes in a data set. In this paper, we propose using ancillary data as a surrogate for soil properties to identify soil management classes by invoking the fuzzy k-means (FKM) algorithm. Using the fuzziness performance index (FPI) and normalized classification entropy (NCE), we identify k = 4 classes and a fuzziness exponent (φ) = 1.4 for further investigation. The classes form sensible soil management zones across a strongly sodic irrigated field. Fuzzy canonical analysis show the EM38 and EM31 contribute most to the discrimination of Vertosols and Dermosols based on texture and mineralogy, whilst Red and Green DN contribute to the discrimination of Vertosols based on larger organic matter content. Using ANOVA we conclude that the implementation of the FKM algorithm to classify proximal and remotely sensed ancillary data, produced soil management classes relevant to differential gypsum requirement (GR).
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY OF THE PSORALENS

The psoralens are naturally occurring secondary metabolites in plants, including many fruits and vegetables. Health risks have been associated with handling or ingesting psoralen-containing plants, and with the use of synthetic psoralens in photochemotherapy of skin disorders. Our research has demonstrated that administration of the psoralens bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen) and xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) in the diet of female rats reduced birthrates, number of implantation sites, pups, corpora lutea, full and empty uterine weight, and circulating estrogen levels in a dose-dependent manner. Psoralens induced mRNAs of the liver enzymes CYP1A1 and UGT1A6, suggesting that enhanced metabolism of estrogens by psoralen treatment may explain the reproductive toxicity and the observed reduction of ovarian follicular function and ovulation. Rats also avoided repeated consumption of a flavored solution associated with psoralen administration. The findings indicate that the psoralens constitute a novel group of ovarian toxicants. Further examination of the safety of their use in photochemotherapy and diet is warranted.
Controlled delivery of drugs from a novel injectable in situ formed biodegradable PLGA microsphere system

A novel method for in situ preparation of injectable biodegradable microspheres from the copolymer, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), without incorporating unacceptable organic solvents is described. The delivery system is a dispersion of PLGA microglobules ('premicrospheres' or 'embryonic microspheres') in an acceptable vehicle mixture (continuous phase) and whose integrity is maintained by the use of appropriate stabilizers. A solution of PLGA, triacetin, a model protein (cytochrome c), PEG 400, and Tween 80 (oil phase 1) is added dropwise with continuous homogenization to Miglyol 812-Span 80 solution (oil phase 2), thereby inducing phase separation (coacervation) of PLGA and forming PLGA microglobules (containing cytochrome c) dispersed in the continuous phase. This novel drug delivery system (NDDS) is a dispersion and has a viscous consistency, but is sufficiently syringeable. When injected, it comes in contact with water from an aqueous buffer or physiological fluid and, as a result, the microglobules harden to form solid matrix type microparticles entrapping cytochrome c (in situ formed microspheres). Cytochrome c is then released from these microspheres in a controlled fashion. The composition, rationale, and optimization of the NDDS are described here. Various formulation variables such as the PLGA concentration and type and the substitution of the continuous phase by a fresh oil phase 2 influenced the characteristics of this system. A preliminary investigation of the reproducibility and stability of the NDDS, as well as the physical stability of the encapsulated cytochrome c, revealed that these characteristics were not adversely affected.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Used for Monitoring multiple Gene Integration in Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation

Characterizing plants following Agrobacterium-mediated transformation has become an important consideration in the creation of transgenic plants. As an alternative to Southern blot analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to screen for the simultaneous integration of two foreign genes for neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPT II) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Cellular Uptake of a Dexamethasone Palmitate-low Density Lipoprotein Complex by Macrophages and Foam Cells

To evaluate the utility of a dexamethasone palmitate (DP)-low density lipoprotein (LDL) complex to transport drug into foam cells, the cellular uptake of DP-LDL complex by macrophages and foam cells was examined. The DP-LDL complex was prepared by incubation with DP and LDL, and the DP-LDL complex and murine macrophages were incubated. No cellular uptake of the DP-LDL complex by macrophages was found until 6h after the start of incubation, but this gradually increased from 12 to 48 h. On the other hand, the cellular uptake of the oxidized DP-LDL complex was already apparent at 3 h after the start incubation, and then markedly increased until 48 h incubation along with that of the lipid emulsion (LE) containing DP (DP-LE). The cellular uptake of DP-LE by foam cells was significantly lower than that by macrophages. However, the cellular uptake of DP-LDL complex by foam cells was similar to that by macrophages. These findings suggest that the DP-LDL complex is oxidatively modified, and then incorporated into macrophages and foam cells through the scavenger receptor pathway. Since selective delivery of drugs into foam cells in the early stage of atherosclerosis is a useful protocol for antiatherosclerosis treatment, the DP-LDL complex appears to be a potentially useful drug-carrier complex for future antiatherosclerotic therapy.
Response surface methodology to obtain naproxen controlled release tablets from its microspheres with Eudragit L100-55

Purpose: Naproxen CR tablets have been obtained from its microspheres prepared by coprecipitation with Eudragit L100-55. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the main and interaction effects of deaggregating agent concentration (X1), compression pressure (X2) and amount of precipitating water (X3) on naproxen release. A secondary purpose was to obtain an optimized naproxen controlled release solid oral dosage form with a predictable 12 h drug release. Method: Eudragit L100-55 (10 g) was dissolved in 100 mL of ethyl alcohol, and 30 g of naproxen was dispersed in it with stirring. Purified water (100 mL, cooled to 4 °C) containing calcium chloride as a deaggregating agent was added to an alcoholic solution and homogenized. The mixture was filtered to obtain microspheres. Drug content analysis was performed spectrophotometrically at 332 nm. Tablets were prepared by compressing microspheres containing 500 mg of naproxen after adding 1% magnesium stearate. Dissolution was performed by the USP specifications of naproxen tablets. A 3-factor 3-level Box-Behnken design was employed to get 15 experimental runs. The independent variables used were X1, X2 and X3. The dependent variables were dissolution at different time points with constraints on yield value and angle of repose of the microspheres, and hardness and thickness of the tablets. The dissolution constraints were placed such that the naproxen is released for 12 h by Higuchi's square root of time kinetics. Results: The mathematical relationship obtained between X1, X2, X3 and the cumulative per cent of naproxen dissolved in 12 h with various constraints (Y5) was Y5 = 92.39 - 1.13 X1 - 4.84 X2 - 2.12 X3 - 2.26 X1X2 - 0.5 X1X3 - 0.4 X2X3 + 2.4 X212 - 0.4 X22 (R2 = 0.9). The equation shows that X1, X2 and X3 affected the release inversely, and the most significant interaction was between X1 and X2. Y5 has been maximized for optimization of naproxen release. Conclusions: Controlled release tablets of naproxen with predictable drug release characteristics were obtained by compressing its microspheres with Eudragit L100-55.
Characterization of enzymes responsible for 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) detoxification pathway in lungs of Chinese population: Carbonyl reduction and glucuronidation

4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is one of the most potent carcinogens found in mainstream and sidestream smoke and considered to be a causative agent for lung cancer in active and passive smokers. Carbonyl reduction followed by glucuronidation is considered to be the main detoxification pathway of NNK. Microsomal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD 1) and cytosolic carbonyl reductase (CR) are responsible for NNK carbonyl reduction, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 (UGT1A4) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7) catalyze 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) glucuronidation. To better characterize this pathway, the expression and kinetics of 11β-HSD 1 and CR, as well as the expression of UGT1A4 and UGT2B7, was investigated in lungs of Chinese people. Kinetic studies for 11β-HSD 1 and CR showed that there was large inter-individual variability in the capacity for NNK carbonyl reduction. Compared with cytosol, there was increased catalytic efficiency for NNAL formation in microsomes. The higher activities of both 11β-HSD 1 and CR were observed in lung tissues of males than females. UGT1A4 and UGT2B7 mRNA were detected in lungs from a variety of different patients and wide inter-individual variations were observed. These observations should be useful in improving the risk estimates and prevention of lung cancer for the Chinese population exposed to tobacco smoke.
Critical evaluation of permeation enhancers for oral mucosal drug delivery

Background: Drug delivery via oral mucosa is an alternative method of systemic administration for various classes of therapeutic agents. Among the oral mucosae, buccal and sublingual mucosae are the primary focus for drug delivery. Buccal delivery offers a clear advantage over the peroral route by avoidance of intestinal and hepatic first-pass metabolism. However, despite offering the possibility of improved systemic drug delivery, buccal administration has been utilized for relatively few pharmaceutical products so far. One of the major limitations associated with buccal delivery is low permeation of therapeutic agents across the mucosa. Various substances have been explored as permeation enhancers to increase the flux/absorption of drugs through the mucosa, but irritation, membrane damage, and toxicity are always associated with them and limit their use. A clinically accepted permeation enhancer must increase membrane permeability without causing toxicity and permanent membrane damage. To date, the information available on oral mucosal permeation enhancement is much less than transdermal enhancement, though oral mucosa is more resistant to damage than other mucosal membranes. This article reviews the various categories of permeation enhancers for oral mucosal drug delivery, their mechanism of action, their usefulness, and the limitations associated with their use. Conclusion: To optimize the concentration of enhancer to limit its toxicity while facilitating an enhancing effect reproducibly will be a big challenge for future developments. Advances in permeability modulation and formulation with appropriate enhancers can provide for effective and feasible buccal drug delivery for many drugs, which otherwise have to be injected or ingested with water.