Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Participation of Nitric Oxide Pathway in the Relaxation Response Induced by E-cinnamaldehyde Oxime in Superior Mesenteric Artery Isolated From Rats

Abstract: For many years, nitric oxide (NO) has been studied as an important mediator in the control of vascular tone. Endothelial deficiencies that diminish NO production can result in the development of several future cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis. In this context, new drugs with potential ability to donate NO have been studied. In this study, 3 aromatic oximes [benzophenone oxime, 4-Cl-benzophenone oxime, and E-cinnamaldehyde oxime (E-CAOx)] induced vasorelaxation in endothelium-denuded and intact superior mesenteric rings precontracted with phenylephrine. E-CAOx demonstrated the most potent effect, and its mechanism of action was evaluated. Vascular reactivity experiments demonstrated that the effect of E-CAOx was reduced by the presence of 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, 1H[1,2,4,]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one, and (Rp)-8-(para-chlorophenylthio)guanosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate, suggesting the participation of NO/sGC/PKG pathway. NO donation seems to be mediated through nicatinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent reductases because 7-ethoxyresorufin decreased the effect of E-CAOx on vascular reactivity and reduced NO formation as detected by flow cytometry using the NO indicator diaminofluorescein 4,5-diacetate. Further downstream of NO donation, K+ subtype channels were also shown to be involved in the E-CAOx vasorelaxant effect. The present study showed that E-CAOx acts like an NO donor, activating NO/sGC/PKG pathway and thus K+ channels.
Training for and Competing in Sevens Rugby: Practical Considerations From Experience in the International Rugby Board World Series

SUMMARY THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE VOTED TO INCLUDE “RUGBY SEVENS” IN THE SUMMER OLYMPICS IN 2016. USA RUGBY WAS RECENTLY ACCEPTED AS A FULL OLYMPIC SPORT MEMBER OF THE US OLYMPIC COMMITTEE. RUGBY IS BEING TAUGHT AS AN “OLYMPIC SPORT” IN SCHOOLS IN CHINA, THE USA AND RUSSIA. NUMEROUS RUGBY NATIONS ARE INVESTING HEAVILY IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND PREPARATION OF PLAYERS WHO WILL BECOME FUTURE OLYMPIANS IN THIS SPORT. HOWEVER, RUGBY SEVENS IS A VASTLY DIFFERENT GAME TO THE TRADITIONAL 15-A-SIDE VERSION. AS A RESULT EFFECTIVE PREPARATION AND COMPETITION MANAGEMENT OF PLAYERS RAISES MANY ISSUES FOR THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH.
Dynamic methylation and expression of Oct4 in early neural stem cells

Neural stem cells are a multipotent population of tissue‐specific stem cells with a broad but limited differentiation potential. However, recent studies have shown that over‐expression of the pluripotency gene, Oct4, alone is sufficient to initiate a process by which these can form ‘induced pluripotent stem cells’ (iPS cells) with the same broad potential as embryonic stem cells. This led us to examine the expression of Oct4 in endogenous neural stem cells, as data regarding its expression in neural stem cells in vivo are contradictory and incomplete. In this study we have therefore analysed the expression of Oct4 and other genes associated with pluripotency throughout development of the mouse CNS and in neural stem cells grown in vitro. We find that Oct4 is still expressed in the CNS by E8.5, but that this expression declines rapidly until it is undetectable by E15.5. This decline is coincident with the gradual methylation of the Oct4 promoter and proximal enhancer. Immunostaining suggests that the Oct4 protein is predominantly cytoplasmic in location. We also found that neural stem cells from all ages expressed the pluripotency associated genes, Sox2, c‐Myc, Klf4 and Nanog. These data provide an explanation for the varying behaviour of cells from the early neuroepithelium at different stages of development. The expression of these genes also provides an indication of why Oct4 alone is sufficient to induce iPS formation in neural stem cells at later stages.
FATAL SIBLING CASES OF FAMILIAL HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS (FHL) WITH MUNC13–4 MUTATIONS: Case Reports

The authors report here sibling cases of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 3 that took fatal courses despite intensive treatment. The older brother achieved remission by immunochemotherapy, but a central nervous system lesion occurred before the introduction of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The patient died on day +1 of allo-HSCT due to progression of the disease. The younger brother developed symptoms of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis mimicking neonatal hemochromatosis at birth. He died without a chance to receive allo-HSCT. Both siblings showed low natural killer cell (NK) activity and the compound heterozygous Munc13–4 gene mutations 1596+1 and 1723insA were identified postmortem in the younger brother. With recent progress in the molecular diagnosis of FHL, prompt and most appropriate therapeutic measures should be introduced to improve the prognosis of FHL patients.
STROMAL-PREDOMINANT MESENCHYMAL HAMARTOMA OF THE LIVER WITH ELEVATED SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN LEVEL

Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver (MHL) is an uncommon, benign, tumor-like lesion and is usually diagnosed in the first 2 years of life. Its pathogenesis remains unclear. Treatment of choice is radical excision. The authors report a case of solid stromal predominant MHL in a 12-month-old male infant who also had an elevated serum α-fetoprotein level. He also had hypospadias, which might represent a spectrum of developmental anomalies. It usually presents as an asymptomatic mass, however, as in the reported case, it may cause several complications due to the compression of surrounding structures. He was successfully treated with total excision of the pedunculated large tumor without any complication.
Formation and characterization of melam, melam hydrate, and a melam-melem adduct.

Until recently, melam, [C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(2)](2)NH, has been regarded as a short-lived intermediate in the condensation process of melamine that is only detectable under special reaction conditions owing to its high reactivity. A new synthetic approach has allowed a closer look at the formation and condensation behavior of melam by using elevated ammonia pressure in autoclaves. Whereas the thermal treatment of dicyandiamide at 450 °C and 0.2 MPa ammonia yielded melam in large amounts, prolonged treatment under these conditions (9 days) led to the formation of a melam-melem adduct, thus enabling the first insight into the condensation process of melam into melem. The hydrothermal treatment of melam at 300 °C (24 h) yields melam hydrate, [C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(2)](2)NH⋅2 H(2)O (space group P2(1)/c; a=676.84(2), b=1220.28(4), c=1394.24(4) pm; β=98.372(2)°; V=1139.28(6)×10(6) pm(3); Z=4), which crystallizes as a layered structure that is composed of almost-planar melam molecules, thereby forming ellipsoidal rosette-like motifs. The resulting voids are filled with four water molecules, thus forming a dense network of hydrogen bonds.
Two-Year Trajectory of Stimulant Use in 18- to 21-Year-Old Rural African Americans

Little is known about stimulant use trajectories of rural African American youth. The purpose of the present study is to explore substance use over 24 months in 98 African Americans, ages 18 to 21, who used cocaine or methamphetamine 30 days prior to baseline. The majority was male, unemployed, and had not graduated from high school. At baseline, almost half of the participants met criteria for abuse/dependence of cocaine—the primary stimulant used—which decreased to 25% by the final follow-up. Similar decreases were noted in rates of alcohol and marijuana abuse/dependence, although monthly use remained high. Participants reported minimal utilization of mental health or substance abuse services, but demonstrated significant improvements on physical and mental health measures. In summary, cocaine use declined, but other substances were used at high rates, suggesting a significant need for intervention services that address multisubstance use in rural areas.
Adolescent borderline symptoms in the community: prognosis for functioning over 20 years.

BACKGROUND The long-term prognosis associated with adolescent symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in the general population is virtually unknown. In this study, the relationship of early borderline symptoms to subsequent psychosocial functioning and attainment was investigated based on data from the Children in the Community cohort. METHOD Using multilevel linear regression, symptoms of BPD at mean age 14 were employed as predictors of work/school/homemaker role function, social function (social support, relationship quality), and life satisfaction over the subsequent 20 years. Borderline symptoms were also employed as predictors of attainment at 20-year follow-up. RESULTS On average, those with higher levels of early adolescent borderline symptoms scored consistently lower in role function, social function, and life satisfaction from mid-adolescence through mid-adulthood. Borderline symptoms predicted lower academic and occupational attainment, less partner involvement, and fewer attained adult developmental milestones. Adolescent borderline symptoms were also associated with adult borderline symptoms, borderline diagnosis, general impairment, and need for services at mean age 33. These effects were evident despite symptom decline with age and were independent of adolescent Axis I disorders. CONCLUSIONS Adverse prognosis associated with youth symptoms of BPD appeared early and persisted in important and interrelated life domains. These findings lend support to the utility of DSM-IV BPD symptoms assessed by self-report in early adolescence.
Evaluation of Consecutive Maximum Contractions as a Test of Neuromuscular Function

Evaluation of Consecutive Maximum Contractions as a Test of Neuromuscular Function The aim of the study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of consecutive maximum contractions (CMC) as a test of neuromuscular function. Eleven participants performed externally paced isometric CMC (i.e., a series of consecutive maximum force exertions and relaxations) of the quadriceps muscle. The derived variables included the peak forces, and the maximum rates of force development and relaxation. The results revealed high within-day reliability of CMC variables, while their correlations with the jumping performance were consistently higher than those of the variables of the standard strength test (SST). CMC variables also showed fairly stable values across a wide range of frequencies, while their peak force revealed a strong relationship with maximum force of SST despite being about considerably lower. Therefore, we conclude that CMC could be developed into a standard test of neuromuscular function. In addition to capturing the muscle actions based on different neural activation pattern than SST, CMC could also be based on simpler testing procedure, lower force exertion, and self-selected frequencies.
Teaching the Teachers: Faculty Preparedness and Evaluation of a Retreat in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment

Effective clinical faculty are essential for disseminating substance abuse screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT). The authors developed an 8-hour SBIRT training for internal medicine faculty preceptors. Trainers conducted SBIRT lectures and small-group communication practice sessions. The authors assessed participants’ (n = 27) knowledge, skills, and attitudes using an enhanced Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (AAPPQ). Participants self-assessed their changes in SBIRT competence and comfort. Faculty trainees did not feel competent in SBIRT, particularly in intervention and referral to treatment. AAPPQ subscale scores were highest in Role Legitimacy and Motivation and lowest in Role Adequacy and Satisfaction. After training, faculty members reported greater likelihood of performing and teaching SBIRT. In some topic areas, faculty attending an SBIRT training reported limited knowledge and competence for treating drinkers; however, their interest and motivation for doing so was high. Ongoing faculty and organizational development efforts may help close these gaps.
Distress Tolerance and Perceived Barriers to Smoking Cessation

Background The present study examined the role of emotional distress tolerance (DT) in predicting barriers to smoking cessation and number of quit attempts. Methods The sample consisted of regular daily smokers (N = 126; 37 females; M age = 36.51, SD = 13.05) who completed self-report measures on affect and smoking. Results After controlling for daily smoking rate and anxiety sensitivity, emotional DT significantly predicted internal barriers to cessation (6.9% unique variance) but not external or addiction-related barriers to cessation. Inconsistent with prediction, emotional DT did not significantly predict number of quit attempts. Conclusions These results suggest that individuals who are low in emotional DT believe that quitting smoking will be difficult because it takes away an important affect regulation strategy, and there may be utility in targeting emotional DT in smoking cessation interventions.
The Role of Caffeine in the Alcohol Consumption Behaviors of College Students

Background Evidence suggests that alcohol mixed with caffeine in any form may spur risky drinking behavior among young adults; however, most studies have only examined drinking behavior related to alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmEDs) compared with alcohol alone. This survey assessed the consumption patterns and reasons for use of alcohol mixed with any caffeinated beverages (alcohol-caffeine) versus alcohol-only beverages among current users. Methods Students (N = 1174) at a large, urban university completed a Web-based survey in October–December of 2010. Predictors of alcohol-caffeine use versus alcohol-only use were examined, as were drinking characteristics and reasons for alcohol-caffeine consumption as a function of type of alcohol-caffeine beverage usually consumed. Results Past-30-day prevalence was 34% for any alcohol-caffeine beverages and 36% for alcohol-only. The most frequent alcohol-caffeine beverages usually consumed were manufactured ready-to-drink AmED products (no longer sold in the United States; 50.3%), followed by self-mixed alcoholic beverages containing caffeinated sodas (26.4%) and energy drinks (18.5%). Users of alcohol-caffeine displayed a riskier drinking profile than alcohol-only users; however, there were few differences in overall alcohol drinking behaviors between consumers of AmEDs (manufactured or self-mixed) versus other caffeinated alcoholic beverages (e.g., alcohol mixed with caffeinated sodas). Conclusions Although alcohol-caffeine consumption was associated with heavier drinking characteristics compared with alcohol-only consumption, overall alcohol consumption patterns were similar between users of various alcohol-caffeine combinations. Future examinations should assess alcohol in combination with a variety of caffeine sources to determine whether energy drinks present a unique risk.
Inhibitory control in anxious and healthy adolescents is modulated by incentive and incidental affective stimuli.

BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders are characterized by elevated, sustained responses to threat, that manifest as threat attention biases. Recent evidence also suggests exaggerated responses to incentives. How these characteristics influence cognitive control is under debate and is the focus of the present study. METHODS Twenty-five healthy adolescents and 25 adolescents meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder were compared on a task of response inhibition. Inhibitory control was assayed with an antisaccade task that included both incentive (monetary reward) and incidental emotion (facial expression) cues presented prior to the execution of inhibitory behavior. RESULTS Inhibitory control was enhanced following exposure to threat cues (fear faces) only in adolescent patients, and following exposure to positive cues (happy faces) only in healthy adolescents. Results also revealed a robust performance improvement associated with monetary incentives. This incentive effect did not differ by group. No interaction between incentives and emotional cues was detected. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that biased processing of threat in anxious adolescents affects inhibitory control, perhaps by raising arousal prior to behavioral performance. The absence of normalization of performance in anxious adolescents following exposure to positive emotional cues is a novel finding and will require additional exploration. Future studies will need to more specifically examine how perturbations in positive emotion processes contribute to the symptomatology and the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders.
The role of traumatic event history in non-medical use of prescription drugs among a nationally representative sample of US adolescents.

BACKGROUND Building on previous research with adolescents that examined demographic variables and other forms of substance abuse in relation to non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD), the current study examined potentially traumatic events, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other substance use, and delinquent behavior as potential correlates of past-year non-medical use of prescription drugs. METHOD A nationally representative sample of 3,614 non-institutionalized, civilian, English-speaking adolescents (aged 12-17 years) residing in households with a telephone was selected. Demographic characteristics, traumatic event history, mental health, and substance abuse variables were assessed. NMUPD was assessed by asking if, in the past year, participants had used a prescription drug in a non-medical manner. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted for each theoretically derived predictor set. Significant predictors from each set were then entered into a final multivariable logistic regression to determine significant predictors of past-year NMUPD. RESULTS NMUPD was endorsed by 6.7% of the sample (n = 242). The final multivariable model showed that lifetime history of delinquent behavior, other forms of substance use/abuse, history of witnessed violence, and lifetime history of PTSD were significantly associated with increased likelihood of NMUPD. CONCLUSIONS Risk reduction efforts targeting NMUPD among adolescents who have witnessed significant violence, endorsed abuse of other substances and delinquent behavior, and/or endorsed PTSD are warranted. Interventions for adolescents with history of violence exposure or PTSD, or those adjudicated for delinquent behavior, should include treatment or prevention modules that specifically address NMUPD.
Length of stay and treatment completion for mothers with substance abuse issues in integrated treatment programmes

Aim: To examine the effects of integrated treatment programmes (those with addiction services and pregnancy-, parenting- or child-related services) on length of stay and treatment completion. Methods: We systematically reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2008 comparing integrated programmes with non-integrated programmes on length of stay (number of studies [K] = 3, number of participants [n] = 1910) and treatment completion (K = 6, n = 2556). We performed meta-analyses using standardized mean differences (d) of effect size estimates. Findings: There was a significant advantage of integrated treatment programmes over non-integrated treatment in the number of days women spent in treatment (d = 0.35, p < 0.0001) but not treatment completion (d = 0.38, p = 0.09). Conclusions: This meta-analysis is the first systematic quantitative review of studies evaluating the impact of integrated programmes. Findings suggest that integrated programmes may be associated with a small advantage over non-integrated programmes in length of stay. This review highlights the need for further research with improved methodology, quality, and reporting to improve our understanding of how best to engage, retain and support mothers with substance abuse issues in treatment.
Catatonia and Cannabis Withdrawal: A Case Report

Background Catatonia is a severe motor syndrome found in approximately 10% of all acute psychiatric hospital admissions. It can occur in various psychiatric diseases. The authors report the first case report of catatonia during cannabis withdrawal. Case Presentation: Mr. A, a 32-year-old man, reported to have smoked approximately 20 g of cannabis daily since the age of 11. Mr. A was incarcerated and was reported 3 weeks later to the medical department for having completely ceased talking and eating. At admission in the authors’ department, the patient presented with classical catatonia symptoms (Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale [BFCRS] score = 39/69). All laboratory results and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were normal. Six weeks after his admission and treatments by lorazepam and memantine, his BFCRS score was 0/69. Discussion: This single case study highlights the previously underreported emergence of physical and motor symptoms following cannabis withdrawal. Pathophysiological aspects of abrupt cannabis cessation contributing to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/glutamate balance dysregulation and to catatonia are discussed.
A Chronic Opioid Therapy Dose Reduction Policy in Primary Care

Background High-dose opioids prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain have been associated with increased risk of opioid overdose. Health systems and states have responded by developing opioid dose limitation policies. Little is known about how these policies affect prescribing practices or characteristics of patients who respond best to opioid tapers from high-dose opioids. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate change in total opioid dose after the implementation of a provider education intervention and a 120 mg morphine equivalents per day (MED) opioid dose limitation policy in one academic primary care clinic. We compared opioid prescriptions 1 year before and 1 year after the intervention. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression to assess which patient characteristics predicted opioid dose reduction from high opioid dose. Results Out of a total of 516 patients prescribed chronic opioid therapy, 116 patients (22%) were prescribed high-dose opioid therapy (>120 mg MED). After policy adoption, the average daily dose of opioids declined by 64 mg MED (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32–96; P < .001) and 41 patients (37%) on high-dose opioids tapered their doses below 120 mg MED (Tapered to Safer Dose group). In multivariate analyses, female sex was the only significant association with dose taper; female patients were less likely to taper to a safer dose (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11–0.70). Conclusions A combined intervention of education and a practice policy that limits opioid doses for patients prescribed chronic opioid therapy may be an important component of system-level strategies to reduce opioid misuse and overdose; it may also help identify patients suitable for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Specific strategies may be needed to assist women with opioid dose tapers.