Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment with glucose infusion prevents fatal outcome after hemorrhage in food deprived rats.

Twenty-four hour food deprivation increases mortality after experimental hemorrhage. Survival after hemorrhage is closely related to the capacity of the animal to develop hyperglycemia. In this study, 24 hr food deprived rats were given a 3-hr infusion of either 0.3 ml/100 g b.wt. /h 30% glucose iv (n = 10) or the same volume of 0.9% NaCl (n = 10) prior to 60 min of standardized hemorrhage. Glucose infusion resulted in a transient hyperglycemia, and 600% greater hepatic glycogen content compared to saline (P < 0.001). During hemorrhage, glucose-treated rats developed substantial hyperglycemia while glucose levels fell in saline treated (P < 0.001). Concomitant developments in hematocrits indicated improved plasma refill in glucose treated animals (P < 0.01). While saline treated rats developed irreversible shock and died within 3 hr of bleeding, glucose treated rats had a MAP of 52 +/- 2 (mean +/- SEM) mm Hg by the end of hemorrhage (P < 0.01). All glucose-treated rats recovered and survived the seven-day observation period. It is concluded that glucose infusion leading to hepatic glycogen repletion alters outcome after experimental hemorrhage in food deprived animals. These experimental results may be of clinical relevance, since elective surgery is generally performed after overnight fasting, which substantially reduces the hepatic glycogen reserve.
Current and Future ECB Monetary Policy

This paper examines the operations of the European Central Bank (ECB) with respect to monetary policy, along with its effects on inflation, exchange rate and financial stability. It also discusses how the regulatory role of the ECB should be improved in the future. In this way, the paper discusses the involvement of the ECB in regulatory policy towards the financial sector, and the responses of the ECB to the financial crisis, instability and banks’ illiquidity and insolvency, as well as to sovereign insolvency. It begins with the current set up of the European Monetary Union (EMU) along with the theoretical principles of the EMU model, and the extent to which it conforms with the theoretical framework of the New Consensus Macroeconomics and its policy implications, namely inflation targeting. Problems with the current EMU arrangements are then discussed, followed by changes in view of the August 2007 financial crisis and the ‘great recession’. Required ECB changes, and of course changes in monetary policies are discussed before we finally summarize and conclude.
Qualitative exploration of cultural practices inhibiting rural women entrepreneurship development in selected communities in Nigeria

Nigeria is a country with diverse ethnic groups having cultural practices affecting both men and women differently. However, the extent to which the cultural practices have influenced entrepreneurship practices has not been given adequate attention. Therefore, this paper aims at highlighting the cultural practices, their effects on rural women entrepreneurship, the effects of government interventions on rural entrepreneurship, and how the practices can be harnessed to improve rural women entrepreneurship. This study focused on Southeast and Southwest of Nigeria. Qualitative technique with four focus groups and eight case studies was employed. Analysis was supported by ATLAS.ti. The results revealed that most of the women were culturally restricted to engage in certain businesses, while the belief systems/traditional practices inhibited the success of government initiatives. Hence, there is the need for cultural consideration and reorientation of rural communities for successful development of women entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The globby1-1 (glo1-1) mutation disrupts nuclear and cell division in the developing maize seed causing alterations in endosperm cell fate and tissue differentiation

Cereal endosperm tissues account for most of the world's calorific intake, yet the regulation of monocot seed development remains poorly understood. The maize endosperm originates with a series of free-nuclear divisions, followed by cellularisation and subsequent formation of a range of functional cellular domains. We describe the isolation and characterisation of a mutation that induces aberrant globular embryo and endosperm morphology, globby1-1 (glo1-1). Our data indicate that glo1-1 plays a role in nuclear division and cytokinesis in the developing seed. Pattern formation in the embryo is severely impaired with development arresting at premature stages, while in the endosperm, the effects of the glo1-1 mutation are manifest at the free-nuclear or syncytial stage. During cellularisation, and at later stages of development, aberrant cell division and localised domains of cell proliferation are apparent in glo1-1 endosperms. As a consequence, cell fate acquisition and subsequent differentiation of endosperm tissues are affected to varying degrees of severity. To date, it has been hypothesised that BETL cell fate is specified in the syncytium and that cell files subsequently develop in response to a gradient of signal(s) derived from the maternal pedicel region. Based on our findings, however, we propose that specification of BETL cells is an irreversible event that occurs within a narrow window of syncytial development, and that BETL cell identity is subsequently inherited in a lineage-dependent manner. Additionally, our data suggest that acquisition of aleurone cell fate does not solely rely upon signalling from the maternal surrounding tissue to the periphery of the endosperm, as previously thought, but that other factor(s) present within the endosperm are involved.
A case of narcolepsy mistaken for epilepsy

Narcolepsy-cataplexy syndrome is a disease characterized by an irresistible sleep attacks during the day, a sudden decrease in the muscle tone that occurs in resulting excitement, sleep paralysis and hallucinations that may occur while falling asleep or awakening. Narcolepsy is uncommon in children but may sometimes occur in adolescence. In approximately 50% of the cases, the beginning of the syndrome is between the age of 10-20 and 5% are under 10 years of age. A fifteen year-old male patient was brought to our clinic with the complaint of sleeping too much and this has lasted for the past 3 years. According to his anamnesis, his eyes switch just before falling asleep, periodic limb movements of sleep form at upper and lower extremities when falling asleep, an irresistible need of sleeping arises during the day and he sleeps wherever he is. An epilepsy diagnosis has been established for the patient in another center and also carbamazepine and levetiracetam treatments are applied for one year but the symptoms are still present. A narcolepsy diagnosis has been established and tricyclic antidepressant treatment has been started. Amelioration has been observed in the narcolepsy symptoms of the patient who undergoes the 4 th month of treatment. The case has been presented in order to show that narcolepsy might interfere with epilepsy.
Surgical vs nonoperative treatment of Hadley type IIA odontoid fractures.

BACKGROUND Type II odontoid fractures with additional chip fragments are rare in clinical practice, accounting for < 10% of all odontoid fractures. Hadley et al were the first to describe these fractures as an individual subtype (IIA). OBJECTIVE To analyze the outcome of patients after surgical or nonoperative treatment of Hadley type IIA odontoid fractures. METHODS We analyzed the records of 46 patients at an average of 64 years of age at the time of injury. Twenty-five patients underwent surgical stabilization by anterior screw fixation and were entered into study group A; 21 patients were treated nonoperatively by halo vest immobilization and included in study group B. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients (84%) returned to their preinjury activity level and were satisfied with their treatment. Using the Cervical Spine Outcomes Questionnaire to quantify the clinical outcome, we had an overall outcome score of 21.8. We did not find a significant difference in the overall clinical outcome between study groups. Bony fusion was achieved in 35 patients (80%). We had a nonunion rate of 13% after anterior screw fixation and a significantly higher rate of 30% after halo vest immobilization. Failure of reduction or fixation occurred in 12 patients (27%), with a significantly higher failure rate after halo vest immobilization. CONCLUSION Hadley type IIA odontoid fractures are inherently unstable and impede proper realignment. These fractures have a significantly increased risk for secondary loss of reduction and bony nonunion, particularly after nonoperative management. Early surgery should be considered to avoid further complications.
Germline‐specific expression of the Oct‐4/green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene in mice

The Pic‐1, Oct‐1,2, Unc‐86 (POU) transcription factor Oct‐4 is specifically expressed in the germ cell line, and a previous study has indicated that the expression of the lacZ gene inserted into an 18 kb genomic fragment encompassing the Oct‐4 gene can come close to mimicking the endogenous embryonic expression pattern of Oct‐4 in transgenic mice. In the present study transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the germ cell line were generated using the same Oct‐4 genomic fragments and the expression pattern was analyzed in detail through all stages of germ cell development. The GFP expressing primordial germ cells were first detected as early as 8.0 days post‐coitum (d.p.c.; early head fold stage) at the base of the allantois in living embryos. The GFP expression was thereafter found in both male and female germ cells at all developmental stages except in male germ cells after differentiating into type A spermatogonia in the postnatal testis. There was also a lower level of expression in female germ cells in the prophase of the first meiotic division. These transgenic mice therefore proved to be powerful tools for isolating living germ cells at various developmental stages to study their nature and to isolate new genes.
Phase II trial of gemcitabine plus cisplatin in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer.

PURPOSE To assess the activity and toxicity of the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin in the treatment of chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic urothelial cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-six patients with measurable stage IV carcinoma of the urothelium were enrolled onto this trial. Gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) was administered intravenously for 30 to 60 minutes on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle. Cisplatin was administered after gemcitabine on day 1 of each cycle. The first 11 patients received an initial cisplatin dose of 100 mg/m(2). Due to the hematologic toxicity observed in several of these patients, the dose was reduced to 75 mg/m(2) in the remaining 35 patients. Patients were treated with six cycles, unless disease progression or severe toxicity necessitated earlier discontinuation. RESULTS Ten of the 46 patients achieved a complete response and nine showed a partial response. The overall response rate was 41%. The median time to treatment failure was 5.5 months. The median survival was 14.3 months, and the 1-year survival probability was 54%. Most of the toxicities were hematologic and, in general, easily manageable. CONCLUSION Gemcitabine plus cisplatin is active in the treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer in chemotherapy-naive patients and has an acceptable clinical safety profile. Studies are under way to further define the place of gemcitabine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer.
OVERVIEW OF THE STATE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY WITHIN MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES

In the near future, multinational companies should play a crucial role in supporting and developing a responsible corporate behavior from social, as well as ecological point of view, within the globalization framework. Thus, the process of globalization and liberalization of markets, of goods and services, must be accompanied by the real progress towards an effective system of global governance, with its own social and environmental dimensions. The paper dwells upon the diagnosis of the current state of corporate social responsibility within the international business environment, substantiated on the basis of a study carried out in 2010 by the American scientific and professional organization Business for Social Responsibility (BSR).
Emergence of CD4 Independence Envelopes and Astrocyte Infection in R5 Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Model of Encephalitis

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in the central nervous system (CNS) is characterized by replication in macrophages or brain microglia that express low levels of the CD4 receptor and is the cause of HIV-associated dementia and related cognitive and motor disorders that affect 20 to 30% of treatment-naive patients with AIDS. Independent viral envelope evolution in the brain has been reported, with the need for robust replication in resident CD4low cells, as well as CD4-negative cells, such as astrocytes, proposed as a major selective pressure. We previously reported giant-cell encephalitis in subtype B and C R5 simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-infected macaques (SHIV-induced encephalitis [SHIVE]) that experienced very high chronic viral loads and progressed rapidly to AIDS, with varying degrees of macrophage or microglia infection and activation of these immune cells, as well as astrocytes, in the CNS. In this study, we characterized envelopes (Env) amplified from the brains of subtype B and C R5 SHIVE macaques. We obtained data in support of an association between severe neuropathological changes, robust macrophage and microglia infection, and evolution to CD4 independence. Moreover, the degree of Env CD4 independence appeared to correlate with the extent of astrocyte infection in vivo. These findings further our knowledge of the CNS viral population phenotypes that are associated with the severity of HIV/SHIV-induced neurological injury and improve our understanding of the mechanism of HIV-1 cellular tropism and persistence in the brain. IMPORTANCE Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of astrocytes in the brain has been suggested to be important in HIV persistence and neuropathogenesis but has not been definitively demonstrated in an animal model of HIV-induced encephalitis (HIVE). Here, we describe a new nonhuman primate (NHP) model of R5 simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-induced encephalitis (SHIVE) with several classical HIVE features that include astrocyte infection. We further show an association between severe neuropathological changes, robust resident microglia infection, and evolution to CD4 independence of viruses in the central nervous system (CNS), with expansion to infection of truly CD4-negative cells in vivo. These findings support the use of the R5 SHIVE models to study the contribution of the HIV envelope and viral clades to neurovirulence and residual virus replication in the CNS, providing information that should guide efforts to eradicate HIV from the body.
A Practice Matrix for Involving Young People in Evaluation: Possibilities and Considerations

Youth participatory evaluation (YPE) engages young people in the evaluation process. Over the last 20 years, the field has emerged, but more work is needed as evaluators explore the potential for youth participation within their own evaluation practices. This article describes a practice-oriented matrix for visualizing and conceptualizing the role of young people in evaluation. In this article, we describe the matrix, provide examples from practice to illustrate its potential, and raise considerations for the field, including the role of adults in YPE, and the benefits and limitations for youth and for the evaluation process. We conclude with potential future directions of YPE for the field.
Recent efforts to model human diseases in vivo in Drosophila

Upon completion of sequencing the Drosophila genome, it was estimated that 61% of human disease-associated genes had sequence homologs in flies, and in some diseases such as cancer, the number was as high as 68%1. We now know that as many as 75% of the genes associated with genetic disease have counterparts in Drosophila.2 Using better tools for mutation detection, association studies and whole genome analysis the number of human genes associated with genetic disease is steadily increasing. These detection efforts are outpacing the ability to assign function and understand the underlying cause of the disease at the molecular level. Drosophila models can therefore advance human disease research in a number of ways by: establishing the normal role of these gene products during development, elucidating the mechanism underlying disease pathology, and even identifying candidate therapeutic agents for the treatment of human disease. At the 49th Annual Drosophila Research Conference in San Diego this year, a number of labs presented their exciting findings on Drosophila models of human disease in both platform presentations and poster sessions. Here we can only briefly review some of these developments, and we apologize that we do not have the time or space to review all of the findings presented which use Drosophila to understand human disease etiology.
The Prevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle, Goats and Humans in Rural Uganda: A Comparative Study.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the presence of brucellosis in cattle, goats and humans in farms from south-western Uganda and identify risk factors associated with brucellosis in these three host groups. Data and serum samples were collected from 768 cattle, 315 goats and 236 humans, with 635 samples of bovine milk, from 70 farms in two different study areas in south-western Uganda. Sera from livestock were tested with the Rose Bengal Plate test, using B. abortus and B. melitensis antigens, and human sera were tested with a commercial IgG/IgM lateral flow assay. Milk samples were tested using the OIE-approved milk ring test. Screening tests for brucellosis were positive in 14% of cattle serum, 29% of bovine milk, 17% of goat serum and 11% of human serum samples. There were significant differences in the test prevalence of brucellosis by study site, with levels higher in the study area near Lake Mburo National Park than in the study area near Queen Elizabeth National Park. Multivariable regression models identified risk factors associated with increasing test positivity at the individual and farm levels for cattle, goats and humans. Positive associations were seen between increasing seropositivity of brucellosis in goats, cattle and humans. Results of multivariable analyses suggest that improvements in farm biosecurity and hygiene may reduce the risk of brucellosis on the farm and suggest a role for ticks in bovine brucellosis. Although cattle are the focus of brucellosis control in Uganda, the significant associations between seropositivity in humans and seropositivity in goats suggest that brucellosis in goats may be an important contributor to the epidemiology of the disease on the farm.
A Proposal for Hybrid Memristor-CMOS Spiking Neuromorphic Learning Systems

Recent research in nanotechnology has led to the practical realization of nanoscale devices that behave as memristors, a device that was postulated in the seventies by Chua based on circuit theoretical reasonings. On the other hand, neuromorphic engineering, a discipline that implements physical artifacts based on neuroscience knowledge, has related neural learning mechanisms to the operation of memristors. As a result, neuro-inspired learning architectures can be proposed that exploit nanoscale memristors for building very large scale systems with very dense synaptic-like memory elements. At present, the deep understanding of the internal mechanisms governing memristor operation is still an open issue, and the practical realization of very large scale and reliable ? memristive fabric? for neural learning applications is not a reality yet. However, in the meantime, researchers are proposing and analyzing potential circuit architectures that would combine a standard CMOS substrate with a memristive nanoscale fabric on top to realize hybrid memristor-CMOS neural learning systems. The focus of this paper is on one such architecture for implementing the very well established Spike-Timing-Dependent-Plasticity (STDP) learning mechanism found in biology. In this paper we quickly review spiking neural systems, STDP learning, and memristors, and propose a hybrid memristor-CMOS system architecture with the potential of implementing a large scale STDP learning spiking neural system. Such architecture would eventually allow to implement real-time brain-like processing learning systems with about neurons and synapses on one single Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
The Relationship of Angiogenesis to Biological Activity in Human Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck

Tumor angiogenesis has recently been related to tumor growth and metastasis, which determine the clinical outcome of the patient. This study was designed to determine the relationship between angiogenesis in primary squamous cell carcinomas (SSC) of the head and neck and the development of recurrent or metastatic disease, or both. Different SCC of the head and neck were studied. Microvessels were selectively stained using a monoclonal antibody for factor VIII. Microvessel counts were performed in the tumor, in the tissues immediately adjacent, and in normal tissues of similar topographies. Microvessel counts were then correlated with clinical outcome (development of recurrent or metastatic disease, or both). Recurrent or metastatic disease, or both, developed in patients with high microvessel counts (mean, 121.25) in the tissues adjacent to the tumor 7 to 16 months after initial treatment. Those with low microvessel counts (mean, 33.75) were disease-free for 16 months to 6 years (p < 0.01). Microvessel counts inside the tumor were also higher in those in whom recurrences or metastasis, or both, developed, but were not statistically significant. In this study, angiogenesis was directly related to clinical outcome. Thus, angiogenesis may be an independent predictor of recurrent or metastatic disease, or both, which could help in the selection of patients with SCC of the head and neck for aggressive therapy.
Infectious and immunosuppressive complications of purine analog therapy.

PURPOSE The purine analogs fludarabine, cladribine, and pentostatin are active agents in the treatment of indolent lymphoid malignancies. This report reviews the pattern, severity, and consequences of the immunosuppression and myelotoxicity associated with these agents. METHODS The literature was searched using MedLine and Cancerline, as well as the bibliographies of published reports through the winter of 1994 and 1995. RESULTS Each of these drugs induces profound lymphocytopenia. A marked decrease in CD4 cells may persist for several years, while other mononuclear-cell populations recover more rapidly. The spectrum of infections encountered in these patients appears to be altered to include a wide range of opportunistic organisms. Factors that increase the risk of these infections include concurrent corticosteroids, extensive prior therapy, particularly with another purine analog, and poor response to purine analog treatment. CONCLUSION Because of the frequency of life-threatening infections with unusual pathogens that may occur in patients treated with purine analogs, aggressive and early diagnostic evaluation and appropriate use of myeloid growth factors may be necessary to ensure appropriate antimicrobial therapy.