Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of the Nitric Oxide System to Hypobaric Hypoxia in the Aged Striatum

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) appears to play a key role in the hypoxic injury to the brain. We have previously reported that hypoxia/reoxygenation downregulated NO synthases (NOS) in the adult striatum. Until now, no data were available concerning the influence of aging in conjunction with hypoxia/reoxygenation on the NO system in the striatum. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the role of the NO pathway in the hypoxic aged striatum. Methods: Wistar rats 24-25 months old were submitted to hypobaric hypoxia (20 min)/reoxygenation (0 h, 24 h, 5 days). Expression (PCR, immunohistochemistry/image analysis) and activity (NADPH-diaphorase/image analysis) of NOS isoforms (neuronal NOS or nNOS, endothelial NOS or eNOS, inducible NOS or iNOS) were analyzed together with nitrated protein expression (immunohistochemistry/image analysis). NO levels were indirectly quantified as nitrates/nitrites (NOx). Results: The mRNA levels of NOS isoforms were undetectable at 0 h after hypoxia in the striatum compared to the control. At later reoxygenation times, nNOS mRNA decreased, while eNOS mRNA augmented. Protein levels of nNOS and eNOS rose at 24 h after hypoxia, and iNOS protein increased at 5 days. NOx levels remained unchanged, whereas in situ NOS activity and protein nitration diminished during reoxygenation in the aged striatum. Conclusion: The aged striatum may overexpress NOS isoforms as a neuroprotective-adaptive mechanism to hypoxia. However, this mechanism may not work properly in the aged striatum, since no changes in NO levels were detected after hypoxia. This may be related to the low activity of NOS isoforms in the hypoxic striatum.
The importance of core groups in the epidemiology and control of HIV-1 infection.

In Africa, HIV transmission occurs mainly through heterosexual intercourse. High-frequency transmitter core groups are key to the epidemiology of HIV-1 and STD on the continent. The rapid growth of the HIV-1 epidemic in Africa appears to have resulted, in part, from social and economic factors which result in individuals' frequent engagement in sexual intercourse with members of HIV-infected core groups. Understanding the importance of core groups in HIV-1 transmission is therefore key to developing more effective programs for the control of HIV-1. Sections explore the core groups concept and the sexual transmission of infection, social and economic forces creating core groups in Africa, the interaction of STD and HIV-1 in core groups, the effect of STD on HIV-1 disease progression in core groups in accelerating the HIV-1 epidemic, the role of core group interventions in control programs, balancing disease control with the potential for victimization, and research needs.
Immunosuppression in pediatric solid organ transplantation: Opportunities, risks, and management

Abstract: The pediatric transplant community stands at a time of unprecedented choice of immunosuppressive agents – and with a legacy of morbidity from those agents used in the previous two decades. This review considers the clinical utility and side‐effect profiles of immunosuppressants used widely in current practice (e.g., glucocorticoids, azathioprine, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and sirolimus) and those agents which are in increasing use or in evaluation (e.g., IL‐2 receptor antibodies, everolimus, FTY720, LEA29Y, and deoxyspergualin). Further consideration is given to the wider drug interactions likely during the use of new immunosuppressant regimens and to our growing awareness of the influences of genetic heterogeneity on drug efficacy and handling. Finally, we consider the new demands being placed on the use of drug monitoring to regulate dosage of this new repertoire of immunosuppressants.
Non‐cholinergic, trophic action of recombinant acetylcholinesterase on mid‐brain dopaminergic neurons

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is secreted from various brain regions such as the substantia nigra, where levels of this molecule are disproportionately higher than those of choline acetyltransferase. It is thus possible that AChE may have alternative, non‐cholinergic functions, one of which could be in development. Indeed, several recent studies have already demonstrated a neurotrophic action of AChE independent of hydrolysis of acetylcholine. In the developing nervous system the dominant forms of AChE differ from the tetramers (G4) that prevail in maturity, in that they are lower molecular weight monomers (G1) and dimers (G2). Therefore, the aims of this study were to explore the neurotrophic role of AChE by comparing the effects of mouse recombinant G1 and G4 AChE on the survival and development of midbrain tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons. Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), which also hydrolyses acetylcholine, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), an established trophic factor for midbrain neurons, were also tested. bFGF had no significant stimulatory effect: moreover, BuChE was also inefficacious, suggesting that the action of AChE was independent of its catalytic site. In contrast, mouse recombinant G1 and G4 AChE both increased the survival as well as the outgrowth of the cultured neurons. However, G1 AChE was more potent than G4 AChE suggesting that developmental forms of AChE exist. The implications of this finding for physiological and pathological functioning of the nervous system are discussed. J. Neurosci. Res. 49:207–218, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The use of standardized extracts in allergen immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have established that injection allergen immunotherapy is clinically effective. However, it is not known to what extent the doses of allergen extract commonly used in clinical practice match those that have been used in these controlled studies. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine by questionnaire the doses of standardized allergen extracts commonly used by board-certified allergists in the United States and to compare these with doses that have proven effective in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. METHODS A questionnaire containing a hypothetical case and asking for a recommended allergen prescription for maintenance immunotherapy was mailed to 500 randomly selected board-certified members of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology living in the United States. The recommended doses were compared with those doses of the extracts that had been proven effective by using major allergen content figures for representative standardized US allergen extracts provided by an allergy extract laboratory. RESULTS Responses were received from 118 (23%) of the addressees. Eighty (16%) contained interpretable data on maintenance dosing for extracts. The median doses of pollen recommended were comparable with those that have been demonstrated to be clinically effective. Median doses of house dust mites were only slightly lower than those that have proven effective. Median doses of animal dander, on the other hand, were well below those used effectively in controlled studies. Although the median doses used were often in the range of proven doses, the range of doses recommended by allergists included some that were one tenth to one five hundredth those of the median doses. CONCLUSION In the absence of useful guidance from the federal regulatory authorities, American allergists, for the most part, use doses of pollens and house dust mites that are within the proven range. Their dosing of animal dander is generally below proven effective doses. There is, however, a wide range of dosing of all extracts used, and there is use of mixes that have no botanical basis. Therefore there is need for studies defining what are effective and ineffective allergen extract doses.
Peer, parent, and media influences on the development of weight concerns and frequent dieting among preadolescent and adolescent girls and boys.

OBJECTIVE To assess prospectively the influence of peers, parents, and the media on the development of weight concerns and frequent dieting. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Questionnaires mailed annually to participants throughout the United States. PARTICIPANTS One-year follow-up of 6770 girls and 5287 boys who completed questionnaires in 1996 and 1997 and were between 9 and 14 years of age in 1996. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Onset of high levels of concern with weight and dieting frequently to control weight. RESULTS During 1 year of follow-up, 6% of girls and 2% of boys became highly concerned with weight and 2% of girls and 1% of boys became constant dieters. Peer influence was negligible. Independent of age and body mass index, both girls (odds ratio [OR]): 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-3.1) and boys (OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.1-6. 4) who were making a lot of effort to look like same-sex figures in the media were more likely than their peers to become very concerned with their weight. Moreover, both girls (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-5.0) and boys (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1-6.0) who reported that their thinness/lack of fat was important to their father were more likely than their peers to become constant dieters. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that parents and the media influence the development of weight concerns and weight control practices among preadolescents and adolescents. However, there are gender differences in the relative importance of these influences.
A 24-week open-label extension study of olanzapine-fluoxetine combination and olanzapine monotherapy in the treatment of bipolar depression.

OBJECTIVE Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination has shown efficacy in the acute treatment of depressive episodes in patients with bipolar I disorder. The present analyses examined the efficacy and safety of longer term treatment with olanzapine-fluoxetine combination or olanzapine monotherapy in a 6-month open-label extension study. METHOD 376 patients with DSM-IV bipolar I disorder, depressed, who completed an acute trial entered the open-label study and received 1 week of olanzapine monotherapy (5-20 mg/day). At all subsequent visits, patients could choose between olanzapine monotherapy or olanzapine-fluoxetine combination (6/25, 6/50, or 12/50 mg/day). Three treatment groups were defined retrospectively according to the medication course taken from week 1: olanzapine, olanzapine-fluoxetine combination, or switched. The efficacy measures were the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Impressions-Bipolar Version, and Young Mania Rating Scale. The study was conducted from July 2000 to May 2002. RESULTS Among patients who started in remission, MADRS total scores did not change significantly from baseline to endpoint in the olanzapine-fluoxetine combination (0.8) or olanzapine (0.3) groups, but increased slightly in the switched (2.3, p = .02) group. For patients who started in nonremission, MADRS total scores decreased significantly in all groups (olanzapine-fluoxetine combination: -5.7, p = .001; olanzapine: -11.6, p = .004; switched: -6.4, p = .015). The majority of patients who entered the study in nonremission achieved remission (MADRS total score < or = 12) during the trial (olanzapine-fluoxetine combination: 66.7%, olanzapine: 64.7%, switched: 62.5%). The overall rate of depressive relapse was 27.4%, and the overall incidence of mania emergence was 5.9%. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that long-term treatment with olanzapine-fluoxetine combination may be a useful option for the management of depressive symptoms and carries a low risk of mania emergence.
The relationship between earnings round up/down and global financial crisis: evidence from BRICS markets

ABSTRACT This study examines the rounding up/down behavior of selected key accounting figures in BRICS countries. It also examines the role of global financial crisis (GFC) on this rounding up or down of such key numbers. Five key financial figures (Revenue, Operating Income, Net Income, and Earnings per share (EPS), Dividend per share (DPS)) are studied during year 2000 to 2015. Results show rounding up/down is more prevalent in two markets, China and India, for positive as well as for negative profit firms during both periods. Brazilian, Russian, and South African markets are showing less rounding up/down of earnings figures during pre-GFC and also for post-GFC period.
Effect of Intervertebral Disc Height on Postoperative Motion and Outcomes After ProDisc-L Lumbar Disc Replacement

Study Design. Retrospective study of patients enrolled in prospective randomized Food and Drug Administration trial. Objective. To evaluate the influence of pre- and postoperative disc height on postoperative motion and clinical outcomes. Summary of Background Data. Our understanding of the factors that influence motion and ultimately patient satisfaction after lumbar disc replacement continues to evolve. Methods. Forty-two patients with a single level ProDisc-L at either the L4/5 or L5–S1 were selected. Pre- and postoperative disc height and range of motion (ROM) were measured from standing lateral and flexion-extension radiographs. Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale were also collected. Student t test and Spearman rho tests were performed to determine if there was any correlation or “threshold” effect between the disc height and ROM or clinical outcome. Results. The mean anterior and posterior disc height significantly increased from 10.8 mm to 17.6 mm and 4.4 mm to 7.9 mm, respectively (P < 0.01). The mean ROM decreased from 7.0 degrees to 5.7 degrees (P = 0.21). Patients with less than 9 mm of preoperative anterior disc height had an increase in their ROM (2.2 degrees) compared with a loss of ROM (−2.2 degrees) in patients with more than 9 mm of preoperative disc height (P = 0.02). Patients with between 16 mm and 18 mm of postoperative anterior disc height have greater ROM (7.5 degrees) than those above or below this range (3.6 degrees and 3.6 degrees respectively, P < 0.05). There was no correlation or threshold effect between clinical outcomes and disc height. Conclusion. Patients with greater disc collapse benefit more in ROM from a total disc replacement. The optimal range to maximize ROM for postoperative anterior disc height is 16 mm to 18 mm. This optimal range did not translate into better clinical outcome at 2 years follow-up.
Multicluster nosocomial outbreak of parainfluenza virus type 3 infection in a pediatric oncohematology unit: a phylogenetic study

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3) has been reported to cause nosocomial outbreaks of respiratory infection, in particular among hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The results of the present study indicate that a nosocomial outbreak of hPIV-3 infection occurred among patients followed in an Oncohematology Unit over a period of about 15 weeks during the fall season. Background Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV-3) has been reported to cause nosocomial outbreaks of respiratory infection, in particular among hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. Design and Methods From September 2007 through January 2008 several episodes of hPIV-3 infection were observed among young patients followed at the Oncohematology Unit (OHU) or other units of the Pediatrics Department. In 32 young patients (median age 3.5 years, range 21 days–27 years), hPIV-3 infection was diagnosed by direct fluorescent antibody staining of cells from respiratory secretions, and virus quantified by real-time RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal aspirates or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. In addition, the epidemiologic relatedness of hPIV-3 strains was investigated by sequencing two variable regions of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene (nt 1–569 and nt 762–1239). Results Of the 32 hPIV-3-positive patients, 19 were hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients, 8 had hematologic malignancies, and 5 were immunocompetent children. Sixteen patients had upper, and 16 lower respiratory tract infection. All patients but one had high viral load in nasopharyngeal aspirates (>1.0×106 RNA copies/mL). One patient died from respiratory failure with a high viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 16/32 strains were identical. Besides this major cluster, three other clusters were identified, each one defining a smaller outbreak. Conclusions Phylogenetic analysis allows identification of the role of a single or multiple hPIV-3 strains in the person-to-person transmission within an outbreak occurring in clinical units.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Cuba (1995–1999): Implications for Treatment of Gonorrhea

Background Antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, especially those resistant to penicillin and tetracycline, have spread with remarkable rapidity in many Caribbean countries. Goal The goal of the study was to survey the antibiotic susceptibilities of N gonorrhoeae strains isolated from 1995 to 1999 in Cuba and to discuss the impact of antimicrobial resistance on the management of gonorrhea in the country. Study Design Susceptibility of the strains to penicillin, tetracycline, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, spectinomycin, and azithromycin were determined by an agar dilution method. Results Penicillin and tetracycline resistance was noted in 60.8% and 54.2%, respectively, of the N gonorrhoeae strains tested. A total of 63.35 (76/120) of the N gonorrhoeae strains exhibited plasmid-mediated resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, or both. Strains with chromosomally mediated resistance to these antibiotics accounted for 10% (12/120) of the strains. The strains were susceptible to ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, spectinomycin, and ciprofloxacin. One strain's ciprofloxacin MIC was 0.125 &mgr;g/ml. Of the 52 strains tested, 23.1% displayed intermediate resistance to azithromycin. Conclusions N gonorrhoeae strains exhibited a high frequency of resistance and multiresistance to penicillin and tetracycline. Therefore, these antibiotics should no longer be used to treat gonococcal infections in Cuba and should be substituted with effective drugs such as third-generation cephalosporins, spectinomycin, and fluoroquinolones. The detection of intermediate resistance to azithromycin and ciprofloxacin underlines the importance of periodic surveillance for susceptibility of N gonorrhoeae strains to antimicrobials agents used as primary therapy for gonorrhea.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Dynamic Performance of a 6/10 SRM for Traction Application in PHEVs

Switched reluctance machine (SRM) has been viewed as a low-cost machine with concentrated windings on the stator and no magnetic source on the rotor. Owing to the higher torque-production capability with lower ripple, an SRM with a higher number of rotor poles is a potential candidate for traction applications in hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. However, since external phase commutation and rotor-position detection are necessary to run the SRM, its control can be challenging. In case of an SRM with a higher number of rotor poles, each phase is energized more frequently in one revolution, and the current conduction time is shorter due to the smaller interpolar gap between rotor poles. This paper investigates potential control complexity owing to the higher number of rotor poles, self-starting, and fault tolerance of the machine. A 5-hp drivetrain with a three-phase 6/10 SRM has been developed for traction application. Conventional current and speed controls have been implemented to experimentally evaluate the dynamic performance of the new family of SRMs. It has been shown that the 6/10 SRM is capable of operating even if two of its phases develop a fault. Moreover, the 6/10 SRM is capable of starting by itself with an initial hard alignment when only two phases are operating.
The gene of the N‐acetylglucosaminidase, a Bacillus subtilis 168 cell wall hydrolase not involved in vegetative cell autolysis

lytD, the structural gene of the Bacillus subtilis 168 N‐acetylglucosaminidase was localized at 310°, next to the tagABC operon. Sequence analysis revealed a monocistronic operon encoding a 95.6 kDa protein endowed with an export signal, the cleavage of which yields the monomer polypeptide (92.8 kDa) of the dimeric active form of the enzyme. Transcription is initiated at a sigma‐D (σD)‐dependent promoter and ends at a terminator common to lytD and the divergently transcribed tagABC operon. In addition, we report the sequence of the adjacent upstream ORF, transcribed in the same direction as lytD, which shows significant homology to phosphomannose isomerase‐encoding genes. Cell separation, motility, autolysis, cell wall turnover and growth were not affected in strains devoid of the N‐acetylglucosaminidase. A mutant deficient in the two most abundant autolysins, i.e. the LytC amidase and the glucosaminidase, exhibited the phenotype of the amidase‐deficient strains, revealing their non‐requirement for growth. This conclusion raises two fundamental questions: how does the cell undo the highly cross‐linked peptidoglycan so as to be able to grow, and what is the rote of the considerable amount of autolysin normally present? Possible answers to these questions are discussed.
Suppression of AMF/PGI‐mediated tumorigenic activities by ursolic acid in cultured hepatoma cells and in a mouse model

Our previous studies demonstrated that autocrine motility factor/phosphoglucose isomerase (AMF/PGI) possesses tumorigenic activities through the modulation of intracellular signaling. We then investigated the effects of ursolic acid (UA), oleanolic acid (OA), tangeretin, and nobiletin against AMF/PGI‐mediated oncogenesis in cultured stable Huh7 and Hep3B cells expressing wild‐type or mutated AMF/PGI and in a mouse model in this study. The working concentrations of the tested compounds were lower than their IC10, which was determined by Brdu incorporation and colony formation assay. Only UA efficiently suppressed the AMF/PGI‐induced Huh7 cell migration and MMP‐3 secretion. Additionally, UA inhibited the AMF/PGI‐mediated protection against TGF‐β‐induced apoptosis in Hep3B cells, whereas OA, tangeretin, and nobiletin had no effect. In Huh7 cells and tumor tissues, UA disrupted the Src/RhoA/PI 3‐kinase signaling and complex formation induced by AMF/PGI. In the Hep3B system, UA dramatically suppressed AMF/PGI‐induced anti‐apoptotic signaling transmission, including Akt, p85, Bad, and Stat3 phosphorylation. AMF/PGI enhances tumor growth, angiogenesis, and pulmonary metastasis in mice, which is correlated with its enzymatic activity, and critically, UA intraperitoneal injection reduces the tumorigenesis in vivo, enhances apoptosis in tumor tissues and also prolongs mouse survival. Combination of sub‐optimal dose of UA and cisplatin, a synergistic tumor cell‐killing effects was found. Thus, UA modulates intracellular signaling and might serve as a functional natural compound for preventing or alleviating hepatocellular carcinoma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.