Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Effect of ligustrazine on cell proliferation in subventricular zone in rat brain with focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury].

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of ligustrazine on cell proliferation in subventricular zone (SVZ) in rat brain with focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a sham operation group,a ligustrazine treatment group, and a control group. The ligustrazine treatment group and the control group were further divided into 5 subgroups: 1d, 3d, 7d, 14d, and 21d reperfusion after 2h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model was made by MCAO. S phase cells were labelled with BrdU. Immunohistochemistry method was conducted to detect the BrdU positive cells. The total number of BrdU positive cells in the SVZ was measured. The expression of neuro nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was detected with Western blot method. RESULTS There was a significant increase of BrdU positive cells in SVZ of ligustrazine treatment in the 1d and 3d group compared with that of the control group (P<0.01). The total number of BrdU positive cells reached a peak in 7d group and declined afterwards. Cells proliferated also in SVZ on the contralateral side, and peaked at 7d. The nNOS expression of ligustrazine administration after the focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion decreased at 1d and 3d after the reperfusion compared with that of the control group (P<0.05), and increased at 7d, but with no significant difference compared with that of the control group. CONCLUSION Ligustrazine may promote the cell proliferation in SVZ of adult rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury by decreasing the nNOS expression.
Analysis of c-myc oncogene in human esophageal carcinoma: immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and northern and Southern blot studies.

We have examined the c-myc gene expression and the gene organization in resected human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas, and in the adjacent normal esophageal mucosa from 20 patients undergoing radical surgery. Immunohistochemistry of p62c-myc was compared with that of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in order to examine the biologic significance of p62c-myc. Relative c-myc expression detected by Northern blot analysis ranged from 0.41 to 2.8, but the degree of c-myc expression did not correlate with other clinicopathological prognostic parameters. In sity hybridization localized the elevated c-myc mRNA expression to tumor cells and basal and parabasal cells of the adjacent normal mucosa. Immunohistochemistry showed altered localization of p62c-myc, i.e., both cytoplasmic and nuclear immunostaining in advanced carcinomas. c-myc immunoreactivity exhibited wider distribution compared with that of PCNA, a cell cycle related antigen, which may indicate induction of cell proliferation by p62c-myc. DNA hybridization showed mild amplification in one out of 17 tumors and no evidence of gene rearrangement. There was no distinct correlation between the results of Northern or Southern blot analysis and the results of in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry. Gene alteration of the c-myc locus, as well as overexpression of the c-myc oncogene, appeared to be limited, and analysis of the c-myc gene yielded limited prognostic value in human esophageal carcinomas.
Addressing current medical needs in invasive fungal infection prevention and treatment with new antifungal agents, strategies and formulations

Introduction: Morbidity and mortality associated with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remains unacceptably high. Such diseases represent a substantial burden to the healthcare system. New options are needed to address antifungal resistance in existing and emerging pathogens and improve treatment outcomes while minimizing drug-related toxicities and interactions. Awareness of new and potential future options is of great value for those healthcare professionals who care for patients with IFIs. Areas covered: A search of PubMed, infectious diseases conference abstracts and reference lists from relevant publications was conducted and relevant information abstracted. This review describes the limitations of existing systemic antifungal therapies (e.g., resistance, drug-drug interactions, drug-related toxicities) and summarizes data regarding several emerging antifungal compounds including (but not limited to) new triazoles (e.g. isavuconazole, ravuconazole), echinocandins (e.g., aminocandin) and nikkomycin Z. Agents in clinical trials such as (but not limited to) new triazoles (e.g., isavuconazole, ravuconazole), echinocandins (e.g., aminocandin) and nikkomycin are included. New formulations of existing drugs including reformulations of miconazole, posaconazole and amphotericin B are also reviewed. Finally, new or novel administration strategies for existing drugs such as combination antifungal therapy, antifungal dose escalation, adjunctive use of iron chelators and preemptive therapy are discussed. Expert opinion: All present antifungal agents have some deficiencies in antifungal spectra, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and/or drug–drug interactions, making them less than ideal for some fungal infections. Therefore, there remains an urgent need to find safe, effective, rapidly fungicidal, broad-spectrum antifungal agents with excellent pharmacodynamics to effectively eliminate the fungus from the body with short antifungal courses.
Refractory cytopenias secondary to copper deficiency in children receiving exclusive jejunal nutrition

Copper deficiency is a known cause of anemia and neutropenia that is easily remedied with copper supplementation. Copper is primarily absorbed in the stomach and proximal duodenum, so patients receiving enteral nutrition via methods that bypass this critical region may be at increased risk for copper deficiency. In pediatrics, postpyloric enteral feeding is increasingly utilized to overcome problems related to aspiration, severe reflux, poor gastric motility, and gastric outlet obstruction. However, little is known about the prevalence of copper deficiency in this population. We describe three pediatric patients receiving exclusive jejunal feeds who developed cytopenias secondary to copper deficiency.
Progressive augmentation and ventilatory long‐term facilitation are enhanced in sleep apnoea patients and are mitigated by antioxidant administration

Progressive augmentation (PA) and ventilatory long‐term facilitation (vLTF) of respiratory motor output are forms of respiratory plasticity that are initiated during exposure to intermittent hypoxia. The present study was designed to determine whether PA and vLTF are enhanced in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) participants compared to matched healthy controls. The study was also designed to determine whether administration of an antioxidant cocktail mitigates PA and vLTF. Thirteen participants with sleep apnoea and 13 controls completed two trials. During both trials participants were exposed to intermittent hypoxia which included twelve 4‐min episodes of hypoxia (, 50 mmHg; , 4 mmHg above baseline) followed by 30 min of recovery. Prior to exposure to intermittent hypoxia, participants were administered, in a randomized fashion, either an antioxidant or a placebo cocktail. Baseline measures of minute ventilation during the placebo and antioxidant trials were not different between or within groups. During the placebo trial, PA was evident in both groups; however it was enhanced in the OSA group compared to control (last hypoxic episode 36.9 ± 2.8 vs. 27.7 ± 2.2 l min−1; P≤ 0.01). Likewise, vLTF was evident during the recovery period in both groups; on the other hand vLTF was greater in the OSA group compared to control (29.3 ± 2.8 vs. 20.4 ± 1.3 l min−1; P≤ 0.01). PA and vLTF were reduced in the OSA group following antioxidant administration compared to the placebo (PA 30.6 ± 2.0 vs. 36.9 ± 2.8 l min−1, P≤ 0.01; vLTF 23.3 ± 1.4 vs. 29.3 ± 2.8 l min−1, P≤ 0.05). We conclude that PA and vLTF are enhanced in participants with OSA and that these forms of respiratory plasticity are mitigated after treatment with an antioxidant cocktail.
P53 Dependent Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore Opening Is Required for Dexamethasone‐Induced Death of Osteoblasts

Prolonged or overdose glucocorticoids (GCs) usage is the common cause of osteoporosis. In the present study, we studied the cellular mechanism of dexamethasone (Dex)‐induce osteoblast cell death by focusing on the role of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). In cultured osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells, Dex‐induced mPTP opening, which was demonstrated by mitochondrial membrane potential (MPP) decrease, cyclophilin‐D (CyPD)–adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (ANT‐1) mitochondrial complexation and cytochrome C (cyto‐C) release. The mPTP inhibitor sanglifehrin A (SfA) dramatically inhibited Dex‐induced MPP loss, cyto‐C release and MC3T3‐E1 cell death. Dex‐induced cell death requires mPTP composing protein CyPD, as CyPD inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA) and CyPD siRNA knockdown inhibited Dex‐induced MC3T3‐E1 cell death, while CyPD overexpression aggravated Dex's cytotoxic effect. We found that Dex induced P53 phosphorylation and translocation to mitochondria, where it formed a complex with CyPD. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) siRNA knockdown, or P53 inhibition (by its inhibitor pifithrin‐α or shRNA silencing) suppressed Dex‐induced CyPD‐P53 mitochondrial association and subsequent MC3T3‐E1 cell death. Finally, in primary cultured osteoblasts, Dex‐induced cell death was inhibited by CsA, SfA or pifithrin‐α. Together, our data suggest that Dex‐induced osteoblast cell death is associated with GR‐P53‐regulated mPTP opening. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1475–1483, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative effects of alfuzosin versus Serenoa repens in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES Sixty-three patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) entered a double-blind, comparative, parallel-groups study lasting 3 weeks, carried out to compare the efficacy and safety of alfuzosin 2.5 mg tid (n = 32) vs serenoa repens 160 mg bid (n = 31) in BPH. METHODS Efficacy was assessed both on clinical symptoms (Boyarsky's scale, visual analogue scale, clinical global impression), urinary flow rates (uroflowmetry) and residual urinary volume (transabdominal ultrasound). Events and reported signs were recorded throughout the entire study. RESULTS Statistically significant and clinically relevant differences were found between the two treatments in favour of alfuzosin for Boyarsky's total score (decrease from 9.6 +/- 3.0 to 5.9 +/- 3.0, 38.8% for alfuzosin and from 9.3 +/- 2.5 to 6.8 +/- 2.8, 26.9% for serenoa repens) and obstructive score (decrease from 4.9 +/- 2.1 to 3.0 +/- 1.9, 37.8% for alfuzosin; from 4.4 +/- 1.7 to 3.4 +/- 1.8, 23.1% for Serenoa repens; p = 0.01 for both). Clinically relevant differences were found between the two treatments for visual analogue scale and overall clinical impression at the end of the study. Furthermore, the increase in quality of micturition was better with alfuzosin. The proportion of responders (increase on day 21 in peak flow rate of at least 25% relative to the baseline values) was in favour of alfuzosin (71.8% and 48.4% for alfuzosin and Serenoa repens, respectively; p = 0.057). Both treatments were well tolerated. No patient treated with alfuzosin complained of any adverse event at any time during the study. One patient in the Serenoa group complained of mild pruritus which cleared spontaneously. Systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate did not show any clinically relevant change during treatment with alfuzosin. CONCLUSIONS The findings confirm the efficacy and safety of alfuzosin in symptomatic BPH and indicate the superiority of alfuzosin over Serenoa repens in the treatment of urinary signs and symptoms of BPH.
Coupling between phosphate release and force generation in muscle actomyosin.

Energetic, kinetic and oxygen exchange experiments in the mid-1980s and early 1990s suggested that phosphate (Pi) release from actomyosin-adenosine diphosphate Pi (AM.ADP.Pi) in muscle fibres is linked to force generation and that Pi release is reversible. The transition leading to the force-generating state and subsequent Pi release were hypothesized to be separate, but closely linked steps. Pi shortens single force-generating actomyosin interactions in an isometric optical clamp only if the conditions enable them to last 20-40 ms, enough time for Pi to dissociate. Until 2003, the available crystal forms of myosin suggested a rigid coupling between movement of switch II and tilting of the lever arm to generate force, but they did not explain the reciprocal affinity myosin has for actin and nucleotides. Newer crystal forms and other structural data suggest that closing of the actin-binding cleft opens switch I (presumably decreasing nucleotide affinity). These data are all consistent with the order of events suggested before: myosin.ADP. Pi binds weakly, then strongly to actin, generating force. Then Pi dissociates, possibly further increasing force or sliding.
Technological Innovations in Clinical Assessment and Psychotherapy

In this paper the application of computer technology and the use of the Internet in mental health care are critically reviewed. A number of on-line screening devices have been developed for anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders, with great potential for clinical practice. On line assessment is generally equivalent to clinical assessment. A number of studies have shown that self-help treatment programmes on stand-alone computers are as effective as routine clinical care. The Internet enhances the therapeutic possibilities of computers by offering feedback of therapists and more tailor-made treatment. A number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have shown that Internet-based treatment is more effective than no-treatment and as effective as face-to-face treatment. Research so far has been limited to anxiety disorders, burn-out, depression, headache, insomnia, tinnitus and obesity. Further, exposure through virtual reality has been found effective in a number of RCTs in specific phobias, but results with respect to the effects of the use of virtual reality techniques to other disorders are inconclusive. It is concluded that computer-driven assessment and treatment has many advantages and few disadvantages. A number of reasons are discussed which will preclude large-scale implementation of computer-driven assessment and therapy in the near future.
Avian pneumovirus infection of laying hens: Experimental studies

Administration of a virulent strain of avian pneumovirus (APV) to specific pathogen free laying hens by the oculonasal route failed to induce a drop in egg production or any adverse effects on eggshell quality. However, intravenous (i.v.) inoculation of the same strain caused a substantial drop in egg production and a high incidence of soft and thin-shelled eggs. Some respiratory signs were also observed and the hens appeared sick, with diarrhoea being observed in approximately one-half of the hens between 4 and 11 days post-inoculation (p.i.). APV antigen was detected in the oviduct epithelium up to 9 days p.i. This challenge model was then used to investigate the efficacy of live attenuated turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) vaccine administered alone at 1 day old, or an inactivated TRT vaccine (at 16 weeks), or a combined programme using both vaccines, in protecting against this challenge. Neither the live nor the inactivated vaccine alone protected against clinical signs (respiratory infection or diarrhoea). However, the inactivated, but not the live, vaccine did protect against the effect of the i.v. challenge on laying performance. In contrast, the combined vaccination programme protected completely against both clinical signs and poor egg-laying performance. This protection lasted until at least 60 weeks of age. On the basis of the results with this experimental model, it is concluded that the use of live priming followed by administration of inactivated TRT vaccine is necessary to provide complete protection of laying chickens against APV challenge.
Morphometric evaluation of the sphenopalatine foramen for endonasal surgery.

OBJECTIVE Ligation of the sphenopalatine artery is used to treat severe nasal haemorrhage. Despite the high rates of success reported, errors and complications may occur in locating the sphenopalatine foramen (SPF) through which the vasculonervous structures penetrate the nasal cavity. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the numerical variation of the SPF, its relation to the ethmoid bone crista of the palatine bone in the lateral nasal wall, its distance from the anterior nasal spine and the angle between this distance and the anterior nasal floor. DESIGN Anatomical study. SETTING Regional tertiary reference center. MATERIAL AND INTERVENTIONS: Fifty-four hemiskulls were submitted to anatomical study and measurements were made on more than 12 dissected hemiskulls using the Image Tool 3.0 software. RESULTS The SPF was single in 87% of the specimens, and more than one orifice was present in 13%. In most specimens it was possible to establish a relation with the ethmoid crista, which is a surgical reference for the SPF location. The mean values of the measurements were significantly higher in the hemifaces than in the hemiskulls, ranging from 54 to 63 mm, and angulation ranged from 20 to 32 degrees. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated that in most specimens studied the SPF was single and located in the superior nasal meatus. The distances measured suggest that these values can be used as distance references for the use of the endoscope for ligation or endonasal cauterization of the branches of the sphenopalatine artery, preventing possible errors and complications.
Identifying and Evaluating Equity Provisions in State Health Care Reform

Millions of people in the United States—principally racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and those who lack proficiency in English—face barriers to high-quality health care. Such problems are largely due to high numbers of uninsured individuals among these groups, though it persists even when they are insured. By expanding health insurance coverage and addressing issues of access to care, quality of care, patient empowerment, infrastructural reforms, and social and community-level determinants of health, states have the potential to achieve equity. This report seeks to identify state policies that promote equitable health care access and quality and to evaluate existing laws, regulations, or reform proposals in five states— Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California. These states’ initiatives, all of which move toward universal health insurance coverage, also address other innovative strategies such as improving health care provider diversity, distribution, and cultural competence. Support for this research was provided by The Commonwealth Fund. The views presented here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Commonwealth Fund or its directors, officers, or staff. This and other Fund publications are available online at www.commonwealthfund. org. To learn more about new publications when they become available, visit the Fund’s Web site and register to receive e-mail alerts. Commonwealth Fund pub. no. 1124. CONTENTS About the Authors iv Acknowledgments v Executive Summary v
Socioeconomic and behavioural risk factors for adverse winter health and social outcomes in economically developed countries: a systematic review of quantitative observational studies

Background Mortality and morbidity rates are often highest during the winter period, particularly in countries with milder climates. A growing body of research has identified potential socioeconomic, housing and behavioural mediators of cold weather-related adverse health and social outcomes, but an inclusive systematic review of this literature has yet to be performed. Methods A systematic review, with narrative synthesis, of observational research published in English between 2001 and 2011, which quantified associations between socioeconomic, housing or behavioural factors and cold weather-related adverse health or social outcomes. Results Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Average study quality was not high. Most studies failed to control for all relevant confounding factors, or to conduct research over a long enough period to ascertain causality. Low income, housing conditions and composite fuel poverty measures were most consistently associated with cold weather-related adverse health or social outcomes. Conclusions This review identified socioeconomic, housing and behavioural factors associated with a range of cold weather-related adverse health or social outcomes. Only tentative conclusions can be drawn due to the limitations of existing research. More robust studies are needed to address the methodological issues identified and uncover causal associations. A review of qualitative and intervention studies would help to inform policies to reduce the adverse health and social impacts of cold weather.
[PROPOSAL FOR A NEW FORMULA FOR ESTIMATING RESTING ENERGY EXPENDITURE FOR HEALTHY SPANISH POPULATION].

INTRODUCTION although there are precise and accurate techniques for estimating resting energy expenditure, like the indirect calorimetry (IC), daily practice needs faster, easier and cheaper methods as the predictive equations. OBJECTIVE the aim of the study was to develop a new predictive equation for estimating resting energy expenditure (REE) for healthy Spanish population. Méthods: the REE of 95 healthy normal weighted volunteers was determined by indirect calorimetry (IC). The new equation was obtained by multiple lineal regression by using the analytical criteria of the Cp of Mallows and the adjusted R2. Then, the behavior of the new formula was studied in a group of overweight volunteers through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Almand plots. The level of signification was reached at p < 0,05. RESULTS the average age was 42 years (range: 2.0-63.2). Mean REE determined by IC was 1 589.1 kcal/d (312.0). The selected equation was: [y = 1 376.4 - 308 Sex (M = 0; W = 1) + 11.1 Weigh (kg) - 8 Age (years)] (R2: 0.68; EE: 175.95). The ICC between the new equation and the IC in normal weighted subjects was 0.901 (95%CI: 0.851 - 0.934). The new formula showed a good level of agreement in the overweight group (ICC: 0.880; 95%IC: 0.772 - 0.937). CONCLUSIONS we propose a new predictive equation for estimating the REE for healthy Spanish population which has an easy application and includes sex, age and weigh. The selected equation shows an adequate behavior in overweight subjects too.