Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study on Essential Oil Intraspecific and Seasonal Variations: Melissa romana Mill. and Melissa officinalis L. from Sardinia

Two species of Melissa are currently present in Sardinia: Melissa officinalis L. and Melissa romana Mill. Our research can only count on a few supported evidences (as reported in Flora Italiana and Moris) and some notes on new stations in Sardinia that give us some information about morphology, distribution, bioecological, and ethnobotanical characteristics of both species. In this paper, we present the results of the research about morphological aspects of M. romana vs. M. officinalis, and their essential oils in different stations at different phenological periods. Moreover, we compared the essential oil of M. romana with the one obtained from M. officinalis growing in the few naturalized stations still present in Sardinia. The most evident morphological differences between the two entities are the long‐stalked capitate glandular trichomes, shorts and inclined capitate trichomes, and peltate hairs. The chemical composition of essential oil presents several significant differences between the species. In fact, oils show that in none of the phenological stages, M. romana recalls in its composition M. officinalis. Major distinctions are also evident between dry and fresh plants, and among essential oils distilled in different seasons.
Diagnostic and therapeutic implications of a novel immunohistochemical panel detecting duodenal mucosal invasion by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND We investigated a series of pancreaticoduodenectomy and duodenal biopsies with a panel of immunohistochemical markers to identify duodenal mucosal invasion by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), including markers of poor prognosis and targets of promising novel immunotherapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens with duodenal mucosal invasion by PDAC were examined for expression of MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC6, mesothelin, MUC2, CDX2, and DPC4 on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of duodenal-ampullary-pancreatic junctions. Expression of all but MUC6 was also assessed in duodenal biopsies from 12 patients with duodenal mucosal invasion by PDAC. RESULTS The duodenal mucosa expressed MUC1 (crypts), MUC2 (goblet cells), MUC6 (Brunner glands), CDX2, and DPC4. PDACs in the duodenal mucosa from the resection (n=16-18) and biopsy (n=12) specimens were marked as follows: MUC1 100% (30/30), MUC4 83% (24/29), MUC5AC 83% (25/30), mesothelin 82% (23/28), MUC2 7% (2/30), and CDX2 36% (10/28). Loss of DPC4 expression was seen in 16 of 29 (55%) cases. Reactive mucosa adjacent to PDAC expressed MUC4, MUC5AC and mesothelin in 65% (17/26), 19% (5/27), and 19% (5/26) of cases, respectively. While MUC5AC and mesothelin had high diagnostic accuracy for detection of PDAC, MUC2, CDX2 and DPC4 expression demonstrated negative correlation with PDAC, with absent expression being highly specific for PDAC. CONCLUSION Immunohistochemical labeling for PDAC biomarkers may aid the diagnosis of PDAC in duodenal biopsy, especially in situations where diagnosis of a pancreatic mass is challenging.
Oxidized/misfolded superoxide dismutase‐1: the cause of all amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

The identification in 1993 of superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD1) mutations as the cause of 10 to 20% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases, which represents 1 to 2% of all amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases, prompted a substantial amount of research into the mechanisms of SOD1‐mediated toxicity. Recent experiments have demonstrated that oxidation of wild‐type SOD1 leads to its misfolding, causing it to gain many of the same toxic properties as mutant SOD1. In vitro studies of oxidized/misfolded SOD1 and in vivo studies of misfolded SOD1 have indicated that these protein species are selectively toxic to motor neurons, suggesting that oxidized/misfolded SOD1 could lead to ALS even in individuals who do not carry an SOD1 mutation. It has also been reported that glial cells secrete oxidized/misfolded mutant SOD1 to the extracellular environment, where it can trigger the selective death of motor neurons, offering a possible explanation for the noncell autonomous nature of mutant SOD1 toxicity and the rapid progression of disease once the first symptoms develop. Therefore, considering that sporadic (SALS) and familial ALS (FALS) cases are clinically indistinguishable, the toxic properties of mutated SOD1 are similar to that of oxidized/misfolded wild‐type SOD1 (wtSOD1), and secreted/extracellular misfolded SOD1 is selectively toxic to motor neurons, we propose that oxidized/misfolded SOD1 is the cause of most forms of classic ALS and should be a prime target for the design of ALS treatments. Ann Neurol 2007
Very low calorie diets--history, safety and recent developments.

Poor results from orthodox diets for the obese have emphasized the need for suitable alternatives such as very low calorie diets (VLCD). These have now been in use for some ten years and their advantages and pitfalls are well known. Initial investigations were based on the use of total fasting and examining the significance of protein supplementation during therapeutic starvation. Subsequent studies employed ordinary food stuffs as the protein source but included no carbohydrate. Others developed formula diets which involved the use of both protein and carbohydrate. In the U.S.A. diets such as these are either monitored by the medical profession or in some instances sold directly to the public. In these connections two areas of concern have emerged. One is the ability of patients to maintain weight loss and most importantly, the safety of the programme itself. It is now well established that unless some follow-up support is made available patients will not be stabilized at the reduced weight level. The use of behaviour modification, increased physical activity and the concept of free and fixed calories offers the hope of a more complete answer to weight control. The safety of VLCD became a cause for concern when liquid protein sold over the counter was associated with a number of deaths for which other causes could not be determined. Subsequent monitoring has indicated that where patients are maintained on high quality protein supplement the potentially lethal arrhythmias associated with liquid protein are not seen. On the basis of clinical experience in over 4000 patients it is felt that three factors are necessary for any programme to be maximally safe and efficient. These elements are proper patient selection, high quality supplement and proper patient monitoring.
Physical activity behaviour and coronary heart disease mortality among South Asian people in the UK: an observational longitudinal study

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of physical inactivity to the excess mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) observed in the UK South Asian population. Design An observational longitudinal study with follow-up mortality data from NHS registries. Setting Data from the Health Survey for England, 1999 and 2004. Participants 13 293 White and 2120 South Asian participants aged ≥35 years consented to the mortality follow-up. Main outcome measures Deaths from CHD. Results South Asian participants were more likely to be physically inactive than white participants (47.0% vs 28.1%). Deaths from CHD were more common in UK South Asian participants, particularly among Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups (HR 2.87, 95% CI 1.74 to 4.73), than in UK white participants, and South Asian people experienced an event at an age on average 10 years younger than white people. Physical inactivity explained >20% of the excess CHD mortality in the South Asian sample, even after adjustment for potential confounding variables (including socioeconomic position, smoking, diabetes and existing cardiovascular disease). Conclusions Physical inactivity makes a significant contribution to the excess CHD mortality observed in the South Asian population in the UK. This highlights the importance of prioritising the promotion of physical activity in this high-risk population.
Radical Treatment for Fronto‐orbital Fibrous Dysplasia: The Chain‐Link Fence

Fronto-orbital fibrous dysplasia is a progressive disease whose growth does not cease at puberty. It causes frontal protuberance, orbital dystopia, and proptosis. Occasionally, there is a neural entrapment. Malignant change may occur spontaneously or as a result of irradiation. Radical resection offers the greatest chance of cure and correction of the entire deformity. Five patients treated by the Toronto Craniofacial Team are reported. This team has developed techniques for one-stage removal and immediate reconstruction with rib grafts. Rigid fixation of the grafts utilizing the chain-link fence principle has proved that if bone grafts are considered as skin grafts and rapid revascularization is permitted, no resorption or loss of contour occurs.
MicroRNA-150 Inhibits Cell Invasion and Migration and Is Downregulated in Human Osteosarcoma

miR-150 expression in osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines and human osteoblast cells was detected, and OS cell models were transfected with exogenous miR-150 to investigate its role in cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. Our results showed that miR-150 expression in OS cells (MG63, Saos-2, SOSP-9607, and U2OS) was significantly lower compared to the osteoblast hFOB1.19 cell line (all p < 0.01). The expression level of miR-150 in MG63 cells that were transfected with exogenous miR-150 mimics was markedly upregulated, while the miR-150 expression level in the inhibitor group was significantly downregulated (both p < 0.01). Similar results were also found in SOSP-9607 cells. Importantly, exogenous miR-150 expression stimulated cell apoptosis and inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration. A luciferase reporter assay displayed that miR-150 also regulated Sp1 expression by targeting its 3′-UTR, and qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed that elevated levels of miR-150 may reduce Sp1 protein expression. The mRNA and protein levels of Sp1 were upregulated after transfection with a Sp1-expression plasmid and partially reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-150 on cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in MG63 and SOSP-9607 cells, as well as promoted cell apoptosis. In conclusion, miR-150 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis and stimulates cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of Sp1. Therefore, miR-150 may be a potential clinical target for the treatment of OS patients.
Trends of Income Inequality and Polarisation in Pakistan for the Period 1990-2008

The study aim is to examine the trends of polarisation and income inequality in Pakistan, its rural and urban segments and its four Provinces from 1990 to 2008. The study used the eight rounds of individual level household data of Pakistan for the years 1990-91, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1996-97, 1998-99, 2001-02, 2005-06 and 2007-08. The estimates of income inequality are made by using Gini coefficient, Generalized entropy and the Atkinson index whereas, the polarisation is calculated by Generalised Esteban et al., (1999) and Foster & Wolfson (1992) polarisation index. The study finds the fluctuating trends. In general, Income inequality and polarisation in all region of Pakistan increases from 1990-91 to 1996-97 and then it decreases till 2001-02. After that, it again increases till 2007-08. In recent years there has been much discussion of the difference between inequality and polarisation. The vast literature on inequality is held to miss out key features of distributional change, which are better described as changes in polarisation. The study finds that, contrary to theoretical expectation, the measures of polarisation do not generate very different results from the standard measures of inequality. It is expected that this study will enhance our understanding of when social forces contribute to economic inequality, polarisation, poverty, social tension, extremism and redicalisation in Pakistan. Results of the study will also guide and inspire policies to mitigate these phenomena. The study also analysis the trickle-down effect. Understanding the causes of inequality and polarisation in developing countries is a complex phenomenon. The study begins by empirically validating the evidence found in some previous studies on the correlates of income inequality with the data of present study. On other hand, the empirical evidence of polarisation measure in all regions of Pakistan is not available except very few studies, which are also not in detail.
Infrascanner™ in the diagnosis of intracranial lesions in children with traumatic brain injuries

Abstract Background: The number of traumatic injuries among children is increasing. However, so-called mild TBI might result in unfavourable outcomes. Early diagnosis of intracranial haematomas prior to development of serious complications may be a decisive factor for a favourable outcome. InfraScan company developed and brought to the market the Infrascanner® model 1000, which is a portable detector of blood collections that operates in the near infrared (NIR) band. Objective: To estimate the efficiency of the Infrascanner® model 1000 for detection of intracranial haematomas among children with mild TBI. Materials and methods: Ninety-five patients with mild TBI were examined. An indication for cerebral CT after mild TBI was the presence of risk factors of intracranial lesions. The Infrascanner was used by a neurosurgeon during primary examination. CT was performed in 43 patients (45%), while 52 patients (55%) with a low risk of intracranial lesions were under observation. Results: The results of examination of patients using CT and infrared scanning coincided in 39 cases and intracranial haematomas were detected in eight patients. False-positive results were obtained in three cases. The sensitivity of the procedure used in this group of patients with a medium and high risk of development of intracranial haemorrhages was 1.00 (0.66; 1.00). The specificity was 0.91 (0.81; 1.00)—the proportions and a 95% CI. The false-positive risk is 0.27 (0.00; 0.58). During infrared scanning in patients with low risk of intracranial lesions, false-positive results were obtained in four cases and false-negative results were absent. Conclusion: Infra-scanning might be viewed as a screening technique for intracranial haemorrhages in ambulances and outpatient trauma centres in order to decide on hospitalization, CT scanning and referral to a neurosurgeon. Infra-scanning combined with evaluation of risk factors of intracranial damage might reduce the number of unnecessary radiological examinations.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic drug evaluation of benralizumab for the treatment of asthma

ABSTRACT Introduction: In many severe asthmatics, eosinophils cause inflammation and airways hyperresponsiveness, resulting in frequent exacerbations, impaired lung function, and reduced quality of life. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a key cytokine for eosinophil growth, differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival. Anti-IL-5-based therapies (mepolizumab and reslizumab are humanized monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) that recognize free IL-5, benralizumab is a hmAb directed at the α subunit of the IL-5R) target the IL-5-signaling in eosinophilic asthma. Areas covered: The pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic profile of benralizumab and how it provided indications that permitted optimization of the design and timelines of the pivotal trials are described. Expert opinion: Benralizumab has the advantage over other anti-IL-5 therapies to target the IL-5Rα itself. Afucosylation enhances its interaction with its binding site and facilitates its pharmacological activity. Other benefits of benralizumab are fast (within 24 h) depletion of peripheral blood eosinophils, potent suppressive activity of bone marrow eosinophils and eosinophil precursors, tissue eosinophil apoptosis regardless of the presence of eosinophil survival factors and even at low IL-5R densities. The fact that benralizumab is dosed subcutaneously and is equally effective when given every eight weeks instead than every four weeks provides patients with convenience of self-administration and make it appealing for patients who dislike injections.
Phase I dose escalation and pharmacokinetic study of enzastaurin, an oral protein kinase C beta inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer.

PURPOSE This phase I study was conducted to determine the recommended dose of enzastaurin, an oral protein kinase C beta (PKCbeta) inhibitor, for phase II trials. Secondary objectives were maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics (PK), toxicity, and response. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients at least 18 years of age with advanced cancer and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 lower received enzastaurin orally once daily at a starting dose of 20 mg. Dose escalation proceeded using a modified Simon design. RESULTS All 47 patients enrolled (mean age, 58 years) received at least one dose of enzastaurin, with a median of two cycles (range, one to 17 cycles). Prevalent malignancies were lung (n = 10) and head and neck cancers (n = 9). Although no MTD was identified up to 700 mg/d, 525 mg was chosen as the recommended dose, and 12 additional patients were accrued at that level. Three dose-limiting toxicities (QTc changes) occurred: one at the 700-mg dose (patient discontinued), and two in the expansion cohort at the 525-mg dose. Total analytes (enzastaurin and its metabolites) exposure increased with increasing doses up to 240 mg, and appeared to plateau at 525 and 700 mg. Grade 1 chromaturia, fatigue, and other GI toxicities were the most common, while no clinically significant grade 3/4 toxicities occurred. Two deaths, unrelated to enzastaurin, occurred. Twenty-one patients (45%) achieved stable disease (SD) for two to 16 cycles. CONCLUSION On the basis of plasma exposures and safety data, enzastaurin 525 mg once daily is the recommended phase II dose. Enzastaurin is well tolerated up to 700 mg/d. Evidence of early activity was seen with significant stable disease.
The role of energy balance in productivity, health, and fertility of first lactation Holsteins, Jerseys, and their reciprocal crosses

The Virginia Tech crossbreeding program began in the fall of 2002 by mating Holstein and Jersey foundation females to Holstein and Jersey bulls to create HH, HJ, JH, and JJ breed groups (sire breed listed first). Collection of daily dry matter intakes (DMI) began in the fall of 2005 and continued through spring of 2008. DMI were measured for two weeks out of every six week period in first lactation on 44, 32, 29, and 13 HH, HJ, JH, and JJ cows. Daily milk and body weights and monthly milk components were collected. The National Research Council (NRC) DMI prediction equation was used across breed groups to investigate breed differences. DMI prediction equations were developed across breeds. Random regression model were used to predict energy consumed (TEC), energy needed for production, maintenance, and growth at every week of lactation (WOL). Energy balance (EB) was calculated at every WOL by subtracting energy for production, maintenance, growth, and pregnancy from TEC. Common health events were recorded if they occurred in the first 100 days of lactation. Logistic regression was used to analyze health disorder. The HJ and JH were not different from each other in any analyses. The NRC under-predicted DMI for HH and over-predicted DMI for HJ, JH, and JJ. There were significant breed differences in the prediction equations developed. Results indicated that breeds differ in DMI after accounting for production and body weights. The HH cows consumed more energy than HJ and JJ cows. The HH, HJ, and JJ were not different from each other for production but were different from JJ. The JH allocated less energy to maintenance than the HH. There were no breed differences for weeks required to reach positive EB, return to positive cumulative EB, or EB at week 21 of lactation. The HJ, JH, and JJ were more likely to have an incidence of mastitis than HH. The HJ and JH were less likely to have an incidence of metritis than HH. The results indicate breeds
Fertilizer Application

tion on soy bean yield was in ves ti gated. Re search was con ducted based on three soy bean va ri et ies from dif fer ent ma tu rity groups: Galina, (ma tu rity group 0), Diva (I) and Mima (II). A trial with three rep li ca tions was con ducted at the ex per i men tal field of the In sti tute of Field and Veg e ta ble Crops at Rimski [an~evi. Lower doses of ni tro gen fer til izer had a ben e fi cial ef fect on soy bean yield, while the higher ones had no pos i tive ef fect. The fo liar ap pli ca tion of com plex fer til izer had the best ef fect on soy bean yield.
Economic Freedom and Banking Stability in Selected Countries

This paper investigates the role of economic freedom in banking stability by using a panel data set for the period 1998-2013 in 43 selected countries. We turn our investigation to the effects of economic freedom on banking stability. The effects of economic freedom on financial stability are estimated. This paper calculates the z-score measure for banking stability. The findings from this study seem to suggest that overall economic freedom has positive impacts on the banking stability in the selected countries. The positive sign of the coefficient indicates that higher (lower) freedom on the activities that banks can undertake increases (reduces) banks' stability, which is consistent with the view that less regulatory control allows banks to engage in various activities enabling banks to exploit economies of scale and make income from non-traditional sources. Furthermore, higher freedom on entrepreneurs helps to start businesses and job creation and consequently, increases intermediation performance which increases banks' stability.
General anaesthetics and the developing brain: an overview

Various experimental studies in animals have shown that general anaesthetics are potentially toxic to the developing brain. By inducing apoptosis or interfering with neurogenesis, anaesthetic exposure during a critical period of neuronal development can have significant impact on neurocognitive function later in life. It remains controversial whether these experimental results can be transferred to human beings and this is under intensive scientific evaluation. To gain more insight into possible neurotoxic effects on the human brain of infants and small children, a number of retrospective studies have been performed. At present, there is no clear evidence that exposure to anaesthesia up to the age of 3–4 years is associated with neurocognitive or behavioural deficits. Currently, the PANDA, MASK and GAS studies are underway to explore this relationship. Anaesthesia is not an end in itself, but necessary to facilitate surgical procedures. There is evidence that maintaining physiological conditions is important for the overall outcome following anaesthesia and surgery. Until proven otherwise, it can be recommended to keep anaesthesia and surgery as short as possible, to use short‐acting drugs and/or a combination of general anaesthesia and multimodal pain therapy including systemic analgesics, and local or regional anaesthesia, to reduce the overall drug dosage.