Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of food restriction on blood pressure, heart rate and certain organ weights of the chicken.

Synopsis Experiments were carried out to investigate some of the physiological effects, on chickens, of food restriction at the 70 per cent level from 3 to 21 weeks of age. Blood pressure and heart rate were depressed after 18 weeks of food restriction, but rose to normal levels after a few weeks of full‐feeding. Organ weights were measured at the end of the restriction period and at the end of the laying period. The thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, liver, heart, spleen and abdominal fat from the restricted birds weighed less than from the full‐fed birds at the end of the restriction period. The gizzard was increased in size. When the organ weights were adjusted for differences in body size most of the differences between treatments were eliminated. Of the three exceptions, the abdominal fat was less in the restricted birds, whereas the gizzard and pancreas were larger than for the full‐fed birds. By the end of the laying period, only the differences in pancreas weight remained.
K+ current regulates calcium‐activated chloride current‐induced afterdepolarization in axotomized sensory neurons

One of the major electrophysiological effects of axotomy is a hyperexcitability of injured afferents that is thought to be involved in peripheral neuropathic pain. The molecular determinants of injured sensory neuron excitability are complex and not all have been identified. We have previously shown that sciatic nerve section upregulates the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current in subsets of medium and large sensory neurons. In the peripheral nervous system, the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current can promote afterdepolarization (ADP) and may therefore be involved in excitability. In this study, we set the conditions for Ca2+‐activated Cl– current activation during the electrical activity of axotomized sensory neurons. We used the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique and Ca2+ fluorescence measurements to record electrical activity or ionic currents associated with intracellular Ca2+ transients. An analysis of Ca2+ fluorescence variation under Ca2+‐activated Cl– current activation showed that the Ca2+ sensitivity of the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current did not allow activation upon one action potential (AP) but instead necessitated intracellular Ca2+ loading under high‐frequency electrical activity or AP lengthening. Nevertheless, ADP was exclusively recorded under AP lengthening following K+ current inhibition with either extracellular tetraethylammonium or intracellular Cs+. The measurement of APs and ionic currents associated with the use of niflumic acid to inhibit Cl– currents showed that the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current was responsible for the ADP observed during K+ current inhibition. Thus, the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current‐induced ADP in axotomized sensory neurons is regulated by K+ current density.
Interleukin‐12‐secreting fibroblasts are more efficient than free recombinant interleukin‐12 in inducing the persistent resistance to Mycobacterium avium complex infection

To determine whether the paracrine secretion of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) can efficiently stimulate the resistance to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, 3T3 fibroblasts were stably transfected to secrete IL‐12 (480 U/106 cells/48 hr) and their effect on MAC infection was investigated in genetically susceptible BALB/c mice, compared with that of free recombinant IL‐12 (rIL‐12). Injection with IL‐12‐secreting fibroblasts (3T3‐IL‐12) during intranasal infection with MAC resulted in a significant decrease in the bacterial load of the lung during the entire 10‐week observation period, while rIL‐12 reduced the bacterial load initially, at 2 weeks, but not by 10 weeks postinfection. Lung CD4+ T cells in mice injected with the 3T3‐IL‐12 cells showed a persistent T helper type 1 (Th1) response throughout the 10‐week period. Furthermore, immunization with the 3T3‐IL‐12 cells induced and maintained significantly higher levels of cytotoxic activity and nitric oxide production by lung cells than did rIL‐12 immunization. This work suggests that IL‐12‐secreting fibroblasts may serve as a vehicle for paracrine secretion of IL‐12 for immunotherapy of MAC infection.
[Association between risk pregnancy and route of delivery with maternal and neonatal outcomes].

PURPOSE To analyze the relationships among gestational risk, type of delivery and immediate maternal and neonatal repercussions. METHODS A retrospective cohort study based on secondary data was conducted in a university maternity hospital. A total of 1606 births were analyzed over a 9-month period. Epidemiological, clinical, obstetric and neonatal characteristics were compared according to the route of delivery and the gestational risk characterized on the basis of the eligibility criteria for high clinical risk. The occurrence of maternal and neonatal complications during hospitalization was analyzed according to gestational risk and cesarean section delivery using univariate and multivariate logistic analysis. RESULTS The overall rate of cesarean sections was 38.3%. High gestational risk was present in 50.2% of births, mainly represented by hypertensive disorders and fetal malformations. The total incidence of cesarean section, planned cesarean section or emergency cesarean section was more frequent in pregnant women at gestational high risk (p<0.001). Cesarean section alone did not influence maternal outcome, but was associated with poor neonatal outcome (OR 3.4; 95%CI 2.7-4.4). Gestational high risk was associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcome (OR 3.8; 95%CI 1.3-8.7 and OR 17.5; 95%CI 11.6-26.3, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the ratios were maintained, although the effect of gestational risk has determined a reduction in the OR of the type of delivery alone from 3.4 (95%CI 2.7-4.4) to 1.99 (95%CI 1.5-2.6) for adverse neonatal outcome. CONCLUSION Gestational risk was the main factor associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcome. Cesarean delivery was not directly associated with poor maternal outcome but increased the chances of unfavorable neonatal outcomes.
Recent Advances in Treatment for Uremic Pruritus

This review highlights recent advances in pathophysiology and treatment for uremic pruritus, especially focusing on various interventions. Pruritus in patients on hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) still remains an unresolved issue. Recently, the efficacy and safety of nalfurafine hydrochloride have been reported in Japan, and at present, more than thirty thousand patients receive this new drug. In comparison with the efficacy of this new drug, acupuncture, a form of traditional Japanese therapy, has been validated for relief of symptoms of pruritus. In this review, various interventions for relief of symptoms of pruritus as well as recent studies on its pathophysiology will be introduced. This review will be helpful for treatment of pruritus in patients on dialyzed therapy in clinical practice.
AN IDEA WORTH RESEARCHING Investigating the Reinforcing Value of Binge Anticipation

Carolyn M. Pearson, PhD* David S. Chester, MS David Powell, PhD Stephen A. Wonderlich, PhD Gregory T. Smith, PhD Binge eating is a hallmark feature of several types of eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa (binge/purge type), and binge-eating disorder, and is associated with numerous harmful consequences. For decades, researchers have sought to understand what maintains and reinforces this behavior in the face of such profound negative consequences. In this context, researchers have focused on the bingeeating behavior itself, and given little consideration to what may be a crucial part of the process: anticipating or planning binge-eating episodes. In this article, we discuss binge anticipation, its potential reinforcing value, and methodologies which would allow researchers to investigate this potentially critical process in individuals who binge eat. VC 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
[Expression of thymidine phosphorylase in cancer].

OBJECTIVE To study the thymidine phosphorylase (TP) expression in different types of cancer and its correlation with tumor microvessel density (MVD). METHODS The expression of TP and MVD was detected by immunohistochemistry method. In a series of 251 cancer patients there were 48 patients with gastric cancer, 53 with colorectal cancer, 47 with breast cancer, 56 with cervical cancer, 47 with lung cancer. Normal gastric (n = 25), colorectal (n = 25), cervical (n = 17) and lung (n = 25) tissues around the cancer were also examined. RESULTS The TP expression rate was 64.6% in gastric cancer, 67.9% in colorectal cancer, 80.9% in breast cancer, 82.1% in cervical cancer, and 63.8% in lung cancer, which was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P = 0.0000). TP expression was positively correlated with MVD in gastric, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers. The correlation was not statistically significant in lung cancer. CONCLUSION This study indicates that TP overexpression in cancer may be associated with tumor angiogenesis.
Exclusive breastfeeding practices in the Coast region, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND Although breastfeeding in general is common and culturally accepted in many sub-Saharan countries, recommended exclusive breastfeeding infants to 6 months is rare. In rural Tanzania, data on infant feeding practices is rare. OBJECTIVE To examine and describe exclusive breastfeeding practices in rural settings (Coast Region) of Tanzania. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Coast Region of Tanzania involving 342 mothers. Only mothers with children aged between 6 and 23 months were interviewed in their residences. Data analyses included descriptive and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS The majority, 66%, of mothers reported to have breastfed their new born within the first hour of life. About 30% reported to have breastfed exclusively for up to at least six months. Those who did not practice complete exclusive breastfeeding mentioned insufficient milk as the main reason. Correlates of exclusive breastfeeding included maternal education and attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSION The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in rural areas like the Coast Region of Tanzania is still very low. Programs aimed to promote exclusive breastfeeding must take multi-factorial considerations.
Retina tomography after vitrectomy for macular edema of central retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE To report retina tomography after vitrectomy for macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). PATIENTS AND METHODS Five patients with macular edema caused by CRVO were examined using optical coherence tomography (OCT) through their clinical courses. RESULTS The retinal thickness through the fixation was reduced in all 5 eyes. Preoperatively, the retina thickness at the foveola was more than 500 microm in three eyes and more than 1000 microm in 2 eyes. The retina thickness was reduced to 311+80 microm within two weeks on average. Visual acuity was improved by two or more lines in 3 of 5 eyes. CONCLUSION Vitrectomy is worthy of consideration when macular edemas are prolonged in patients of CRVO. OCT is a useful instrument for management and treatment of macular edema.
Effects of vitamin E and vitamin A supplementation on performance , thyroid status and serum concentrations of some metabolites and minerals in broilers reared under heat stress ( 32 ° C )

An experiment on Cobb-500 male broilers was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin E (α-tocopherolacetate), vitamin A (retinol), and their combination on broiler performance and serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), adrenocorticotropine hormone (ACTH) and some metabolite and mineral concentrations in broilers reared under heat stress (32°C). One day-old 120 broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups, 3 replications of 10 birds each. The birds were fed either a control diet or a control diet supplemented with either vitamin A (15 000 IU retinol/kg diet), vitamin E (250 mg α-tocopherol-acetate/kg diet), or a combination of vitamin A and E (15 000 IU retinol plus 250 mg of α-tocopherolacetate/kg diet). Considered separately or as a combination, supplemental vitamin A and vitamin E increased feed intake (P = 0.01) and live weight gain (P = 0.03). However, feed efficiency remained similar in all treatments (P = 0.18). Serum T3 and T4 concentrations were also higher (P ≤ 0.001) with vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin A plus vitamin E groups than those of the control. However, ACTH concentration in serum was lower (P ≤ 0.001) in supplemental dietary vitamin groups compared with control. Serum glucose, uric acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations decreased (P ≤ 0.001) while protein and albumin concentrations increased (P ≤ 0.001) when both dietary vitamin E and vitamin A were supplemented. Serum activities of serum glutamic oxalate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) were not influenced by dietary vitamin E, vitamin A nor by a combination of vitamin A and vitamin E (P > 0.72). However, serum activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP) increased (P ≤ 0.001) with supplemental dietary vitamin E, vitamin A, or a combination of vitamin A and vitamin E. In addition, supplemental dietary vitamin E and vitamin A resulted in an increase in serum concentrations of both Ca and P (P ≤ 0.001). In general, when a significant effect was found for a parameter, the magnitude of responses to vitamin supplements was greatest with the combination of vitamin A and vitamin E, rather than that of each vitamin supplement separately. The results of the present study show that supplementing a combination of dietary vitamin E and vitamin A offers a good management practice to reduce heat stress-related decreases in broiler performance.
T‐cell help permits memory CD8+ T‐cell inflation during cytomegalovirus latency

CD4+ T cells are implied to sustain CD8+ T‐cell responses during persistent infections. As CD4+ T cells are often themselves antiviral effectors, they might shape CD8+ T‐cell responses via help or via controlling antigen load. We used persistent murine CMV (MCMV) infection to dissect the impact of CD4+ T cells on virus‐specific CD8+ T cells, distinguishing between increased viral load in the absence of CD4+ T cells and CD4+ T‐cell‐mediated helper mechanisms. Absence of T‐helper cells was associated with sustained lytic MCMV replication and led to a slow and gradual reduction of the size and function of the MCMV‐specific CD8+ T‐cell pool. However, when virus replication was controlled in the absence of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T‐cell function was comparably impaired, but in addition CD8+ T‐cell inflation, a hallmark of CMV infection, was completely abolished. Thus, CD8+ T‐cell inflation during latent CMV infection is strongly dependent on CD4+ T‐cell helper functions, which can partially be compensated by ongoing lytic viral replication in the absence of CD4+ T cells.
Improved therapeutic efficacy of a monoclonal antibody radioiodinated using N-succinimidyl-3-(tri-n-butylstannyl)benzoate.

Improvements in efficacy of radioimmunotherapy will require increased tumor uptake relative to normal tissue. We previously demonstrated that labeling the IgG2b glioma-reactive antitenascin monoclonal antibody 81C6 with 131I using N-succinimidyl-3-(tri-n-butylstannyl)benzoate (ATE) increased tumor uptake and tumor-to-normal tissue ratios and decreased deiodination compared with labeling using Iodo-Gen. The present study was conducted to determine whether 131I 81C6 labeled using ATE (81C6 ATE) would demonstrate a therapeutic advantage over 131I 81C6 labeled using Iodo-Gen (81C6 IOD) in treating s.c. D-54 MG human glioma xenografts in athymic mice. The subclass IgG2b MAb 45.6 labeled with 131I using ATE (45.6 ATE) was used as a control. Animals were injected with saline or 500 microCi of 45.6 ATE (23 microCi/microgram), 81C6 ATE (26 microCi/microgram), or 81C6 IOD (24 microCi/microgram). With approximately 150 mm3 initial tumor volumes, growth delay for 81C6 ATE was significantly better by Wilcoxon rank sum analysis than saline (P = 0.0006 to 0.003), 45.6 ATE (P = 0.0006 to 0.002), and 81C6 IOD (P = 0.0008 to 0.007). Biodistribution data from similarly injected animals gave estimated radiation doses to tumor of 7723, 5200, and 1667 rad for 81C6 ATE, 81C6 IOD, and 45.6 ATE, respectively. In addition, 81C6 ATE administered at this dosage to animals with 50% larger initial tumors also improved tumor growth delay in comparison with 81C6 IOD given to animals with standard-size tumors. A similar experiment was conducted at 1000 microCi and, although radiation toxicity was noted in all labeled groups, two animals in the 81C6 ATE group had tumor regression for more than 240 days, and the other groups had no regressors. We conclude that the use of the ATE method may significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy of radioiodinated monoclonal antibodies.
Power converter for DC bus sharing to increase the energy efficiency in drive systems

It is state of the art for many drive systems like those used in industrial robotics, conveyor systems or diverse numerical control machinery to have a common DC bus power system architecture. Due to regenerative braking, the DC bus voltage increases until a certain limit, which is limited means of a balancing resistor (brake chopper). Systems that require rapid cyclic starts and stops are subject to significant energy waste due to extensive use of the brake chopper. In this article, a novel power converter for drive systems is proposed that allows the brake chopper to be omitted and enables the exchange of regenerative energy among multiple drive systems within an independent DC subgrid with one centralized energy storage element. The solution does not require identical hardware or exact synchronization between the drive rectifiers, therefore it is applicable to both existing and new production equipment alike. Experimental results in industrial robot drives show savings of up to 20%.
A Caveolae-Targeted L-Type Ca2+ Channel Antagonist Inhibits Hypertrophic Signaling Without Reducing Cardiac Contractility

Rationale: The source of Ca2+ to activate pathological cardiac hypertrophy is not clearly defined. Ca2+ influx through the L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) determines “contractile” Ca2+, which is not thought to be the source of “hypertrophic” Ca2+. However, some LTCCs are housed in caveolin-3 (Cav-3)–enriched signaling microdomains and are not directly involved in contraction. The function of these LTCCs is unknown. Objective: To test the idea that LTCCs in Cav-3–containing signaling domains are a source of Ca2+ to activate the calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated T-cell signaling cascade that promotes pathological hypertrophy. Methods and Results: We developed reagents that targeted Ca2+ channel-blocking Rem proteins to Cav-3–containing membranes, which house a small fraction of cardiac LTCCs. Blocking LTCCs within this Cav-3 membrane domain eliminated a small fraction of the LTCC current and almost all of the Ca2+ influx-induced NFAT nuclear translocation, but it did not reduce myocyte contractility. Conclusions: We provide proof of concept that Ca2+ influx through LTCCs within caveolae signaling domains can activate “hypertrophic” signaling, and this Ca2+ influx can be selectively blocked without reducing cardiac contractility.
Screening of the gene encoding the alpha'-subunit of cone cGMP-PDE in patients with retinal degenerations.

PURPOSE To screen the exons of the gene encoding the alpha'-subunit of cone cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP>phosphodiesterase (PDE6C) for mutations in a group of 456 unrelated patients with various forms of inherited retinal disease, including cone dystrophy, cone-rod dystrophy, macular dystrophy, and simplex/multiplex and autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS The 22 exons of the PDE6C gene were screened for mutations either by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and single-strand conformation polymorphism electrophoresis (SSCP) or by SSCP alone; variants were sequenced directly. RESULTS Although many sequence variants were found, none could be associated with disease. CONCLUSIONS The results show that PDE6C was not the site of the amutations responsible for the types of inherited retinal degenerations analyzed in the large population of patients 'in the present study. The types of degeneration included those that predominantly affect cone-mediated function (cone and cone-rod dystrophies) or rod-mediated function (retinitis pigmentosa) or that have a predilection for disease in the macula (macular dystrophies).
Movement suppression during anesthesia: Neural projections from the mesopontine tegmentum to areas involved in motor control

Microinjection of pentobarbital and GABAA‐receptor agonists into a brainstem region we have called the mesopontine tegmental anesthesia area (MPTA; Devor and Zalkind [ 2001 ] Pain 94:101–112) induces a general anesthesia‐like state. As in systemic general anesthesia, rats show loss of the righting reflex, atonia, nonresponsiveness to noxious stimuli, and apparent loss of consciousness. GABAA agonist anesthetics acting on the MPTA might suppress movement by engaging endogenous motor regulatory systems previously identified in research on decerebrate rigidity and REM sleep atonia. Anterograde and retrograde tracing revealed that the MPTA has multiple descending projections to pontine and medullary areas known to be associated with motor control and atonia. Prominent among these are the dorsal pontine reticular formation and components of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM). The MPTA also has direct projections to the intermediate gray matter and ventral horn of the spinal cord via the lateral and anterior funiculi. These projections show a rostrocaudal topography: neurons in the rostral MPTA project to the RVM, but only minimally to the spinal cord, while those in the caudal MPTA project to both targets. Finally, the MPTA has ascending projections to motor control areas including the substantia nigra, subthalamic nucleus, and the caudate‐putamen. Projections are bilateral with an ipsilateral predominance. We propose that GABAA agonist anesthetics induce immobility at least in part by acting on these endogenous motor control pathways via the MPTA. Analysis of MPTA connectivity has the potential for furthering our understanding of the neural circuitry responsible for the various functional components of general anesthesia. J. Comp. Neurol. 489:425–448, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
National risk factors and estimated costs for redo ureteroneocystostomy after pediatric renal transplant

Approximately 800 pediatric renal transplants are performed annually in the United States. VUR or obstruction may cause graft failure requiring redo ureteroneocystostomy. We examined possible risk factors and cost using the PHIS national database. We examined the PHIS for 8.5 yr to determine the association between redo ureteroneocystostomy following pediatric renal transplant to demographics, comorbidities, GU conditions, insurance status, and hospital characteristics, and looked at relative costs using descriptive and comparative statistics. A total of 2390 pediatric renal transplants were identified, of which 69 (2.3%) underwent redo ureteroneocystostomy (median 11.6 months post‐transplant). Risk factors for redo ureteroneocystostomy are younger age (p = 0.048), PUVs (p < 0.001), female gender (p = 0.005), race (p = 0.014), insurance type (p < 0.027), region (p = 0.045), and transplant surgery volume (p = 0.048). Redo ureteroneocystostomy after transplant does not significantly increase the overall cost of transplant (p = 0.175). We confirmed previous findings that younger age and PUVs increase the risk of post‐transplant redo ureteroneocystostomy, with a five‐yr plateau. We found an association with gender, race, insurance status, and hospital characteristics. Redo ureteroneocystostomy, which increases costs, does not statistically significantly increase overall cost of individual treatment in this database, although costs may be underreported.