Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Irregular Inner Shape of a Glass Vessel on Prednisone Dissolution Results

Introduction Dissolution testing has increased in value and significance over the last quarter century. It has been used extensively to guide formulation development and to monitor formulation development,formulation changes, and manufacturing of products for new drugs. It is also widely used as a quality control tool to monitor the batchto-batch consistency of drug release from a product. There are reports that dissolution testing involves a large number of variable factors and that obtaining reproducible results between apparatus,within laboratories,and between laboratories is difficult (1,2). The fact that significant withinand between-apparatus variability can exist for certain formulations,even though these apparatus meet the USP calibration criteria,has been reported (3). Recent research results have confirmed that dissolution testing is a highly variable technique such that test results for the same lot of USP calibrator tablets deviated from the acceptable USP range at 15 of 28 laboratories performing dissolution testing (4). In recent years,significant modifications and improvements have been made to the apparatus used in dissolution testing. Often overlooked is a critical technical issue that remains with regard to the glass vessel in the dissolution tester. A glass vessel is generally made from large–diameter glass tubing,and the bottom of the vessel is shaped by hand from the outside while the tubing is heated (5). Irregular interior surfaces result,and the curvature of the inner bottom varies from one vessel to the next,producing variation in dissolution test results (6,7). The vessels formed using such glass tubing are widely used in dissolution testing. A glass vessel with an almost ideal inner shape was recently developed using a new glass processing technology. This paper describes the effects of the irregular inner shape of a glass vessel on drug dissolution results. The shape of the inside of two conventional vessels,vessel A (manufacturer A,Japan) and vessel B (manufacturer B,USA),was measured using a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine. The results were compared with those for a recently developed glass vessel (precision vessel). In addition,dissolution of USP Prednisone Calibrator tablets was compared using vessel A and the precision vessel.
Cow's Milk in the Prevention and Treatment of Stunting and Wasting

249 Cow’s milk protein is a key ingredient in products used for treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), such as F-100 and ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs). In F-100, cow’s milk is the only protein source, and in RUTFs, cow’s milk provides typically about 50% of the protein content. These products have been very effective in improving recovery and in reducing mortality, and there is general agreement that dairy protein should be the main protein source in products used to treat SAM. In products used for prevention and treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and stunting, there is an ongoing discussion of the need to add dairy products, and if they are added, how much should be added. Adding dairy protein improves protein quality, which makes it possible to reduce total protein content, which is likely to have metabolic advantages. By reducing reliance on soy and cereal, milk products also reduce antinutritional effects (e.g., from phytates) as well as improving flavor. However, adding dairy protein increases the price considerably and limits the number of potential beneficiaries. The prices of relevant dairy products have fluctuated considerably over recent years, with an increasing trend. With the high cost of dairy products and the very high number of children suffering from MAM and stunting, it is important to assess the minimum amount of milk that can make a difference.
A study of the influence of occlusal factors and parafunctional habits on the prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMD.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the relationship between occlusal factors, parafunctional habits, and TMD in a young adult nonpatient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire including data from a history and clinical functional examination was used in the study. All 230 subjects were male recruits, from 19 to 28 years of age (mean 21.3 years). RESULTS Thirty-eight percent of the subjects reported at least one symptom, while in 45% of the subjects at least one sign of TMD was recorded. Temporomandibular joint clicking (40%) and pain on palpation (34%) were the most commonly recorded signs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed several weak but statistically significant correlations between the occlusal factors, parafunctional habits, and TMD in this nonpatient population. TMD signs were thus weakly correlated with malocclusion traits (angle Classes II/1, II/2, III, and cross bite), interferences in retruded contact position, midline discrepancy > or = 2 mm, < or = 10 contacts during maximal biting pressure, nonworking-side interferences, horizontal overlap > or = 5 mm, and parafunctional habits (teeth clenching and teeth grinding). CONCLUSION Some association between occlusal factors and TMD signs was found. However, this association cannot be considered unique or dominant in defining subjects with TMD in the population.
Identification of Risk Factors for Falls in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Falls are a significant issue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), with research demonstrating fall rates of more than 50%. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with falling in people with MS. Data Sources Mixed search methods were used, including computer-based and manual searches. Additionally, hand searches of reference lists and conference abstracts were performed. All literature published from the source's earliest date to January 2012 was included; only full-text English-language sources (or those where a translation was available) were included. Study Selection Eligibility criteria specified articles evaluating any aspect of fall risk in adults with a confirmed MS diagnosis, where the incidence of falling as determined by prospective or retrospective participant report was included. Data Extraction Data were extracted independently by 2 reviewers using a written protocol and standardized extraction documentation. Detailed assessment of each article was independently undertaken by both reviewers, including assessment of study quality using an adaptation of the Newcastle Ottawa Scale plus extraction of key data (participant characteristics, fall incidence, and outcomes). Data Synthesis The final review comprised 8 articles with a total of 1,929 participants; 1,037 (53.75%) were classified as fallers. Eighteen different risk factors were assessed within the included studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated an increase in fall risk associated with impairments of balance and cognition, progressive MS, and use of a mobility aid. Narrative review of the qualitative articles and those factors where meta-analysis was not possible also was undertaken. Limitations Variation in assessment, analysis, and reporting methods allowed meta-analysis for only 4 factors. Conclusion There is limited evidence of the factors associated with fall risk in people with MS. Further methodologically robust studies are needed.
TRANSIENT RECEPTOR POTENTIAL (TRP) CHANNELS, VASCULAR TONE AND AUTOREGULATION OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW

1 Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily are present in vascular smooth muscle cells and play important roles in the regulation of vascular contractility. 2 The TRPC3 and TRPC6 channels are activated by stimulation of several excitatory receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells. Activation of these channels leads to myocyte depolarization, which stimulates Ca2+ entry via voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC), leading to vasoconstriction. The TRPV4 channels in arterial myocytes are activated by epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, and activation of the channels enhances Ca2+ spark and transient Ca2+‐sensitive K+ channel activity, thereby hyperpolarizing and relaxing vascular smooth muscle cells. 3 The TRPC6 and TRPM4 channels are activated by mechanical stimulation of cerebral artery myocytes. Subsequent depolarization and activation of VDCC Ca2+ entry is directly linked to the development of myogenic tone in vitro and to autoregulation of cerebral blood flow in vivo. 4 These findings imply a fundamental importance of TRP channels in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone and suggest that TRP channels could be important targets for drug therapy under conditions in which vascular contractility is disturbed (e.g. hypertension, stroke, vasospasm).
Evidence-based management of exercise-induced asthma

Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a common, yet often unrecognized condition occurring in both known asthmatics and otherwise healthy individuals. Misdiagnosis, both over- and underdiagnosis, is not uncommon. In order to accurately diagnose EIA, a bronchoprovocation challenge test must be performed; the current recommended test is a eucapnic hyperventilation (EVH) challenge test. Although there are a number of treatment options available, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, in most cases medications are required. A range of medications are currently available to either treat or prevent EIA. It is important that the medications used are individualized to the patients needs and monitored to ensure efficacy.
Hypoxia-induced activation of KATP channels limits energy depletion in the guinea pig heart.

The functional role of ATP-dependent potassium (KATP) in hypoxic cardiac failure was investigated in isolated guinea pig hearts with glibenclamide and rimalkalim as inhibitor and activator, respectively. Monophasic action potential duration at 90% of repolarization (MAP50), left ventricular function, and cardiac energy status (31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were measured during normotoxic (95% O2) and hypoxic (20% O2) perfusion. In normoxic hearts, 1 microM glibenclamide did not affect MAP50, left ventricular function, and coronary flow (n = 4). In contrast, rimalkalim rapidly shortened MAP50 and left ventricular pressure (LVP) in a dose-dependent fashion (e.g., by 60.2 +/- 3.5 and 80.8 +/- 8.2%, respectively, with 0.6 microM rimalkalim). This latter effect was reversed by 1 microM (glibenclamide (n = 4). With hypoxic perfusion, a reduction in LVP was observed, along with a shortening of the action potential (MAP90; 202 +/- 13 vs. 164 +/- 9 ms) and an increase in coronary flow. Glibenclamide (1 microM) reversed the MAP90 shortening and the increase in coronary flow. In addition, glibenclamide increased LVP transiently (n = 4). When coronary flow of hypoxic hearts was kept constant, however, glibenclamide elicited a sustained positive inotropic effect (n = 7). After glibenclamide, an increase in LVP from 54 +/- 4 to 64 +/- 3 mmHg was observed, along with a reduction in the free energy change of ATP hydrolysis from -54.5 +/- 1.9 to -52.9 +/- 0.2 nJ/mol and a further increase in the coronary venous adenosine from 269 +/- 48 to 1,680 +/- 670 nmol/l. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Clinical practice guidelines for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).

OBJECTIVE The aim was to provide guidelines for evaluation, treatment, and genetic testing for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). PARTICIPANTS The group, which comprised 10 experts, including physicians, surgeons, and geneticists from international centers, received no corporate funding or remuneration. PROCESS Guidelines were developed by reviews of peer-reviewed publications; a draft was prepared, reviewed, and rigorously revised at several stages; and agreed-upon revisions were incorporated. CONCLUSIONS MEN1 is an autosomal dominant disorder that is due to mutations in the tumor suppressor gene MEN1, which encodes a 610-amino acid protein, menin. Thus, the finding of MEN1 in a patient has important implications for family members because first-degree relatives have a 50% risk of developing the disease and can often be identified by MEN1 mutational analysis. MEN1 is characterized by the occurrence of parathyroid, pancreatic islet, and anterior pituitary tumors. Some patients may also develop carcinoid tumors, adrenocortical tumors, meningiomas, facial angiofibromas, collagenomas, and lipomas. Patients with MEN1 have a decreased life expectancy, and the outcomes of current treatments, which are generally similar to those for the respective tumors occurring in non-MEN1 patients, are not as successful because of multiple tumors, which may be larger, more aggressive, and resistant to treatment, and the concurrence of metastases. The prognosis for MEN1 patients might be improved by presymptomatic tumor detection and undertaking treatment specific for MEN1 tumors. Thus, it is recommended that MEN1 patients and their families should be cared for by multidisciplinary teams comprising relevant specialists with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with endocrine tumors.
Translating Tumor Antigens into Cancer Vaccines

ABSTRACT Vaccines represent a strategic successful tool used to prevent or contain diseases with high morbidity and/or mortality. However, while vaccines have proven to be effective in combating pathogenic microorganisms, based on the immune recognition of these foreign antigens, vaccines aimed at inducing effective antitumor activity are still unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the two licensed cancer-preventive vaccines targeting tumor-associated viral agents (anti-HBV [hepatitis B virus], to prevent HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, and anti-HPV [human papillomavirus], to prevent HPV-associated cervical carcinoma), along with the recent FDA approval of sipuleucel-T (for the therapeutic treatment of prostate cancer), represents a significant advancement in the field of cancer vaccines and a boost for new studies in the field. Specific active immunotherapies based on anticancer vaccines represent, indeed, a field in continuous evolution and expansion. Significant improvements may result from the selection of the appropriate tumor-specific target antigen (to overcome the peripheral immune tolerance) and/or the development of immunization strategies effective at inducing a protective immune response. This review aims to describe the vast spectrum of tumor antigens and strategies to develop cancer vaccines.
Novel protein-tyrosine kinase gene (hck) preferentially expressed in cells of hematopoietic origin

Protein-tyrosine kinases are implicated in the control of cell growth by virtue of their frequent appearance as products of retroviral oncogenes and as components of growth factor receptors. Here we report the characterization of a novel human protein-tyrosine kinase gene (hck) that is primarily expressed in hematopoietic cells, particularly granulocytes. The hck gene encodes a 505-residue polypeptide that is closely related to pp56lck, a lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase. The exon breakpoints of the hck gene, partially defined by using murine genomic clones, demonstrate that hck is a member of the src gene family and has been subjected to strong selection pressure during mammalian evolution. High-level expression of hck transcripts in granulocytes is especially provocative since these cells are terminally differentiated and typically survive in vivo for only a few hours. Thus the hck gene, like other members of the src gene family, appears to function primarily in cells with little growth potential.
An IDE for the Design, Verification and Implementation of Security Protocols

Security protocols are critical components for the construction of secure and dependable distributed applications, but their implementation is challenging and error prone. Therefore, tools for formal modelling and analysis of security protocols can be potentially very useful to support software engineers. However, despite such tools have been available for a long time, their adoption outside the research community has been very limited. In fact, most practitioners find such applications too complex and hardly usable for their daily work. In this paper, we present an Integrated Development Environment for the design, verification and implementation of security protocols, aimed at lowering the adoption barrier of formal methods tools for security. In the spirit of Model Driven Development, the environment supports the user in the specification of the model using the simple and intuitive language AnB (and its extension AnBx). Moreover, it provides a push-button solution for the formal verification of the abstract and concrete models, and for the automatic generation of Java implementation. This Eclipse-based IDE leverages on existing languages and tools for modelling and verification of security protocols, such as the AnBx Compiler and Code Generator, the model checker OFMC and the protocol verifier ProVerif.
Patients’ use of the internet for medical information

AbstractOBJECTIVES: To determine the percentage of patients enrolled in a primary care practice who use the Internet for health information, to describe the types of information sought, to evaluate patients’ perceptions of the quality of this information, and to determine if patients who use the Internet for health information discuss this with their doctors. DESIGN: Self-administered mailed survey. SETTING: Patients from a primary care internal medicine private practice. PARTICIPANTS: Randomly selected patients (N=1,000) were mailed a confidential survey between December 1999 and March 2000. The response rate was 56.2%. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 512 patients who returned the survey, 53.5% (274) stated that they used the Internet for medical information. Those using the Internet for medical information were more educated (P<.001) and had higher incomes (P<.001). Respondents used the Internet for information on a broad range of medical topics. Sixty percent felt that the information on the Internet was the “same as” or “better than” information from their doctors. Of those using the Internet for health information, 59% did not discuss this information with their doctor. Neither gender, education level, nor age less than 60 years was associated with patients sharing their Web searches with their physicians. However, patients who discussed this information with their doctors rated the quality of information higher than those who did not share this information with their providers. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care providers should recognize that patients are using the World Wide Web as a source of medical and health information and should be prepared to offer suggestions for Web-based health resources and to assist patients in evaluating the quality of medical information available on the Internet.
Left-Handed Dipole Antennas and Their Implementations

A new type of dipole antenna using a left-handed transmission line is proposed. The antenna is composed of a transmission line loaded periodically with shunt inductors and series capacitors. The placement of capacitors into one side only of the line leads to currents of different amplitude on the two sides. Because out-of-phase currents have different amplitudes, they do not completely cancel in the far field, and as a result radiate. Numerical investigation of a wire model shows a unique feature of left-handed transmission lines, which is a reduced wavelength with decreasing frequency. Measured results of two antennas are presented. One is a short dipole antenna working at n=-1, based on conventional resonance numbering. The antenna of 0.18 wavelengths in free space has a gain of -3.9 dBi and bandwidth of 1.7% for |S11 |<-10 dB. The other is a meandered dipole antenna working at n=-9. Polarization orthogonal to a right-handed one is achieved by the induced current of |-9| half wavelengths on the meander having 0.77 wavelengths in free space
Cross-neutralizing activity against divergent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates induced by the gp41 sequence ELDKWAS

Previously we identified the highly conserved amino acids Glu-Leu-Asp-Lys-Trp-Ala (ELDKWA) on the ecto-domain of gp41 as the epitope of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (2F5) directed against human immunodeficiency virus type 1. In the present study, the sequence defining the epitope was introduced into the loop of antigenic site B of the influenza virus hemagglutinin. The resulting chimeric virus was able to elicit ELDKWA-specific immunoglobulins G and A in antisera of mice. Moreover, the distantly related human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates MN, RF, and IIIB were neutralized by these antisera. These data suggest that this conserved B-cell epitope is a promising candidate for inclusion in a vaccine against AIDS. The results also show that influenza virus can be used to effectively present the antigenic structure of this B-cell epitope.
In vivo administration of major histocompatibility complex class I‐specific peptides from influenza virus induces specific cytotoxic T cell hyporesponsiveness

We have been investigating the immunogenicity of two class I major histocompatibility complex‐specific peptides with a sequence derived from influenza virus nucleoprotein specific for Kd and one for Db. Peptide‐modified splenocytes are unable to immunize for a primary cytotoxic T (Tc) cell response in vivo, or secondary response in vitro. Peptide‐modified stimulator cells can boost virus‐primed splenocytes for a strong secondary response in vitro. Animals primed with syngeneic peptide‐modified splenocytes upon challenge with virus in vivo do not generate strong secondary Tc cell responses on day 3 after challenge in contrast to virus primed animals. Day 6 responses of virus‐challenged, peptide‐primed animals are reduced as compared to unprimed mice. This hyporesponsiveness is independent of CD8+ T cells in the priming population and can be elicited with tumor cell lines. The data are discussed in the framework of the two‐signal model of immune induction.