Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consumption of Lactobacillus casei Fermented Milk Prevents Salmonella Reactive Arthritis by Modulating IL-23/IL-17 Expression

Reactive arthritis is the development of sterile joint inflammation as a sequel to a remote infection, often in the gut. We have previously shown that a low dose of S. enteritidis inoculated to streptomycin-pretreated mice generates a self-limiting enterocolitis suitable for studying reactive arthritis. Here we show that consumption of Lactobacillus casei prior to infection abolishes intestinal and joint inflammation triggered by Salmonella. BALB/c mice were sacrificed after infection; intestinal and joint samples were analyzed for histological changes and expression of cytokines. TNF-α was measured by ELISA and the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-23 and TGF-β was assessed by qPCR. L. casei consumption prevented Salmonella-induced synovitis, the increment of TNF-α in knees and the increase of IL-17 expression in popliteal and inguinal lymph nodes. At intestinal level consumption of L. casei drastically diminished S. enteritidis invasiveness and shortened splenic persistence of the pathogen. Bacterial loads recovered at days 2 and 5 from Peyer’s patches were 10-fold lower in mice fed with L. casei. In accordance, we found that the augment in gut permeability induced during enterocolitis was decreased in those animals. Consumption of L. casei prior to infection failed to increase anti- inflammatory molecules such as IL-10 and TGF-β in the intestine. On the other hand, consumption of L. casei abrogated the expression of TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23, IL-1β and IL-6 in cecum and mesenteric lymph nodes. These cytokines are needed for differentiation of immune cells involved in the development of reactive arthritis such as Th17 and γδ T cells. Trafficking of these inflammatory cells from the gut to the joints has been proposed as a mechanism of generation of reactive arthritis. Our results suggest that L. casei consumption prevents Salmonella-induced synovitis by altering the intestinal milieu necessary for differentiation of cells involved in the generation of joint inflammation.
SOR WAVEFORM

Waveform relaxation is a numerical method for solving large-scale systems of ordinary di(cid:11)erential equations on parallel computers. It di(cid:11)ers from standard iterative methods in that it computes the solution on many time levels or along a continuous time interval simultaneously. This paper deals with the acceleration of the standard waveform relaxation method by successive overrelaxation (SOR) techniques. In particular, di(cid:11)erent SOR acceleration schemes, based on multiplication with a scalar parameter or convolution with a time-dependent function, are described and theoretically analyzed. The theory is applied to a one-dimensional and two-dimensional model problem and checked against results obtained by numerical experiments.
Rho Kinase ROCK2 Mediates Acid-Induced NADPH Oxidase NOX5-S Expression in Human Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Mechanisms of the progression from Barrett’s esophagus (BE) to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) are not fully understood. We have shown that NOX5-S may be involved in this progression. However, how acid upregulates NOX5-S is not well known. We found that acid-induced increase in NOX5-S expression was significantly decreased by the Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632 in BE mucosal biopsies and FLO-1 EA cells. In addition, acid treatment significantly increased the Rho kinase activity in FLO-1 cells. The acid-induced increase in NOX5-S expression and H2O2 production was significantly decreased by knockdown of Rho kinase ROCK2, but not by knockdown of ROCK1. Conversely, the overexpression of the constitutively active ROCK2, but not the constitutively active ROCK1, significantly enhanced the NOX5-S expression and H2O2 production. Moreover, the acid-induced increase in Rho kinase activity and in NOX5-S mRNA expression was blocked by the removal of calcium in both FLO-1 and OE33 cells. The calcium ionophore A23187 significantly increased the Rho kinase activity and NOX5-S mRNA expression. We conclude that acid-induced increase in NOX5-S expression and H2O2 production may depend on the activation of ROCK2, but not ROCK1, in EA cells. The acid-induced activation of Rho kinase may be mediated by the intracellular calcium increase. It is possible that persistent acid reflux present in BE patients may increase the intracellular calcium, activate ROCK2 and thereby upregulate NOX5-S. High levels of reactive oxygen species derived from NOX5-S may cause DNA damage and thereby contribute to the progression from BE to EA.
A new routing protocol for reducing the probability of route breakage in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

A Mobile Ad-hoc Network is a kind of mobile wireless network in which every mobile node participates in routing operation. Such networks which use multi hop routing mechanism as the nodes may be out of their transmission range and may depend on each other for forwarding the packets to the destination. In this paper, we propose the problems that lead to link breakage in Most Forward Routing (MFR) protocol and also a new routing protocol for reducing the probability of link breakage. Our experimental results show that by using this protocol, the number of nodes which participate in routing operation, the number of exchanged messages and also the average time of route discovery will be reduced.
Pattern-Dependent Role of NMDA Receptors in Action Potential Generation: Consequences on Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Activation

Synaptic long-term potentiation is maintained through gene transcription, but how the nucleus is recruited remains controversial. Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2 with synaptic stimulation has been shown to require NMDA receptors (NMDARs), yet stimulation intensities sufficient to recruit action potentials (APs) also appear to be required. This has led us to ask the question of whether NMDARs are necessary for AP generation as they relate to ERK activation. To test this, we examined the effects of NMDAR blockade on APs induced with synaptic stimulation using whole-cell current-clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells in hippocampal slices. NMDAR antagonists were found to potently inhibit APs generated with 5 and 100 Hz synaptic stimulation. Blockade of APs and ERK activation could be overcome with the addition of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline, indicating that APs are sufficient to activate signals such as ERK in the nucleus and throughout the neuron in the continued presence of NMDAR antagonists. Interestingly, no effects of the NMDAR antagonists were observed when theta-burst stimulation (TBS) was used. This resistance to the antagonists is conferred by temporal summation during the bursts. These results clarify findings from a previous study showing that ERK activation induced with TBS is resistant to 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate, in contrast to that induced with 5 or 100 Hz stimulation, which is sensitive. By showing that NMDAR blockade inhibits AP generation, we demonstrate that a major role that NMDARs play in cell-wide and nuclear ERK activation is through their contribution to action potential generation.
Neuron Perspective The Metastable Brain

Emmanuelle Tognoli1,* and J. A. Scott Kelso1,2,* 1The Human Brain and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA 2Intelligent Systems Research Centre, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, UK *Correspondence: tognoli@ccs.fau. edu (E.T.), kelso@ccs.fau. edu (J.A.S.K.) http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.neuron. 2013.12. 022
Self-Evaluation of Health Promoting Behaviors Among Employees and Nurses of Madani Heart Center: Beginning of Activities Related Health Promoting Hospital

Introduction and objectives: Health promoting behaviors are considered as one of the criteria determining the health. Health promotion hospitals require these behaviors for improving the quality of services and promoting the health of community, and employees of such centers play crucial role in training and transferring of such behaviors and healthy lifestyle to various groups of community. The current research was conducted to evaluate these behaviors among employees working in Madani Heart Center in 2016. It was carried out at the beginning of activities related to implementing the health promoting hospital standards. Methodology: The current research was a descriptive-analytical study, in which 319 administrative and therapeutic hospital employees were selected using proportional stratified sampling method. To collect the research data, Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) was used. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software and by using non-parametric statistical method of Chi-square test and Gamma and Kendall correlation coefficient at the significance level of 0.05 . Findings: Research findings revealed that 96 number of subjects (30.1%) were male and 223 of them (69.0%) were female and their mean age was found to be 38.0±6.0 years. Their mean work experience was found to be 14.0 ± 5.0 years. The mean of total health promotion behaviors was found to be 128.0 ± 19.0 and the highest score was found in the interpersonal relationship area (24.0 ± 3.0) and the lowest score was found in physical activity area (15.0 ± 4.0) . The current research revealed that gender status had a significant relationship with health promotion behaviors of the employees, so that the score of health promotion behaviors in male employees was higher than that in female employees and this difference was significant (P <0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that the gender status of employees is the most important factor affecting the health promotion behaviors . Conclusion: given the status of health promotion behaviors among employees of the center and the low level of these behaviors among female gender, it is recommended that health education programs to be planned in order enhance the healthy lifestyle of them.
The Effect of Maximal Strength Training on Strength, Walking, and Balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

There is little literature examining the use of maximal strength training (MST) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). This pretest-posttest study examined the effects of a MST program on strength, walking, balance, and fatigue in a sample of pwMS. Seven pwMS (median EDSS 3.0, IQR 1.5) participated in a MST program twice weekly for eight weeks. Strength was assessed with 1-repetition maximum (1RM) on each leg. Walking and balance were measured with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), respectively. Fatigue was measured during each week of the program with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The program was well tolerated, with an attendance rate of 96.4%. Participants had significant improvements in right leg 1RM (t(6) = −6.032, P = 0.001), left leg 1RM (t(6) = −5.388, P = 0.002), 6MWT distance (t(6) = −2.572, P = 0.042), and BBS score (Z = −2.371, P = 0.018) after the MST intervention. There was no significant change in FSS scores (F(1, 3.312) = 2.411, P = 0.092). Participants in the MST program experienced improved balance and walking without an increase in fatigue. This MST program may be utilized by rehabilitation clinicians to improve lower extremity strength, balance, and mobility in pwMS.
Virial masses of galactic halos from galaxy-galaxy lensing : theoretical modeling and application to SDSS

We present a theoretical analysis of galaxy-galaxy lensing in the context of halo models with CDM motivated dark matter profiles. The model enables us to separate between the central galactic and noncentral group/cluster contributions. We apply the model to the recent SDSS measurements with known redshifts and luminosities of the lenses. This allows one to accurately model the mass distribution of a local galaxy population around and above L⋆. We find that virial mass of L⋆ galaxy is M200 = (5 − 10) × 1011h−1M⊙ depending on the color of the galaxy. This value varies significantly with galaxy morphology with M⋆ for late types being a factor of 10 lower in u , 7 in g and a factor of 2.5-3 lower in r, i and z relative to early types. Fraction of noncentral galaxies in groups and clusters is estimated to be below 10% for late types and around 30% for early types. Using the luminosity dependence of the signal we find that for early types the virial halo mass M scales with luminosity as M ∝ L in red bands above L⋆. This shows that the virial mass to light ratio is increasing with luminosity for galaxies above L⋆, as predicted by theoretical models. The virial mass to light ratio in i band is 17(45)hM⊙/L⊙ at L⋆ for late (early) types. Combining this result with cosmological baryon fraction one finds that 70(25)%hΥiΩm/12Ωb of baryons within r200 are converted to stars at L⋆, where Υi is the stellar mass to light ratio in i ′ band. This indicates that both for early and late type galaxies around L⋆ a significant fraction of all the baryons in the halo is transformed into stars.
A wrapper approach for feature selection based on swarm optimization algorithm inspired from the behavior of social-spiders

In this paper, a proposed system for feature selection based on social spider optimization (SSO) is proposed. SSO is used in the proposed system as searching method to find optimal feature set maximizing classification performance and mimics the cooperative behavior mechanism of social spiders in nature. The proposed SSO algorithm considers two different search agents (social members) male and female spiders, that simulate a group of spiders with interaction to each other based on the biological laws of the cooperative colony. Depending on spider gender, each spider (individual) is simulating a set of different evolutionary operators of different cooperative behaviors that are typically found in the colony. The proposed system is evaluated using different evaluation criteria on 18 different datasets, which compared with two common search methods namely particle swarm optimization (PSO), and genetic algorithm (GA). SSO algorithm proves an advance in classification performance using different evaluation indicators.
Effect of flumazenil on midazolam-induced amnesia.

We have studied the effect of i.v. flumazenil 0.01 mg kg-1 on the amnesia and sedation caused by midazolam 2 mg and 5 mg i.v. in volunteers in order to determine the relationship between the actions of the antagonist on these two effects. Midazolam caused dose-dependent central neural depression as assessed by critical flicker fusion frequency, and dose-dependent amnesia for word cards. In subjects given flumazenil 5 min after administration of midazolam, fusion frequency readings and memory were restored to levels comparable to those before midazolam administration. These two effects of flumazenil were similar in time course and extent, suggesting that they share the same mechanism of action. Flumazenil given alone had no effect on memory. The study has demonstrated anterograde amnesia following benzodiazepine administration and antagonism by flumazenil. There was neither retrograde amnesia nor retrograde antagonism of amnesia.
Role of the private health sector in detection of cases of tuberculosis in Missan Governorate

Background: As tuberculosis (TB) is still endemic disease in Iraq, efforts in detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are of utmost importance to decrease the prevalence and negative impacts of this disease on people. In this study we aim to find out the extent of contribution of the private health sector in, Missan governorate to the detection of cases of tuberculosis and referring them to the Chest and Respiratory Disease Clinic in Missan for further management. Collaboration between the private and public health sectors is crucial for early detection, treatment, and cure of tuberculosis and consequently decrease in its prevalence and transmission to other people. Patients and methods: Records of patients managed by the Chest and Respiratory Disease Clinic in Missan, for the period between 2012-2014 were reviewed. The above mentioned clinic deals with all cases any different types of tuberculosis. All cases, and of different types of tuberculosis, were enrolled in the study. Particular concern to the source of referral of these cases was considered. Other parameters such as, type of tuberculosis, whether it is newly or previously diagnosed, and the results of the sputum test for acid-fast bacilli. (AFB) were considered. Results: 752 patients with tuberculosis were diagnosed and managed by the Chest and Respiratory Disease Clinic in Missan for the period between 2012-2014, considerable number of these patients (44.4%) was detected and referred to the TB Center by the physicians in the private health sector. Private health sector had more contribution to detection of extrapulmonary tuberculosis than the public health centers. Conclusion: The private health sector in Missan governorate has an important role in detection of cases, mostly newly diagnosed cases, of tuberculosis. So collaboration between governmental health faculties and private health sector is essential for effective detection and management of cases of tuberculosis to decrease its prevalence and negative impacts on the public health.
Effects of Respiratory Muscle and Endurance Training using an Individualized Training Device on Pulmonary Function and Exercise Capacity in Stroke Patients

Background Because respiratory muscle function plays a strong role in exercise capacity and cardiopulmonary response to exercise, systematic training and measurement of respiratory muscle function should be considered in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an individualized respiratory muscle training device combined with conventional physical therapy exercise can improve the pulmonary function and exercise capacity of stroke patients. Material/Methods Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n=10) or a control group (n=10). Over 4 weeks, each group participated in exercise training interventions 3 times per week. In each session, the control group received basic exercise treatments for 30 min, followed by an automated full-body workout for 20 min. The exercise group performed the same exercise regimen as the control group, as well as an additional respiratory muscle training regimen using a respiratory exercise device for 20 min. Results Pulmonary function of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) and exercise capacity of a 6-min walking test and Shortness of Breath Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (SBMBDS) scores were assessed before and after the training. A significant intergroup difference was observed in the FVC, FEV1, PEF, 6MWT, and SBMBDS scores (p<0.05). Conclusions These findings suggest that exercise of the respiratory muscles using an individualized respiratory device had a positive effect on pulmonary function and exercise capacity and may be used for breathing rehabilitation in stroke patients.
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Globalization and Monetary Policy Institute

How important are intermediate tariffs in determining trade patterns? Empirical work measuring the impact of tariff liberalization most commonly focuses on the effects of barriers imposed by importers, but exporter trade policy should also matter when exports are produced with imported intermediates. Guided by extensions of the Eaton and Kortum (2002) model, I study the impact of trade liberalizations on U.S. bilateral trade from 1989-2001. I estimate the impact on U.S. bilateral trade flows of both intermediate tariffs imposed by countries exporting to the United States and U.S. tariffs. My empirical estimates suggest that, especially for less developed countries, their own liberalizations have been quantitatively much more important in explaining changes in bilateral trade patterns, on average 4.2 times larger than the impact of US liberalizations. For the entire sample of countries, countries' own liberalizations have been 2.2 times more important. Abrevaya and Mark Wynne for helpful comments, and Allesandro Nicita for help with the data. All remaining errors are my own. The views in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas or the Federal Reserve System.
Direct Detection of Cold Dark Matter Substructure

We devise a method to measure the abundance of satellite halos in gravitational lens galaxies and apply our method to a sample of seven lens systems. After using Monte Carlo simulations to verify the method, we find that substructure comprises fsat = 0.02 (median, 0.006 < fsat < 0.07 at 90% confidence) of the mass of typical lens galaxies, in excellent agreement with predictions of cold dark matter (CDM) simulations. We estimate a characteristic critical radius for the satellites of 0. ″0001 < b < 0. ″006 (90% confidence). For a dn/dM ∝ M-1.8 (Mlow < M < Mhigh) satellite mass function, the critical radius provides an estimate for the upper mass limit of 106 M☉ ≲ Mhigh ≲ 109 M☉. Our measurement confirms a generic prediction of CDM models and may obviate the need to invoke alternatives to CDM such as warm dark matter or self-interacting dark matter.
First Union Formation in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: Patterns across Countries and Gender

This article examines the transformation of first union formation in the Baltic countries between the late 1960s and early 1990s, in the context of societal and family-level gender relations. The analyses employ microdata from the European Family and Fertility Surveys program. Our results on the trends indicate that in Estonia and Latvia the shift from direct marriage to cohabitation started well before the fall of socialist regime. Event-history models provide support for a hypothesised association between union formation and gender system, with Lithuania showing more traditional features in both respect, plausibly embedded in long-standing cultural differences between the countries.
The managed hypertensive: the costs of blood pressure control in a Nigerian town

Background The health systems designed to cater for patients with chronic illnesses like hypertension have not fully evaluated the burden of long term therapy and its effect on patient outcome. This study assessed the financial implication and cost effectiveness of hypertension treatment in a rural Nigerian town. Methods A chart review of 250 rural patients with primary hypertension at a regional hospital in Southwest Nigeria was conducted. Results The mean age of patients was 61±11.2 years, 59.2% were females, 67% had an income < ₦20,000 ($133.3) monthly. Diuretics and alpha-Methyl Dopa were the most prescribed drugs. The median number of prescribed drugs was two (range1-4). Mean cost of treatment was ₦1440±560 ($9.6±3.7) with 52.8% spending 𢙔 10% of their income on treatment. The most cost effective therapies were Methyl Dopa and Diuretics with Cost-effectiveness ratios of 8 and 12.8 respectively. Patients with co-morbidities, stage 2 hypertension and those on three or four drug regimen had significantly higher treatment costs. Conclusion The financial burden of long term antihypertensive therapy appears substantial, cost reduction strategies are needed to optimize hypertension treatment in societies with limited resources. Hypertensive management therefore requires a response adapted to the local context.