Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SPENT OYSTER MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE IN A MIX WITH ORGANIC SOIL FOR PLANT POT CULTIVATION

Disposal of spent mushroom substrates can pose a problem to the environment. The re- use in crop production by its recycling as an ingredient of growing mixes would provide an environmentally safe disposition. We show the use of Pleurotus sp. spent substrate, Pleurotus had 3.3 times higher electrical conductivity (7 mS cm -1 ) than that of the control, which is high for the growth of most plants. Air porosity was greater in T1 (7.4%) and T2 (10.2%) than the control (2.8%). The content of certain nutrients also increased with regard to the control, such as phosphorus and sulphur (T1 and T2 substrates), as well as potassium (T1 substrate). After growing 29 days on T1 substrate, plants showed a marked increase in biomass (ca. 21%, p < 0.05) and some minerals compared to the control. T2 plants grew poorly, possibly because of nitrogen defi cit. T1 substrate was adequate to sustain the growth of S. offi cinalis plants in pots, by improving air porosity and mineral content. S. offi cinalis plants in pots, by improving air porosity and mineral content. S. offi cinalis
Pharmacokinetics and Distribution of Heparin‐Binding Growth Factor I (Endothelial Cell Growth Factor) in the Rat

Heparin-binding growth factor I (HBGF I), previously designated as endothelial cell growth factor, is a potent mitogen for endothelial cells in vitro, which may prove useful for promoting endothelial regeneration in vivo. Analysis of the pharmacokinetics and organ distribution of HBGF I is necessary before use of HBGF I as a pharmacological agent. Consequently, pharmacological studies were carried out with [125I]HBGF I in the rat. Intravenous injections of HBGF I were given with or without heparin (2.5 units/ng HBGF I). Blood concentrations of HBGF I decreased by one half 17 seconds after HBGF I bolus. This time was prolonged to 60 seconds when HBGF I was injected with heparin. The elimination half-life of HBGF I was 14 minutes in the presence of heparin. The highest concentrations of HBGF I following intravenous bolus were found in kidney, liver, and spleen, and the lowest in fat and brain. Heparin increased HBGF I concentrations in blood and all organs measured except kidney, which was significantly decreased (p<0.01). Intact HBGF I was recoverable from blood 5 minutes following intravenous administration. HBGF I underwent near-complete proteolytic digestion after more prolonged ex vivo incubation with rat plasma, but HBGF I was protected from proteolysis when incubations were conducted in the presence of heparin. Thus, it is feasible that HBGF I can be administered as a pharmacological agent in the presence of heparin. Further studies assessing acceleration of in vivo endothelial growth using HBGF I with heparin appear warranted.
Therapeutic Delay and Survival After Surgery for Cancer of the Pancreatic Head With or Without Preoperative Biliary Drainage

Objective:To evaluate the relation between delay in surgery because of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) and survival in patients scheduled for surgery for pancreatic head cancer. Background:Patients with obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic head cancer can undergo PBD. The associated delay of surgery can lead to more advanced cancer stages at surgical exploration, affecting resection rate and survival. Methods:We conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial to compare PBD with early surgery (ES) for pancreatic head cancer for complications. We obtained Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival for patients with pathology-proven malignancy and compared survival functions of ES and PBD groups using log-rank test statistics. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic role of time to surgery for overall survival. Results:Mean times from randomization to surgery were 1.2 (0.9-1.5) and 5.1 (4.8-5.5) weeks in the ES and PBD groups, respectively (P < 0.001). In the ES group, 60 (67%) of 89 patients underwent resection, versus 53 (58%) of 91 patients in the PBD group (P = 0.20). Median survival after randomization was 12.2 (9.1-15.4) months in the ES group versus 12.7 (8.9-16.6) months in the PBD group (P = 0.91). A longer time to surgery was significantly associated with slightly lower mortality rate after surgery (hazard ratio = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.83-0.97), when taking into account resection, bilirubin, complications, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, tumor-positive lymph nodes, and microscopically residual disease. Conclusions:In patients with pancreatic head cancer, the delay in surgery associated with PBD does not impair or benefit survival rate.
Putting Tobacco Cessation and Prevention into Undergraduate Medical Education

Background: Training medical students in tobacco prevention and cessation skills is critical to have competent physicians who are prepared to address the grave levels of morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco use. However, in India, enough attention has not been given to elicit the active participation of physicians in tobacco control. Keeping this in view, a program was undertaken to develop the skills and competence of medical students with the objective of improving medical student inquiry into smoking and the delivery of advice accordingly for patients in their clinical year's routine consultations. Methods: The targeted learners were 149 1st-year medical and dental students of SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Orissa, India, who had appeared the second semester examination; 84 of the participants were male. Students were allowed to appear a test before the training session on knowledge of tobacco cessation and post test was done after 1.5 months of training. The knowledge score was evaluated to evaluate the learning outcome. Results: We observed that a curriculum on tobacco intervention could improve relevant knowledge, attitudes and self-confidence and be applied in students early clinical experiences. Conclusions: There is need of joint action by practicing clinicians, the medical faculty and the curriculum planners of the country to incorporate tobacco cessation into the curriculum.
Reliability of measuring humeral retroversion using ultrasound imaging in a healthy nonthrowing population.

CONTEXT Studies have reported the difference in humeral retroversion (HR) between the dominant and nondominant side in throwing athletes. However, there are few data concerning HR for the rest of the population. In addition, the relationship between HR and external (ER) and internal rotation (IR) at 90 degrees shoulder abduction has not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVES To investigate the reliability of ultrasound methodology to measure HR. In addition, using ultrasonography, the authors compare HR between the dominant and nondominant sides in healthy adult men and determine the relationship between HR and ER and IR at 90 degrees of shoulder abduction. DESIGN Descriptive study. SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-seven healthy male subjects (age 21.9 +/- 2.4 y, height 172.9 +/- 5.3 cm, weight 66.0 +/- 7.2 kg) with no history of shoulder or elbow injury, recruited from a convenience sample, volunteered for the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects were bilaterally examined for HR, ER, and IR. HR was measured by ultrasonography. RESULTS The intrarater reliability of the ultrasound methodology was . 91-. 98, and the interrater reliability was . 97. The HR angle on the dominant side (mean +/- SD: 68.5 degrees +/- 10.0 degrees) was significantly greater than that of the nondominant side (58.0 degrees +/- 8.4 degrees; P < .001). ER on the dominant side was significantly greater than on the nondominant side (P < .001), whereas IR on the dominant side was significantly smaller than on the nondominant side (P < .001). Total arc of motion for the dominant side was not significantly different from that of the nondominant side (P = .335). CONCLUSION In the current study, ultrasound methodology to measure HR showed high interrater reliability, as well as high intrarater reliability. In addition, this study indicates that healthy Japanese adult men have side-to-side differences in HR.
Stimulation of DNA synthesis by prolactin in rabbit mammary tissue.

The capacity of mammary gland tissue slices to incorporate [ 3 H]thymidine into DNA was studied at intervals after intraductal injection of prolactin. Prolactin markedly increased the rate of incorporation of thymidine into DNA (as extracted by HCIO 4 or by sodium dodecyl sulphate). The increase in incorporation rate occurred within 6 h of prolactin injection. Autoradiography of mammary tissue, after administration of [ 8 H]thymidine in vivo , showed that the increased rate of incorporation of thymidine was caused by an increase in the number of alveolar cells entering S -phase. These results are discussed in relation to current theories concerning functional differentiation of mammary tissue.
Real-time Prescription Surveillance and its Application to Monitoring Seasonal Influenza Activity in Japan

Background Real-time surveillance is fundamental for effective control of disease outbreaks, but the official sentinel surveillance in Japan collects information related to disease activity only weekly and updates it with a 1-week time lag. Objective To report on a prescription surveillance system using electronic records related to prescription drugs that was started in 2008 in Japan, and to evaluate the surveillance system for monitoring influenza activity during the 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 influenza seasons. Methods We developed an automatic surveillance system using electronic records of prescription drug purchases collected from 5275 pharmacies through the application service provider’s medical claims service. We then applied the system to monitoring influenza activity during the 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 influenza seasons. The surveillance system collected information related to drugs and patients directly and automatically from the electronic prescription record system, and estimated the number of influenza cases based on the number of prescriptions of anti-influenza virus medication. Then it shared the information related to influenza activity through the Internet with the public on a daily basis. Results During the 2009–2010 influenza season, the number of influenza patients estimated by the prescription surveillance system between the 28th week of 2009 and the 12th week of 2010 was 9,234,289. In the 2010–2011 influenza season, the number of influenza patients between the 36th week of 2010 and the 12th week of 2011 was 7,153,437. The estimated number of influenza cases was highly correlated with that predicted by the official sentinel surveillance (r = .992, P < .001 for 2009–2010; r = .972, P < .001 for 2010–2011), indicating that the prescription surveillance system produced a good approximation of activity patterns. Conclusions Our prescription surveillance system presents great potential for monitoring influenza activity and for providing early detection of infectious disease outbreaks.
[Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and CRHR 1 mRNA in paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus in stress-induced anxiety rats].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and CRHR 1 mRNA in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of hypothalamus, to explore its mechanism in anti-anxiety. METHODS Thirty-three male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and EA groups. Chronic emotional stress anxiety model was established by using chronic unpredictable emotional stress stimulation for 21 days. EA (15/25 Hz, 1-2 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 15 min/d and 21 days. The expression of CRH and CRHR 1 mRNA in hypothalamic PVN was measured by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques separately. RESULTS Compared with control group, the values of open-arms entries (OE%) and open-arms time (OT%) in model group were decreased significantly (P<0.01). In comparison with model group, OE% and OT% in EA group were increased obviously (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with control group, the optical density values of CRH immuno-reaction positive products and CRHR 1 mRNA expressed neurons of hypothalamic PVN in model group were increased obviously (P<0.05, P<0.01); while in comparison with model group, those of CRH and CRHR 1 mRNA in EA group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION EA can effectively relieve chronic stress stimulation induced anxiety in the rat, which is closely related to its effect in down regulating both CRH and CRHR 1 mRNA expression in PVN of hypothalamus.
Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Downregulate Inflammatory Responses by Shifting the Treg/Th17 Profile in Experimental Colitis

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and mechanisms of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on immune responses in murine colitis. Methods: Mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis were injected intraperitoneally with hUC-MSCs or human bone marrow-derived MSCs. The cytokine levels from lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) and colon tissue were measured using ELISA. Treg and Th17 cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. The proliferation of LPMCs was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8. Results: hUC-MSCs ameliorate DSS-induced colitis via the downregulation of colon inflammatory responses. Furthermore, hUC-MSCs adjusted modulation of Treg/Th17 cells in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. hUC-MSCs also inhibited LPMCs in vitro.Conclusion: hUC-MSCs may be an alternative source of stem cells and are worthy of study in long-term clinical trials.
Combined effects of X irradiation and hyperthermia on CHO cells for various temperatures and orders of application.

The survival of CHO cells to hyperthermic treatment combined with radiation indicates that heat given either immediately before or immediately after irradiation radiosensitizers S-phase cells more than G1 cells, thus resulting in similar absolute levels of survival for each phase. No difference in effect was observed for different temperatures (42.0 to 45.5/sup 0/C) applied before irradiation in either G1 or S when times of heating were adjusted to obtain the same survival (0.5 to 0.6) from heat alone. When heat was administered after irradiation and the time between treatments was increased, repair during G1 of radiation damage which interacted with subsequent heat damage occurred over a 2-hr period. Survival increased from a synergistic level to an independent level with kinetics similar to those seen for repair between split x-ray doses. For this experiment, the heat treatments were administered at either 42.5 or 45.5/sup 0/C with times of heating adjusted to obtain the same survival (0.15) from heat alone. When cells were treated similarly in S phase using either 42.5 or 45.5/sup 0/C (survival from heat alone was 0.2), recovery from a synergistic level of survival was similar to that observed in G1; however, survival did not reach an independent levelmore » by 120 min between treatments. When relatively sublethal heat doses at either 42.5 or 45.5/sup 0/C were applied either before, during, or after irradiation, the maximum reduction in survival of asynchronous cells occurred when heat was present during and immediately following irradation, presumably due to heat increasing the fixation of radiation damage. A sixfold difference in survival was observed with about a 5-min change in the timing of radiation with respect to heating. This sensitivity of survival to changes in protocol may have considerable implications in the combined use of hyperthermia and radiation for cancer therapy. « less
Lactobacillus plantarum DK119 as a Probiotic Confers Protection against Influenza Virus by Modulating Innate Immunity

Lactobacillus plantarum DK119 (DK119) isolated from the fermented Korean cabbage food was used as a probiotic to determine its antiviral effects on influenza virus. DK119 intranasal or oral administration conferred 100% protection against subsequent lethal infection with influenza A viruses, prevented significant weight loss, and lowered lung viral loads in a mouse model. The antiviral protective efficacy was observed in a dose and route dependent manner of DK119 administration. Mice that were treated with DK119 showed high levels of cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and a low degree of inflammation upon infection with influenza virus. Depletion of alveolar macrophage cells in lungs and bronchoalveolar lavages completely abrogated the DK119-mediated protection. Modulating host innate immunity of dendritic and macrophage cells, and cytokine production pattern appeared to be possible mechanisms by which DK119 exhibited antiviral effects on influenza virus infection. These results indicate that DK119 can be developed as a beneficial antiviral probiotic microorganism.
Indian hedgehog Is an Essential Component of Mechanotransduction Complex to Stimulate Chondrocyte Proliferation*

Indian hedgehog (Ihh), a member of the vertebrate hedgehog morphogen family, is a key signaling molecule that controls chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we show a novel function of Ihh. Namely, it acts as an essential mediator of mechanotransduction in cartilage. Cyclic mechanical stress greatly induces the expression of Ihh by chondrocytes. This induction is abolished by gadolinium, an inhibitor of stretch-activated channels. This suggests that the IHH gene is mechanoresponsive. The mechano-induction of Ihh is essential for stimulating chondrocyte proliferation by mechanical loading. The presence of an Ihh functional blocking antibody during loading completely abolishes the stimulatory effect of mechanical load on proliferation. Furthermore, Ihh mediates the mechanotransduction process in a bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-dependent and parathyroid hormone-related peptide-independent manner. BMP 2/4 are up-regulated by mechanical stress through the induction of Ihh, and BMP antagonist noggin inhibits mechanical stimulation of chondrocyte proliferation. This suggests BMP lies downstream of Ihh in mechanotransduction pathway. Our data suggest that Ihh may transduce mechanical signals during cartilage growth and repair processes.
The Role of Surgery, Radiosurgery and Whole Brain Radiation Therapy in the Management of Patients with Metastatic Brain Tumors

Brain tumors constitute the most common intracranial tumor. Management of brain metastases has become increasingly complex as patients with brain metastases are living longer and more treatment options develop. The goal of this paper is to review the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), and surgery, in isolation and in combination, in the contemporary treatment of brain metastases. Surgery and SRS both offer management options that may help to optimize therapy in selected patients. WBRT is another option but can lead to late toxicity and suboptimal local control in longer term survivors. Improved prognostic indices will be critical for selecting the best therapies. Further prospective trials are necessary to continue to elucidate factors that will help triage patients to the proper brain-directed therapy for their cancer.
Measurement of the extraction efficiency and distribution volume for Gd‐DTPA in normal and diseased canine myocardium

We have previously shown that the myocardial Gd‐DTPA concentration ([Gd‐DTPA]t(t)) after a bolus injection of Gd‐DTPA can be predicted by the Modified Kety Equation (MKE). If [Gd‐DTPA]t(t) can be determined by MRI and the data fit to the MICE, then the distribution volume (λ) of Gd‐DTPA and the myocardial flow (F) times the extraction efficiency (E), i.e., the FE product, can be determined. Therefore F can only be quantified if E is known. We measured the global E in vivo in normal canine myocardium, and measured E and λ, in vitro, locally in normal, acute ischemic (n = 5; coronary artery occlusion < 4 h), infarcted (n = 4; coronary artery occlusion, 6 days) and reperfused (n = 4; coronary artery occlusion 2 h, and reperfusion 2 h and 6 days) myocardium. Results indicate that E differs with F and with individuals and consequently, F cannot be quantified using the MKE unless the local E is also determined in vivo.
A Computational Model for Rhythmic and Discrete Movements in Uni- and Bimanual Coordination

Current research on discrete and rhythmic movements differs in both experimental procedures and theory, despite the ubiquitous overlap between discrete and rhythmic components in everyday behaviors. Models of rhythmic movements usually use oscillatory systems mimicking central pattern generators (CPGs). In contrast, models of discrete movements often employ optimization principles, thereby reflecting the higher-level cortical resources involved in the generation of such movements. This letter proposes a unified model for the generation of both rhythmic and discrete movements. We show that a physiologically motivated model of a CPG can not only generate simple rhythmic movements with only a small set of parameters, but can also produce discrete movements if the CPG is fed with an exponentially decaying phasic input. We further show that a particular coupling between two of these units can reproduce main findings on in-phase and antiphase stability. Finally, we propose an integrated model of combined rhythmic and discrete movements for the two hands. These movement classes are sequentially addressed in this letter with increasing model complexity. The model variations are discussed in relation to the degree of recruitment of the higher-level cortical resources, necessary for such movements.
Gingival crevicular fluid and plasma acute-phase cytokine levels in different periodontal diseases.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study is to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma acute-phase cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-11 (IL-11), oncostatin M (OSM), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) levels in patients with different periodontal diseases. METHODS Eighty individuals were included in this study; 20 with chronic periodontitis (CP), 20 with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), 20 with gingivitis, and 20 classified as healthy (H). Probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and papilla bleeding index were recorded. Plasma and GCF IL-1β, IL-6, IL-11, OSM, and LIF levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS CP and GAgP groups had significantly higher GCF IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-11 levels when compared with the H group (P <0.05). Conversely, GCF LIF levels of the CP and GAgP groups were lower than those of the H group (P <0.05). GCF OSM levels did not differ significantly among study groups. Plasma levels of all the cytokines studied were not significantly different among the study groups. CONCLUSIONS Based on the present data, elevated IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-11 GCF levels, but not plasma levels, are suggested as reliable inflammatory biomarkers in periodontal diseases. Decreased LIF levels in diseased groups might reflect the possible beneficial effects of LIF in the modulation of inflammatory response in gingiva.