Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased concentrations of endothelin-1 messenger RNA in tissues and endothelin-1 peptide in plasma in septic pigs: modulation by betamethasone.

OBJECTIVES To study the expression of preproendothelin-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in tissue after Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide challenge and to evaluate the possible effects of betamethasone both regarding endothelin-1 production as well as hemodynamic and vascular effects during E. coli lipopolysaccharide infusion in pigs in vivo. DESIGN Prospective trial. SETTING Laboratory at a university medical center. SUBJECTS Ten domestic pigs, weighing 18 to 25 kg. INTERVENTIONS Anesthetized pigs were given continuous infusions of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (15 micrograms/kg/hr for 3 hrs), with or without prior treatment with betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg im 12 hrs before the start of the surgical preparation and 0.5/kg iv at the start of the preparation). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The E. coli lipopolysaccharide infusion evoked the characteristic cardiovascular changes observed in septic shock: decreased mean arterial pressure and cardiac output; increased heart rate and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Large increases in both arterial plasma concentrations of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity, as well as preproendothelin-1 mRNA concentrations in tissues, were also observed during the E. coli lipopolysaccharide infusion. Treatment with betamethasone significantly attenuated the E. coli lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in endothelin-1 plasma concentrations, whereas the increased mRNA concentrations were only slightly affected. Furthermore, betamethasone treatment also affected cardiovascular parameters, with significant attenuation of the E. coli lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in heart rate and a higher cardiac output after 60 mins of the E. coli lipopolysaccharide infusion. The urine production, which was markedly decreased during the E. coli lipopolysaccharide infusion, was significantly higher in the betamethasone-treated group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS The present results indicate that the increased concentrations of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity that are observed in septic shock may have negative effects on both cardiovascular parameters as well as renal function, which is in agreement with a possible role for endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of septic shock.
DnaK, DnaJ and GrpE form a cellular chaperone machinery capable of repairing heat‐induced protein damage.

Members of the conserved Hsp70 chaperone family are assumed to constitute a main cellular system for the prevention and the amelioration of stress‐induced protein damage, though little direct evidence exists for this function. We investigated the roles of the DnaK (Hsp70), DnaJ and GrpE chaperones of Escherichia coli in prevention and repair of thermally induced protein damage using firefly luciferase as a test substrate. In vivo, luciferase was rapidly inactivated at 42 degrees C, but was efficiently reactivated to 50% of its initial activity during subsequent incubation at 30 degrees C. DnaK, DnaJ and GrpE did not prevent luciferase inactivation, but were essential for its reactivation. In vitro, reactivation of heat‐inactivated luciferase to 80% of its initial activity required the combined activity of DnaK, DnaJ and GrpE as well as ATP, but not GroEL and GroES. DnaJ associated with denatured luciferase, targeted DnaK to the substrate and co‐operated with DnaK to prevent luciferase aggregation at 42 degrees C, an activity that was required for subsequent reactivation. The protein repair function of DnaK, GrpE and, in particular, DnaJ is likely to be part of the role of these proteins in regulation of the heat shock response.
Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe 7‐yr constraints on fNL with a fast wavelet estimator

A new method to constrain the local non-linear coupling parameter fNL based on a fast wavelet decomposition is presented. Using a multiresolution wavelet adapted to the HEALPix pixelization, we have developed a method that is � 10 2 times faster than previous estimators based on isotropic wavelets and � 10 3 faster than the KSW bispectrum estimator, at the resolution of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data. The method has been applied to the WMAP 7-yr V+W combined map, imposing constraints on fNL of 69 < fNL < 65 at the 95 per cent CL. This result has been obtained after correcting for the contribution of the residual point
Dominant fungi in the rhizosphere of established tea bushes and their interaction with the dominant bacteria under in situ conditions.

Species of Penicillium and Trichoderma were found to dominate the rhizosphere of established tea bushes in a detailed study conducted from various tea growing locations in India. Penicillium erythromellis, P. janthinellum, P. raistrickii, Trichoderma pseudokoningii and T. koningii were found to be closely associated with tea roots. While seasonal fluctuation was observed in the case of Penicillium spp. , the population of Trichoderma spp. showed less variation during the year. Both species were sensitive to low temperatures. In general, fungi associated with the tea rhizosphere were found to prefer a mesophillic temperature range (15 degrees C to 35 degrees C). The dominant species of Penicillium and Trichoderma also exhibited tolerance to lower temperatures, i.e., 5 to 10 degrees C on agar plates. Most fungi were able to grow in a wide range of pH (4 to 12). Lowering of soil pH in the rhizosphere of tea bushes was positively correlated with the age of the bush and may have affected the development of a specific microbial community in the rhizosphere. The populations of Penicillium and Trichoderma species were inversely correlated with the populations of two most dominant rhizosphere bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and B. mycoides. Both Bacillus species have been shown to have antagonistic activity against these two fungi under in vitro conditions. The present study demonstrates the existence of a similar antagonism under in situ conditions in the rhizosphere of established tea bushes.
Inner Speech as a Cognitive Process Mediating Self-Consciousness and Inhibiting Self-Deception

The cognitive processes which mediate self-consciousness are unknown, although Morin and others have suggested that inner speech may mediate self-consciousness. We developed a questionnaire which measures the extent to which one talks to oneself about oneself. As expected, the correlation between inner speech and self-consciousness was significant. A German version of the 1979 self-deception questionnaire by Sackeim and Gur correlated negatively with the scores on inner speech, suggesting the validity of the questionnaire. We also replicated the negative association between depression and self-deception in a different culture.
Public Employment and the Business Cycle

We add a public employment sector to the basic search and matching model in order to study the business cycle impact of public wage and employment policies. The government is assumed to follow exogenous rules for public wages and employment calibrated to match some cyclical features of US policies. These features include a positive public wage premium and mildly procyclical public wages and employment. We find that the presence of the public sector increases the volatility of employment and output.
Classical Friedreich’s Ataxia and Its Genotype

Fourteen patients with classical features of Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) were examined. The clinical diagnosis of FRDA was afterwards confirmed in all patients by the appropriate DNA investigation which showed markedly increased amounts of GAA repeats on both alleles of the frataxin gene. None of our patients presented with atypical features such as late-onset FRDA, FRDA with retained deep tendon reflexes or with a very slow course. Five of them are not yet confined to a wheelchair. But for 1 patient who died at age 36 years and had the largest number of GAA repeats on both alleles, there was no significant correlation between number of repeats in the shortest allele, age at onset, age at wheelchair dependence, duration of the disease and main clinical signs. All patients but 3 had between 500 and 1,050 GAA repeats. The 3 patients with, respectively, 400, 450 and 500 repeats on the shortest allele had a clinical course comparable to the other patients. Even in the case of variations in the number of repeats in the same sibship, there were only modest differences between the siblings concerning age at onset of the disease, symptoms and signs and age at wheelchair dependence. There were no qualitative differences in the main clinical features and laboratory investigations in the full-blown phase of the disorder. Molecular biology has become a major element in the diagnosis of FRDA. DNA testing for FRDA should be applied to every case of idiopathic autosomal recessive or sporadic ataxia. However, the clinical features of FRDA remain fully characteristic in many patients and keep their diagnostic value.
Using Structural Equation Modeling and the Behavioral Sciences Theories in Predicting Helmet Use

In Malaysia, according to road accidents data statistics motorcycle users contributes more than 50% of fatalities in traffic accidents, and the major cause due to head injuries. One strategy that can be used to reduce the severity of head injuries is by proper usage of helmet. Although the safety helmet is the best protective equipment to prevents head injury, majority motorcycle user did not use or did not fasten properly. In understanding this problem, the behavioral sciences theory and engineering aspect are needed to provide better explanation and comprehensive insights into solutions. The Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) and Health Belief Model (HBM) were used in predicting the behavioral intention toward proper helmet usage among motorcyclist. While, a new intervention approach were used in Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that based on the perception of a conceptual system called Safety Helmet Reminder System (SHR). Results show that the constructs variables are reliable and statistically significant with the exogenous and endogenous variables. The full structured models were proposed and tested, thus the significant predictors were identified. A multivariate analysis technique, known as Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used in modeling exercise. Finally, the good-of-fit models were used in interpreting the implication of intervention strategy toward motorcyclist injury prevention program.
Do the Associations of Parenting Styles With Behavior Problems and Academic Achievement Vary by Culture? Results From a Meta-Analysis

Objective: The study tested whether associations of parenting styles with internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and academic achievement vary between ethnic groups in western countries, between different regions of the globe, and by level of collectivism/individualism of individual countries. Method: A systematic search in electronic databases and cross referencing identified 428 studies that were included in the random-effects meta-analysis. Results: More ethnic and regional similarities than differences were identified. In western countries, associations of authoritative parenting with academic achievement were stronger in non-Hispanic, White families than in Asian minorities. In these countries, associations of authoritarian parenting with academic achievement were less negative in Hispanic families than in non-Hispanic, White families. Authoritative parenting was associated with at least 1 positive child outcome and authoritarian parenting was associated with at least 1 negative outcome in all regions of the globe, with some regional variation. Finally, associations of authoritarian parenting with child outcomes were weaker in countries with a higher individualism score, as were associations of authoritative parenting with academic performance. Conclusions: Parents across the globe could be recommended to behave authoritatively, although authoritarian and permissive parenting is, to some extent, tolerable in a few cultural contexts.
Brain dynamics during emotion elicitation in healthy subjects: An EEG study

Emotion regulation involves several brain areas such as prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and insular cortex. However, how such a brain dynamics is further modulated by emotional valence (pleasantness /unpleasantness), considering also different arousing levels, i.e., the intensity of the emotional stimuli, is still unknown. To this extent, we here study Electroencephalographic (EEG) oscillatory dynamics in healthy subjects during emotional visual elicitation. Twenty-two healthy volunteers were elicited through affective pictures gathered from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). The experimental protocol foresaw 110 images associated to 4 increasing arousing levels, each of which included two valence levels: pleasant and unpleasant. EEG spectral analysis revealed no significant changes, between the two valence levels, during the lower and higher arousing elicitation at all considered bands, 6, a, ft, and 7. On the other hand, valence changes in the intermediate arousing sessions, in the 6, ft and 7 bands, were associated to changes in the prefrontal and parietal regions.
Prevalence and Molecular Characteristics of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Organic Pig Herds in The Netherlands

The prevalence of the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among conventional pig herds in the Netherlands is high (around 71%). Nevertheless, information about the prevalence of MRSA among organic pig herds is lacking. Here, we report a study on 24 of the 49 organic pig herds in the Netherlands. The prevalence of MRSA positive herds showed to be 21%. The genetic characteristics of the MRSA isolates were similar to MRSA CC398 described in conventional pigs except one exceptional HA‐MRSA CC30 found in one herd, which was presumably caused by human to animal transmission. This resulted in a prevalence of MRSA CC398 in the organic herds of 16.7%.
Human CD4+ lymphocytes for antigen quantification: Characterization using conventional flow cytometry and mass cytometry

To transform the linear fluorescence intensity scale obtained with fluorescent microspheres to an antibody bound per cell (ABC) scale, a biological cell reference material is needed. Optimally, this material should have a reproducible and tight ABC value for the expression of a known clinical reference biomarker. In this study, we characterized commercially available cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and two lyophilized PBMC preparations, Cyto‐Trol and PBMC–National Institute for Biological Standard and Control (NIBSC) relative to freshly prepared PBMC and whole blood samples. It was found that the ABC values for CD4 expression on cryopreserved PBMC were consistent with those of freshly obtained PBMC and whole blood samples. By comparison, the ABC value for CD4 expression on Cyto‐Trol is lower and the value on PBMC–NIBSC is much lower than those of freshly prepared cell samples using both conventional flow cytometry and CyTOF™ mass cytometry. By performing simultaneous surface and intracellular staining measurements on these two cell samples, we found that both cell membranes are mostly intact. Moreover, CD4+ cell diameters from both lyophilized cell preparations are smaller than those of PBMC and whole blood. This could result in steric interference in antibody binding to the lyophilized cells. Further investigation of the fixation effect on the detected CD4 expression suggests that the very low ABC value obtained for CD4+ cells from lyophilized PBMC–NIBSC is largely due to paraformaldehyde fixation; this significantly decreases available antibody binding sites. This study provides confirmation that the results obtained from the newly developed mass cytometry are directly comparable to the results from conventional flow cytometry when both methods are standardized using the same ABC approach. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression and prognostic significance of PDCD4 in human epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is a newly discovered tumor suppressor. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of PDCD4 in epithelial ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS PDCD4 expression in 20 normal human ovaries and 69 serous ovarian tumors was examined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The relationships between PDCD4 expression, clinicopathological data and patient survival were evaluated. RESULTS PDCD4 expression was found to be lost or significantly lower in serous cystadenocarcinomas compared with that in normal ovaries and serous cystadenomas (p<0.05). The loss or reduction of PDCD4 expression in serous cystadenocarcinomas was significantly associated with higher pathological grade (p=0.0118) and poorer disease-specific survival of patients (p=0.0011). Multivariant Cox regression analysis revealed that PDCD4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for serous cystadenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION Lost or reduced PDCD4 expression is associated with the progression of serous cystadenocarcinomas and may serve as an important prognostic marker.
Numerical simulation of tool/abradable material interaction experiments

Applying abradable coating on the casing of turbomachines has been widely recognized as a robust solution advantageously combining the adjustment of operating clearances with the reduction of potential non-repairable damages. Thus, the modeling of this material is a growing field of investigation. Based on the numerical strategy proposed and detailed in previous publication by the same authors, the present study aims at capturing the mechanical behavior of abradable coating in the context of high speed interaction with a rigid tool. The plastic law given is first enriched in order to take into account strain rate dependence. The sensitivity of the model regarding its main numerical parameters is assessed and highlights the role of each of these parameters. The calibration of numerical results with respect to experimental results lead to very satisfying results that confirm that the proposed strategy is well-suited for the modeling of abradable coating. Finally, the newly developped viscoplastic law is applied to a 3D rotor/stator interaction case to determine the criticity of strain rate dependence in the case of blade/casing contact.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Nursing staff turnover: does leadership matter?

PURPOSE The aim of this paper is to study the relation between leadership behaviour of nursing managers and staff turnover with respect to the intervening variables "work climate" and "job satisfaction". DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Three different well-documented questionnaires were used to assess perceived leadership behaviour, work climate and job satisfaction. Data on staff turnover were collected from a computerized follow-up system. Different statistical analyses such as correlation analyses, regression analyses and analyses of variance were performed in order to explore the relations. FINDINGS The results show strong correlations between leadership behaviour, work climate and job satisfaction. No significant direct relation between leadership behaviour and staff turnover was shown. Staff turnover shows statistically significant correlations with the job satisfaction variable "feeling" (p < OR = 0.005), and the work climate variables "challenge" and "playfulness" (p < or = 0.001). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS In order to limit staff turnover, decision makers should put effort into recruiting and retaining managers that perform very well according to the needs of staff. Managers that are both relations-oriented and production-oriented, can manage change and are able to stimulate the staff with challenges have the best opportunities to achieve low staff turnover. ORIGINALITY/VALUE To the best of the authors' knowledge there is no study published that explores the influence of leadership behaviour, including the dimension "change", on staff turnover in relation to intervening intrinsic factors of job satisfaction and creative work climate in nursing.
Efficacy of Chitinolyic Enzyme Produced by Some Soil Fungi (Candida Albicans and Aspergillus Fumigatus) in Biological Control of Cattle Ticks

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the use of fungal chitinase enzyme in control of cattle ticks. Fifty soil samples were collected from animal houses at Giza Governorate and examined for mycological contamination. The incidence rates of A.fumigatus and C.albicans were 24 % and 20%, respectively, whereas, other species were also obtained at the rate of 80%. Chitinase enzyme was produced and extracted from cell walls of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigates isolates that were recovered from soil and assayed for control of cattle tick's infestation (Boophilus microplus) in comparison with one of the most commonly used arsenical pesticide. These fungi yielded active chitinase enzymes at mean levels of (3.42±0.02 and 2.35±0.03 U/ml), which showed the ability to eradicate 90% and 80% of active ticks, respectively. It is concluded that the chitinase enzymes produced by fungal species could be used for biological control of cattle tick infestation to avoid the use of carcinogenic chemical.
Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary colic.

BACKGROUND Biliary colic is one of the commonest indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves several months of waiting if performed electively. However, patients can develop life-threatening complications during this waiting period. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with biliary colic due to gallstones. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded until March 2008. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only randomised clinical trials irrespective of language and publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently extracted the data. We intended to calculate the risk ratio, risk difference with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes using RevMan 4.2 based on intention-to-treat analysis. MAIN RESULTS Only one trial including 75 patients, randomised to early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (less than 24 hours of diagnosis) (n = 35) and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (mean waiting period of 4.2 months) (n = 40), qualified for this review. This trial was of high risk of bias. During the waiting period in the delayed group (mean 4.2 months), the complications that the patients suffered included severe acute pancreatitis resulting in mortality (1), empyema of gallbladder (1), gallbladder perforation (1), acute cholecystitis (2), cholangitis (2), obstructive jaundice (2), and recurrent biliary colic requiring hospital visits (5). The rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy was lower in the early group (0%) than the delayed group (8/40 or 20%) (p = 0.0172). There was a statistically significant shorter operating time and hospital stay in the early group than the delayed group (WMD -14.80 minutes, 95% CI -18.02 to -11.58 and -1.25 days, 95% CI -2.05 to -0.45 respectively). Fourteen patients (35%) required 18 hospital admissions for symptoms related to gallstones during the mean waiting period of 4.2 months in the delayed group. This is equivalent to 11 admissions per 100 persons per month. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on evidence from only one high-bias risk trial, it appears that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (< 24 hours of diagnosis of biliary colic) decreases the morbidity during the waiting period for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, decreases the rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy, decreases operating time, and decreases hospital stay. Further randomised clinical trials are necessary to confirm or refute this finding.