Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of steroids and lubricants on electrical impedance and tissue response following cochlear implantation

Abstract The present study examined the effects of steroids and lubricants on electrical impedance and tissue response following cochlear implantation in animal models. Guinea pigs were implanted following either no treatment, or intrascalar injection with dexamethasone, triamcinolone, sodium hyaluronate or saline. Cats were implanted following either no treatment, or intrascalar injection with dexamethasone, triamcinolone or a mixture of triamcinolone with sodium hyaluronate. In guinea pigs, impedance changes and intracochlear tissue response were less for the hyaluronate and saline groups. In cats, impedance in the dexamethasone group increased similar to non-treated cats. Impedance of triamcinolone treated cats remained low for about two months after implantation, before increasing to levels similar to the other groups. Significant fibrous tissue growth was observed histologically. The results of the present study indicate that a single intracochlear application of hyaluronate or triamcinolone may postpone, but will ultimately not prevent the rise in impedance following cochlear implantation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equations of state for the calculation of fluid-phase equilibria

Progress in developing equations of state for the calculation of fluid-phase equilibria is reviewed. There are many alternative equations of state capable of calculating the phase equilibria of a diverse range of fluids. A wide range of equations of state from cubic equations for simple molecules to theoretically-based equations for molecular chains is considered. An overview is also given of work on mixing rules that are used to apply equations of state to mixtures. Historically, the development of equations of state has been largely empirical. However, equations of state are being formulated increasingly with the benefit of greater theoretical insights. It is now quite common to use molecular simulation data to test the theoretical basis of equations of state. Many of these theoretically-based equations are capable of providing reliable calculations, particularly for large molecules.
NONLINEAR AEROELASTIC ANALYSIS OF JOINED-WING AIRCRAFT

Joined-wing aircraft are being designed for ‘sensorcraft’ configuration. Joined wings lead to multiple load paths and constraints. The focus of this work is to understand the nonlinear structural as well as aeroelastic behavior of joined wings. The paper presents a formulation for the nonlinear aeroelastic analysis of joined wings. Results are presented for two joined wings configurations. Overall, the joined wings are found to be stier than single wing configuration. The ‘non-planar’ joined wing is found to be stier than the ‘planar’ joined wing. The structural dynamic characteristics of the joined wings are also presented. The bending modes are similar to the cantilevered beam modes while the torsional vibrations are restricted to the unconstrained part of the main wing. The structural analysis showed negligible nonlinear eects for static deformation as well as for structural dynamics characteristics.
NF-kappa B regulates the LPS-induced expression of interleukin 12 p40 in murine peritoneal macrophages: roles of PKC, PKA, ERK, p38 MAPK, and proteasome.

NF-kappa B plays a critical role in coordinating the control of gene expression during monocyte/macrophage activation. In this report we describe our investigation of the mechanisms of LPS-induced NF-kappa B activation and IL-12 expression in murine peritoneal suppressor macrophages. Treatment of these macrophages with LPS induced I kappa B alpha degradation and NF-kappa B activation. EMSAs demonstrated that NF-kappa B bound to a cis-acting element located in the murine IL-12 p40 promoter. LPS signal transduction has been shown to involve a variety of signal pathways. The results in this paper indicate that LPS-induced NF-kappa B binding activity was independent of PKC, PKA, ERK, and p38 MAPK, but was regulated by proteasome. Furthermore, Proteasome Inhibitor I abolished the LPS-induced mRNA expression of IL-12 p35 and p40, and SB203580 reduced these mRNA levels, whereas the blockade of PKC, PKA, and ERK had little effect. These data demonstrate that the LPS-induced activation of proteasome. I kappa B. NF-kappa B and p38 MAPK signal pathways regulate the IL-12 expression in murine peritoneal suppressor macrophages.
Effect of personal health record booklet (PHRB) to knowledge, self-efficacy and healthy behaviors among Thai population at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

OBJECTIVE To investigate an effect of a personal health record booklet (PHRB) to knowledge, self-efficacy and healthy behaviors among Thai population at risk of CVD. MATERIAL AND METHOD The present study was a quasi-experimental study conducted in a primary care unit during November 2008 and January 2009. A random sample of 204 CVD risk population were recruited as a comparison group (n = 102), who received a regular follow-up and recorded routine blood pressure using booklet and an experimental group (n = 102), who received the regular follow-up and the intervention consisting of health education for CVD information and self-monitoring practice. Data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires at the baseline, the 4th week and the 8th week. These data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and GLM repeated measures. RESULTS Knowledge score was significantly decreased although self-efficacy was increased over a time in the experimental group. However except the figure of sweet/cookies consumption, the mean score of healthy behaviors were not improved in the experimental group when compared to the comparison group. CONCLUSION CVD information, activity illustrations with caption, health record section and daily self-monitoring tables in desired behaviors should be considered for inclusion in the booklet.
Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Removal in a Modified Anoxic/Oxic-Membrane Bioreactor Treating High Strength Wastewater

In this study, the feasibility of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) in an anoxic/oxic membrane bioreactor (A/O-MBR) without any recirculation was investigated. It was found that SND occurred in the bioreactor. The influent ammonia converted to NO<sub>2</sub> <sup>-</sup>-N and NO<sub>3</sub> <sup>-</sup>-N via the nitrification process and then further reduced to gaseous nitrogen, directly. It is possible that the aerobic denitrifying bacteria and the partly micro condition play the combination role. Therefore, the high COD<sub>Cr</sub> and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies of 96.7% and 94.7% were achieved in the combination system, successfully, regardless of varying influent COD concentration (500-2200 mg L<sup>-1</sup>) and NH<sub>4</sub> <sup>+</sup>-N concentration (50-200 mg L<sup>-1</sup>).
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: resistance rates to first and reserve antituberculosis drugs in the UK in 2008/9 and the role of rapid molecular tests for drug resistance

Undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health issue, as it leads to patients missing out on appropriate preventive and therapeutic interventions.1–3 The ratio of diagnosed/predicted COPD prevalence differs widely between Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), suggesting that there are unacceptable variations in care.4 A National Clinical Strategy for COPD is to be launched in the UK in 2010 and there is an urgent need for evidence to support strategies to increase the identification of patients, particularly those with early disease. In 2008 a locally enhanced service (LES) for COPD …
Ultrastructure of the basilar papilla, an auditory organ in the bullfrog.

The basilar papilla is one of two auditory organs found in the frog's inner ear. Examination of the papilla in the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, by light and electron microscopy has confirmed earlier descriptions of its gross morphology and revealed new details of its fine structure. The papilla is a tubular evagination of the saccule, terminating in a thin contact membrane which separates endolymphatic and perilymphatic spaces. Its sensory epithelium occupies a crest extending halfway around the tube and is surmounted by a tectorial membrane. Between 300 and 500 myelinated nerve fibers synapse with about 60 hair cells. Extending from the hair cells are sensory hair bundles, lodged in canals in the tectorial membrane. Each bundle consists of a group of stereocilia and a single asymmetrically placed kinocilium located on the side of the bundle facing the contact membrane. Each hair cell synapses at its base with several afferent terminals, but efferent synapses have not been found.
A study of circulating sialic acid levels in pregnancy

Background: The sialic acid level is significantly higher in full term cord firbrinogen than in controls and higher in premature than term samples and degree of hypersialation of fetal fibrinogen is a function of gestational age,prenatal diagnosis and confirmation of infantile sialic acid storage disease have been carried out by amniocentesis. Aims & Objectives: To correlate the physiological stress occurring during different trimesters of pregnancy with circulating level of serum sialic acid. Methodology: In this study 30 blood samples were collected from healthy pregnant women in each trimester of pregnancy of age group between 18-35 years along with age and sex matched non pregnant control group. The blood samples was collected from all participants and analyzed for Serum sialic acid ,total protein, albumin and Blood sugar. Results: The mean concentration of serum sialic acid (Micmol/dl) in non pregnant control was estimated to be 119.1±4.68 as compared to 138.8± 4.57,155.76± 5.1, 171.18± 6.7 in first, second and third trimester of pregnancy respectively. Conclusion: The level of total sialic acid is found to be elevated as the pregnancy advances. This increase in maternal circulating serum TSA levels can be attributed to the immunological and metabolic adjustments that the pregnant women undergoes to bring about successful pregnancy.
Topical Hemostatic Agents in Gynecologic Surgery

Biosurgical compounds and pharmacologic agents can serve as surgical adjuncts to prevent or curtail intraoperative bleeding. Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane electronic data bases were used to search the English literature from 1966 to March 2007 using the terms topical, hemostatic agents, and gynecologic surgery. Several effective topical hemostatic agents are available to reduce intraoperative blood loss. Data on their application in gynecologic surgery are limited, and guidelines for selecting one over another for specific indications are lacking. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to describe the indications, techniques of use, and risks and complications of various hemostatis agents used in pelvic surgery.
The Autoimmune Diabetes Locus Idd9 Regulates Development of Type 1 Diabetes by Affecting the Homing of Islet-Specific T Cells1

Several genetic insulin-dependent diabetes (Idd) intervals that confer resistance to autoimmune diabetes have been identified in mice and humans, but the mechanisms by which they protect against development of diabetes have not been elucidated. To determine the effect of Idd9 on the function of islet-specific T cells, we established novel BDC-Idd9 mice that harbor BDC2.5 TCR transgenic T cells containing the Idd9 of diabetes-resistant B10 mice. We show that the development and functional responses of islet-specific T cells from BDC-Idd9 mice are not defective compared with those from BDC mice, which contain the Idd9 of diabetes-susceptible NOD mice. Upon transfer, BDC T cells rapidly induced severe insulitis and diabetes in NOD.scid mice, whereas those from BDC-Idd9 mice mediated a milder insulitis and induced diabetes with a significantly delayed onset. BDC and BDC-Idd9 T cells expanded comparably in recipient mice. However, BDC-Idd9 T cells accumulated in splenic periarteriolar lymphatic sheaths, whereas BDC T cells were mainly found in pancreatic lymph nodes and pancreata of recipients, indicating that the transferred T cells differed in their homing. We provide evidence that the migration pattern of transferred BDC and BDC-Idd9 T cells at least partly depends on their differential chemotaxis toward the CCR7 ligand CCL19. Taken together, our data show that the Idd9 locus regulates development of type 1 diabetes by affecting the homing of islet-specific T cells.
Inflammatory mediators of uveitis: cytokines and chemokines

Purpose of review The study of uveitis has been restricted by the difficulty in obtaining sufficient intraocular material from both human disease and experimental models. Recent developments in cytokine and chemokine detection have overcome many of these problems. This review presents a summary of the technologic advances in this area. Recent findings Recent advances in cytokine analysis, in particular multiplexed bead immunoassays, have allowed the measurement of an extensive array of cytokines and chemokines from very small sample volumes. This has revolutionized uveitis research, enabling measurement of a large profile of cytokines and chemokines in intraocular fluid, such as aqueous humour. This allows us to recognize complex patterns of cytokines and chemokines from different forms of uveitis and to examine relationships between different molecules. Summary The spectrum of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines known to be implicated in uveitis has increased over recent years. Many of these molecules have also been found in experimental models of disease and may represent attractive therapeutic targets for the future. With recent advances in cytokine detection, an extension of these techniques with a more detailed analysis of different uveitis conditions may provide useful diagnostic and prognostic information for this potentially blinding group of diseases.
Factors related to seatbelt-wearing among rear-seat passengers in Malaysia

Background The benefit of wearing a rear seatbelt in reducing the risk of motor vehicle crash-related fatalities and injuries has been well documented in previous studies. Wearing a seatbelt not only reduces the risk of injury to rear-seat passengers, but also reduces the risk of injury to front-seat occupant who could be crushed by unbelted rear-seat passengers in a motor vehicle crash. Despite the benefits of wearing a rear seatbelt, its rate of use in Malaysia is generally low. Objectives The objective of this study was to identify factors that are associated with the wearing of a seatbelt among rear-seat passengers in Malaysia. Methods The data collection method engage in this study was a face-to-face interview for 1651 individuals from all states in Malaysia. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to analyse and identify factors related to seatbelt-wearing among rear-seat passengers in Malaysia. Results The analysis revealed that rear-seat passengers who were older, female, married and more educated and who had a perception of a high level of legislation enforcement, a higher risk-aversion and more driving experience (only for passengers who are also drivers) were more likely to wear a rear seatbelt. There was also a significant positive correlation between driver-seatbelt and rear seatbelt-wearing behaviour. This implies that, in regards to seatbelt-wearing behaviour, drivers are more likely to adopt the same seatbelt-wearing behaviour when travelling as rear-seat passengers as they do when driving. Significance These findings are crucial to the development of new interventions to increase the compliance rate of wearing a rear seatbelt.
Poly(lactic acid)/polystyrene bioblends characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy

Bioblends are composites of at least one biodegradable polymer with nonbiodegradable polymer. Successful development of bioblends requires that the bio- degradable polymers be compatible with other component polymers. Compatibility can be assessed by evaluating the intermolecular interactions between the component poly- mers. In this work, the interaction in binary bioblends comprising biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly- styrene (PS) was investigated using thermogravimetric anal- ysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS). The TGA studies indicated that incorporation of PLA in PS resulted in thermal destabilization of PS. The DSC studies showed that some parameters favored partial miscibility of PS in PLA, while others favored immiscibility, such as the existence of two glass transitions. The FTIR-PAS spectra revealed the presence of intermolecular n-p interac- tions between PLA and PS and indicated that the degree of interaction was dependent on the concentrations of the pol- ymers in the bioblends. FTIR-PAS results computed via dif- ferential spectral deconvolution were consistent with, and therefore support, the results of TGA and DSC analyses of PLA/PS bioblends. The degradation kinetics, used to deter- mine the degradation mechanism, revealed a two- or three- step mechanism. 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 106: 1689-1696, 2007
Hepcidin expression in colon during trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats.

AIM To investigate hepcidin expression, interleukin-6 (IL-6) production and iron levels in the rat colon in the presence of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. METHODS In rats, we evaluated the severity of colitis induced by repeated TNBS administration using macroscopic and microscopic scoring systems and myeloperoxidase activity measurements. The colonic levels of hepcidin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-10 and IL-6 were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and hepcidin-25 expression and iron deposition were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and the Prussian blue reaction, respectively. Stat-3 phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot analysis. Hematological parameters, iron and transferrin levels, and transferrin saturation were also measured. Additionally, the ability of iron, pathogen-derived molecules and IL-6 to induce hepcidin expression in HT-29 cells was evaluated. RESULTS Repeated TNBS administration to rats resulted in macroscopically and microscopically detectable colon lesions and elevated colonic myeloperoxidase activity. Hepcidin-25 protein levels were increased in colonic surface epithelia in colitic rats (10.2 ± 4.0 pg/mg protein vs 71.0 ± 8.4 pg/mg protein, P < 0.01). Elevated IL-6 levels (8.2 ± 1.7 pg/mg protein vs 14.7 ± 0.7 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05), TNF-α levels (1.8 ± 1.2 pg/mg protein vs 7.4 ± 2.1 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05) and Stat-3 phosphorylation were also observed. Systemic alterations in iron homeostasis, hepcidin levels and anemia were not detected in colitic rats. Iron deposition in the colon was only observed during colitis. Hepcidin gene expression was increased in HT-29 cells after IL-6 and lipopolysaccharide [a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) ligand] treatment. Deferoxamine, ferric citrate and peptidoglycan (a TLR-2 ligand) were unable to alter the in vitro expression of hepcidin in HT-29 cells. CONCLUSION Colitis increased local hepcidin-25 expression, which was associated with the IL-6/Stat-3 signaling pathway. An increase in local iron sequestration was also observed, but additional studies are needed to determine whether this sequestration is a defensive or pathological response to intestinal inflammation.
Staff Bullying in Catholic Schools

This article reports the findings of research into staff bullying in the Catholic schools of a large metropolitan area in Australia. A summary of the responses from over two hundred staff members to a survey instrument containing both closed-format and open-ended components is presented. It was found that a large percentage of teachers (97.5%) perceive they are or have been bullied. Specific examples of staff bullying and the adverse effects of bullying upon the targets and employers are included. This article highlights the relevance of the research to the teaching profession and identifies some of the legal and industrial implications of the phenomenon. Protocols and strategies aimed at preventing and responding to claims of bullying are advanced as well as the identification of a need for additional research.
A Summary on the Ice-Snow Tourism Development and Research at Home and Abroad

Ice-snow, forest and ocean are three big resources on which future tourism focuses. The world ice-snow tourism is stepping into a comparatively high-speed development stage; at the same time,Chinese ice-snow tourism is being in progress flaring like fire set to dry tinder. This article comparatively researches the present situation and characteristics of ice-snow tourism at home and abroad, then, statistically analyzes the studying documents of ice-snow tourism at home and abroad. On the basis of these,the article presents primal problems at present existing in the study of domestic ice-snow tourism,and sums up main experience of ice-snow tourism abroad。
Fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis and management of thyroid disease

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules. The study also evaluated the predictive value of pre-operative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in surgical decision making, by comparing the final pathological diagnosis with the initial FNAC result. All patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 1999 and 2003 were analysed. One hundred and sixty patients who underwent pre-operative FNAC were included in this study. Fine needle aspiration was accurate in 119 (74.3 per cent) patients. Fine needle aspiration cytology and histology did not correlate in 32 (20 per cent) patients and FNAC was inadequate in nine (5.6 per cent) cases. Failures were mainly noted in cases of follicular neoplasm. Our results indicate that FNAC is helpful in the diagnosis of thyroid pathology. However, complete histopathological analysis is essential to distinguish follicular adenoma from follicular carcinoma. From this study, it can be concluded that FNAC is a cost-effective method of evaluating thyroid pathology pre-operatively and plays a useful role in planning the surgical management of thyroid nodules. However, results must be interpreted with the clinical picture in mind.