Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammation by Acute Alcohol in Monocytes Determine Attenuation or Augmentation of TLR2- and TLR4-Mediated Signals

3 Most pathogens express ligands for multiple TLRs that share common downstream signaling. In this study, we investigated the effects of acute alcohol on inﬂammatory pathways induced by TLR2 or TLR4 ligands and their combination. In human monocytes, alcohol attenuated TLR4- but not TLR2-induced TNF- (cid:1) protein and mRNA levels and NF- (cid:2) B activation. In contrast, acute alcohol augmented TNF- (cid:1) production when both TLR2 and TLR4 ligands were present. IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK)-1 activity was reduced by alcohol in TLR4, but it was augmented in TLR2- plus TLR4-stimulated cells. IRAK-monocyte, an inhibitor of IRAK-1, was induced in TLR4, but it was reduced in TLR2- plus TLR4-stimulated monocytes by alcohol. This was supported by decreased IRAK-1:TRAF6 association in TLR4 induced but sustained presence of IRAK-1:TRAF6 complexes in TLR2- plus TLR4-stimulated monocytes after alcohol treatment. Phosphorylation of MAPKs such as ERK1/2 was selectively inhibited by acute alcohol in TLR4-stimulated cells. In contrast, JNK phosphorylation as well as AP-1 nuclear binding were augmented by acute alcohol in the presence of combined TLR4 and TLR2 stimulation. Consistent with this result, the JNK inhibitor prevented alcohol-induced augmentation of TNF- (cid:1) production. These results suggest that acute alcohol attenuates TLR4-induced inﬂammation via inhibition of IRAK-1 and ERK1/2 kinases and increases in IRAK-monocyte levels in monocytes. Conversely, in the presence of TLR2 and TLR4 ligands, acute alcohol augments inﬂammatory responses via IRAK-1 activation and
Uneasy Lies the Head that Bears the Trust: The Effects of Feeling Trusted on Emotional Exhaustion

The construct of feeling trusted reflects the perception that another party is willing to accept vulnerability to one's actions. Although this construct has received far less attention than trusting, the consensus is that believing their supervisors trust them has benefits for employees' job performance. Our study challenges that consensus by arguing that feeling trusted can be exhausting for employees. Drawing on Stevan Hobfoll's conservation of resources theory, we develop a model in which feeling trusted fills an employee with pride a benefit for exhaustion and performance while also increasing perceived workload and concerns about reputation maintenance burdens for exhaustion and performance. We test our model in a field study using a sample of public transit bus drivers in London, England. Our results suggest that feeling trusted is a double-edged sword for job performance, bringing with it both benefits and burdens. Given that recommendations for managers generally encourage placing trust in employees, these results have important practical implications.
Effect of critical illness polyneuropathy on the withdrawal from mechanical ventilation and the length of stay in septic patients*

Objectives:No previous study has demonstrated whether critical illness polyneuropathy itself lengthens mechanical ventilation or whether this prolonged duration of ventilatory support is explained by concomitant risk factors for weaning failure. Our objectives were to evaluate the impact of critical illness polyneuropathy on the length of mechanical ventilation after controlling for coexisting risk factors for weaning failure and to assess the impact of critical illness polyneuropathy on the length of the stay in a cohort of septic patients. Design:Prospective cohort study. Setting:Intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Patients:All patients with severe sepsis or septic shock who required mechanical ventilation for ≥7 days who were considered ready to discontinue mechanical ventilation. Interventions:Patients underwent a neurophysiologic evaluation at onset of weaning from mechanical ventilation. Measurements and Main Results:Sixty-four critically ill septic patients were enrolled, and 34 developed critical illness polyneuropathy (53.1%; 95% confidence interval, 40.2–65.7%). Length of mechanical ventilation was significantly higher in patients who had developed critical illness polyneuropathy (median 34 days vs. 14 days, p < .001). The duration of the weaning period was also significantly greater in patients with critical illness polyneuropathy (median 15 days vs. 2 days, p < .001) even though factors suspected to influence the weaning process did not differ between these two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that critical illness polyneuropathy was the only risk factor independently associated with weaning failure (odds ratio, 15.4; 95% confidence interval, 4.55, 52.3; p < .001). Lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays were significantly higher in patients with critical illness polyneuropathy. Conclusions:In critically ill septic patients, critical illness polyneuropathy significantly increases the duration of mechanical ventilation and prolongs the lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays.
Cardiovascular and respiratory responses to chronic intermittent hypoxia in adult female rats

What is the central question of this study? Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) induces hypertension in male rats. There is evidence that the development of high blood pressure in females is attenuated in other models of hypertension. Due to the lack of information about the cardiovascular effect of CIH in female rats, we set out to determine whether female rats develop hypertension after CIH. What is the main finding and its importance? Different from other experimental models of hypertension, adult female rats develop high blood pressure after CIH. These findings provide new perspectives for a better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the development of hypertension in females.
Effects of leucine, isoleucine, or threonine infusion on leucine metabolism in humans.

Leucine and/or its alpha-keto acid, alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC), have been reported to spare protein in humans. To determine whether specific amino acid infusions affect whole-body protein metabolism as estimated by changes in leucine flux and oxidation, five groups of normal subjects were infused with saline, leucine (0.47 and 0.94 mumol . kg-1 . min-1), isoleucine (0.47 mumol . kg-1 . min-1), or threonine (0.47 mumol . kg-1 . min-1). Independent estimates of leucine metabolism were obtained using simultaneous infusions of [3H]-leucine and alpha-[14C]ketoisocaproate. Nearly identical results were obtained using either tracer compared with the saline controls. Compared with the saline controls, leucine infusion 1) had no effect on estimated rates of appearance of endogenous leucine, 2) stimulated leucine oxidation, 3) decreased plasma concentrations of other amino acids, and 4) stimulated non-oxidized leucine disappearance in a dose-dependent fashion. In contrast, isoleucine and threonine infusions had no effect on leucine metabolism. Assuming the validity of the isotope model employed, these data suggest that the purported anabolic effect of leucine infusion on whole-body protein metabolism is mediated via stimulation of protein synthesis rather than decreased proteolysis.
Development of a Decision Aid about fertility preservation for women with breast cancer in the Netherlands

Abstract Objectives: To improve information provision about fertility preservation for breast cancer patients in the Netherlands, a web-based Decision Aid (DA) with additional values clarification exercise was developed according to the International Patient Decision Aid Standards criteria. This study reports on development of the DA. Methods: Development consisted of four stages: (I) development of a draft DA, (II) acceptability of the draft DA to patients, (III) understanding (knowledge) in healthy populations, (IV) acceptability of the revised DA among patients and physicians. The study population consisted of 185 participants: 20 patients, 17 physicians and 148 healthy volunteers. Results: The draft DA was considered to be relevant and understandable by patients, physicians and healthy volunteers. The values clarification exercise needed adaptation in explanation and navigation, which was done after stage II. Knowledge scores improved by 18% for lower educated women (from 4.1 (41%) to 5.9 (59%) correct answers), and by 34% for higher educated women after viewing the website (from 3.9 (39%) to 7.3 (73%) correct answers). Design of the DA was evaluated to be clear, but not always very appealing. Conclusions: The DA was regarded as a relevant source of information that seemed coherent and understandable.
The Pathology of Natural Fasciola hepatica Infection in Cattle

The pathology of bovinc livers during the parenchymal and chronic phases of natural Fasciola hepatica infections is described. Immature infections occurred from September to the middle of January. Significant changes of the hepatic parenchyma caused by immature flukes occurred in association with large migrational tracks. The changes included frequent thrombosis and haemorrhages, extensive disintegration and coagulative necrosis of hepatic cells, and abundant infiltrates of inflammatory cells. In chronic infections the proliferation and destruction of the mucosa of main bile ducts were pronounced. Normal mast cells were lacking in the portal areas surrounding fresh migrational tracks. In chronically infected livers mast cells occurred in great numbers.
Mid-infrared diagnostics of metal-rich H ii regions from VLT and Spitzer spectroscopy of young massive stars in W31

We present near-infrared Very Large Telescope/Infrared Spectrograph and Array Camera and mid-infrared (mid-IR) Spitzer/Infrared Spectrograph spectroscopy of the young massive cluster in the W31 star-forming region. H-band spectroscopy provides refined classifications for four cluster member O stars with respect to Blum et al. In addition, photospheric features are detected in the massive young stellar object (massive YSO) #26. Spectroscopy permits estimates of stellar temperatures and masses, from which a cluster age of ∼0.6 Myr and distance of 3.3 kpc are obtained, in excellent agreement with Blum et al. IRS spectroscopy reveals mid-IR fine structure line fluxes of [Ne ii–iii] and [S iii–iv] for four O stars and five massive YSOs. In common with previous studies, stellar temperatures of individual stars are severely underestimated from the observed ratios of fine-structure lines, despite the use of contemporary stellar atmosphere and photoionization models. We construct empirical temperature calibrations based upon the W31 cluster stars of known spectral type, supplemented by two inner Milky Way ultracompact (UC) H ii regions whose ionizing star properties are established. Calibrations involving [Ne iii] 15.5 μm/[Ne ii] 12.8 μm, [S iv] 10.5 μm/[Ne ii] 12.8 μm or [Ar iii] 9.0 μm/[Ne ii] 12.8 μm have application in deducing the spectral types of early to mid O stars for other inner Milky Way compact and UC H ii regions. Finally, evolutionary phases and time-scales for the massive stellar content in W31 are discussed, due to the presence of numerous young massive stars at different formation phases in a 'coeval' cluster.
Hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 enzyme activity in relation to in vitro metabolism/inhibition of polychlorinated biphenyls and testosterone in Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)

Among other factors, cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activity determines polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bioaccu‐mulation, biotransformation, and toxicity in exposed species. We measured the oxidative metabolism in vitro of 12 PCB congeners, representing structural groups based on the number and position of the chlorine atoms, by the hepatic microsomes of one Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Microsomal metabolism was observed for several PCBs with vicinal H atoms exclusively in the ortho and meta positions and without any ortho‐Cl substituents (CB‐15 [4,4′‐Cl2] and CB‐77 [3,3′,4,4′‐Cl4]), vicinal meta and para‐H atoms (CB‐52 [2,2′,5,5′‐Cl4], and −101 [2,2′,4,5,5′‐Cl5]) or with both characteristics in combination with either only one ortho‐Cl (CB‐26 [2,3′,5‐Cl3], CB‐31 [2,4′,5‐Cl3]) or two ortho‐Cl substituents (CB‐44 [2,2′,3,5′‐Cl4]). To allocate PCB biotransformation to specific CYPs, the inhibitive effect of compounds with known CYP‐specific inhibition properties was assessed on in vitro PCB metabolism and on regio‐ and stereospecific testosterone hydroxylase activities. Metabolic inhibition was considered relevant at concentrations ≤1.0 μM because these inhibitors became decreasingly selective at higher concentrations. At <1.0 μM, ellipticine (CYP1A1/2 inhibitor) selectively inhibited CB‐15, −26, −31, and −77 metabolism, with no significant inhibition of CB‐44, −52, and −101 metabolism. Inhibition of CB‐52 and −101 metabolism by chloramphenicol (CYP2B inhibitor) started at 1.0 μM and maximized at about 100% at 10 μM. Ketoconazole (CYP3A inhibitor) appeared to selectively inhibit CB‐26, −31, and −44 metabolism relative to CB‐15, −77, and −52 at concentrations ≤1.0 μM. Major testosterone metabolites formed in vitro were 2β‐(CYP3A), 6β‐ (CYP3A, CYP1A), and 16β‐ (CYP2B) hydroxytestosterone and androstenedione (CYP2B, CYP2C11). The CYP forms indicated are associated with the specific metabolism of testosterone in laboratory animals. Inhibition of 2β‐ and 6β‐hydroxytestosterone formation at ellipticine and ketoconazole concentrations ≤1.0μM suggested that both inhibitors were good substrates of CYP3A‐like enzymes in grey seal. Chloramphenicol (model for CYP2B) is apparently not a good inhibitor of CYP1A and CYP3A activities in grey seal because the chemical did not inhibit any metabolic route of testosterone at concentrations from 0.1 to 10 μM. Our findings demonstrated that at least CYP1A‐ and CYP3A‐like enzymes in the liver of grey seals are capable of metabolizing PCBs with ortho‐meta and/or meta‐para vicinal hydrogens. A CYP2B form might also be involved, but this could not be proven by the results of our experiments. Defining the profiles of CYP enzymes that are responsible for PCB biotransformation is necessary to fully understand the bioaccumulation, toxicokinetics, and risk of PCB exposure in seals and other free‐ranging marine mammals.
Synthesis of cellulose-graft-poly(methyl methacrylate) via homogeneous ATRP

Cellulose-graft-poly(methylmethacrylate) (cellulose-g-PMMA) copolymers were prepared by homogeneous atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) under mild conditions, in an attempt to develop an efficient way to modify the surface of cellulose. A cellulose macro-initiator was successfully synthesized by direct homogeneous acylation of cellulose with 2-bromopropionyl bromide in a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([AMIM]Cl). Copolymers were obtained via ATRP of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with CuBr/penta-methyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) as catalyst and N,N-dimethyl-formamide (DMF) as solvent without homopolymer byproduct. The grafting copolymers were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and FTIR. The grafted PMMA chain was obtained by the hydrolysis of the cellulose backbone and analyzed by GPC and TGA measurements. In addition, the assemblies or aggregates formed by cellulose-g-PMMA copolymers were studied by means of TEM and AFM. The results indicated that the graft polymerization occurred from the cellulose backbone and the obtained copolymers had grafted polymer chains with well-controlled molecular weight and polydispersity; the cellulose graft copolymer in solution could aggregate and self-assemble into sphere-like structures.
Recent Radiation of R‐M269 and High Y‐STR Haplotype Resemblance Confirmed

Keywords: Y-chromosome STRs, Y-chromosome SNPs, haplogroups, R-M269Dear Editor,In the March 2014 issue of the Annals of Human Genetics,Larmuseau et al. (2014) published a paper on the frequent Y-chromosome haplogroup R-M269. In it, they describe thegenetic variation in over 1000 males from Flanders (Belgium)and part of the Netherlands, and ﬁnd an extreme homogene-ity of Y-STR haplotypes across R-M269 subhaplogroups,which they attribute to the recent, rapid radiation of R-M269. However, Larmuseau et al. also wonder whether theirresults, obtained from a geographically restricted sample, canbe generalized to the rest of Europe.We have collected over 2500 male samples from Catalonia,the Balearic Islands, and Valencia (Spain), from volunteerscarrying one of 50 different surnames. These samples havebeen typed for 68 Y-chromosome SNPs (Table S1) with theOpenArray technology (Martinez-Cruz et al., 2011) and 17Y-STRs (from the AmpFlSTR Yﬁler kit), and we can at-tempt to replicate the ﬁndings by Larmuseau et al. The SNPswe genotyped within haplogroup R are different from thosein Larmuseau et al., but they widely overlap and permit asimilar degree of phylogenetic resolution (Fig. S1). For theanalyses described later, for the sake of independence amongsamples, we have selected groups of individuals of differentsurnames, or within the same surname but with an expectedcoalescence among groups that would predate the establish-ing of surnames by setting a minimum difference of two STRmutations (Mart´inez-Gonz´alez et al., 2012). The frequencyof R-M269 (or, in our case, of the phylogenetically closeR-L23) is similar in both populations (61.0% in Flanders vs.66.0% in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands), al-though the subhaplogroup composition is markedly different,with R-P312
Dietary‐feeding of grape seed extract prevents azoxymethane‐induced colonic aberrant crypt foci formation in fischer 344 rats

Chemoprevention by dietary agents/supplements has emerged as a novel approach to control various malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). This study assessed dietary grape seed extract (GSE) effectiveness in preventing azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation and associated mechanisms in Fischer 344 rats. Six‐week‐old rats were injected with AOM, and fed control diet or the one supplemented with 0.25% or 0.5% (w/w) GSE in pre‐ and post‐AOM or only post‐AOM experimental protocols. At 16 wk of age, rats were sacrificed and colons were evaluated for ACF formation followed by cell proliferation, apoptosis, and molecular analyses by immunohistochemistry. GSE‐feeding caused strong chemopreventive efficacy against AOM‐induced ACF formation in terms of up to 60% (P < 0.001) reduction in number of ACF and 66% (P < 0.001) reduction in crypt multiplicity. Mechanistic studies showed that GSE‐feeding inhibited AOM‐induced cell proliferation but enhanced apoptosis in colon including ACF, together with a strong decrease in cyclin D1, COX‐2, iNOS, and survivin levels. Additional studies showed that GSE‐feeding also decreased AOM‐caused increase in β‐catenin and NF‐κB levels in colon tissues. Compared to control animals, GSE alone treatment did not show any considerable change in these biological and molecular events in colon, and was nontoxic. Together, these findings show the chemopreventive efficacy of GSE against the early steps of colon carcinogenesis in rats via likely targeting of β‐catenin and NF‐κB signaling, and suggest its potential usefulness for the prevention of human CRC. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Relationship Among Mathematics Anxiety, Beliefs About Mathematics, Mathematics Self-Efficacy, and Mathematics Performance in Associate Degree Nursing Students

This research explored nursing students' mathematics anxiety, beliefs about mathematics, and mathematics self-efficacy in relation to performance on a medication mathematics test. Results revealed that the participants experienced some mathematics anxiety and had positive beliefs about mathematics and mathematics self-efficacy. Qualitative responses indicated that participants worried about the consequences of failing the medication mathematics test and that practice helped reduce this anxiety. In addition, participants acknowledged the importance of correct dosage calculations for nursing practice. Implications for nursing education are discussed.
THE ANALYSIS OF ORGANOPHOSPHATES POISONING CASES TREATED AT BAHAWAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL, BAHAWALPUR IN 2000-2003

Objective: To study the socio demographic pattern and mode of presentation of organophosphorous intoxication in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Settings: The study was conducted in the department of Medicine, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from April 2000 to March 2003. Design: Descriptive study. Methods: One hundred and forty three cases of organophosphorous compound poisoning, admitted through the emergency department, were evaluated in the study. In all the cases a previously established clinical and therapeutic protocol was applied and the outcome was recorded. Results: Seventy-eight (54.54%) patients were male, Sixty five (45.45%) were female with the mean age of 25.04 years. One hundred and eleven (77.62%) cases were attempted suicides and 32 cases (22.37%) were due to accidental events. Mean age was 22.1 years in the 111 suicidal cases (77.62%) and 78 (70.27%) of them were less than 24 years. Among the suicide attempts, 63 (56.75%) were female patients. The attempted suicide proportion was 61.53% in men and 96.92% in women. Sixty six per cent of cases were illiterate and 47.55% of the patients were in the lower middle socioeconomic status. The patients’ mean arrival time to the hospital after poisoning was 2.1±6.01 hours. Exposure routes were gastrointestinal in 111 patients (77.62%), respiratory in 8 patients (5.59 %), dermal in 10 patients (6.99%) and both dermal and respiratory in 14 (9.79%). Death of 10(6.99%) patients was related to either the ingestion of higher doses or delay in approaching the hospital for emergency management. Conclusion: Causes of poisoning (suicide vs non-suicide) and time interval between poisoning to arrival at hospital were major determinants of lethality. These findings call for a shift in emphasis in educating the masses towards first-aid care for intoxication.
Serum phosphorus concentrations in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

BACKGROUND Higher serum phosphorus concentrations within the normal laboratory range have been associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in large prospective cohort studies of individuals with and without kidney disease. Reasons for interindividual variation in steady-state serum phosphorus concentrations are largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 15,513 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. PREDICTORS Demographic data, dietary intake measured by means of 24-hour dietary recall and food-frequency questionnaire, and established cardiovascular risk factors. OUTCOME & MEASUREMENTS Serum phosphorus concentration. RESULTS Mean serum phosphorus concentrations were significantly greater in women (+0.16 mg/dL versus men; P < 0.001) and people of non-Hispanic black and Hispanic race/ethnicity (+0.06 and +0.07 mg/dL versus non-Hispanic white, respectively; P < 0.001). Dietary intakes of phosphorus and phosphorus-rich foods were associated only weakly with circulating serum phosphorus concentrations, if at all. Higher serum phosphorus levels were associated with lower calculated Framingham coronary heart disease risk scores, which are based on traditional atherosclerosis risk factors. In aggregate, demographic, nutritional, cardiovascular, and kidney function variables explained only 12% of the variation in circulating serum phosphorus concentrations. LIMITATIONS Results may differ with advanced kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS Serum phosphorus concentration is weakly related to dietary phosphorus and not related to a diverse array of phosphorus-rich foods in the general population. Factors determining serum phosphorus concentration are largely unknown. Previously observed associations of serum phosphorus concentrations with cardiovascular events are unlikely to be a result of differences in dietary intake or traditional cardiovascular risk factors.