Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrasting levels of variability between cytoplasmic genomes and incompatibility types in the mosquito Culex pipiens

Reproductive incompatibilities called cytoplasmic incompatibilities are known to affect a large number of arthropod species and are mediated by Wolbachia, a maternally transmitted microorganism. The crossing relationships between strains of potential hosts define their incompatibility types and it is generally assumed that differences between strains of Wolbachia induce different crossing types. Among all the described host species, the mosquito, Culex pipiens, displays the greatest variability of cytoplasmic incompatibility crossing types. We analysed mitochondrial and bacterial DNA variability in Culex pipiens in order to investigate some possible causes of incompatibility crossing type variability. We sequenced fragments of the ftsZ gene, and the A+T–rich control region of the mtDNA. We also sequenced the second subunit of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COII) gene, in Culex pipiens and a closely related species, C. torrentium, in order to verify the usefulness of the A+T–rich region for the present purposes. No variability was found in the Wolbachia ftsZ gene fragment, and very limited variation of the mitochondrial marker whatever the compatibility type or the origin of the host. A low variability was found in the A+T–rich region and comparison of divergence of the A+T–rich region and COII gene between C. pipiens and C. torrentium did not reveal any special constraints affecting this region. In contrast to observations in other host species, variability of incompatibility crossing types is not due to multiple infections by distantly related Wolbachia strains.
Localization of Nerve Cells in the Developing Rat Tooth

Earlier studies have shown that mammalian tooth formation can take place in the absence of peripheral nerve fibers. This has been taken to indicate that neurons are not needed for mammalian tooth development. However, our recent localization of peripherin, which is a neuronal cell marker, has suggested that neuronal cell bodies may be associated with developing teeth. In this study, we have analyzed in vivo and in vitro the presence of neuronal cells in developing rat tooth germs. When E14 and E16 rat first molars (thickening of presumptive dental epithelium and bud-stage tooth germ, respectively) were cultured in vitro, peripheral trigeminal axons degenerated. However, with antibodies against peripherin and L1 neural cell adhesion protein, we detected neuronal cell bodies and their axons in the explants. Next, the expression of neurofilament light-chain (NF-L) mRNAs was studied by in situ hybridization of embryonic E12 first branchial arches and tooth germs from initiation to completion of crown morphogenesis (E13, five-day post-natal teeth). NF-L transcripts were first seen at the bud stage (E15) next to the dental epithelium at the buccal side of the tooth germ. At the cap stage (E18), NF-L mRNAs were located under the oral epithelium at some distance from dental epithelium. These expression patterns correlate to the previous localization of peripherin-positive cells and suggest that NF-L expression also revealed neuronal cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that, in addition to projections of peripheral neurons, neuronal cells are associated with the developing teeth. Hence, it is possible that neuronal cells may participate in the regulation of mammalian tooth formation.
Are parents identifying positive aspects to parenting their child with an intellectual disability or are they just coping? A qualitative exploration

Although acknowledging the stress of raising their child with intellectual disabilities, parents also report that their child has brought about many positive changes in themselves and family. This study reports what parents perceive to be a positive aspect of parenting their child, as currently what constitutes a ‘positive’ is unclear. Seven key themes were identified; an increased sense of personal strength and confidence, changed priorities, greater appreciation of life, pleasure in the child’s accomplishments, increased faith/spirituality, more meaningful relationships and the positive effect that the child has on the wider community. Interpretive examination of the themes reveals that the positive aspects identified consist mostly of meaning-focused coping strategies. These enable parents to adapt successfully to the stressful experiences of raising their child and therefore could be amenable to meaning-focused therapeutic interventions for parents with newly diagnosed children or for those unable to identify any positive aspects of parenting their child.
Beta-Lipoprotein and Cholesterol Concentrations in Sera of Nigerians*

The relation of diet to the development of atherosclerosis can be studied in contrasting cultural groups which have different dietary habits. This appears to be one approach to a study of the late effects of diet upon this form of chronic disease. In a previous study of Central American subjects (Mann, Munoz, and Scrimshaw, in press) we have demonstrated that there are striking differences in the serum lipid patterns among populations with different environmental characteristics. It was shown that the serum cholesterol levels of adults of either sex averaged less than 175 mg. per 100 ml. at all ages, that these levels were not significantly related to age, and that, while the rural Central Americans were thin as judged by relative
An additional explanation for the second gas effect: a concentrating effect.

When an anesthetic such as halothane (second gas) is administered with nitrous oxide (first gas) the rate of rise of alveolar halothane is more rapid than when it is given alone. This “second gas effect” has been attributed to the increased volume of inspired gas which results from the large volume
Treating anemia in heart failure patients: a review of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents

Importance of the field: Prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF) is increasing, and despite improvements in the past decade the prognosis in terms of mortality and health-related quality of life remains poor. Anemia is often found concomitantly in CHF patients. Areas covered in this review: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are a new treatment option for these anemic CHF patients, promising to decrease mortality and hospitalizations, and increase health-related quality of life. What the reader will gain: CHF epidemiology is briefly dicussed. Currently available clinical efficacy and safety data are critically appraised. Health care utilization by CHF patients, particularly hospitalizations, are reviewed in order predict cost-effectiveness of ESAs. Take home messages: The efficacy for the most pertinent endpoints has not been proven by a pivotal trial or a meta-analysis free of bias, and there might be increased cardiovascular events and cancer incidence rates above a currently unknown target value or with multiple doses. However, subgroups should be identified in which ESAs might prove to be more efficacious and as safe as usual care and either cost-saving or cost-effective. Nevertheless, depending on the subgroup, the budget effect for payors might be dramatic due to the large number of CHF patients.
Pharmacokinetics of two multiple-dose mezlocillin regimens

The pharmacokinetics of mezlocillin at two dosages were studied over the course of therapy in 12 patients receiving the drug for the treatment of infections. Patients received an initial dosing regimen of 4 g every 6 h or 5 g every 8 h, which was switched to the alternative regimen after 5 days of treatment. Both drug regimens demonstrated similar pharmacokinetic characteristics, which suggests that the reported dose-dependent elimination of mezlocillin is not an important factor in the clinical use of mezlocillin at the dosages currently used.
Adolescent Nonmedical Use of Prescription Pain Relievers, Stimulants, and Depressants, and Suicide Risk

Background: Although the link between drug abuse and suicide risk is established, few studies have examined the relationship between the nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) and suicide risk, particularly among adolescents. Objectives: To explore the relationship between NMUPD and suicide risk among 4,148 adolescents in grades 9–12 enrolled in five public high schools. Methods: Logistic regression models were constructed for the nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers, depressants, stimulants, and a composite measure for any NMUPD. Models were estimated before and after controlling for key covariates. Results: About 21% of respondents reported lifetime NMUPD. After covariate adjustment, students who had reported any NMUPD were between 1.7 and 2.3 times more likely to report suicidal ideation, but not a suicide attempt (p < .0001). When stratified by sex and drug, nonmedical use of pain relievers, stimulants, and depressants were significantly associated with greater odds of suicidal ideation and behavior for both males and females (p < .05). However, NMUPD of pain relievers were not associated with greater odds of suicide attempts for males or females or among males who reported nonmedical use of stimulants. Nonmedical use of depressants was associated with greater odds of suicide attempts for both males and females (OR = 1.61 and 2.25, respectively) and among females who reported nonmedical use of stimulants (OR = 2.06, p < .01). Conclusions/Importance: Results suggest that some adolescents may be inappropriately self-medicating psychological distress with prescription medications or NMUPD may promote suicide risk, especially for males and females who use depressants and females who use stimulants.
Induction of L‐arginine transport and nitric oxide synthase in vascular smooth muscle cells: synergistic actions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and bacterial lipopolysaccharide

1 The interactions between pro‐inflammatory cytokines and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on L‐arginine transporter and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities were examined in rat cultured aortic smooth muscle cells. 2 LPS induced a concentration (0.01–100 μg ml−1) and time (8–24 h)‐dependent stimulation of nitrite production which was accompanied by a parallel increase in L‐arginine transport. 3 Unlike LPS, activation of smooth muscle cells with either interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ, 100 u ml−1), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐a, 300 u ml−1) or interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α, 100 u ml−1) failed to stimulate L‐arginine transport or increase nitrite accumulation. 4 When applied in combination with LPS (100 μg ml−1) both IFN‐γ and TNF‐α, but not IL‐1α, enhanced the effects observed with LPS alone. Furthermore, activation of cells with LPS and IFN‐γ had no effect on uptake of the neutral amino acid L‐citrulline but selectively increased the Vmax for L‐arginine transport 2.8 fold and nitrite levels from 24 ± 7 to 188 ± 14 pmol μg−1 protein 24 h−1. 5 The substrate specificity, Na+ and pH‐independence of saturable L‐arginine transport in both unactivated (Km = 44 μm, Vmax = 3 pmol μ−1 protein min−1) and activated (Km = 75 μm, Vmax = 8.3 pmol μg‐1 protein min−1) smooth muscle cells were characteristic of the cationic amino acid transport system y+. 6 Cycloheximide (1 μm) abolished induction of L‐arginine transport and nitrite accumulation in response to LPS and IFN‐γ. In contrast, the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (10 μm, 24 h) selectively inhibited nitrite production. 7 Our results demonstrate that pro‐inflammatory mediators selectively enhance transport of L‐arginine under conditions of sustained NO synthesis by vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, the differential inhibition of iNOS and L‐arginine transporter activity by dexamethasone suggests that distinct signalling pathways mediate induction of the cationic transport protein and iNOS. The close coupling between substrate supply and NO production may have important implications in the pathogenesis of several disease states including endotoxin shock.
Raven's Matrices and Working Memory: A Dual-Task Approach

Raven's Matrices Test was developed as a “pure” measure of Spearman's concept of general intelligence, g. Subsequent research has attempted to specify the processes underpinning performance, some relating it to the concept of working memory and proposing a crucial role for the central executive, with the nature of other components currently unclear. Up to this point, virtually all work has been based on correlational analysis of number of correct solutions, sometimes related to possible strategies. We explore the application to this problem of the concurrent task methodology used widely in developing the concept of multicomponent working memory. Participants attempted to solve problems from the matrices under baseline conditions, or accompanied by backward counting or verbal repetition tasks, assumed to disrupt the central executive and phonological loop components of working memory, respectively. As in other uses of this method, number of items correct showed little effect, while solution time measures gave very clear evidence of an important role for the central executive, but no evidence for phonological loop involvement. We conclude that this and related concurrent task techniques hold considerable promise for the analysis of Raven's matrices and potentially for other established psychometric tests.
Characterization of AtCDC 48 . Evidence for Multiple Membrane Fusion Mechanisms at the Plane of Cell Division in Plants 1

The components of the cellular machinery that accomplish the various complex and dynamic membrane fusion events that occur at the division plane during plant cytokinesis, including assembly of the cell plate, are not fully understood. The most well-characterized component, KNOLLE, a cell plate-specific soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF)attachment protein receptor (SNARE), is a membrane fusion machine component required for plant cytokinesis. Here, we show the plant ortholog of Cdc48p/p97, AtCDC48, colocalizes at the division plane in dividing Arabidopsis cells with KNOLLE and another SNARE, the plant ortholog of syntaxin 5, SYP31. In contrast to KNOLLE, SYP31 resides in defined punctate membrane structures during interphase and is targeted during cytokinesis to the division plane. In vitro-binding studies demonstrate that AtCDC48 specifically interacts in an ATP-dependent manner with SYP31 but not with KNOLLE. In contrast, we show that KNOLLE assembles in vitro into a large approximately 20S complex in an Sec18p/NSF-dependent manner. These results suggest that there are at least two distinct membrane fusion pathways involving Cdc48p/p97 and Sec18p/NSF that operate at the division plane to mediate plant cytokinesis. Models for the role of AtCDC48 and SYP31 at the division plane will be discussed.
Grain dust and lung health: not just a nuisance dust.

The invitation to contribute to the present issue of the Journal, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS), provides me with an opportunity to document what, in my view, is one of the most effective collective interventions in the field of epidemiology and occupational health. The present essay gives the reasons why the Society addressed the question of whether grain dust is not just a nuisance dust, and how it did so. My main source of information is from a 1978 report in the Canadian Lung Association Bulletin (1). Grain growing, handling and processing have long been major Canadian industries. In the 1971 census of Canada, there were in Canada approximately 253,000 farmers, farm managers and farm workers; approximately 5000 small elevator workers and 7200 large elevator workers; and approximately 15,000 workers in the flour, feed and seed mills. The dust to which grain workers are exposed is complex, whether it be wheat, barley, rye, oats or corn. It consists of the grain, hairs from the epicarp and the germ. Plant contaminants include weeds and pollens. Fungi grow in grain depending on its freshness. Rodents may infest it, leaving their spoor. Chemicals may be added to control fungi, arthropods and rodents. Free silica from the soil may be present or incorporated into the plant as phytoliths. Finally, grain workers often handle oil seeds such as sunflower, flax and mustard. Grain dust had been classified as a ‘nuisance’ dust; it does not, in the view of the influential American Conference of Government and Industrial Hygienists, require regulation because of its ill health effects on exposed workers. This, however, was contrary to the experience of several members of the CTS, who had been involved in an impressive number of epi-demiological research studies of workers in different branches of the grain handling industry before 1977.
Predicting uptake of a routine cervical smear test: A comparison of the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract This paper reports on a study carried out to identify predictors of uptake of cervical screening among 142 women (59% response rate) in inner London. Two social cognition models were used: The Health Belief Model (HBM; Becker, 1974) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) and in addition anticipated affect following non-attendance for screening was assessed. The TPB emerged as by far the superior model for predicting screening intentions, explaining 51% of the variance in comparison with only 4% explained by the HBM variables. However, neither model was able to predict a significant amount of variance in uptake of screening three months later. Possible reasons for the poor prediction of this type of behaviour are discussed.
Adenocarcinoma with Yolk Sac Tumor of the Stomach : Case Report with Review of the Literature and an Immunohistochemical Study

Gastric yolk sac tumors are extremely rare with only a few cases reported in the literature. Here, we present the case of a 50-year-old man with an adenocarcinoma and a yolk sac tumor of the stomach, without metastasis to the lymph nodes. The tumor was an early gastric carcinoma confined to the submucosa. Twelve months post-operation the patient was alive with no complications. The yolk sac tumor showed positive labeling for -fetoprotein (AFP), 1-antitrypsin ( 1-AT), cytokeratin (CK) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), but was negative for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and p53. The adenocarcinoma was positive for 1-AT, CK, EMA, and CEA, but was negative for AFP, hCG, PLAP, and p53. These findings suggest that the yolk sac tumor and the adenocarcinoma components are closely related and may represent distinct phenotypes that arise from a common mucosal epithelial cell.
Panchromatic properties of 99 000 galaxies detected by SDSS, and (some by) ROSAT, GALEX, 2MASS, IRAS, GB6, FIRST, NVSS and WENSS surveys

We discuss the panchromatic properties of 99,088 galaxies selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 1 “main” spectroscopic sample (a flux-limited sample for 1360 deg 2 ). These galaxies are positionally matched to sources detected by ROSAT, GALEX, 2MASS, IRAS, GB6, FIRST, NVSS and WENSS. The matching fraction varies from < 1% for ROSAT and GB6 to �40% for GALEX and 2MASS. In addition to its size, the advantages of this sample are well controlled selection effects, faint flux limits and the wealth of measured parameters, including accurate X-ray to radio photometry, angular sizes, and optical spectra. We find strong correlations between the detection fraction at other wavelengths and optical properties such as flux, colors, and emission-line strengths. For example, �2/3 of SDSS “main” galaxies classified as AGN using emission-line strengths are detected by 2MASS, while the corresponding fraction for star-forming galaxies is only �1/10. Similarly, over 90% of galaxies detected by IRAS display strong emission lines in their optical spectra, compared to �50% for the whole SDSS sample. Using GALEX, SDSS, and 2MASS data, we construct the UV-IR broad-band spectral energy distributions for various types of galaxies, and find that they form a nearly one-parameter family. For example, the SDSS u- and r- band data, supplemented with redshift, can be used to “predict” K-band magnitudes measured by 2MASS with an rms scatter of only 0.2 mag. When a dust content estimate determined from SDSS spectra with the aid of models is also utilized, this scatter decreases to 0.1 mag and can be fully accounted for by measurement uncertainties. We demonstrate that this interstellar dust content, inferred from optical SDSS spectra by Kauffmann et al. (2003a), is indeed higher for galaxies detected by IRAS and that it can be used to “predict” measured IRAS 60 µm flux density within a factor of two using only SDSS data. We also show that the position of a galaxy in the emission-line-based Baldwin-Phillips-Terlevich diagram is correlated with the optical light concentration index and u r color determined from the SDSS broad-band imaging data, and discuss changes in the morphology of this diagram induced by requiring detections at other wavelengths. Notably, we find that SDSS “main” galaxies detected by GALEX include a non-negligible fraction (10-30%) of AGNs, and hence do not represent a clean sample of starburst galaxies. We study the IR-radio correlation and find evidence that its slope
GABAA and glutamate receptor involvement in dendrodendritic synaptic interactions from salamander olfactory bulb.

1. Whole‐cell patch clamp and optical recording techniques were applied to the same in vitro salamander olfactory bulb preparations to study the postsynaptic responses of single mitral/tufted cells in the context of the surrounding neural activity in which they are embedded. Mitral/tufted cells were identified by intracellular filling with biocytin. 2. Single mitral/tufted cells were under a tonic GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibitory influence as revealed by the recording of bicuculline methiodide (BMI)/picrotoxin‐sensitive inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in symmetrical chloride conditions at a holding potential of ‐70 mV. Depolarizing voltage steps (100 ms) applied to single cells or electrical stimulation of the olfactory nerve or medial olfactory tract evoked a prolonged increase in the frequency of GABAergic IPSCs. 3. The frequency of spontaneous and driven IPSCs was reduced with application of the glutamate receptor antagonists 6‐cyano‐2,3‐dihydroxy‐7‐nitro‐quionoxaline (CNQX) or 2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) whereas olfactory nerve‐ or medial olfactory tract‐driven IPSC frequency was enhanced with removal of bathing Mg2+, indicating that GABAergic interneurones were driven by mitral/tufted cells at both non‐NMDA and NMDA receptors. 4. Olfactory nerve or medial olfactory tract stimulation evoked widely distributed changes in fluorescence in preparations stained with the voltage‐sensitive dye RH414. The optical response predominantly consisted of a decrease in fluorescence, indicative of depolarization. The presence of the dye did not obviously affect mitral/tufted cell postsynaptic responses. 5. BMI enhanced the amplitude and duration of optical signals related to depolarization within the bulb and in regions central to the bulb. In the presence of BMI, depolarizing activity appeared to spread hundreds of micrometres into regions of the bulb not activated in control conditions showing explicitly that GABAA receptors in the bulb participate in lateral inhibition. 6. CNQX and AP5 attenuated the optical signals within the bulb supporting the contention that in these conditions, optical signals arise mainly from granule cell dendritic activity. Furthermore, AP5 or removal of bath Mg2+ reduced or enlarged the spatial distribution of activity respectively, suggesting that in some cases the NMDA receptor may be involved in generating or stabilizing spatial patterns of activity. 7. It is concluded that in the salamander olfactory bulb, both GABAA‐ and glutamate receptor‐mediated synaptic transmission shape the different temporal and spatial patterns of neural activity associated with olfactory coding.