Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of toxicity of plant extracts against vector of lymphatic filariasis, Culex quinquefasciatus

Background & objectives: Conventional insecticides are generally used as larvicides to control Culex quinquefasciatus, vector of lymphatic filariasis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the larvicidal activity of some potential larvicidal plants leaf extracts against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. Methods: The toxic effects of petroleum ether leaf extracts of plants viz., Argemone mexicana (Mexican prickly poppy), Clausena dentata (Dentate), Cipadessa baccifera (Rana bili), Dodonaea angustifolia (Hop bush) and Melia dubia (Pride of India) were evaluated under laboratory conditions in individual and in combination against 3rd - 4th instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus. Results: The results indicated that among the selected plants, A. mexicana showed maximum larvicidal activity with an LC50 value of 48.89 ppm. Its toxicity was enhanced when the extract was mixed (1:1) with that of C. dentata as the LC50 value became 28.60 ppm indicating synergistic action of A. mexicana. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results showed high larvicidal potential in A. mexicana leaf extract, and it also showed additive effect when mixed with C. dentata extract.
Spatiotemporal concentration patterns in a surface reaction: Propagating and standing waves, rotating spirals, and turbulence.

Laterally varying surface concentrations associated with the oscillatory oxidation of carbon monoxide on a Pt(110) surface were imaged by photoemission electron microscopy. Depending on the applied conditions, a large variety of spatiotemporal patterns were observed that are characteristic for the nonlinear dynamics of reaction-diffusion systems.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Berlin questionnaire in detecting obstructive sleep apnea in patients with resistant hypertension

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is strongly associated with resistant hypertension. The Berlin questionnaire is the most widely used screening tool to identify patients at high risk of having OSA. The objective was to test the diagnostic accuracy of the Berlin questionnaire in detecting OSA in resistant hypertensive patients. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 422 resistant hypertensive patients [31% men; mean (SD) age 62.4 (9.9) years] submitted to polysomnography (PSG), in whom the Berlin questionnaire was previously applied. OSA was defined by an apnea–hypopnea index of at least 5 per hour and moderate-to-severe OSA by an apnea–hypopnea index of at least 15. Statistical analysis included bivariate comparisons between patients at high and low risk by the Berlin questionnaire, and logistic regression to assess the predictors of agreement between the Berlin questionnaire and PSG. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios for the Berlin questionnaire in detecting OSA were calculated. Results: OSA was diagnosed in 347 patients (82.2%) and moderate-to-severe OSA in 234 patients (55.5%). In patients at high risk, moderate-to-severe OSA was confirmed in 58.3%, whereas in those at low risk, it was excluded in 50.4%. The accuracy of the Berlin questionnaire in detecting OSA was 55.6%. The specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive value of the Berlin questionnaire in detecting moderate-to-severe OSA was 40, 69, 58 and 50%, respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.15 and 0.78, with a very low agreement (kappa = 0.081). Conclusion: In a large cohort of resistant hypertensive patients, the Berlin questionnaire had a low accuracy of identifying patients with OSA and should not be used as a screening method for selecting patients to PSG.
Calcium‐regulated transcriptional pathways in the normal and pathologic heart

The cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) is key for the regulation of many cellular processes, such cell signaling and proliferation, metabolism, and muscle contraction. In cardiomyocytes, Ca2+ is an important regulator in many cellular functions such electrophysiological processes, excitation‐contraction coupling, regulation of contractile proteins activity, energy metabolism, cell death, and transcriptional regulation by the activation of Ca2+‐dependent transcriptional pathways. In cardiomyocytes, the two main Ca2+‐dependent pathways are the Ca2+/calmodulin‐calcineurin‐NFAT and the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinases‐MEF2. Both pathways are involved in the transcriptional control of many cardiac genes. Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) and heart failure (HF) are characterized by alterations in calcium handling such a low sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content, decreased rate of Ca2+ removal from the sarcoplasm, increased diastolic [Ca2+]c, and decreased systolic [Ca2+]c, all of them contributing to diminished contractibility and force generation in failing heart. At gene expression level, there are also many changes such decreased levels of SERCA2a and activation of a fetal gene expression program in cardiomyocytes. A variety of Ca2+‐dependent signaling pathways have been implicated in CH and HF, but whether these pathways are interrelated and whether there is specificity among them are still unclear and under investigation. The focus of this review is to make an analysis of the current knowledge about the role of Ca2+ signaling pathways in the regulation of cardiac gene expression making special emphasis in novel strategies to correct Ca2+ handling alterations by means of SERCA2a gene therapy. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 2011.
Reliability of home blood pressure monitoring: in the context of validation and accuracy

ObjectiveHome blood pressure (BP) monitoring offers clinically relevant information enriched with more abundant data. However, there are few studies addressing the reliability of home BP devices and the quality of its data. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of home BP devices in terms of validation and accuracy. Participants and methodsHypertensive patients with automated upper arm-type BP devices were consecutively enrolled. First, the validation status of each device was assessed through the website. Next, the accuracy of the individual device was evaluated by comparing the mean BP values between the automated device and a mercury sphygmomanometer. Accuracy of the device was defined as having less than a 5 mmHg difference in the mean BP values. ResultsA total of 212 individuals were analyzed; 38.7% (82 of 212) of the participants used validated devices and 85.4% (181 of 212) were accurate. Inaccuracy was more common with nonvalidated devices than validated devices [19.2% (n=25) vs. 7.3% (n=6), P=0.017]. The range of inaccuracy of the validated devices was 6–26 mmHg for the systolic BP and 6–11 mmHg for the diastolic BP. ConclusionThe present study showed that nonvalidated devices are used widely in clinical practice and a substantial portion is inaccurate. Therefore, recommendation of validated devices should be the first step. Furthermore, all devices need to be examined for accuracy before use irrespective of their validation status.
Immunohistochemical Similarities and Differences between Amelogenin and Tuftelin Gene Products During Tooth Development

Amelogenins and tuftelins are highly specialized proteins secreted into the developing enamel matrix during mammalian enamel formation. Both tuftelins and amelogenins have been associated with various functions during nucleation and maturation of the developing enamel matrix. In this study we conducted experiments to investigate whether tuftelins and portions of the amelogenin molecule were deposited and processed in spatially distinguished portions of the developing enamel matrix, using antibodies specific against tuftelin or amelogenins. The amelogenin antibodies were raised against recombinant and native amelogenins and also included an antibody against a polypeptide encoded by amelogenin exon 4. To compare spatial expression patterns of enamel protein epitopes, 3-day postnatal mouse molar tooth organs were processed for paraffin histology and cut into serial sections. Adjacent sections were exposed to antibodies against either tuftelin or various amelogenin epitopes. To investigate age-related changes of enamel protein expression, amelogenin and tuftelin antibodies were applied to tooth organs of developmental stages E19 and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 postnatal days. Tuftelin was detected within the odontoblast processes during earlier stages of development (E19 and 1 day postnatal), whereas during later stages (3–11 days) it was recognized in a portion of the enamel layer adjacent to the dentine–enamel junction. In contrast, all four antibodies against amelogenins reacted with parts of the ameloblast cytoplasm and the entire enamel layer. Using immunohistochemistry, we were not able to detect any differences in the spatial distribution of the four amelogenin epitopes investigated. The spatial differences in the distribution of amelogenin and tuftelin as observed in this study may be intepreted as an indication of functional differences between both proteins during early enamel biomineralization.
Fate of patients with obstructive jaundice.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Systematic data are limited on the etiology and prognosis of unselected patients with obstructive jaundice (OJ). We aimed to review the clinical features, etiology, and prognosis of patients with OJ. METHODS All adult patients with bilirubin >or= 5.85 mg/dL (100 micromol/L) at a university hospital in Sweden in 2003-2004 were identified. Medical records from patients with OJ were reviewed. RESULTS Seven hundred and forty-nine patients were identified, of whom 241 (32%) had OJ (median age 71 years, 129 women). No one was lost to follow-up. The biliary obstruction of 154 patients (64%) was a result of a malignancy: 69 patients (46%) had pancreatic cancer, 44 (29%) had cholangiocarcinoma (CC), 5 (3%) had papilla vateri cancers, and 36 patients (23%) had other malignancies. Of the 87 patients with a benign obstruction, 57 (65%) had choledocholithiasis, 7 (8%) had biliary strictures, 6% had PSC, and the obstruction of 16 patients (20.7%) had other causes. A total of 115 of the 242 patients (48%) had abdominal pain associated with jaundice, whereas 52% had painless jaundice. Thirty-four percent of patients with a malignant obstruction had abdominal pain versus 71% of patients with a benign obstruction (P < .05). At the end of follow-up, only 5% (8 patients) with a malignant obstruction were alive versus 78% with a benign obstruction. CONCLUSIONS Obstructive jaundice was the cause of the severe jaundice of one third of patients. Most cases of OJ were a result of a malignancy, which carried a very poor prognosis, with a 2-year mortality rate of 95%.
Wild Intersex Roach (Rutilus rutilus) Have Reduced Fertility1

Abstract Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, known to be present in the environment, have great potential for interfering with reproductive health in wildlife and humans. There is, however, little direct evidence that endocrine disruption has adversely affected fertility in any organism. In freshwater and estuarine fish species, for example, although a widespread incidence of intersex has been reported, it is not yet known if intersexuality influences reproductive success. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to determine gamete quality in wild intersex roach (Rutilus rutilus) by assessing sperm characteristics, fertilization success, and ability to produce viable offspring. The results clearly demonstrate that gamete production is reduced in intersex roach. A significantly lower proportion of moderately or severely feminized fish (17.4% and 33.3%, respectively) were able to release milt compared with normal male fish from contaminated rivers (in which 97.6% of the males were able to release milt), reference male fish (97.7%), or less severely feminized intersex fish (experiment 1: 85.8%, experiment 2: 97%). Intersex fish that did produce milt produced up to 50% less (in terms of volume per gram of testis weight) than did histologically normal male fish. Moreover, sperm motility (percentage of motile sperm and curvilinear velocity) and the ability of sperm to successfully fertilize eggs and produce viable offspring were all reduced in intersex fish compared with normal male fish. Male gamete quality (assessed using sperm motility, sperm density, and fertilization success) was negatively correlated with the degree of feminization in intersex fish (r = −0.603; P < 0.001) and was markedly reduced in severely feminized intersex fish by as much as 50% in terms of motility and 75% in terms of fertilization success when compared with either less severely feminized intersex fish or unaffected male fish. This is the first evidence documenting a relationship between the morphological effects (e.g., intersex) of endocrine disruption and the reproductive capabilities of any wild vertebrate. The results suggest that mixtures of endocrine-disrupting substances discharged into the aquatic environment could pose a threat to male reproductive health.
A Phase II Study of Lapatinib in Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Purpose: This study sought to determine the efficacy and safety profile of lapatinib in patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Experimental Design: This phase II multiinstitutional study enrolled patients with recurrent/metastatic SCCHN into two cohorts: those without (arm A) and those with (arm B) before exposure to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. All subjects were treated with lapatinib 1,500 mg daily. Primary endpoints were response rate (arm A) and progression-free survival (PFS; arm B). The biologic effects of lapatinib on tumor growth and survival pathways were assessed in paired tumor biopsies obtained before and after therapy. Results: Forty-five patients were enrolled, 27 in arm A and 18 in arm B. Diarrhea was the most frequent toxicity occurring in 49% of patients. Seven patients experienced related grade 3 toxicity (3 fatigue, 2 hyponatremia, 1 vomiting, and 1 diarrhea). In an intent-to-treat analysis, no complete or partial responses were observed, and stable disease was the best response observed in 41% of arm A (median duration, 50 days, range, 34–159) and 17% of arm B subjects (median, 163 days, range, 135–195). Median PFS was 52 days in both arms. Median OS was 288 (95% CI, 62–374) and 155 (95% CI, 75–242) days for arms A and B, respectively. Correlative analyses revealed an absence of EGFR inhibition in tumor tissue. Conclusion: Lapatinib as a single agent in recurrent/metastatic SCCHN, although well tolerated, appears to be inactive in either EGFR inhibitor naive or refractory subjects. Clin Cancer Res; 18(8); 2336–43. ©2012 AACR.
[Ultrasonographic assessment of sigmoid colon in patients with irritable bowel syndrome].

UNLABELLED Although the pathophysiological factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the function of sigmoid colon has been reported as a major pathogenesis of IBS. Our objective was to evaluate motility patterns of sigmoid colon by using ultrasonography(US) in patients with IBS compared to healthy volunteers (HV). SUBIECTS AND METHODS: US examination of sigmoid colon was performed in 69 patients with IBS and 69 HV with 3.75 MHz curved array scanner and 7.5 MHz linear array scanner. The US probe was positioned longitudinally to permit simultaneous visualization of sigmoid colon crossing over the iliopsoas. We classified 3 types of fasting sigmoid colon, spastic type, empty type, and normal type, according to the US findings. Four IBS patients with diarrhea, 4 with constipation and 4 HV were given the liquid test meal (200ml, 400kcal). The frequency of segmental contractions (contractions without propagation) and propulsion were evaluated by US in the same fashion for 30 minutes before and for 60 minutes after investigation. RESULTS Sixty-two percent of IBS showed spastic type and 65% of HV showed normal type. IBS patients accounted for 80 % of spastic type (IBS vs spastic type of US findings: Sensitivity 62%, Specificity 91%). The changes of frequency of segmental contractions were smaller in IBS patients with constipation. The changes of frequency of propulsion were larger in IBS patients with diarrhea. CONCLUSION Ultrasonographic assessment of sigmoid colon may provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS.
Fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor beta repress transcription of the myogenic regulatory gene MyoD1

In this report, we demonstrate that myogenic cultures inhibited from differentiating by treatment with fibroblast growth factor or transforming growth factor beta show reduced levels of MyoD1 mRNA. Although this repression may contribute to the inhibition of myogenesis by growth factors, additional regulatory pathways must be affected, since inhibition still occurs in cultures engineered to constitutively express MyoD1 mRNA.
AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase Downregulates Kv7.1 Cell Surface Expression

The potassium channel Kv7.1 is expressed in the heart, where it contributes to the repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Additionally, Kv7.1 is expressed in epithelial tissues playing a role in salt and water transport. We recently demonstrated that surface‐expressed Kv7.1 is internalized in response to polarization of the epithelial Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line and that this was mediated by activation of protein kinase C (PKC). In this study, the pathway downstream of PKC, which leads to internalization of Kv7.1 upon cell polarization, is elucidated. We show by confocal microscopy that Kv7.1 is endocytosed upon initiation of the polarization process and sent for degradation by the lysosomal pathway. The internalization could be mimicked by pharmacological activation of the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) using three different AMPK activators. We demonstrate that the downstream effector of AMPK is the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4‐2. Additionally, we show that AMPK activation results in a downregulation of Kv7.1 currents in Xenopus oocytes through a Nedd4‐2‐dependent mechanism. In summary, surface‐expressed Kv7.1 channels are endocytosed and sent for degradation in lysosomes by an AMPK‐mediated activation of Nedd4‐2 during the initial phase of the MDCK cell polarization process.
Resuscitation using albumin in critically ill patients

Intravenous albumin has been widely used in the treatment of shock since the early 1940s. In a recent large European study on the occurrence of sepsis in acutely ill patients, 11% of patients received albumin at some point during their stay in intensive care.1 Despite such widespread use, there are few randomised controlled trials on albumin administration in critically ill patients, and even fewer data on which subgroups of patients are likely to benefit most. Because low baseline serum albumin concentrations are associated with worse outcomes,2 3 data on the use of albumin in patients with low albumin are of considerable interest. In this week's BMJ a subgroup analysis of the saline versus albumin fluid evaluation (SAFE) study4 assesses the effect of baseline serum albumin concentration on outcomes of resuscitation.5 A meta-analysis published in the BMJ in 1998 suggested that resuscitation with albumin solutions rather than crystalloids increased the absolute risk of death by 6%. 6 In 2004, prompted in part by the meta-analysis, …
Pseudoprime Reductions of Elliptic Curves

Abstract Let $E$ be an elliptic curve over $\mathbb{Q}$ without complex multiplication, and for each prime $p$ of good reduction, let ${{n}_{E}}(p)\,=\,\left| E\left( {{\mathbb{F}}_{p}} \right) \right|$ . For any integer $b$ , we consider elliptic pseudoprimes to the base $b$ . More precisely, let ${{Q}_{E,B}}(x)$ be the number of primes $p\le x$ such that ${{b}^{{{n}_{E}}(p)}}\,\equiv \,b\left( \bmod \,{{n}_{E}}\left( p \right) \right)$ , and let $\pi _{E,b}^{\text{pseu}}(x)$ be the number of compositive ${{n}_{E}}(p)$ such that ${{b}^{{{n}_{E}}(p)}}\,\equiv \,b\left( \bmod \,{{n}_{E}}\left( p \right) \right)$ (also called elliptic curve pseudoprimes). Motivated by cryptography applications, we address the problem of finding upper bounds for ${{Q}_{E,B}}(x)$ and $\pi _{E,b}^{\text{pseu}}(x)$ , generalising some of the literature for the classical pseudoprimes to this new setting.
DC measurement of electrical contacts between strands in superconducting cables for the LHC main magnets

In the LHC main magnets, using Rutherford type cable, the eddy current loss and dynamic magnetic field error depend largely on the electrical resistance between crossing (Rc) and adjacent (Ra) strands. Cables made of strands with pre-selected coatings have been studied at low temperature using a DC electrical method. The significance of the inter-strand contact is explained. The properties of resistive barriers, the DC method used for the resistance measurement on the cable, and sample preparation are described. Finally the resistances are presented under various conditions, and the effect is discussed that the cable treatment has on the contact resistance.
New Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) records with new collection data from New Brunswick and an addition to the fauna of Quebec: Staphylininae

Abstract Forty-four species of Staphylininae are newly reported from New Brunswick, bringing the total number of species known from the province to 126. Quedius criddlei (Casey) is reported for the first time from Quebec. Bisnius cephalotes (Gravenhorst) is removed from the faunal list of New Brunswick due to a lack of supporting voucher specimens. Additional locality data are presented for seven species either recently recorded from the province or with few previous records and little habitat data. We provide the first documented records of Atrecus americanus (Casey), Quedius erythrogaster Mannerheim, Quedius labradorensis labradorensis Smetana, Quedius plagiatus (Mannerheim), and Neobisnius terminalis (LeConte) from New Brunswick. Collection and habitat data are presented and discussed for all species.
Microscopic Colitis: What Do We Know About Pathogenesis?

Abstract:Microscopic colitis (MC) is a common cause of chronic diarrhea. The 2 most frequent forms of MC are collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. Over the past years, the incidence and prevalence of microscopic colitis are rising and this is largely attributed to a greater awareness, and concomitantly an increasing number of diagnoses. Patients with microscopic colitis report watery, nonbloody diarrhea of chronic course, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue that may impair patient's health-related quality of life. The underlying mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of microscopic colitis remain unspecified but is probably multifactorial. Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis may represent specific mucosal responses to different luminal agents in predisposed individuals, resulting in an uncontrolled immune response. Genetic predisposition, altered modulation of cytokines and miRNAs, and aberrant response to drugs seem to be involved in the development of MC. Despite the progress of knowledge, still many questions remain unsolved regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, and optimal management of MC. This review gives an update on the immunological aspects of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis.