Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experiments on Alleviating Arsenic Accumulation in Rice Through Irrigation Management

Arsenic (As) in groundwater is a major health concern in Bangladesh and the risks of As ingestion using shallow tubewells (STWs) for drinking-water was identified in the deltaic region, particularly in the Gangetic alluvium of Bengal including Bangladesh and West Bengal of India during the early nineties. It has been termed the world’s biggest natural calamity in known human history. Ground water is the primary source of drinking water for approximately 90% of the total 147 million people (WHO 2001). More than 35 million people of Bangladesh are exposed to an As contamination in drinking water exceeding the national standard of 50 μg L-1 while an estimated 57 million people are at the risk of exposure to As contamination exceeding the WHO guideline of 10 μg L-1 (BGS/DPHE 2001). Extensive contamination in Bangladesh was confirmed in 1995, when additional survey showed contamination of mostly shallow tube-wells (STWs) across much of southern and central Bangladesh (Imamul Huq et al. 2006a). However, a few instances of deep tube-wells (DTWs) contamination are also in report. Approximately 27% of STWs and 1% of DTWs in 270 upazillas (sub-districts) of the country are contaminated with As at Bangladesh standard whereas about 46% of STWs are contaminated at WHO standard. So far 38,000 persons have been diagnosed with an additional of 30 million people at risk of As exposure (APSU 2005). Concentrations of arsenic exceeding 1,000 μg L-1 in shallow tube-wells were reported from 17 districts in Bangladesh (Ahmed et al. 2006). Efforts are being directed towards ensuring safe drinking water either through mitigation technique or through finding alternative sources. Even if an As-safe drinking water supply could be ensured, the same groundwater will continue to be used for irrigation purpose, leaving a risk of soil accumulation of this toxic element and eventual exposure to the food-chain through plant uptake and animal consumption (Imamul Huq 2008). Given the studies on As uptake by crops (Imamul Huq et al. 2001; Abedin et al. 2002; Ali et al. 2003; Islam et al. 2005) there is much potential for the transfer of As present in groundwater to crops. The use of groundwater for irrigation has increased abruptly over the last couple of decades. About 86% of the total groundwater withdrawn is utilized in the agricultural sector
Constitutive androstane receptor mediates the induction of drug metabolism in mouse models of type 1 diabetes

Untreated type 1 diabetes increases hepatic drug metabolism in both human patients and rodent models. We used knockout mice to test the role of the nuclear xenobiotic receptors constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane and xenobiotic receptor (PXR) in this process. Streptozotocin‐induced diabetes resulted in increased expression of drug metabolizing cytochrome P450s and also increased the clearance of the cytochrome P450 substrate zoxazolamine. This induction was completely absent in Car−/− mice, but was not affected by the loss of PXR. Among the many effects of diabetes on the liver, we identified bile acid elevation and activated adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase as potential CAR‐activating stimuli. Expression of the CAR coactivator peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC)‐1α was also increased in mouse models of type 1 diabetes. Conclusion: The CAR‐dependent induction of drug metabolism in newly diagnosed or poorly managed type 1 diabetes has the potential for significant impact on the efficacy or toxicity of therapeutic agents. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Relationship of semen hyperviscosity with IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐10 and ROS production in seminal plasma of infertile patients with prostatitis and prostato‐vesiculitis

Changes in levels of oxidative damage products in semen and their relationship to seminal fluid viscosity (SFV) have recently received increasing research interest. We analysed whether SFV was associated with ROS generation, levels of cytokines TNF‐alpha (TNF‐α), IL‐6 and IL‐10 and seminal leucocyte concentration, and whether ROS production was related to the extent of infections/inflammations at one (prostatitis) or two (prostato‐vesiculitis) male accessory glands. We studied 169 infertile patients, with chronic bacterial prostatitis (PR, n = 74) and/or bilateral prostato‐vesiculitis (PV, n = 95), as diagnosed by the ultrasound (US) criteria. Healthy fertile men (n = 42) served as controls. In the PV patient group, SFV, semen characteristics and ROS production had median values that were significantly higher than those found in PR patients and controls, although other sperm variables had values significantly lower than those found in PR patients or controls. In PV infertile patients, ROS generation and pro‐inflammatory cytokines levels were higher than those found in PR infertile patients and controls, although seminal IL‐10 levels in PV and PR patients were lower than those found in the controls. In PR patients, the levels of SFV were positively related to TNF‐α (r = 0.67; P < 0.01), fMLP‐stimulated ROS production in the 45% Percoll fraction (r = 0.687, P < 0.01) and the 90% Percoll fraction in basal condition (r = 0.695, P < 0.01), and after fMLP‐stimulation (r = 0.688, P < 0.01). Thus, our data indicated that seminal hyperviscosity is associated with increased oxidative stress in infertile men and increased pro‐inflammatory interleukins in patients with male accessory gland infection, more when the infection was extended to the seminal vesicles.
AVIAN INFLUENZA H 5 N 1 OUTBREAK IN A FLOCK OF MUTE SWANS IN THE CITY OF TORU Ń , POLAND , IN 2006

The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infection caused by H5N1 virus in a flock of mute swans wintering in the city of Toruń in western Poland in 2006 was described. Following the confirmation of H5N1 infection in 3 dead swans, 113 apparently healthy swans were placed in an aviary. After 5 d, another dead swan was found in the aviary and was later proved positive for HPAI/H5N1. A lack of regulations concerning the control of HPAI in wild birds, lead to the prolonged indecision regarding the measures that were to be applied to the flock. Finally, due to the quickly approaching flood wave on the Vistula River, and a danger of the aviary being flooded, samples of tracheal and cloacal swabs as well as blood samples were collected from 112 live swans and submitted for testing. Under the pressure of time, initially RT-PCR/H5 and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test with H5N2 antigen were performed and based on the results, 32 PCR-positive swans were euthanised while the rest of the flock (regardless of serological status) was released. Thereafter, secondary tests were carried out comprising of real time RT-PCR/M, virus isolation, HI with antigens H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, H7N1 and H9N2, agar gel immunodiffussion test, and competitive ELISA. The additional serological tests confirmed that more than 70% of swans were infected with H5 virus, but a group of the swans were also positive for other subtypes, mainly H1. The low mortality rate in the flock might indicate the previous contact with the AIV virus and a partial protection against HPAI/H5N1, or that innate resistance to AIV infection is higher than commonly believed.
Oxidized LDL–bound CD36 recruits an Na+/K+-ATPase–Lyn complex in macrophages that promotes atherosclerosis

Macrophages promote atherosclerosis when an ion transporter is activated by the receptor for oxidized LDL. Na+/K+-ATPase helps turn macrophages into toxic foam cells Oxidized LDL inhibits macrophage migration and promotes lipid uptake by macrophages, which become foam cells that accumulate in atherosclerotic plaques. Chen et al. showed that CD36, the receptor for oxidized LDL, activated the tyrosine kinase Lyn in macrophages through the ion transporter Na+/K+-ATPase. Macrophages that lacked an allele encoding a subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase were defective in responding to oxidized LDL. Apoe-null mice are prone to developing atherosclerosis when placed on a high-fat diet, and atherosclerosis development was reduced in these mice when they received macrophages lacking an allele encoding the Na+/K+-ATPase subunit. One characteristic of atherosclerosis is the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophage foam cells in the arterial wall. We have previously shown that the binding of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) to the scavenger receptor CD36 activates the kinase Lyn, initiating a cascade that inhibits macrophage migration and is necessary for foam cell generation. We identified the plasma membrane ion transporter Na+/K+-ATPase as a key component in the macrophage oxLDL-CD36 signaling axis. Using peritoneal macrophages isolated from Atp1a1 heterozygous or Cd36-null mice, we demonstrated that CD36 recruited an Na+/K+-ATPase–Lyn complex for Lyn activation in response to oxLDL. Macrophages deficient in the α1 Na+/K+-ATPase catalytic subunit did not respond to activation of CD36, showing attenuated oxLDL uptake and foam cell formation, and oxLDL failed to inhibit migration of these macrophages. Furthermore, Apoe-null mice, which are a model of atherosclerosis, were protected from diet-induced atherosclerosis by global deletion of a single allele encoding the α1 Na+/K+-ATPase subunit or reconstitution with macrophages that lacked an allele encoding the α1 Na+/K+-ATPase subunit. These findings identify Na+/K+-ATPase as a potential target for preventing or treating atherosclerosis.
The concurrent validity of the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).

BACKGROUND Few studies of the validity of the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) have been published and none has shown how GAF ratings are associated with concurrent ratings of symptoms and social functioning. This article provides such data. METHOD Patients suffering from schizophrenia were assessed at admission to hospital and at six- and 12-month follow-up, using the GAF, the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the Social Behaviour Schedule. RESULTS GAF ratings were highly correlated with ratings of symptoms and social behaviour at both follow-ups but not at initial assessment, although the inter-rater reliabilities for the measures were good. CONCLUSIONS The GAF can be rated reliably after minimal training. It provides a valid summary of symptoms and social functioning among schizophrenic patients provided they are not assessed when suffering from acute psychotic episodes.
Evaluation of Serum Calcium Level in Pregnant Normotensive and Pre-eclamptic/Eclamptic Women in Nnewi, Nigeria: A Case Control Study

Background: Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and especially in the developing countries, and its etiology has been uncertain. Alteration in calcium metabolism has been implicated. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the serum calcium levels in pregnant normotensive with pre-eclamptic/eclamptic women. Study Design: A case control study. Methodology: The following data was obtained from patients that met the inclusion criteria: age, parity and gestational age. Estimation of the serum calcium was done with a spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Frequency tables, student t tests and chi-square test were used where applicable. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The Pre-eclamptics/Eclamptics had a lower mean serum calcium level than their normotensive counterpart (1.91± 0.28mmol/L Vs 2.32± 0.21mmol, p-value= 0.02). There was no significant difference between the mean serum calcium level in the patients with Pre-eclampsia and those with eclampsia (1.89+0.29mmol/L Vs. 1.94+0.28mmol/L, P-value=0.51). There was no difference in the serum calcium levels between the two during the 2nd trimester, but there was a significant difference during the 3rd trimester. Conclusion: There was an association between lower serum calcium level and Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia in our environment; this is more obvious during the third trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, there is need for calcium supplement, especially among those that are calcium deficient, during pregnancy in our environment to prevent pre-eclampsia.
Jumonji domain-containing protein 6 (Jmjd6) is required for angiogenic sprouting and regulates splicing of VEGF-receptor 1

JmjC domain-containing proteins play a crucial role in the control of gene expression by acting as protein hydroxylases or demethylases, thereby controlling histone methylation or splicing. Here, we demonstrate that silencing of Jumonji domain-containing protein 6 (Jmjd6) impairs angiogenic functions of endothelial cells by changing the gene expression and modulating the splicing of the VEGF-receptor 1 (Flt1). Reduction of Jmjd6 expression altered splicing of Flt1 and increased the levels of the soluble form of Flt1, which binds to VEGF and placental growth factor (PlGF) and thereby inhibits angiogenesis. Saturating VEGF or PlGF or neutralizing antibodies directed against soluble Flt1 rescued the angiogenic defects induced by Jmjd6 silencing. Jmjd6 interacts with the splicing factors U2AF65 that binds to Flt1 mRNA. In conclusion, Jmjd6 regulates the splicing of Flt1, thereby controlling angiogenic sprouting.
Extinction during reconsolidation of threat memory diminishes prefrontal cortex involvement

Significance An advantage of targeting reconsolidation to control reactions to learned threats is that the memory appears to be persistently altered, not inhibited. When these memories are diminished through extinction, the amygdala’s representation remains largely intact and the prefrontal cortex inhibits its expression, thus allowing the learned responses to recover. Targeting reconsolidation, therefore, should eliminate the necessity of prefrontal inhibition. We tested this hypothesis by contrasting standard extinction with extinction occurring during reconsolidation. We observed that behavioral interference of reconsolidation appears to bypass the prefrontal circuitry of extinction, inducing a more persistent loss of learned responses. Application of this strategy, which targets underlying learned threat processes, to fear and anxiety disorders may provide a more effective approach to treatment. Controlling learned defensive responses through extinction does not alter the threat memory itself, but rather regulates its expression via inhibitory influence of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) over amygdala. Individual differences in amygdala–PFC circuitry function have been linked to trait anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. This finding suggests that exposure-based techniques may actually be least effective in those who suffer from anxiety disorders. A theoretical advantage of techniques influencing reconsolidation of threat memories is that the threat representation is altered, potentially diminishing reliance on this PFC circuitry, resulting in a more persistent reduction of defensive reactions. We hypothesized that timing extinction to coincide with threat memory reconsolidation would prevent the return of defensive reactions and diminish PFC involvement. Two conditioned stimuli (CS) were paired with shock and the third was not. A day later, one stimulus (reminded CS+) but not the other (nonreminded CS+) was presented 10 min before extinction to reactivate the threat memory, followed by extinction training for all CSs. The recovery of the threat memory was tested 24 h later. Extinction of the nonreminded CS+ (i.e., standard extinction) engaged the PFC, as previously shown, but extinction of the reminded CS+ (i.e., extinction during reconsolidation) did not. Moreover, only the nonreminded CS+ memory recovered on day 3. These results suggest that extinction during reconsolidation prevents the return of defensive reactions and diminishes PFC involvement. Reducing the necessity of the PFC–amygdala circuitry to control defensive reactions may help overcome a primary obstacle in the long-term efficacy of current treatments for anxiety disorders.
Marginal Fit of Implant-supported All-Ceramic Zirconia Frameworks.

Abstract Objective: This study evaluated the effect of fabrication techniques and cyclic loading on the vertical marginal fit of implant-supported FPD frameworks. Methods: Thirty implant supported 3-unit FPD frameworks were fabricated on a model system, divided into three equal groups (n=10). The first group (control) was constructed from base metal alloy and the other two test groups were constructed from All-ceramic Zirconia using CAD/CAM Cerec III system and copy milling (Zirconzahn) system. A cyclic load of 200 N was applied to each framework for up to 50,000 cycles. Linear measurements were made in micrometers (µm) of the vertical gap between the framework and implant-supported abutment at 16 predetermined points before and after cyclic loading. The frameworks were viewed using SEM to inspect any fractographic features. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare the marginal discrepancy values of the control and the two test groups and for each group; T-test was applied to determine whether significant changes in the fit were observed after cyclic loading. (α=0.05). Results: CAD/CAM group showed significantly higher marginal gap mean values (80.58 µm) than Zirkonzahn and control groups (50.33 µm and 42.27 µm respectively) with no significant difference while, after cyclic loading, CAD/CAM group recorded the highest marginal gap mean value (91.50 ± 4.260 µm) followed by control group (72.00 ± 2.795 µm) while Zirconzahn group recorded the lowest marginal gap (65.37 ± 6.138 µm). Cyclic loading significantly increased the marginal gap mean values in the control group only. Marginal chip was observed in one of the CAD/CAM ceramic frameworks. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the fabrication technique influenced the marginal fit of the implant supported 3-unit FPD frameworks. Cyclic loading failed to change the fit of all-ceramic Zirconia frameworks while; significant changes were found in the metal frameworks.
Pharmacological modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) improves the airway hyperresponsiveness by shifting the Th1 response in allergic inflammation induced by ovalbumin

Abstract Asthma is an allergic inflammation driven by the Th2 immune response with release of cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13, which contribute to the airflow limitations and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The involvement of oxidative stress in this process is well-established, but the specific role of the superoxide anion and nitric oxide in asthma are poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the superoxide anion/nitric oxide production and detoxification in a murine asthma model. BALB/c male mice were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Pretreatments with either apocynin (14 mg/kg) or allopurinol (25 mg/kg) (superoxide anion synthesis inhibitors), aminoguanidine (50 mg/kg) (nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor) or diethyldithiocarbamate (100 mg/kg) (superoxide dismutase inhibitor) were performed 1 h before the challenge. Our data showed that apocynin and allopurinol ameliorated AHR and reduced eosinophil peroxidase, as well as IL-4 and IL-13 levels. Apocynin also abrogated leukocyte peribronchiolar infiltrate and increased IL-1β secretion. Aminoguanidine preserved lung function and shifted the Th2 to the Th1 response with a reduction of IL-4 and IL-13 and increase in IL-1β production. Diethyldithiocarbamate prevented neither allergen-induced AHR nor eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) generation. All treatments protected against oxidative damage observed by a reduction in TBARS levels. Taken together, these results suggest that AHR in an asthma model can be avoided by the down-regulation of superoxide anion and nitric oxide synthesis in a mechanism that is independent of a redox response. This down-regulation is also associated with a transition in the typical immunological Th2 response toward the Th1 profile.
Magnetic-dipole wavelength measurements in the n=3 configurations of highly ionized Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Kr, and Y.

Magnetic dipole (M1) transitions between the levels of the ground configurations in the 3s/sup 2/3p/sup x/ Al-like through Cl-like and the 3s3p Mg-like isoelectronic sequences of Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Kr, and Y have been observed. These elements were introduced into the Texas experimental Tokomak plasma by laser ablation of metallic thin films and gas puffing. The spectral lines were recorded by using three monochromators with photoelectric detection and a spectrometer with a channel electron multiplier array detector. Twenty-eight newly observed M1 lines were measured and classified.
A TRIAL OF CLOTRIMAZOLE AND NYSTATIN IN VAGINAL MONILIASIS

A trial of clotrimazole and nystatin was made in 50 obstetrical and gynaecological patients with mycological evidence of vaginal moniliasis. Treatment for six days resulted in a higher eradication rate with clotrimazole (96 per cent) than with nystatin (76 per cent) and a comparable decrease in symptoms and signs. Four weeks after the end of treatment the recurrence rates in those patients with negative cultures immediately after therapy were 12.5 per cent with clotrimazole and 26.4 per cent with nystatin. No significant adverse effects were noted in either group of patients.
Comparative studies of Giardia spp. in small mammals in southern Ontario. I. Prevalence and identity of the parasites with a taxonomic discussion of the genus.

Giardia microti Kofoid and Christiansen, 1915 was identified in 98.8% (322 of 326) of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and G. peromysci Filice, 1952 emend, in 98% (48 of 49) of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) that were livetrapped at six locations in southern Ontario. One feral brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) was infected with Giardia simoni Lavier, 1924 and Giardia muris Grassi, 1881. Laboratory rats (Wistar strain) harboured only G. simoni and laboratory mice (C3H strain) were infected with G. muris. Golden hampsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were infected with Giardia mesocricetus Filice, 1952 emend.Giardia spp. were separated into two morphologically distinct groups. Trophozoites of G. muris and G. mesocricetus were almost as wide as long and had round or oval centrally situated median bodies. Trophozoites of G. microti, Giardia peromysci, and G. simoni were elongate with long curved median bodies lying perpendicular to the long axis of the trophozoite.Further differentiation of species was not po.