Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of diet on synaptic vesicle release in dynactin complex mutants: a mechanism for improved vitality during motor disease

Synaptic dysfunction is considered the primary substrate for the functional declines observed within the nervous system during age‐related neurodegenerative disease. Dietary restriction (DR), which extends lifespan in numerous species, has been shown to have beneficial effects on many neurodegenerative disease models. Existing data sets suggest that the effects of DR during disease include the amelioration of synaptic dysfunction but evidence of the beneficial effects of diet on the synapse is lacking. Dynactin mutant flies have significant increases in mortality rates and exhibit progressive loss of motor function. Using a novel fly motor disease model, we demonstrate that mutant flies raised on a low calorie diet have enhanced motor function and improved survival compared to flies on a high calorie diet. Neurodegeneration in this model is characterized by an early impairment of neurotransmission that precedes the deterioration of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology. In mutant flies, low calorie diet increases neurotransmission, but has little effect on morphology, supporting the hypothesis that enhanced neurotransmission contributes to the effects of diet on motor function. Importantly, the effects of diet on the synapse are not because of the reduction of mutant pathologies, but by the increased release of synaptic vesicles during activity. The generality of this effect is demonstrated by the observation that diet can also increase synaptic vesicle release at wild‐type NMJs. These studies reveal a novel presynaptic mechanism of diet that may contribute to the improved vigor observed in mutant flies raised on low calorie diet.
Assessing Risk of Recidivism among Juvenile Offenders: The Development and Validation of the Recidivism Risk Instrument

A recidivism risk instrument was developed and validated on a sample of juvenile offenders (N = 1,987) based on the need to classify juveniles by their likelihood of re-offense. Female recidivism (R2 = 27%) was predicted by younger age at first expulsion from school, history of parent incarceration, gang involvement, felony class offense, and firearm use. Male recidivism (R2 = 12%) was predicted by younger age at first adjudication, referrals, school suspensions, history of maternal incarceration, firearm use, running away, gang involvement, and destroying property/stealing. Cross-validation analyses indicated that high-risk offenders recidivated at more than five times the rate of low-risk offenders.
Serum Hepcidin in Haemodialysis Patients: Associations with Iron Status and Microinflammation

Hepcidin plays a key role in iron homeostasis. This cross-sectional study measured the serum hepcidin levels of 48 maintenance haemodialysis patients and 20 age-matched healthy control subjects using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (C-ELISA). Serum hepcidin, interleukin (IL)-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in maintenance haemodialysis patients compared with control subjects. In all patients, there was a positive correlation between serum hepcidin levels and ferritin, transferrin saturation and IL-6, and an inverse correlation between serum hepcidin and unsaturated iron-binding capacity, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin. Linear regression analyses showed that ferritin and TIBC were independently associated with serum hepcidin levels. In conclusion, serum hepcidin levels are associated with iron status and microinflammation (defined as hsCRP < 15 mg/l, without clinical manifestation of inflammation) in maintenance haemodialysis patients. The C-ELISA method for measuring serum hepcidin should facilitate the routine measurement of hepcidin in clinical practice.
Differential effects of low birthweight and intrauterine growth restriction on umbilical cord blood insulin‐like growth factor concentrations

Alterations in the growth hormone–insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis have been considered as a causal factor for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and for the increased risk of metabolic disease in later life. We compared members of the IGF axis in umbilical cord blood between IUGR neonates, small for gestational age without foetal restriction (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates.
A COMPARISON OF THE SENSITIVITY OF APTT REAGENTS TO THE EFFECTS OF ENOXAPARIN, A LOW‐MOLECULAR WEIGHT HEPARIN

Summary Low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is the product of enzymatic or chemical degradation of unfractionated heparin (UFH). It has been found to have better bio‐availibility, more predictable dose response and can be used as an alternative to UFH for prophylaxis and treatment of thrombotic disorders. It is claimed that no laboratory monitoring is necessary for LMWH therapy; however, for the aged, renal impaired, obese or grossly underweight, monitoring of dose effect with anti‐Xa assay is recommended. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which is the test of choice for UFH monitoring, is believed to be insensitive to the effect of LMWH. The sensitivity of the APTT to heparin lies in the APTT reagent used. In this study, eight different APTT reagents were used to compare the APTT with anti‐Xa activity in ex vivo plasma from patients who were on enoxaparin (LMWH, Clexane) therapy. It was found that, as with UFH, APTT reagents show variable sensitivity to LMWH. The APTTs from all eight reagents were found to have a linear relationship to anti‐Xa activity. The APTT results using three of the reagents gave an indication of the use of LMWH therapy. It was also found that patients who were lupus anticoagulant (LA)‐positive had much more prolonged APTTs when on LMWH therapy; however, a linear correlation between APTT and anti‐Xa was not present in these patients.
EffEct of tEat End hypErkEratosis on milk somatic cEll counts in Bulgarian Black-and-WhitE dairy cattlE

MitEv, J. E. , Zh. i. GErGovska and tch. M. MitEva, 2012. Effect of teat end hyperkeratosis on milk somatic cell counts in Bulgarian Black-and-White dairy cattle. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 18: 451-454 the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between teat end hyperkeratosis score and somatic cell counts in milk in dairy cattle at different lactations. Five hundred Holstein cattle from 16 farms were included in the research. the teat end hyperkeratosis was evaluated with a four-point scoring system. the parity number and the position of teats (front/rear) had a significant effect on teat end hyperkeratosis score and somatic cell counts in milk (P<0.001). The presence of keratin deposits and alterations of teat ends in cows with score 3 and 4 were related to higher somatic cell counts, 195.7 thousand/ml and 235.4 thousand/ml, respectively, which is at and over the threshold indicating a bacterial infections. rear teats exhibited a higher proportion of teat end hyperkeratosis score 3 (41.2 vs 28.8%) and score 4 (1.2% vs 0%), and higher somatic cell counts than front ones. Cows at their 4 th and 5 th lactation demonstrated higher percentage of teats with hyperkeratosis scores 3 and 4
First Comprehensive Evaluation of the M.I.C. Evaluator Device Compared to Etest and CLSI Reference Dilution Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Clinical Strains of Anaerobes and Other Fastidious Bacterial Species

ABSTRACT The new M.I. C. Evaluator strip uses test methodology and the recording of results that are similar to those of Etest. For this first assessment, 102 clinical strains of anaerobic bacteria from 12 genera and 155 strains from 7 genera and 8 species of fastidious bacteria were tested by M.I. C. Evaluator, Etest, and agar dilution or broth microdilution as a reference standard. Ampicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, imipenem, levofloxacin, metronidazole, penicillin, and tetracycline were tested depending on the species. Agar dilution for anaerobes was performed according to CLSI document M11-A7. For the fastidious bacteria, CLSI document M45-A2 was followed. For the anaerobes, essential and categorical agreement between M.I. C. Evaluator and Etest was >90%. Compared to agar dilution, essential agreement was low for both strip tests, and many very major errors were observed for metronidazole (13 to 14%) and penicillin (8 to 9%) with isolates from the Bacteroides fragilis group and Clostridium species. For fastidious species, essential agreements for M.I. C. Evaluator and Etest plus or minus one doubling dilution were >95%. Compared to broth microdilution, essential agreements were low (40 to 90%) plus or minus one dilution and were >90% plus or minus two dilutions, with high overall category agreement (CA). Major and minor errors were within established parameters for all strains tested. The M.I. C. Evaluator strips were equivalent to Etest for anaerobes and fastidious species. These observations require further investigation to determine which methods provide the most accurate MIC for clinical utility. The further evaluation of additional M.I. C. Evaluator agents will be performed as they become available.
Trovafloxacin is active against Toxoplasma gondii

Drugs currently used for treatment of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, congenital infections, immunocompromised patients, and patients with the ocular disease are not always effective or may be dangerous to use; therefore, there is a need for more-effective and less-toxic drugs. Recently, we examined a group of fluoroquinolones for in vitro and in vivo activities against Toxoplasma gondii. Among those examined in vitro (ciprofloxacin, fleroxacin, ofloxacin, temafloxacin, and trovafloxacin), only trovafloxacin significantly inhibited intracellular replication of T. gondii without significant toxicity for host cells. In a murine model of acute toxoplasmosis, 100 or 200 mg of trovafloxacin per kg of body weight per day for 10 days protected 100% of infected mice against death. A dose of 50 mg/kg/day protected 90% of the mice, and a dose of 25 mg/kg/day effected prolongation of time to death. The other fluoroquinolones did not have such in vivo activities. These results indicate that trovafloxacin may be useful for treatment of toxoplasmosis in humans.
The Negative Side of Chua's Circuit Parameter Space: Stability Analysis, Period-Adding, Basin of Attraction Metamorphoses, and Experimental Investigation

Although Chua's circuit is one of the most studied nonlinear dynamical systems, its version with negative parameters remains practically untouched. This work reports an interesting and rich dynamic scenery that was hidden in this almost unexplored region. The study is focused on 2D parameter space and presents an analysis of stability based on describing functions. Numerical investigations present a gallery of period-adding cascades and a strong presence of basin boundary metamorphoses. The key to this new scenario is that for negative parameters, Chua's system does not satisfy the Shilnikov condition and it is shown that the homoclinic orbit organizes the parameter space completely different from as known. The obtained experimental results corroborate with the numerical and theoretical investigations.
Treatment of type I ROP with intravitreal bevacizumab or laser photocoagulation according to retinal zone

Aims To investigate the outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) compared with laser photocoagulation in type I retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods Case records of 54 consecutive very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with type I ROP (posterior ROP, n=33; peripheral zone II, n=21) who were treated either with IVB (n=37) or laser photocoagulation (n=17) between 2011 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Results Patients with posterior ROP displayed significantly faster regression of active ROP within 12 days (range 9–15 days) if treated with IVB compared with laser photocoagulation, where active ROP regressed within 57 days (range 28–63 days) (p>0.001). No difference was observed in peripheral zone II. Five of seven patients (12%) who developed a recurrence in both eyes after IVB required additional laser photocoagulation within a mean of 12.7 weeks (11.3–15.6 weeks) after the previous treatment. After laser photocoagulation one patient with posterior ROP developed macular dragging and another patient developed a temporary exudative retinal detachment in both eyes. 12 months after treatment the spherical equivalent was not statistically significant different between IVB and laser photocoagulation in posterior ROP patients. However, IVB lead to a significant lower spherical equivalent in infants with posterior ROP (+0.37 dioptres, range −0.5 to +1.88 dioptres) compared with peripheral zone II (+3.0 dioptres range +2.0 to +4.0 dioptres, p<0.001). Conclusions IVB leads to faster regression of active ROP in infants with posterior ROP compared with laser photocoagulation. Spherical equivalent after 12 months was comparable in those treated with IVB and laser photocoagulation, but it was significantly lower in posterior ROP than in peripheral zone II.
Dependence on Prolactin of the Luteolytic Effect of Prostaglandin F2α in Rat Luteal Cell Cultures1

Abstract Luteal regression is a multistep, prolonged process, and long-term luteal cultures are required for studying it in vitro. Cell suspensions from ovaries of superovulated rats were enriched with steroidogenic cells, seeded on laminin or fibronectin, and maintained in defined medium for up to 10 days. Progesterone secretion was much lower than that of 20α-dihydroprogesterone, a product of 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSD). Prolactin added throughout the incubation period gradually increased the percent progesterone out of total progestins to fourfold, while reducing 20α-HSD mRNA by 73%. Luteinizing hormone accelerated the establishment of higher percent progesterone by prolactin but by itself had no effect. Prolactin did not increase total progestin production or cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc) mRNA. Cell viability was unaffected by prolactin and/or LH. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) was added 7–8 days after seeding. In prolactin-treated cells, PGF2α reduced steroidogenesis after 4–45 h, and at 45 h total progestins and P450scc mRNA were reduced by 45%. At 8–45 h PGF2α reduced the percent progesterone out of total progestins, and at 45 h 20α-HSD mRNA was doubled. In contrast, in prolactin-deprived cultures, PGF2α had little effect on total progestins or 20α-HSD mRNA but doubled P450scc mRNA. Phospholipase C activity was stimulated by PGF2α regardless of prolactin. Thus, when prolactin-treated, our cultures are a good model for mature corpora lutea challenged with PGF2α; the finding that without prolactin PGF2α has an alternative set of actions could help in identifying the signaling pathways of PGF2α responsible for its luteolytic effects.
Genetic Diversity of Competence Gene Loci in Clinical Genotypes of Streptococcus mutans

ABSTRACT The frequencies of 21 competence genes were analyzed in 94 genotypes of Streptococcus mutans. These include those of a main regulatory system (comCDE), structural, and other regulatory orthologues identified in the genome of strain UA159. PCR and Southern blot analysis revealed that all genes are widespread within the species.
Randomized ICU Trials Do Not Demonstrate an Association Between Interventions That Reduce Delirium Duration and Short-Term Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis*

Objectives:We reviewed randomized trials of adult ICU patients of interventions hypothesized to reduce delirium burden to determine whether interventions that are more effective at reducing delirium duration are associated with a reduction in short-term mortality. Data Sources:We searched CINHAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane databases from 2001 to 2012. Study Selection:Citations were screened for randomized trials that enrolled critically ill adults, evaluated delirium at least daily, compared a drug or nondrug intervention hypothesized to reduce delirium burden with standard care (or control), and reported delirium duration and/or short-term mortality (⩽ 45 d). Data Extraction:In duplicate, we abstracted trial characteristics and results and evaluated quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We performed random effects model meta-analyses and meta-regressions. Data Synthesis:We included 17 trials enrolling 2,849 patients which evaluated a pharmacologic intervention (n = 13) (dexmedetomidine [n = 6], an antipsychotic [n = 4], rivastigmine [n = 2], and clonidine [n = 1]), a multimodal intervention (n = 2) (spontaneous awakening [n = 2]), or a nonpharmacologic intervention (n = 2) (early mobilization [n = 1] and increased perfusion [n = 1]). Overall, average delirium duration was lower in the intervention groups (difference = –0.64 d; 95% CI, –1.15 to –0.13; p = 0.01) being reduced by more than or equal to 3 days in three studies, 0.1 to less than 3 days in six studies, 0 day in seven studies, and less than 0 day in one study. Across interventions, for 13 studies where short-term mortality was reported, short-term mortality was not reduced (risk ratio = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76–1.06; p = 0.19). Across 13 studies that reported mortality, meta-regression revealed that delirium duration was not associated with reduced short-term mortality (p = 0.11). Conclusions:A review of current evidence fails to support that ICU interventions that reduce delirium duration reduce short-term mortality. Larger controlled studies are needed to establish this relationship.
Study on the Scattering Property of the Impedance Terminated Dipole Array with Finite Reflector by FDTD Method

The scattering characteristics of the planar array composed of impedance terminated dipoles and a finite reflector are studied by finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The current distribution on the dipoles and the radar cross section (RCS) of the array are calculated and analyzed. It is seen that the array with resistor terminated dipole tends to give lower RCS.
Strong resistance to phosphine in the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae): its characterisation, a rapid assay for diagnosis and its distribution in Australia.

BACKGROUND The recent development of very high resistance to phosphine in rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), seriously threatens stored-grain biosecurity. The aim was to characterise this resistance, to develop a rapid bioassay for its diagnosis to support pest management and to document the distribution of resistance in Australia in 2007-2011. RESULTS Bioassays of purified laboratory reference strains and field-collected samples revealed three phenotypes: susceptible, weakly resistant and strongly resistant. With resistance factors of > 1000 × , resistance to phosphine expressed by the strong resistance phenotype was higher than reported for any stored-product insect species. The new time-to-knockdown assay rapidly and accurately diagnosed each resistance phenotype within 6 h. Although less frequent in western Australia, weak resistance was detected throughout all grain production regions. Strong resistance occurred predominantly in central storages in eastern Australia. CONCLUSION Resistance to phosphine in the rusty grain beetle is expressed through two identifiable phenotypes: weak and strong. Strong resistance requires urgent changes to current fumigation dosages. The development of a rapid assay for diagnosis of resistance enables the provision of same-day advice to expedite resistance management decisions.
Cancer recurrence after surgery: Direct and indirect effects of anesthetic agents *

Surgery is of paramount importance in the management of solid tumors as definitive resection can be totally curative. Nonetheless, metastatic recurrence after surgery remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Interest in the impact of the perioperative period on cancer recurrence is now growing rapidly, with recent research suggesting that some anesthetics or anesthetic techniques may influence the pathophysiology of postoperative metastatic spread. Our review examines the most widely postulated mechanisms for this, including the impact of anesthesia on neuroendocrine and immune function. We also consider evidence for a direct impact on tumor cell signaling pathways based on findings from organ protection research. These studies have demonstrated that certain volatile anaesthetics confer cytoprotective properties to exposed cells and lead to significant upregulation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor‐1α (HIF‐1α). This ubiquitous transcription factor exerts many effects in cancer: its activity has been linked with more aggressive phenotypes and poorer clinical prognosis. It is proposed that such an upregulation of HIFs in tumor cells by these anesthetics may contribute to a tumor's recurrence by stimulating cytoprotective or protumorigenic behavior in residual cells. Conversely, other anesthetic agents appear to downregulate HIFs or cause negligible effect and thus may prove more suitable for use in cancer surgery. As anesthetic drugs are given at a point of potentially high vulnerability in terms of dissemination and establishment of metastases, there is an urgent need to determine the most appropriate anesthetic strategy for surgical oncology so that the optimal techniques are used to maximize long‐term survival.
Storage stability of dried microsclerotia of the biological control pathogen Mycoleptodiscus terrestris

Abstract : This technical note describes storage stability of the biological control pathogen Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (Gerd.) Ostazeski (Mt). Dried microsclerotia from four different fermentation batches were harvested and stored at 4 degrees C. After varying amounts of time in storage, they were tested for efficacy against the invasive macrophyte hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle). Dried microsclerotia inoculum also proved to be efficacious on hydrilla (Shearer 2009). Sprinkled over the water surface of 55-L aquaria containing rooted hydrilla plants that had formed a canopy. The capability of microsclerotia to germinate both myceliogenically and sporogenically upon rehydration enhances the potential of Mt for use as a non-chemical biological control agent for hydrilla. While drying the fungus does not appear to impact efficacy, it is unknown how prolonged storage might affect the viability and virulence of the organism. Because shelf life is a primary consideration of bioherbicide marketability, studies were undertaken to test efficacy of dried material after various periods of cold storage.
Conceptual Model For Examining The Adoption And Success Of Human Resource Information Systems In Public Sector Organisations In Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to propose and discuss a conceptual model to identify the factors responsible for influencing the adoption and success of human resource information systems (HRIS) in public sector organizations in Saudi Arabia. It reviews empirical studies of IT adoption and success at the user level in general and with particular reference to HRIS adoption and success. While a few studies have investigated the adoption and success of HRIS in the Middle East, none was set in Saudi Arabia. Given the mandatory use of such systems in Saudi public organizations, this paper proposes a framework combining the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology with the DeLone and McLean IS success model. The paper justifies the constructs included and formulates 17 hypotheses describing the adoption and success of HRIS. It ends by discussing the contribution and limitations and the direction of future research.