Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some antibacterial properties of chlorhexidine.

The use of the antiseptic chlorhexidine as a therapeutic or prophylactic drug in dental or periodontal hygiene is a departure from the usual fields of use for this agent. Therefore, a review of some of its antibacterial properties is desirable. The bacteriostatic spectrum of chlorhexidine * was determined: there was a wide spectrum of activity with gram-positive cocci being especially sensitive (MIC 0.19 to 2.0 μg/ml). Exposure of suspensions of various bacterial species to chlorhexidine (0.02%) for 10 minutes at room temperature, reduced the viable organisms by about 99.99% in most instances. Addition of serum to the test system reduced the bactericidal action markedly. A study with Streptococcus mutans revealed that the presence of sucrose (5%) in the growth-medium used for preparing bacterial suspensions, profoundly influenced the bactericidal activity. This is presumed to be the result off adsorption of chlorhexidine to extracellular polysaccharides. Attempts to select Escherichia coli and oral streptococci resistant to chlorhexidine by serial passage in subinhibitory concentrations in vitro, indicated that mutants were rare. In contrast, mutants of E. coli resistant to ampicillin or streptomycin were selected with ease. Predictions of what might happen under clinical conditions (where oral organisms might be exposed to sublethal concentrations for very long periods of time) cannot be made from such laboratory experiments. No changes were observed in the susceptibility of faecal organisms of hamsters given chlorhexidine (50 mg/kg) daily by gastric catheter for 28 days but 100 mg/kg rapidly caused a lethal enteritis which was assumed to be the result of gross disturbances of the alimentary microflora. A small study in three human volunteers is reported. Use of a mouthrinse (twice a day for up to seven weeks) containing chlorhexidine digluconate (0.2%) resulted in a slight but transient change in susceptibility of salivary organisms to the bacteriostatic action of the agent. Whether resistance will prove to be an obstacle to the use of chlorhexidine in prophylaxis, in the mouth can be decided only with more clinical experience.
The role of vasopressin in hypertension.

There is evidence for an increased secretion of vasopressin in most models of hypertension, e.g., deoxycorticosterone (DOC)-salt hypertension, one- and two-kidney renal hypertension, partial nephrectomy-salt hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), the Dahl salt-sensitive rat on a high-salt diet, and human essential hypertension. In most forms of hypertension, there is also an increased pressor responsiveness to vasopressin as well as to other pressor agents. Blockade of vasopressin with either a competitive antagonist or a specific antiserum lowered blood pressure substantially in DOC-salt hypertension, two-kidney, one-clip hypertension, the stroke-prone SHR with well-established hypertension, and the Dahl S rat treated with captopril. In rats with diabetes insipidus, one- and two-kidney renal hypertension, but not DOC-salt hypertension, can be produced. There is evidence that vasopressin can contribute to some models of hypertension as either a pressor or an antidiuretic agent.
Breast Cancer Risk Associated with Estrogen Exposure and Truncating Mutation Location in BRCA1/2 Carriers

Background: Mutations in BRCA1/2 confer a high risk of breast cancer, but literature values of this risk vary. A genotype–phenotype correlation has been found in both genes, and the effect of reproductive factors differs according to mutation location. Therefore, we hypothesize that such a variation may exist for other factors related to estrogen exposure. Methods: We used a weighted Cox regression model to assess variation in breast cancer risk with these factors using location of mutation in homogeneous breast cancer risk region of BRCA1/2 in the GENEPSO study. Results: We found that late age at menarche reduced breast cancer risk by 31% and that among BRCA1 carriers, a long or a short menstrual cycle increased risk (by 65% and 73%, respectively). Among premenopausal women, overweight was associated with a 45% decrease in risk whereas underweight was associated with an increased risk (HR, 2.40). A natural menopause, mainly after age 50, was associated with a high breast cancer risk (HR, 2.46), and a significant interaction between menopause status and the location of mutations was found leading up to 10% variation in absolute risk according to the age at menopause. Conclusions: As observed in the general population, a late menarche, a long or a short menstrual cycle, over- or underweight, and being postmenopausal were associated with breast cancer risk in BRCA1/2 carriers. The association with the menopause was observed only when the mutation was located in the “high-risk” zones. Impact: Taking into account modifier factors, location of mutation might be important for the clinical management of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(4); 698–707. ©2015 AACR.
Advanced Usability Evaluation Methods

Abstract : The Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) developed a low-cost human-computer interaction (HCI) laboratory in 2004. Since that time, the lab has grown into a teaching laboratory introducing HCI concepts to cadets in the Behavioral Sciences-Human Factors option as well as cadets in the Systems Engineering-Human Systems concentration. The HCI lab exposed cadets to contemporary methods and tools used in usability evaluation. The purpose of this final report is to document two studies recently conducted in the HCI laboratory. The first study examined the use of eye tracking as an advanced technique in determining the attentional focus of an evaluator watching a recorded usability highlight video. Current usability evaluation recording technology provides the usability practitioner with the capability to record audio, video of the user, and desktop screen activity in a "picture-in-picture" (PIP) format, allowing the evaluator to observe the interface screen and the human user simultaneously. The research question in the first study focused on how best to present the PIP video that is often displayed along with the desktop screen capture. In the second study, instructors in the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department were interested in examining the changes in a student's technique of identifying usability problems while using the HCI laboratory. Practitioners in the usability field have noted that experience contributes to the quality of usability problem reports, especially when that experience includes exposure to a framework for doing usability evaluation. Thirteen students in an undergraduate HCI course participated in this study during the Fall 2006 semester.
Corneal Endothelial Cell Migration and Proliferation Enhanced by Rho Kinase (ROCK) Inhibitors in In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Purpose To explore the role of Rho-associated kinases (ROCK) in corneal physiology and regeneration, and the effects of suppressing its activity in stimulating corneal endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Methods Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect RhoA and ROCK-1 and ROCK-2 in human corneal tissue. Adult porcine corneal endothelial cells (CECs) were isolated, grown to confluence, and further characterized. Under the treatment of ROCK inhibitors, changes in the cellular distribution profile of ZO-1 and F-actin were examined by immunofluorescence staining. Corneal endothelial cells migration was evaluated by scratch assay and analyzed with Axiovision software. Cell proliferation was quantified using Click-iT EdU HCS Assay. In vivo, the corneal endothelia of rabbits were surgically injured and H-1152 was topically applied for 10 days. Progress of wound healing was evaluated daily by monitoring corneal edema, inflammation, and thickness using slit-lamp examination, photography, and pachymetry. Rabbits were euthanized and enucleated for further evaluation. Results H-1152 exhibited significant stimulatory effect on CEC migration and proliferation in vitro compared with both untreated and Y-27632–treated cells. Furthermore, topical administration of H-1152 led to marked reduction in corneal edema and formation of multinucleate CECs in vivo suggestive of proliferation associated with healing. Conclusions H-1152 exhibited a better stimulatory effect on CEC migration and proliferation in vitro than Y-27632. Our findings suggest that topical administration of H-1152 promotes healing of injured corneal endothelium in vivo. These results demonstrate the efficacy of ROCK inhibitors as a potential topical therapy for patients with corneal endothelial disease.
[Pediatric osteo-articular infections with negative culture results: what about Kingella kingae?].

Kingella kingae is an emerging pathogen that is recognized as a causative agent of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, primarily in infants and children. The bacterium is best detected by rapid inoculation in blood culture systems or by real-time PCR assays. Pathogenesis of the agent was linked recently to the production of a potent cytotoxin, known as RTX, which is toxic to a variety of human cell types. The locus encoding the RTX toxin is thought to be a putative virulence factor, and is, apparently, essential for inducing cytotoxic effects on respiratory epithelial, synovial and macrophage-like cells. Herein, we describe a novel real-time PCR assay that targets the RTX toxin gene. The assay exhibited a sensitivity of 30 c.f. u. , which is 10-fold more sensitive than a previously published semi-nested broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR, and showed no crossreactivity with several related species and common osteoarticular pathogens. Its clinical impact is illustrated by three pediatric cases.
Structural and Biochemical Analysis of the Effect of Immobilization Followed by Stretching on the Calcaneal Tendon of Rats

Little is known about the stretching effects on the biochemical and morphological features of tendons submitted to a long period of immobilization. Our purpose was to evaluate the response of rat tendons to stretching procedures after immobilization. The animals were separated into five experimental groups: GI—control of immobilized and euthanized animals; GII—immobilized and euthanized animals; GIII—control of immobilized animals and afterward stretched or allowed free cage activity; GIV—immobilized and stretched animals; and GV—immobilized and allowed free cage activity. Analysis in SDS-PAGE showed no remarkable differences among the groups, but a prominent collagen band was observed in GV, as compared to GIV and the control group, both in the compression and tension regions. Hydroxyproline content was highest in the compression region of GII. No differences among the groups were observed in the tension region. In regard to the concentration of noncollagenous proteins, differences were detected only in the tension region, where larger concentrations were found in the GII. When GII and GIV were compared, highest values were found in the GII. A more abundant presence of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, especially chondroitin sulfate, was detected in GIV, at the compression region of tendons. The presence of dermatan sulfate was outstanding in the compression and tension regions of the GII and GV groups. In the Ponceau SS stained sections, analyzed under polarization microscopy, GII exhibited the highest disorganization of the collagen bundles, partially recovered after stretching or with only remobilization. Our results indicate that a revision in the stretching procedures, in terms of duration and periodicity of the sessions, could benefit the efficiency of the stretching in cases of previous immobilization of tendons.
The β3-Adrenergic Receptor Gene Trp64Arg Mutation is Overrepresented in Obese Women: Effects on Weight, BMI, Abdominal Fat, Blood Pressure, and Reproductive History in an Elderly Australian Population

A tryptophan to arginine (Trp64Arg) mutation in the β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) gene has been implicated in diabetes and obesity. We investigated the relationship of the β3-AR gene mutation with total body weight, BMI, central abdominal fat, blood pressure (BP), and reproductive history in 686 elderly subjects (429 women, 257 men; mean age 69.8 ± 6.9 [±SD] years) from a cross section of a normal population in Australia. About 14% of the test population were heterozygote carriers of the Trp64Arg mutation; however, significant effects on clinical parameters were only observed in women. The frequency of the mutation was significantly increased in obese women compared with lean women (BMI ≥ 27: 20% compared with BMI < 27: 11%, P = 0.02). Significantly higher total body weight (67.5 ± 12.9 vs. 64.1 ± 12.2 kg, P = 0.03) and BMI (26.3 ± 4.7 vs. 25.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2, P = 0.03) was observed in heterozygote women compared with normal subjects (homozygous for tryptophan). Central abdominal fat was not significantly different, except in women under 70 years, where heterozygotes had 16% higher abdominal fat compared with normal subjects. Female heterozygotes had significantly higher diastolic BP, even after adjustment for age and BMI (88.9 ± 11.1 vs. 84.2 ± 10.8 mmHg, P = 0.003) and a longer reproductive life, with an earlier menarche (12.8 ± 1.3 vs. 13.4 ± 1.5 years, P = 0.006), a higher gravidity (4.4 ± 2.4 vs. 3.5 ± 2.1, P = 0.01), and higher parity (3.8 ± 2.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.9, P = 0.005). Clearly, the β3-AR mutation has pleiotrophic effects on a number of physiological systems, including BMI, BP, and reproductive history, perhaps suggesting evolutionary reasons for its maintenance in the population.
OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AND MORTALITY IN PATIENTS OVER 80 YEARS OF AGE.

Operations upon the elderly patient have always been approached with apprehension because of the added hazards posed by age. However, as the number of our senior citizens increases, we are being forced to take them to the operating room with ever increasing frequency. It is essential that we learn everything possible about the nature of the advanced geriatric patient and his reaction to operative stress. The 1960 census reports 5,091 persons beyond 80 years of age living in Louisville and Jefferson County, Kentucky. According to the Life Table statistics 12 of the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, a person who was 80 years old in 1960 had a remaining life expectancy of 6.4 years. A person 85 years of age in 1960 had an expected 4.8 years of life remaining. While all population statistics show a marked increase in the number of persons living beyond the age of
Diurnal variation of urinary MHPG in unipolar and bipolar depressives

In eight bipolar depressives, 11 unipolar depressives, and 15 healthy controls urinary excretion of MHPG was measured at 3‐h intervals over one 24‐h period. Bipolars excreted smaller amounts of MHPG than unipolars and controls, especially at night. MHPG excretion was significantly dependent on time of day in the control group only. In the patients maximum excretion showed a tendency to occur earlier in the day than in controls. Minima were unaffected. There were indications that tricyclic antidepressants advance MHPG phases.
The effect of aqueous seed extract of Moringa Oleifera on sperm count, motility and morphology in male albino wistar rats

The effect of aqueous seed extract of Moringa oleifera on sperm count, sperm motility and morphology was studied in male albino wistar rats. Fifteen (15) male albino wistar rats weighing between 160 – 200g at start of experiment were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups of five (5) rats each. Group one was control and was given distilled water, group two was the low dose group (LD) and was given 300mg/kg body weight of M. oleifera seed extract and group three; the high dose group (HD) was given 600mg/kg body weight of the extract. The extract was administered per oral route and all the animals were allowed free access to food and water. The feeding lasted for four weeks. At the end of the feeding period, the animals were sacrificed and the epididymis was harvested for determination of sperm count, motility and morphology. Results obtained showed that sperm count was 162.80 ± 8.89, 129.40 ± 6.69 and 192.60 ± 7.65 (x106 cells/mm3), for control, HD and LD group, respectively. The sperm count in HD group was significantly higher (P<0.05) than control and low dose group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in motility and morphology among the control, low dose and high dose groups. In conclusion, this evaluation provides evidence that aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera may increase sperm count at high dose and may not improve the percentage of normal sperm cells. Therefore, chronic consumption of M. oleifera may not improve fertility in males.
Aquatic fungi parasitic on temperate fishes of Kumaun Himalaya, India

Summary. Eighty isolates of different species of aquatic fungi belonging to Achlya, Aphanomyces, Dictyuchus, Protoachlya, Saprolegnia, Thraustotheca and Pythium are observed as parasites of certain temperate fish of Kumaun Himalaya, India. The parasitic ability of each isolate was confirmed by artificial inoculation experiments under laboratory conditions. The genera of Saprolegnia and Achlya were more virulent fish parasites than Aphanomyces, Dictyuchus, Protoachlya, Thraustotheca and Pythium. All the fish species observed are new hosts for these pathogens. Protoachlya paradoxa, Achlya klebsiana, Thraustotheca clavata and Pythium undulatum are reported for the first time as natural pathogens of fish.
Body composition and nutritional profile of male adolescent tennis players

Abstract In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the body composition and dietary intake of 44 adolescent tennis players. After being divided into two groups (age 10–13 years and age 14–18), the players had their weight, height, and sexual maturation assessed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition. Food intake was obtained from a non-consecutive 4-day food record. The data were analysed using the Virtual Nutri v.1. 0 software and compared with the present recommendations for adolescent athletes or dietary reference intakes. Body mass index and body fat for tennis practice were adequate for 89% and 71% of the tennis players respectively, regardless of age group. A calorie deficit greater than 10% of energy expenditure was observed in 32% of the sample. Fifty percent of the athletes consumed carbohydrates in accordance with recommended values. Protein and lipid intakes were above recommended values, while fibre, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and folic acid intakes were below recommendation for 98%, 80%, 100%, 100%, and 98% of the tennis players respectively. The observed nutritional deficiencies represent an additional barrier for adolescents engaged in competitive sports to achieve an optimum nutrition to maintain growth, health, and performance.
Unbiased morphometrical measurements show loss of pigmented nigral neurones with ageing

This study used the dissector method to evaluate pigmented nigral neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta with age. Dissector counts can be used to estimate the absolute and accurate total neurone numbers. In addition, the area and diameter of the neuronal cell body was estimated by using a computerized morphometric analysis in a single section of the substantia nigra pars compacta. Brain samples from 26 people with an age range from 17 to 90 years were studied. A significant decrease in the total number of pigmented neurones (r=−0.83, P<0.001) and their density (r=−0.83, P<0.001) with age was found in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The number of pigmented neurones counted from a single section also showed an age‐dependent decline (r=−0.76, P<0.001). According to the regression equations, the total number of pigmented neurones estimated by dissector counts decreased by 9.8% per decade and the neuronal density decreased by 7.4% per decade. The area of the neuronal cell body decreased by 3.2% per decade. This latter change corresponds to an approximate 4.4% decrease per decade in neuronal volume. These findings show that both the number of pigmented neurones and their size in the substantia nigra pars compacta decreases with age. However, the reductions in the total number of pigmented neurones are more dramatic than the reduction in neurone size with ageing.
Board Compensation, Corporate Governance, and Firm Performance in Indonesia

This paper examines the determinants of board compensation in a developing economy that adopts a two-tier board structure system. Corporate governance structure, firm-specific characteristics, and firm performance are hypothesized as significant determinants. The sample consists of 442 firm-year observations, comprising 255 listed firms on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in the financial years 2006 and 2007. I provide empirical evidence that profitability, firm size, and the number of board members are positively associated with compensation level. Smaller firms are found to spend higher proportion of their financial resources to compensate their board members. Additionally, firm size and family control play important roles in explaining the relationship between board compensation and firm performance. Further, this study investigates pay-performance sensitivity and reveals that changes in firm value are positively associated with changes in board compensation.
A Meta-Analysis of Early Sustained Response Rates Between Antidepressants and Placebo for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

Context: Pattern analysis suggests that "true" drug response is characterized by clinical improvement that is not subsequently followed by a worsening of symptoms (sustained clinical response). To date, several reports demonstrate that early response rates are equivalent between antidepressant-treated and placebo-treated groups of patients with major depressive disorder, suggesting that patients who demonstrate significant and sustained symptom improvement during the first 2 weeks of treatment are not responding to the antidepressant itself, but to nonspecific, placebo-like factors. Objective: To compare early sustained response rates between antidepressant- and placebo-treated adults with major depressive disorder. Data Sources: Medline/Pubmed were searched. No year of publication limits were used. Study Selection: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled antidepressant trials or pooled reports/meta-analyses of such trials reporting early sustained response rates for major depressive disorder. The decision to include studies in the meta-analysis was performed by 2 reviewers. Data Extraction: Data were extracted with the use of a precoded form. Data Synthesis: Analyses were performed on the proportion of patients who achieved a sustained response the first 2 weeks of treatment, as well as the first week of treatment. A random-effects model with fixed drug effects was used to combine the studies and make comparisons of sustained early response rates between antidepressant- and placebo-treated groups. Data from 8 reports involving a total of 7121 major depressive disorder patients (4076 randomized to treatment with an antidepressant and 3045 randomized to placebo) were analyzed. Antidepressant-treated patients were more likely to demonstrate sustained clinical response by 2 weeks (odds ratio 2.06, 95% CI: 1.52-2.8) or 1 week of treatment (odds ratio 1.50, 95% CI: 1.08-2.08) than placebo-treated patients. Conclusions: The results of the present analysis suggest that "true" drug response can occur the first 2 week as well as the first week of treatment of major depressive disorder with conventional antidepressants.