Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stress and stereotypic behaviour in mink (Mustela vison): A focus on adrenocortical activity

We examined whether female mink with low (LS) and high (HS) occurrence of stereotypic behaviour differ in their adrenocortical activity in baseline conditions or in response to immobilisation (Experiment 1), handling, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge (Experiment 2) and excretion of circulating cortisol (Experiment 3). Faeces are the predominating excretory route of cortisol (83%), with peak concentrations after 4.2 h (urine: 3.4 h). Faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) reflected changes in relation to handling/ACTH challenge. In Experiment 1 (n = 162), HS mink had approximately 54% higher baseline level of FCM than LS mink (P < 0.001), with markedly elevated FCM on the days after an immobilisation stressor. In Experiment 2 (n = 48), LS and HS mink did not differ in adrenocortical activity after an ACTH challenge. However, HS mink reacted more in response to handling, evident in the FCM level 4–20 h after the handling (P = 0.001). In Experiment 3 (n = 16), the excretion of infused 3H-cortisol did not differ between LS and HS mink. Stereotypic behaviour is concurrent with higher baseline concentrations of FCM, which cannot be explained by a greater adrenocortical reactivity or a different excretion of the circulating cortisol. Instead, we conclude that mink with a high level of stereotypic behaviour have a greater perception of stress, or increased sensitivity to stressors at the pituitary level.
Clinical assessment and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder that frequently persists into adulthood, with significant levels of inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Impairments associated with adult ADHD include distress from the symptoms, impaired ability to function in work and academic settings, and problems sustaining stable relationships. The disorder is commonly associated with volatile moods, antisocial behavior, and drug and alcohol misuse. There is an increased risk of developing comorbid anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and drug and alcohol dependence. Despite the proven effectiveness of drugs such as methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine, few cases of ADHD are recognized and treated in the UK. The reasons for this are unclear, since most psychiatrists working with children and adolescents are aware that ADHD commonly persists into adult life and they also see the disorder affecting parents of children with ADHD. Issues of transition from the care of child to adult psychiatry and the need to refer adult relatives of children with ADHD to suitable psychiatric services are a major concern. Furthermore, many cases of adult ADHD go unrecognized or are seen by mental health teams that are not familiar with the subtleties of the adult presentation. As a result, misdiagnosis and treatment for conditions such as atypical depression, mixed affective disorder, cyclothymia, and borderline and unstable emotional personality disorders is not uncommon. There is therefore a requirement for further training in this area. This review will describe the common clinical presentation and provide guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults. Any psychiatrically trained physician using standard psychiatric assessment procedures can perform clinical evaluations for adult ADHD. As with other psychiatric disorders in adulthood, ADHD has its own characteristic onset, course and psychopathology. Symptoms of ADHD are trait-like, being stable characteristics from early childhood, and commonly co-occur with affective instability. Stimulants are the mainstay of treatment and are effective in around 70% of cases. Psychotherapeutic interventions also have an important role. These guidelines will assist psychiatrists and other adult mental health workers in identifying and treating individuals with adult ADHD.
Prediction of 2000 m indoor rowing performance using a 30 s sprint and maximal oxygen uptake

The aim of this study was to predict indoor rowing performance in 12 competitive female rowers (age 21.3 - 3.6 years, height 1.68 - 0.54 m, body mass 67.1 - 11.7 kg; mean - s ) using a 30 s rowing sprint, maximal oxygen uptake and the blood lactate response to submaximal rowing. Blood lactate and oxygen uptake ( V O 2 ) were measured during a discontinuous graded exercise test on a Concept II rowing ergometer incremented by 25 W for each 2 min stage; the highest V O 2 measured during the test was recorded as V O 2max (mean = 3.18 - 0.35 l· min -1 ). Peak power (380 - 63.2 W) and mean power (368 - 60.0 W) were determined using a modified Wingate test protocol on the Concept II rowing ergometer. Rowing performance was based on the results of the 2000 m indoor rowing championship in 1997 (466.8 - 12.3 s). Laboratory testing was performed within 3 weeks of the rowing championship. Submitting mean power (Power), the highest and lowest five consecutive sprint power outputs (Maximal and Minimal), percent fatigue in the sprint test (Fatigue), V O 2max (l· min -1 ), V O 2max (ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ), V O 2 at the lactate threshold, power at the lactate threshold (W), maximal lactate concentration, lactate threshold (percent V O 2max ) and V E max (l·min -1 ) to a stepwise multiple regression analysis produced the following model to predict 2000 m rowing performance: Time 2000 =- 0.163 (Power)14.213 ·( V O 2max l· min -1 ) + 0.738· (Fatigue) + 567.259 ( R 2 = 0.96, standard error = 2.89). These results indicate that, in the women studied, 75.7% of the variation in 2000 m indoor rowing performance time was predicted by peak power in a rowing Wingate test, while V O 2max and fatigue during the Wingate test explained an additional 12.1% and 8.2% of the variance, respectively.
Psoriasis and coeliac disease; is there any relationship?

Coeliac disease (CD) is a common chronic immune-mediated gluten-dependent enteropathy with a prevalence of 1 in 104 individuals in Iran (1). CD is characterized by intestinal malabsorbtion and subtotal or total atrophy of intestinal villi, which improves with a gluten-free diet (GFD) (2). Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing dermatosis characterized by scaling, erythema and, to a lesser extent, pustulation. Immune mechanisms play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis (3). Structural and functional abnormalities in the gastro-intestinal tract, such as degenerative and dystrophic changes in epithelial cells and inflammatory stromal infiltration of the gastric and duodenal mucosa, have been identified in psoriatic patients (4, 5). Studies have demonstrated an association between CD and psoriasis (6–9) and an improvement in skin lesions after 3–6 months of GFD, without other pharmacological approaches (10, 11). However, the relationship between CD and psoriasis is unknown due to the paucity of studies, which are mostly confined to case series reporting coincidence of the two conditions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of CD in Iranian psoriatic patients. A total of 328 consecutive psoriatic patients attending the Dermatology Clinic of Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled in this study. Detailed information was obtained about the patients' status of skin disease, previous and current therapies for psoriasis, and history of gastrointestinal symptoms, including flatulence, epigastric pain, diarrhoea, constipation, dyspepsia, and vomiting. The severity of psoriasis was evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), which determines the affected body surface area, together with erythema, infiltration, and scaling. Laboratory tests for screening of CD, including immunoglo-bulin (Ig)A endomysial antibody (EMA) and IgA-tissue-trans-glutaminase antibody (tTG), were performed for all patients. Patients with at least one positive serological marker underwent upper endoscopy and duodenal biopsy. The biopsy species were evaluated by a pathologist (blinded to the serological test results) according to modified Marsh classification. 0: normal mucosal structure without significant lymphocytic infiltration; I: lymphocytic enteritis (more than 30 lymphocytes/100 epithe-lial cells); II: lymphocytic enteritis and crypt hyperplasia; IIIA: partial villous atrophy; IIIB: subtotal villous atrophy and IIIC: total atrophy. The presence of at least one positive serology test plus Marsh 3 in duodenal pathology was considered as CD. RESULTS Table I summarizes the demographic details and psoria-sis-related characteristics of the patients. Seventy-seven percent of the patients had psoriasis vulgaris (plaque type) and the remainder had other types of psoriasis, including guttate, flexural, psoriasis of …
Incontinence following sphincter division for treatment of anal fistula

Objective Management of anal fistula poses problems because of competing goals of cure and maintenance of continence. There is increasing recognition of significant rates of incontinence after sphincter‐dividing anal surgery. We aimed to determine cure and continence status in a cohort of anal fistula patients managed by both sphincter‐dividing and conserving approaches.
Genetic disease in the children of Danish survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer.

PURPOSE Preconception radiation and chemotherapy have the potential to produce germ cell mutations leading to genetic disease in the next generation. Dose-response relationships were evaluated between cancer treatments and untoward pregnancy outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS A case-cohort study was conducted involving 472 Danish survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer and their 1,037 pregnancies. Adverse outcomes included 159 congenital malformations, six chromosomal abnormalities, seven stillbirths, and nine neonatal deaths. Preconception radiation doses to the gonads, uterus, and pituitary gland and administered chemotherapy were quantified based on medical records and related to adverse outcomes using a generalized estimating equation model. RESULTS No statistically significant associations were found between genetic disease in children and parental treatment with alkylating drugs or preconception radiation doses to the testes in male and ovaries in female cancer survivors. Specifically, the risk of genetic disease was similar among the children of irradiated survivors when compared with nonirradiated survivors (relative risk [RR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.44; P = .94). A statistically significant association between abdomino-pelvic irradiation and malformations, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths was not seen in the children of female survivors overall (P = .07) or in the children of mothers receiving high uterine doses (mean, 13.5 Gy; max, 100 Gy; RR, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.95 to 5.56). CONCLUSION Mutagenic chemotherapy and radiotherapy doses to the gonads were not associated with genetic defects in children of cancer survivors. However, larger studies need to be conducted to further explore potential associations between high-dose pelvic irradiation and specific adverse pregnancy outcomes.
4′-Phosphopantetheine Transfer in Primary and Secondary Metabolism of Bacillus subtilis *

4′-Phosphopantetheine transferases (PPTases) transfer the 4′-phosphopantetheine moiety of coenzyme A onto a conserved serine residue of acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) of fatty acid and polyketide synthases as well as peptidyl carrier proteins (PCPs) of nonribosomal peptide synthetases. This posttranslational modification converts ACPs and PCPs from their inactive apo into the active holo form. We have investigated the 4′-phosphopantetheinylation reaction inBacillus subtilis, an organism containing in total 43 ACPs and PCPs but only two PPTases, the acyl carrier protein synthase AcpS of primary metabolism and Sfp, a PPTase of secondary metabolism associated with the nonribosomal peptide synthetase for the peptide antibiotic surfactin. We identified and cloned ydcBencoding AcpS from B. subtilis, which complemented anEscherichia coli acps disruption mutant. B. subtilis AcpS and its substrate ACP were biochemically characterized. AcpS also modified the d-alanyl carrier protein but failed to recognize PCP and an acyl carrier protein of secondary metabolism discovered in this study, designated AcpK, that was not identified by the Bacillus genome project. On the other hand, Sfp was able to modify in vitro all acyl carrier proteins tested. We thereby extend the reported broad specificity of this enzyme to the homologous ACP. This in vitro cross-interaction between primary and secondary metabolism was confirmed under physiological in vivo conditions by the construction of a ydcB deletion in a B. subtilis sfp + strain. The genes coding for Sfp and its homolog Gsp from Bacillus brevis could also complement the E. coli acps disruption. These results call into question the essential role of AcpS in strains that contain a Sfp-like PPTase and consequently the suitability of AcpS as a microbial target in such strains.
Energetics of structural domains in α‐lactalbumin

α‐Lactalbumin is a small, globular protein that is stabilized by four disulfide bonds and contains two structural domains. One of these domains is rich in α‐helix (the α‐domain) and has Cys 6‐Cys 120 and Cys 28‐Cys 111 disulfide bonds. The other domain is rich in β‐sheet (the β‐domain), has Cys 61‐Cys 77 and Cys 73‐Cys 91 disulfide bonds, and includes one calcium binding site. To investigate the interaction between domains, we studied derivatives of bovine α‐lactalbumin differing in the number of disulfide bonds, using calorimetry and CD at different temperatures and solvent conditions. The three‐disulfide form, having a reduced Cys 6‐Cys 120 disulfide bond with carboxymethylated cysteines, is similar to intact α‐lactalbumin in secondary and tertiary structure as judged by its ellipticity in the near and far UV. The two‐disulfide form of α‐lactalbumin, having reduced Cys 6‐Cys 120 and Cys 28‐Cys 111 disulfide bonds with carboxymethylated cysteines, retains about half the secondary and tertiary structure of the intact α‐lactalbumin. The remaining structure is able to bind calcium and unfolds cooperatively upon heating, although at lower temperature and with significantly lower enthalpy and entropy. We conclude that, in the two disulfide form, α‐lactalbumin retains its calcium‐binding β‐domain, whereas the α‐domain is unfolded. It appears that the β‐domain does not require α‐domain to fold, but its structure is stabilized significantly by the presence of the adjacent folded α‐domain.
Bocavirus Infection Induces a DNA Damage Response That Facilitates Viral DNA Replication and Mediates Cell Death

ABSTRACT Minute virus of canines (MVC) is an autonomous parvovirus that replicates efficiently without helper viruses in Walter Reed/3873D (WRD) canine cells. We previously showed that MVC infection induces mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis and G2/M-phase arrest in infected WRD cells. However, the mechanism responsible for these effects has not been established. Here, we report that MVC infection triggers a DNA damage response in infected cells, as evident from phosphorylation of H2AX and RPA32. We discovered that both ATM (ataxia telangiectasia-mutated kinase) and ATR (ATM- and Rad3-related kinase) were phosphorylated in MVC-infected WRD cells and confirmed that ATM activation was responsible for the phosphorylation of H2AX, whereas ATR activation was required for the phosphorylation of RPA32. Both pharmacological inhibition of ATM activation and knockdown of ATM in MVC-infected cells led to a significant reduction in cell death, a moderate correction of cell cycle arrest, and most importantly, a reduction in MVC DNA replication and progeny virus production. Parallel experiments with an ATR-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) had no effect. Moreover, we identified that this ATM-mediated cell death is p53 dependent. In addition, we localized the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex, the major mediator as well as a substrate of the ATM-mediated DNA damage response pathway to MVC replication centers during infection, and show that Mre11 knockdown led to a reduction in MVC DNA replication. Our findings are the first to support the notion that an autonomous parvovirus is able to hijack the host DNA damage machinery for its own replication and for the induction of cell death.
Real-Time Distributed Management for Control of Smart Grids

This paper proposes a real-time neighborhood energy management (NEM) approach that aims to manage real-time residential energy. The introduced approach considers the neighborhood energy surpluses in order to reduce peak load demand and gas emissions. First, NEM allows decreases in energy cost by optimally choosing between locally generated energy, neighborhood energy surplus, or grid supplied. Second, NEM maximizes the producer’s gains by selling the excess energy not only to the utility companies but also to neighbors at a more profitable price. Our proposed energy selling price is flexible and adequately adapted to the user’s excess energy. Simulation results proved the effectiveness of our proposed approach. The results show that our energy sharing pricing model satisfies the requirements of each user (minimizing energy cost and maximizing gain). NEM can effectively motivate and encourage users to share energy.
The effects of cannabidiol and its synergism with bortezomib in multiple myeloma cell lines. A role for transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐2

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell (PC) malignancy characterised by the accumulation of a monoclonal PC population in the bone marrow (BM). Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non‐psychoactive cannabinoid with antitumoural activities, and the transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐2 (TRPV2) channel has been reported as a potential CBD receptor. TRPV2 activation by CBD decreases proliferation and increases susceptibility to drug‐induced cell death in human cancer cells. However, no functional role has been ascribed to CBD and TRPV2 in MM. In this study, we identified the presence of heterogeneous CD138+TRPV2+ and CD138+TRPV2− PC populations in MM patients, whereas only the CD138+ TRPV2− population was present in RPMI8226 and U266 MM cell lines. Because bortezomib (BORT) is commonly used in MM treatment, we investigated the effects of CBD and BORT in CD138+TRPV2− MM cells and in MM cell lines transfected with TRPV2 (CD138+TRPV2+). These results showed that CBD by itself or in synergy with BORT strongly inhibited growth, arrested cell cycle progression and induced MM cells death by regulating the ERK, AKT and NF‐κB pathways with major effects in TRPV2+ cells. These data provide a rationale for using CBD to increase the activity of proteasome inhibitors in MM.
Does lean implementation interact with group functioning?

PURPOSE As healthcare often is studied in relation to operational rather than socio-technical aspects of Lean such as teamwork, the purpose of this paper is to explore how a Swedish hospital Lean intervention was related to changes in teamwork over time. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Teamwork was measured with the Group Development Questionnaire (GDQ) employee survey during Lean implementation at three units, in 2010 (n = 133) and 2011 (n = 130). Qualitative data including interviews, observations and document analysis were used to characterize the Lean implementation and context. The expected teamwork change patterns were compared with GDQ data through linear regression analysis. FINDINGS At Ward-I, Lean implementation was successful and teamwork improved. At Ward-II, Lean was partially implemented and teamwork improved slightly, while both Lean and teamwork deteriorated at the emergency department (ED). The regression analysis was significant at ED (p = 0.02) and the Ward-II (p = 0.04), but not at Ward-I (p = 0.11). RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS Expected changes in teamwork informed by theory and qualitative data may make it possible to detect the results of a complex change. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Overall, Lean may have some impact on teamwork, if properly implemented. However, this impact may be more prominent in relation to structural and productivity issues of teamwork than group members' relational issues. Practitioners should note that, with groups struggling with initial stages of group functioning, Lean may be very challenging. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This study focussed specifically on implications of Lean for nurse teamwork in a hospital setting using both qualitative and quantitative data. Importantly, the group functioning at the time when Lean is initiated may affect the implementation of Lean.
Antioxidants from barley husks impregnated in films of low-density polyethylene and their effect over lipid deterioration of frozen cod (Gadus morhua).

BACKGROUND The changes in quality of cod fillets packaged in films with and without antioxidants during 12 months of frozen storage at - 20 °C were investigated in the present study. The following parameters were determined in order to study lipid hydrolysis and primary and secondary lipid oxidation in the samples during frozen storage: peroxide value, conjugated dienes, conjugated triene hydroperoxides, free fatty acids, totox value, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and p-anisidine value. RESULTS Films containing antioxidants isolated from barley husks were effective in slowing down lipid hydrolysis and primary and secondary lipid oxidation processes. Secondary lipid oxidation reached maximum values in the 12th month of storage in control samples and samples packaged with antioxidant-containing film. Maximum lipid hydrolysis and lipid oxidation values for control cod samples were significantly higher than the maximum values found in samples packaged with antioxidant-containing film. CONCLUSION The results confirm the efficacy of natural antioxidants derived from barley husks in slowing down lipid hydrolysis and increasing the oxidative stability of cod flesh. They also demonstrate the potential usefulness of natural antioxidants extracted from barley husks in the development of active packaging films for food preservation.
Effects of lysophosphatidic acid on human colon cancer cells and its mechanisms of action.

AIM To study the effects of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on proliferation, adhesion, migration, and apoptosis in the human colon cancer cell line, SW480, and its mechanisms of action. METHODS Methyl tetrazolium assay was used to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was employed to detect cell apoptosis. Cell migration was measured by using a Boyden transwell migration chamber. Cell adhesion assay was performed in 96-well plates according to protocol. RESULTS LPA significantly stimulated SW480 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner compared with the control group (P < 0.05) while the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, PD98059, significantly blocked the LPA stimulation effect on proliferation. LPA also significantly stimulated adhesion and migration of SW480 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, significantly inhibited the up-regulatory effect of LPA on adhesion and migration (P < 0.05). LPA significantly protected cells from apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic drugs, cisplatin and 5-FU (P < 0.05), but the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002, significantly blocked the protective effect of LPA on apoptosis. CONCLUSION LPA stimulated proliferation, adhesion, migration of SW480 cells, and protected from apoptosis. The Ras/Raf-MAPK, G12/13-Rho-RhoA and PI3K-AKT/PKB signal pathways may be involved.