Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Hand Removal for Small-Scale Management of Japanese Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

ABSTRACT Hand removal is often recommended as a method for small-scale control of Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica Newman). In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of daily hand removal for controlling damage by Japanese beetles on grape plants. We also investigated whether the timing of the removal (at 0800, 1400, or 1900 hours, or at all 3 periods) influenced the effectiveness of the technique. We found that hand removal significantly lowered the number of beetles on, and consequently the damage to, grape plants relative to nonremoval controls. Of the single removal treatments, removal of beetles at 1900 hours was most effective, with results similar to removing beetles three times per day. The majority of beetles removed from plants during the experiment were female, a pattern that matches our understanding of aggregation formation behavior in the species, and which may serve to enhance the benefits of hand removal. Hand removal seems to work by decreasing the number of feeding beetles, which in turn reduces the release of aggregation kairomones from the plant, and subsequently decreases the attractiveness of the plant to future beetles.
Varicella-Zoster virus gene expression in latently infected rat dorsal root ganglia.

Latent infection of human ganglia with Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) is characterized by a highly restricted pattern of viral gene expression. To enhance understanding of this process we used in situ hybridization (ISH) in a rat model of VZV latency to examine expression of RNA corresponding to eight different VZV genes in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at various times after footpad inoculation with wild-type VZV. PCR in situ amplification was also used to determine the cell specificity of latent VZV DNA. It was found that the pattern of viral gene expression at 1 week after infection was different from that observed at the later times of 1 and 18 months after infection. Whereas multiple genes were expressed at 1 week after infection, gene expression was restricted at the later time points when latency had been established. At the later time points after infection the RNA transcripts expressed most frequently were those for VZV genes 21, 62, and 63. Gene 63 was expressed more than any other gene studied. While VZV DNA was detected almost exclusively in 5-10% of neurons, VZV RNA was detected in both neurons and nonneuronal cells at an approximate ratio of 3:1. A newly described monoclonal antibody to VZV gene 63-encoded protein was used to detect this protein in neuronal nuclei and cytoplasm in almost half of the DRG studied. These results demonstrate that (1) this rat model of latency has close similarities in terms of viral gene expression to human VZV latency which makes it a useful tool for studying this process and its experimental modulation and (2) expression of VZV gene 63 appears to be the single most consistent feature of VZV latency.
Nesting Ecology of a Small Montane Population of the Nigerian/Cameroon Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) in Nigeria

Understanding nest site choice by chimpanzees has implications for ecology, anthropology, and in the collection of census data, yet it remains controversial. Here we provide the first information on environmental factors affecting nest site choice in a montane population of the rare and relatively understudied Nigerian/Cameroon chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) in Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, Nigeria. The forest is small, isolated, and visited by researchers, community members, and hunters. We also tested the hypothesis that people (researchers) walking along forest trails collecting data on a regular basis since 2005 will have changed nesting behaviour in the vicinity of the trails. Along the trails searched for nests, the chimpanzees used a subset of 35 (28.5%) of all available tree species. The top 5 nest tree species represented 16% of all non-nest tree species. The nest trees were on steeper than average slopes and the trees themselves were shorter and had a smaller DBH (diameter at breast height) than trees without nests. We found no evidence to suggest a change in nesting behaviour along trails compared with off trails; however, the average nest height today is considerably higher than it was in 2004, which may indicate a change in behaviour across the whole forest.
Abstract P-601: FASUDIL, AN INHIBITOR OF RHO-ASSOCIATED COILED-COIL KINASE, ATTENUATES HYPEROXIA-INDUCED PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN NEONATAL RATS

BACKGROUND Oxygen therapy is important during the management of high-risk neonatal infants, such as those with preterm birth, low birth weight, and asphyxia. However, prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations can readily lead to diffuse nonspecific inflammation, which promotes airway remodeling and pulmonary fibrosis. The Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (Rho/ROCK) signaling pathway plays an important role in numerous developmental and proliferative diseases. This study was performed to determine the efficacy of ROCK inhibitor fasudil in blocking the development of hyperoxia-induced lung injury and fibrosis in neonatal rats. METHODS Neonatal rats were randomly divided into four groups: air + saline group, air + fasudil group, hyperoxia + saline group, and hyperoxia + fasudil group. The hyperoxia + saline and Hyp + fasudil groups were exposed to 95% oxygen for 21 days and administered intraperitoneal saline or fasudil once daily. The air + saline and air + fasudil group were exposed to 21% oxygen (room air) and administered the same volume of intraperitoneal saline or fasudil. RESULTS Fasudil-treated rats exhibited improved histopathological changes and decreased lung hydroxyproline content. Fasudil attenuated the protein level of alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β1, and connective tissue growth factor. Additionally, fasudil reduced the activation of ROCK1 and myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 protein in the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Fasudil may be a potentially effective therapeutic drug for hyperoxia-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Responses to a payment policy denying professional charges for diagnostic imaging by nonradiologist physicians.

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of a payment policy denying reimbursement for the imaging-related professional services of nonradiologist physicians by comparing the use of and expenditures for diagnostic imaging examinations before and after implementation of the policy. DESIGN Retrospective economic evaluation of claims and expenditures for diagnostic imaging examinations filed by physicians practicing in the 20 US counties having the greatest number of United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds (hereafter referred to as Funds) beneficiaries. SETTING Insurance claims database of Funds beneficiaries, most of whom are elderly and live in rural communities and small towns. INTERVENTION The January 1, 1993, implementation of a reimbursement policy denying payment of professional claims for diagnostic imaging of nonradiologist physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Numbers and types of eligible claims and Funds payments for diagnostic imaging examinations during the year before and after the intervention, normalized for changes in the number of beneficiaries. RESULTS Despite the rejection of $811,466 in claims disallowed by the policy, the Funds paid 12% more for diagnostic imaging performed in the 20 counties we studied during 1993 than during 1992. The Funds reimbursed 41% more claims per beneficiary for diagnostic imaging in 1993 than in 1992 (t = -8.03, P < .0001). The absolute number of professional claims per beneficiary increased more than did technical or global claims. CONCLUSIONS Despite a payment policy designed, in part, to reduce the Funds' imaging-related expenditures, the physicians we studied filed more claims, leading to greater expenditures. An increased number of self-referred technical claims and greater referral to hospital radiology departments likely account for most of the observed increases in utilization and costs.
Use of a novel 3D culture model to elucidate the role of mesothelial cells, fibroblasts and extra‐cellular matrices on adhesion and invasion of ovarian cancer cells to the omentum

The omentum is a major site of ovarian cancer metastasis. Our goal was to establish a three‐dimensional (3D) model of the key components of the omental microenvironment (mesothelial cells, fibroblasts and extracellular matrices) to study ovarian cancer cell adhesion and invasion. The 3D model comprised of primary human fibroblasts extracted from normal human omentum, mixed with ECM and covered by a layer of primary human mesothelial cells, also from normal human omentum. After addition of ovarian cancer cells, the histological appearance of the 3D culture mimicked microscopic metastases to the omentum from patients with ovarian cancer. When ovarian cancer cells, SKOV3ip.1 and HeyA8, were applied to the 3D omental culture, 60% and 68% of all cells attached, respectively, but only 18% and 25% were able to invade. Ovarian cancer cells preferentially adhered to and invaded collagen I, followed by binding to collagen IV, fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin 10 and 1. Omental mesothelial cells significantly inhibited ovarian cancer cell adhesion and invasion, while omental fibroblasts induced adhesion and invasion. This effect is clearly mediated by direct cell–cell contact, since conditioned medium from mesothelial cells or fibroblasts has a minimal, or no, effect on ovarian cancer cell adhesion and invasion. In summary, we have established a 3D model to study the early steps of ovarian cancer metastasis to the human omentum, and found that omental mesothelial cells inhibit, while omental fibroblasts and the ECM enhance, the attachment and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immigrant Asian Indian women and postpartum depression.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of postpartum depressive symptomatology in a sample of immigrant Asian Indian women and to establish whether cultural factors such as arranged marriage or gender of the newborn are associated with differences in depression scores. DESIGN Quantitative, descriptive study. SETTING Ten private obstetric and pediatric offices in Northern California. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample of 58 self-selected immigrant Asian Indian women between 2 weeks and 12 months postpartum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Depressive symptomatology as measured by the 35-item self-report Postpartum Depression Screening Scale. RESULTS There was a minor depressive symptomatology rate of 28% and an additional major depressive symptomatology rate of 24%. No differences in depression scores were found with regard to arranged marriage or the gender of the newborn. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that Asian Indian women living in the United States are just as likely to experience postpartum depressive symptomatology as White women. Therefore, it is critical to identify and refer women at risk for postpartum depression to ensure they do not become part of the 50% who remain undiagnosed. Health care providers need to become cognizant of the potential for postpartum depression and become skilled in the detection of this mood disorder.
Lidocaine iontophoresis mediates analgesia in lateral epicondylalgia treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Iontophoresis transcutaneously delivers anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs for the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic with analgesic but no anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the clinical use of lidocaine iontophoresis-mediated analgesia in a larger treatment algorithm for five patients with lateral humeral epicondylalgia. METHOD The investigation was a case series design of five subjects, aged 52 (+/- 6) years, with epicondylalgia of 12-393 days' duration. At each treatment session, the patients received cryotherapy, cross-fibre massage and passive stretch. Between sessions analgesia was provided by an 80 mA-min low-current, long-duration lidocaine iontophoresis (LI) over a 24-hour period. Patients were treated on an every-other-day basis for a total of three treatment sessions. Clinical improvements were determined by triplicate measurements of dolorimetric force over the affected epicondyle prior to treatment 1 (baseline), prior to sessions 2 and 3, and one week following the last session. RESULTS Patients demonstrated an increasing tolerance to dolorimetric force application prior to the next session. The force values prior to session 2 (3.1 (+/- 1.1) Newton (N)) and one week following the third session (3.4 (+/- 0.5) N) were significantly improved from the baseline values (2.1 (+/- 0.9) N). CONCLUSIONS Pain associated with lateral epicondylalgia decreased, and function improved in all patients at the final measurement. One patient returned during the 90-day follow-up period to seek additional medical attention. This investigation documents the potential for analgesia provided by LI in the rehabilitation process of musculoskeletal dysfunction.
A phase I/II study comparing regimen schedules of gemcitabine and docetaxel in Japanese patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE Gemcitabine and docetaxel are non-platinum agents with activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was conducted to determine and evaluate the recommended regimen of gemcitabine-docetaxel and evaluated its efficacy and safety in chemonaive Japanese NSCLC patients. METHODS In phase I, patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were randomized and received either gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 plus docetaxel on day 1 or gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 plus docetaxel on day 8. The recommended regimen was the dose level preceding the maximum tolerated dose; once determined, patients were enrolled in phase II. Efficacy and toxicity were evaluated in all patients. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were enrolled in phase I and six patients were given the recommended regimen; gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 plus docetaxel 50 mg/m(2) on day 8. An additional 34 patients were enrolled into phase II and administered with the recommended regimen. The response rate was 32.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.6-45.6%] overall and 30.0% (95% CI 16.6-46.5%) in patients with the recommended regimen (40 patients). Although grade 3 interstitial pneumonia was observed in two patients (5.0%) who received the recommended regimen, both recovered shortly after steroid treatment. No unexpected events were observed throughout this study. CONCLUSIONS Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 plus docetaxel 50 mg/m(2) on day 8 has comparable efficacy and more tolerable toxicities than previously reported platinum-based regimens. These results should be verified by a phase III study.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 9 Enhances Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Leukocyte Recruitment to the Vascular Endothelium

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)9 is a circulating growth factor that is part of the TGF-β superfamily and is an essential regulator of vascular endothelial homeostasis. Previous studies have suggested a role for BMP9 signaling in leukocyte recruitment to the endothelium, but the directionality of this effect and underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we report that BMP9 upregulates TLR4 expression in human endothelial cells and that BMP9 pretreatment synergistically increases human neutrophil recruitment to LPS-stimulated human endothelial monolayers in an in vitro flow adhesion assay. BMP9 alone did not induce neutrophil recruitment to the endothelium. We also show that E-selectin and VCAM-1, but not ICAM-1, are upregulated in response to BMP9 in LPS-stimulated human endothelial cells. Small interfering RNA knockdown of activin receptor–like kinase 1 inhibited the BMP9-induced expression of TLR4 and VCAM-1 and inhibited BMP9-induced human neutrophil recruitment to LPS-stimulated human endothelial cells. BMP9 treatment also increased leukocyte recruitment within the pulmonary circulation in a mouse acute endotoxemia model. These results demonstrate that although BMP9 alone does not influence leukocyte recruitment, it primes the vascular endothelium to mount a more intense response when challenged with LPS through an increase in TLR4, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 and ultimately through enhanced leukocyte recruitment.
Therapeutic concentration of lithium stimulates complement C3 production in dendritic cells and microglia via GSK‐3 inhibition

Evidence indicates that widely prescribed mood stabilizer, lithium (Li), mediates cellular functions of differentiated monocytic cells, including microglial migration, monocyte‐derived dendritic cell (MoDC) differentiation, and amelioration of monocytic malfunctions observed in neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we surveyed molecules which take major roles in regulating these monocytic cellular functions. MoDCs treated with 1 and 5 mM Li, and microglia separated from Li‐treated mice were subjected to microarray‐based comprehensive gene expression analyses. Findings were validated using multiple experiments, including quantitative PCR, ELISA and immunostaining studies. Differing effects of Li on the two cell types were observed. Inflammation‐ and chemotaxis‐relevant genes were significantly over‐represented among Li‐induced genes in MoDCs, whereas no specific category of genes was over‐represented in microglia. The third component of complement (C3) was the only gene which was significantly induced by a therapeutic concentration of Li in both MoDCs and microglia. C3 production was increased by Li via GSK‐3 inhibition. Li‐induced C3 production was seen only in differentiated monocytic cells, but not in circulating monocytes. Our findings highlight a link between Li treatment and C3 production in differentiated monocytic cells, and reveal a regulatory role of GSK‐3 in C3 production. Induction of microglial C3 production might be a novel neuroprotective mechanism of Li via regulating interactions between microglia and neurons. GLIA 2015;63:257–270
Mapping of the C3d Ligand Binding Site on Complement Receptor 2 (CR2/CD21) Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Chemical Shift Analysis*

Complement receptor 2 (CR2, CD21) is a cell membrane protein, with 15 or 16 extracellular short consensus repeats (SCRs), that promotes B lymphocyte responses and bridges innate and acquired immunity. The most distally located SCRs (SCR1-2) mediate the interaction of CR2 with its four known ligands (C3d, Epstein-Barr virus gp350, interferon-α, and CD23). Inhibitory monoclonal antibodies against SCR1-2 block binding of all ligands. To develop ligand-specific inhibitors that would also assist in identifying residues unique to each receptor-ligand interaction, phage were selected from randomly generated libraries by panning with recombinant SCR1-2, followed by specific ligand-driven elution. Derived peptides were tested by competition ELISA. One peptide, C3dp1 (APQHLSSQYSRT) exhibited ligand-specific inhibition at midmicromolar IC50. C3d was titrated into 15N-labeled SCR1-2, which revealed chemical shift changes indicative of specific intermolecular interactions. With backbone assignments made, the chemical shift changes were mapped onto the crystal structure of SCR1-2. With regard to C3d, the binding surface includes regions of SCR1, SCR2, and the inter-SCR linker, specifically residues Arg13, Tyr16, Arg28, Tyr29, Ser32, Thr34, Lys48, Asp56, Lys57, Tyr68, Arg83, Gly84, Asn101, Asn105, and Ser109. SCR1 and SCR2 demonstrated distinct binding modes. The CR2 binding surface incorporating SCR1 is inconsistent with a previous x-ray CR2-C3d co-crystal analysis but consistent with mutagenesis, x-ray neutron scattering, and inhibitory monoclonal antibody epitope mapping. Titration with C3dp1 yielded chemical shift changes (Arg13, Tyr16, Thr34, Lys48, Asp56, Lys57, Tyr68, Arg83, Gly84, Asn105, and Ser109) overlapping with C3d, indicating that C3dp1 interacts at the same CR2 site as C3d.
A comparison of different balance tests in the prediction of falls in older women with vertebral fractures: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND people with vertebral fractures are at high risk of developing hip fractures. Falls risk is important in the pathogenesis of hip fractures. AIM to investigate if balance tests, in conjunction with a falls history, can predict falls in older women with vertebral fractures. METHODS a cohort study of community-dwelling women aged over 60 years, with vertebral fractures. Balance tests investigated were: 5 m-timed-up-and-go-test (5 m-TUG), timed 10 m walk, TURN180 test (number of steps to turn 180 degrees ), tandem walk, ability to stand from chair with arms folded. Leg extensor power was also measured. OUTCOME MEASURE fallers (at least one fall in a 12 month follow-up period) versus non-fallers. RESULTS one hundred and four women aged 63-91 years [mean=78 +/- 7], were recruited. Eighty-six (83%) completed the study. Four variables were significantly associated with fallers: previous recurrent faller (2+ falls) [OR=6.52; 95% CI=1.69-25.22], 5 m-TUG test [OR=1.03; 1.00-1.06], timed 10 m walk [OR=1.07; 1.01-1.13] and the TURN180 test [OR=1.22; 1.00-1.49] [P <0.05]. Multi-variable analysis showed that only two variables, previous recurrent faller [OR=5.60; 1.40-22.45] and the 5 m-TUG test [OR=1.04; 1.00-1.08], were independently significantly associated with fallers. The optimal cut-off time for performing the 5 m-TUG test in predicting fallers was 30 s (area under ROC=60%). Combining previous recurrent faller with the 5 m-TUG improved prediction of fallers [OR=16.79, specificity=100%, sensitivity=13%]. CONCLUSIONS a previous history of recurrent falls and the inability to perform the 5 m-TUG test within 30 s predicted falls in older women with vertebral fractures. Combining these two measures can predict fallers with a high degree of specificity (although a low sensitivity), allowing the identification of a group of patients suitable for fall and fracture prevention measures.
Longitudinal association between fasting blood glucose concentrations and first stroke in hypertensive adults in China: effect of folic acid intervention.

Background: Diabetes is a known risk factor for stroke, but data on its prospective association with first stroke are limited. Folic acid supplementation has been shown to protect against first stroke, but its role in preventing first stroke in diabetes is unknown.Objectives: This post hoc analysis of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial tested the hypotheses that the fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentration is positively associated with first stroke risk and that folic acid treatment can reduce stroke risk associated with elevated fasting glucose concentrations.Design: This analysis included 20,327 hypertensive adults without a history of stroke or myocardial infarction, who were randomly assigned to a double-blind daily treatment with 10 mg enalapril and 0.8 mg folic acid (n = 10,160) or 10 mg enalapril alone (n = 10,167). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportionate hazard models were used to test the hypotheses with adjustment for pertinent covariables.Results: During a median treatment duration of 4.5 y, 616 participants developed a first stroke (497 ischemic strokes). A high FBG concentration (≥7.0 mmol/L) or diabetes, compared with a low FBG concentration (<5.0 mmol/L), was associated with an increased risk of first stroke (6.0% compared with 2.6%, respectively; HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.8; P < 0.001). Folic acid treatment reduced the risk of stroke across a wide range of FBG concentrations ≥5.0 mmol/L, but risk reduction was greatest in subjects with FBG concentrations ≥7.0 mmol/L or with diabetes (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.97; P < 0.05). There was a significant interactive effect of FBG and folic acid treatment on first stroke (P = 0.01). Conclusions: In Chinese hypertensive adults, an FBG concentration ≥7.0 mmol/L or diabetes is associated with an increased risk of first stroke; this increased risk is reduced by 34% with folic acid treatment. These findings warrant additional investigation. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00794885.