Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stress Biology and Hormesis: The Yerkes–Dodson Law in Psychology—A Special Case of the Hormesis Dose Response

This article traces the historical foundations of the Yerkes–Dodson Law from its experimental foundations in the first decade of the 20th century, to its recognition as a generalizable phenomenon in multiple species including humans and to more current attempts to understand its molecular basis within the framework of stress-related biological processes. Within this context, the biological and dose-response characteristics of the Yerkes–Dodson Law are evaluated and compared to the hormesis dose-response model. Based on this evaluation, which includes study design analysis, statistical models of multiple factor/chemical interaction, and a comparative assessment of the quantitative features of these respective dose-response relationships and their molecular foundations, the Yerkes–Dodson Law is shown to represent a special case of the general concept of hormesis illustrating the interaction of two independent study variables, which has typically been observed to be an additive response, although not theoretically restricted to one. The conceptual integration of the Yerkes–Dodson Law within the hormetic dose response framework adds further support for the generalization of the hormesis concept.
The effects of nanoparticles on the renal system

Abstract Through a process of translocation across biological barriers, nanoparticles can reach and deposit in secondary target organs where they may induce adverse biological reactions. Therefore, a correct assessment of nanoparticle-induced adverse effects should take into account the different aspects of toxicokinetics and tissues that may be targeted by nanoparticles. For this reason, a comprehensive evaluation of renal nanotoxicity is urgently needed as kidneys are particularly susceptible to xenobiotics and renal excretion is an expected and possible elimination route of nanoparticles in living organisms. On one hand, summarizing the findings of in vitro and in vivo studies that have investigated the adverse effects of nanoparticles on the kidney, this review intends to provide a thorough insight into the nephrotoxicity of these substances. The evaluation of the in vitro studies revealed that different types of nanoparticles (carbon, metal and/or silica nanoparticles) are able to exert significant cytotoxic effects (i.e., decreased cell viability, induction of oxidative stress, mitochondrial or cytoskeleton dysfunction and cell membrane and DNA damage). On the other hand, in vivo studies demonstrated that nanoparticles exhibited an important nephrotoxic potential both at tubular (i.e., degeneration of tubular epithelial cell, cellular fragments and proteinaceous liquid in tubule lumen, renal interstitial fibrosis) and glomerular level (i.e., swollen glomeruli, changes in Bowman’s space and proliferation of mesangial cells). Although the data currently available indicate that nanoparticles may adversely impact the renal system, further studies are needed in order to clarify all the potential molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity induced by these xenobiotics, in particular at glomerular level.
Efficacy of processing treatments on cypermethrin residues in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Purpose – This paper aims to study the effect of different processing treatments to reduce cypermethrin residues in okra and judge the consumer preferences of the applied unit operations. Deliberate use of pesticides on vegetables has been frequently reported in recent past. Association of pesticides with multiple health odds in human beings necessitates its removal from diet. Design/methodology/approach – Cypermethrin residues were analysed using Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe method and quantified using gas chromatography. Consumer acceptability was judged using a 9-point Hedonic scale. Findings – Significant reductions were observed in all treatments applied. Percentage reduction observed with different pre-treatments ranged from 36 per cent (tap water) to 89 per cent (acetic acid and potassium permanganate). All cooking methods, except microwave cooking, were found effective, as the per cent reduction varied from 91 to 98 per cent. Maximum reductions were observed with pressure cooking. Howeve.
Respiratory Viruses in Nepalese Children With and Without Pneumonia: A Case-Control Study

Background: The causative role of respiratory viruses detected in upper airway secretions in childhood pneumonia needs further investigation. Objective: To measure the association between infection with respiratory RNA viruses and pneumonia in children. Methods: From March 2006 to July 2007, we conducted a case-control study of 680 pneumonia cases (WHO criteria) and 680 randomly selected, concurrently sampled age-matched controls among children aged 2–35 months in Bhaktapur, Nepal. A nasopharyngeal aspirate from each child was examined for 7 respiratory viruses using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We calculated the matched odds ratios (MORs) for the detection of the individual viruses from a case compared with a control as measures of pathogenicity using conditional logistic regression. Results: At least 1 virus was recovered in 248 (36.5%) cases and 48 (7.1%) controls. The MOR varied from 2.0 to 13.0; the highest associations were observed for parainfluenza virus type 3 (MOR 13.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0–28.0), respiratory syncytial virus (MOR 10.7; CI 4.6–24.6), and influenza A (MOR 6.3; CI 1.9–21.4). We observed that the association was lower for children age 2–5 months compared with older children for parainfluenza virus type 3 (P value for interaction 0.002). Conclusions: All of the 7 respiratory viruses were associated with pneumonia, but their pathogenicity varied. Parainfluenza type 3, RSV, and influenza A were most strongly associated with pneumonia.
Capturing ecology in modeling approaches applied to environmental risk assessment of endocrine active chemicals in fish

Abstract Endocrine active chemicals (EACs) are widespread in freshwater environments and both laboratory and field based studies have shown reproductive effects in fish at environmentally relevant exposures. Environmental risk assessment (ERA) seeks to protect wildlife populations and prospective assessments rely on extrapolation from individual-level effects established for laboratory fish species to populations of wild fish using arbitrary safety factors. Population susceptibility to chemical effects, however, depends on exposure risk, physiological susceptibility, and population resilience, each of which can differ widely between fish species. Population models have significant potential to address these shortfalls and to include individual variability relating to life-history traits, demographic and density-dependent vital rates, and behaviors which arise from inter-organism and organism–environment interactions. Confidence in population models has recently resulted in the EU Commission stating that results derived from reliable models may be considered when assessing the relevance of adverse effects of EACs at the population level. This review critically assesses the potential risks posed by EACs for fish populations, considers the ecological factors influencing these risks and explores the benefits and challenges of applying population modeling (including individual-based modeling) in ERA for EACs in fish. We conclude that population modeling offers a way forward for incorporating greater environmental relevance in assessing the risks of EACs for fishes and for identifying key risk factors through sensitivity analysis. Individual-based models (IBMs) allow for the incorporation of physiological and behavioral endpoints relevant to EAC exposure effects, thus capturing both direct and indirect population-level effects.
Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase reduces an acute peripheral motor neuropathy produced by dermal burn injury in mice

Abstract The systemic inflammatory response produced by a full‐thickness dermal burn injury is associated with a peripheral motor neuropathy. We previously reported that a 20% body surface area (BSA) full‐thickness dermal burn in C57BL6 mice produced structural and functional deficits in motor axons at a distance from the burn site. The etiology of the neuropathy, however, is not well characterized. Burn injury leads to an increase in production of a number of proinflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO). We tested the hypothesis that dermal burn‐induced motor neuropathy is mediated by increased production of NO. NO synthase (NOS) activity was inhibited following a 20% BSA full‐thickness burn by injection of non‐specific NOS inhibitor, nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester or inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitors, l‐N6‐(1‐iminoethyl) lysine, and aminoguanidine. NOS inhibitors also prevented the reduction in ventral roots mean axon caliber and the decrease in a motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) following burn. iNOS knockout mice prevented MCV decrease in the first 3 days post‐burn, but iNOS knockout MCV was significantly reduced at 7–14 days post‐burn. These results suggest that an increase in NO production generated by systemic inflammatory response pathways after burn injury contributes to the development of structural and functional deficits in peripheral motor axons.
Utility of the distal compound muscle action potential duration for diagnosis of demyelinating neuropathies

To assess the significance of distal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) duration for diagnosis of demyelinating neuropathies, electrophysiologic data were reviewed from 471 subjects, including 145 normal controls, 60 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), 205 with other neuropathy, and 61 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The duration of distally evoked CMAP was measured in the median, ulnar, tibial, and peroneal nerves. Optimal cut‐off values were calculated with receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In comparison of normal controls and CIDP patients, ROC analyses showed the sufficient area under the curves (82‐93%). When the cut‐off values in the detection of demyelination were determined as the point with 98% specificity vs. normal on the ROC curves (median, 6.6 ms; ulnar, 6.7 ms; peroneal, 7.6 ms; tibial, 8.8 ms), the sensitivity was 77% for CIDP, with a specificity of 90% vs. ALS and 95% vs. diabetic neuropathy. The distal CMAP duration is a useful index for the detection of distal demyelination. We suggest the above cut‐off values for each nerve as one of the electrodiagnostic criteria for demyelinating neuropathies, preferentially affecting the distal nerve terminals, such as CIDP.
Associations of Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels With Lipid Profiles, Growth, and Body Composition in HIV-infected Children Initiating or Changing Antiretroviral Therapy

Objectives: To measure proinflammatory cytokines (PIC) in HIV-infected children beginning or changing antiretroviral therapy (ART), evaluating associations with virologic, immunologic, serum lipid, growth, and body composition measures, markers of growth hormone action and glucose metabolism. Methods: Forty-nine prepubertal HIV-infected children had measurements of viral load (VL), CD4+ lymphocyte count and percentage, serum lipids, apolipoprotein AI/B, IGF-1, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3, anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, TNF-&agr;, IL-1 &bgr;, and IL-6 at baseline and 48 weeks of ART. Results: Baseline levels were detectable (>0.1 pg/mL) for IL-1 &bgr; in 28 of 48, and for TNF-&agr; and Il-6 in all 49 children. TNF-&agr; decreased with ART (P < 0.001) and IL-6 demonstrated a similar trend (P = 0.065). Children with 48-week VL <400 copies/mL had greater declines in TNF-&agr; (mean 45%) than subjects with higher VL (5%; P = 0.009). Each 10% improvement in CD4% was associated with 26% lower TNF-&agr; (P = 0.002) and 31% lower IL-6 (P = 0.016). Greater reductions in TNF-&agr; were associated with lower total/HDL cholesterol ratio (P = 0.003) at week 48. Conclusions: In HIV-infected children initiating or changing ART, PIC were detectable at baseline and decreased over 48 weeks. Better immunologic responses were associated with greater reductions in TNF-&agr; and IL-6. Reductions in TNF-&agr; were associated with improved total/HDL cholesterol ratio.
Polymorphism of CD1 and SH2D2A genes in inflammatory neuropathies

In the quest for susceptibility factors of inflammatory neuropathies, many genes implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases have been investigated with negative or conflicting results. We studied, with a gene candidate approach, the CD1 system specialized in capturing and presenting glycolipids to antigen‐specific T cells, and the SH2D2A gene encoding for a T‐cell‐specific adapter protein implicated in control of early T‐cell activation. In Guillain–Barré syndrome, an initially positive association study with polymorphism of CD1A and CD1E genes was not confirmed. In chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, we did not find an association with CD1 genes, but we found an association with a homozygous genotype for a low repeat number of tandem GA in the SH2D2A gene. This genotype could result in defective control and elimination of autoreactive T cells. All the studies were performed on relatively small size populations. Confirmation in larger sized studies is required both for CD1 and SH2D2A genes. Considering the relative rarity of patients with inflammatory neuropathies, this can only be accomplished by international collaboration.
A tale of three species – rabbits, chickens and humans: an interview with clinical trials pioneer Jeremiah Stamler

When we think of our risk of cardiovascular disease, we automatically think of modifying such risk factors as cigarettes, lipids, exercise or diet. But we should also think of Jeremiah Stamler, MD, for he was instrumental in the development of the very concept of modifiable risk factors. Born in New York City in 1919 and still an active researcher in 2006, Dr Stamler’s early experiments on laboratory models of atherosclerosis led to a career investigating the effect of modifiable risk factors on cardiovascular disease. His large epidemiologic studies, which began in the 1950s, investigated the association of diet (cholesterol, salt, and so on) and coronary disease. His many large-scale randomized clinical trials studied the effect of changing risk factors on the development of cardiovascular disease. Stamler has limited his activities neither to the laboratory nor to population research; instead, he has been active for decades in the public arena to persuade policy makers to deal with cardiovascular risk factors. As early as 1958, he became the director of the Heart Disease Control Program of the Chicago Health Department. In later years, he helped formulate national guidelines for diet, salt and lipids. Dr Stamler’s compelling interactive mentoring has helped train a generation – or two – of epidemiologists and clinical trialists. This interview provides a window into some of Dr Stamler’s activities as they relate to randomized clinical trials. It took place at his New York city apartment on 10 March 2005.
The translation of the pathological findings described in humans to experimental models of acute motor axonal neuropathy

Our mechanistic understanding of the Guillain‐Barre' syndromes (GBS) was greatly enhanced by the human pathological studies of Jack Griffin and colleagues conducted in the mid‐1990s. Subsequently, many of the pathological findings in human GBS were confirmed and extended in animal models. This brief account of GBS pathogenesis focuses on the studies that provided the mechanistic evidence for the role of anti‐ganglioside antibodies and complement in injuring the motor axon in Campylobacter‐associated GBS, thereby supporting the earlier seminal pathological observations.
Effectiveness of the Monovalent G1P[8] Human Rotavirus Vaccine Against Hospitalization for Severe G2P[4] Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Belém, Brazil

Background: Brazil initiated universal immunization of infants with the G1P[8] human rotavirus (RV) vaccine in March 2006. This study evaluated vaccine effectiveness (VE) against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) hospitalizations. Methods: Matched case-control study conducted at 4 hospitals in Belém from May 2008 to May 2009. Cases were children hospitalized with RVGE age-eligible to have received 2 doses of the human RV vaccine (≥12 weeks of age and born after March 6, 2006). For each case, 1 neighborhood and 1 hospital control without gastroenteritis was selected, matching by birth date (±8 and ±6 weeks, respectively). Matched odds ratio of 2-dose RV vaccination in cases versus controls was used to estimate VE (1 − odds ratio × 100%). Results: Of 538 RVGE cases, 507 hospital controls and 346 neighborhood controls included, 54%, 61%, and 74% had received both RV vaccine doses. VE against RVGE hospitalization was 75.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.1–86.0) using neighborhood controls and 40.0% (95% CI: 14.2–58.1) using hospital controls. VE in children 3 to 11 months and ≥12 months of age was 95.7% (95% CI: 67.8–99.4) and 65.1% (95% CI: 37.2–80.6) using neighborhood controls, and 55.6% (95% CI: 12.3–77.5) and 32.1% (95% CI: −3.7–55.5) using hospital controls. G2P[4] accounted for 82.0% of RVGE hospitalizations. G2P[4]-specific VE was 75.4% (95% CI: 56.7–86.0) using neighborhood controls and 38.9% (95% CI: 11.1–58.0) using hospital controls. Conclusions: Although fully heterotypic G2P[4] was the predominant RV strain, good VE was demonstrated. VE was highest in children aged 3 to 11 months. However, protection in children ≥12 months of age, important for optimal public health impact, was significantly sustained based on estimates obtained using neighborhood controls.
Surgical Approach to Myocardial Rupture after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Rupture of the ventricular wall is a highly lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction that is diagnosed more frequently with the increased use of two-dimensional echocardiography. External patching techniques were used to treat 4 patients with ventricular rupture, thus avoiding resection of necrotic myocardium. Three of the patients survived. One patient developed a large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm requiring reoperation. The other 2 patients had intact repairs on follow-up echocardiogram obtained after 5 weeks and 3 years, respectively. With prompt recognition and treatment, patient survival and excellent short-term results can be achieved.
Humorous Communication Within the Lives of Older Adults: The Relationships Among Humor, Coping Efficacy, Age, and Life Satisfaction

This study explores humorous communication within the lives of older adults by testing the relationships among humor, coping efficacy, age, and life satisfaction. Results overall indicate these four variables function in communicatively complex ways for older adults. As predicted, humor-oriented individuals were more likely to use humor as a coping mechanism and reported greater coping efficacy. In a comparison of individuals who varied in age (under 50, 50–74, and 75 + ), differences in humor orientation scores emerged among the 3 groups. As predicted by Folkman and Lazarus's transactional theory of coping and emotion, the relationship between self-reported humor orientation and life satisfaction was mediated by coping efficacy. In attempting to determine which variables best predicted life satisfaction, coping efficacy and health status explained unique variance in life satisfaction scores. Study implications and limitations are addressed.
EFFECT OF VITAMIN CONCENTRATIONS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF VITAMIN‐REQUIRING ALGAE 1

Vitamin‐requiring marine algae, Cyclotella nana, Monochrysis lutheri, and Amphidinium carterae, were grown in batch culture with limiting concentrations of vitamin B12, thiamine, and biotin, respectively. Cell numbers, average cell volumes, biomasses, 11CO2 uptake rates, and chlorophyll a contents were determined daily. Maximum 14CO2 uptake rates in most vitamin concentrations were obtained at 2 days with C. nana and M. lutheri and at 4 days with A. carterae after starved cultures were exposed to the vitamin. Radiocarbon uptake rates approximately reflect biomass increases. Cell numbers were proportional to vitamin concentrations when cells were incubated for 2 to 3 more days. Cell sizes varied depending on time of incubation. Chlorophyll a content did not always reflect vitamin concentrations. Maximum carbon assimilation rates (Km) and saturation constants (Ks) determined from 14CO2, uptake rates in different vitamin concentrations during early incubation were higher than when determined from cell number in log phase growth. Dissolved vitamin B12, thiamine, and biotin in many samples of seawaters were in the ranges which influence the growth rate, cell size, and chlorophyll a content of C. nana, M. lutheri, and A. carterae, respectively, in laboratory studies. The effects of vitamins on these algae in situ may be similar.
PATTERNS OF GENICULAR DEVELOPMENT IN AMPHIROA (CORALLINACEAE)

Two types of genicular development (designated Types I and II) are present in South African species of Amphiroa. Genicula of both types originate when medullary tissue near branch endings softens by decalcification. In Type I decalcification does not progress to the branch surface and the joint therefore does not become flexible until the cortex, which remains calcified, cracks and partly sloughs. This type occurs in all species of Amphiroa in South Africa except one, and possibly occurs in those in the rest of the world as well. In Type II decalcification continues centrifugally to the surface of the branch; this results in a geniculum comprising medullary and cortical tissue. As far as is known this type occurs only in Amphiroa ephedraea. Type I appears to be more primitive than Type II.
Age at menarche, menstrual knowledge and practices in the apple belt of Shimla hills

SummaryThe study was designed to determine age at menarche and its relation to body mass index in the apple belt of Shimla hills, with additional assessment of menstrual knowledge and related cultural practices. A cross-sectional survey of 640 school girls in the age group 9–16 years from 12 randomly selected schools was carried out. More than one-third (36·7 per cent) of subjects had started menstruation. Mean age at menarche was 13·2 years. Major reaction to first menstruation was fear (98·5 per cent); 21·3 per cent of girls were not touching anything before having a bath and sleeping separately during periods. Only 41·1 percent girls knew that menarche means the beginning of reproductive life. The higher age at menarche was possibly due to lean physique. Body mass index ≥ 18·5 was significantly related to menstrual status. The observations of embarrassment, fear. and lack of knowledge about the capacity to bear children point to an unmet need for information. Source of knowledge and cultural practices .
Storying the Temporal Nature of Emotion Work Among Volunteers: Bearing Witness to the Lived Traumas of Others

Through an ethnographic field study of the River Valley, a rural rape crisis center, we explored how volunteers experienced and expressed emotion as it relates to temporality in the volunteering process. We sought to map the relatively unexplored terrain of emotion work among volunteers and disrupt dominant disciplinary and lay notions of what counts as “real work. ” Narrative theory offered a lens through which to observe the interconnected nature of volunteers' stories, organizational and societal scripts, traumatic events, and conceptual narratives of emotion work developed by scholars. A narrative perspective, with its emphasis on how characters reckon with others across time and space, revealed the varied temporal nature (a priori, during, post hoc) of emotion work for volunteers. For River Valley volunteers, their status as unpaid workers shaped the nature of their emotion work prior to, during, and after calls.