Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Four-Antigen Mixture Containing V-Cyclin for Serological Screening of Human Herpesvirus 8 Infection

ABSTRACT Improved diagnostic reagents and testing are currently needed for the serological detection of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infections. We evaluated the luciferase immunoprecipitation systems (LIPS) for profiling antibody responses to a panel of HHV-8 proteins for diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma (KS)-infected individuals. Using a pilot serum set, LIPS detected robust antibody responses to several known antigens, and a screen of 14 additional HHV-8 proteins identified v-cyclin as a potentially new diagnostic antigen. In evaluating a training-serum set, a four-antigen panel (K8.1, v-cyclin, ORF65, and a LANA fragment) was found to provide sufficient information for diagnosis. Analysis of a validation serum set using the combined results from these four separate antigen tests showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Furthermore, a LIPS format using a mixture of the four antigens, which simplifies data collection and analysis, closely matched the diagnostic performance of the combined separate tests (R = 0.95). This four-antigen mixture format analyzed with the validation serum set also showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity but was not statistically different from two separate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (94% sensitivity and 100% specificity) using baculovirus-produced LANA and bacterially produced K8.1. Heat map analysis of KS patient antibody titers revealed marked heterogeneity in humoral responses to this four-antigen panel. Overall, the LIPS assay showed 97% sensitivity, and positive anti-v-cyclin antibodies were detected in approximately 75% of the KS sera. These results suggest that LIPS screening using an antigen mixture is a sensitive and high-throughput method for serological screening of HHV-8 infection in individuals with KS.
Recovering the optical properties of a tissue using maximum a posteriori based estimation

The spectral reflectance of a biological tissue is known to be affected by its physical and optical properties such as thickness, chromophore concentrations and scattering coefficient. There exist numerous methods that aim to extract the optical parameters of a tissue by relating reflectance measurements to a theoretical model of light transport. During the parameter recovery process, assumptions are often made about the characteristics of the tissue. However, incorrect assumptions lead to inaccurate or even erroneous results. We present a method based on the maximum a posteriori estimation technique to recover some optical properties of the biological tissue from reflectance measurements. The method provides correct results even in the presence of significant uncertainty in the underlying specification of the tissue. A light transport model of the inspected medium is developed and used in the estimation process. The analysis of the results obtained from simulated skin data and phantoms suggests that the proposed MAP based method is a good parameter recovery technique that provides accurate estimates and is robust against a high level of uncertainty in the tissue's model.
Advances in clinical nutrition in GI surgery

This review addresses recent relevant advances to clinical nutrition regarding gastrointestinal disease surgery. Medline Ovid, EMBASE and Central were searched systematically in April 2014. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating nutritional support in gastrointestinal surgery published within 5 years. The review included 56 relevant studies. Themes were: nutrition screening and risk factors predict outcome; preoperative nutritional support; shortening fasting periods and including carbohydrate solutions; early nutrition after surgery; immune modulating nutrition; synbiotics, growth hormone, omega-3 and oral, enteral and parenteral nutrition in combination. Screening for nutritional risk is profound, with special focus on dietary intake in the past week. Age and severity of disease need to be included in the screening system. Patients at severe nutritional risk benefit from nutritional therapy before surgery. New standards are developing quickly and clinical guidelines on surgery should include updated knowledge within clinical nutrition.
Optimization of thin AlN sputtered films for X-band BAW resonators

We investigate the sputter growth of very thin aluminum nitride (AlN) films on iridium electrodes for high frequency filtering applications. The structure and piezoelectric activity of AlN films are assessed through XRD, FTIR, stress and frequency response measurements. A combination of a pre-deposition rf plasma treatment of the Ir bottom electrode followed by a two-step ac reactive sputtering of the AlN film allows to optimize the crystal quality and residual stress of AlN films with thicknesses as low as 160 nm. BAW resonators tuned around 8 GHz are built on top of polished Bragg reflectors composed of porous SiO2 and Ir layers. Material coupling factors kmat2 of 6.7% and quality factors Q up to 900 are achieved. The films obtained are competitive for X-band filter fabrication.
Toxicological Evaluation of Aqueous and Acetone Extracts of Combretum molleTwigs in Wistar Rats

Combretum molle (Combretaceae) is used in folkloric medicine against pain, diabetes mellitus and microbial infections. In this study, toxicological profile of aqueous and acetone extracts of C. mo lle twigs was investigated. In acute toxicity test, female rats were divided into two groups and treated orally with distilled water (10 mL/kg) and single dose of aqueous extract (2000 mg/kg). Animals were observed during 14 days, during which toxic signs, mortality and body weight were evaluated. For sub - chronic toxicity, rats received respectively 0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day of each extract during 28 days. Body and organs weights, food and water intake, selected b iochemical, histological hematological a nd parameters were evaluated. Results showed that the acute toxicity study did not produce any grossly toxic signs, mortality and body weight changes. In the sub - chronic study, higher doses of both extracts caused significant loss in body weight, food and water intake and significant increase in transaminases levels. In increase in relative organs weight and a periportal inflammation and mesengial hyperplasia in the liver and kidneys were also observed in extract treated rats. An increase in platelet count and a decrease in proteinemia, creatininemia, MCH and MCHC levels were noticed with the aqueous extract while enlarged alveoli sacs were observed at 125 mg/kg of acetone extract. In conclusion, the aqueous extract did not exhibit acute toxicity then it app ears to be relatively non - toxic one. Prolonged administration of extracts caused hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Lower dose of acetone extract caused pulmonary toxicity
Changes in some personality traits after recovery from alcohol dependence/abuse, anxiety and depression—Results of a 5-year follow-up in a general population sample of women

The aim of this study was to analyse stability of and change in personality traits in a general population sample of women over 5 years. Specific questions were how personality traits changed after a first episode of alcohol dependence/abuse (ADA), anxiety or depression disorders and after remission of an episode. The study was based on data from a longitudinal general population-based survey titled, “Women and alcohol in Göteborg (WAG)”. A total of 641 women were interviewed in 1990 or 1995 and re-interviewed after 5 years. Personality traits were assessed with the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP) and lifetime psychiatric diagnoses given according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd revised edition (DSM-III-R). Mean T-scores (KSP) for the general population sample were stable between initial assessment and follow-up 5 years later. Correlations between assessments were high for most KSP scores, indicating high individual stability. For women with resolved ADA, KSP scores were normalized to five scales at the follow-up assessment: somatic anxiety, muscular tension, monotony avoidance, social desirability and irritability. Women who recovered from anxiety disorders during the follow-up had decreased scores in somatic anxiety and muscular tension and increased scores in verbal aggression. Women who developed ADA during follow-up had increased scores on the scales impulsiveness and verbal aggression. Women who developed depression during follow-up had increased monotony avoidance. Personality traits were generally stable in this adult female population but some personality traits changed in association with changes in psychiatric disorders. This knowledge could be useful in evaluation of treatment needs and treatment outcome.
Injury account during the 1980 NCAA wrestling championships

Data were gathered during the 1980 NCAA Wrestling Championships in order to document various specifics involving the injuries sustained by the participating ath letes. Any time a match was stopped for medical rea sons, specific information was recorded and later or ganized to indicate any injury tendencies in wrestling. Of the 353 athletes who participated in the champi onships, 110 incurred injuries requiring the attention of a physician and/or an athletic trainer. Results indicated an overall injury rate per athlete of 31.2% with no conclusive trends considering the weight classification. Injury variety was great with only six athletes (5.5%) injured severe enough to require withdrawal from the tournament. The head-face-neck region was the most commonly injured area (36.4%). Data suggest the fa tigue may affect the injury rate while results related to wrestler position and match score seemed to be incon clusive.
Female choice depends on size but not symmetry of dorsal eyespots in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana

The eyespots on the ventral wings of Bicyclus anynana butterflies are exposed when at rest and interact with predators. Those on the dorsal surface are not exposed in this way, and may be involved in courtship and mate choice. In this study, we examined whether the size and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of dorsal eyespots are reliable signals of male quality. High developmental stability is considered to result in low FA, and to be associated with high quality. Individuals of high quality are predicted to produce sexually selected traits that are large and symmetrical, at a relatively low cost. In this study, we manipulated eyespot development to uncouple eyespot size and FA in order to examine their independent roles in signalling to the female. Individual females in cages were given the choice between two or three males differing in eyespot traits. The results indicate that although size per se of the eyespots is used as a signal, FA and wing size are not. We discuss the use of FA in studies of sexual selection and aspects of sexual selection on dorsal eyespot size.
Space use and movement of jaguar (Panthera onca) in western Paraguay

Abstract Home range and core area size were estimated for jaguar (Panthera onca) in western Paraguay in the Dry Chaco, Humid Chaco and Pantanal using an autocorrelated kernel density estimator. Mean home range size was 818 km2 (95% confidence interval: 425–1981) in the Dry Chaco and 237 km2 (95% confidence interval: 90–427) in the Humid Chaco/Pantanal. Core areas, defined as the home range area where use was equal to expected use, was consistent across sexes and systems represented on average by the 59% home range isopleth (range: 56–64%). Males had a higher probability of larger home ranges and more directional and greater daily movements than females collectively and within systems. The large home ranges in the Dry Chaco are attributable to the relatively low productivity of that semi-arid ecosystem and high heterogeneity in resource distribution while larger than expected home ranges in the Humid Chaco/Pantanal compared to home range estimates from the Brazilian Pantanal may be due to differences in geomorphology and hydrological cycle. The large home ranges of jaguars in western Paraguay and a low proportional area of protected areas in the region demonstrate the importance of private ranchland for the long-term conservation of the species.
Comparative antihypertensive and renoprotective effects of telmisartan and lisinopril after long-term treatment in hypertensive diabetic rats

This study compared the cardiovascular and renal effects of long-term telmisartan (3 and 10 mg/kg/day) and lisinopril (10 mg/kg/day) in an animal model combining hypertension and diabetes mellitus. It was a parallel-group study of diabetic, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), treated with control or active treatment for eight months. A non-diabetic SHR control group was run in parallel. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg i.v.) in SHRs aged 9—10 weeks. Animals were treated with telmisartan (3 or 10 mg/kg/day), lisinopril (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle. Plasma glucose levels, blood pressure (BP), and urinary protein and albumin excretion were measured monthly. Telmisartan treatment significantly reduced BP of diabetic SHRs in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05, low-dose, n=18; p<0.01, high-dose, n=15). The BP reduction in the lisinopril group was similar to that in the telmisartan 10 mg/kg/day group. Compared with non-diabetic SHRs, untreated diabetic SHRs developed severe proteinuria and albuminuria over the experimental period (p<0.01). In diabetic SHRs, proteinuria and albuminuria were dose-dependently and significantly attenuated by treatment with telmisartan (p<0.01 with the higher dose) and lisinopril (p<0.01). Compared with the untreated diabetic SHRs, cardiac hypertrophy was significantly reduced after treatment with both doses of telmisartan and with lisinopril. Telmisartan, 10 mg/kg/ day, but not lisinopril, significantly attenuated the diabetes-induced increase in glomerular volume. In conclusion, telmisartan, 10 mg/kg/day, is at least as beneficial as lisinopril, 10 mg/kg/day, in lowering BP, reducing cardiac hypertrophy and attenuating renal excretion of protein and albumin in this model.
Intracellular mobility of plasmid DNA is limited by the ParA family of partitioning systems

The highly conserved ParA family of partitioning systems is responsible for positioning DNA and protein complexes in bacteria. In Escherichia coli, plasmids that rely upon these systems are positioned at mid‐cell and are repositioned at the quarter‐cell positions after replication. How they remain fixed at these positions throughout the cell cycle is unknown. We use fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and time‐lapse microscopy to measure plasmid mobility in living E. coli cells. We find that a minimalized version of plasmid RK2 that lacks its Par system is highly mobile, that the intact RK2 plasmid is relatively immobile, and that the addition of a Par system to the minimalized RK2 plasmid limits its mobility to that of the intact RK2. Mobility is thus the default state, and Par systems are required not only to position plasmids, but also to hold them at these positions. The intervention of Par systems is required continuously throughout the cell cycle to restrict plasmid movement that would, if unrestricted, subvert the segregation process. Our results reveal an important function for Par systems in plasmid DNA segregation that is likely to be conserved in bacteria.
Authentic leadership, performance, and job satisfaction: the mediating role of empowerment.

AIM To report a study conducted to test a model linking authentic leadership of managers with nurses' perceptions of structural empowerment, performance, and job satisfaction. BACKGROUND Authentic leadership has been proposed as the root element of effective leadership needed to build healthier work environments because there is special attention to the development of empowering leader-follower relationships. Although the influence of leadership style and empowerment on job satisfaction is well documented, there are few studies examining the influence of authentic leadership on nurses' empowerment and work outcomes. DESIGN A non-experimental, predictive survey. METHOD In 2008, a random sample of 600 Registered Nurses working in acute care hospitals across Ontario in Canada was surveyed. The final sample consisted of 280 (48% response rate) nurses. Variables were measured using the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire, Global Job Satisfaction Survey, and General Performance scale. The theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling. RESULTS/OUTCOMES The final model fit the data acceptably. Authentic leadership significantly and positively influenced staff nurses' structural empowerment, which in turn increased job satisfaction and self-rated performance. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the more managers are seen as authentic, by emphasizing transparency, balanced processing, self-awareness and high ethical standards, the more nurses perceive they have access to workplace empowerment structures, are satisfied with their work, and report higher performance.
On the Stability of the Linear Functional Equation.

theory of q-difference equations to a comparable degree of completeness. This program includes in particular the complete theory of the convergence and divergence of formal series, the explicit determination of the essential transcendental invariants (constants in the canonical form), the inverse Riemann theory both for the neighborhood of x = o and in the complete plane (case of rational coefficients), explicit integral representation of the solutions, and finally the definition of q-sigma periodic matrices, so far defined essentially only in the case n = 1. Because of its extensiveness this material cannot be presented here.
Factors relating to perioperative experience of older persons undergoing joint replacement surgery: an integrative literature review

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this literature review was to examine factors relating to the perioperative experience of older persons undergoing total hip and knee replacement surgery resulting from osteoarthritis. Method: A literature search was undertaken using databases CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to provide relevant research articles. Articles were included if they examined the factors relating to the HRQOL, QOL and perioperative experience of older persons undergoing joint replacement surgery resulting from osteoarthritis. The use of Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklist facilitated a systematic appraisal of studies with regard to the scientific rigor of the studies. Results: Twenty-two publications were categorized into one main theme: “factors relating to perioperative experience” subcategorized into eight subthemes: “waiting time”, “pain and disability”, “mental health”, “race/ethnicity, age and gender”, “body image”, “coping and social support”, “patient education” and “care continuity”. Conclusion: There is a need to conduct further research to examine the perioperative experience of older persons undergoing joint replacement surgery, in particular, the lived perioperative experience of a diverse race, ethnicity and culture in an Asian population. Implications for Rehabilitation Healthcare services should remain focused on reducing waiting time as prolonged waiting time for joint replacement surgery was detrimental to patients’ HRQOL. Healthcare professionals need to identify strategies to improve the perioperative pain experience through patient education on pain management and positive social support to support the process of recovery. Patients’ expectations of pain and their process of recovery were closely linked to patient education. One model of patient education that was seen to be successful and linked to good post-operative outcomes was care continuity model. Being actively involved in the care continuity results in better post-operative outcomes for the patient and their family.
Temporal lobe epileptiform activity following systemic administration of 4‐aminopyridine in rats

Purpose: The K+ channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine (4AP) induces epileptiform synchronization in brain slices maintained in vitro without interfering with γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor–mediated inhibition and, actually, even enhancing it. The hypothesis that similar electrographic epileptiform patterns occur in vivo following systemic 4AP injection was tested here.
Caractérisation des plantes médicinales à flavonoïdes des marchés de Douala (Cameroun)

Les plantes a flavonoides constituent un atout majeur pour le maintien de la sante. Le present travail a ete conduit dans deux marches de la ville de Douala afin de valoriser l’utilisation des plantes a flavonoides dans la medecine traditionnelle. Des enquetes ethnobotaniques realisees aupres de 40 vendeurs des plantes medicinales ont permis de recenser 75 especes reparties en 73 genres et 42 familles dont la plus importante est celle des Fabaceae. Ces plantes comptent 50 ligneux et 25 herbacees, avec une predominance d’especes de foret. Les especes guineo-congolaises sont les plus abondantes et le mode de dissemination majoritaire des diaspores est la zoochorie. Les plantes a flavonoides les plus utilisees sont : Combretum micranthum , Aloe vera , Ageratum conyzoides et Cylicodiscus gabonensis . Elles rentrent dans le traitement de 73 maladies parmi lesquelles, le paludisme, la fievre typhoide, les dermatoses, la jaunisse, le mal de reins, les coliques, le diabete, les maladies cardio-vasculaires et l’hypertension arterielle sont les plus importantes. Ces plantes apparaissent comme de puissants antioxydants et antiradicalaires. Ces proprietes dues a la presence de nombreuses molecules flavaniques, donnent a ces plantes une place de choix en phytomedecine. Mots cles : Flavonoides, enquete ethnobotanique, marche des Chevres, marche Nkololoun, plantes medicinales, caracteristiques floristiques.
Comparison of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Several Dentin Bonding Agents: Two Different in Vitro Studies

Objective: In this study, we compared the antibacterial effects of several dentin bonding agents with different pH values and active monomers. Method and Materials: Infected dentin samples were obtained from depths of approximately 4-6 mm, from isolated and air-dried dental caries. Streptococcus mitis was isolated and incubated on sheep blood agar plates at 37°C for 18 h. Impregnated antimicrobial disks were used for the liquids, and the samples were grouped as follows: group 1 was a negative control group with nothing applied; group 2 was a positive control group with 2% chlorhexidine digluconate applied; group 3 had Adper Single Bond Universal applied; group 4 had Clearfil SE Bond 2 (including 10-methacryloyloxydodecyl dihydrogen phosphate[MDP]) applied; group 5 had Clearfil S3 Bond Plus (including [MDP])applied; and group 6 had Clearfil Protect Bond (including 12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide [MDPB])applied. The antimicrobial disks were inserted into the blood agar plates. Inhibition zones were measured on the plates by well-educated specialists. Results: The 2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution had a more extensive inhibition zone than the other groups. S. mitis was significantly inhibited on the MDPB-impregnated disks applied to the agar plates. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that dentin bonding agents including MDPB-containing primer had significant antibacterial effects.