Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Diversity, Growth Promoting Abilities and Anti-microbial Activities of Bacteria Isolated from the Fruiting Body of Agaricus bisporus

Abstract Agaricus bisporus plays an important role in ecological processes and is one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms worldwide. Mushroom growth-promoting bacteria have been isolated from casing soil and compost, but microorganisms in the fruiting body have received only a little attention. To get an overview of phylogenetic diversity of microorganisms in the fruiting body of A. bisporus, as well as to screen antimicrobial and mushroom growth-promoting strains, and eventually intensify mushroom production, we isolated and characterized microorganisms from the fruiting body of A. bisporus. In total, 55 bacterial strains were isolated, among which nine isolates represented Actinomycetes. All the isolates were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene RFLP and sixteen representative strains by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. According to the phylogenetic analysis, eleven isolates represented the Gram-positive Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Paenibacillus, Pandorea and Streptomyces genera, and five isolates belonged to the Gram-negative Alcaligenes and Pseudomonas genera. The bacteria isolated from the fruiting body of A. bisporus had broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities and potential mushroom growth-promoting abilities.
Chemoresistance in Cancer Stem Cells and Strategies to Overcome Resistance

In cancers, there exists a subpopulation of cells which are referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor initiating cells that have enhanced tumor-initiating capacity and metastatic potential, and drive tumor progression. Since the initial identification of acute myeloid leukemia CSCs in 1997, CSCs have been found in many types of cancer and have intrinsic resistance to the current chemotherapeutic strategies. With increased levels of detoxifying enzymes, enhanced DNA repair abilities, impressive efflux capacity, and a slower cell-cycle; CSCs present a formidable obstacle against effective chemotherapy. Several methods of specifically targeting CSCs have been developed in recent years, and these compounds have potential as adjuvant therapies. The following is a review of the mechanisms responsible for chemoresistance in CSCs, with an emphasis on potential strategies to overcome this resistance.
The effect of synbiotics on colon carcinogenesis in rats.

Evidence indicates that consumption of probiotic microorganisms such as bifidobacteria reduces the risk of colon cancer in animal models. Feeding certain fructans such as oligofructose and inulin, which are thought to selectively increase the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria (i.e., a prebiotic effect), also has been shown to reduce colon cancer risk. The objective of our study was twofold, i. e. , to determine whether the combination of bifidobacteria and oligofructose would have an additive effect (i.e., synbiotic) in reducing colon cancer risk in rats, and to determine whether other oligosaccharides would also be effective as part of a synbiotic combination. The development of colonic preneoplastic lesions (aberrant crypts) was used as an index of colon cancer risk. In one series of experiments, rats were given the carcinogen 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and administered one of the following treatments: skim milk (control), bifidobacteria (bifido), oligofructose (OF) or bifido + OF. Neither bifido nor OF alone significantly reduced aberrant crypt number. Bifido + OF reduced aberrant crypt number in five of six experiments, although the reduction was significant in only one. However, a paired comparison of the six experiments indicated a significant overall reduction in aberrant crypts by bifido + OF (P = 0.039). Soybean oligosaccharide (SBO) and wheat bran oligosaccharide (WBO) were also fed in combination with bifidobacteria. In two other experiments, SBO did not alter the number of aberrant crypts compared with the control, whereas WBO reduced aberrant crypt number in one experiment but not in another. Of OF, SBO and WBO, only SBO reduced the colonic mucosa proliferation compared with the control. These results suggest that the combination of bifidobacteria and oligofructose reduces colon cancer risk in carcinogen-treated rats, but the effect of other oligosaccharides is uncertain.
Recent phylogeographic structure in a widespread ‘weedy’ Neotropical tree species, Cordia alliodora (Boraginaceae)

Aim Although hundreds of tree species have broad geographic ranges in the Neotropics, little is known about how such widespread species attained disjunct distributions around mountain, ocean and xeric barriers. Here, we examine the phylogeographic structure of a widespread and economically important tree, Cordia alliodora, to: (1) test the roles of vicariance and dispersal in establishing major range disjunctions, (2) determine which geographic regions and/or habitats contain the highest levels of genetic diversity, and (3) infer the geographic origin of the species.
The Effect of Calcium plus Vitamin D on Risk for Invasive Cancer: Results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Calcium Plus Vitamin D Randomized Clinical Trial

In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial of calcium plus vitamin D (CaD), we examined the treatment effect on incidence and mortality for all invasive cancers. Postmenopausal women (N = 36,282) were randomized to 1,000 mg of elemental calcium with 400 IU vitamin D3 or placebo. Cox models estimated risk of cancer incidence and mortality. After 7.0 yr, 1,306 invasive cancers were diagnosed in the supplement and 1,333 in the placebo group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.98; CI = 0.90, 1.05, unweighted P = 0.54]. Mortality did not differ between supplement (315, annualized% = .26) and placebo [(347, 0.28%; P = 0.17; HR = 0.90 (0.77, 1.05)]. Significant treatment interactions on incident cancer were found for family history of cancer, personal total intake of vitamin D, smoking, and WHI dietary trial randomized group. Calcium/vitamin D supplementation did not reduce invasive cancer incidence or mortality. Supplementation lowered cancer risk in the WHI healthy diet trial arm and in women without a first-degree relative with cancer. The interactions are only suggestive given multiple testing considerations. The low vitamin D dose provided, limited adherence, and lack of serum 25(OH)D values should be considered when interpreting these findings.
In search of models for hepatic and placental pharmacokinetics

Several in vitro methods using both human and animal tissues have been developed to study hepatic metabolism and placental transfer. The pressure to minimize animal studies has increased during the past few decades due to the public opinion and ethical considerations. However, these methods need further evaluation of their predictive power when applied in vivo. The aim of this work was to produce new information of the metabolism and transplacental passage of several anticonvulsants as well as to evaluate the usefulness of the placental perfusion method and several in vitro methods for analyzing metabolism in the prediction of clinical pharmacokinetics. Carbamazepine (CBZ) metabolism was studied using human and mouse liver microsomes, human hepatocytes, human liver slices and yeast cells expressing recombinant enzymes. All test systems predicted well the major metabolite carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZ-E). Also, minor metabolites were produced in slightly variable amounts in all systems except cells with recombinant enzymes. All human liver systems demonstrated that CYP3A4 is the principal CBZ metabolising enzyme. However, our results on CBZ-treated mice suggested that the metabolism of CBZ to CBZ-E is mainly mediated by CYP1A1 in C57/BL6 mice. Autoinduction of CBZ metabolism was seen in hepatocytes and in incubations using microsomes from CBZ-treated mice. Human liver and mouse liver microsomes metabolized oxcarbazepine (OCBZ) mainly to its active metabolite, 10-hydroxy-10,11dihydro-carbamazepine (10-OH-CBZ). Also, 10,11-trans-dihydroxy-10,11-dihydro-carbamazepine (10,11-D) and an unknown metabolite were detected. Placental transfer of lamotrigine (LTG) and diazepam (DZP) was considerable in the human placental perfusion system, indicating marked fetal exposure in vivo. The OCBZ, 10-OH-CBZ and 10,11-D analyzed from maternal venous and cord blood also suggested significant fetal exposure. The placental perfusion system predicts well the transplacental passage of LTG and OCBZ and its major metabolite. However, in vivo cord blood concentrations of DZP are higher than maternal concentrations. Placental perfusion studies did not predict this. Still, even with its limitations, the human placental perfusion method provides information that can be used to evaluate the risk factors associated with drug use during pregnancy because understanding of specific transport characteristics is a good basis for rational risk assessment. In conclusion, all of the tested in vitro systems were useful in the prediction of at least some aspects of in vivo pharmacokinetics and metabolism, but validation and refinement are still essential, as is also the need to keep in mind the limitations characteristic of each in vitro method.
Delayed versus Immediate Bedside Inoculation of Culture Media for Diagnosis of Vaginal Trichomonosis

ABSTRACT A comparison of delayed versus immediate inoculation of culture medium for the diagnosis of trichomonosis was conducted. The sensitivities of the two methods were 100 and 97.4%, respectively. Delayed inoculation of culture medium for women without evidence of trichomonosis on direct microscopic examination is a valid diagnostic procedure.
Surface Roughness of Nanofill and Nanohybrid Composite Resin and Ormocer-based Tooth-colored Restorative Materials after Several Finishing and Polishing Procedures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of several finishing and polishing procedures on the surface roughness of nanofill and nanohybrid composites and ormocer-based dental restorative materials. The materials included a nanofill composite (Supreme); a nanohybrid composite (Grandio); and an ormocer (organically modified ceramic) (Admira). Forty specimens of each material were prepared using a Mylar strip (polyester strip) and randomly divided into four finishing and polishing groups (n 1/4 10): (I) Diamondbur/Super-snapRainbowTechniqueKit(Al2O2-coated, graded abrasive discs); (II) Diamond bur/Astropol and Astrobrush system (silicone abrasive polishers and brush system); (III) Tungsten carbide bur/Super-snap Rainbow Technique Kit; and (IV) Tungsten carbide bur/Astropol and Astro-brush system. The average surface roughness (Ra) in micrometers was measured using a “Mahr Perthometer S4P” Surface Roughness Tester and the data were compared using ANOVA at P 0.05. The results of this study indicated that the Mylar strip produced the smoothest surface on all materials and among the finishing-polishing methods the first and the third methods performed significantly smoother surfaces than the second and the fourth methods for the three restoratives. Ormocer (Admira) performed the lowest variability in initial surface roughness among the tested materials.This study has shown that Super-snap abrasive discs produced a smoother surface than the Astropol and Astrobrush silicone polishers for composite and ormocer-based restorative materials, but the results would be valid clinically for readily accessible and flat surfaces i.e., not for all areas in the mouth. Therefore silicone polishers are necessary for posterior areas and for concave and convex surfaces.
The association between ‘faint‐positive’ amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase and fetal malformations

The finding of a ‘faint‐positive’ acetylcholinesterase band in amniotic fluid samples of women at 15 weeks' gestation or above is associated with an increased risk of fetal abnormalities, most commonly gastroschisis. This finding warrants a targeted sonographic evaluation, in order to rule out significant fetal malformations.
IMMUNE RESPONSES IN VITRO: VII. DIFFERENTIATION OF H‐2 AND NON‐H-2 ALLOANTIGENS OF THE MOUSE BY A DUAL MIXED LEUKOCYTE CULTURE

The mixed leukocyte culture of mouse spleen cells was compared in a protein-free and a mouse serum-supplemented medium. Based on stimulation ratios mouse serum enhanced the response of leukocytes in all mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) combinations in which the responding and stimulating strains possessed genetic differences at the major histocompatibility (H-2) locus. In contrast, serum did not enhance the stimulation ratios in mixed reactions of H-2-identical strains differing at non-H-2loci or the reactivity of leukocytes from F1 hybrids toward parental antigens. Although the stimulatory capacities associated with H-2K end (H-2K plus Ir regions) of H-2 proved more potent than those of the H-21) end (H-2D plus Ss-Slp regions) in both culture systems, disparity at either end resulted in relatively high stimulation in the serum-supplemented system for all combinations tested. Thus, this MLC culture system appears capable of differentiating between stimulation resulting from H-2 and non-H-2 differences.
Acute Effect of a Ballistic and a Static Stretching Exercise Bout on Flexibility and Maximal Strength

Bacurau, RFP, Monteiro, GA, Ugrinowitsch C, Tricoli, V, Cabral, LF, Aoki, MS. Acute effect of a ballistic and a static stretching exercise bout on flexibility and maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 304-308, 2009-Different stretching techniques have been used during warm-up routines. However, these routines may decrease force production. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of a ballistic and a static stretching protocol on lower-limb maximal strength. Fourteen physically active women (169.3 ± 8.2 cm; 64.9 ± 5.9 kg; 23.1 ± 3.6 years) performed three experimental sessions: a control session (estimation of 45° leg press one-repetition maximum [1RM]), a ballistic session (20 minutes of ballistic stretch and 45° leg press 1RM), and a static session (20 minutes of static stretch and 45° leg press 1RM). Maximal strength decreased after static stretching (213.2 ± 36.1 to 184.6 ± 28.9 kg), but it was unaffected by ballistic stretching (208.4 ± 34.8 kg). In addition, static stretching exercises produce a greater acute improvement in flexibility compared with ballistic stretching exercises. Consequently, static stretching may not be recommended before athletic events or physical activities that require high levels of force. On the other hand, ballistic stretching could be more appropriate because it seems less likely to decrease maximal strength.
Nerve growth factor increases the mitogenicity of certain growth factors for cultured human keratinocytes: A comparison with epidermal growth factor

Abstract Newborn foreskin and adult skin keratinocytes (KTs) were cultured in 24‐well plates using keratinocyte basal medium (KBM) either alone or supplemented with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or nerve growth factor (NGF), plus one of the following: insulin (INS), insulin‐like growth factors (IGF)‐l or ‐2, transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Culture was maintained until one group of cells reached about 30,000 cells/well, when cells were stained with crystal violet and the extracted dye used to quantify cell numbers. In some cases, cells were subjected to the hexosaminidase assay for enumeration. In KBM alone, EGF, IGF‐1, IGF‐2 and TGFα were milogenic to newborn KTs. In addition, NGF increased the growth of adult KTs, possibly by mechanisms involving synergy with autocrine growth factors. EGF augmented the growth of newborn cells in the presence of each of the growth factors except TGFα, but adult cells exhibited only additive effects. In the presence of IGF‐1 or IGF‐2, NGF stimulated the growth of both newborn and adult cells by as much as 150% above purely additive increases in cell numbers. NGF amplifies the effects of most neurotrophic factors that are also KT mitogens and may therefore be significant in psoriatic lesions, where many of these factors are overex‐pressed, and in wound healing, in promoting KT growth.
Reduced Active Switch Front-End Multipulse Rectifier With Medium-Frequency Transformer Isolation

This paper presents a reduced switch count multipulse rectifier with medium-frequency (MF) transformer isolation. The proposed topology consists of a three-phase push–pull based ac to dc rectifier with a MF ac link employing two active switches. A three-phase, five-limb, multiwinding MF transformer is employed for isolation. The secondary side of the transformer is connected in a zig-zag configuration and is fed to two six-pulse diode rectifiers, achieving 12-pulse rectifier operation. The primary advantage of the proposed system is reduction in size/weight/volume compared to the conventional 60 Hz magnetic transformer isolation rectifier system. Operating the transformer at 600 Hz is shown to result in three times reduction in size. Furthermore, the proposed system employs only two active semiconductor switching devices operating under a simple pulse width modulation scheme. Also, the zig-zag transformer connection helps to balance leakage inductance on the secondary side. Detailed analysis, simulation, and experimental results on a 208Vl-l, 3.15 kW laboratory prototype are presented to validate the performance of the proposed approach.
Biochemical Markers for Prediction of Pregnancy Outcome in Cases of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Objective: To predict pregnancy outcome by studying the relation between serum βHCG, progesterone and CA125 and the occurrence of miscarriage in the first trimester, in cases with history of recurrent pregnancy loss. Methods: Serum βHCG, progesterone and CA125 levels in fifty pregnant women with history of recurrent pregnancy loss were compared to 50 pregnant women with no history of abortion, and to another group of women (No=50) who failed to complete the 1st trimester of pregnancy during the study. Results: Serum B-hCG showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 50%, a PPV of 50% and a NPV of 100%. Serum progesterone showed a sensitivity of 24%, a specificity of 73%, a PPV of 55.07% and a NPV of 85.18%, while serum CA125 showed a sensitivity of 15.6%, a specificity of 58.59%, a PPV of 16.32% and a NPV of 57.42%. Conclusion: The value of CA125 in recurrent abortions is still unclear and cannot recommended on routine basis. On the other hand, β-HCG is highly sensitive as a single serum measurement for the prediction of pregnancy outcome.
Prediction of lean body mass from height and weight

Lean body mass, calculated from the measurement of total body water using antipyrine space, was estimated in 29 males and 27 females. It was found that the lean body mass could be predicted from the height and weight, and formulae for both males and females have been produced with multiple correlation coefficients (r) of 0·96 and 0·83 respectively.
The Positive Attitudes and Perceptions of Care Managers About Advance Directives

In a previous intervention, we found that reminders from care managers failed to increase the number of their homebound older adult clients with advance directives. Thus, in the current study, we looked at the perceptions and attitudes of care managers about the need to discuss advance directives with their clients. Ninety-five care managers serving community-based nursing home—eligible older adults completed an 18-question survey, which found that care managers overwhelmingly believe it is important to address advance directives. Only 3.2% reported that discussing advance directives is time consuming. No attitudinal barriers were identified. Given their positive attitudes about advance directives, care managers need educational interventions that will provide the knowledge and skills to interact effectively with clients who are resistant to addressing end-of-life issues.
Imaging topographic growth by long‐lived postseismic afterslip at Sefidabeh, east Iran

This paper describes observations and models of the postseismic deformation following the 1994 Sefidabeh earthquake sequence in east Iran, which shed light on the nature of the earthquake cycle and the mechanisms of topographic growth in the region. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar observations show creeping fault motion (“postseismic afterslip”) on an array of faults. Some of these faults probably represent the extensions of those that ruptured in the blind thrust‐faulting earthquakes in 1994, and cut through the entire seismogenic layer, while others are shallow and break up the hanging walls of the coseismic faults. The postseismic slip accommodates at least part of the vertical displacement gradient resulting from the buried coseismic slip, which was concentrated at depths of greater than ∼5 km. The postseismic afterslip is visible for over 16 years following the earthquakes. Agreement between the areas of postseismic uplift and indications of long‐term motion preserved in the geomorphology suggest that shallow fault slip during seismic cycles similar to the one we have observed governs the development of the landscape in the region. Slip on an array of shallow faults provides a mechanism for the development of short‐wavelength topography and geological structures above active thrust faults and has important implications for the interpretation of shallow geological features produced in regions experiencing similar seismic cycles to that at Sefidabeh.
Evidence of Environmental Justice: A Critical Perspective on the Practice of EJ Research and Lessons for Policy Design*

This article gleans important lessons for environmental justice (EJ) policy from the empirical literature and demonstrates them using EJ analyses of Superfund sites. It constructively critiques the EJ literature and suggests some future directions for designing policy and framing the discourse. Copyright (c) 2008 by the Southwestern Social Science Association.
Narthecium ossifragum (L.) Huds. Causes Kidney Damage in Goats: Morphologic and Functional Effects

We studied the effects of Narthecium ossifragum on goat kidneys. Twenty-five Norwegian dairy goats, 5 weeks to 4 months of age, were orally dosed with an aqueous extract from N. ossifragum. In experiment 1, we studied microscopic and functional changes in 12 animals that were euthanatized 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 days after treatment. In experiment 2, we included ultrastructural studies on serial renal biopsies and urine analysis from five extract-treated animals and two controls. In addition, urine samples were collected from four dosed and two control goats. Ultrasonography revealed perirenal and retroperitoneal fluids. Microscopic changes were observed after 6 hours. The findings, most obvious in the inner cortex and the outer medulla, consisted of cytoplasmic vacuolization, interstitial edema, and focal necrosis of tubular epithelial cells. Ultrastructurally, the tubules had loss of microvilli, irregular cytoplasmic vacuolization, mitochondrial swelling with loss of cristae, and irregular but continuous basement membranes even with necrosis. In the glomeruli, there were occasional endothelial damage and shortening and swelling of the foot processes. Peritubular capillaries had breaks in the vessel walls and irregular endothelial cell edema, and the interstitium had marked edema. The functional lesions included elevated serum urea, creatinine, and magnesium concentrations, a slight decrease in serum calcium concentration, elevated urine protein and urine protein-creatinine ratio, and increased activities of urine alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase. Our findings indicate a fast-acting toxic principle inducing damage by both direct toxic and secondary ischemic effects.