Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anticipatory Planning of Functional Reach-to-Grasp

Background. Intensive task-oriented training such as constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is thought to engage motor learning and decision-making processes, including anticipatory action planning. Objective. To identify the effects of CIMT on anticipatory hand posture selection and movement time for task-specific reach-to-grasp performance. Methods. Subacute and chronic poststroke participants were recruited into CIMT (n = 10) or non-CIMT (n = 10) groups. Arm and hand functions were assessed before and after 2 weeks with the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and a unique skilled reach-to-grasp task designed to test anticipatory hand posture selection. The reach-to-grasp tasks included power and precision grasping in 2 conditions achieved optimally with either a pronated (low difficulty) or supinated (high difficulty) hand posture. Outcome measures included success rate, frequency of optimal strategy selection, and movement time. Results. Between-group comparisons revealed a significant treatment effect for WMFT and MAL scores. The CIMT group showed larger gains in success rate, optimal posture selection (precision grasp only), and faster movement times for the supinated conditions. Conclusion. Together, a faster movement time and greater frequency of optimal hand posture selection in the more difficult task condition highlights a set of novel findings. These results provide evidence for training-induced improvements in upper-extremity function that support neurobehavioral recovery more than compensation. Although these findings are preliminary in view of the small sample size, the authors suggest that they may be useful to design and power larger-scale studies to further the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms induced by task-oriented training interventions in neurorehabilitation.
CGRP receptor antagonist olcegepant (BIBN4096BS) does not prevent glyceryl trinitrate-induced migraine

There is a striking similarity between the migraine-provoking effect of the nitric oxide (NO) donor glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and that of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). We tested the hypothesis that NO releases CGRP to cause the delayed migraine attack after GTN. Methods: In a double-blind-cross-over study, 13 migraine without aura (MO) patients were administered GTN 0.5 µg/kg/minute for 20 minutes and subsequently BIBN4096BS (olcegepant) 10 mg or placebo. Headache scores and development of MO were followed for 24 hours. Results: MO developed in seven of 13 with olcegepant and in nine of 13 with placebo (p = 0.68). The headache scores were similar after the two treatments (p = 0.58). Thus CGRP receptor blockade did not prevent GTN-induced migraine. Conclusions: The present study indicates that NO does not induce migraine by liberating CGRP. The most likely explanation for our findings is that CGRP has its effect higher than NO in the cascade of events leading to MO attacks.
Heme deficiency may be a factor in the mitochondrial and neuronal decay of aging

Heme, a major functional form of iron in the cell, is synthesized in the mitochondria by ferrochelatase inserting ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX. Heme deficiency was induced with N-methylprotoporphyrin IX, a selective inhibitor of ferrochelatase, in two human brain cell lines, SHSY5Y (neuroblastoma) and U373 (astrocytoma), as well as in rat primary hippocampal neurons. Heme deficiency in brain cells decreases mitochondrial complex IV, activates nitric oxide synthase, alters amyloid precursor protein, and corrupts iron and zinc homeostasis. The metabolic consequences resulting from heme deficiency seem similar to dysfunctional neurons in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Heme-deficient SHSY5Y or U373 cells die when induced to differentiate or to proliferate, respectively. The role of heme in these observations could result from its interaction with heme regulatory motifs in specific proteins or secondary to the compromised mitochondria. Common causes of heme deficiency include aging, deficiency of iron and vitamin B6, and exposure to toxic metals such as aluminum. Iron and B6 deficiencies are especially important because they are widespread, but they are also preventable with supplementation. Thus, heme deficiency or dysregulation may be an important and preventable component of the neurodegenerative process.
A Phased Cluster-randomized Trial of Rural Hospitals Testing a Quality Collaborative to Improve Heart Failure Care: Organizational Context Matters

Background:Use of evidence-based practices for heart failure (HF) patients has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce variations in care delivery. Objectives:To evaluate the effect of a rural hospital quality collaborative and organizational context (nurse staffing and practice environment) on 4 HF core measures. Research Design:Phased cluster-randomized trial with delayed intervention control group. The intervention included a HF toolkit, 2 onsite meetings, and a monthly phone call. Subjects:Twenty-three rural eastern US hospitals, registered nurses who care for HF patients (N=591). Measures:Seven quarters of 4 HF core measures, nurse staffing (nursing skill mix, registered nurse hours per patient day, nurse-turnover), and a survey of practice environment. Results:Using regression models with generalized estimating equation autoregressive methods, no statistically significant changes were found during the intervention period on all 4 core measures for either group. Higher nurse-turnover was related to all 4 core measures: lower compliance with discharge instructions [&bgr;=−1.042; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.777, −0.307], smoking cessation (&bgr;=−1.148; 95% CI: −2.180, −0.117), left ventricular ejection fraction (&bgr;=−0.893; 95% CI: −1.784, −0.002), and prescribing angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on discharge (&bgr;=−1.044; 95% CI: −1.820, −0.269). Better practice environment was related to higher left ventricular ejection fraction (&bgr;=0.217; 95% CI: 0.054, 0.379). Conclusions:Significant improvements in 4 core measures were realized in stable environments (less nurse-turnover). Assuring appropriate nurse staffing and stability is essential to increase organizational preparation for quality initiatives and adoption of best practices in HF care in rural hospitals.
Female and male rats in late adolescence differ from adults in amphetamine-induced locomotor activity, but not in conditioned place preference for amphetamine

Rodent models display differences in drug-induced behaviour between prepubertal/young adolescents and adults that parallel developmental differences in people; however, little is known as to when the transition to ‘adultlike’ behaviour occurs. We investigated the differences in locomotor and reward responses to amphetamines in male and female rats in late adolescence and compared them with corresponding adult responses. Long-Evans rats were tested for locomotor activity and conditioned place preference (CPP) for amphetamine (0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg), beginning at 45 or 69 days of age. Adolescent female rats moved less to the first injection of amphetamine compared with adult female rats irrespective of dose, whereas adolescent male rats did not differ from adults. Adolescent female rats significantly increased locomotor activity in response to subsequent injections of amphetamine at all three doses, whereas such sensitization was only found at the highest dose for adult female and male rats. No effect of repeated injections at any dose was observed in adolescent male rats. No age differences were observed in CPP, but female rats showed greater CPP during the dioestrous than during the oestrous phase of the cycle. These data suggest that differences in neural systems underlying some behavioural responses to amphetamine continue to mature postpubertally into late adolescence in a sex-specific manner.
The dynamic response of cat gastrocnemius motor units investigated by ramp‐current injection into their motoneurones.

1. The isometric force developed by single motor units in response to injection of ramp‐and‐hold currents into their motoneurones was recorded from the common tendon of the gastrocnemius muscles of the cat. The average rate of rise of the force (force‐slope) produced by the ramp‐evoked discharge, was found to grow almost linearly with the rate of current injection (current‐slope) up to a saturation value (maximal force‐slope). 2. The slope of the function which links the force slope to the current‐slope is the gain (dF/dI) of the motor unit under dynamic conditions. The value of the dynamic gain, measured in the linear region of growth, displays a large variability, i.e. for each nanoampere of current injected, the force developed is as much as 40 times larger in the strongest than in the weakest motor units. Such large gain differences, however, are drastically reduced if the force is expressed as a percentage of the maximal tetanic tension, Ft: per nanoampere injected, most of the units deliver from 1.0 to 3.0% of Ft. 3. The maximal force‐slope which each unit could reach exhibits a large variability, ranging from 0.06 to 4.0 g ms‐1. Like the dynamic gain, the maximal force‐slope is positively related to Ft. 4. It was found that the dynamic sensitivity of the motoneurone, i.e. the increase of the firing rate per unitary increase of the current‐slope, governs the fractional growth of the force‐slope, whereas the motor unit contraction time determines the firing rate at which maximal force‐slope is reached. Together, the two factors co‐operate in defining, for each motor unit, the range of input‐slopes within which the force‐slope is regulated. 5. The motoneurones which supply the weak motor units, those with the lowest dynamic gain, have higher dynamic sensitivity and lower rheobase than those innervating the strong motor units. This suggests that weak motor units need less synaptic current both to be recruited and to reach the maximal speed of force development when their input is supraliminal.
Health care accreditation surveyor styles typology.

PURPOSE This paper aims to investigate how health care accreditation surveyors enact their role with a view to identifying a surveyor styles typology. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH This study was conducted in two phases. First, observational research was used to examine the conduct of a small survey team during the 2005 accreditation survey of a rural health service in Australia. The survey team was from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), the major health care accreditation agency in Australia. Second, the emerging typology was reviewed by an expert panel of ACHS surveyors. FINDINGS A typology comprising three unique surveyor styles is identified--interrogator; explorer; and discusser. Additionally, a further style, the questioner, is hypothesised. RESEARCH LIMITATION/IMPLICATIONS: The typology has application for development by accreditation agencies to be used with surveyors as a self-reflection tool to improve learning and development. The knowledge gained about surveyors' styles can be used to match more effectively survey teams to organisations seeking accreditation. Further research is necessary to confirm these styles and examine whether other styles are apparent. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This study is an important step in examining the conduct of surveyors and opening up health care accreditation surveyor inter-rater reliability for further investigation.
Medical Homes Versus Individual Practice in Primary Care: Impact on Health Care Expenditures

Background:The medical home (MH) model has prompted increasing attention given its potential to improve quality of care while reducing health expenditures. Objectives:We compare overall and specific health care expenditures in Belgium, from the third-party payer perspective (compulsory social insurance), between patients treated at individual practices (IP) and at MHs. We compare the sociodemographic profile of MH and IP users. Research Design:This is a retrospective study using public insurance claims data. Generalized linear models estimate the impact on health expenditures of being treated at a MH versus IP, controlling for individual, and area-based sociodemographic characteristics. The choice of primary care setting is modeled using logistic regressions. Subjects:A random sample of 43,678 persons followed during the year 2004. Measures:Third-party payer expenditures for primary care, secondary care consultations, pharmaceuticals, laboratory tests, acute and long-term inpatient care. Results:Overall third-party payer expenditures do not differ significantly between MH and IP users (&OV0556;+27). Third-party payer primary care expenditures are higher for MH than for IP users (&OV0556;+129), but this difference is offset by lower expenditures for secondary care consultations (&OV0556;−11), drugs (&OV0556;−40), laboratory tests (&OV0556;−5) and acute and long-term inpatient care (&OV0556;−53). MHs attract younger and more underprivileged populations. Conclusions:MHs induce a shift in expenditures from secondary care, drugs, and laboratory tests to primary care, while treating a less economically favored population. Combined with positive results regarding quality, MH structures are a promising way to tackle the challenges of primary care.
Factors predicting cerebral edema in young children with diabetic ketoacidosis and new onset type I diabetes

We have attempted to identify any characteristics which could be used to predict the development of cerebral edema in four children under 5 years of age with new onset insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and diabetic ketoacidosis. We retrospectively analysed and compared the concentration of serum sodium (corrected for serum glucose value) and effective serum osmolality of these 4 children with values of 10 age‐matched controls with new onset insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus who did not develop cerebral edema during treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. The initial serum sodium values of the two groups were not statistically different. Patients who developed cerebral edema had lower initial serum glucose values and effective serum osmolality. During treatment, patients who developed cerebral edema had consistently lower mean serum sodium and osmolality than controls at each 4‐h interval after the first 4 h of therapy. Serum sodium and osmolality declined progressively after the initiation of therapy in cerebral edema patients, while remaining stable in controls. These data suggest that children who develop cerebral edema during treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis initially may have a relatively normal serum osmolality and subsequently develop progressive hyponatremia and/or a trend of declining serum sodium before developing cerebral edema.
DNA adducts produced by oils, oil fractions and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in relation to repair processes and skin carcinogenesis

Ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) mainly with three or four aromatic rings were tested for their ability to induce DNA adduct formation in mouse skin. Four of these were selected to investigate adduct formation and loss over a period of 8 days. Three mineral oils were also examined for their adduct forming ability and one was selected for adduct formation and loss over a period of 8 days. In addition, fractions derived from the same oil containing 2–3‐ and 4–6‐ring aromatic compounds were applied to mouse skin in a non‐carcinogenic oil vehicle and adduct levels were observed over an 8‐day period.
Genome-wide Expression Profiling of the Response to Polyene, Pyrimidine, Azole, and Echinocandin Antifungal Agents in Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

Antifungal compounds exert their activity through a variety of mechanisms, some of which are poorly understood. Novel approaches to characterize the mechanism of action of antifungal agents will be of great use in the antifungal drug development process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the gene expression profile of Saccharomyces cerevisiae following exposure to representatives of the four currently available classes of antifungal agents used in the management of systemic fungal infections. Microarray analysis indicated differential expression of 0.8, 4.1, 3.0, and 2.6% of the genes represented on the Affymetrix S98 yeast gene array in response to ketoconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), respectively. Quantitative real time reverse transcriptase-PCR was used to confirm the microarray analyses. Genes responsive to ketoconazole, caspofungin, and 5-FC were indicative of the drug-specific effects. Ketoconazole exposure primarily affected genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis and sterol uptake; caspofungin exposure affected genes involved in cell wall integrity; and 5-FC affected genes involved in DNA and protein synthesis, DNA damage repair, and cell cycle control. In contrast, amphotericin B elicited changes in gene expression reflecting cell stress, membrane reconstruction, transport, phosphate uptake, and cell wall integrity. Genes with the greatest specificity for a particular drug were grouped together as drug-specific genes, whereas genes with a lack of drug specificity were also identified. Taken together, these data shed new light on the mechanisms of action of these classes of antifungal agents and demonstrate the potential utility of gene expression profiling in antifungal drug development.
Cancer-related changes in prostate DNA as men age and early identification of metastasis in primary prostate tumors

Using statistical analyses of Fourier transform-IR spectra, we show that DNA of the histologically normal prostates of men 16–80 years old undergoes structural changes in the bases and backbone with increasing age. Of the older men (ages 55–80), 42% exhibited a DNA phenotype mimicking that of primary prostate tumors from a comparable age group. This cancer-like phenotype, which was not found in the younger men (ages 16–36), appears to arise from progressive age-related damage to DNA. The mean concentrations of 8-hydroxypurine lesions (e.g., 8-hydroxyguanine) were substantially higher for the older men than for the younger men. This finding suggests that the hydroxyl radical contributed to the structural changes that characterize the cancer-like phenotype. Strikingly, we were additionally able to discriminate between the DNA of primary prostate tumors and the DNA of primary prostate tumors from which distant metastases had been identified. Moreover, logistic regression analysis was able to predict the probability that a tumor had metastasized with ≈90% sensitivity and specificity. Collectively, these findings are particularly promising for identifying men at risk for developing prostate cancer, as well as for the early determination of whether a primary tumor has progressed to the metastatic state. This is highly important because the prognosis of histologically similar prostate carcinomas varies, thus creating a need to predict which cancers are most likely metastatic.
Control of Megakaryocyte Expansion and Bone Marrow Fibrosis by Lysyl Oxidase*

Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a matrix cross-linking protein, is known to be selectively expressed and to enhance a fibrotic phenotype. A recent study of ours showed that LOX oxidizes the PDGF receptor-β (PDGFR-β), leading to amplified downstream signaling. Here, we examined the expression and functions of LOX in megakaryocytes (MKs), the platelet precursors. Cells committed to the MK lineage undergo mitotic proliferation to yield diploid cells, followed by endomitosis and acquisition of polyploidy. Intriguingly, LOX expression is detected in diploid-tetraploid MKs, but scarce in polyploid MKs. PDGFR-BB is an inducer of mitotic proliferation in MKs. LOX inhibition with β-aminopropionitrile reduces PDGFR-BB binding to cells and downstream signaling, as well as its proliferative effect on the MK lineage. Inhibition of LOX activity has no influence on MK polyploidy. We next rationalized that, in a system with an abundance of low ploidy MKs, LOX could be highly expressed and with functional significance. Thus, we resorted to GATA-1low mice, where there is an increase in low ploidy MKs, augmented levels of PDGF-BB, and an extensive matrix of fibers. MKs from these mice display high expression of LOX, compared with control mice. Importantly, treatment of GATA-1low mice with β-aminopropionitrile significantly improves the bone marrow fibrotic phenotype, and MK number in the spleen. Thus, our in vitro and in vivo data support a novel role for LOX in regulating MK expansion by PDGF-BB and suggest LOX as a new potential therapeutic target for myelofibrosis.
Mikroalga Potensi dan Pemanfaatannya Untuk Produksi Bio Bahan Bakar

Berangkat dari dua permasalahan utama yang akan dihadapi oleh seluruh penduduk di dunia pada masa mendatang, pertama kelangkaan akan persediaan bahan bakar dan kedua perubahan iklim global yang diakibatkan akumulasi emisi karbondioksida (CO2) hasil pembakaran bahan bakar fosil ke lingkungan. Dengan dilatar belakangi kedua permasalahan tersebut penelitian dan penemuan tentang sumber energi alternatif semakin terus digalakkan di setiap negara dunia, tak ketinggalan pula dengan Indonesia. Negara kita dikenal sebagai negara yang memiliki kekayaan sumber daya alam melimpah. Maka dari itu, “cap” sebagai negara agraris sekaligus negara maritim masih terus melekat. Sumber daya alam yang tersedia dapat menjadi modal utama bagi Indonesia untuk lebih giat melakukan kegiatan penelitian terhadap sumber energi alternatif yang berbasis ramah lingkungan sebagai upaya menanggulangi krisis energi dan ancaman pemanasan global.
Hfq binding changes the structure of Escherichia coli small noncoding RNAs OxyS and RprA, which are involved in the riboregulation of rpoS

Many small noncoding RNAs in E. coli require the RNA binding protein Hfq to exert their regulatory function. However, the role(s) played by Hfq remain unclear. This manuscript uses a variety of biochemical and biophysical approaches to characterize the role of Hfq in the opposing functions of two small RNAs.
Kinetics of a putative hypoxic tracer, 99mTc-HL91, in normoxic, hypoxic, ischemic, and stunned myocardium.

UNLABELLED 99mTc-4,9-diaza-3,3,10,10-tetramethyldodecan-2,11-dione dioxime (HL91) was developed as a putative hypoxic reagent. This study focused on the myocardial kinetics of 99mTc-HL91 in various oxygen levels and perfusion states. METHODS The time-activity curve of 99mTc-HL91 was measured in isolated perfused rat heart after the bolus infusion. RESULTS 99mTc-HL91 was cleared quickly from normoxic hearts, and retention at 30 min after injection was 0.18 +/- 0.02 percentage injected dose per gram of wet weight (mean +/- SE; n = 6). When the concentration of oxygen bubbling through the perfusate was reduced from 100% to 50%, 20%, 5%, and 0%, retention of 99mTc-HL91 increased to 0.47 +/- 0.03 (n = 5), 0.48 +/- 0.03 (n = 5), 0.71 +/- 0.01 (n = 5), and 0.70 +/- 0.02 (n = 5), respectively (P < 0.05). Compartment analysis revealed that the trapping mechanism, which was dependent on tissue oxygen concentration, determined the retention rate. Although not retained in stunned myocardium (0.17 +/- 0.02, n = 5; P = not significant), 99mTc-HL91 was significantly retained when injected before ischemia (1.06 +/- 0.06, n = 5; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION These results indicate that retention of 99mTc-HL91 correlates well with oxygen level in the perfusate, suggesting that the agent may be a useful marker of the severity of myocardial hypoxia.