Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutrition and Susceptibility to Infection

The guess that diet might exert an important influence on susceptibility to infection was well worth making. Reviews of the literature (Clausen, 1934; Robertson, 1934; Watson, 1937a, b ; Watson, Wilson & Topley, 1938; Perla & Mannorston, 1941; Aycock & Lutman, 1944; Berry, Davis & Spies, 1945; Leitch, 1945; Schneider, 1946a; Wilson & Miles, 1946; Gell, Parry, Leitner, Howie & Hartley, 1948) reveal many suggestive correlations between the food of men and animals, and the incidence of infection in the community or herd; but the same reviews make it clear that promotion of the guess to an accepted place in scientific knowledge involves a struggle that is not yet won. I think it worth discussing why the evidence for a relation between diet and infection is not better accepted, and what must be done to secure for this problem the critical attention and disciplined study it requires.
Characterization of single and composites thin films memristive device

In this paper, three different sets of samples were prepared to compare the memristive behavior of single layer metal oxide which is zinc oxide (ZnO) as well as two composite ZnO and TiO2 double layer thin film samples. Spin coating method was selected to deposit ZnO and TiO2 solutions on indium tin oxide (ITO)/Glass substrate. Platinum (Pt) was used as the top metal electrode which had been deposited on metal oxide layer using sputtering method. Memristive behavior determined by the current-voltage (I-V) characterization had been measured using two-point probe I-V measurement. From the I-V characteristics, it can be seen that pinched hysteresis loop were seen for all samples yet hysteresis loop with composite layer gave a wider loop compared to the single one. Thus, it can be observed that composite layer affects the behavior of memristive device.
Effect of pH on the gelation properties of skim milk gels made from plant coagulants and chymosin.

The effect of three milk pH values, 6.0, 6.3 and 6.7, on gelation properties was monitored by small amplitude oscillatory rheology as well as a large deformation (yield) test for gels induced by the plant coagulants, Cynara cardunculus L. and Cynara humilis L. , and chymosin. Gel microstructure was studied using confocal scanning laser microscopy. For each coagulant, a decrease in pH of milk resulted in a decrease in gelation time (tg), and an increase in the rate of increase in storage modulus (G'). At pH 6.0 and 6.3, plant coagulant-induced gels reached a maximum value in G' (G'max) followed by a decrease in G' values during the rest of the experiment, reflecting higher proteolytic activity of plant coagulants towards caseins as determined by SDS-PAGE. Gels produced at pH 6.0 and 6.3, exhibited a minimum in loss tangent (tan delta) followed by slight increase in tan delta during gel aging, that may have been associated with faster rearrangements of the gel network structure. In gels aged for approximately 6 h, the values for G', tan delta at low frequency (0.006 Hz) and yield stress were higher for chymosin than for plant-induced gels. For gels with the same pH value, no major differences were observed in microstructure between coagulants. Gels made at low pH values (6.3 and 6.0) appeared to have a denser or more interconnected structure than gels made at pH 6.7. Our results suggest that, at a low pH, the type of coagulant used in gelation is likely to have a considerably impact on gel/cheese structure.
[Effects of acupuncture on the gastric motivity in patients with functional dyspepsia].

OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of the acupuncture on the gastric motivity in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS Ninety FD patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: the treated group, the control groups, 1 and 2, 30 patients in each group. Patients in the treated group received acupuncture treatment, those in the control group 1 and group 2 orally took Cisapride and Marzulene-s granule respectively. Changes in scores of symptoms, electrogastrographic figure, gastric emptying time estimated by B-ultrasonic examination and plasma level of motilin in the 3 groups before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS Symptoms were obviously improved in the treated and control group 1 after treatment, which were better than those in the control group 2 (P < 0.01). Gastro-electric frequency and rhythm in the treated group and control group 1 were improved more significantly than those in before treatment (P < 0.01). Gastric emptying time and plasma motilin improved in the treated group and the control group 1 after treatment, when compared with before treatment, the difference was significant respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture could significantly improve the gastric motivity of FD patients.
Cancellous bone formation response to simulated resistance training during disuse is blunted by concurrent alendronate treatment

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of simulated resistance training (SRT) exercise combined with alendronate (ALEN) in mitigating or preventing disuse‐associated losses in cancellous bone microarchitecture and formation. Sixty male Sprague‐Dawley rats (6 months old) were randomly assigned to either cage control (CC), hind limb unloading (HU), HU plus either ALEN (HU + ALEN), SRT (HU + SRT), or a combination of ALEN and SRT (HU + SRT/ALEN) for 28 days. HU + SRT and HU + SRT/ALEN rats were anesthetized and subjected to muscle contractions once every 3 days during HU (four sets of five repetitions, 1000 ms isometric + 1000 ms eccentric). Additionally, HU + ALEN and HU + SRT/ALEN rats received 10 µg/kg of body weight of ALEN three times per week. HU reduced cancellous bone‐formation rate (BFR) by 80%, with no effect of ALEN treatment (−85% versus CC). SRT during HU significantly increased cancellous BFR by 123% versus CC, whereas HU + SRT/ALEN inhibited the anabolic effect of SRT (−70% versus HU + SRT). SRT increased bone volume and trabecular thickness by 19% and 9%, respectively, compared with CC. Additionally, osteoid surface (OS/BS) was significantly greater in HU + SRT rats versus CC (+32%). Adding ALEN to SRT during HU reduced Oc.S/BS (−75%), Ob.S/BS (−72%), OS/BS (−61%), and serum TRACP5b (−36%) versus CC. SRT and ALEN each independently suppressed a nearly twofold increase in adipocyte number evidenced with HU and inhibited increases in osteocyte apoptosis. These results demonstrate the anabolic effect of a low volume of high‐intensity muscle contractions during disuse and suggest that both bone resorption and bone formation are suppressed when SRT is combined with bisphosphonate treatment. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Homocysteine threshold value based on cystathionine beta synthase and paraoxonase 1 activities in mice

Background Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a metabolic disorder associated with the development of premature atherosclerosis. Among the determinants which predispose to premature thromboembolic and atherothrombotic events, serum activity of paraoxonase 1, mainly synthesized in the liver, has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular disease and to be negatively correlated with serum homocysteine levels in human. Even though treatments of hyperhomocysteinaemic patients ongoing cardiovascular complications are commonly used, it still remains unclear above which homocysteine level a preventive therapy should be started.
Age-related decrements in Stroop Color Test performance.

Administered a modified Stroop Color-Word Test to 80 healthy males aged 21-90 years as part of a study of neuropsychological functioning. No age differences were demonstrated on simple reading tasks; however, significant age effects were observed for the color naming and interference tasks (ps less than .001). Ss in the oldest age groups (61-70 and 71-90 years) performed more slowly than younger individuals on both of these. Of a variety of tests administered, performance on the Stroop Test was most affected by age. Because impairment on Stroop color naming and interference tests appears to be a concomitant of normal aging, caution should be exercised when one is interpreting Stroop test results from older patients with suspected cerebral dysfunction.
Symptomatic Thrower's Exostosis

A long-term follow-up was performed on 22 patients treated for a posterior glenoid osteophyte and symptomatic posterior shoulder pain during either the late cocking, acceleration, or follow-through phases of throwing. Arthroscopic evaluation of these patients revealed undersurface tearing of the rotator cuff in all but one. Fifteen patients also had tearing of the posterior labrum. Anterior labral fraying was noted in four patients. Treatment consisted of debridement of the rotator cuff and labral tears. The posterior glenoid osteophyte was removed arthroscopically in 11 patients. Eighteen of 22 throwers treated were available for long-term follow-up at a mean of 6.3 years (range, 1 to 12). Only 10 of 18 (55%) throwers evaluated had returned to their premorbid level of throwing. All 10 were asymptomatic and had maintained a high level of performance for a mean of 3.6 years (range, 1 to 8). At the time of latest follow-up, five players were still participating at the major league level and five had retired. One patient had recurrence of the exostosis 8 years after surgery. Among our patients a trend existed toward a poorer result and failure of return to activity with a posterior osteophyte greater than 100 mm2. A posterior glenoid exostosis, when identified in the symptomatic shoulder of the throwing athlete, can be considered a definite marker of internal impingement.
Gene microarrays in transplantation.

Introduction Although gene microarrays – large numbers of genes represented by complementary DNAs or oligonucleotides immobilized ontomicroscope slides or silicon chips – were successfully used to profile gene expression in cancer [1–3], their impact in transplantation research has so far been relatively modest (Hayden et al. [4] provide a technical review). This may rapidly change, however, judged by recent publications and international transplantation meetings.
Neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Are we making mountains out of molehills?

Background Most original studies and all meta-analyses conducted to date converge on the conclusion that patients with schizophrenia display rather generalized neurocognitive deficits. For the present study, we reopen this seemingly closed chapter and examine whether important influences, such as lack of motivation and negative attitudes towards cognitive assessment, result in poorer secondary neuropsychological performance. Method A sample of 50 patients with an established diagnosis of schizophrenia were tested for routine neurocognitive assessment and compared to 60 nonclinical volunteers. Before and after the assessment, subjective momentary influences were examined (e.g. motivation, concerns about assessment, fear about poor outcome) for their impact on performance using a new questionnaire called the Momentary Influences, Attitudes and Motivation Impact (MIAMI) on Cognitive Performance Scale. Results As expected, patients performed significantly worse than controls on all neurocognitive domains tested (large effect size, on average). However, patients also displayed more subjective momentary impairment, as well as more fears about the outcome and less motivation than controls. Mediation analyses indicated that these influences contributed to (secondary) poorer neurocognitive performance. Differences in neurocognitive scores shrank to a medium effect size, on average, when MIAMI scores were accounted for. Conclusions The data argue that performance on measures of neurocognition in schizophrenia are to a considerable extent due to secondary factors. Poor motivation, fears and momentary impairments distinguished patients from controls and these variables heavily impacted performance. Before concluding that neurocognitive deficits in psychiatric patients are present, clinicians should take these confounding influences into account. Although patients with schizophrenia achieved, on average, worse test scores than controls, a large subgroup displayed spared performance.
Swansea criteria for diagnosis of acute fatty liver of pregnancy.

The report by Goel et al 1 from Vellore is interesting and valuable. The authors identified 34 patients who had undergone liver biopsy for suspected pregnancy-related liver disease in their institution over a 9-year period. Twenty-four of those cases were deemed suitable for retrospective study. They applied the Swansea criteria for acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and found that of the 20 cases fulfilling those criteria, in only 17 …
Molecular and Functional Interaction between Protocadherin-γC5 and GABAA Receptors

We have found that the γ2 subunit of the GABAA receptor (γ2-GABAAR) specifically interacts with protocadherin-γC5 (Pcdh-γC5) in the rat brain. The interaction occurs between the large intracellular loop of the γ2-GABAAR and the cytoplasmic domain of Pcdh-γC5. In brain extracts, Pcdh-γC5 coimmunoprecipitates with GABAARs. In cotransfected HEK293 cells, Pcdh-γC5 promotes the transfer of γ2-GABAAR to the cell surface. We have previously shown that, in cultured hippocampal neurons, endogenous Pcdh-γC5 forms clusters, some of which associate with GABAergic synapses. Overexpression of Pcdh-γC5 in hippocampal neurons increases the density of γ2-GABAAR clusters but has no significant effect on the number of GABAergic contacts that these neurons receive, indicating that Pcdh-γC5 is not synaptogenic. Deletion of the cytoplasmic domain of Pcdh-γC5 enhanced its surface expression but decreased the association with both γ2-GABAAR clusters and presynaptic GABAergic contacts. Cultured hippocampal neurons from the Pcdh-γ triple C-type isoform knock-out (TCKO) mouse (Pcdhgtcko/tcko) showed plenty of GABAergic synaptic contacts, although their density was reduced compared with sister cultures from wild-type and heterozygous mice. Knocking down Pcdh-γC5 expression with shRNA decreased γ2-GABAAR cluster density and GABAergic innervation. The results indicate that, although Pcdh-γC5 is not essential for GABAergic synapse formation or GABAAR clustering, (1) Pcdh-γC5 regulates the surface expression of GABAARs via cis-cytoplasmic interaction with γ2-GABAAR, and (2) Pcdh-γC5 plays a role in the stabilization and maintenance of some GABAergic synapses.
Ankle-Brachial Index Should Be Measured in Both the Posterior and the Anterior Tibial Arteries in Studies of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is an objective and standard diagnostic method to diagnose PAD (an ABI ≤ 0.9 is considered pathological). The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend using both the posterior and anterior tibial arteries when assessing ABI. We investigated whether there was a difference in the diagnosis of PAD if the ABI was measured in the posterior or the anterior tibial arteries. The results showed that among participants with ABI ≤0.9, between 30% and 40% would not get a PAD diagnosis if the ABI was measured in only 1 of the arteries. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of measuring the ABI in both the posterior tibial and the anterior tibial arteries when diagnosing PAD.
A Precarious Existence: Thermal Homeostasis of Simple Dissipative Structures

We demonstrate the emergence of spontaneous temperature regulation by the combined action of two sets of dissipative structures. Our model system comprised an incompressible, non-isothermal fluid in which two sets of Gray-Scott reaction diffusion systems were embedded. We show that with a temperature dependent rate constant, self-reproducing spot patterns are extremely sensitive to temperature variations. Furthermore, if only one reaction is exothermic or endothermic while the second reaction has zero enthalpy, the system shows either runaway positive feedback, or the patterns inhibit themselves. However, a symbiotic system, in which one of the two reactions is exothermic and the other is endothermic, shows striking resilience to imposed temperature variations. Not only does the system maintain its emergent patterns, but it is seen to effectively regulate its internal temperature, no matter whether the boundary temperature is warmer or cooler than optimal growth conditions. This thermal homeostasis is a completely emergent feature.
Social Network and Nutritional Value of Congregate Meal Programs

This study explored the associations between sexual orientation and the perceived social network and nutritional value of congregate meal programs (CMPs) in Massachusetts (N = 289). Descriptives, t tests, and chi-square tests analyzed sexual orientation differences. Linear regression tested the effects of sexual orientation on the value of CMPs. Sexual minorities (SMs) were more likely to have non-kin-based social networks and reported higher levels of loneliness compared with heterosexuals. Heterosexuals, fewer of whom have non-kin-based networks, place a stronger value on access to a social network via CMPs. Nutritional value is important for people of all sexual orientations. SMs traveled seven times the distance to attend CMPs, highlighting the need for greater access to such sites. Results of this study support the specification of SMs as a population of “greatest social need” under the Older Americans Act and the expansion of services that are tailored for their social support needs.
Negative cell cycle control of human T cells by β‐galactoside binding protein (βGBP): Induction of programmed cell death in leukaemic cells

The cell cycle is negatively regulated by diverse molecular events which originate in part from the interaction of secreted proteins with specific cell surface receptors. By exerting negative control on cell proliferation, these factors can help maintain cell number balance both through growth restraints and the induction of apoptosis and may thus contribute to prevent or control tumourigenesis. Here we report that βGBP, a negative growth factor which controls transition from S phase into G2, causes an S/G2 growth arrest in both normal and leukaemic T cells. However, in leukaemic T cells but not in normal T lymphocytes, growth arrest is followed by apoptosis. Analysis of possible mechanisms of induction of apoptosis does not support Fas and Fas L as having a main role but points instead to Bcl‐2 and Bax. The induction of apoptosis in leukaemic T cells is characterised by the decrease of Bcl‐2 and consequent predominance of Bax. By contrast, in the normal T cells, which do not enter apoptosis, the quantitative relationship of Bcl‐2 to Bax remains unchanged. The ability of βGBP to selectively induce apoptosis in leukaemic cells suggests that βGBP may play a role in cancer surveillance and that its use has potential therapeutic implications. J Cell Physiol 178:102–108, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of Adolescent Profiles by Gender: Strengths, Attitudes toward Violence and Sexism

Abstract The present study analyzes the profiles of boys and girls, considering gender, in the early stages of adolescence in the variables of character strengths, attitudes toward diversity and violence, and sexism. The aim is to explore the gender differences, whether the variables in each set differ from one another and whether these differences are maintained in profiles for boys and girls. The participants were 527 students (mean age = 12.21 and SD = 0.53) from the city of Málaga (Spain). Profile analysis was used to analyze data. The results, using an alpha of 0.0021 for each contrast, indicate that boys and girls differ in their character strengths, particularly in the case of girls, whose prominent strengths relate to pro-social behavior and peer relationships, where Cohen´s d are higher than . 30. Moreover, boys justify attitudes of violence to a greater extent (Cohen´s d from .44 to .81) and show greater agreement with sexist beliefs (d = .63). The research suggests that it would be of interest to encourage advancement in character strengths at this age.
Factors Influencing Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Transfer to Human Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelial Cells: Comparison with Adenovirus Vectors

ABSTRACT Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors appear promising for use in gene therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, yet many features of AAV-mediated gene transfer to airway epithelial cells are not well understood. We compared the transduction efficiencies of AAV vectors and adenovirus (Ad) vectors in immortalized cell lines from CF patients and in nasal epithelial primary cultures from normal humans and CF patients. Similar dose-dependent relationships between the vector multiplicities of infection and the efficiencies of lacZgene transfer were observed. However, levels of transduction for both Ad and recombinant AAV (rAAV) were significantly lower in the airway epithelial cell than in the control cell lines HeLa and HEK 293. Transduction efficiencies differed among cultured epithelial cell types, with poorly differentiated cells transducing more efficiently than well-differentiated cells. A time-dependent increase in gene expression was observed after infection for both vectors. For Ad, but not for AAV, this increase was dependent on prolonged incubation of cells with the vector. Furthermore, for rAAV (but not for rAd), the delay in maximal transduction could be abrogated by wild-type Ad helper infection. Thus, although helper virus is not required for maximal transduction, it increases the kinetics by which this is achieved. Expression of Ad E4 open reading frame 6 or addition of either hydroxyurea or camptothecin resulted in increased AAV transduction, as previously demonstrated for nonairway cells (albeit to lower final levels), suggesting that second-strand synthesis may not be the sole cause of inefficient transduction. Finally, the efficiency of AAV-mediated ex vivo gene transfer to lung cells was similar to that previously described for Ad vectors in that transduction was limited to regions of epithelial injury and preferentially targeted basal-like cells. These studies address the primary factors influencing rAAV infection of human airway cells and should impact successful gene delivery in CF patients.
Periventricular intraparenchymal cerebral haemorrhage in preterm infants: The role of venous infarction

Haemorrhage into cerebral parenchymal tissue supero‐lateral to the angles of the lateral ventricles is a major cause of death and disability in preterm infants. It is frequently associated with germinal layer and intraventricular haemorrhage but the mechanism by which parenchymal haemorrhage occurs is uncertain. Recent studies have suggested that it is due to bleeding into tissue previously damaged by ischaemia following cerebral hypoperfusion. We have studied 68 preterm infant brains, of which four contained early intraparenchymal haemorrhage supero‐lateral to the angles of the lateral ventricles which were associated with large germinal layer and intraventricular haemorrhages. The anatomical distribution and histological features of these haemorrhages suggested that they resulted from venous infarction and that the venous drainage of the periventricular tissues had been obstructed by the germinal layer haemorrhages. In these four infants, bleeding into parenchymal tissues could be regarded as a complication of germinal layer and intraventricular haemorrhage rather than of cerebral hypoperfusion.