Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Marine algae as natural source of iodine in the feeding of freshwater fish: a new possibility to improve iodine supply of man

Des poissons d'eau douce ont ete alimentes avec une nourriture supplementee en iode grâce a un ajout d'algues marines naturellement riches en cet element et cela afin de repondre aux besoins en iode chez l'homme. Dans un essai de nutrition animale, des poissons d'eau douce (omble, Salvelinus sp.) sont divises en deux groupes, l'un de controle, l'autre nourri avec un aliment commercial pour poisson enrichi en algue brune (Laminaria digitata) a une concentration de 0.8 %. Toutes les quatre semaines, 10 poissons sont tues et leur teneur en iode est determinee. Nous avons pu ainsi demontrer que la teneur en iode dans les poissons nourris avec l'aliment contenant l'algue (539 t 86 μg iode/kg poids humide) etait quatre fois plus importante que dans les poissons du groupe de controle (143 ′ 10 μg iode/kg poids humide). Cette augmentation etait significative. La repartition de l'iode dans le poisson a aussi pu etre precisee. Dans les deux groupes, nous avons releve des quantites tres importantes dans la peau des poissons. Afin de determiner s'il y avait bien un passage de l'iode de l'algue au poisson, puis a l'homme, une etude de biodisponibilite sur 14 volontaires sains a ete menee. Le matin suivant l'ingestion de poissons nourris avec l'aliment contenant de l'algue, la teneur en iode dans les urines etait significativement plus elevee que les autres jours de l'etude.
Heavy Subgraphs, Stability and Hamiltonicity

Abstract Let G be a graph. Adopting the terminology of Broersma et al. and Čada, respectively, we say that G is 2-heavy if every induced claw (K1,3) of G contains two end-vertices each one has degree at least |V (G)|/2; and G is o-heavy if every induced claw of G contains two end-vertices with degree sum at least |V (G)| in G. In this paper, we introduce a new concept, and say that G is S-c-heavy if for a given graph S and every induced subgraph G′ of G isomorphic to S and every maximal clique C of G′, every non-trivial component of G′ − C contains a vertex of degree at least |V (G)|/2 in G. Our original motivation is a theorem of Hu from 1999 that can be stated, in terms of this concept, as every 2-connected 2-heavy and N-c-heavy graph is hamiltonian, where N is the graph obtained from a triangle by adding three disjoint pendant edges. In this paper, we will characterize all connected graphs S such that every 2-connected o-heavy and S-c-heavy graph is hamiltonian. Our work results in a different proof of a stronger version of Hu’s theorem. Furthermore, our main result improves or extends several previous results.
Expression and functional roles of caspase-5 in inflammatory responses of human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

PURPOSE To investigate the expression, activation, and functional involvement of caspase-5 in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells. METHODS Expression and activation of caspase-5 in primary cultured hRPE cells, telomerase-immortalized hTERT-RPE1 cells (hTERT-RPE1), or both, were measured after stimulation with proinflammatory agents IL-1β, TNF-α, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interferon-γ, monocyte coculture, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducers. Immunomodulating agents dexamethasone (Dex), IL-10, and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) were used to antagonize proinflammatory stimulation. Cell death ELISA and TUNEL staining assays were used to assess apoptosis. RESULTS Caspase-5 mRNA expression and protein activation were induced by LPS and monocyte-hRPE coculture. Caspase-5 activation appeared as early as 2 hours after challenge by LPS and consistently increased to 24 hours. Meanwhile, caspase-1 expression and protein activation were induced by LPS. Activation of caspase-5 was blocked or reduced by Dex, IL-10, and TA. Activation of caspase-5 and -1 was also enhanced by ATP and ER stress inducers. Expression and activation of caspase-5 were inhibited by a caspase-1-specific inhibitor. Caspase-5 knockdown reduced caspase-1 protein expression and activation and inhibited TNF-α-induced IL-8 and MCP-1. In contrast to caspase-4, the contribution of caspase-5 to stress-induced apoptosis was moderate. CONCLUSIONS Caspase-5 mRNA synthesis, protein expression, and catalytic activation were highly regulated in response to various proinflammatory stimuli, ATP, and ER stress inducers. Mutual activation between caspase-5 and -1 suggests caspase-5 may work predominantly in concert with caspase-1 in modulating hRPE inflammatory responses.
Comparison of Deferoxamine, Activated Charcoal, and Vitamin C in Changing the Serum Level of Fe in Iron Overloaded Rats

Background: Iron is an essential mineral for normal cellular physiology but its overload can lead to cell injury. For many years, deferoxamine injection has been used as an iron chelator for treatment of iron overload. The aim of this study is to compare oral deferoxamine, activated charcoal, and vitamin C, as an absorbent factor of Fe, in changing the serum level of iron in iron overload rats. Methods: In this experimental study, all groups were administered 150 mg iron dextran orally by gavage. After eight hours, rats in the first group received oral deferoxamine while those in the second and third groups received oral activated charcoal 1 mg/kg and oral vitamin C 150 mg, respectively. Then, serum levels of iron ware measured in all rats. Results: The mean serum level of iron in rats that received oral deferoxamine was 258.11±10.49 µg/dl, whereas mean levels of iron in charcoal and vitamin C groups were 380.88±11.21 µg/dl and 401.22±13.28 µg/dl, respectively. None of the measurements were within safety limits of serum iron. Conclusion: It seems that oral deferoxamine per se may not help physicians in the management of cases presented with iron toxicity. Activated charcoal did not reduce serum iron significantly in this study and further investigations may be warranted to assess the potential clinical utility of its mixture with oral deferoxamine as an adjunct in the clinical management of iron ingestions.
Expression of Extremely Low Levels of Thymidine Kinase from an Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus Mutant Supports Reactivation from Latently Infected Mouse Trigeminal Ganglia

ABSTRACT A single-cytosine-deletion in the herpes simplex virus gene encoding thymidine kinase (TK) was previously found in an acyclovir-resistant clinical isolate. A laboratory strain engineered to carry this mutation did not generate sufficient TK activity for detection by plaque autoradiography, which detected 0.25% wild-type activity. However, a drug sensitivity assay suggested that extremely low levels of TK are generated by this virus. The virus was estimated to express 0.09% of wild-type TK activity via a ribosomal frameshift 24 nucleotides upstream of the mutation. Remarkably, this appeared to be sufficient active TK to support a low level of reactivation from latently infected mouse trigeminal ganglia.
Relationship between bone histology and markers of bone and mineral metabolism in African-American hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Racial differences in mineral metabolism exist in the chronic kidney disease population, especially as it relates to intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels. Few data exist on the relationship of these markers to bone biopsy findings in African-American (AA) hemodialysis patients across the spectrum of renal osteodystrophy (ROD). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS In prevalent AA hemodialysis subjects, we prospectively evaluated subjects by performing transiliac bone biopsy and correlating biochemical and clinical data to bone histology. RESULTS Study patients (n = 43) had an average age of 53.7 (11.6) yr, with dialysis vintage of 40.4 (24.5) mo, 30% with diabetes, and 51% male. Bone histology revealed adynamic bone disease (ABD) (16%), mild to moderate hyperparathyroidism (HPT) (72%), severe (12%) HPT, and no osteomalacia or mixed uremic osteodystrophy. At the time of biopsy, mean corrected calcium was 9.1, 8.9, and 9.4 mg/dl (P = 0.344); calcium-phosphorus (Ca X PO4) product was 42, 55, and 62 mg(2)/dl(2) (P = 0.002); phosphorus was 4.6, 6.2, and 6.7 mg/dl (P = 0.005); and iPTH was 225, 566, and 975 pg/ml (P = 0.006), respectively. Median values for bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BS-AP) were 16, 34, and 64 ng/ml (P < 0.0001) among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that across the spectrum of ROD, iPTH levels are higher than expected in AA hemodialysis subjects. iPTH, PTH peptides, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase correlated directly with histomorphometric measurements of bone turnover and when subjects were grouped by histologic diagnosis. Only 9.5% of subjects were simultaneously within suggested Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) ranges for Ca X PO4, phosphorus, and iPTH, of which 75% demonstrated ABD on biopsy.
Still births – eight years experience at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives. To examine the possible etiological causes of still births during 8 years of clinical experience at a tertiary referral center, The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi Pakistan. In addition, to compare demographic and medical risk factors along with analysis of cause of fetal death in different groups. Material and Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study, conducted at the Aga Khan University Karachi, Pakistan over a period of 8-year period between January 2000 and January 2008. We reviewed 287 medical records of all women who had intrauterine fetal demise during study time period. Results. The prevalence of still births at our institution was 6.6 ± 2.1 per 1000 total births. Congenital anamolies, maternal hypertension, and fetal growth restrictions were the three main causes of still births. About half of still births were among unbooked pregnant women. More than 90% of occurred during the ante natal period while 10% were intrapartum. Majority of stillborns were in macerated state when delivered. Conclusion. Most of still births were due to known causes such as hypertension, congenital anomalies, and fetal growth restriction. Improvement in the management of hypertension and diagnosis of congenital anomalies is necessary. Results of the analysis urge on the need for antenatal care and compliance for follow-ups.
Pain in Multiple Sclerosis: An Overview of Its Nature and Management

&NA; Pain is experienced by approximately two‐thirds of all people with multiple sclerosis (MS) at some time during the course of their disease. Pain in MS occurs as a consequence of both the disease and the disability that it produces. Pain in MS is receiving more attention as clinical trials in the past decade have focused not solely on the immune system modulators of disease but also on symptomatic management as well. Nurses with their keen communication and assessment skills and their unique advocacy role are particularly equipped to effect pain management for people with multiple sclerosis.
The synthesis of serum albumin and tissue proteins in slices of rat liver and liver tumour.

from a limited amount of isotope would probably be low, since the introduction of isotope is made at the beginning of a long series of chemical transformations and also because isotopic labelling of the solvent employed in the catalytic reduction is required. This investigator also considered introducing the isotope into ring C of an appropriate unsaturated C21 steroid. Accordingly, pregn-9-ene3:20-dione was prepared from lloa-hydroxyprogesterone (Peterson & Murray, 1952) according to procedures described by Mancera, Ringold, Djerassi, Rosenkranz & Sondheimer (1953) and Rosenkranz, Mancera & Sondheimer (1954), but the isolated 9: 11 double bond resisted hydrogenation with cyclohexane as solvent and palladium-charcoal as catalyst. Further experimentation along these lines was halted in favour of work on preparing [16-3H]progesterone as described above. Another approach, requiring isotope-exchange procedure, had also been considered, but this was not promising since Fukushima & Gallagher (1952) could thereby introduce very little stably bound deuterium into the progesterone molecule, although they obtained better results with certain other C21 steroids: the amounts of stably bound deuterium or tritium incorporated were small, but still useful for metabolism experiments. It might be pointed out that exchange procedures are inherently inefficient in the utilization of isotope (although the degree of incorporation may be very high indeed), which is not as great an economnic consideration in the case of deuterium as it is with tritium. The potential usefulness of hydrogen isotope as auxiliary tracers for carbon and their limitations must be considered in each particular case (an excellent discussion is given by Kamen, 1951). In the author's experience (unpublished experiments) [16-3H]progesterone has proved very useful in studying the intermediary metabolism of the hormone, not involving loss of the C-17 side chain; the isotope would probably be lost in that event. SUMMARY
Influence of light-dark schedules and stocking density on behaviour, risk of leg problems and occurrence of chronic fear in broilers

1. The aims of this study were to determine (1) the effect of light-dark schedules on the walking ability, the risk of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) as well as the duration of tonic immobility (TI) reactions in commercial broiler flocks and (2) the effect of a daily dark period and reduced density on the behaviour of broiler chickens. 2. Experiment 1. Group 1 had a 2 to 8 h daily dark period from 2 to 26 d of age (light-dark programme A) at a stocking density of 28.4 chicks/m 2 . Group 2 had 8 h of darkness daily from 2 to 38 d of age (light-dark programme B) at 24 chicks/ m 2 . The control group had 24 h continuous light at 28.4 chicks/m 2 . 3. Experiment 2. Behaviour was studied with and without a daily 8 h dark period and at high (30 chicks/m 2 ) and low (18 chicks/m 2 ) stocking densities. 4. Programme B reduced the prevalence of impaired walking ability, corresponding to gait score > 2, when compared with controls. The effect on walking ability corresponding to gait score > 0 approached significance. 5. Both light-dark programmes reduced the occurrence of TD. Programme B (combined with reduced stocking density), however, had the greater effect. 6. Both light-dark programmes reduced the duration of TI, compared with controls (mean = 426 s) Programme B resulted in a larger reduction ( α = -156.9 s) than programme A ( α = -117.0). 7. The proportions of chicks drinking, eating, pecking, scratching, standing and performing vertical wing-shakes increased - both when the 8 h dark period and the reduced stocking density were applied separately and in combination (experiment 2). 8. For all behaviours, except standing, the effect of the dark period was largest in broilers kept at the high stocking density (d 40).
Yeast KEX2 protease and mannosyltransferase I are localized to distinct compartments of the secretory pathway

The KEX2 protease (product of the KEX2 gene) functions late in the secretory pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by cleaving the polypeptide chains of prepro‐killer toxin and prepro‐α‐factor at paired basic amino acid residues. The intracellular vesicles containing KEX2 protease sedimented in density gradients to a position distinct from those containing mannosyltransferase I (product of the MNN1 gene), a marker enzyme for the Golgi complex. The recovery of intact compartments containing these enzymes approached 80% after sedimentation. We propose that the KEX2 protease and mannosyltransferase I reside within distinct compartments.
ABO Blood Groups Distribution and Cardiovascular Major Risk Factors in Healthy Population

Background : This study was designed to investigate whether there was an association between ABO blood groups and car­diovascular risk factors in healthy population. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, risk factors screening for cardiovascular disease(CVD) on 5000 healthy persons of Go­lestan Province, northern Iran, in 2005 was estimated by a questionnaire that included age, sex, physical activity, smok­ing status, blood group type (if they had blood laboratory tests), weight, height, blood pressure and family history of coro­nary artery disease (CAD). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 11.5 and by using Chi Square and ANOVA tests. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results : Amongst 5000 subjects, 2920 had blood laboratory tests and their types of blood group were known. Of the total of 2920, 57.4% were male, 70% were inactive, 14% were smoker, 25% were hypertensive, 23% obese, 21% had family history of CAD and mean age was 41.52±12.317. Blood group O(32.9%), A(30.1%), B(23.3%) and AB(13.7%), respectively had most frequency. Amongst cardiac risk factors, only frequency of family history of CAD in individual with different blood groups was different ( P < 0.01) and individual with A blood group reported more family history of CVD versus other blood groups. Conclusion: Amongst cardiovascular risk factors, only family history of CAD had significant relation with ABO.
Surface mounted millimeter waveguide devices based on metallized dielectric foam or plastic materials

A novel transition structure between microstrip line and surface mounted dielectric foam or plastic waveguide is presented. The waveguide flange is ended by a cavity and allows a fully automated assembly process onto an RF printed circuit board (PCB), in order to minimize mass-production cost of millimeter-wave products. The new concept has been applied for waveguide filter integration, presenting respectively a Chebyshev and a pseudo-elliptical response. Such surface mounted devices are specified for VSAT systems, operating in the 29.5-30.0GHz band.
Evaluation of 4′-[Methyl-11C]Thiothymidine in a Rodent Tumor and Inflammation Model

4′-[methyl-11C]thiothymidine (11C-4DST) is a novel radiopharmaceutical that can be used for tumor imaging because of its rapid incorporation into DNA as a substrate for DNA synthesis. The in vivo stability of 11C-4DST is much greater than that of natural thymidine, because of the presence of a sulfur atom in the 4′-position. Here, we evaluated the tissue kinetics and biodistribution of 11C-4DST in a rodent tumor and acute sterile inflammation model in comparison with the previously published biodistribution data of 3′-deoxy-3′-18F-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT), 18F-FDG, 11C-choline, 11C-methionine, and 2 σ-receptor ligands in the same animal model. Methods: C6 tumor cells were implanted subcutaneously into the right shoulder and turpentine (0.1 mL) was injected intramuscularly into the left hind leg of male Wistar rats 11 d and 24 h, respectively, before the scanning day. The animals were anesthetized with isoflurane, and 11C-4DST (20–50 MBq) was injected intravenously. A dynamic PET scan was performed for 60 min with either the shoulder or hind leg region in the field of view. The animals were sacrificed, and a biodistribution study was performed. Results: 11C-4DST showed the highest tumor uptake (standardized uptake value, 4.93) of all radiopharmaceuticals tested. Its tumor-to-muscle concentration ratio (12.7) was similar to that of 18F-FDG (13.2). The selectivity of 11C-4DST for tumor as compared with acute inflammation was high (37.7), comparable to that of the σ-ligand 18F-FE-SA5845 and much higher than that of 18F-FDG (3.5). Rapidly proliferating tissues (tumor and bone marrow) showed a steadily increasing uptake. In inflamed muscle, 11C-4DST showed relatively rapid washout, and tracer concentrations in inflamed and noninflamed muscle were not significantly different at intervals greater than 40 min. Competition of endogenous thymidine for 11C-4DST uptake in target tissues was negligible, in contrast to competition for 18F-FLT uptake. Thus, pretreatment of animals with thymidine phosphorylase was not required before PET with 11C-4DST. Conclusion: In our rodent model, 11C-4DST showed high tumor uptake (sensitivity) and high tumor selectivity. The different kinetics of 11C-4DST in rapidly proliferating and inflammatory tissue may allow distinction between tumor and acute inflammation in a clinical setting. These promising results for 11C-4DST warrant further investigation in PET studies in patients with various types of tumors.
Colorectal cancer screening: physicians' knowledge of risk assessment and guidelines, practice, and description of barriers and facilitators.

BACKGROUND Physician nonadherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening recommendations contributes to underuse of screening. OBJECTIVE To assess physicians' knowledge of CRC screening guidelines for average-risk individuals, perceived barriers to screening and practice behaviours. METHODS Between October 2004 and March 2005, staff physicians working in three university-affiliated hospitals in Montreal, Quebec, were surveyed. Self-administered questionnaires assessed knowledge of risk classification and current guidelines for average-risk individuals, as well as perceptions of barriers to screening and practice behaviours. RESULTS All 65 invited physicians participated in the survey, including 46 (70.8%) family medicine physicians and 19 (29.2%) general internists. Most physicians knew that screening should begin at 50 years of age, all knew to screen men and women and 92% said they screened average-risk patients. Fifty-seven (87.7%) physicians correctly identified three common characteristics associated with high risk for developing CRC. Physicians who screened average-risk patients preferred fecal occult blood testing (88.3%) and colonoscopy (88.3%) to flexible sigmoidoscopy (10.0%) and double-contrast barium enema (30.0%). Most physicians knew the correct screening periodicity for fecal occult blood testing (87.6%), but only 40% or fewer could identify correct screening periodicities for the other modalities. Barriers and facilitators focused on health care delivery system improvements, better evidence on which to base recommendations and development of practical screening modalities. CONCLUSIONS Physicians lacked knowledge of the recommended screening modalities and periodicities to appropriately screen average-risk individuals. Because CRC screening can reduce mortality, efforts to improve physician delivery should focus on physician knowledge and changes to the health care delivery system.
Control of drug release by incorporation of sorbitol or mannitol in microcrystalline-cellulose-based pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization

Mixtures of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with sorbitol (up to 50%) or mannitol (up to 80%) were investigated as major excipients for controlled accelerated release of the model poorly water-soluble drug hydrochlorothiazide from pellets prepared by extrusion/spheronization. Optimal wetting volume decreased with increasing polyol content and was always less than the volume required for maximum wet mass consistency. All pellet formulations had satisfactory morphological, mechanical and flow properties, although sorbitol/MCC pellets were rougher than mannitol/MCC pellets. Together they presented a wide range of drug release profiles in 0.1 M HCl, allowing the rate of drug release into aqueous media to be controlled by manipulation of sorbitol or mannitol content. Pellets with a 50% sorbitol content released hydrochlorothiazide faster than pellets with a 50% mannitol content because of their greater porosity and the greater solubility of sorbitol in water. Fastest release was from pellets with an 80% mannitol content, which rapidly underwent complete disintegration.
Laryngeal mask airway and children's risk of perioperative respiratory complications: randomized controlled studies are required to discriminate cause and effect.

Physical and biological triggers of ventilator-induced lung injury and its prevention. Eur Respir J Suppl 2003; 47:15s–25s 6. Whalen FX, Gajic O, Thomson GB, Kendrick ML, Que FL, Williams BA, Joyner MJ, Hubmayr RD, Warner DO, Sprung J: The effects of the alveolar recruitment maneuver and positive end-expiratory pressure on arterial oxygenation during laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Anesth Analg 2006; 102:298– 305