Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secretion of Tumor Necrosis Factor- (cid:1) from Human Placental Tissues Induced by Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Causes Endothelial Cell Activation in Vitro A Potential Mediator of the Inflammatory Response in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive complication of human pregnancy characterized by generalized maternal endothelial cell activation. Circulating pro-inflam-matory cytokines derived from the placenta are thought to play a key role. We recently demonstrated that hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) of placental tissues in vitro causes equivalent oxidative stress to that seen in preeclampsia. Our aim was to determine whether H/R also increases production of tumor necrosis factor- (cid:1) (TNF- (cid:1) ), and whether conditioned media from samples exposed to H/R causes activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Concentrations of mRNA encoding TNF- (cid:1) were significantly higher in placental tissues subjected to H/R compared to hypoxic or normoxic controls. Although there was no difference in the concentrations of TNF- (cid:1) protein in tissue homogenates, levels of TNF- (cid:1) protein in the medium were significantly higher after H/R compared to controls, indicating increased secretion. Further-more, conditioned medium from samples subjected to H/R caused increased expression of E-selectin by HUVECs, and the addition of anti-TNF- (cid:1) antibodies significantly reduced that activation. These results are con-sistent with our hypothesis that intermittent perfusion of the placenta, secondary to reduced trophoblast invasion, mechanism for the placental changes in preeclampsia is ischemia-reperfusion injury. The reten-tion of vasoreactivity in the incompletely remodeled spiral arteries results in the maternal blood flow to the intervillous space being more variable or pulsatile than normal, as evidenced by Doppler studies. 25 We suggest this leads to fluctuations in the oxygen tension within the placenta, so providing the basis for a hypoxia-reoxygen-ation (H/R) type insult. Our previous work has demonstrated that H/R leads to placental oxidative stress and apoptotic changes, 26,27 two prominent features of the preeclamptic placenta. Here, we hypothesize that the stress induced may also regulate production of placental TNF- (cid:1) .
The Combined Effect of Some Organic Manures, Mineral N Fertilizers and Algal Cells Extract on Yield and Fruit Quality of Williams Banana Plants

This study was conducted during 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 seasons on the third and fourth ratoons of Williams banana plants grown in a private farm located at El-Mansoriea, Giza Governorate Egypt. This study aimed to throw some light on the effect of some organic N fertilizers and Algal extract on fruiting of Williams banana. Selecting the best ratio of organic and mineral N source as well the best organic N source and the optimum Algae extract concentration for such banana cv. was also concerned. Nitrogen fertilization through using both organic and mineral sources was greatly favorable in improving yield, hand and finger weight compared to using N via mineral source only. Organic N sources namely Banana compost caused a promising promotion on yield, hand and finger weight compared to the mineral source. The best results were obtained in Williams banana plants received N via banana compost and mineral source at 50% per each. Mineral fertilization did not show positive results. Spraying Algal extract at 25 to 100% considerably improved yield/plant, hand and finger weight compared to control plants. Raising concentration from 50 to 100% caused a slight promotion. Therefore, the recommended concentration was 50% Algae extract. The lowest values were detected on untreated plants. Organic fertilization by using 50% Banana compost + mineral source at 50% out of the recommended rate of N plus spraying Algal extract at 50% gave satisfactory promotion on the yield of Williams banana. Chemical character of Williams banana fruits were greatly improved as a result of using N in both organic and mineral sources rather than using N completely via mineral source only. Organic fertilization by using banana compost or F.Y. M was favorable for improving fruit quality in terms of increasing finger weight, total soluble solids %, total sugars % and in decreasing starch % and total acidity %. The best results with regard to quality of fruits were obtained from plants received N through 50% banana compost plus 50% out of the recommended rate (R.R) of N mineral source. Organic fertilization by using banana compost at 50% along with mineral N source at 50% of the R.R of N and foliar application of Algal extract at 50% gave the best results with regard to quality of the fruits. Unfavorable effects on fruit quality were recorded on plants did not receive organic fertilizers or spray with Algal extract.
Photoresponse diversity among the five types of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are a rare population of retinal output neurons that drives subconscious physiological responses to light, e.g. pupillary constriction, synchronization of daily rhythms to the light–dark cycle and regulation of hormone secretion. This study investigated the functional diversity among the five known types of ipRGCs, named M1–M5. We found that M2–M5 cells could detect spatial differences in light intensity, implicating an ability to analyse the form of visual stimuli. All five ipRGC types responded robustly to moving lights, and M1–M4 cells appeared to respond optimally to different speeds, suggesting they might analyse the speed of motion. M1–M4 cells were shown to project to the superior colliculus, a brain area known to detect novel objects in the visual scene, suggesting that the form and motion information signalled by these four types of ipRGCs could contribute to this visual function.
Improving Gesture Recognition Accuracy on Touch Screens for Users with Low Vision

We contribute in this work on gesture recognition to improve the accessibility of touch screens for people with low vision. We examine the accuracy of popular recognizers for gestures produced by people with and without visual impairments, and we show that the user-independent accuracy of $P, the best recognizer among those evaluated, is small for people with low vision (83.8%), despite $P being very effective for gestures produced by people without visual impairments (95.9%). By carefully analyzing the gesture articulations produced by people with low vision, we inform key algorithmic revisions for the P recognizer, which we call P+. We show significant accuracy improvements of $P+ for gestures produced by people with low vision, from 83.8% to 94.7% on average and up to 98.2%, and 3x faster execution times compared to P.
A Cue from the Unconscious – Masked Symbols Prompt Spatial Anticipation

Anticipating where an event will occur enables us to instantaneously respond to events that occur at the expected location. Here we investigated if such spatial anticipations can be triggered by symbolic information that participants cannot consciously see. In two experiments involving a Posner cueing task and a visual search task, a central cue informed participants about the likely location of the next target stimulus. In half of the trials, this cue was rendered invisible by pattern masking. In both experiments, visible cues led to cueing effects, that is, faster responses after valid compared to invalid cues. Importantly, even masked cues caused cueing effects, though to a lesser extent. Additionally, we analyzed effects on attention that persist from one trial to the subsequent trial. We found that spatial anticipations are able to interfere with newly formed spatial anticipations and influence orienting of attention in the subsequent trial. When the preceding cue was visible, the corresponding spatial anticipation persisted to an extent that prevented a noticeable effect of masked cues. The effects of visible cues were likewise modulated by previous spatial anticipations, but were strong enough to also exert an impact on attention themselves. Altogether, the results suggest that spatial anticipations can be formed on the basis of unconscious stimuli, but that interfering influences like still active spatial anticipations can suppress this effect.
Long-term protection against carriage of hepatitis B virus after infant vaccination.

BACKGROUND Carriage of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Infant vaccination has been effective in preventing horizontal transmission during early childhood. It is unknown whether protection is maintained into early adulthood. METHODS In 1984, early childhood vaccination was introduced in 2 rural Gambian villages. In 2003, serological assessment of 81.5% of 1,350 eligible participants 1-24 years old was done, to determine vaccine efficacy against infection and carriage. RESULTS Overall vaccine efficacy against infection and carriage was 83.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.8%-86.6%) and 96.5% (85% CI, 93.9%-98.9%), respectively. Vaccine efficacy against infection was similar when restricted to primary responders (85.3%), but a significant effect of peak antibody concentration was found. Both vaccine efficacy and levels of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) decreased with age, resulting in a vaccine efficacy against infection and carriage among 20-24-year-old participants of 70.9% (95% CI, 60.4%-80.5%) and 91.1% (95% CI, 75.8%-100%), respectively. Fifteen years after vaccination, fewer than half of the vaccinees had detectable anti-HBs. The prevalence of carriage in the unvaccinated population was similar to the prevalence 20 years earlier. CONCLUSIONS HBV vaccination early during life can provide long-lasting protection against carriage, despite decreasing antibody levels. The role played by subclinical boosting and the necessity of a booster need to be evaluated.
The management of non-melanocytic skin malignancies of the scalp and calvarium

Background: The management of advanced cutaneous malignancies has been controversial. Thirteen patients with nonmelanoma skin neoplasias that had invaded the bone of the calvarium and scalp were treated in our centre. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience in treating these malignancies with scalp resection and full or partial thickness cranium reconstruction. Patients and Methods: From June 2008 to March 2012, thirteen patients with locally advanced tumours of the scalp invading the calvarium were treated with wide local excision of the scalp combined with an underlying craniectomy and dural resection if needed. Results: Using histopathological diagnosis eleven patients were diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and two patients with squamous cell carcinoma. A full thickness cranium resection was performed in seven patients and partial in six patients. Conclusion: These large cancers occasionally invade adjacent structures, as well as bone, presenting a challenging surgical problem. In general, giant rotational or island scalp flaps and free tissue transfers are needed to close the area. Finding clean margins are an important part of treating patients with bone involvement and can usually be attained using outer tabula curettage thus preventing unnecessary morbidity.
Type VIII Collagen in Murine Development

Bovine endothelial and human astrocytoma cells, and a limited number of other normal and malignant cells, synthesize three chains that have been identified as type VIII collagen (180 kDa, 125 kDa, and 100 kDa). Digestion with pepsin converts these forms to major fragments of 65 kD (based on globular protein standards). In this study we have examined the structure and distribution of type VIII collagen in developing mice by immunohistological and immunoblotting techniques. Temporal and tissue-specific expression was observed in embryonic heart, cranial mesenchyme, and placental capillaries. Western blotting of embryonic and neonatal tissues showed major species of 125 and 65 kDa in the brain, placenta, heart, lung, and thymus. The predominant band in pepsin-treated tissues was 60-70 kDa, with additional forms of 250 and 150 kDa in neonatal heart and lung. Type VIII collagen was also synthesized by endothelial cells, forming capillary tubes in vitro. We suggest that type VIII collagen functions in cellular organization and differentiation, and that its various forms reflect not only tissue-specific processing but the presence of several related chains.
Short Forms of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale

Three short forms of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale were constructed from the results of principal components analysis (N = 399). Those subscales were compared with short forms developed by previous researchers who used the same methodology. Examination of the subscales indicated that 13 of the scale's 33 items were isolated by at least two of the three reported studies. Those items were used to construct a composite subscale, which appeared to offer a useful alternative to the full scale. Further analysis of the subscale's contents, however, raised questions about the dimensionality of the Marlowe-Crowne scale. Caution was urged in the use and interpretation of both the full inventory and the short form until the meaning of scale scores can be clarified.
Care Practice #2: Freedom of Movement Throughout Labor

This updated edition of Care Practice Paper #2 presents the evidence for the benefits of allowing freedom of movement in labor. Physiologic and anatomical principles that support the benefits of movement are explained. The authors review common obstacles to movement in labor, including the routine use of interventions that inhibit women’s ability to walk or change position. Women are encouraged to plan to be active in labor and to select care providers and birth settings that provide the full range of options for using movement in labor.
Clinical and Virological Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus Subgenotypes Ba, C1, and C2 in China

ABSTRACT Hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotypes Ba, C1 (Cs), and C2 (Ce) are the most prevalent HBV variants in China. To investigate the virological characteristics of these subgenotypes and their clinical implications, we enrolled a cohort of 211 patients in the Guangdong Province of China, including 132 with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CH), 32 with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 47 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to clinical examination, liver function test, and ultrasonograph results. Overall, HBV Ba was found in 51.2% (108/211), HBV C1 in 33.6% (71/211), and HBV C2 in 15.2% (32/211) of the cases. The distribution of HBV genotype C was greater among patients in the LC and HCC groups than among patients in the CH group, while the distribution of HBV genotype B was greater among the CH patients than among the LC and HCC patients. No significant differences in clinical features were found among patients with HBV Ba, C1, and C2. Virologically, HBV C1 had the strongest association with the A1762T G1764A double mutation, while the mutation at position 1896 resulting in A (1896A) was uncommon. In contrast, HBV Ba had the highest frequency of 1896A but the lowest of A1762T G1764A, and HBV C2 had intermediate frequencies of these mutations. Mutations of 1653T and 1753V were specifically associated with HBV C2 and C1, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that the 1653T, 1753V, and A1762T G1764A mutations and patient age significantly increased the risk of HCC development. In conclusion, HBV Ba, C1, and C2 have different mutation patterns in the enhancer II/core promoter/precore region. Therefore, genotyping and detecting the 1653T and 1753V mutations, in addition to the A1762T G1764A double mutation, might have important clinical implications as predictive risk factors for hepatocarcinogenesis.
Public Hospital-Based Laboratory Experience during an Outbreak of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infections

ABSTRACT The experience of a public hospital virology laboratory during a springtime 2009 outbreak of a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in New York State is described. Influenza virus was isolated from 145 of 613 respiratory swab specimens. Symptoms of fever (temperature, 102.7 ± 0.32°F), cough, upper respiratory infection, myalgia, and headache were reported. Atypical symptoms of nausea/vomiting and diarrhea were also observed. Illness occurred mainly in patients ≤21 years of age (85/145 patients). Only two patients were ≥65 years old. Compared to the results of traditional culture methods, the sensitivities of a rapid chromatographic influenza A and B virus immunoassay and rapid shell vial culture were 70.3% and 98.6%, respectively. A sensitivity of 80% was obtained by testing 50 specimens by a direct fluorescent-antibody (DFA) assay. The observation of adequate numbers of cells on the DFA assay slides suggests that the low sensitivity of the chromatographic immunoassay may result from its intrinsic nature and not from improper specimen collection. A reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay of 45 specimens performed off-site yielded 21 novel (H1N1) viruses and 2 seasonal (H3N2) influenza viruses. The mean time interval of 5.69 ± 0.37 days from specimen collection to the availability of RT-PCR results limited the value of this assay for patient care. In laboratories lacking on-site molecular capabilities, shell vial techniques can rapidly (about 1 day) confirm negative results and/or identify false-negative chromatographic immunoassay results. Laboratories lacking culture capabilities may also use the DFA assay to confirm or replace the results obtained by these immunoassays. Increasing testing demands caused shortages in commodities and personnel. Alternative testing strategies and planning are necessary in order to optimize virus detection and ensure appropriate resource allocation.
Assessment of the non- financial measures of performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria

This work aimed at assessing the non- financial measures of performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The population of the study comprised the entire 21 banks listed on the Nigerian stock exchange as at December, 2013. The study employed expos - factor research design; data were collected from a sample of nine (9) deposits money banks. Content analysis method was employed, with the use of scoring and grading method. The study concluded that Nigerian deposit money banks (dmbs) disclose some part of non-financial measure of performance in their annual report, also the study found out deposit money banks disclosed voluntary information in their annual report. It was recommended that steps should be taken by the Federal Reporting Council Of Nigeria (FRCN), Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and other regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance with relevant international financial reporting standards/international accounting standards (IFRS/IAS) accounting disclosure requirements. And to make sure that Nigerian deposit money banks are disclosing financials and non-financial measures in their annual report for better decision making by their users. Lastly, given the importance of performance evaluation for managers, stockholders and investors, it is suggested that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (Nse) and the Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) should issue a policy guideline regarding the adoption of balance scorecard (BSC) as performance assessment technique for the nigerian deposit money banks. Key words: Non-financial, voluntary disclosure, performance, deposit money banks.
Release of lysophospholipid ‘find-me’ signals during apoptosis requires the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1

Efficient engulfment of apoptotic cells is essential in multi-cellular organisms in order to prevent inflammatory responses. Apoptotic cells secure this process by releasing ‘find-me’ signals for the attraction of phagocytes. A major ‘find-me’ signal liberated from apoptotic cells is lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). So far, however, the mechanisms underlying LPC release are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition and RNAi-mediated knock-down of the lipid transporter ABCA1 in apoptotic cells completely abolished phagocyte attraction. Moreover, ectopic expression of ABCA1 significantly enhanced monocyte migration to supernatants of apoptotic cells. Hence, ABCA1 represents a novel regulator of LPC release during apoptosis.
Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Human Astroviruses in Mexican Children with Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Infections

ABSTRACT The prevalence and type diversity of human astroviruses (HAstV) in children with symptomatic and asymptomatic infections were determined in five localities of Mexico. HAstV were detected in 4.6 (24 of 522) and 2.6% (11 of 428) of children with and without diarrhea, respectively. Genotyping of the detected strains showed that at least seven (types 1 to 4 and 6 to 8) of the eight known HAstV types circulated in Mexico between October 1994 and March 1995. HAstV types 1 and 3 were the most prevalent in children with diarrhea, although they were not found in all localities studied. HAstV type 8 was found in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Mérida; in the last it was as prevalent (40%) as type 1 viruses, indicating that this astrovirus type is more common than previously recognized. A correlation between the HAstV infecting type and the presence or absence of diarrheic symptoms was not observed. Enteric adenoviruses were also studied, and they were found to be present in 2.3 (12 of 522) and 1.4% (6 of 428) of symptomatic and asymptomatic children, respectively.
A review of heavy metals in indoor dust and its human health-risk implications

Abstract Indoor dust acts as a media for heavy metal deposition. Past studies have shown that heavy metal concentration in indoor dust is affected by local human activities and atmospheric transport can have harmful effects on human health. Additionally, children are more sensitive to heavy metals due to their hand-to-mouth behaviour and rapid body development. However, limited information on health risks were found in past dust studies as these studies aimed to identify heavy metal concentrations and sources of indoor dust. The objective of this review is to discuss heavy metal concentration and sources influencing its concentration in indoor dust. Accordingly, high lead (Pb) concentration (639.10 μg/g) has been reported in heavy traffic areas. In addition, this review paper aims to estimate the health risk to children from heavy metals in indoor dust via multiple exposure pathways using the health-risk assessment (HRA). Urban areas and industrial sites have revealed high heavy metal concentration in comparison to rural areas. Hazard index (HI) values found in arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and Pb were 21.30, 1.10 and 2.40, respectively, indicate that non-carcinogenic elements are found in children. Furthermore, most of the past studies have found that carcinogenic risks for As, cadmium (Cd), Cr and Pb were below the acceptable total lifetime cancer risk (TLCR) range (1×10−6–1×10−4). The results of health risk assessment in this review show that carcinogenic risk exists among children. Hence, this proves that future studies need to focus on children’s carcinogenic risk in indoor dust studies in order to find out the sources of heavy metals in indoor dust. This review highlights the importance of having the HRA application using bioavailable heavy metal concentration as it provides more accurate health-risk estimation. Moreover, this review is also useful as a reference for policy decision making in protecting children’s health.