Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An ethnobotanical survey of galactogenic plants of the Berhoum District (M’sila, Algeria)

Background/Aim: This work aimed an ethnobatanical study on the galactogenic plants used in the Berhoum region (East of M’sila, Algeria) as a part of different studies on the medicinal plants related to M’sila region. Methods: The fieldwork was undertaken as an ethnobotanical survey involving 76 informants (mean age: 50; 64% women, 36% men). Used the medicinal plants were identified, and the results were analyzed according to literature investigation dealing with ethnobotany. Use value (UV), fidelity level, and informant consensus factor (ICF) were used to analyze the obtained data. Results: A total of 29 plant species belonging to 29 genera and 12 families (mainly, Apiaceae and Fabaceae) have been registered. Fruits and seeds were the most commonly used plant parts (80%). The used plants are mainly prepared as an infusion and decoction (69%). Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (UV = 0.58) were the species most commonly used by local healers. The FIC factors ranging from 0.45 to 0.89 for the six uses categories retained for this study. The ICF (0.65) was registered for the use galactogenic category with 29 species. Conclusion: This work showed that the population of the Berhoum District uses various medicinal plants for galactogenic purposes. Furthermore, ethnobotanical analysis will provide data on sustainable use and valorization of this plant heritage for ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies.
Functional and Mutational Analysis of Conjugative Transfer Region 1 (Tra1) from the IncHI1 Plasmid R27

ABSTRACT The conjugative transfer region 1 (Tra1) of the IncHI1 plasmid R27 was subjected to DNA sequence analysis, mutagenesis, genetic complementation, and an H-pilus-specific phage assay. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence indicated that the Tra1 region contains genes coding for mating pair formation (Mpf) and DNA transfer replication (Dtr) and a coupling protein. Insertional disruptions of 9 of the 14 open reading frames (ORFs) in the Tra1 region resulted in a transfer-deficient phenotype. Conjugative transfer was restored for each transfer mutant by genetic complementation. An intergenic region between traH and trhR was cloned and mobilized by R27, indicating the presence of an origin of transfer (oriT). The five ORFs immediately downstream of the oriT region are involved in H-pilus production, as determined by an H-pilus-specific phage assay. Three of these ORFs encode proteins homologous to Mpf proteins from IncF plasmids. Upstream of the oriT region are four ORFs required for plasmid transfer but not H-pilus production. TraI contains sequence motifs that are characteristic of relaxases from the IncP lineage but share no overall homology to known relaxases. TraJ contains both an Arc repressor motif and a leucine zipper motif. A putative coupling protein, TraG, shares a low level of homology to the TraG family of coupling proteins and contains motifs that are important for DNA transfer. This analysis indicates that the Mpf components of R27 share a common lineage with those of the IncF transfer system, whereas the relaxase of R27 is ancestrally related to that of the IncP transfer system.
An Investigation on Some Compounds Effecting Aroma and Flavour of Strained Yoghurt Produced from Goat Milk

In this study, acetaldehyde, acetone, pH, titratable acidity, lactic acid, tyrosine and free fatty acids, namely butyric acid (C4), caproic acid(C6), caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) were taken into consideration affecting the variation in aroma and flavour scores (AFS) of strained yoghurt during the storage period of 60 days. AFS was negatively correlated with acetone (r=-0.832, P<0.01) and positively correlated with C4 (r=0.604, P<0.05), C8 (r=0.638, P<0.01) and C10(r=0.659, P<0.01). The results of regression analysis verified that the independent compounds explain the 91.6% of variation in AFS during the storage period, but not statistically significant (P>0.05). Stepwise regression procedure was performed to select the statistically significant compounds affecting AFS. The Stepwise procedure verified that acetaldehyde, acetone and lactic acid should be included in the regression equation (r=0.868, P<0.01). To explore the individual direct effect of these compounds, Path analysis was applied. The results of Path analysis showed that 65.6 % of variation in AFS could be directly explained by acetone (P<0.01), which the highest effect on the variation of AFS. The results of this study illustrated that although an increment in AAL compound causes an improvement in aroma and flavour, acetone and lactic acid were responsible for defective aroma and flavour of strained yoghurt.
Perinatal undernutrition programmes thyroid function in the adult rat offspring

Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in early nutrition programme physiological changes in adulthood. In the present study, we determined the effects of undernutrition during gestation and lactation on the programming of thyroid function in adult rat offspring. Perinatal undernutrition was achieved by a 40 % food restriction in female Wistar rats from the mating day to weaning. On postpartum day 21, the offspring of the control and food-restricted dams were weaned and given free access to a commercial diet until adulthood. The results showed that undernourished rats exhibited decreased 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) levels but had normal thyroxine (T4) and thyrotropin (TSH) levels at weaning; on day 90, these rats displayed a significant flip, exhibiting normalised T3 (total and free) and total T4 levels, but low free T4 and persistently higher TSH levels, which were maintained even on postnatal day 140. This profile was accompanied by a scarce fat depot, a lower RMR and an exacerbated sympathetic brown adipose tissue (BAT) tone (deiodinase type 2 expression) in basal conditions. Moreover, when a functional challenge (cold exposure) was applied, the restricted group exhibited partial changes in TSH (29 v. 100 %) and T4 (non-response v. 17 %) levels, a significant decrease in leptin levels (75 v. 32 %) and the maintenance of a sympathetic BAT over-response (higher noradrenaline levels) in comparison with the control group. The findings of the present study suggest that undernutrition during the perinatal period produces permanent changes in the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis with consequent low body weight and decreased RMR and facultative thermogenesis. We hypothesise that these changes predispose individuals to exhibiting adult subclinical hypothyroidism.
Prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence in Australia: findings of the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

AIMS To report nationally representative data on the prevalence and correlates (including psychiatric comorbidity and treatment) of DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence in Australian adults. DESIGN The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHWB). SETTING Australian nationally representative household survey. PARTICIPANTS 8841 Australian adults (16-85 years). MEASUREMENTS Interview schedule that assessed symptoms of the most prevalent DSM-IV mental disorders in the life-time and the past 12 months. FINDINGS Prevalence of life-time and 12-month disorders was 18.3% and 2.9% for alcohol abuse and 3.9% and 1.4% for alcohol dependence. Current alcohol abuse and dependence was significantly more common in males and younger adults. There were significant associations between current alcohol use and other drug use disorders (OR 18.2) and between anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorders (OR 2.6). Only 22.4% of those with alcohol use disorders were treated for their alcohol disorder. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use disorders are highly prevalent, especially among young adult males. Comorbidity between anxiety and other drug use disorders is common and remains a significant challenge for the delivery of effective health-care services and treatment. The low rate of effective interventions for alcohol problems is a significant public health concern.
Localization and expression of fibronectin during mouse decidualization in vitro: Mechanisms of cell:matrix interactions

During implantation, the embryonic trophoblast aggressively invades the uterine stroma. The resulting uterine reaction, decidualization, involves differentiation of new cell morphologies and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. This creates an environment that first permits invasion, then controls this invasion to allow the establishment of the placenta. The production, organization, and cellular interactions with the matrix are thought to underlie decidual functions. We have begun a reductional analysis of the components of the decidual matrix, focusing on extra‐cellular fibronectin (FN). Using decidual cell cultures prepared from day 7 implantation sites, the synthesis, extracellular organization, and details of decidual cell:FN interaction were studied. Employing immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and dot blot analysis, decidualizing cultures showed a constitutive level of FN synthesis and deposition. The differentiating cells organized extracellular FN in patterns similar to that seen in vivo. The predominant, flattened dendritic decidual cells organized FN in long, thin fibrils. Large, rounded decidual cells, limited to the primary decidual zone in vivo, showed FN limited to punctate membrane patches and short, thick fibrils. Using double labeling techniques, FN expression was co‐localized with actin microfilament (MF) bundles during the cytoskeletal changes associated with the differentiation of both decidual cell types. The function of MFs in maintaining morphology was demonstrated by cytochalasin B perturbation. Attachment of decidual cells to FN was calcium dependent and gly‐arg‐gly‐asp‐ser‐pro (GRGDSP) sensitive, with dendritic decidual cells expressing the α5 and β1 integrin subunits. This suggests that an integrin system functions to attach decidual MF bundles to extracellular FN. This work shows that during decidual matrix remodeling, constitutive levels of FN are maintained to provide an extracellular framework to stabilize the decidual cytoskeleton and support morphological differentiation of decidual cells. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The clinical use of plasma clozapine levels in a maximum security setting

Background. Research suggests a correlation between clozapine dose, plasma level and therapeutic response. Plasma clozapine levels may, therefore, be useful in practice. Little evidence exists, however, on the indications for, and outcome of, levels being undertaken or their use in maximum security settings. Objective. To determine if plasma clozapine levels are useful in clinical practice by analysing their use at the maximum-security State Hospital, Carstairs. Methods. All plasma clozapine levels (until March 2004) undertaken at the State Hospital, clinical indication and outcome were analysed by retrospective case note analysis. These results were compared with the published literature. Results. A total of 140 plasma clozapine levels were analysed. The average level was 0.61 mg/l and dose was 622.9 mg/day. The indications for and consequences of levels are demonstrated. A positive correlation of 0.217 was calculated. Conclusion. This paper shows that plasma clozapine levels are most useful in managing side effects and suspected non-compliance. Plasma clozapine levels are, therefore, useful in clinical practice.
Getting ready to remember: the neural correlates of task set during recognition memory

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were employed to investigate the neural correlates of episodic and semantic task sets. ERPs elicited by cues signalling an upcoming recognition memory test trial showed a sustained positivity relative to those signalling an upcoming semantic test trial, lasting from 500 ms post-cue until the arrival of the test item. However, this effect was present only on the second successive trial on which subjects performed the recognition task. Thus, when episodic vs semantic tasks vary trial-by- trial, the establishment of a recognition memory task-set is not achieved within a single trial. The findings are discussed in relation to the notion of episodic retrieval mode.
Is a Flat Tax Politically Feasible in a Grown-Up Welfare State?

The introduction of a flat tax is supposed to have several advantages. Administration and compliance costs are reduced, as well as incentives for tax evasion. Furthermore, positive employment and growth effects are expected. Despite these advantages, a flat rate tax is not very popular in most Western European countries. The most important objection against a flat tax states that a flat rate tax would be inequitable and unfair. The present paper uses a simulation model based on a unique database of German micro data to provide empirical evidence for the analysis of the equity and efficiency effects as indicators for the political feasibility of flat rate tax reforms. Our analysis shows that the selection of the schedule and tax base parameters are crucial for the effects of flat tax reforms in terms of equity and efficiency. A flat rate tax with a higher basic allowance and a higher single rate has less harmful distributional effects than a flat rate tax with low basic allowance and tax rate. Nevertheless, the scenario with the lowest parameter values for basic allowance and tax rate is the only alternative that leads to positive labour supply and significantly positive welfare effects. Both labour supply and static welfare effects, however, are quite small. Although we have derived our results for the case of Germany, we do think that similar patterns would be observed in other countries of Western Europe. If this proves to be correct, it will be hard for flat tax reforms to invade the grown-up welfare states of "Old Europe".
Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Genetic Background Roles within a Web-Based Nutritional Intervention: The Food4Me Study

Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) adherence has been proven to produce numerous health benefits. In addition, nutrigenetic studies have explained some individual variations in the response to specific dietary patterns. The present research aimed to explore associations and potential interactions between MedDiet adherence and genetic background throughout the Food4Me web-based nutritional intervention. Dietary, anthropometrical and biochemical data from volunteers of the Food4Me study were collected at baseline and after 6 months. Several genetic variants related to metabolic risk features were also analysed. A Genetic Risk Score (GRS) was derived from risk alleles and a Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), based on validated food intake data, was estimated. At baseline, there were no interactions between GRS and MDS categories for metabolic traits. Linear mixed model repeated measures analyses showed a significantly greater decrease in total cholesterol in participants with a low GRS after a 6-month period, compared to those with a high GRS. Meanwhile, a high baseline MDS was associated with greater decreases in Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference and glucose. There also was a significant interaction between GRS and the MedDiet after the follow-up period. Among subjects with a high GRS, those with a high MDS evidenced a highly significant reduction in total carotenoids, while among those with a low GRS, there was no difference associated with MDS levels. These results suggest that a higher MedDiet adherence induces beneficial effects on metabolic outcomes, which can be affected by the genetic background in some specific markers.
Expert‐based drug lists to measure anticholinergic burden: similar names, different results

Background: Scoring scales such as the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), and the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACB) provide an estimation of total anticholinergic burden. Not all the lists include the same drugs, and the points given for certain drugs differ among them. Whether these discrepancies present important differences in the estimation of anticholinergic burden for an individual patient is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess agreement among the three scales.
Importance of vertical velocity variations in the cloud droplet nucleation process of marine stratus clouds

[1] Eleven cloud cases through marine stratus, obtained during two field experiments in the North Atlantic Ocean, are used to study the sensitivity of cloud droplet nucleation to the vertical gust velocity. Selected cloud microphysical data, size-distributed aerosol properties and particle chemistry are applied in an adiabatic parcel model. The nucleated cloud droplet number concentrations (N) predicted using the probability density function (PDF) of the measured in-cloud vertical velocities are compared to predictions using a characteristic velocity value. In this study, the model-predicted N from the PDF of the measured in-cloud vertical velocities agrees with the observed maximum N (Nmax )t o within 8.6%. The average N (Navg) can be related to Nmax using a power law (Leaitch et al., 1996). If a relationship between Nmax and Navg based on the measurements is applied to obtain the average N from the model-predicted N, then the model-predicted average N agrees with the observed average N to within 13.3%. When a characteristic vertical velocity (0.8 times the standard deviation of the vertical velocity distribution in this study) is used in the parcel model to simulate N, the model-predicted N agrees with the observed maximum N to within 5.7% and the model-predicted average N agrees with the observed average N within 8.8%. This indicates that using a characteristic value of the vertical velocity distribution instead of its PDF is a good approximation for simulating the nucleated cloud droplet number of marine stratus on a cloud scale.
Unusual features in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: Multiple subcutaneous lipomas, a juvenile polyp in ascending colon, congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt, and horseshoe kidney

We report a case that draws attention to a hitherto undescribed association of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with juvenile polyp, congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt, multiple subcutaneous lipomas, and horseshoe kidney. Our patient has fulfilled the National Institutes of Health consensus conference criteria for NF1 by having neurofibromas, axillary freckling, Lisch nodules, and café‐au‐lait spots. There is no family history of NF1 and his 7‐year‐old son has no stigmata of NF1. On the other hand, the patient's family had a presumably dominant inheritance of horseshoe kidney: the father, proband, sister, and son of the other sister had a horseshoe kidney. The patient was investigated for mutations in the NF1 gene and PTEN, but no germline mutations were detected. The differential diagnosis for such a collection of hamartomatous, cutaneous, and vascular disorders includes the Proteus, Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba, and Cowden syndromes. None of these diagnoses was convincingly confirmed in this patient. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Institutional Loyalty and Job Satisfaction among Nurse Aides in Nursing Homes

The high rate of turnover among nurse aides employed in nursing homes has been associated with the low job status and the poor job benefits accorded workers. However, this is not always the case. Competitive benefit packages and limited labor market opportunities increase the likelihood that nurse aides in some nursing homes may stay on the job despite their dissatisfaction with it. The present study investigated "institutional loyalty," an attitudinal proxy for job turnover, among 219 nurse aides for its relationship to a number of job-related factors. Somewhat unexpectedly, the quality of the social environment of the nursing home was found to be as important as attitudes toward job benefits in accounting for institutional loyalty.
Integration of gene functional diversity for effective cancer detection

DNA microarray technology has demonstrated to be an effective methodology for the diagnosis of diseases and cancers by means of expression data classification. Although much research has been conducted during the recent years to apply machine learning techniques for microarray data classification, there are two important issues that prevent the use of conventional machine learning techniques, namely the limited availability of training samples and the existence of various uncertainties. This article presents an integrative classification system, based on the ensemble of machine learning, to integrate the diverse functions of multiple groups of genes in order to achieve a robust microarray data classification. Ensemble learning combines a set of base classifiers as a committee to make more appropriate decisions when classifying new data instances. In order to enhance the performance of the ensemble learning process, the approach presented includes a procedure to select optimal ensemble members based on their classification behaviour. The proposed approach has been verified by three microarray data sets for cancer detection. Experimental results showed that the performance of cancer detection can be much improved by integrating a different subgroup of genes, which suggests, instead of seeking individual gene makers, that a robust cancer detection system can be developed based on integration of related gene groups with diverse functions.
Morphological and physiological properties of neurons and glial cells in tissue culture.

THE METHOD of tissue culture offers a unique opportunity for investigating electrophysiological properties of single cells by means of microelectrodes under direct visual control. Crain (13) has published microelectrode record? ings of the action potentials from spinal ganglion cells of chicken embryos. Hild et al. (26) have reported electrophysiological findings on glial elements from the mammalian brain maintained in vitro. Recently, Cunning.ham and Rylander (14) investigated electric properties of brain tissue from chicken embryos (10 days incubation) which was kept in vitro for up to 120 hours; these investigators were, however, interested more in the behavior of the tissue as a whole and did not investigate at the cellular level. It seemed of great interest to extend our earlier observations since it is possible at present to maintain neurons in vitro in good condition for extended periods of time. In many instances protoplasmic processes of living neurons can easily be observed under a phase-contrast microscope. It is generally easy to distinguish dendrites from axons in such preparations. It is possible, therefore, to investigate the electrophysiological properties of various parts of a nerve cell under direct visual control. Obviously, the present method differs greatly from that in previous studies in which properties of the neuron soma and dendrites were inferred from the electric responses recorded from the gray matter with macroelectrodes or from the data of single cell recordings without any knowledge as to the position of the microelectrode relative to the cells under study. The first half of the present paper deals with the results of our observations on the neuron soma and the dendrite by this method. In the second half, we are concerned with a comparison of electrophysiological properties of neurons with those of neuroglial cells and of macrophages.