Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internal Spatiotemporal Population Dynamics of Infection with Three Wolbachia Strains in the Adzuki Bean Beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

ABSTRACT The adzuki bean beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis, is infected with three distinct lineages of endosymbiotic bacteria belonging to the genus Wolbachia, which were designated wBruCon, wBruOri, and wBruAus. In an attempt to understand the mechanisms underlying the infection with these three organisms, the spatiotemporal infection dynamics of the three Wolbachia strains was investigated in detail by using a quantitative PCR technique. During the development of C. chinensis, the wBruCon, wBruOri, and wBruAus infection levels consistently increased but the growth patterns were different. The levels of infection plateaued at the pupal stage at approximately 3 × 108, 2 × 108, and 5 × 107wsp copy equivalents per insect for wBruCon, wBruOri, and wBruAus, respectively. At the whole-insect level, the population densities of the three Wolbachia types did not show remarkable differences between adult males and females. At the tissue level, however, the total densities and relative levels of the three Wolbachia types varied significantly when different tissues and organs were compared and when the same tissues derived from males and females were compared. The histological data obtained by in situ hybridization and electron microscopy were concordant with the results of quantitative PCR analyses. Based on the histological data and the peculiar Wolbachia composition commonly found in nurse tissues and oocytes, we suggest that the Wolbachia strains are vertically transmitted to oocytes not directly, but by way of nurse tissue. On the basis of our results, we discuss interactions among the three coinfecting Wolbachia types, reproductive strategies of Wolbachia, and factors involved in the different cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotypes.
Variety of Bio-Hydrocarbon Precursors for the Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes

In this work, we have synthesized carbon nanotubes (CNT) using different bio-hydrocarbon precursors namely palm, olive, coconut, corn and sesame oils. Prior to the synthesis process, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) characterization was performed on the carbon precursors to facilitate the optimization procedures of CNT and reach maximum yield and higher quality CNT. The CNT arrays were deposited on a silicon substrate by thermal catalytic decomposition of the precursor using 5.33 wt% ferrocene. The synthesis was carried out at 750 °C for 60 min under argon ambient. The samples were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and TGA analysis. The difference in oil density resulted in different quality and tube diameter of CNT produced. Among all, the CNT synthesized from coconut oil can be considered as the best bio-hydrocarbon precursor for higher quality (ID/IG ~0.62) and good purity (81.95 %) CNT.
Absence of exercise-induced MRI enhancement of skeletal muscle in McArdle's disease.

To assess the role of glycogenolysis in mediating exercise-induced increases in muscle water as monitored by changes in muscle proton relaxation times on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cross-sectional area (CSA), five patients with myophosphorylase deficiency (MPD) were compared with seven controls. Absolute and relative work loads were matched during ischemic handgrip and graded cycling, respectively. Relaxation times of active muscle did not increase after handgrip in MPD (T1: 1 +/- 14%, P greater than 0.1; T2: 4 +/- 4%, P greater than 0.1) but did in controls (T1: 59 +/- 30%, P less than 0.005; T2: 26 +/- 9%, P less than 0.005). The volume of exercised muscles, estimated by CSA, increased in both groups after handgrip (controls: 13.8 +/- 3.5%, n = 7, P less than 0.0001; MPD: 7.5 +/- 1.5%, n = 4, P less than 0.005), but the change was greater in controls (P less than 0.02). Ischemic handgrip in controls resulted in a large increase in finger flexor signal intensity (SI) on short tau-inversion recovery images (25 +/- 7%, n = 3; P less than 0.005 compared with preexercise) and a further increase with subsequent reflow (43 +/- 11%, n = 3; P less than 0.001 compared with rest); in MPD, SI did not increase. The ratio of active to inactive muscle SI did not increase from rest to maximal cycle exercise in MPD (0 +/- 20%, n = 2, P greater than 0.1) but did in normals (73 +/- 36%, n = 3; P less than 0.001). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Formation and transport of deethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine in surface water.

Field disappearance studies and a regional study of nine rivers in the Midwest Corn Belt show that deethylatrazine (DEA; 2-amino-4-chloro-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) and deisopropylatrazine (DIA; 2-amino-4-chloro-6-ethylaminos-triazine) occur frequently in surface water that has received runoff from two parent triazine herbicides, atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) and cyanazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-methylpropionitrileamino-s-triazine). The concentration of DEA and DIA in surface water varies with the hydrologic conditions of the basin and the timing of runoff, with maximum concentrations reaching 5 μg/L (DEA+DIA)
Role of nitrogen assimilation in seed development of soybean.

A nondestructive acetylene reduction assay for nitrogenase activity of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) field plots is presented. Plots consisted of 120 x 150 x 30 centimeter boxes containing 65 plants. The plants were grown in a medium grade sand under controlled nutrient, moisture, and root temperature conditions. Acetylene at a concentration of 10 milliliters per liter was circulated through manifolds in the chambers; equilibration required 5 minutes, and activity was linear with time. Optimum growth and assay environments resulted in activity of 70 micromoles ethylene per plant per hour. Plant development and yield were comparable to soil-grown companion plots.The well accepted hypothesis that developing seeds deprive the nodules of carbohydrate was not substantiated. The nondestructive acetylene reduction profile did not decline until 30 days after the onset of seed development (R-5). This result was consistent with reports from the literature which indicated that 60% of seasonal nitrogen was fixed after R-5. Further, a high correlation shown between integrated seasonal acetylene reduction and yield (r = 0.999) suggested a cooperative relationship between the roots and shoot. A reduction in source:sink ratio (60% defoliation) after R-5 had no effect on acetylene reduction. This showed that neither an increase in sink demand by the pods nor a carbon shortage during podfill decreased dinitrogen fixation. A conceptual model relating seed growth with carbon and nitrogen assimilation is proposed.
Motivational Interviewing with Underage College Drinkers: A Preliminary Look at the Role of Empathy and Alliance

This study evaluated the impact of a motivational interview (MI) on alcohol use in underage college drinkers, and examined the specific role of empathy and alliance in MI. Fifty-five underage heavy drinkers were randomized to a one-session MI or no-treatment control. Empathy and alliance were evaluated through the MITI, participant, and therapist ratings. At two-month follow-up, multivariate tests reveal no significant interaction effects. Means comparisons indicated that both groups showed reductions in alcohol-related problems, however, only the MI sample evidenced significant reductions in binge drinking. In addition, despite the reductions of both groups, effect sizes indicated that the MI group outperformed the control in terms of binge-drinking and alcohol-related problems. Contrary to predictions, empathy and alliance showed no relationships with outcomes.
Hypocholesterolemia in children and adolescents with β-thalassemia intermedia

Abstract Objectives: To conduct a prospective study to evaluate the lipid profile in children and adolescents with β-thalassemia intermedia and major, and to examine the contribution of different factors to hypocholesterolemia observed in these patients. Study design: Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were prospectively obtained from patients with β-thalassemia intermedia (n = 9) and major (n = 47). Lipid profiles were also determined in a control group of healthy children (n = 18). Lipid values of β-thalassemics and controls were compared and the relationships between lipid levels and different covariates were determined. Results: β-thalassemia intermedia patients had significantly lower total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared with β-thalassemia major and controls ( P Conclusions: Children and adolescents with β-thalassemia intermedia have significantly lower cholesterol levels than patients with β-thalassemia major. This is related to their disorder and not influenced by age, sex, hemoglobin, or ferritin levels. In these patients, needless investigations for hypolipidemia should be avoided. (J Pediatr 2002;141:543-7)
A prospective study of serum antibody and protection against smallpox.

Abstract In order to prospectively evaluate the relation between serum antibody and protection against smallpox, blood was drawn from 146 contacts of Pakistani smallpox cases before the end of the usual incubation period. Most were well vaccinated, and after follow-up only three cases of secondary smallpox appeared. Hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers proved to have virtually no predictive value for assessing susceptibility against smallpox, since most contacts, despite their protection, had undetectable antibodies. Neutralizing antibodies were present in high titer in most contacts and no contacts with a titer of 1:32 or higher developed smallpox. Two of the cases, however, did have detectable neutralizing antibody at the time of exposure and some persons with no detectable neutralizing antibody were spared. The role of humoral antibody in protection against pox-viruses is still unclear.
An Assessment of the Level of Cognitive Performance and Critical Thinking Ability of Selected Agricultural Education Students

Agricultural educators and students are constantly facing a growing body of complex information, knowledge, and skills. The sheer amount of information, knowledge, and skills needed by agriculture students to function in today’s highly technological society is overwhelming. The high rate of technological change that is associated with an information society demands that students possess the ability to process increasing amounts of complex information and knowledge in practical and systematic ways.
Single intracranial injection of apotransferrin in young rats increases the expression of specific myelin protein mRNA

Transferrin (Tf) is a possible regulator of oligodendrocyte development in vitro (Espinosa de los Monteros et al., 1989). At least two different mechanisms may account for the effects of Tf on myelin synthesis. It may act as a trophic factor and enhance the formation of new myelin sheaths. Tf may also induce the synthesis of myelin proteins in the central nervous system. We recently demonstrated that a single intracranial injection of apotransferrin (aTf) in young rats induces an increased myelination (Escobar Cabrera et al., 1994). In the present study, we investigated the in vivo effect of aTf on the expression of mRNAs of specific myelin genes. Three‐day‐old rats were injected intracranially with aTf and killed at different ages after injection. Total brain RNA was isolated, and the expression of different mRNAs was analyzed by Northern blot. The amount of mRNAs of myelin basic protein and of 2′–3′ cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphohydrolase were markedly increased in the experimental animals, whereas myelin proteolipid protein mRNA did not show differences relative to controls. These results indicate that in the animals treated with aTf, there is a differential effect on the expression of certain specific myelin protein genes. They also suggest that aTf might exert its action at the posttranscriptional level and/or by direct transcriptional regulation of the genes. J. Neurosci. Res. 47:603–608, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with S-1 as first-line treatment for patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

PURPOSE S-1 is an oral fluoropyrimidine. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical outcomes of S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy for patients with oropharyngeal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2002 and 2007, 38 patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated concurrently with S-1 and definitive radiotherapy were reviewed. The clinical stage was Stage I in 4 patients, Stage II in 7, Stage III in 7, and Stage IV in 20. S-1 was administered orally twice daily for 4 consecutive weeks followed by a 2-week drug withdrawal. The initial dose of S-1 was 65 mg/m(2)/day. All patients were treated using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy with a median total dose of 65.1 Gy (range, 60.0-71.0 Gy). Clinical outcomes and major acute toxicities were analyzed based on medical records and clinical follow-up. RESULTS With a median follow-up time of 33 months, the 3-year estimates of local-regional control, distant metastases-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival for all patients were 75%, 80%, 65%, and 80%, respectively. The 3-year estimates of local-regional control according to stage were 100% for Stages I and II, 86% for Stage III, and 56% for Stage IV. The rate of ≥ Grade 3 acute mucositis was 32%, and the rate of ≥ Grade 3 hematological toxicities was 8%. No other severe toxicities were observed. CONCLUSIONS Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with S-1 was found to be effective, especially for early disease. The treatment-related toxicities were acceptable, and the incidence of myelotoxicity was low. Further study must be carried out to compare with other chemotherapy regimens.
Characterization of N‐[3H]Methylcarbamylcholine Binding Sites and Effect of N‐Methylcarbamylcholine on Acetylcholine Release in Rat Brain

The present experiments show that N‐[3H]‐methylcarbamylcholine ([3H]MCC) binds specifically and with high affinity to rat hippocampus, frontal cortex, and striatum. The highest maximal density of binding sites was apparent in frontal cortex and the lowest in hippocampus. [3H]MCC binding was potently inhibited by nicotinic, but not muscarinic, agonists and by the nicotinic antagonist dihydro‐β‐erythroidine in all three brain regions studied. The effect of unlabeled MCC on acetylcholine (ACh) release from slices of rat brain was tested. The drug significantly enhanced spontaneous ACh release from slices of hippocampus and frontal cortex, but not from striatal slices. This effect of MCC to increase ACh release from rat hippocampus and frontal cortex was antagonized by the nicotinic antagonists dihydro‐β‐erythroidine and d‐tubocurarine, but not by α‐bungarotoxin or by the muscarinic antagonist atropine. The MCC‐induced increase in spontaneous ACh release from hippocampal and frontal cortical slices was not affected by tetrodotoxin. The results suggest that MCC might alter cholinergic transmission in rat brain by a direct activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors on the cholinergic terminals. That this alteration of ACh release is apparent in hippocampus and frontal cortex, but not in striatum, suggests that there may be a regional specificity in the regulation of ACh by nicotinic receptors in rat brain.
Illicit Injections in Bodybuilders

The practice of self-injection of anabolic steroids (AS) in bodybuilders is common. AS are not the only materials used by bodybuilders for muscle augmentation or image enhancement. Other materials, for example, plant oils, silicon, Vaseline, and paraffin are also injected either in a pure form or mixed with AS. Muscle bulking is the main aim. However, bodybuilders undergo illicit injections for cosmetic, therapeutic, and sexual purposes. Even though the practice of unsupervised injection is probably common in the sports community, site-specific complications are underreported in the medical literature and mostly limited to case reports. Complications can be clinically and pathologically challenging because some can be confused with nonneoplastic and, more important, with neoplastic lesions. Bodybuilders are reluctant to disclose information because of stigma and legal issues. This study attempts to correlate the clinical manifestations and histomorphological features of different injected materials used for different purposes by bodybuilders in our region. A series of 11 cases out of 9 male bodybuilders was studied. A variety of clinical presentations and histological tissue reactions was identified, with some overlapping features between some cases. We identified 5 basic tissue reaction patterns depending on the injected materials, site, and duration of injection. Certain histological features provide useful hints in the absence of prior knowledge of injection history. However, in other cases, a retrospective enquiry by clinicians is warranted to avoid pitfalls. The medical and sports community should be aware of these injection-site complications. Bodybuilders should be discouraged from this practice by implementing appropriate educational and legislative measures.
A study exploring factors of decision to text while walking among college students based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

ABSTRACT Objective: This study attempted to identify critical predictors of intention to both send and read texts while walking based on Theory of Planned Behavior in order to provide resources for practitioners and campaign designers to inform college students of the perils of texting while walking and dissuade them from such a risky behavior. Participants: Three hundred twenty-nine college students were recruited from a large public university in the Southwest in September 2014. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey design. Results: Subjective norm (sending: B = .17, p = .02; reading: B = .17, p = .04), personal norms (sending: B = −.32, p = .001, reading: B = −.35, p = .001), and self-efficacy (sending: B = −.27, p = .001; reading: B = −.24, p = .001) were significant predictors of intention to both send and read text messages while walking. Conclusions: For students who have greater intention of texting while walking, persuasive communication should utilize normative influence and self-efficacy to discourage texting while walking.
Outcomes associated with invasive and noninvasive ventilation among patients hospitalized with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

IMPORTANCE Small clinical trials have shown that noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is efficacious in reducing the need for intubation and improving short-term survival among patients with severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Little is known, however, about the effectiveness of NIV in routine clinical practice. OBJECTIVE To compare the outcomes of patients with COPD treated with NIV to those treated with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This was a retrospective cohort study of 25 628 patients hospitalized for exacerbation of COPD who received mechanical ventilation on the first or second hospital day at 420 US hospitals participating in the Premier Inpatient Database. EXPOSURES Initial ventilation strategy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES In-hospital mortality, hospital-acquired pneumonia, hospital length of stay and cost, and 30-day readmission. RESULTS In the study population, a total of 17 978 (70%) were initially treated with NIV on hospital day 1 or 2. When compared with those initially treated with IMV, NIV-treated patients were older, had less comorbidity, and were less likely to have concomitant pneumonia present on admission. In a propensity-adjusted analysis, NIV was associated with lower risk of mortality than IMV (odds ratio [OR] 0.54; [95% CI, 0.48-0.61]). Treatment with NIV was associated with lower risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia (OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.44-0.64]), lower costs (ratio, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.67-0.69]), and a shorter length of stay (ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.79-0.82]), but no difference in 30-day all-cause readmission (OR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.94-1.15]) or COPD-specific readmission (OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.91-1.22]). Propensity matching attenuated these associations. The benefits of NIV were similar in a sample restricted to patients younger than 85 years and were attenuated among patients with higher levels of comorbidity and concomitant pneumonia. Using the hospital as an instrumental variable, the strength of association between NIV and mortality was modestly attenuated (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.47-0.91]). In sensitivity analyses, the benefit of NIV was robust in the face of a strong hypothetical unmeasured confounder. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In a large retrospective cohort study, patients with COPD treated with NIV at the time of hospitalization had lower inpatient mortality, shorter length of stay, and lower costs compared with those treated with IMV.
Fuel utilization in patients with very long‐chain acyl‐coa dehydrogenase deficiency

Fuel utilization in two adult patients with the myopathic form of very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency and five healthy subjects was investigated with stable isotopes during exercise at 50% of VO2max. The findings indicate that residual VLCAD activity in the patients is sufficient to maintain normal oxidation of fat at rest, but that fat oxidation rate cannot increase above basal levels during exercise. This can cause an energy deficit and intramuscular accumulation of fat intermediates that may induce the exercise‐induced symptoms.
A prospective study of thimerosal-containing Rho(D)-immune globulin administration as a risk factor for autistic disorders

Background. This study evaluated the relationship between prenatal mercury exposure from thimerosal (49.55% mercury by weight)-containing Rho(D)-immune globulins (TCRs) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Methods. The Institutional Review Board of the Institute for Chronic Illnesses approved the present study. A total of 53 consecutive non-Jewish Caucasian patients with ASDs (Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth ed. – DSM IV) born between 1987 and 2001 who presented to the Genetic Centers of America for outpatient genetic/developmental evaluations were prospectively collected from June 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006. Imaging and laboratory testing were conducted on each patient to rule out other causal factors for their ASDs. As race-matched controls, the frequency of Rh negativity was determined from 926 non-Jewish Caucasian pregnant women who had presented for outpatient prenatal genetics care to the Genetic Centers of America between 1980 and 1989. Results. Children with ASDs (28.30%) were significantly more likely (odds ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval 1.17–4.52, p < 0.01) to have Rh-negative mothers than controls (14.36%). Each ASD patient's mother was determined to have been administered a TCR during her pregnancy. Conclusion. The results provide insights into the potential role prenatal mercury exposure may play in some children with ASDs.