Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“I’ve got somebody there, someone cares”: what support is most valued following a stroke?

Abstract Purpose: There is often a need for increased support following a stroke. This study explored what types of support are provided by different network members and what support functions are most valued. Methods: Adults with first stroke were recruited from a stroke unit and participated in in-depth interviews 8–15 months poststroke. Framework Analysis was used to build thematic and explanatory accounts of the data. Results: Twenty-nine participants took part. Main themes to emerge were as follows: the spouse was the most important provider of support; children were a relatively stable source of support, although many participants expressed reservations about worrying a child; relatives and friends typically provided social companionship and emotional support rather than on-going practical support. The only universally valued support function was the sense that someone was concerned and cared. Other valued functions were as follows: social companionship including everyday social “chit chat”; practical support provided sensitively; and, for many, sharing worries and sensitive encouragement. The manner and context in which support was provided was important: support was easiest to receive when it communicated concern, and was part of a reciprocal, caring relationship. Conclusions: As well as measuring supportive acts, researchers and clinicians should consider the manner and context of support. Implications for rehabilitation The manner in which support was provided mattered: support was easier to receive when it communicated concern. The spouse was the most important source of all support functions; children, relatives and friends were important providers of emotional and social companionship support. Researchers and clinicians should not only focus on what support is received, but also the context (e.g., contribution, reciprocity, quality of relationship) and manner (e.g., responsiveness, sensitivity) of the support.
Combined overexpression of urokinase, urokinase receptor, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 is associated with breast cancer progression: An immunohistochemical comparison of normal, benign, and malignant breast tissues

A strong positive correlation exists between the breast cancer tissue content of either urokinase‐plasminogen activator (uPA) or plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1), quantified in the tissue extracts by immunoassays, and the survival of patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, several studies assign to the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) a pivotal role in triggering the proteolytic activity of the urokinase pathway involved in tumor stroma degradation, tumor spread and metastasis. However, the pattern of distribution of uPAR in normal and cancerous human tissue and the pattern of coexpression of activators and inhibitors that occurs in breast cancer tissues is not completely known.
The G-Protein β Subunit GPB1 Is Required for Mating and Haploid Fruiting in Cryptococcus neoformans

ABSTRACT Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with a defined sexual cycle. The gene encoding a heterotrimeric G-protein β subunit, GPB1, was cloned and disrupted.gpb1 mutant strains are sterile, indicating a role for this gene in mating. GPB1 plays an active role in mediating responses to pheromones in early mating steps (conjugation tube formation and cell fusion) and signals via a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade in both MATα and MATa cells. The functions of GPB1 are distinct from those of the Gα protein GPA1, which functions in a nutrient-sensing cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathway required for mating, virulence factor induction, and virulence.gpb1 mutant strains are also defective in monokaryotic fruiting in response to nitrogen starvation. We show thatMATa cells stimulate monokaryotic fruiting ofMATα cells, possibly in response to mating pheromone, which may serve to disperse cells and spores to locate mating partners. In summary, the Gβ subunit GPB1 and the Gα subunit GPA1 function in distinct signaling pathways: one (GPB1) senses pheromones and regulates mating and haploid fruiting via a MAP kinase cascade, and the other (GPA1) senses nutrients and regulates mating, virulence factors, and pathogenicity via a cAMP cascade.
Alpha 1-antitrypsin Review

Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency remains the commonest genetic cause of emphysema. The clinical penetrance is variable but is amplified by cigarette smoking. The pathophysiology reflects excessive tissue damage by neutrophil serine proteinases. Augmentation therapy with plasma-derived alpha1-antitrypsin is widely (but not uniformly) accepted, but efficacy has been difficult to prove by conventionally accepted outcomes. Understanding the genetic defects responsible and the mechanisms of deficiency provides prospects for future treatment strategies, including gene therapy.
Assessment of hepatoprotective activity of Achillea biebersteinii ethanol extract on carbon tetrachloride- induced liver damage in rats

Assessment of hepatoprotective activity of Achillea biebersteinii ethanol extract on carbon tetrachloride- induced liver damage in rats Summary Achillea biebersteinii Afan. (Asteraceae) is claimed to be ef- fective for treatment of jaundice by public in eastern Turkey. In the present study, hepatoprotective effect of A. bieberstei- nii ethanol extract was evaluated against carbon tetrachlo- ride (CCl 4 ) -induced subacute hepatotoxicity in rats. For the activity assessment on CCl 4 -induced hepatic injury the fol- lowing biochemical parameters were evaluated: Plasma and hepatic tissue malondialdehyde formation, and liver tissue glutathione, catalase levels, -as well as plasma enzyme levels (aspartate transferase, alanine transferase and alkaline phos- phatase). Increasing doses of ethanol extract reduced plasma ALP levels. On the contrary, all doses of the extract increased plasma AST and ALT levels. Ethanol extract did not show any significant hepatoprotective activity at 250 and 500 mg/ kg doses, whereas a weak activity was observed at 750 mg/ kg. On the other hand, at all the tested doses, ethanol extract caused improvement in antioxidant defense potential (liver glutathione, catalase levels). Moreover, total phenolic content of A. biebersteinii was found to be 6.21 ±0.004 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract.
Bone marrow transplantation for mucopolysaccharidosis type I: experience of two British centres

Bone marrow transplantation was carried out on 38 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I over a period of 15 years. The donor was an HLA identical relative in 10 cases, an HLA non-identical relative in 16 cases, and an HLA identical unrelated volunteer donor in 12 cases. Ten patients received a second transplant. One patient received three transplants. Thirteen engrafted patients have survived five years or more. Most patients have shown an arrest or slowing down of psychomotor regression. However, dysostosis multiplex has progressed. Careful selection of patients may be necessary to ensure optimum results.
Immunohistochemistry of Lymphocytes and Macrophages in Human Celloidin-Embedded Temporal Bone Sections with Acute Otitis Media

Immunohistochemical analyses were used to investigate the distribution of lymphocytes and macrophages in routine human temporal bone sections obtained from a subject with acute suppurative otitis media. Primary antibodies specific for human CD3 and CD43 (T-lymphocytes), CD20 (B-lymphocytes), CD45 (leukocyte common antigen), and CD68 (macrophages) were used. As a pretreatment, the sections were soaked in antigen retrieval solution (saturated sodium hydroxide-methanol solution in methanol at a ratio of 1:3). A second antigen retrieval procedure (microwave treatment in 1 % zinc sulfate) was also employed for identifying CD3-positive cells. Then the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique was performed. Positive reactions to all antibodies but anti-CD68 were observed in the mucosa of the eustachian tube, tympanic cavity, and mastoid air cells. Particularly, cells positive to anti-CD3 or anti-CD43 were making a diffuse invasion upon the lamina propria. CD68-positive cells were scattered only in the effusion of mastoid air cells. These results suggest that the retrospective immunohistochemical study of archival temporal bone sections is a promising approach to investigate the pathogenesis of otitis media.
MANIOC CULTIVATION AT CEREN, EL SALVADOR: OCCASIONAL KITCHEN GARDEN PLANT OR STAPLE CROP?

Abstract Many scholars have thought the Classic period Maya did not cultivate the root crop manioc, while others have suggested it may have been an occasional cultigen in kitchen gardens. For many decades there was no reliable evidence that the ancient Maya cultivated manioc, but in the 1990s manioc pollen from the late Archaic was found in Belize, and somewhat older pollen was found in Tabasco. At about the same time of those discoveries, research within the Ceren village, El Salvador, encountered occasional scattered manioc plants that had grown in mounded ridges in kitchen gardens. These finds adjacent to households indicated manioc was not a staple crop, and vastly inferior to maize and beans in food volume produced. However, 2007 research in an agricultural area 200 m south of the Ceren village encountered intensive formal manioc planting beds. If manioc was widely cultivated in ancient times, its impressive productivity, ease of cultivation even in poor soils, and drought resistance suggest it might have been a staple crop helping to support dense Maya populations in the southeast periphery and elsewhere.
Fermented cereal with specific bifidobacteria normalizes bowel movements in elderly nursing home residents. A randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To assess how fermented oat drink with two selected Bifidobacterium longum strains influences bowel movements among elderly nursing home residents. DESIGN A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING 12 wards in two nursing homes in Finland. PARTICIPANTS 209 residents. INTERVENTION Wards were randomized to receive daily a fermented oat drink with 1) 109 CFU/day Bifidobacterium longum strains or 2) 109 CFU/day Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 or 3) without viable bacteria (placebo) for 7 months. MEASUREMENTS Regularity of bowel movements (no movements or functioning) and consistency of stools (normal, soft or diarrhoea) were recorded for each resident on a daily basis. RESULTS The fermented oat drinks were well taken by the subjects, compliance being 85%. The groups receiving active products had more frequent bowel movements than did the placebo group (B. longum group normal functioning 28.5% of follow-up days, B.lactis group 26.9%, and placebo group 20.0%, respectively). The differences between the B. longum and the placebo group (mean 7.1, 95% CI 2.3 - 11.9, p=0.004) and between the B.lactis group and the placebo (mean 6.7, 95% CI 2.5 - 10.9, p = 0.002) were significant even when diarrhoea and constipation in the 3 months prior to the study were used as covariates. CONCLUSIONS It is possible to normalize bowel movements in frail nursing home.
ASSOCIATION OF GROUP C BETA HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI WITH ENDEMIC PHARYNGITIS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

Throat cultures were performed throughout 2 school years to determine whether non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (NGA BHS) could be isolated more frequently in 232 college students who had symptomatic pharyngitis than from 198 age-matched controls with noninfectious problems. Duplicate throat swabs were inoculated onto plates that contained sheep blood agar, one plate being incubated in a 5% CO2 atmosphere and the other in an anaerobic environment. The BHS were grouped using latex agglutination. Among the NGA BHS, only those from group C were isolated significantly more often among the patients compared with the controls (26% vs 11%). Quantitative colony counts of isolates of group C BHS were generally higher among patients than controls. Patients with group C BHS had fever, exudative tonsillitis, and anterior cervical adenopathy significantly more frequently than did patients who had throat cultures that were negative for group C BHS. Group C BHS were epidemiologically associated with endemic pharyngitis in this college student population.
Addressing Safety Through Evaluation and Optimization of Permeable Friction Course Mixtures

Permeable friction course (PFC) mixtures are a special type of hot mix asphalt characterized by a high total air voids (AV) content to guarantee proper functionality and stone-on-stone contact of the coarse aggregate fraction to ensure adequate mixture stability. Thus, PFC mixtures constructed in a thin layer at the surface of a pavement structure produce several benefits in terms of economy, safety, and the environment. This project focused on the analysis of functionality (i.e., drainability), stone-on-stone contact, and mixture internal structure to propose improvements in these three aspects for PFC mix design and evaluation. The analysis was based on both a macroscopic assessment of mixture properties and a study of internal structure using X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) and image analysis techniques. The assessment of drainability led to a recommendation to use the expected value of permeability (based on a modified Kozeny-Carman equation) for analytical prediction of permeability. The water-accessible AV content was also proposed as a surrogate of the total AV content for indirect assessment of permeability. In addition, field drainability of PFC mixtures can be evaluated in terms of the water flow value (outflow time). Proposed enhancements for the quantitative determination of stone-on-stone contact were established using the Discrete Element Method and image analysis techniques. This analysis allowed recommendation of: (i) a criterion to determine the breaking-sieve size (sieve size differentiating the coarse and fine aggregate fractions) and (ii) verification of stone-on-stone contact using a maximum voids in coarse aggregate (VCA) ratio of 0.9 over the current criterion (VCA=1.0). The analysis of mixture internal structure led to the recommended reduction of the horizontal heterogeneity of total AV content by using road cores with a minimum 152.4 mm diameter and coring Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) specimens from 152.4 to 101.6 mm in diameter. In addition, limitations in comparing the vertical distribution of AV of field- and laboratory-compacted mixtures supported recommendation of field-compaction control and future analysis of m ixtures produced accordingly.
Using fluorescence lifetime microscopy to study the subcellular localization of anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are flavonoid pigments that accumulate in most seed plants. They are synthesized in the cytoplasm but accumulate inside the vacuoles. Anthocyanins are pigmented at the lower vacuolar pH, but in the cytoplasm they can be visualized based on their fluorescence properties. Thus, anthocyanins provide an ideal system for the development of new methods to investigate cytoplasmic pools and association with other molecular components. We have analyzed the fluorescence decay of anthocyanins by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), in both in vitro and in vivo conditions, using wild-type and mutant Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Within plant cells, the amplitude-weighted mean fluorescence lifetime (τm ) correlated with distinct subcellular localizations of anthocyanins. The vacuolar pool of anthocyanins exhibited shorter τm than the cytoplasmic pool. Consistently, lowering the pH of anthocyanins in solution shortened their fluorescence decay. We propose that FLIM is a useful tool for understanding the trafficking of anthocyanins and, potentially, for estimating vacuolar pH inside intact plant cells.
An over view on the anatomy and physiology of male one humped camel (Camelus Dromedarius) reproductive system

Available literatureon the Anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system of dromedary camel in Nigeria is observed to assess the current performanceand productive potential of this species. The origins, distribution andclassification of camel breeds are briefly discussed. The reproductive anatomyand physiology is described, and is followed by an account of breedingbehaviour and performance, with special attention to fertility. A brief accounton the biometry, gross anatomy,histology, morphometry and physiology inrelation to reproductive performance ofthe one humped camel is discuss. The camel's ability to produce milk and meatis assessed in detail, together with its suitability for transport and otherpurposes, such as ploughing, milling and the production of hides and skins.Management and socio-economic factors are also briefly discussed. Finally, theinformation presented is summarized to served as an aid in teaching and as abase-line to farmers in inproving the standard of the West African specie.There is need for future research on theabove mention specie in reproduction and husbandry in Nigeria.
Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin-binding Phosphoprotein-50/Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor (EBP50/NHERF) Blocks U50,488H-induced Down-regulation of the Human κ Opioid Receptor by Enhancing Its Recycling Rate*

We have investigated whether Ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM)-binding phosphoprotein-50/Na+/H+exchanger regulatory factor (EBP50/NHERF), a PDZ domain-containing phosphoprotein, is associated with the human κ opioid receptor (hkor) and whether it regulates the trafficking and signaling of the hkor. When expressed in CHO cells stably transfected with the FLAG-tagged hkor (FLAG-hkor), EBP50/NHERF co-immunoprecipitated with FLAG-hkor, and the PDZ domain I, but not the PDZ domain II, of EBP50/NHERF was involved in the interaction. Treatment with the agonist (−)-(trans)-3,4- dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidiny)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide (U50,488H) enhanced the association of EBP50/NHERF with FLAG-hkor. Expression of EBP50/NHERF, but not a truncated form lacking the ERM-binding domain, abolished U50,488H-induced down-regulation of FLAG-hkor, which was apparently due to an increase in the recycling rate of internalized receptors. However, expression of EBP50/NHERF did not affect U50,488H binding affinity and U50,488H-stimulated [35S]guanosine 5′-3-O-(thio)triphosphate binding and p42/p44 MAP kinase activation, nor did it affect U50,488H-induced desensitization and internalization of FLAG-hkor. To determine the motif of FLAG-hkor involved in EBP50/NHERF binding, we generated two mutants, FLAG-hkor-A and FLAG-hkor-EE, in which one Ala or two Glu residues were added to the C terminus, respectively. Neither FLAG-hkor-A nor FLAG-hkor-EE co-immunoprecipitated with EBP50/NHERF, and U50,488H-induced down-regulation of FLAG-hkor-A and FLAG-hkor-EE were not affected by expression of EBP50/NHERF. Thus, EBP50/NHERF binds to the C terminus of FLAG-hkor and blocks the down-regulation of FLAG-hkor. The C-terminal sequence of the hkor, NKPV, is distinctly different from the sequence D(S/T)XL, the optimal C-terminal motif in the β2-adrenergic receptor for EBP50/NHERF binding. EBP50/NHERF may have a broader binding specificity and may interact with a subset of G protein-coupled receptors to serve as a recycling signal for these receptors.
Research of the Resistance Model in Solid Armature Railgun

During the past few decades, various calculation models have been introduced into studying solid armature railgun. In this paper, four models, including constant resistance, speed resistance, current resistance, and multifactor resistance, were studied in detail. To verify their validity, experimental and simulation methods were adopted in both low- and high-velocity cases. By conducting a 3-D eddy current electromagnetic field simulation with the finite-element numerical method, the self-inductance gradient $(L^{ \prime}_{r})$ was got. The control equations of these different resistance models can be solved by the Runge–Kutta method. Comparisons of experimental and simulation results of these different resistance models indicated that an appropriate resistance model according to the experimental condition can improve the accuracy of simulation analysis. The friction coefficient resistance model can describe armature resistance during the movement process in both low- and high-velocity cases.
Effective Enforcement in a Conservation Area

Wildlife within protected areas is under increasing threat from bushmeat and illegal trophy trades, and many argue that enforcement within protected areas is not sufficient to protect wildlife. We examined 50 years of records from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and calculated the history of illegal harvest and enforcement by park authorities. We show that a precipitous decline in enforcement in 1977 resulted in a large increase in poaching and decline of many species. Conversely, expanded budgets and antipoaching patrols since the mid-1980s have greatly reduced poaching and allowed populations of buffalo, elephants, and rhinoceros to rebuild.
Parasitoid‐Induced Cellular Immune Deficiency in Drosophila a

L. heterotoma females inject VLPs along with their eggs into the hemocoel of the Drosophila larva. The VLPs destroy lamellocytes that are potentially harmful for the parasite eggs, but the other types of host hemocytes retain their functions. The parasitized third instar Drosophila larvae continue to grow and pupariate, showing no outward adverse effects. Minimum disruption to the growth and development of the host is advantageous to the endoparasite egg, since survival of the endoparasite depends on the health of the host to the developmental stage at which the endoparasite begins feeding on host tissues. The target of the VLPs must be microtubule components, because VLP entry into the lamellocyte induces depolymerization and repolymerization of microtubules. Microtubule rearrangement changes the discoidal lamellocyte to a bipolar cell. Concomitant with the modification in cell morphology, lamellocytes lose their surface adhesivity so they cannot adhere to a foreign object or to each other to form a capsule around endoparasite eggs. VLP-affected lamellocytes continue to elongate, lose cytoplasmic contents at the poles as blebs full of microvesicles, and are eventually destroyed. The molecular nature of the L. heterotoma VLP and the mechanisms underlying its specificity for lamellocyte cytoplasm are not known. An interesting consideration is the evolution of a particle whose selectivity for a host hemocyte protects the eggs of the parasitic insect. On the basis of information available at this time, it is clear that the L. heterotoma VLP is a useful tool for studying molecular aspects of microtubules and cytoskeleton.
Racial Segregation and Cigarette Smoking Among Blacks: Findings at the Individual Level

This study explored the role of racial segregation in cigarette smoking among US blacks. Five hundred and twenty black adults sampled door-to-door in 10 randomly selected, southern California census tracts completed a survey assessing their degree of racial segregation, experiences with racial discrimination, smoking, and income. Results revealed that the prevalence of smoking among highly segregated blacks (32.9 percent) was significantly higher than that of their less segregated cohorts (19.9 percent). Income, gender, and experiences with racial discrimination did not play a role in smoking but low education levels contributed. Early childhood segregation appeared to be the specific segregation variable associated with smoking among black adults.