Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluxes of h and k in corn roots : characterization and stoichiometries using ion-selective microelectrodes.

We report here on an experimental system that utilizes ion-selective microelectrodes to measure the electrochemical potential gradients for H(+) and K(+) ions within the unstirred layer near the root surface of both intact 4-day-old corn seedlings and corn root segments. Analysis of the steady state H(+) and K(+) electrochemical potential gradients provided a simultaneous measure of the fluxes crossing a localized region of the root surface. Net K(+) influx values obtained by this method were compared with unidirectional K(+) ((86)Rb(+)) influx kinetic data; at any particular K(+) concentration, similar values were obtained by either technique. The ionspecific microelectrode system was then used to investigate the association between net H(+) efflux and net K(+) influx. Although the computed H(+):K(+) stoichiometry is dependent upon the choice of diffusion coefficients, the values obtained were extremely variable, and net K(+) influx rarely appeared to be charge-balanced by H(+) efflux. In contrast to earlier studies, we found the cortical membrane potential to be highly K(+) sensitive within the micromolar K(+) concentration range. Simultaneous measurements of membrane potential and K(+) influx, as a function of K(+) concentration, revealed similar K(m) values for the depolarization of the potential (K(m) 6-9 micromolar K(+)) and net K(+) influx (K(m) 4-7 micromolar K(+)). These data suggest that K(+) may enter corn roots via a K(+)-H(+) cotransport system rather than a K(+)/H(+) antiporter.
Prevalence and factors associated with practice of modern contraceptive methods among currently married women in District Naushahro Feroze.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with practice of modern contraceptive methods among currently married women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) in District Naushahro Feroze. METHODS A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2000. We interviewed 420 currently married women of reproductive age group (15-49) years. Information regarding socio-demographic factors, economic condition, their source of information for the message of family planning and reason of using any modern contraceptive method. RESULTS The prevalence of modern contraceptive method was 27.9%. Final multiple logistic regression analysis showed that with husband agreement (OR, 5.4; 95% CI 2.2-13.2), women could go alone to a health care provider (OR, 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-2.4) and women employment status (OR, 2.5 95% CI 1.2-5.2) were significantly associated with practice of modern contraceptive methods. Similarly, those women who had 3 or more children were more likely to use any modern contraceptive methods compared to those who have 2 or less children. In addition, husband's education was also found significantly associated with family planning practice. CONCLUSION The practice of modern contraceptive method is low. Socio demographic factors of women were significantly associated with use of modern contraceptive methods. Male and female education and small group discussions of various issues related to family planningand reproductive health may be helpful in creating awareness in the district.
Dosage plan of a flurbiprofen injection product using inhibition of protein binding by lipid emulsion in rats

Flurbiprofen‐axetil (FP‐ax), a bolus injection product of a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), is a prodrug of flurbiprofen, an NSAID. As flurbiprofen strongly binds to site II of human serum albumin (HSA), the free (unbound) concentration of flurbiprofen after injection of FP‐ax is low. We have examined the inhibitory effect of free fatty acid (FFA), a binding inhibitor for site II of HSA, on the binding of flurbiprofen in‐vitro and in‐vivo by ultrafiltration, to establish an effective dosage of FP‐ax. In‐vitro, fatty acid mixtures (FAs) inhibited the binding of flurbiprofen to rat serum albumin. The free fraction of flurbiprofen was remarkably increased by FAs in rat serum. In‐vivo, FP‐ax was injected into a control group (low FFA concentration in serum) and a lipid emulsion group (high FFA concentration in serum). The area under the curve of the free concentration of flurbiprofen during the alpha phase and the distribution volume of the central compartment of flurbiprofen were significantly higher in the lipid emulsion group than the control group (5.0‐ and 1.2‐times, respectively). When FP‐ax was administered at high FFA concentration, the free concentration of flurbiprofen and distribution of flurbiprofen to tissues increased transiently. This administration method may be useful for patients with cancer pain, having a potent analgesic effect.
Effect of Cell Confluence on Production of Cloned Mice Using an Inbred Embryonic Stem Cell Line1

Abstract Mice have been successfully cloned from both somatic cells and hybrid embryonic stem (ES) cells. Heterozygosity of the donor ES cell genome has been suggested as a crucial factor for long-term survival of cloned mice. In the present study, an inbred ES cell line, HM-1 (129/Ola), and a well-tested ES cell line, R1 (129/Sv × 129/Sv-CP), were used as donor cells to evaluate the developmental potential of nuclear transfer embryos. We found that ES cell confluence dramatically affects the developmental potential of reconstructed embryos. With the ES cell line HM-1 and 80–90% confluence, 49% of reconstructed embryos developed to the morula/blastocyst stage, 9% of these embryos developed to live pups when transferred to the surrogate mothers, and 5 of 18 live pups survived to adulthood. By contrast, at 60–70% confluence, only 22% of embryos developed to the morula/blastocyst stage, and after transfer, only a single fetus reached term. Consistent with previous reports, the nuclei of R1 ES cells were also shown to direct development to term, but no live pups were derived from cells at later passages (>20). Our results show that the developmental potential of reconstructed embryos is determined by both cell confluence and cell passage. These results also demonstrate that the inbred ES cell line, HM-1, can be used to produce viable cloned mice, although less efficiently than most heterozygous ES cell lines.
Impaired autoregulation of the glomerular filtration rate in patients with nondiabetic nephropathies.

BACKGROUND The ability of the kidney to maintain constancy of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) over a wide range of renal perfusion pressures is termed autoregulation. Defective autoregulation of GFR has been demonstrated in diabetic nephropathy. Whether this is also the case in patients with nondiabetic nephropathies is not known. METHODS We investigated the effect of acute lowering of blood pressure (BP) on GFR in 16 (8 males and 8 females) albuminuric subjects suffering from different nondiabetic nephropathies and in 14 (7 males and 7 females) controls matched with respect to sex, age, BP, and baseline GFR. The subjects received in random order an intravenous injection of either clonidine (150 to 225 microg) or saline (0.154 mmol/liter) within two weeks. We measured GFR ([51Cr]-EDTA), albuminuria (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ELISA), and BP (Takeda TM-2420). RESULTS Clonidine induced similar reductions in mean arterial BP 17 (2) versus 19 (2) mm Hg [mean (SE)] in patients with nephropathy and in controls, respectively. GFR diminished in average from 89 (6) to 82 (5) ml/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.05), and albuminuria declined from a geometric mean of 1218 (antilog SE 1.3) microg/min to 925 (1.3) in the patients with nondiabetic nephropathies (P < 0.05), whereas these variables remained unchanged in the control group. The mean difference between changes in GFR (95% confidence interval) between the nondiabetic macroalbuminuric and control subjects was 6.1 (-0.03 to 12.21) ml/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.051). CONCLUSION Our study suggests that albuminuric patients with nondiabetic nephropathies frequently suffer from impaired autoregulation of GFR.
Monitoring of Antibiotic-Induced Alterations in the Human Intestinal Microflora and Detection of Probiotic Strains by Use of Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism

ABSTRACT Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) was investigated as a tool for monitoring the human intestinal microflora during antibiotic treatment and during ingestion of a probiotic product. Fecal samples from eight healthy volunteers were taken before, during, and after administration of clindamycin. During treatment, four subjects were given a probiotic, and four subjects were given a placebo. Changes in the microbial intestinal community composition and relative abundance of specific microbial populations in each subject were monitored by using viable counts and T-RFLP fingerprints. T-RFLP was also used to monitor specific bacterial populations that were either positively or negatively affected by clindamycin. Some dominant bacterial groups, such as Eubacterium spp. , were easily monitored by T-RFLP, while they were hard to recover by cultivation. Furthermore, the two probiotic Lactobacillus strains were easily tracked by T-RFLP and were shown to be the dominant Lactobacillus community members in the intestinal microflora of subjects who received the probiotic.
Primary IOL implantation in children: a risk analysis of foldable acrylic v PMMA lenses

Background/aims: To compare the relative risks of poly (methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and soft acrylic (AcrySof) primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in paediatric cataract surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed on eyes of 61 infants and children who underwent cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation. Age at operation ranged from 3 weeks to 15 years. Mean follow up duration was 24.5 months (range 0.5–68 months). Factors examined included type of IOL (PMMA, acrylic), performance of a primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) or capsulotomy with limited anterior vitrectomy, perioperative complications, and subsequent intervention for posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Risk factors for perioperative complications were examined with 2×2 tables to give odds ratios (OR) as measures of association. A survival analysis was performed to assess risk of subsequent intervention for PCO with different IOL types. Relative risks (hazards) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with Cox regression to adjust for potential confounding. Results: Compared to acrylic, PMMA IOLs were significantly associated with perioperative complications (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 19, p = 0.01). However, IOL and type of section were highly correlated factors, and this finding may reflect risks associated with larger scleral wounds used for PMMA IOLs. No statistically significant difference in risk of subsequent intervention for PCO was found between different IOL types. Mean times till intervention for PMMA and acrylic IOLs were 30.1 months (95% CI 22 to 38) and 19.8 months (95% CI 12 to 27) respectively (log rank test statistic 1.53, one degree of freedom, p = 0.22). At 12 months post-implant surgery, 76% (95% CI 59 to 93) of PMMA cases and 54% (95% CI 35 to 72) of acrylic cases had not required intervention for PCO; these proportions fell to 55% (95% CI 35 to 75) and 38% (95% CI 14 to 61) for PMMA and acrylic cases respectively at 2 years post-surgery. After adjustment for age at surgery, primary posterior capsulorhexis, and perioperative complications relative risk of intervention after acrylic IOL implantation was 1.6 (95% CI 0.66 to 3.9, p = 0.29). Conclusion: Primary implantation of foldable soft acrylic IOLs in paediatric eyes may allow fewer perioperative complications than rigid PMMA IOLs. Short term safety profiles of primary implantation in paediatric cataract surgery are otherwise comparable for PMMA and soft acrylic IOLs.
Pilot study of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐mobilized peripheral blood stem cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. It has been proposed that bone marrow (BM)‐derived cells might supply motor neurons and other cells with a cellular milieu more conducive to survival in ALS. Direct injection of stem cells in ALS is problematic because of the large expanse of the neuraxis that would need to be injected. We reasoned that transiently increasing the number of circulating hematopoietic stem cells might be a useful therapeutic approach. However, agents stimulating the activation and mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells may have adverse effects such as activation of microglial cells. We conducted a small pilot trial of the collection and reinfusion of granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in ALS patients and found no adverse effects, paving the way for a properly powered therapeutic trial with an optimized regimen of G‐CSF. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Assessment of elderly people in general practice. 2. Functional abilities and medical problems.

A random sample of 239 patients aged 75 years and over registered with general practitioners in north and north west London was selected for home assessment to determine the functional abilities and medical problems of this group of patients. Nearly one in five of the patients were incontinent of urine (18.4%), although this was on a daily basis for only 4.1%. Around one in 20 patients were incontinent of faeces (5.9%), yet only one patient had laundry service support. Unassisted mobility outdoors was reported as possible by 81.2% of the patients. Fourteen different types of aids were present in the participants' homes, the commonest being walking sticks, bath aids and stair rails. Only a small proportion of aids seemed to be currently unused. The major functional problems were bathing, housework, shopping, washing and ironing, and cooking main meals, but the level of demand for extra help was low. One in five patients had a hearing aid (19.8%) but for only 30% of these patients was it in continuous use. Polypharmacy was common, with 29.7% of patients taking three or more prescribed medicines. The workload implications of this approach to anticipatory care of elderly people are considerable. In an average practice of 2000 patients with 130 patients aged 75 years and over the primary care team would need over 150 hours of face-to-face contact per year with these patients to fulfil the new contractual obligation and the yield of new information leading to effective medical or social intervention is limited. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Determinants of 1-year changes in disease-specific health status in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A 1-year observational study.

We aimed to identify baseline and longitudinal determinants of change in disease-specific health status in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as disease-specific health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ) were assessed in 105 outpatients with advanced COPD at baseline and at 4, 8 and 12 months. Eighty-five patients (81.0%) had complete SGRQ data at baseline and 12 months and were included in analyses. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that lower SGRQ total score, higher depression scores and longer time needed to complete the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test at baseline, as well as increase in time needed to complete the TUG test and increase in dyspnoea during the 1-year follow-up period, were predictors of deterioration in disease-specific health status. The current study reinforces the stimulation of physical mobility and the targeting of dyspnoea as components for treatment programs to optimize disease-specific health status in patients with advanced COPD.
Differential Expression of D1A and D1B Dopamine Receptor mRNAs in the Developing Avian Retina

Abstract: In the chick retina, the D1 dopaminergic system differentiates very early, as shown by receptor‐mediated increases in intracellular cyclic AMP concentration and the presence of [3H]SCH23390‐specific binding sites. Here, we characterized, by RT‐PCR, the expression of defined D1 receptor subtypes D1A, D1B, and D1D during the development of the chick retina. Total RNA was extracted from retinas of 6‐day‐old embryos (E6) to 1‐day‐old hatched chickens and reverse‐transcribed. The resulting cDNA was amplified using D1A‐, D1B‐, or D1D‐specific primers, and the PCR‐amplified products were analyzed by electrophoresis. The fragment corresponding to D1A receptor was detected in developing retina as early as E7, whereas the fragment corresponding to D1B was observed starting around E10. No PCR product corresponding to D1D was observed in the retina, although it was detected in chick brain. As synaptogenesis in chick retina begins after E11 and [3H]SCH 23390 D1 binding sites increase after this stage, the present results show that expression of D1B receptor increases during synaptogenesis, whereas D1A is the receptor subtype associated with the D1‐like actions of dopamine early in retina development.
Joint Subcarrier and Power Allocation in Multiuser OFDM-Based Cognitive Radio Systems

This paper presents a joint subcarrier and power allocation algorithm for multiuser orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MU-OFDM) cognitive radio (CR) systems, where the peak power constraint is used to protect the primary user. We first derive a rule for subcarrier allocation to maximize the sum capacity for a given power distribution. With this rule, we form a joint subcarrier and power allocation algorithm in which the sum capacity optimization can be alternated between the subcarrier and power. To simplify the high-complexity optimal power allocation algorithm (i.e., the iterative partitioned water-filling algorithm) for the joint scheme, we develop a simple method for updating the water level when each subcarrier is allocated to a secondary user. Simulation results show that using the proposed low-complexity method to update the water level achieves a system capacity close to that of the joint subcarrier and power allocation algorithm with optimal power distribution.
Female Gender Does Not Influence the Magnitude of Ibutilide-Induced Repolarization Delay and Incidence of Torsades de Pointes in an In Vivo Rabbit Model of the Acquired Long QT Syndrome

Background: Clinical and experimental in vitro observations indicate that female gender is associated with a higher risk of developing torsades de pointes with repolarizing-delaying agents. The present study addressed the question of gender difference in the susceptibility towards developing torsades de pointes in a rabbit model of the acquired long QT syndrome in vivo. Methods and Results: Female (F, n = 40) or male (M, n = 40) NZW rabbits, characterized as young (Y, n = 20) or adult (A, n = 20) were anesthetized with oc-chloralose and sensitized to developing torsades de pointes by a continuous infusion of methoxamine. The class III antiarrhythmic agent ibutilide was subsequently infused at a rate of 8 nmol/kg/min for 30 minutes maximum. Before commencement of drug infusion, no gender-related differences in the QT interval were observed (121 ± 1.9 msec and 126 ± 3.3 msec in FA and in MA and 116 ± 1.6 msec and 113 ± 1.7 msec in the FY and MY, respectively). Infusion of ibutilide was associated with a rapid and marked increase in the QT interval, which did not differ significantly between the groups. Hence, the maximal QT lengthening observed was 39 ± 3.1% in FA, 46 ± 5.7% in MA, 38 ± 3.9% in FY and 36 ± 3.4% in MY, respectively (p > 0.05 between gender). In the adults, the incidence of torsades de pointes in F was 70% and in M 90% (p = 0.235), whereas in the young, the incidence in F was 45% and in M 70% (p = 0.200). The cumulative doses of ibutilide causing torsades de pointes were not statistically significantly different between the four groups of rabbits (70 ± 15.5 nmol/kg in FA, 50 ± 5.3 nmol/kg in MA, 59 ± 17.2 nmol/kg in FY and 61 ± 15.9 nmol/kg in MY, respectively). Conclusions: In this in vivo rabbit model of the acquired long QT syndrome, female gender was not associated with a longer repolarization time (QT interval), an excessive change in the baseline QT interval or a higher incidence of torsades de pointes in response to ibutilide challenge.
Fluoxetine versus placebo in advanced cancer outpatients: a double-blinded trial of the Hoosier Oncology Group.

PURPOSE To determine whether fluoxetine improves overall quality of life (QOL) in advanced cancer patients with symptoms of depression revealed by a simple survey. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred sixty-three patients with an advanced solid tumor and expected survival between 3 and 24 months were randomly assigned in a double-blinded fashion to receive either fluoxetine (20 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients were screened for at least minimal depressive symptoms and assessed every 3 to 6 weeks for QOL and depression. Patients with recent exposure to antidepressants were excluded. RESULTS The groups were comparable at baseline in terms of age, sex, disease distribution, performance status, and level of depressive symptoms. One hundred twenty-nine patients (79%) completed at least one follow-up assessment. Analysis using generalized estimating equation modeling revealed that patients treated with fluoxetine exhibited a significant improvement in QOL as shown by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General, compared with patients given placebo (P =.01). Specifically, the level of depressive symptoms expressed was lower in patients treated with fluoxetine (P =.0005), and the subgroup of patients showing higher levels of depressive symptoms on the two-question screening survey were the most likely to benefit from treatment. CONCLUSION In this mix of patients with advanced cancer who had symptoms of depression as determined by a two-question bedside survey, use of fluoxetine was well tolerated, overall QOL was improved, and depressive symptoms were reduced.
Progress technology in microencapsulation methods for cell therapy

Cell encapsulation in microcapsules allows the in situ delivery of secreted proteins to treat different pathological conditions. Spherical microcapsules offer optimal surface‐to‐volume ratio for protein and nutrient diffusion, and thus, cell viability. This technology permits cell survival along with protein secretion activity upon appropriate host stimuli without the deleterious effects of immunosuppressant drugs. Microcapsules can be classified in 3 categories: matrix‐core/shell microcapsules, liquid‐core/shell microcapsules, and cells‐core/shell microcapsules (or conformal coating). Many preparation techniques using natural or synthetic polymers as well as inorganic compounds have been reported. Matrix‐core/shell microcapsules in which cells are hydrogel‐embedded, exemplified by alginates capsule, is by far the most studied method. Numerous refinement of the technique have been proposed over the years such as better material characterization and purification, improvements in microbead generation methods, and new microbeads coating techniques. Other approaches, based on liquid‐core capsules showed improved protein production and increased cell survival. But aside those more traditional techniques, new techniques are emerging in response to shortcomings of existing methods. More recently, direct cell aggregate coating have been proposed to minimize membrane thickness and implants size. Microcapsule performances are largely dictated by the physicochemical properties of the materials and the preparation techniques employed. Despite numerous promising pre‐clinical results, at the present time each methods proposed need further improvements before reaching the clinical phase. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2009